Draft Update: Whos Hot/Whos Not

McKeen's regional correspondents sound off on select players eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

WHO'S HOT?

Niclas Andersen - D (Leksands)

"Very solid, strong and cooordinated frame. Smooth and mature he has made tremendous strides in his mobility and puck moving skills. Did not look out of place in his SEL debut. All-weather player." (Rank: 59)

Derick Brassard - C (Drummondville)

"Pure offensive talent was dominating the 'Q' prior to breaking his hand. Always seems to be a step ahead mentally and possesses the mitts and feet to execute his ideas. His stock is skyrocketing" (Rank: 10)

Riku Helenius - G (Ilves)

"Could realistically close in on the first round by the time it's all said and done. Always a great athlete and quite raw in earlier viewings but has made tremendous strides to his technique." (Rank: 62)

Ryan Hillier - LW (Halifax)

"Surprisingly skilled after looking very ordinary last year. A deceptive skater without great breakaway gear, but he's nifty and quick. An excellent passer, with soft hands and delivers pucks onto sticks from any zone or corner. He's brainy, maneuvers nicely in traffic, strong lower body and head always on a swivel." (Rank: 38)

Leland Irving - G (Everett)

"This was the first viewing of him this year for me and I was amazed by his fundamentals. So calm and composed - nothing seems to rattle him. Strong makeup allows him to bounce back after a bad goal. Didn't see him give up one juicy rebound." (Rank: 23)

Robin Lindqvist - C (Lulea)

"Got passed up last year but is much improved this time around. Most consistent physical force in Swedish juniors right now. Strong on the puck, knows how to execute a hit with excellent timing and purpose. Faster, smoother and has added an improved shot to his arsenal. One of the more improved prospects this season." (Rank: NA)

Tomas Prostrednik - D (Slavia Praha)

"Had some injury problems but is healthy and has looked good lately. He's a reliable defensive workhorse with a keen mind and emerging outlet passing skills. I like that he's bulked up and is starting to play physically. He will get consideration on draft day if continues to develop at this pace." (Rank: NA)

Joey Ryan - D (Quebec)

"Love the tough-nosed approach. Very solid man-on-man, giving the attacker very little room to operate. Big, strong and cleats the zone. Has had issues with consistency in the past where he stopped moving his feet, but he looks ready to break out." (Rank: 52)

Bob Sanguinetti - D (Owen Sound)

"Excellent skater with magnificent poise and the ability to control the flow of the game from the point. Loved the way he neutralized Bryan Little one-on-one by staying back and matching him stride for stride." (Rank: 13)

Mike Weber - D (Windsor)

"Shows the potential to be a powerful player but would move up the charts more if he was less passive. Long stick, rocket slap shot, sturdy skater. Love that he's never drawn into doing something impulsive. First few steps could be more explosive." (Rank: 45)

Ty Wishart - D (Prince George)

"Tall as a tree and can skate. Smart, efficient rearguard and has improved his lateral mobility. Has a nice first step that really surprises forwards on the attack. His vision is only average." (Rank: 35)

WHO'S NOT?

Michael Dupont - G (Baie Comeau)

"Shaky and fighting the puck and seems to be losing the confidence of the coaching staff. Spends too much time on his knees. Poor start for a guy who I initially saw as among the top QMJHL goalies for the draft." (Rank: NA)

Nick Foligno - C/W (Sudbury)

"I see exciting potential here but the desperation and the competitiveness that I saw last year is missing. He is too lackadaisical and lazy on the forecheck and has made poor decisions with the puck. If he gets his head in the game there is still hope for him to go in the first round." (Rank: 46)

Tony Lagerstrom - C (Sodertalje)

"He's solid and mature but the guy isn't even carrying Sodertalje's offense in juniors. He's played around guys like Kopitar and Bergfors before and they made him look better than he really is. I don't see much explosiveness nor good hands but he's dependable enough to go on day one of the draft." (Rank: 88)

Alex Lamontagne - D (Bathurst)

"Big, hulking kid is very slowly learning how to use his size. Has not made the requisite strides - kind of awkward and pilon-ish and does not play with the edge necessary of him. Took some awful penalties to boot." (Rank: NA)

Thomas Larsson - LW (Skelleftea)

"His attitude is concern - he skilled and cocky but in a way that he is becoming a distraction on his team. Doesn't work hard enough at all times to succeed and he has to in order to take the next step." (Rank: NA)

Oskar Osala - LW (Mississauga)

"An interesting package of size and not-yet-seen grit. He is going through a tough adjustment period in his first year in North America, so we are being extra careful to not dismiss him. At his best this kid is a 6-foot-4 nasty piece of work. Greg Gilbert is working hard with him and has told me that he is happy with the progress Osala is making. Indeed, his production is picking up but he is still a faller." (Rank: 95)

Roman Stasa - LW (Kometa Brno)

"He was a name to watch a couple of years ago, but has hit a wall this season. Just lacking in determination, shows no spark and floats on the periphery. Has been an impact player at most levels of his career but his puck skills have not developed." (Rank: NA)

The '06 Russian Class

"Oh, boy. Second down year in a row for the Russians and this one was not without promise. (Andrei) Popov has been a big, fat bust. (Alexander) Vasyunov is looking a bit better but is still too easily distracted for my liking. Just saw (Yuri) Alexandrov and he looked very undisciplined. (Artem) Anisimov's skills didn't impress me at all, while (Maxim) Mamin can't skate worth a lick. A couple of success stories are (Vladimir) Zharkov who is really good and diligent, as well as (Alexander) Ryabev who is skilled and doesn't take shifts off."