Draft Confidential 1: The Boedker Identity

Mikkel Boedker (Kitchener) - This Dane's all finesse, but what finesse! Smart, swift, elegant, subtly-skilled, and does everything with such ease and grace that it appears he's not really firing on all cylinders yet... He also goes out of his way to avoid contact of any kind like doing drive-by's through scoring areas and the like. However he's starting to hold the puck longer and gradually appears to be getting more comfortable with physical play. Is it fear or just great self-preservation ability? We'll find out in the playoffs. Playing behind the Rangers' smokin-hot top line of Azevedo, Halischuk and Spaling has allowed Boedker to operate in the shadows somewhat.

Joe Colborne (Camrose) - Definitely looks stronger, lighter and more balanced on his feet now than he did a year ago, which has allowed him to better exploit his main assets - namely his quick, soft hands and gigantic wingspan. His exceptional puck control in and around his body combined with his slick shooting skills are reminiscent a bit of James van Riemsdyk. I'd like to see bigger spikes in intensity though. He goes flat and gets overpowered by more determined opponents. His timid physical nature will leave some wanting, however his performance at the World Jr A Challenge helped to alleviate concerns somewhat as he displayed a greater willingness to park his huge frame in front of the net and take abuse. It's a very attractive package looking long term.

Zac Dalpe (Penticton) - Looked like he had a jetpack attached to his back at the WJAC. A hat trick in the gold-medal game - doesn't get much better than that. Dalpe's skating style harkened back to the days of Denis Savard, especially in terms of his lateral movement and 180-degree turns. He lunges his body forward on his stride like he's perpetually crossing a finish line. Energetic with very good hand skills. Harnessed within a lean, wiry frame is an infectious eagerness and desire to achieve. What separates Dalpe from the pack is his ability to execute with precision at full speed. His physical play has also been bolstered by a sudden growth spurt which saw him shoot up close to six inches after going undrafted in the 2005 OHL draft while skating with the minor midget Brantford 99ers (67-24-18-42, 12 PIM). One to watch.

Eric Mestery (Tri-City) - Tall, silky-skating rearguard who wasn't too involved last season as a rookie, but looks like he's coming out of his shell now. He's shown more aggression defensively, trying to use his large frame, and is also proactively pinching in offensively along the walls. His skating catches your eye - beautiful, natural stride, very comfortable moving backwards and appears to possess strong overall agility. Adding muscle to his wiry frame is essential, and should allow him to become an even stronger skater. His puckhandling also has a ways to go as he does a lot of bobbling and doesn't always hit the mark with his outlet passes.

Mikhail Stefanovich (Quebec) - He's got some Thomas Vanek is his skating style and mechanics. His first steps need to get quicker and his turns more fluid, but he's flashed a straightaway acceleration gear that is most enticing. Like Vanek, he possesses a unique ability to magically summon bursts of speed when a scoring opportunity appears. Quick-handed and very adept at disguising his intentions. One thing that caught my attention was his penchant for steering away from scoring areas. He needs to learn how to hang around for second-chance opportunities rather than flowing by the net.

Colin Wilson (Boston University) - About the only area in need of upgrading is overall quickness. Aside from adding some explosiveness to his stride, this kid's a very complete package. Size, skill, aggressiveness, physical tact. What caught my eye immediately was his maturity level. Most kids his age are chasing the play but Wilson looks right at home with the NCAA pace, exceptionally composed in scoring areas and making smart, un-harried decisions in all zones. His ability to protect the puck down low and create separation are prime commodities in today's NHL.

ON THE RADAR

KASPARS GHOST: Word is to keep an eye out for Latvian left-winger Edgars Ulescenko who is said to be "much stranger in all aspects" as compared to fellow countryman Kaspars Daugavins (Ott) at the same age. Ulescenko spent five years in the Czech Republic with Sparta Prague before returning home this season to play with senior club LSPA Riga. He actually made his senior debut as a 15-year-old and was an instant hit with three goals and six points in just five games. A speedy goal-scorer who plays with plenty of grit and aggression, Ulescenko also possesses soft hands and good hockey sense. He already speaks English and is very determined to become an NHLer some day.

A DAY AT THE BEACH: We received raves from the west on the early-season play of Everett forward Kyle Beach but the enthusiasm has tempered thanks to some disappointing recent performances. Is there another word for 'rude'? Abrasive, immature, hot-tempered - pick your adjective. Despite his obvious puck talents, we are leery of players who possess the inherent ability to wake up the sleeping opposition. Frequently he goes out of his way to brutalize an opponent with a nasty hit. Can he control his temper and learn not to cross the line? Will he learn to selectively choose smarter times to take out his frustrations? Inquiring NHL minds will need to know.

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