HabsWorld.net --
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft will be held at the
Staples Center in Los Angeles this coming Friday and Saturday. As is tradition,
here is our official mock draft. Will the Habs keep building depth up
front or is this the year they revert back to selecting a defenceman?
Keep reading to find the answer.
Our draft was selected by a trio of panelists, myself, Louis Moustakas, and
Norman Szcyrek. Our thoughts about each pick are included in the scouting
reports and commentary following each player’s ranking on other sites.
Those rankings are from the following 4 places: Central Scouting Bureau (CSB),
International Scouting Services (ISS), The Hockey News (THN), and The Sports
Network (TSN).
Season stats and player position/height/weight are
from the CSB’s final rankings list.
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With the 1st overall pick, Edmonton selects: Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor (OHL), 6’1", 185 lbs 57 GP, 40 goals, 66 assists, 106 points, 56 PIMS |
| Although the Oilers have better depth at wing than up the middle, Hall gets the nod over Seguin here. Hall has a game-breaking dimension that Seguin has yet to display which tips the scale in his favour. Being surrounded by the other quality wingers (shown below) will help ease his transition into the league without as much pressure as other recent #1 draft picks have had. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: M. Paajarvi-Svensson, LW (10th overall) 2008: Jordan Eberle, RW (22nd overall) 2007: Sam Gagner, C (6th overall) |
CSB: 2 (NA) ISS: 2 THN: 1 TSN: 1 |
| LM: "A can’t miss player who could quickly become the face of the franchise." |
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With the 2nd overall pick, Boston selects: Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL), 6’1", 172 lbs 63 GP, 48 goals, 58 assists, 106 points, 54 PIMS |
| The Bruins would ecstatic to have Seguin fall to them. (Though they wouldn’t be too upset if Hall did instead.) The top brass remember how a young centre named Patrice Bergeron made their squad in 2003 but was shifted to the wing to fit into the squad’s roster. Expect a similar move for Seguin, as well as a good mentor in Bergeron to fit in. |
How the pick was acquired: From Toronto with the Leafs’ 1st round pick in 2011 and 2nd round pick in 2010 in exchange for F Phil Kessel. |
CSB: 1 (NA) ISS: 1 THN: 2 TSN: 2 |
| NS: "He could crack the Bruins lineup this fall, but may be moved to the wing." |
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With the 3rd overall pick, Florida selects: Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL), 6’4", 195 lbs 41 GP, 2 goals, 21 assists, 23 points, 68 PIMS |
| Like Edmonton at #1, there’s no real risk factor here with a trio of very good defensemen on the board. Gudbranson has the best overall package of the three as he brings both strong offensive and defensive play to the game with the grittiness that everyone loves out of defencemen. May not be NHL ready yet like Florida’s last 1st rounder though. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Dmitry Kulikov, D (14th overall) 2008: Jacob Markstrom, G (31st overall) 2007: Keaton Ellerby, D (10th overall) |
CSB: 4 (NA) ISS: 6 THN: 5 TSN: 3 |
| BLR: "A promising physical blueliner to complement the smooth skating Kulikov from last year." |
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With the 4th overall pick, Columbus selects: Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL), 6’1", 190 lbs 55 GP, 8 goals, 47 assists, 55 points, 14 PIMS |
| A very mobile blueliner, which fits a big need for the Blue Jackets. Fowler has great offensive tools, good size, and decent positioning on defence. He’ll never be a crushing defenceman in terms of physical play, but more of the type that out thinks the opposition to break up a rush. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: John Moore, D (21st overall) 2008: Nikita Filatov, LW (6th overall) 2007: Jakub Voracek, RW (7th overall) |
CSB: 5 (NA) ISS: 3 THN: 3 TSN: 5 |
| LM: "Fowler could become the stud on the blueline they’ve never had." |
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With the 5th overall pick, New York (I) selects: Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL), 6’2", 185 lbs 58 GP, 9 goals, 34 assists, 43 points, 54 PIMS |
| He’s not as flashy as those drafted before him but it’s that safe element that will make him attractive to the Isles. He has a very strong all-round game, though his physical play isn’t the greatest (but still adequate). He’s the type of player that every team needs to win which will make him highly coveted for years to come. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: John Tavares, C (1st overall) 2008: Josh Bailey, C (9th overall) 2007: Mark Katic, D (62nd overall) |
CSB: 6 (NA) ISS: 5 THN: 7 TSN: 4 |
| NS: "The Isles need blueline help, and Gormley could rise to their top-2 in a hurry." |
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With the 6th overall pick, Tampa Bay selects: Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL), 6’2", 181 lbs 16 GP, 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points, 8 PIMS |
| With a skilled sniper in St. Louis set to retire soon, Connolly makes sense here, despite the injury concerns. Were it not for those hip injuries, he would have challenged for the top spot. Brett shares similarities to his namesake, Brett Hull; both are sharpshooters, with the ability to know where to be to capitalize on a scoring chance. He’s also unafraid to go into high traffic areas, and has good playmaking abilities as well. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Victor Hedman, D (2nd overall) 2008: Steven Stamkos, C (1st overall) 2007: Dana Tyrell, C (47th overall) |
CSB: 3 (NA) ISS: 11 THN: 4 TSN: 8 |
| BLR: "Arguably a top-3 talent; if healthy, Tampa could have the steal of the draft." |
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With the 7th overall pick, Carolina selects: Nino Neiderreiter, RW, Portland (WHL), 6’2", 201 lbs 65 GP, 36 goals, 24 assists, 60 points, 68 PIMS |
| A high-end winger like Nino Niedereiter will complement well Carolina’s solid group of young centers. El Nino brings a visible passion to the game and has an element of grit to go along with his offensive touch. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Phillipe Paradis, LW (27th overall)* 2008: Zach Boychuk, C (14th overall) 2007: Brandon Sutter, C (11th overall) |
CSB: 12 (NA) ISS: 9 THN: 8 TSN: 7 |
| LM: "Will complement Carolina’s solid group of young centres." |
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With the 8th overall pick, Atlanta selects: Mikael Granlund, C, HIFK (FNL), 5’10", 180 lbs 43 GP, 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points, 2 PIMS |
| A scoring centre is a position of need, and Granlund is the right fit here with the Thrashers. Atlanta already has young forwards Niclas Bergfors, Evander Kane, and Bryan Little, and newly signed prospects Fredrik Pettersson & Carl Klingberg up front, so Granlund would be a nice complimentary fit to help rebuild their offence. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Evander Kane, RW (4th overall) 2008: Zach Bogosian, D (3rd overall) 2007: Spencer Machacek, RW (67th overall) |
CSB: 1 (Euro) ISS: 14 THN: 10 TSN: 13 |
| NS: "Atlanta needs to improve their offence, Granlund will blend in well there." |
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With the 9th overall pick, Minnesota selects: Ryan Johansen, C, Portland (WHL), 6’2", 192 lbs 71 GP, 25 goals, 44 assists, 69 points, 53 PIMS |
| A solid playmaker (largely setting up the projected #7 pick) who plays well in his own end as well. The Wild are lacking a prototypical #2 C which is what Johansen is pegged to be, a mobile attacker who can play in every situation. He will need to bulk up and play more physically before he can be effective in the NHL though. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Nick Leddy, D (16th overall)* 2008: Tyler Cuma, D (23rd overall) 2007: Colton Gillies, C (16th overall) |
CSB: 10 (NA) ISS: 17 THN: 12 TSN: 6 |
| BLR: "With most of their previous C’s (Pouliot, Sheppard) being busts, time to restock up the middle." |
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With the 10th overall pick, New York (R) selects: Derek Forbort, D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’5", 198 lbs 26 GP, 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 points, 26 PIMS |
| For the Rangers, defence is a position of need, both short and long term. In Forbort they get a mobile defenceman with a solid offensive game and good size. He can handle the puck well or make a good outlet pass to get the puck out of his zone. He’s likely a couple of years away, but the Rangers will find he’s well worth the wait. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Chris Kreider, C (19th overall) 2008: Michael Del Zotto, D (20th overall) 2007: Alexei Cherepanov, RW (17th overall)* |
CSB: 9 (NA) ISS: 10 THN: 11 TSN: 11 |
| LM: "New York can afford to be patient with Forbort, who, admittedly needs some extra seasoning." |
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With the 11th overall pick, Dallas selects: Jeff Skinner, RW, Kitchener (OHL), 5’10", 187 lbs 64 GP, 50 goals, 40 assists, 90 points, 72 PIMS |
| Size, as Hab fans have learned all too well over the years, isn’t everything anymore in the NHL which boosts Skinner’s draft stock vastly. Simply put, he’s a goalscorer which will endear an offensively challenged Dallas team to him. But given his small stature, he’s a bigger (no pun intended) risk which may scare some teams off. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Scott Glennie, RW (8th overall) 2008: Tyler Beskorowany, G (59th overall) 2007: Nico Sacchetti, C (50th overall) |
CSB: 34 (NA) ISS: 15 THN: 25 TSN: 10 |
| NS: "He’s a small dynamo on offence, who will succeed in the NHL despite his size." |
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With the 12th overall pick, Anaheim selects: Austin Watson, LW, Peterborough (OHL), 6’3", 185 lbs 52 GP, 20 goals, 34 assists, 54 points, 22 PIMS |
| A power forward who should complement Bobby Ryan quite nicely up front for the Ducks. He often powers his way to the net, and will perform the little things in the game that coaches love, such as block shots and forecheck the opposition with gusto. His playmaking skills are only average, but his effort level is top notch. At the worst, he could become a premier penalty killer, but he’s more likely to rise to a top-2 line spot and could make the NHL quickly. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Peter Holland, C (15th overall) 2008: Jake Gardiner, D (17th overall) 2007: Logan MacMillan, C (19th overall) |
CSB: 14 (NA) ISS: 8 THN: 15 TSN: 14 |
| BLR: With Ryan in the system, this would give them two high end power forwards." |
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With the 13th overall pick, Phoenix selects: Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Novosibirsk (KHL), 5’11", 202 lbs 42 GP, 13 goals, 11 assists, 24 points, 18 PIMS |
| Phoenix has a plethora of solid talent up front which allows them to take a riskier selection. Tarasenko could be a front liner in the league with his dynamic offensive abilities and his speed. Though he matured as the year went on, there are some concerns with his attitude and his defensive game though both are expected to continue to improve. |
How the pick was acquired: From Calgary with F Matthew Lombardi and F Brandon Prust in exchange for F Olli Jokinen and a 3rd round pick in 2009 (Josh Birkholz). |
CSB: 2 (Euro) ISS: 4 THN: 14 TSN: 16 |
| LM: "A risky choice (the Russian factor) but given the Coyotes’ depth, one they can amply afford." |
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With the 14th overall pick, St. Louis selects: Nick Bjugstad, C, Blaine (USHS), 6’4", 188 lbs 25 GP, 29 goals, 31 assists, 60 points, 24 PIMS |
| The Blues are envisioning a David Backes style power forward in Bjugstad, and he will not disappoint them. Good athleticism and size helped Bjugstad dominate the Minnesota high school circuit last season. At 6’4" he has pro size, but needs to fill in from his 188 pounds, which he should given his frame. He’s currently a centre, but could easily move to the wing based on the Blues’ needs. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: David Rundblad, D (17th overall) 2008: Alex Pietrangelo, D (4th overall) 2007: Lars Eller, C (13th overall)* |
CSB: 13 (NA) ISS: 24 THN: 9 TSN: 19 |
| NS: "Has tremendous upside as a big power forward." |
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With the 15th overall pick, Florida selects: Alexander Burmistrov, C, Barrie (OHL), 5’11", 157 lbs 62 GP, 22 goals, 43 assists, 65 points, 49 PIMS |
| Though this pick was originally earmarked for Boston, it also applies well to the Panthers. Florida needs some help offensively which is Burmistrov’s bread and butter, particularly in the playmaking variety. With rumblings that he will be leaving the OHL’s Colts to return to the KHL, he may slide further than originally anticipated. |
| How the pick was acquired: With D Dennis Wideman and Boston’s 2011 3rd round pick in exchange for W/C Nathan Horton and C Gregory Campbell. |
CSB: 11 (NA) ISS: 12 THN: 6 TSN: 12 |
| BLR: "Highly skilled playmaker could replace the recently traded Nathan Horton down the road." |
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With the 16th overall pick, Ottawa selects: Mark Pysyk, D, Edmonton (WHL), 6’1", 174 lbs 48 GP, 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, 47 PIMS |
| The Senators have several organizational needs, and Pysyk helps to solve one of them. He’s a strong skater, with good mobility, who outthinks the opposition forwards rather than out muscle them. On defence he is very good positionally while he should be able to contribute on the offensive side as well in time. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Jared Cowen, D (9th overall) 2008: Erik Karlsson, D (15th overall) 2007: James O’Brien, C (29th overall) |
CSB: 8 (NA) ISS: 16 THN: 16 TSN: 20 |
| LM: "Ottawa possesses other promising young d-men, he will complement that group nicely." |
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With the 17th overall pick, Colorado selects: Emerson Etem, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL), 6’0.", 190 lbs 72 GP, 37 goals, 28 assists, 65 points, 26 PIMS |
| Despite Colorado’s success this year, they still need a few pieces up front. Etem, who can play the wing or centre, can fill potentially a pair of voids at once. His offensive game translates to a solid second liner while his defensive play continues to improve, largely due to his NHL ready speed. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Matt Duchene, C (3rd overall) 2008: Cameron Gaunce, D (50th overall) 2007: Kevin Shattenkirk, D (14th overall) |
CSB: 8 (NA) ISS: 23 THN: 17 TSN: 17 |
| NS: "Has succeeded immediately at every level of hockey during the past 3 seasons." |
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With the 18th overall pick, Nashville selects: Tyler Pitlick, C, Minnesota State (WCHA), 6’2", 194 lbs 35 GP, 10 goals, 8 assists, 18 points, 27 PIMS |
| The Predators have an organizational need for more depth up front having stocked up on D in recent years, and Pitlick addresses that need well. Tyler, the nephew of former NHL’er Lance Pitlick, has good size, speed, acceleration and an excellent work ethic. He projects to be at best a 2nd line centre/forward, and at worst a 3rd/4th liner, a fairly safe selection. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Ryan Ellis, D (11th overall) 2008: Colin Wilson, C (7th overall) 2007: Jonathan Blum, D (23rd overall) |
CSB: 18 (NA) ISS: 28 THN: 21 TSN: 25 |
| BLR: "Having dealt Arnott and Legwand aging, the Preds need to restock." |
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With the 19th overall pick, Los Angeles selects: Quinton Howden, LW/C, Moose Jaw (WHL), 6’2", 183 lbs 65 GP, 28 goals, 37 assists, 65 points, 44 PIMS |
| Though Howden’s offensive ceiling won’t be as high as some players drafted after him, that’s quite okay. The Kings have the offensive guys coming up but not a lot of defensive ones. Enter Howden, who should be an elite 3rd liner for a long time. If his offensive game can improve, he could be a dominating two-way player. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Brayden Schenn, C (5th overall) 2008: Drew Doughty, D (2nd overall) 2007: Thomas Hickey, D (4th overall) |
CSB: 19 (NA) ISS: 20 THN: 23 TSN: 26 |
| LM: "In a system devoid of quality wingers, Howden will fit in quite nicely." |
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With the 20th overall pick, Pittsburgh selects: John McFarland, LW, Sudbury (OHL), 6’0", 192 lbs 64 GP, 20 goals, 30 assists, 50 points, 70 PIMS |
| Although McFarland is currently a centre, and the Penguins have the most depth at that position in the league, it’s likely the Penguins would shift him to the wing, to supplement their (lack of) wingers. McFarland has been somewhat inconsistent during his junior playing days, but his skill set is high, and the Penguins can afford to have some patience with him. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Simon Despres, D (30th overall) 2008: Nathan Moon, C (120th overall) 2007: Angelo Esposito, C (20th overall)* |
CSB: 15 (NA) ISS: 30 THN: 20 TSN: 28 |
| NS: "The Penguins could use a sniper at the wing to take the pressure off Crosby and Malkin." |
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With the 21st overall pick, Detroit selects: Jonathon Merrill, D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’3", 198 lbs 22 GP, 1 goal, 8 assists, 9 points, 12 PIMS |
| With most of their core forwards locked up for a very long time, it makes sense to focus on improving the back end. Merrill is a very safe defenceman, nothing really special about him but he does everything reasonably well with lots of room to improve. The main concern for the Wings would be that he’s likely 3-4 years away. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Landon Ferraro, C (32nd overall) 2008: Thomas McCollum, G (30th overall) 2007: Brendan Smith, D (27th overall) |
CSB: 21 (NA) ISS: 21 THN: 31 TSN: 22 |
| BLR: "Lidstrom/Rafalski are both growing long in the tooth, Merrill needs seasoning but would be a good replacement." |
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With the 22nd overall pick, Phoenix selects: Jarred Tinordi, D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’6", 205 lbs 26 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, 68 PIMS |
| Tinordi has pro size already at 6’6" and 205 pounds, and is blessed with good skating and mobility. He plays an aggressive style, with good leadership qualities. His defensive positioning is excellent, but he will unlikely be a contributor on the scoresheet. For a team looking for a good dependable, defensive shutdown defender, then Tinordi (the son of former NHL defenceman Mark Tinordi) is your man. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D (6th overall) 2008: Mikkel Boedker, RW (8th overall) 2007: Kyle Turris, C (3rd overall) |
CSB: 38 (NA) ISS: 26 THN: 22 TSN: 23 |
| LM: "After taking a risk earlier, Tinordi is a much safer choice here." |
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With the 23rd overall pick, Buffalo selects: Dylan McIlrath, D, Moose Jaw (WHL), 6’4", 212 lbs 65 GP, 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, 169 PIMS |
| By now, most of us now that McIlrath’s game is predicated primarily on the physical side. What they don’t know is that his offensive game really picked up in the 2nd half, adding another dimension to what he can bring to the table. With Myers and McIlrath, the Sabres’ defence will morph from small to big in quite a hurry. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Zack Kassian, RW (13th overall) 2008: Tyler Myers, D (12th overall) 2007: T.J. Brennan, D (31st overall) |
CSB: 17 (NA) ISS: 38 THN: 26 TSN: 15 |
| NS: "Tough as nails, McIlrath punishes opposing forwards with great size and some skill." |
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With the 24th overall pick, Chicago selects: Ludwig Rensfeldt, LW, Brynas Jr. (SWE Jr.), 6’3", 192 lbs 39 GP, 21 goals, 29 assists, 50 points, 37 PIMS |
| At 6’3" and 192 pounds, he has the makings of a good power forward, and combines his size with a good shot, good hands, and puckhandling ability. Rensfeldt has shown a willingness to play in the dirty areas, an asset for a team without a lot of cheap talent. His defensive game requires some improvement, but his upside as a top-6 forward is excellent. Note that this pick was originally made while it was property of Atlanta. |
| How the pick was acquired (via NJ): With F’s Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin and a 2010 2nd rounder from Atlanta in exchange for F’s Ben Eager, Dustin Byfuglien, and Akim Aliu, plus D Brent Sopel. |
CSB: 5 (Euro) ISS: 47 THN: 32 TSN: 37 |
| BLR: "A reach here but he brings much needed size and skill to the Thrashers’ wing spots." |
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With the 25th overall pick, Vancouver selects: Jack Campbell, G, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’3", 175 lbs 11 GP, 6-3-1 record, 2.21 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO |
| Though Vancouver likely wasn’t planning on taking a goalie, the fact that Campbell slid this far will be too much to pass up. Campbell didn’t see a whole lot of action this year but will get his shot at being a starter next season with the OHL champion Spitfires. If he pans out, the ‘Nucks could have a pair of high end young goalies before long. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Jordan Schroeder, C (22nd overall) 2008: Cody Hodgson, C (10th overall) 2007: Patrick White, C (25th overall)* |
CSB: 2 (NA-G) ISS: 1 (G) THN: 13 TSN: 9 |
| LM: "The Canucks’ cupboard is fairly bare in goal now with Schneider heading to the NHL." |
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With the 26th overall pick, Washington selects: Kirill Kabanov, LW, Moncton (QMJHL), 6’2", 173 lbs 22 GP, 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, 34 PIMS |
| The Capitals can afford to take a flyer on a high maintenance prospect in Kabanov. The allure for him to play alongside fellow Russians Ovechkin and Semin will be tempting, nullifying any potential KHL temptations. He has top 5 level offensive skill in all categories. His work ethic and attitude will be enough to scare off most NHL teams, except the Capitals who would love another gunslinger to add to their stable. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: Marcus Johansson, C (24th overall) 2008: Anton Gustafsson, C (21st overall) 2007: Karl Alzner, D (5th overall) |
CSB: 31 (NA) ISS: 7 THN: 38 TSN: 43 |
| NS: "He’ll cause many teams to regret passing him over after he starts hitting the NHL scoresheets." |
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With the 27th overall pick, Montreal selects: Jaden Schwartz, C, Tri-City (USHL), 5’10", 180 lbs 60 GP, 33 goals, 50 assists, 83 points, 18 PIMS |
| He’s committed to college which gives the Habs the two extra years (to hold his rights before signing) they seem to value so much recently. Despite his small stature, his skill and speed should ensure that he can be a solid 2nd line centre down the road. With both Gomez and Plekanec signed long term, the Habs can afford to develop him slowly. |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Louis Leblanc, C (18th overall) 2008: Danny Kristo, RW (56th overall) 2007: Ryan McDonagh, D (12th overall)* |
CSB: 28 (NA) ISS: 18 THN: 30 TSN: 29 |
| BLR: "His combination of skill and speed fits in well with Montreal’s current direction." |
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With the 28th overall pick, San Jose selects: Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Chelyabinsk (KHL), 6’0", 172 lbs 35 GP, 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, 10 PIMS |
| San Jose will be looking for a high impact forward and Kuznetsov is just that. His offensive skill level is top notch, but his size and inconsistency will cause other teams to pass him over in the first round. His signability is also an issue due to the Russian factor, but the Sharks can offer a lot in terms of their well run organization and development track record which should be enough to entice him. |
Recent Top Picks: 2009: William Wrenn, D (43rd overall) 2008: Justin Daniels, C (62nd overall) 2007: Logan Couture, C (9th overall) |
CSB: 3 (Euro) ISS: 19 THN: 18 TSN: 24 |
| LM: "Could be the highest risk, highest reward pick of the draft." |
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With the 29th overall pick, Anaheim selects: Alexander Petrovic, D, Red Deer (WHL), 6’4", 193 lbs 57 GP, 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, 87 PIMS |
| With Scott Niedermayer just retiring and recent 1st round pick Mark Mitera’s development stalling, a defenceman is exactly what Anaheim needs. He’s not overly physical but surprisingly mobile for his size and his offensive game improved noticeably last season. There are some concerns that he was cut from the Under-18 team this year after making it as a 17 year old. |
How the pick was acquired: With D Luca Sbisa, F Joffrey Lupul, and PHI’s 1st round pick in 2009 (later traded) in exchange for D Chris Pronger and F Ryan Dingle. |
CSB: 29 (NA) ISS: 31 THN: 24 TSN: 36 |
| NS: "A very good balance of offensive and defensive abilities." |
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With the 30th overall pick, Chicago selects: Calvin Pickard, G, Seattle (WHL), 6’1", 195 lbs 62 GP, 16-34-12 record, 3.09 GAA, .914 SV%, 3 SO |
| The Stanley Cup champions have relatively good depth at most positions except in goal. Pickard would represent a good selection for the Hawks, and fits the current pro trend towards larger goalies. There have been some whisperings in the NHL grapevine that the Predators will attempt to select Pickard to form a potential brother duo in goal (Nashville drafted brother Chet Pickard in the first round of 2008). |
| Recent Top Picks: 2009: Dylan Olsen, D (28th overall) 2008: Kyle Beach, LW (11th overall) 2007: Patrick Kane, RW (1st overall) |
CSB: 1 (NA-G) ISS: 2 (G) THN: 27 TSN: 31 |
| BLR: "After a long Cup run, Chicago knows exactly what their biggest need is…and so does everyone else." |
Other serious first round candidates
There were a handful of other players whose names
came up at different points for consideration throughout the selection process.
Those were:
RW/C Charlie Coyle (South Shore, EJHL)
RW Stanislav Galiev (Saint John, QMJHL)
C Brock Nelson (Warroad, USHS)
C Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa, OHL)
Habs’ 2nd Round pick
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With the 57th overall pick, Montreal selects: Danny Biega, D, Harvard (ECAC), 6’0", 191 lbs 30 GP, 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, 45 PIMS |
| At this point, it’s quite difficult to project who may even be on the board but Biega fits a few elements the Habs like. He’s a steady player on both ends of the rink and played more physically this season. The Habs also would have seen him while keeping tabs on his teammate, Montreal’s 1st rounder last year, Louis Leblanc. |
| Other players considered here: C Michael Bournival (Shawinigan, QMJHL) D Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL) LW Maxim Kitsyn (Novokuznetsk, KHL) |
CSB: 46 (NA) ISS: 46 THN: 57 TSN: HM |
