Checking up on the 2006 draft
Dec 7, 2007 3:53:26 GMT -5
Post by skunk on Dec 7, 2007 3:53:26 GMT -5
1. David Fischer - Looks like the big kid from Minnesota was a tad overrated by the Habs, but he hasn't done anything to make his selection seem like an egrarious mistake. He did crack the Gopher roster a year earlier than projected, mainly due to a career ending injury to sophomore Nate Hagemo. Fisher played on the third pairing and had a quiet freshman season with just 5 points in 42 games. This season he has moved up to the top pairing with the departure of Eric Johnson, Mike Vanelli, and Alex Gologoski. Again, he is probably taking more responsibility than the Gopher coaches would prefer in his second year out of high school. Has matched his first year point total already, and playing a solid defensive game. The team as a whole has been mediocre this season, so Fischer's 5 points don't seem too shabby compared to offensive phenom Kyle Okposo with just 10, and former 5th overall draft pick Blake Wheeler with 12. Wheeler is two years older as well.
On the positive side, Fischer has a lot of filling out to do at 6-4 and 195 pounds. He was the same size as Wheeler when each was drafted, and Wheeler is 6-5, 220 pounds now. He certainly hasn't caused any problems for the Gophers, who have had their share of head cases in recent years. Developing as well as could be expected to this point, and seems certain to play at least one more year for Don Lucia.
2. Ben Maxwell - Smooth center has been plagued by injury since being taken in the middle of the second round in 2006. Last season it was a wrist problem that sidelined him for nearly half the season. This year a deep thigh bruise has kept him out of action for nearly 2 months. Prior to his injury last year Ben was making the pick look like a steal, averaging nearly 1.5 point per game as an 18 year old in the tough WHL, and leading the league in scoring at the mid point of the season. Hopefully he can return for the last half of this season, as his club team is doing well and could be a serious Memorial Cup challenger.
3. Mathieu Carle - Another smooth natural talent, but on the blueline, Mathieu had a somewhat troubled post draft season and was traded late in the year. Overall he put up solid numbers and travelled with the AHL Bulldogs through their long playoff run as a spare. In training camp he sprained a knee and his pro debut was delayed for the first dozen games of the season. Recovered he stepped right in and has been very good in the early going with 4 points through 7 games.
4. Ryan White - Hardnosed forward was rated ahead of Fischer and all of the other Hab picks by Central Scouting prior to the draft and it looks like they were right. Had a breakout third season in the WHL, making a late season run for the scoring title and falling just short. Durable, tough, and a leader with his team, he was invited to the WJC tryout camp coming up shortly in Calgary. Listed at 6-2, 215 pounds by Hockey Canada, he has power forward potential when he turns pro.
5. Pavel Valentenko - Really burst into the spotlight at the 2007 WJC tournament where he was arguably the best Russian defenseman, and a thorn in Canada's side in the Gold Medal game. Combines good size (6-2, 220) with an agressive game and passable skill. Will take some time to adjust to North American game and lifestyle, but is taking a regular shift in the AHL at barely 20 years of age.
6. Cameron Cepek - Hard luck kid has faced injuries and the burden of playing on poor teams throughout his WHL career to this point. Having a good final year in the league with the expansion Edmonton Oil Kings and should earn a pro contract when he is done. Still needs to add muscle to his 6-2, 190 pound frame to play the hard hitting style he favors.
On the positive side, Fischer has a lot of filling out to do at 6-4 and 195 pounds. He was the same size as Wheeler when each was drafted, and Wheeler is 6-5, 220 pounds now. He certainly hasn't caused any problems for the Gophers, who have had their share of head cases in recent years. Developing as well as could be expected to this point, and seems certain to play at least one more year for Don Lucia.
2. Ben Maxwell - Smooth center has been plagued by injury since being taken in the middle of the second round in 2006. Last season it was a wrist problem that sidelined him for nearly half the season. This year a deep thigh bruise has kept him out of action for nearly 2 months. Prior to his injury last year Ben was making the pick look like a steal, averaging nearly 1.5 point per game as an 18 year old in the tough WHL, and leading the league in scoring at the mid point of the season. Hopefully he can return for the last half of this season, as his club team is doing well and could be a serious Memorial Cup challenger.
3. Mathieu Carle - Another smooth natural talent, but on the blueline, Mathieu had a somewhat troubled post draft season and was traded late in the year. Overall he put up solid numbers and travelled with the AHL Bulldogs through their long playoff run as a spare. In training camp he sprained a knee and his pro debut was delayed for the first dozen games of the season. Recovered he stepped right in and has been very good in the early going with 4 points through 7 games.
4. Ryan White - Hardnosed forward was rated ahead of Fischer and all of the other Hab picks by Central Scouting prior to the draft and it looks like they were right. Had a breakout third season in the WHL, making a late season run for the scoring title and falling just short. Durable, tough, and a leader with his team, he was invited to the WJC tryout camp coming up shortly in Calgary. Listed at 6-2, 215 pounds by Hockey Canada, he has power forward potential when he turns pro.
5. Pavel Valentenko - Really burst into the spotlight at the 2007 WJC tournament where he was arguably the best Russian defenseman, and a thorn in Canada's side in the Gold Medal game. Combines good size (6-2, 220) with an agressive game and passable skill. Will take some time to adjust to North American game and lifestyle, but is taking a regular shift in the AHL at barely 20 years of age.
6. Cameron Cepek - Hard luck kid has faced injuries and the burden of playing on poor teams throughout his WHL career to this point. Having a good final year in the league with the expansion Edmonton Oil Kings and should earn a pro contract when he is done. Still needs to add muscle to his 6-2, 190 pound frame to play the hard hitting style he favors.
