The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will be held June 20th
and 21st in Ottawa. As always, we’re providing you with a mock draft of
the first round but this time, there’s a little twist. Not only did we
compile the input of some of our writers, but also from some of our forum
members. Our committee was as follows:
Representing HW: Matt Godbout, Brian La Rose, Norman Szcyrek
Representing the forum (by forum
ID): marky_and_komi, saskhab,
Tony
In order to get voted into each spot, a player must have received 3 of the 6
votes. In the event of a 3-3 tie, someone switched so that there would be
a majority at all times.
Other notes: The conference to determine our mock draft was held on
Monday, June 9th. Player bios have been
written by the website writers. To the right of the draft history/how
acquired section is a compilation of ratings from 4 other sources (Central
Scouting Bureau, International Scouting Services (updated June 18), The Hockey News, and The
Sports Network.)
|
1st |
Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia |
| The undisputed #1 all season, he should instantly be able to come in and fill the void left by Brad Richards, who was dealt at the trade deadline in February. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Dana Tyrell, C (47th overall) 2006: Riku Helenius, G (15th overall) 2005: Vladimir Mihalik, D (30th overall) |
CSB: 1st (NA) ISS: 1st THN: 1st TSN: 1st |
|
2nd |
Drew |
| The most NHL ready of all defencemen in the draft, he plays in all situations and can play any style. Although his offensive numbers dropped this year, there’s no worries with that side of his game. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Thomas Hickey, D (4th overall) 2006: Jonathan Bernier, G (11th overall) 2005: Anze Kopitar, C (11th overall) |
CSB: 3rd (NA) ISS: 4th THN: 3rd TSN: 2nd |
|
3rd |
Alex |
| Despite his large stature, he is a very good skater and makes a good first pass out of the zone. He’s not as physical as the other available D, but still a solid two-way defender. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Spencer Machacek, RW (67th overall) 2006: Bryan Little, C (12th overall) 2005: Alex Bourret, RW (16th overall) |
CSB: 6th (NA) ISS: 5th THN: 5th TSN: 4th |
|
4th |
Zach |
| In November of 2006, he was ranked as a 2nd rounder by Central Scouting, but his status has risen dramatically this year. Not as big as Pietrangelo, but he plays more physically. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Lars Eller, C (13th overall) 2006: Erik Johnson, D (1st overall) 2005: T.J. Oshie, C (24th overall) |
CSB: 2nd (NA) ISS: 2nd THN: 3rd TSN: 3rd |
|
5th |
Luke |
| The Islanders need help everywhere, and although there’s more flashier options available, GM Garth Snow, a former netminder, can sure appreciate Schenn’s exceptional defensive play. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Mark Katic, D (62nd overall) 2006: Kyle Okposo, RW (7th overall) 2005: Ryan O’Marra, C (15th overall) |
CSB: 5th (NA) ISS: 6th THN: 6th TSN: 6th |
|
6th |
Nikita |
| This is a good secondary prize if the Jackets hold this pick. Although they need help on D and may trade up, to pick up such a dynamic player here should help kickstart their offence. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Jakub Voracek, RW (7th overall) 2006: Derick Brassard, C (6th overall) 2005: Gilbert Brule, C (6th overall) |
CSB: 1st (Euro) ISS: 3rd THN: 4th TSN: 5th |
|
7th |
Cody |
| Arguably the best offensive C in the draft after Stamkos, he’s also somewhat of a local for Toronto. The Leafs are very weak at this position, he would be a great start to restocking there. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Dale Mitchell, RW (74th overall) 2006: Jiri Tlusty, LW (13th overall) 2005: Tuukka Rask, G (21st overall) |
CSB: 9th (NA) ISS: 9th THN: 8th TSN: 9th |
|
8th |
Michael |
| What’s a draft without an early surprise pick? The Coyotes need help on the back end, and with the style of play they have, Del Zotto’s offensive skill fits best here. Also plays with prospect Brett MacLean. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Kyle Turris, C (3rd overall) 2006: Peter Mueller, C (8th overall) 2005: Martin Hanzal, RW (17th overall) |
CSB: 15th (NA) ISS: 23rd THN: 15th TSN: 15th |
|
9th |
Colin |
| The Preds are starting to get a little long in the tooth at the pivot spot, and Wilson is a very safe pick. Although not as flashy as some others, he still has strong offensive abilities. |
 |
| How acquired: From Florida with a 2nd round pick in 2007 and a conditional 2nd round pick (either 2007 or 2008) in exchange for Tomas Vokoun. |
CSB: 10th (NA) ISS: 8th THN: 7th TSN: 8th |
|
10th |
Mikkel |
| Aside from Grabner, there really aren’t any forwards in Vancouver’s current farm system that stand out. Boedker looked good at the Memorial Cup, and may be a steal here. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Patrick White, C (25th overall) 2006: Michael Grabner, RW (14th overall) 2005: Luc Bourdon, D (10th overall) |
CSB: 11th (NA) ISS: 7th THN: 9th TSN: 7th |
|
11th |
Tyler |
| He is often compared to Zdeno Chara for size but that’s where the comparisons stop. Myers is an unusual combination of extreme size and fluid skating. Set new career highs last season. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Patrick Kane, RW (1st overall) 2006: Jonathan Toews, C (3rd overall) 2005: Jack Skille, RW (7th overall) |
CSB: 4th (NA) ISS: 15th THN: 11th TSN: 11th |
|
12th |
Kyle |
| Kyle can be one of the best playmakers in the draft but he also has a rough physical side to his game. Injuries aside, he always plays an energetic, aggressive style suited to the NHL. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Logan MacMillan, C (19th overall) 2006: Mark Mitera, D (19th overall) 2005: Bobby Ryan, RW (2nd overall) |
CSB: 7th (NA) ISS: 13th THN: 10th TSN: 10th |
Note: This pick was originally Edmonton’s,
it is part of the compensation from Dustin Penner RFA signing.
|
13th |
Mattias |
| Offense is his game. Stickhandling, deking and skating are what sets him apart from others in the draft class. He needs to work on his defensive responsibilities and strength. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: T.J. Brennan, D (31st overall) 2006: Dennis Persson, D (24th overall) 2005: Marek Zagrapan, C (13th overall) |
CSB: 3rd (Euro) ISS: 14th THN: 16th TSN: 26th |
|
14th |
Luca |
| Sbisa has a flair for the offensive side of the game and he tries to pattern his own game after the Canadiens’ Mark Streit. Size isn’t the issue with Sbisa, decision making and strength are the concerns. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Brandon Sutter, C (11th overall) 2006: Jamie McBain, D (63rd overall) 2005: Jack Johnson, D (3rd overall) |
CSB: 12th (NA) ISS: 11th THN: 17th TSN: 17th |
|
15th |
Zach |
| Boychuk plays an in your face style that coaches and scouts love; it also helps him rack up the points. Skating is his strong suit, but he will need to bulk up for the NHL. |
|
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Jonathan Blum, D (23rd overall) 2006: Blake Geoffrion, LW (56th overall) 2005: Ryan Parent, D (18th overall) |
CSB: 8th (NA) ISS: 12th THN: 12th TSN: 14th |
|
16th |
Josh |
| Although not the greatest offensive player, Bailey provides something that every team covets, good positional play and leadership qualities. Offensive game improved plenty this year. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Zach Hamill, C (8th overall) 2006: Phil Kessel, LW (5th overall) 2005: Matt Lashoff, D (22nd overall) |
CSB: 14th (NA) ISS: 10th THN: 14th TSN: 12th |
|
17th |
Joe |
| He’s a player whose stock has seemed to be on the rise even after his season ended. Definitely a project-type forward, but his size and skill should attract the Flames and other teams. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Mikael Backlund, C (24th overall) 2006: Leland Irving, G (26th overall) 2005: Matt Pelech, D (25th overall) |
CSB: 28th (NA) ISS: 16th THN: 25th TSN: 19th |
|
18th |
Colby |
| Defence was a major issue for the Sens this year, and the system isn’t exactly oozing out prospects on the back end. His skating ability is strong, something Ottawa truly covets. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: James O’Brien, C (29th overall) 2006: Nick Foligno, C (25th overall) 2005: Brian Lee, D (9th overall) |
CSB: 13th (NA) ISS: 19th THN: 18th TSN: 28th |
|
19th |
Colten |
| Since the Jackets don’t get their D at #6, they manage to pick one up here. Teubert isn’t exceptionally good at anything, but isn’t overly weak anywhere. Has good size and strength. |
|
| How acquired: From Colorado along with a conditional 4th round pick in 2009 in exchange for Adam Foote. |
CSB: 18th (NA) ISS: 18th THN: 13th TSN: 13th |
|
20th |
Greg |
| The Rangers are in reasonable shape everywhere with regards to prospect, so the opportunity to add a power forward is hard to pass up. Improved his +/- by 50 this year. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Alexei Cherepanov, RW (17th overall) 2006: Bob Sanguinetti, D (21st overall) 2005: Marc Staal, D (12th overall) |
CSB: 22nd (NA) ISS: 28th THN: 21st TSN: 27th |
|
21st |
John |
| Considered to be possibly the most well-rounded defenceman after Doughty, Pietrangelo, Bogosian, and Schenn by some scouts, could very well be considered a steal before too long. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Mike Hoeffel, LW (57th overall) 2006: Matt Corrente, D (30th overall) 2005: Jeff Frazee, G (38th overall) |
CSB: 17th (NA) ISS: 21st THN: 30th TSN: 22nd |
|
22nd |
Zac Dalpe, |
| Another late bloomer, and has high-end offensive abilities. He plays with intensity every shift and has an adequate physical game. If he can keep developing, he should be a top-6 forward. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Sam Gagner, C (6th overall) 2006: Jeff Petry, D (45th overall) 2005: Andrew Cogliano, C (25th overall) |
CSB: 16th (NA) ISS: 20th THN: 29th TSN: 32nd |
Note: This pick was originally Anaheim’s,
it is part of the 2006 Chris Pronger deal.
|
23rd |
Anton |
| He has the speed and skills to make him a threat in the offensive zone, but is also able to use that speed, natural instinct, and physical edge to be defensively responsible. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Karl Alzner, D (5th overall) 2006: Nicklas Backstrom, C (4th overall) 2005: Sasha Pokulok, D (14th overall) |
CSB: 5th (Euro) ISS: 34th THN: 24th TSN: 30th |
|
24th |
Jake |
| He’s relatively new to playing D, but you wouldn’t know it. He has great offensive instincts and the speed to go with them. Being a local makes this an intriguing pick for the Wild as well. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Colton Gillies, C (16th overall) 2006: James Sheppard, C (9th overall) 2005: Benoit Pouliot, LW (4th overall) |
CSB: 23rd (NA) ISS: 31st THN: 39th TSN: 21st |
|
25th |
Evgeny |
| A big, strong, right shooting centre is exactly what the Habs need and desperately lack. He has a very underrated all-round game, particularly in the physical department where some feel that part is NHL calibre. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Ryan McDonagh, D (12th overall) 2006: David Fischer, D (20th overall) 2005: Carey Price, G (5th overall) |
CSB: 9th (Euro) ISS: 24th THN: 74th TSN: 55th |
|
26th |
Jyri |
| Has an absolute rocket from the point and is considered to be a physically strong offensive defenseman but lacks consistency and dependability on the back end. Only converted to defence 4 years ago. |
|
| How acquired: From San Jose along with Steve Bernier in exchange for Brian Campbell and a 7th round pick in 2008. |
CSB: 25th (NA) ISS: 65th THN: 44th TSN: 49th |
|
27th |
Chet |
| Chet is a big mobile goaltender who relies on playing the angles and being technically sound to make the save. He has a calmness to him that is reminiscent of Canadiens goalie (and ex-teammate) Carey Price. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: James van Riemsdyk, LW (2nd overall) 2006: Claude Giroux, RW (22nd overall) 2005: Steve Downie, RW (29th overall) |
CSB: 2nd (NA-G) ISS: 1st (G) THN: 32nd TSN: 18th |
|
28th |
Kirill |
| Has the skill, size, and speed to make scouts drool, but needs some work on the defensive side. Looks to be a project prospect, but could be well worth the wait when he develops. |
|
| How acquired: From Dallas with Jaroslav Modry, Johan Fransson, and 2nd/3rd round picks in 2007 for Mattias Norstrom, Konstantin Pushkarev, and 3rd/4th round picks in 2007. |
CSB: 2nd (Euro) ISS: 17th THN: 100th TSN: 43rd |
|
29th |
Mikhail |
| Compared by some to Montreal’s Sergei Kostitsyn, he is creative in the offensive zone and is still able to play defensively to help out his teammates. Slid over 30 spots from CSB’s mid-term rankings though. |
|
| How acquired: From Pittsburgh along with Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, and Angelo Esposito in exchange for Pascal Dupuis and Marian Hossa. |
CSB: 57th (NA) ISS: 57th THN: 20th TSN: 38th |
|
30th |
Jordan |
| One of the more purely skilled forwards in the draft, he’s both an above average shooter and passer while being defensively responsible. The main concern with Eberle is his lack of size and strength. |
 |
| Recent Draft History: 2007: Brendan Smith, D (27th overall) 2006: Cory Emmerton, C (41st overall) 2005: Jakub Kindl, D (19th overall) |
CSB: 33rd (NA) ISS: 30th THN: 22nd TSN: 29th |
Over our discussions, some other players came
up for discussion, but did not receive majority support to be picked in the 1st
round. Those are:
G – Jacob Markstrom
D – Tyler Cuma, Jens Karlsson, Aaron Ness, Yann Sauve, Michael Stone
F – Jamie Arniel, Nicolas Deschamps, A.J. Jenks, Jared Staal, Corey
Trevino