2008 Draft Center (Hockey News)

[Scout]

Stocks On The Rise:



STOCKS ON THE RISE
And those on the decline...
June 11.08
Few drafts have changed their complexion so completely from the projections of the previous season as this year's. Players ranked in the top five last September will be lucky to be selected in the first round at all on June 20 while some previously unranked names have stolen the show...

Going Up...

Taylor Stefishen, LW, Langley Chiefs (BCHL)
This undersized, under-muscled winger battled his way to the most points by a 2008-eligible in the BCHL. One of the draft's best two-way forwards, he won't be 18 until August.

Josh Brittain, LW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
After scoring just 14 points halfway through the year, Brittain got sun-hot. The 6-foot-4, 210 power winger finished with 28 goals, 51 points and 106 PIM in 68 games.

Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
>>>
Hodgson quietly posted one of the best seasons by a draft-eligible player. He was Canada's captain at the World U18s and scored 40 goals and 85 points in OHL play, while potting five goals in as many postseason games.

Jordan Eberle, C, Regina Pats (WHL)
Regina's only player with more than 20 goals in '07-08, Eberle netted 42. The gangly forward with a fantastic nose for the net will garner top-10 consideration as a Sakic clone.

Zac Dalpe, C/RW, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
Dalpe started the year in Junior B Ontario and ended it as a potential first-round pick out of a BC league. If that's not a meteoric rise, we don't know what is.

Jimmy Hayes, RW, USNTDP/Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Hayes was bottoming out at mid-season after scoring in the single digits for the NTDP. The 6-4 winger rekindled his draft hopes by getting hot with his new team, scoring 15 points in Lincoln's final 21 games.

Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Ranked behind at least two others from Switzerland to start the year, no one imagined Sbisa would be capable of scoring 33 points in the WHL. He got even better in the playoffs (with Lethbridge), collecting 15 points in just 19 games.

Aaron Ness, D, Roseau High School (Minnesota HS)
Teams kept waiting for the 5-foot-9 wunderkind to melt under the pressure but Ness remained a dominant offensive defenseman in 2007-08. He dispelled worries about his size with Phil Housley-like high school numbers.

Thomas McCollum, G, Guelph Storm
McCollum was a contender for OHL MVP as a 17-year-old rookie but he just couldn't deliver in the early stages of this past campaign. He finally shook off whatever ailed him and earned POTW honors in February before some hot playoffs that saw him post a sub-2.00 GAA.

Michael Hutchinson, G, Barrie Colts
Hutchinson had a respectable regular season for Barrie, and the thinking was that the 6-foot-3 goalie was a slow but ultimately worthy project. However, he took the starting job after the team traded their No. 1 guy to a contender. Hutchinson responded with a .941 SV%, second only to Steve Mason in the OHL playoffs.

Going Down...

Kyle Beach, C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
First it was his attitude. Then it was his perceived lack of high-end skill. Then it was skating issues. The recent blow to Beach's draft standing was a series of concussions. Opponents realized his fighting skills are left to be desired, so they began to take full advantage with cheap shots of their own.

Philippe Cornet, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Cornet was a bit immature and very raw last season but he's always been blessed with fantastic hands and offensive ability. Unfortunately, as the year wore on, Cornet's old habits--an aversion for back-checking and hogging the puck, to name two--came back to haunt him.

Patrice Cormier, C, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
Just where did it all go wrong? A dominant player in minor hockey, thanks to his big body and soft hands, the former phenom was invisible once he got to a league where he wasn't bigger than everyone.

Justin Florek, LW, USNTDP
While not a blue chipper at any point, Florek was your prototypical sleeper: A big frame with soft hands and stellar numbers in minor and junior hockey. However, the NMU recruit will be lucky to even play in college next year after a 16-point year for the NTDP.

Joonas Rask, C, Ilves Jr. (Fin Jr.)
The slight center faces an uphill battle to make the NHL even with a top-shelf offensive toolkit. His development seems to have stalled; he falls into the same mold as many two-way Finns.

Yann Sauve, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
The first-overall pick in the 2006 QMJHL Bantam Draft, Sauve was such a dominant player in Triple-A that he was once mentioned in the same breath as Chris Pronger. Unfortunately, his decision-making and skating abilities have now come into question.

Teigan Zahn, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
It's a good thing Sbisa came along when he did. Zahn was a top-45 player heading into this year with the expectation that he could build on that thanks to a great body. He did the opposite, taking too many penalties and finishing with an unappealing minus-28.

Kevin Poulin, G, Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Stellar under a heavy workload last season, the thinking was that Poulin could emerge as the best "Q" goaltending prospect since Marc-Andre Fleury. However, the big goalie seemed to have either tired or crumbled under the pressure late in the season.

Robert Mayer, G, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Mayer was the star of last season's U18s, stealing the show as an under-ager. That performance merited a high pick in the CHL import draft, as well as high expectations. But Mayer delivered on neither, losing the starting job to a 20-year-old with only sparse major junior experience.


Scout

[Scout]

BESTS OF THE CROP
Scorer, playmaker, hitter, scrapper and...
June 9.08
No two draft prospects are created equally, and every team needs several different elements in order to be successful. Therefore, there is something for everyone on draft day. Here's a breakdown of the best tools available in this year's draft...

Most Natural Goal-Scorer
Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Goal-scorers can do it in any position. Stamkos' ability to let a full-powered slap shot fly from anywhere on the ice and on one or two legs makes him the easy choice as best finisher.

Best Playmaker
Corey Trivino, C, Stouffville Spirit (OPJHL) >>>
Consider this: when Adam Oates was 17, he had 36 assists in the Ontario Junior A league. A year later, he had 53. Well, Trivino had 34 and 50 at 17 and 18, respectively. The unheralded forward is a dominant force on the power play, moving the puck east-to-west with ease.

Best Two-Way Forward
Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Hodgson's OHL coach, Stan Butler, says it best: "He's a complete player. He plays good away from the puck. He scores big goals and he's a good leader on and off the ice."

Best All-Around Defenseman
Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Move over Drew Doughty? While not quite as strong a skater, Bogosian trumps the 2008 WJC Top Defenseman in a few other categories; he's eight months younger, two inches bigger, had more points, more penalty minutes and a better plus/minus rating during the regular season. Bogosian is the complete package.

Best Defensive Defenseman
Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
A man among boys in the WHL as the season went on, Schenn moves the puck with the kind of robotic composure most junior forwards won't see until they reach the pro ranks. He's also very tough, sacrificing his body to lay hits and block shots.

Best Offensive Defenseman
Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Del Zotto is such a good offensive defenseman that he may end up a forward at the NHL level. The 2008 CHL Top Prospects accuracy champ with a four-for-four record, Del Zotto dominates the point on the power play with a crackling wrist shot and great vision.

Best Fighter
Tony Oak, LW, Battlefords North Stars (SJHL)
How can you not love a guy whose nickname is 'Rockpile'? An under-the-radar forward out of the barely-scouted Saskatchewan Junior A ranks, the 17-year-old got his licks in against opponents three or four years older. His 264 PIM was the most of any first-time eligible 2008 skater in the Canadian junior ranks.

Best Intangibles
David Toews, C/LW, Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS)
Like his brother, David can be counted on to do special things when the game is on the line. Case in point: At the 2007 Canada Winter Games, Toews dragged the underdog Team Manitoba into the Gold Medal game.

Best Clutch Performer
Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Before the powerhouse Kitchener Rangers triple-teamed him into submission, Stamkos single-handily ousted the Windsor Spitfires in the first round of the OHL playoffs with a nine-goal performance in five games. In total, his 11 postseason goals accounted for 44 percent of Sarnia's offense.

Best Hitter
Drew Doughty, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Doughty doesn't have the greatest technique per se, but he surprises opponents with massive checks due to his quick feet. A player will look down for a split-second and never see the train coming.

Best Goaltender
Chet Pickard, G, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
With all due respect to Dustin Tokarski, Pickard gets the edge as best goaltender. While Tokarski had the benefit of playing behind a team that scored the most goals in the WHL playoffs, Pickard's squad scored the fewest of the final four and forced him to play shorthanded for 15 minutes a night. His save percentage was just marginally less than Tokarski's.

Best Skater
Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV-71 Jr. (Swe-Jr.)
If Tedenby were a couple inches taller, he'd be a top-three pick. He'll just have to settle for top 10. Tedenby's small frame and low center of gravity give him not only the best speed in the class, but the best technical skating ability.

Best Stickhandler
Nikita Filatov, C/LW, CSKA Moscow (RSL)
Filatov is the best stickhandler in a draft since perhaps Nikolai Zherdev in 2003. While Patrick Kane comes close, Filatov makes the puck disappear and reappear so quickly that he could tell a player what move he was going to do and still beat them three or four times a shift.

Scout

[Scout]

DRAFT-DAY SLEEPERS
Anything can happen after the first round...
June 9.08
Every year at the draft, no matter how deep or shallow the talent pool is considered, teams will pluck diamonds from out of the rough. The 2008 NHL Entry Draft is no exception, though there looks to be fewer locks and far more potential sleepers this time around...

Maxim Trunev, LW, Severstal-2 Cherepovets (Rus-3)
The leading scorer for Severstal's farm club, Trunev was a fan favorite at the Mac's Midget Tournament here in North America. His dazzling hands and anticipation inevitably draws comparisons to Pavel Datsyuk. Two weeks too old to be in the 2009 Draft, Trunev will be a special player if he adds some muscle.

Richard Manley, LW, Burnaby Express (BCHL)
While not the greatest skater at 6-5 and 235 lbs, Manley is an incredibly efficient penalty killer. His long reach allows him to separate opposing players from the puck at will. But his offense is there, too; he averaged just a shade under a point per game in BC Junior A.

Mike Cichy, C, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
One of the best college-commits in the US, Cichy instead will be heading to the QMJHL for 2009-10. A dazzling puck-handler and playmaker, he could have an offensive explosion like Edmonton's Sam Gagner experienced. Doesn't turn 18 until after the draft.

Anders Lee, C, Edina High School (Minnesota HS)
It wouldn't be hyperbole to say Lee is built like a high school quarterback; he is just that for Edina. A burgeoning power forward that scored 32 goals in 31 games, the coveted D1 quarterback needs to decide which sport he wants to play at the next level.

Johan Erkg�rds, RW, Skare (Swe Div-1)
At the same age in the same league, a young Henrik Zetterberg scored 0.78 points-per-game and was seventh in scoring on his squad. Erkg�rds, by comparison, was second with a 1.00 points-per-game average. A fixture on Skare's PP and PK units thanks to his big-league wheels, the raw winger has incredible upside.

Jared Staal, RW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL >>>
Staal (pictured) turned into a legitimate OHL player in 2007-08, but despite massive improvements, he looks nowhere near as good as any of his brothers. However, just last year, most had written him off. If he gets drafted in the second round, it will be on the hopes that his famous genes can come through and make him a star.

Steven Delisle, D, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Just a shade under 6-6 and only 17 on draft day, Delisle has the potential to be a dominant top-four defender. But he's more than a project; a good skater for his size, Delisle finished second in blueline scoring for Gatineau.

Erik Karlsson, D, Fr�lunda Jr. (Swe Jr.)
World U18s Best Defenseman, Karlsson was a dominant player before he grew from 5-8 to 5-11. Now he's a potential franchise player.

Justin Schultz, D, Westside Warriors (BCHL)
Eerily similar to New Jersey Devils flyer pick Corbin McPherson, Schultz is an elite skater with fine awareness in all three zones. He has the size, skill and of course wheels to be the perfect breed of "new NHL" defender.

Eric Mestery, D, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
Another big boy at 6-5, 195, Mestery hasn't quite figured out to score goals or rack up points. That's fine, because he's a coachable, stay-at-homer that's comfortable with the harder aspects of the position. He has the perfect foundation to develop offense on.

Mark Friesen, G, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)
Small, underweight and very raw, the June-born Friesen played backup to WHL vet Matt Esposito, and didn't do much to force Chilliwack's hand. However, he turned it around with magical playoffs, posting a 2.23 GAA and 0.932 SP despite facing an average of 40 shots a game.

Mike Murphy, G, Belleville Bulls (OHL)
On his second time through the draft, Murphy won more games in 2007-08 than he started in in 2006-07. His seven losses were the fewest of any goalie in the OHL with 35 or more wins.

Scout

[Scout]

WHO'S (ALMOST) READY NOW?
June 9.08
The entry draft is littered with players of varying degrees of talent. Most players are 17 or 18 years old, but there are also older players that have already been passed over once or twice. And then there are older players from Europe, though that market has dried up in recent years. Some players will reach the NHL quickly, while others are in need of a lot more development time...

We look at the prospects eligible for selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft that may be a little closer to the NHL than most of their peers, as well as an early look at the prospects with the most potential over the long haul...

ALMOST READY

Kristofer Berglund, D, IF Bjorkloven (Sweden) >>>
The smooth Swede emerged from obscurity at the 2008 WJC tournament. He has a head start on most of the players eligible in this year's draft because he's already 20. He may come quickly to North America.

Zach Boychuk, C/W, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Boychuk won't be a second-line center in the NHL anytime soon, but his versatility may land him a spot on a roster as a role player more quickly than most. He has been a role player for Canada in international tourneys.

Drew Doughty, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Despite the fact defensemen take a little longer to reach the NHL, Doughty could be ready to make an NHL roster right away. He has the poise of a veteran, so he may adjust more quickly to the pro game.

Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
In terms of talent, Filatov is close to being ready for NHL duty. Moreover, the silky-smooth Russian is motivated to move to North America right away, which enhances of chances of being an 18-year-old rookie in 2008-09.

Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
Hodgson has plenty of hockey sense and puck intelligence, two qualities that could serve him well if he reaches the NHL at an accelerated pace. However, he needs to get a little stronger to better handle the pro game.

Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
A defensive defenseman with leadership qualities, Schenn may not need a lot more development time before embarking on what should be a lengthy stint in the National Hockey League. He's the next Adam Foote.

Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
The consensus top eligible prospect in 2008, Stamkos is expected to go first overall to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos is a virtual lock to start his NHL career right away with the hope of helping a rebuilding franchise.

Viktor Tikhonov, C/W, Severstal Cherepovets (Russia)
Much like Swedish defenseman Berglund, Tikhonov is a little older than most '08 draft-eligible prospects so he could get a head start on a pro career. First, he must cross the pond, however--which may not be easy.

Vyacheslav Voinov, D, Traktor Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Voinov has been on the prospect radar for some time now, since he's represented Russia at several important international tournaments. He has also played two seasons in the RSL. Bringing him over may be an issue.

Colin Wilson, C, Boston University (Hockey East)
Wilson, the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson has the sound two-way game and pedigree to move quickly to the NHL. He's been compared at times to Hall-of-Famer Ron Francis, who played in the NHL at age 18.

MOST LONG-RANGE POTENTIAL

Kyle Beach, LW/C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Beach has the makings of a combination of 2007-08 New York Rangers teammates Sean Avery and Brendan Shanahan. He has Avery's irritating qualities and Shanahan's sniping ability. He just needs to harness his tools.

Mikkel Boedker, RW/LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
The speedy Danish winger has drawn comparisons to former NHL sniper [Alexander Mogilny, and he even wears Mogilny's No. 89 in Kitchener. He needs to get stronger but his offensive potential is sky-high.

Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
The Petes blueliner is a candidate to be the No. 2 pick overall (currently owned by the Los Angeles Kings). He'll probably be gone by the third pick, since he has all-around potential and a lot of offensive upside.

Doughty, D, Guelph Storm (OHL)
While Doughty is already polished in terms of all-around ability, his upside is higher than most defensemen available in the '08 draft. Down the road, he should become a mainstay on an NHL power play.

Filatov, LW, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
The Russian winger has both the scoring potential and inner drive to become a star in the National Hockey League. He's expected to move to the CHL in 2008-09 with an eye towards the big league quickly.

Evgeny Grachev, C, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl 2 (Russia)
Grachev is flying a little under the radar but he has outstanding offensive potential. The fact he has yet to put up numbers in Russia's top league may be why he's underrated right now, but Grachev is a potential draft-day steal.

Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
When a defenseman is 6-7 and can skate like Myers, he's automatically inserted onto top-prospects lists. It may take him a little longer to fully hone his game, but his upside is ridiculously high. Zdeno Chara with wheels?

Kirill Petrov, RW, AK Bars Kazan (Russia)
Petrov has already proven he can step up in big tournaments, as he was the top forward at the 2008 world under-18 tourney. He has defensive flaws and lacks consistency in a big way, but the potential is there.

Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara IceDogs
There were times this past season when Pietrangelo was being considered for the No. 1 overall selection. He slumped but stepped it up again in the OHL playoffs. He might become the best all-around defender of the lot.

Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Perhaps only Filatov will be able to compete with Stamkos in terms of NHL production down the road. He is blessed with an impressive skill-set, and complements that with the intensity and inner drive to be the best.



Scout

[Scout]

FIVE OF A KIND
Our top-5 centers, wingers, defensemen, goalies...
June 4.08
Very rarely do the prognosticators see things the way they finally play out. Numerous reasons explain the latter... And, the NHL Draft is no exception. While we'll skip the chore of outlining the plethora of reasons, we do wish to rank our fave five at each of the center, wing, defense and goaltender positions...

CENTERS

1. STEVEN STAMKOS, C, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Both in the mid-term and final rankings, he was rated first among North American skaters by Central Scouting... Stamkos (pictured) has speed to burn, loads of feistiness and two-way potential. He's also a natural goal-scorer with playmaking acumen... makes his teammates around him better, and isn't afraid of doing the grunt work if the need arises... placed second in the OHL with 58 goals and fifth in the league with 105 points to lead the Sting in both categories in 61 games in 2007-08... added 11 goals in just nine postseason games in '08...

4. CODY HODGSON, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
In his second season in the OHL, he led the Battalion with 40 goals and placed second in assists (45), points (85) and plus/minus rating (+15) in 2007-08... displays supreme vision, quick hands, playmaking ability, two-way potential and grit... added five goals in five postseason games for Brampton in 2008... saw his draft stock rise after leading all 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championships participants in scoring (12 points in 7 games)... needs to add more bulk in order to handle the rigors of the pro game... his sense of anticipation is outstanding...

5. COLIN WILSON, C, Boston University (Hockey East)
The son of former NHL pivot Carey Wilson finished third in points with 35 in 37 games as a freshman with the Terriers in 2007-08... has all-around ability and is a supreme playmaking center with above-average hockey sense... has good size and the ability to go hard to the net. May also become a capable goal-scorer, and may have shown a glimpse of things to come when he produced six goals in six games for Team USA at the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic... isn't a speedster but uses smarts to overcome his deficiencies...

6. ZACH BOYCHUK, C/W, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
The versatile forward led the WHL in playoff goal-scoring with 13 goals in 18 games for the Hurricanes... represented Canada at the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic, as well as in last summer's Russia-Canada Summit Series... has tremendous speed and playmaking skills, plus the tenacity to off-set his 5-9, 175-pound frame, though he will need to get stronger in order to make a smooth transition to the pro ranks... is a coach's dream and a quality teammate... is projected to play a two-way role at the highest level...

8. JOSHUA BAILEY, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
In his first full season with the Spitfires, he led the club in both assists (67) and points (96) in 2007-08. The two-way center then produced six points in five postseason contests... needs to add more bulk to his 6-1 frame in order to maximize his potential in the big league... was rated 14th among North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings... is considered one of the safest picks eligible for selection at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, but his upside is that of an excellent third-line center or mediocre second liner...

WINGERS

2. NIKITA FILATOV, LW, CSKA Moscow (Russia)
The consensus top European player available for selection in 2008, he was rated second overall by International Scouting Service and first among International skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings... a supremely skilled winger, he excels in important contests and displays loads of tenacity and determination... can also play center but is at his best when flying down his off-wing (left)... produced four goals and nine points in just seven games for Russia at the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic... will need to add more muscle on his 6-0 frame in order to thrive in North America...

3. MIKKEL BOEDKER, RW/LW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
In terms of sheer speed, he is as fast as any player eligible for selection in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft... tied teammate Justin Azevedo for the OHL playoff lead in assists (26), and finished second to his teammate in overall postseason scoring (35) in 20 games in 2008... has a chance to become the highest-drafted Danish player ever; the St. Louis Blues selected forward Lars Eller 13th overall in 2007... placed third in OHL rookie scoring in 2007-08 with 73 points in 62 games... is more of a playmaking winger than sniper...

7. KYLE BEACH, LW/C, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
At 6-3, 203 pounds, he is a load to handle on offense. He�s also constantly pushing the envelope with opponents, as his 222 penalty minutes in the WHL regular season (fifth in the league) suggests... can play center but the right-handed shooter projects best as a left-winger at the highest level, since he may not have enough setup skills to play the pivot position... lacks discipline, which has hurt his draft stock over the course of the 2007-08 campaign... has been compared to Claude Lemieux and Sean Avery, but boasts far greater scoring potential...

11. MATTIAS TEDENBY, LW, HV 71 (Sweden)
The Swedish speedster split 2007-08 between HV 71's junior squad and their elite-league club. He produced 14 goals and 30 points in 25 junior contests, and added six points in 23 games in the Elitserien... skates very well, both with and without the puck, and displays excellent offensive potential... at 5-10, 176 pounds, he's somewhat smallish for the North American game. However, he doesn't back down... has been compared to Swedish national team GM and former NHLer Mats Naslund... was rated third by Central Scouting in their final rankings of International skaters...

13. JOE COLBORNE, LW/C, Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
After finishing second in regular-season scoring (90 points in 55 games) and tied for first in the AJHL playoffs with 16 points in 18 games for the league-champion Kodiaks, he will play as a freshman with the University of Denver Pioneers (WCHA) in 2008-09... should eventually play at well over 200 pounds once he fills out his 6-5 frame... can play center, due to sound vision and good skating ability, but he is a better winger prospect for the highest level... is largely considered a project at this stage of his development...

DEFENSEMEN

1. DREW DOUGHTY, Guelph Storm (OHL)
The three-year veteran of the Storm is considered the most NHL-ready defenseman available for selection in the 2008 draft. Doughty (pictured) was rated third among North American Skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings, and fourth overall by International Scouting Service... has an uncanny ability to log huge amounts of ice time (even as much as 30/game)... has all-around ability, including hitting skills and power-play acumen... finished third on the Storm with 50 points in 58 games in 2007-08... was a standout performer for Canada at the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic...

2. ZACH BOGOSIAN, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
In his second OHL campaign, Bogosian placed fifth among league defensemen with 61 points in 60 games. He was also second among blueliners with 50 assists... possesses a very projectable frame and supreme vision on the ice. Is also a great passer from the back end... needs to play a more consistent physical game order to maximize his vast potential... suffered a wrist injury in the postseason that prevented him from playing for Team U.S.A. at the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championships... projects as an all-around blueliner with the qualities of a franchise player...

3. LUKE SCHENN, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
After helping Canada win gold at the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic, he captained the winning team in the 2008 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game... has all the makings of a quality shutdown defender, complete with leadership ability and a physical edge to his game... has been often compared to veteran NHLer Adam Foote... placed second among Rockets defensemen with 28 points in 57 games in 2007-08, and finished third on the club with 100 penalty minutes... may be ready to jump directly into the National Hockey league at age 18...

4. ALEX PIETRANGELO, Niagara Icedogs (OHL)
The 6-3, puck-moving blueliner was playing his best hockey of the season during the OHL playoffs when he was sidelined by a case of mononucleosis. He finished the postseason with five goals and nine points in just six games... has consistency issues but also a world of all-around potential from the back end... when on his game, he quarterbacks the power play and also intimidates the opposition with big hits... is related to former NHL goalkeeper Frank Pietrangelo... led all IceDogs defensemen with 13 goals and 53 points in 2007-08...

5. TYLER MYERS, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Unlike junior teammate Luke Schenn, he is nowhere near NHL-ready. However, he has outstanding long-range potential as a shutdown defenseman because of his awesome size (6-7, 204 pounds)... despite his size, he's a very good skater with some untapped scoring upside... in his second season in the 'Dub', he produced six goals and 19 points in 65 games... was a member of the Canadian squad that took home the gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championships in Kazan, Russia. He placed second on the team with a plus-7 rating in seven games...

GOALTENDERS

1. JACOB MARKSTROM, Brynas IF (Sweden)
Rated first among International goaltenders in Central Scouting's final rankings, he also placed third among goaltenders in International Scouting Services' final listings... has a very projectable frame and excellent athletic ability... only saw action in seven games in the Elitserien in 2007-08, but posted excellent numbers for Brynas in the Swedish junior elite league... is considered somewhat of a raw goaltending prospect, so he's probably several seasons away from moving to North America... projects as a No. 1 netminder based on his combination of technique and puck-stopping ability...

2. CHET PICKARD, Tri-City Americans (WHL)
In his third WHL campaign, he finished eighth in the league with a 2.32 goals-against average and fourth with a .918 save percentage in 64 appearances with the Americans... has a very good frame for the goaltending position and great technique... is similar in style to former Tri-City teammate and current Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price... handles the puck very well and has proven capable of handling a heavy workload... needs to play with a greater sense of urgency because he can be too relaxed in the crease...

3. HARRI SATERI, Tappara Tampere Jr. (Finland)
At the 2008 WJC in the Czech Republic, he shared the crease with Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Riku Helenius, and saw his stock soar after delivering several brilliant saves for Finland... has tremendous lateral mobility and a very projectable 6-1, 190-pound frame... plays a classic butterfly style, but struggles with soft goals from time to time... was the No. 1 goalkeeper for Tappara Tampere's junior squad in 2007-08, but is expected to graduate to the SM-Liiga next season... was rated fifth in International Scouting Services' final rankings of goaltenders...

4. THOMAS McCOLLUM, Guelph Storm (OHL)
The second-year member of the Storm posted a stellar 1.91 goals-against average in 10 OHL postseason games in 2007-08, which came on the heels of a 25-17-6 campaign during the regular schedule. He ranked fourth in the OHL with a 2.50 GAA to go along with a .914 save percentage... was rated first among North American goaltenders in Central Scouting's final rankings... has excellent size (6-2, 205 pounds), but must learn to stay on his feet a little longer in order to become a more consistent puck-stopper...

5. DUSTIN TOKARSKI, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Perhaps no draft-eligible player improved his stock more during the 2008 Memorial Cup tournament than the Chiefs' No. 1 'tender, who led his team to the championship and was named MVP of the tourney... tied for the WHL regular-season lead with a .922 save percentage, and finished third with a 2.05 goals-against average in 2007-08... posted an astonishing 1.38 GAA and .944 save percentage during the 2008 WHL playoffs... lacks ideal size for the goaltending position, but has ice water in his veins and tremendous poise...




Scout

[hurricaneflag7]

Can't wait to find outwho takes who come draft day. clrkth

[Scout]

The Hot List: The 2008 Top 15

Barring the surprise of the century, Steven Stamkos will go No. 1 overall this Friday. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Ryan Kennedy
2008-06-17 12:09:57
It’s on, folks; it’s on. The 2008 NHL draft commences in Ottawa Friday night with the first round selections, followed by Rounds 2-7 Saturday.

This week The Hot List will feature a mock top-15 draft, based on player value with a dash of what specific teams may need.

As for the rest of the first round, here’s some early predictions: Look for Jacob Markstrom to be the first goalie taken (likely by New Jersey), Minnesota will take a local high school defenseman (either Aaron Ness or Jake Gardiner) and Michael Del Zotto will be a great pickup if he goes to a team such as Detroit or Montreal – one which can harness his skills and pair him with a veteran D-man.

1. Steven Stamkos, C – Sarnia Sting (OHL): To Tampa Bay. They’ve already got a website up, so it’s more of a coronation than a selection. Stamkos’ speed, smarts and overall skill set will make him an instant Calder threat next year.

2. Zach Bogosian, D – Peterborough Petes (OHL): To Los Angeles. Obviously this is a coin flip pick between Bogosian and Drew Doughty. The big tiebreaker is the fact L.A. has a player similar to Doughty coming up in Thomas Hickey, so why not go with the more physical Bogosian?

3. Drew Doughty, D - Guelph Storm (OHL): To Atlanta. The Thrashers get a boatload of skill and puck-moving ability, not to mention a defenseman who learned to be a shutdown guy at the world juniors. All of a sudden the future doesn’t look so bad in Hotlanta.

4. Alex Pietrangelo, D – Niagara IceDogs (OHL): To St. Louis. Imagine trying to get through the forest that would be Pietrangelo and Erik Johnson in a couple years? The Blues are building a nice base for the future and Pietrangelo would be a perfect fit.

5. Nikita Filatov, RW – CSKA 2 (Rus.): To NY Islanders. We know he wants to play here and we know the Isles aren’t exactly overflowing with skill. Filatov is an offensive dynamo who loves to compete and will play somewhere in North America next year.

6. Luke Schenn, D – Kelowna Rockets (WHL): To Columbus. Touted as a Robyn Regehr-type of blueliner, Schenn will provide the Jackets with a steady presence on the back end. Let Rick Nash get the goals, Schenn will cause car wrecks for opposing forwards.

7. Kyle Beach, C – Everett Silvertips (WHL): To Toronto. Mercurial, nasty and offensively gifted, Leafs Nation will love Beach, should he be drafted to Hogtown. Look for more than a few Gordie Howe hat tricks in his future.

8. Tyler Myers, D – Kelowna Rockets (WHL): To Phoenix. The Yotes have plenty of young forwards to build around, but Myers would be a great foundation for the defense. The 6-foot-7 giant may need a couple years to develop, but he is ahead of most skaters his size as an 18-year-old.

9. Colin Wilson, C – Boston U. Terriers (Hockey East): To Nashville. If the Preds wanted to push it, Wilson could be in their lineup soon. He’s got solid offensive skills and a great work ethic. Wilson could also be taken by the Leafs at the seven spot.

10. Mattias Tedenby, LW – HV 71 (Swe.): To Vancouver. The needs in Vancouver are embarrassingly obvious; the team needs offense. Tedenby is lightning-quick and has played some of his best hockey internationally against North American teams (he’s been absolutely poison against Team Canada), so don’t let the 5-foot-9 frame throw you. The kid can make things happen.

11. Cody Hodgson, C – Brampton Battalion (OHL): To Chicago. Should Hodgson actually be available at this spot (he could flip with Beach or Wilson), the Hawks will get another great young forward. He’s smart, possesses good leadership skills and can put the puck in the net. I’m sure Hawks fans wouldn’t object to having another player like Jonathan Toews.

12. Mikkel Boedker, LW – Kitchener Rangers (OHL): To Anaheim. The Ducks scoop Edmonton’s pick here and would land a talented winger in Boedker. Lauded for his skating, Boedker would be a great complement to the other young Anaheim forwards.

13. Zach Boychuk, C – Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL): To Buffalo. The irony of the 5-foot-9 Boychuk going to the Sabres, a team that has embraced smaller prospects more than anyone, is not lost on me. Playing in the scrappy Dub, Boychuk never backed down and got his points despite his height. The Lethbridge center has a solid skill set and has ‘steal’ written all over him.

14. Colten Teubert, D – Regina Pats (WHL): To Carolina. The Canes aren’t exactly the most intimidating team in the league, so Cam Ward could have a new best friend in Teubert, a tough-as-nails blueliner who likes to crush opponents.

15. Josh Bailey, C – Windsor Spitfires (OHL): To Nashville. With their second pick of the first round, the Preds would be wise to tab Bailey, who led the surprising Spits in points this year with 96. Projected as a safe two-way forward, Bailey will be a solid pickup.

[Scout]

2008 NHL Entry Draft: Players to Watch
By Dan Di Sciullo, NHL Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The 2008 NHL Entry Draft is almost here and unlike last year there is little question as to who will be the first pick come Friday night in Ottawa.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have all but said they will pick 18-year-old Sarnia Sting centerman Steven Stamkos with the first overall selection, but it's anybody's guess as to how the rest of the draft will unfold.

After Stamkos there is a great deal of defensive talent with fellow OHLers Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian and Alex Pietrangelo topping that list.

There is also a rising talent coming out of Russia in Nikita Filatov, an 18- year-old left winger from Moscow.

Once again there isn't a goaltender eligible for this year's draft that could be considered a can't miss prospect. In fact, it would be surprising if any netminder is taken before the latter stages of the first round this year.

The NHL draft is usually loaded with trades, whether they come in the days leading up to the occasion or happen the day of the draft. This year isn't expected to be any different in that regard.

Here is a look at some of the names you will see called this weekend.

STEVEN STAMKOS - C - Sarnia (OHL)

Stamkos is the top-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and has solidified his standing as the best available player in this year's draft. He led the Sarnia Sting with 105 points during the 2007-08 OHL season, notching 58 goals and 47 assists in 61 games. He also upped his stock by posting one goal and five assists for gold-medal winning Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships. The six-foot, 176-pound Stamkos is an excellent skater and strong passer with the offensive skills to develop into a franchise player. The Lightning are hoping the arrival of Stamkos will help ease the loss of pivot Brad Richards, Tampa's former second-line center who was dealt to Dallas at the most recent trade deadline.

NIKITA FILATOV - LW - CSKA 2 (Russia)

Filatov dominated at the 2008 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic and that's one of the reasons he is the top-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting. He posted four goals and five assists for bronze-medal winning Team Russia and also finished the tournament with a plus-seven rating. Filatov also had an excellent season for CSKA's top junior team, registering 32 goals and 43 assists in 34 games. Filatov possesses blazing speed and an array of offensive weapons, but the 18-year-old's intangible qualities are also driving up his stock. Filatov is considered to be a leader in the making and his ability to speak fluent English should help his transition to the NHL. Also, the youngster has stated that he wants to play in North America as soon as possible and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that a reality.

ZACH BOGOSIAN - D - Peterborough (OHL)

Bogosian, a native of upstate New York, is one of three blue chip defense prospects coming out of the Ontario Hockey League this season. The 17-year-old comes with a solid athletic pedigree, as two of his older brothers played Division-I football, Ike at Syracuse in the early 1980s and Steve at Army in the early 70s. Bogosian is the second-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and the top defenseman on that list. He played in 60 games for the Peterborough Petes in 2007-08 and led the team with 61 points (11 goals, 50 assists). The 6-2, 200-pound Bogosian has solid skating and stickhandling ability as well as a strong shot.

DREW DOUGHTY - D - Guelph (OHL)

Doughty's draft stock rose as a result of his outstanding play for Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships. The 18-year-old was named the best defenseman at the tournament after notching four assists in seven games for the gold-medal winning club. Now, he is the third-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and the second defenseman on that list. Doughty also had a solid season for the Guelph Storm of the OHL in 2007-08, posting 50 points (13 goals, 37 assists) in 50 games. He is superb offensively, but still has some work to do in the defensive zone.

ALEX PIETRANGELO - D - Niagara (OHL)

At 6-3, 206 pounds, Pietrangelo is a highly-skilled defensive prospect out of the OHL. The 18-year-old is the sixth-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and the fifth-rated defenseman on that list. He played in 60 games for the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL in 2007-08 and recorded 53 points on 14 goals and 40 assists. Pietrangelo is not an explosive skater, but has the overall offensive skill set to quarterback a power play. He is also still growing into his 6-foot-3 frame and should project as a physical defenseman in the NHL.

KIRILL PETROV - RW - Kazan (Russia)

Petrov is an imposing physical specimen with the offensive skills to dominate in the NHL. Petrov, a 6-3, 200-pound right wing, is the second-rated European skater by NHL Central Scouting, coming in one place behind his countryman Filatov. Unlike Filatov, Petrov played at the highest level of Russian professional hockey last year and notched four goals and six assists in 47 games with Kazan of the Super League. He also played for Team Russia at the 2008 U-18 World Junior Championships and had seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in six games for the silver-medal winning squad.

MIKKEL BOEDKER - LW - Kitchener (OHL)

For the second straight season it appears that a Danish player is slated to go in the first round. Denmark, never really known as a hockey powerhouse, had its highest-ever selected player in 2007, when Lars Eller was taken by the St. Louis Blues with the 13th overall pick. Boedker, an 18-year-old winger playing in the Ontario Hockey League, is expected to go even higher than Eller. Since Boedker is playing in Canada he is the 11th-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, but would be ranked higher than that if he were on the European list. Boedker had a strong first season in North America this past year, notching 73 points (29 goals, 44 assists) in 62 games for the Kitchener Rangers. He was also the second leading scorer in the OHL playoffs, posting 35 points (9g, 26a) in 20 games. Played for Team Denmark at the 2008 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic and tied for the team lead with six points (2g, 4a).

ZACH BOYCHUK - C - Lethbridge (WHL)

Boychuk hurt his stock with a disappointing tournament for Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships, as he was held scoreless in seven games for the gold-medal winners. However, the explosive skater is still the eighth- rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and the third forward on that list. The 5-9, 175-pound Boychuk played in 61 games during the regular season for Lethbridge of the WHL in 2007-08 and posted 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists). He was also second in scoring during the WHL playoffs, notching a league-high 13 goals and eight assists in 18 games. In addition to his superb acceleration, Boychuk is also considered to be a strong skater with excellent offensive instincts and a solid shot.

LUKE SCHENN - D - Kelowna (WHL)

While the OHL has its trio of all-around defenseman, the Western Hockey League boasts the best pure shutdown defenseman available in this year's draft in Schenn. Already 6-3, 216 pounds, Schenn played in 2007-08 for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL and notched seven goals and 28 assists in 57 games. He was also a member of the gold-medal winning Team Canada squad at the 2008 World Junior Championships, leading the Canadians with a plus-five rating in the tournament. Schenn's Kelowna teammate Tyler Myers, a 6-7 prospect, is also expected to go in the first round.

COLIN WILSON - C - Boston University (Hockey East)

Wilson, who was raised in Winnipeg but born in Greenwich, Connecticut, is the top-rated collegiate player in this year's draft and the 10th-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-1, 215-pound centerman recently completed his freshman season at Boston University and was third on the Terriers in scoring with 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists). Wilson played for Team USA at the 2008 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic and notched six goals and one assist in six games. Although he's not known as a strong skater, Wilson's strength and balance are his biggest assets on offense. He also has an NHL pedigree as his father Carey Wilson played for Calgary, Hartford and the New York Rangers.

[nivek_wahs]

Interesting story on the Draft by Wayne Scanlan (of the Calgary Herald)...NHL Draft has come a long way

[nivek_wahs]

Who the heck is No.2?