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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2012 7:27:06 GMT -5
I'd be very happy with Forsberg. TSN pointed out that, while the Habs need a centre, they may also be looking for top-4 d-man to round out Markov, Subban and Gorges. Cheers. Murray is probably top three on most teams' lists. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2012 9:22:01 GMT -5
Nicely done NWT! I especially like how you have Matheson, Jankowski and Matteau all falling to the second round.  Just a bit more on our two second rounders. This draft could be very interesting in the later stages of the first round. I expect some teams will go off the charts a bit, and take some gambles (these tend to be the unproven raw kids that have played in lower levels of hockey). I will be very interested to see which players get picked later on Friday because it sets the table nicely for whomever the Habs will have a shot at with their second pick at #33. Whomever they pick at #3 will immediately become our top prospect, but #33 should also slip into our top five (#3, Beaulieu, Leblanc, Tinordi, #33) if all goes well. There should be some good players still on the table heading into Saturday morning, and the Habs will get a very early pick on Saturday morning and another very decent pick at #51. The next two years will be Bergevin's and Timmins' chance to restock the prospect depth chart that seems to lack a bit of sizzle right now. This is not surprising when you look at the fact that the Habs second overall pick in the 2010 draft was spot #113 and their second overall pick in the 2011 draft was at spot #97. That is a huge gap between picks and lots of good players slip in between the first round and those late picks. This weekend we have five picks in the top 94 and in 2013 we will have five picks by the third round, so that is a chance to get some very good depth into our system. Two seconds this year and three next year (hope Calgary and Nashville suck next season!!) are huge in being able to strengthen our ability to develop from within. The added bonus is that the more depth you have from within, the less need there is to rush someone up due to lack of depth. These are building blocks, and I think we now probably have the right management team and approach to start along a solid path forward and hopefully upwards. |
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 19, 2012 10:32:14 GMT -5
You are right, the opportunity is certainly there to dig the prospect well really deep over the next couple of years… but I also think that it will be tough for Bergevin/Timmins to keep all those picks in their back pockets without burning a hole in their jeans. It would be pretty easy for Timmins to say “let’s use one of those 2012 second rounders and a 4th rounder to move up six spots into the first round” and then Bergevin turns around and says “let’s use one of those 2013 2nd rounders to get us a stop-gap defenseman for next year.” Throw away a couple of picks next year at the deadline and suddenly that well doesn’t look so deep anymore.
I can’t say I am an expert or anything, but if it was up to me I wouldn’t touch any of the first or second round picks we have over the next couple of years. I would be amenable to moving up from our Nashville second rounder to somewhere in the middle of the second round, if the cost was a third rounder or something, but otherwise I keep all those picks. Even if they don’t amount to NHL talent (and chances are they won’t) they should turn Hamilton into a power-house, and if you subscribe to the theory that winning breeds winning then having our top prospects surrounded by top AHL talent can only help them develop.
As a general rule I would make it my personal philosophy to always have at least four picks in the first three rounds. Preferably three in the first two rounds. Yeah, some talent can be found in the later rounds, but I think the drop-off is quite substantial. So I would be quite willing to do things like trade our 4th and 5th round picks for another 3rd round pick. And if you REALLY want to get into the nitty-gritty I’d even put a heavier emphasis on North American players with those top round picks. Not because I have a Cherry-esque bias against Europeans, but because North American players will play in the AHL, as opposed to the Euros who will obviously stay with their own leagues, with the possible exception of for a year or two when they think they have a shot at the NHL. But once that shot goes away they’ll head back home, naturally. But if you have 5-6 former high picks, who are like 23-27 years old, mentoring your new first round picks (North American or European) in the AHL, it can only help, in my humble opinion.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2012 7:31:53 GMT -5
BC, I am with you on that front. For 2012 and 2013, those 7 picks in the first two rounds of the draft should be close to untouchable. That will nicely restock the pool. The 64th pick this year is not far off either, as that will be a kid with essentially second round talent.
The sad part about not having 2nd and 3rd rounders for ages is twofold: our prospect depth has suffered forcing us to look outside to add more expensive depth, and the Habs have not had any on-ice success as a result of trading away those picks. You tend to want to see one or the other at worst. The Markov situation alone can account for a big chunk of lost picks.
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 20, 2012 15:21:02 GMT -5
Okay, a little bit of my draft research to share with folks here. I have listed three players (plus an honourable mention) for each of the Habs current picks. Please note that the draft selection may move up one spot for all of the picks after the first round, as New Jersey has to default a first round pick and this seems the most likely year in which to do so (eg, 29th pick, stronger draft in 2013). I have left our original drafting spots for now... I won't give three players for each pick, because I'm going to be right with each one, so why would I give two more players I know we won't take?  Here goes: First round, 2nd overall: Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia Sting, 6’1, 195lbs In the end, Bergevin blinks. They want Galchenyuk, and they want him bad. I still think Yakupov is going first overall, so they’ll flip with Columbus for the right to draft @agally94. Hopefully it won’t cost us a draft pick to do so. I’d offer Yannick Weber, or maybe Danny Kristo and the promise not to take Ryan Murray or Filip Forsberg. Second round, 33rd overall: Stephane Matteau C, USNTDP, 6’1, 210lbs I’d prefer a guy like Mark Jankowski or Michael Matheson, but I don’t think they’ll make it this far, and I’m sort of reluctant to give away anything of significance to move up. Unless, of course, it’s the aforementioned Yannick Weber or Danny Kristo. I’m a big chicken that way. Matteau will be playing in Montreal’s backyard next season, for the Blaineville Armada. Nice arena, by the way, I’ve played there. It’s Joel Bouchard’s baby. Matteau brings the size and truculence that Bergevin seems to like, if his choice of management staff is any indication. The upside might not be there for Matteau, but he should be a solid 3rd or 4th liner that makes life difficult for those who play against him. Just like his daddy. Second round, 51st overall: Jordan Schmaltz, D, USHL, 6’2, 190lbs Another puck-moving American defenseman?? Yes, another puck-moving American defenseman. He’s like Michael Matheson, only, you know, available when we pick. Third round, 64th overall: Alexandre Mallet, C, QMJHL, 6’1, 195lbs Passed over in the draft last year this 19 year old exploded offensively this year. He is a willing and capable fighter, he’ll throw them with anybody and usually wins. Been compared to Andrew Shaw, the Blackhawks rookie who was also passed over in the draft his first year of eligibility, only to explode in his second year. Bergevin apparently really pushed for Shaw. Fourth round, 94th overall: Charles Hudon, LW, QMJHL, 5’10, 175lbs An RDS favorite, they’ll be clamoring for this guy in the second round. A former QMJHL rookie of the year he’s an offensive machine… but does he have the talent to make it at the next level? Fifth round, 122nd overall: Etienne Marcoux, G, QMJHL, 6’0, 155lbs I’ll actually be surprised if he makes it this far, so it would have to be considered a bit of a bonus if we can land him at this spot. If he’s not available watch for a higher-ranked-but-Russian-therefor-he-fell goalie to be our guy. Marcoux is small for a goalie, but has some natural athleticism. Sixth round, 154th overall: Nikita Gusev, LW, RUSSIA -2, 5’9, 163lbs Some say he has first round talent. Honest, they say that. But he’s small, he’s Russian, and he’s already been passed over in the draft once. But he was excellent at the World Juniors, and absolutely destroyed his Russian Junior league, averaging over two points a game. He was called up to the Russian Super League, where he chipped in three points in 15 games. He may never come over, but in the sixth round this has the potential to be a homerun pick. Assuming he is still available, of course. |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 20, 2012 16:05:46 GMT -5
Kind of heavy on the Q players aren't ya?
Mallet is 20 year old...he should be scoring and winning fights the only talent he is playing against is 16-17 year olds. No way I would take him unless 6th round or something like that. The only player from the Q I would be looking for is Fournier. Outside of the imports of course.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2012 17:12:37 GMT -5
BC, nice rigour and discipline in sticking to only one player per pick. Good job!! Quite clearly, I took the other extreme of three names plus an honourable mention - fully subscribing to the "even a blind squirrel..." school of mock drafting. Isn't this fun?!?! Darn leap year, round one of the draft should be tomorrow night!! Let's get on with it. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2012 17:16:45 GMT -5
Kind of heavy on the Q players aren't ya? Mallet is 20 year old...he should be scoring and winning fights the only talent he is playing against is 16-17 year olds. No way I would take him unless 6th round or something like that. The only player from the Q I would be looking for is Fournier. Outside of the imports of course. I would have no problem with Hudon if he drops into the fourth. A good RDS drinking game on Saturday would be one drink everytime they mention his name. Nobody would last an hour lol. ;D |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 21, 2012 7:49:59 GMT -5
First round, 2nd overall: Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia Sting, 6’1, 195lbs In the end, Bergevin blinks. They want Galchenyuk, and they want him bad. I still think Yakupov is going first overall, so they’ll flip with Columbus for the right to draft @agally94. Hopefully it won’t cost us a draft pick to do so. I’d offer Yannick Weber, or maybe Danny Kristo and the promise not to take Ryan Murray or Filip Forsberg. Second round, 33rd overall: Stephane Matteau C, USNTDP, 6’1, 210lbs When was the last time we had a bonafide number-one centre? Pierre Turgeon? I know about the best-player-available philosophy, but we really have to address this need first and foremost. No more dickin' around here ... Galchenyuk seems to have the size, the skills and the maturity. Forsberg? Well, he wouldn't bee too bad either; can't-miss prospect by many accounts I've read. But, Galchenyuk would be my choice as well. Was looking at Matteau's progress as well. Other than what I've read here on the boards, I really don't know too much about him. I know, one thing at a time, but I'm hoping we land a quality backup for Price. Whether it's this year or next year, that need simply has to be addressed. My choice? Malcom Subban (not only for the obvious reason), but I suspect he'll be long gone by the time we select again. Cheers. |
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Post by BadCompany on Jun 21, 2012 7:59:10 GMT -5
Kind of heavy on the Q players aren't ya? Mallet is 20 year old...he should be scoring and winning fights the only talent he is playing against is 16-17 year olds. No way I would take him unless 6th round or something like that. The only player from the Q I would be looking for is Fournier. Outside of the imports of course. That is true for Mallet's scoring... but he's been fighting and winning since he was 17, so there is at least one thing he does well. Granted, that doesn't guarantee you an NHL career, especially since he's not an heavyweight, but still. Third round is high for him, I admit, but I don't think he's going to make it to the fourth round; I think a team like Boston is sitting on him late in the 3rd. If the plan is to take him perhaps they can drop down a few spots in the 3rd and pick up an extra 5th or 6th rounder, or something, to make the pick a little more palatable (as opposed to taking him with a high 3rd rounder). As for the high Q ratio, that is true, and it is in fact quite deliberate on my part. I don't really have time to elaborate on it right now, but let's just say I wouldn't be doing it "for the fans" or to appease the media. I'd be doing it as an attempt to build an organizational identity that can used to build organizational structure. Sort of goes hand-in-hand with my suggestion to draft North American kids in the first three rounds, to help fortify the AHL team and build a winning culture through the organization. I will try to expand on it later... |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jun 21, 2012 9:46:45 GMT -5
I've been wrong before, and I may be wrong again, but I do like size in a big center.
If galchenyuk has size, grigorenko has more. Bigger, faster more skill. If he can be coached, he will make it.
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Post by blny on Jun 21, 2012 9:50:08 GMT -5
I've tried to find proof of this amazing shot and offensive awareness that Forsberg is reported to have. I don't care how hard your shot is if you hit the goalie in the crest every time. For a guy playing in level 2 pro in Sweden, I'd sure like to have seen more points. There's no doubt he's a physically mature package that skates well, but I worry about his ability to produce at the NHL level.
Galchenyuk may only have one full year of CHL under his belt, but when I watch him I see a bigger Datsyuk. Not blazing fast, but he doesn't lose speed when he's got the puck and he thinks the game very fast. He's got the 'magic hands' too.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2012 11:19:03 GMT -5
I won't give three players for each pick, because I'm going to be right with each one, so why would I give two more players I know we won't take? Here goes: First round, 2nd overall: Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia Sting, 6’1, 195lbs In the end, Bergevin blinks. They want Galchenyuk, and they want him bad. I still think Yakupov is going first overall, so they’ll flip with Columbus for the right to draft @agally94. Hopefully it won’t cost us a draft pick to do so. I’d offer Yannick Weber, or maybe Danny Kristo and the promise not to take Ryan Murray or Filip Forsberg. Second round, 33rd overall: Stephane Matteau C, USNTDP, 6’1, 210lbs I’d prefer a guy like Mark Jankowski or Michael Matheson, but I don’t think they’ll make it this far, and I’m sort of reluctant to give away anything of significance to move up. Unless, of course, it’s the aforementioned Yannick Weber or Danny Kristo. I’m a big chicken that way. Matteau will be playing in Montreal’s backyard next season, for the Blaineville Armada. Nice arena, by the way, I’ve played there. It’s Joel Bouchard’s baby. Matteau brings the size and truculence that Bergevin seems to like, if his choice of management staff is any indication. The upside might not be there for Matteau, but he should be a solid 3rd or 4th liner that makes life difficult for those who play against him. Just like his daddy. Second round, 51st overall: Jordan Schmaltz, D, USHL, 6’2, 190lbs Another puck-moving American defenseman?? Yes, another puck-moving American defenseman. He’s like Michael Matheson, only, you know, available when we pick. Third round, 64th overall: Alexandre Mallet, C, QMJHL, 6’1, 195lbs Passed over in the draft last year this 19 year old exploded offensively this year. He is a willing and capable fighter, he’ll throw them with anybody and usually wins. Been compared to Andrew Shaw, the Blackhawks rookie who was also passed over in the draft his first year of eligibility, only to explode in his second year. Bergevin apparently really pushed for Shaw. Fourth round, 94th overall: Charles Hudon, LW, QMJHL, 5’10, 175lbs An RDS favorite, they’ll be clamoring for this guy in the second round. A former QMJHL rookie of the year he’s an offensive machine… but does he have the talent to make it at the next level? Fifth round, 122nd overall: Etienne Marcoux, G, QMJHL, 6’0, 155lbs I’ll actually be surprised if he makes it this far, so it would have to be considered a bit of a bonus if we can land him at this spot. If he’s not available watch for a higher-ranked-but-Russian-therefor-he-fell goalie to be our guy. Marcoux is small for a goalie, but has some natural athleticism. Sixth round, 154th overall: Nikita Gusev, LW, RUSSIA -2, 5’9, 163lbs Some say he has first round talent. Honest, they say that. But he’s small, he’s Russian, and he’s already been passed over in the draft once. But he was excellent at the World Juniors, and absolutely destroyed his Russian Junior league, averaging over two points a game. He was called up to the Russian Super League, where he chipped in three points in 15 games. He may never come over, but in the sixth round this has the potential to be a homerun pick. Assuming he is still available, of course. BC, interestingly enough, 5 of those 7 players were at the Habs special combine. Only Schmaltz and Gusev were not. I know they have to have a player like Schmaltz on their radar due to his skill and offensive abilities. Expanding on your draft North Americans (with more focus on kids from Quebec or at least the Q) theme that you mention, I actually agree. Where I would never turn down an outstanding European player that can be a key part of the team's core for years to come, it is the "fringe" European players that are the ones likely to bolt back home rather than toil in the AHL on buses with a fraction of the coin they can make in their home top league. By contrast, the "fringe" North Americans are more likely going to stick around in the AHL for a while, although some will eventually hop over to Europe chasing that bigger payday. There is a lot to be said about building a strong core and continuity of players who are committed to the organization. Just like constant turnover amongst your upper management or coaching staffs, the same can be said about the disruptive nature of constant turnover among your NHL and AHL lineups. It is the nature of the beast to have that occur at the AHL level as kids get called up and eventually make the big club, but it is also critically important to have your more experienced players around to help mentor the kids who are just starting out. If you are constantly re-hiring those veteran players each summer, then they really don't bring the rich culture and history of the organization to the table, they just bring a solid understanding of being a journeyman in the league. There is a big difference. That is why I think the Lapointe and Brisebois roles are so important. Now you don't just need to count on veteran players and the AHL coaching staff to spend time helping to mentor these kids, you get some veteran NHL players who can work alongside all of that other support. I think Bergevin has left a clear mark that he wants the CH, as an organization, to have more of a connection to the community in which it is based. We now have a host of new suits who either played for the team, or else grew up in the province of Quebec where it is impossible as a hockey player or fan to not get caught up in some way, shape or form with the Montreal Canadiens as not just a hockey team, but as a culture. Scott Mellanby, a Montreal born anglo whose family moved to TO at a young age due to his Dad's HNIC job, did mention that he was a Habs fan as a kid. Marty Lapointe, although never playing for the team, mentioned that his family are thrilled about his new role and him moving back to Montreal. This is a vastly different mindset from the last GM who seemed to control all decisions, was elusive with the media, fans and players, and did not even live in Montreal, Quebec or Canada. Talk about your senior most manager not walking the talk. What the heck message does that send and what culture does that help build amongst the other staff and players? Back to this draft, I do expect the Habs to try hard to land a kid from Quebec somehow. Once again, it is not a particularly good draft for QC born kids and they often fall in between your picks, but there are some options. The team has already committed to beefing up its scouting for the Q and they do bring primarily kids from the Q into their own personal draft combine. Is it Friday night yet? |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 21, 2012 21:04:08 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Jun 22, 2012 0:19:39 GMT -5
I just watched the TSN mock draft and James Duthie interviewed Bergevin. MB said nothing, really, but man, did he look tired. Has he been getting any sleep at all? I quite enjoyed his answer when Duthie asked him if the Habs picking so high, as they did in 1980 and blew the pick with Wickenheiser, posed any extra pressure for him. My first thought was, what a dumb freakin question? And Bergevin thought so too, because he answered, "no". I loved it.
They had a tape of Galchenyuk scoring a goal when he grabbed a loose puck in front of the net in tight and roofed a backhander. That, I liked, as anyone who's heard me complaining about players not getting the puck up while in tight. I like that kid and I hope he ends up in a Habs jersey.
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Post by seventeen on Jun 22, 2012 0:25:43 GMT -5
Actually, Gnick, it was Bergevin who said the most important criteria are skill first, then character. He said that you need size, but in the end you win with talent. It was nice to hear that size isn't the most important criteria. Again, I think we need more size in some areas, but you don't have to be as big as LA to beat them. You simply have to be big enough. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2012 0:48:44 GMT -5
Actually, Gnick, it was Bergevin who said the most important criteria are skill first, then character. He said that you need size, but in the end you win with talent. It was nice to hear that size isn't the most important criteria. Again, I think we need more size in some areas, but you don't have to be as big as LA to beat them. You simply have to be big enough. If you watch the raw video on the Habs official site, he really reinforces that you need skill to win. Based on other chats, he does seem to reinforce the need for balance. I think he will build a more rounded team. With a third pick though, you better be getting skill. |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 22, 2012 2:25:54 GMT -5
Actually, Gnick, it was Bergevin who said the most important criteria are skill first, then character. He said that you need size, but in the end you win with talent. It was nice to hear that size isn't the most important criteria. Again, I think we need more size in some areas, but you don't have to be as big as LA to beat them. You simply have to be big enough. Going by the link I posted Habs know the guy they are drafting and expect him to be there at 3, no plans to move up or down. Since chance Gal will be gone I wonder if he is our pick or not? Could be Teravainen as he is scouted as talented as Yakupov. Only smaller and 3-4 years away. If Bergevin putting talent first it makes sense. Also going by that article I expect our 2nd pick or the Nashville pick to be a goalie. Maybe Habs package both together to move up and draft Subban? |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 22, 2012 7:36:07 GMT -5
Actually, Gnick, it was Bergevin who said the most important criteria are skill first, then character. He said that you need size, but in the end you win with talent. It was nice to hear that size isn't the most important criteria. Again, I think we need more size in some areas, but you don't have to be as big as LA to beat them. You simply have to be big enough. I'm thinking that if they value skill above all else, then Grig will have to be in the mix. He's got loads of it ... er ... loads of talent that is ... Cheers. |
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Post by jkr on Jun 22, 2012 10:41:55 GMT -5
Actually, Gnick, it was Bergevin who said the most important criteria are skill first, then character. He said that you need size, but in the end you win with talent. It was nice to hear that size isn't the most important criteria. Again, I think we need more size in some areas, but you don't have to be as big as LA to beat them. You simply have to be big enough. Going by the link I posted Habs know the guy they are drafting and expect him to be there at 3, no plans to move up or down. Since chance Gal will be gone I wonder if he is our pick or not? Could be Teravainen as he is scouted as talented as Yakupov. Only smaller and 3-4 years away. If Bergevin putting talent first it makes sense. Also going by that article I expect our 2nd pick or the Nashville pick to be a goalie. Maybe Habs package both together to move up and draft Subban? This ties in with Doc's post on the main board this morning. I'm really weary of this team passing on big centres (like Getzlaf, Richards, Giroux) when this is there most pressing need. Terravainen may be good bit I just don't want another smallish winger if a talented centre with size is available. |
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Post by 24in93 on Jun 22, 2012 11:04:34 GMT -5
Going by the link I posted Habs know the guy they are drafting and expect him to be there at 3, no plans to move up or down. Since chance Gal will be gone I wonder if he is our pick or not? Could be Teravainen as he is scouted as talented as Yakupov. Only smaller and 3-4 years away. If Bergevin putting talent first it makes sense. Also going by that article I expect our 2nd pick or the Nashville pick to be a goalie. Maybe Habs package both together to move up and draft Subban? This ties in with Doc's post on the main board this morning. I'm really weary of this team passing on big centres (like Getzlaf, Richards, Giroux) when this is there most pressing need. Terravainen may be good bit I just don't want another smallishwinger if a talented centre with size is available. ^This x100. I will be greatly disappointed if we don't draft our biggest organizational need of the last two decades with our highest pick in three decades. |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 22, 2012 11:20:49 GMT -5
Going by the link I posted Habs know the guy they are drafting and expect him to be there at 3, no plans to move up or down. Since chance Gal will be gone I wonder if he is our pick or not? Could be Teravainen as he is scouted as talented as Yakupov. Only smaller and 3-4 years away. If Bergevin putting talent first it makes sense. Also going by that article I expect our 2nd pick or the Nashville pick to be a goalie. Maybe Habs package both together to move up and draft Subban? This ties in with Doc's post on the main board this morning. I'm really weary of this team passing on big centres (like Getzlaf, Richards, Giroux) when this is there most pressing need. Terravainen may be good bit I just don't want another smallish winger if a talented centre with size is available. Think 18 year old Giroux...closest I can compare TT to. He's a center...played a little wing this year in men's league but he is natural center |
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Post by GNick99 on Jun 22, 2012 16:59:56 GMT -5
Okay...some last hour draft notes from Grant McCagg:
- Doesn't know who we are taking but over last 3-4 months Timmins told him Teravainen reminds him of Kane, he's also noted some comparables to Giroux, and one of our scouts see a little of Sakic in him.
- Timmins couldn't sleep last night, but that he's "ready to rock." McCagg expects club's history first time we select a bonafide number one center.
- For those worried about Teravainen's size; Nugent-Hopkins weighed 160 pounds in his draft year, Kane weighed 165. Go ask Edmonton and Chicago fans if they think they are "too small?"
- Montreal will not be drafting Rielly 3rd overall. Not sure where Woodlief got that info
- In response to PM scenario where Montreal trades PK and the 3rd for the number one selection. that ain't happening. Maybe they're shopping PK....but not for that deal.
- He has no idea if Habs are shopping Subban or not.
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Post by Tankdriver on Jun 22, 2012 22:09:56 GMT -5
So NWT, now that all your second round picks have been taken, who do you see the Habs taking with number 33?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2012 22:46:12 GMT -5
So NWT, now that all your second round picks have been taken, who do you see the Habs taking with number 33? In the works. We ae going to do well. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2012 23:46:55 GMT -5
Okay, hit the wrong button, so let us try this again. Darn. Not that slow lol.
Matt Finn, D, Guelph - nothing great, but he is almost a perfect safe overall pick. Really surprised nobody picked him late in the first. That being said, pass.
Sebastian Collberg, RW, Frolunda - he is a little undersized, but is skilled and was another who missed a bit due to injury. A good showing at the juniors. You want skill?
Pontus Alberg, LW, Djurgardens - a tad under 6 feet and 200 pound, if not for the concussion, he has done well at the WJC and SEL. A very strong 2011 U18s.
Nicolas Kerdiles, C, USNDP - I think he is the best forward on the US development team. Matteau is cool, but this kid is more talented and his parents are from France. He has not yet played with really good line mates. I want this kid.
Phil DiGuiseppe, LW, U of Mich (NCAA) - a bit undersized, but really skilled and already in the NCAA. He was invited to the December Canadan junior camp.
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Post by seventeen on Jun 23, 2012 0:00:46 GMT -5
Looking at the Hockey News Draft Preview, while they are not as accurate as Bob McKenzie's rankings, they do have Matthew Finn at #18 (McKenzie #21), Sebastian Collberg at #14 (Mckenzie #27) and Ludvig Bystrom at 19 (McKenzie #34), all of whom are available, so one of those at least won't be taken by #33. According to the Hockey News write-ups, Finn is a good all around d-man, with character and some offense....47 points in 62 games, good at the juniour level. He's also good at stick checking, which is important in today's NHL. Collberg is a smaller right winger, 5' 11", 174 pounds with a very quick release and good shot. Bystrom is a bit younger, turning 18 on July 20th, 6' 1" 187 pound d-man. Is good in his own end, but may have consistency issues. A scout says his patience and passing game are strong, but he's high risk with some good upside.
Not three bad choices at #33, but I hope Finn is there, of the 3. At #53,, who knows? Dalton Thrower? Hard to predict. McKenzie had Jordan Schmaltz at 38 and he goes 25th to the Blues, who are pretty good at this drafting thing. Thrower's at #39 for McKenzie, #29 for the HN. As NWT says, we should get two decent guys out of the 2nd round.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2012 0:24:26 GMT -5
Looking at the Hockey News Draft Preview, while they are not as accurate as Bob McKenzie's rankings, they do have Matthew Finn at #18 (McKenzie #21), Sebastian Collberg at #14 (Mckenzie #27) and Ludvig Bystrom at 19 (McKenzie #34), all of whom are available, so one of those at least won't be taken by #33. According to the Hockey News write-ups, Finn is a good all around d-man, with character and some offense....47 points in 62 games, good at the juniour level. He's also good at stick checking, which is important in today's NHL. Collberg is a smaller right winger, 5' 11", 174 pounds with a very quick release and good shot. Bystrom is a bit younger, turning 18 on July 20th, 6' 1" 187 pound d-man. Is good in his own end, but may have consistency issues. A scout says his patience and passing game are strong, but he's high risk with some good upside. Not three bad choices at #33, but I hope Finn is there, of the 3. At #53,, who knows? Dalton Thrower? Hard to predict. McKenzie had Jordan Schmaltz at 38 and he goes 25th to the Blues, who are pretty good at this drafting thing. Thrower's at #39 for McKenzie, #29 for the HN. As NWT says, we should get two decent guys out of the 2nd round. I am still a big Thrower fan. I am just thrilled that some other names are now in the mix. Good analysis of some of he possibilities. Tomorrow morning here we come. |
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Post by PTH on Jun 23, 2012 0:57:34 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2012 1:07:39 GMT -5
The really cool thing is Gally becomes our top prospect by a long shot. Our next pick with number 33 overall should be in our top five. Number 51 should also be in the mix.
Then we have four picks in the first 60 or less next year in a stud draft.
Our rebuild is on. Good stuff.
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