2008 NHL Draft Discussion and mocks

[MMouse]

Here's a few mocks to spark discussion about Friday's draft

http://nhldraftsite.com/

http://www.mynhldraft.com/

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=522383

http://futureconsiderationshockey.blogspot.com/2008/06/fcs-mock-draft.html

http://hfradioinsider.blogspot.com/2008/06/2008-hf-radio-mock-draft.html

http://goingfivehole.blogspot.com/2008/06/gfhs-mock-draft-board-june-5th.html

Central Scouting Rankings:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11451

Personally I'd prefer Filatov. But if they get one of the top 3 Dmen, I guess that would be fine

[Jeffro]

I expect us to take Bogosian, but I'd prefer Schenn. I also don't expect us to pick at 33 and 34. We'll trade one or both to move up.

[210]

Mock drafts suck.

[Charlie Sheen]

I'd prefer Doughty, Bogosian, or Pietrangelo, but wouldn't be upset if they ended up with Schenn either.

Hopefully LA or Atlanta takes Filatov.

[Jeffro]

I'd prefer Doughty, Bogosian, or Pietrangelo, but wouldn't be upset if they ended up with Schenn either.

Hopefully LA or Atlanta takes Filatov.

LA will certainly take Doughty. If Atlanta takes Filatov I think that makes our pick a little harder. Bogosian has the upside, but Schenn is the sure thing. Personally, I'd prefer the "definite" Adam Foote to a guy who could be anywhere from Rafalski to Khavanov.

[Charlie Sheen]

Schenn is fine by me.

I think some of the people who are against taking Schenn have gotten too caught up in the idea that he's some no talent stand in front of the net and cross check people type of defenseman, but everything I've read suggests that he is a good outlet passer (priority #1, in my opinion, when evaluating defenseman) and has a pretty good shot.

I don't know if he'll ever be a great option as a point guy on the #1 PP unit, but he should be very effective in all other aspects of the game.

I think that Pietrangelo and Bogosian are definitely more exciting picks because of their perceived offensive ability, which is understandable, but we all know the other side of that coin as well.

[i.am.js]

Listing it here since it doesn't deserve it's own thread.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240773&lid=sublink05&lpos=headlines_main

Cashin Yashin wants to return to the Isles.

Could Alexei Yashin be back with the New York Islanders?
According to Newsday, the Islanders have discussed the possibility of bringing their former captain back for one year after buying out the final four years of his $10 million contract.
Yashin's agent, Marc Gandler told Newday he spoke with Islanders' general manager Garth Snow on Thursday but no agreement was reached.
"We've had discussions," Gandler told Newsday. "But it's been very slow because I told them in the beginning how much I wanted. They're obviously not happy about that. But clearly, they missed him. They didn't have a first line last season."

[Celtic]

NO 7TH ROUND PICK?????

WHERE WAS LEERY?????

[i.am.js]

On the TSN.ca NHL page, voters think Doughty being the next player in the draft with Filatov being the third best.

Doughty - 48%
Filatov - 26%
Bogosian - 11%
Schenn - 7%
Pietrangelo - 6%
Other - 3%

Rankings according to NHL Central Scouting (North American skaters):

First Round
1. Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia (OHL)
2. Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough (OHL)
3. Drew Doughty, D, Guelph (OHL)
4. Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna (WHL)
5. Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna (WHL)
6. Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara (OHL)
7. Kyle Beach, C, Everett (WHL)
8. Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL)
9. Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton (OHL)
10. Colin Wilson, C, Boston Univ. (NCAA).
11. Mikkel Boedker, LW, Kitchener (OHL)
12. Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge (WHL)
13. Colby Robak, D, Brandon (WHL)
14. Joshua Bailey, C, Windsor (OHL)
15. Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa (OHL)
16. Zac Dalpe, C/RW, Penticton (BCHL)
17. John Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL)
18. Colten Teubert, D, Regina (WHL)
19. Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa (OHL)
20. Jamie Arniel, C, Sarnia (OHL).
21. Nicolas Deschamps, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
22. Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL)
23. Jake Gardiner, D, Minnetonka, Minn. (U.S. high school)
24. Matthew Calvert, LW, Brandon (WHL)
25. Jyri Niemi, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
26. Maxime Sauve, C, Val-d'Or (QMJHL)
27. Aaron Ness, D, Roseau, Minn. (U.S. high school)
28. Joe Colborne, C, Camrose (AJHL)
29. Yann Sauve, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
30. Kruise Reddick, C, Tri-City (WHL).

Filatov was ranked #1 in the CSB's list of International Skaters:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11451

[i.am.js]

Penguins possibly dealing the rights to negotiate with Ryan Malone to Columbus.

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/06..._tidbits.shtml

-- Ryan Malone is not going to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, unless the Penguins significantly up their offer. It's looking more and more like the Penguins will get Evgeni Malkin signed to a contract extension and be able to keep right winger Marian Hossa. That will show Malone to the door.
An NHL source said that Malone has been low-balled twice by the Penguins and is ready to leave July 1 as an unrestricted free agent. Malone's rights could be traded before that day, of course, and the Blue Jackets are a likely destination.
The source said the Penguins have already made the Blue Jackets an offer for Malone's rights. Not sure what the offer was, or if the Blue Jackets are still contemplating it. But this could go down pretty quick, folks.
Malone would definitely be happy to play for the Blue Jackets, a source said.

I see this being very possible, since the Pens dealt away their 1st round pick (Hossa), their 2nd and 5th (Gill), and their 3rd (Laraque). No idea what type of pick would be coming back in return, if this is even true.

[007]

Mocks are gay, but I'll share...

from SI.com --

1. Tampa Bay Lightning:

Steven Stamkos, center, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "The team that takes Stamkos is going to get one of the fastest skaters in all of the draft. Steven goes to the net fearlessly with that speed and brings a bit of an edge and a bit of an aggressive attitude that every team wants ... [he is projected to play on] a top line in the NHL."

Our take: Use the pick or trade it for instant help? The Lightning took all the drama out of the equation by putting up a Web site (www.seenstamkos.com) minutes after winning the lottery. Not that there should have been any question about snatching Stamkos, who should fit nicely into the No. 2 center spot vacated by Brad Richards. He needs to fill out that 5-foot-11, 176-pound frame, but his character, speed and ability to think the game suggest he'll be in the NHL next season and will be a major star in short order.
2. Los Angeles Kings:

Nikita Filatov, left wing, CSKA-2 (Russia)

Central Scouting says: "Nikita is a leader, has a great attitude, excellent work ethic and tons of talent. He has matured during the season and leads by example. He is an excellent skater who can change pace, even at top speed. Despite his size, he still plays aggressive, taking and giving hits."

Our take: The consensus choice here would be a defenseman like Drew Doughty, possibly Zach Bogosian. But Dean Lombardi's never been afraid to swing for the fences (see: Thomas Hickey last year at No. 4), and choosing Filatov gives him a chance to knock this pick right out of the park ... and the draft out of kilter. Filatov has 40-goal potential. Combine that with his fluency in English and stated desire to come over immediately, and this selection begins to make a lot of sense for the Kings, especially with 14 other picks with which to address organizational holes.
3. Atlanta Thrashers:

Drew Doughty, defense, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "A team is going to build its [blue line around him for the] next 10 years. A lot of his hockey experience translates into on ice intelligence; it's hard to find that in a young defenseman. Drew probably is one of the guys, most able to step into the NHL next year."

Our take: Desperate to rebuild the back end, the Thrashers would be thrilled to have Doughty or Bogosian fall into their laps at three, but Doughty makes the most sense. His play at the World Juniors demonstrated his smarts, his skating and his own-zone abilities. But he really set himself apart at the recent combine, where several scouts commented on his improved conditioning and his strong showing during the interview process. He's a leader who can become a Rob Blake-type in Atlanta.
4. St. Louis Blues:

Zach Bogosian, defense, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "Zach's combination of skating ability and size are what set him apart. There are some bigger, taller defensemen who have to grow into their body, but Zach is right there, fully proportioned and ready to make that step into the NHL very quickly."

Our take: You like Anaheim's blue line combo of Pronger and Niedermayer? This pick, along with the selection of Erik Johnson first overall in 2006, sets the Blues up to have their own dynamic duo in short order. He's a two-way threat who can be used in all situations, thanks to his size, speed, hockey sense and a well-earned reputation as perhaps the most consistently competitive player in the draft.
5. New York Islanders:

Luke Schenn, defense, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Central Scouting says: "A big strong defenseman [like Ed] Jovanovski. Luke can play a mean game and he plays a tough NHL-style defense."

Our take: Schenn's classic defensive style was showcased for the Canadian junior side at the Super Series and World Juniors last season, and he's been a highly coveted commodity ever since. He's miserable to go up against in his own zone, exacting a punishing physical toll shift after shift. Because that element of his game is so well developed, his offensive potential is overlooked. He'll never be a power-play specialist, but he makes smart, effective decisions with the puck to key the transition game. Alex Pietrangelo's also a possibility here.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets:

Alex Pietrangelo, defense, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He might have the best top-end [potential] ... in the entire 2008 draft. He has Pronger-like size and vision. A lot of scouts say that he might be playing better now than Pronger played in his last year of junior."

Our take: With so many premium forward prospects already in the fold, the Jackets will be thrilled to add Pietrangelo at this spot. His offensive game already suggests a Brian Leetch-like ability to read the play and make things happen with his feet, his shot or his passing skills. Despite all that, there are concerns about his capacity to apply the same passion and intensity to his defensive zone work, and that's why he's likely to fall out of the top five.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs:

Mikkel Boedker, left wing, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He's come a long way. He was skilled at the start of the season, but he's fine-tuned his game to the North American style. Playing the point on the power play hasn't hurt his statistics either."

Our take: He impressed all season long with his ability to make things happen at top speed, and a natural nose for the net that led to 29 goals in 62 games in the great Dane's first crack at North American hockey. But it was the way he raised his play for the OHL champion Rangers in the Memorial Cup -- nine goals and 35 points in just 20 playoff games -- that has scouts picturing him on the fast track to the NHL. A job next season isn't out of the question.
8. Phoenix Coyotes:

Tyler Myers, defense, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Central Scouting says: "Tyler is the tallest player among the top-rated players. As a defenseman, that height translates into a great poke-check and great stick work. At 6-foot-7, he still has a little bit of growing into his body to do. Obviously, comparisons are made to Zdeno Chara."

Our take: The Coyotes have loaded up on premium forward prospects in recent seasons, so a potential top pairing defender is the obvious call with Myers on the board. His up-and-down play with the Rockets suggests he's a bit of a risk at this spot, but there's undeniably a high-reward element that makes him irresistible. He's already a smooth skater and is reliable at both ends, but it's going to take some time, like it did for Chara, for him to grow into that body. He could become an elite shutdown defender.
9. Nashville Predators (from Florida):

Colin Wilson, center, Boston University (NCAA)

Central Scouting says: "Colin is a combination of skilled and power forward. He is very strong, has excellent hands and is a very good passer and playmaker. He is very reliable defensively, has incredibly quick feet and he can turn quickly while maintaining puck control."

Our take: With the nucleus of a great young blue line in place, forwards, preferably big ones, are at the top of Nashville's wish list. Wilson, who was dynamite for Team USA at the last WJC, may not be an ideal No. 1 center, but he's got such a well-rounded game that the lack of high-end offensive potential won't deter the Preds. He was a huge hit at the scouting combine, impressing with his strength in the testing and his maturity in the interviews. Think of him as a more consistent Jason Arnott.
10. Vancouver Canucks:

Cody Hodgson, center, Brampton Battalion (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He is a very skilled centerman whose hockey sense has him quarterbacking the power play from down at the half boards. He knows when to shoot and when to pass. He's also a good face-off guy. Quite an all-around asset to any team that drafts him."

Our take: Desperate for some help up front, the Canucks will be thrilled to see Hodgson slide to No. 10. Skating and size are the knocks against him, but everything else suggests he'll be a dynamic top-six forward. Reports from teammates suggest he's a true character player, and he's another one of those kids who seems to play his best in the biggest games. His performance at the Under-18 World Championships confirmed what his 40-goal season for the Battalion suggested: He has go-to guy potential.

And other fodder: Strickland mentioned on 1380 yesterday that he believed that Doughty would slip to the Blues at No. 4. Why?

1) He says LA is deciding between Doughty and Bogosian and are leaning Bogosian...
2) ATL wants Bogosian badly and should he get taken by LA, they'll draft Filatov

He also said that if Erik Johnson was in this draft, he'd be the second ranked defenseman (didn't catch if it was Bogosian or Doughty....thinking Doughty)

[Jeffro]

I will be very, very, very happy if Doughty slips to 4.

EDIT: He didn't happen to mention the club's thinking on Schenn vs. Pietrangelo, did he?

[Hollywood]

Mocks are gay, but I'll share...

from SI.com --



And other fodder: Strickland mentioned on 1380 yesterday that he believed that Doughty would slip to the Blues at No. 4. Why?

1) He says LA is deciding between Doughty and Bogosian and are leaning Bogosian...
2) ATL wants Bogosian badly and should he get taken by LA, they'll draft Filatov

He also said that if Erik Johnson was in this draft, he'd be the second ranked defenseman (didn't catch if it was Bogosian or Doughty....thinking Doughty)

Nope, it was Bogosian.

[007]

I will be very, very, very happy if Doughty slips to 4.

EDIT: He didn't happen to mention the club's thinking on Schenn vs. Pietrangelo, did he?

Strickland? Yeah he did...said the team still likes Schenn alot and Pietrangelo could be an option...

I wish they'd just swap spots with LA and grab Doughty, but I guess it's too high...

[007]

Nope, it was Bogosian.

Thanks...wasn't sure