NHL Draft: Profiles 61-65
61. John Negrin D, Kootenay (WHL)
Negrin has a big pro body and has
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decent mobility - not too polished but a good overall skater. He
mishandles the puck at times, but can be effective going from
defence to offence when he's got time to use his quickness.
Nice feet, he has the potential to be a responsible stay-at-home
defenceman with good skating range and stride. Has a hard
point shot, although his vision and passing skills aren't strong
enough to make him a power play quarterback. His ranking
dropped as the season went on, never quite rebounding from an
early injury which made him a bit more tentative physically in the
eyes of the scouts. Negrin competed for Canada at the recent
Under-18's, and displayed some defensive inconsistencies and a
lack of physical play given his size.
62. Kevin Marshall D, Lewiston (QMJHL)
If you were to use one
word to describe the Lewiston defender it would have to be "competitive."
A hard nosed player, not the most talented, but hardworking.
His stride isn't that bad. He looks like a third rounder
because of his limited upside, but an early third rounder given his
character and grit. As long as you are not expecting elite skill
and creativity he's a coach's dream. Scouts wonder if he will be
able to play the same physical style at the pro level given his
average size. Has questionable puckhandling skills, but usually
makes the safe if unspectacular play. He's not great laterally but
has decent skating abilities in a straight line.
63. Cade Fairchild D, NTDP (USA)
A great outlet player on his
first pass, with a strong, smooth stride, Fairchild likes to jump into
the attack, and can be a patient one-on-one defender,
defending well with his quick stick. Occasionally he bites off
more than he can chew given his size, and has a habit of facing
the wrong way in his own zone. He needs to improve his defensive
zone technique, taking poor angles defending, and doesn't
have the backward mobility to match outside speed or the size to
contain larger opponents. He takes chances offensively, usually
for the good, sometimes to the team's detriment. Fairchild is
skilled with the puck, and played on the Under-18 team's top
power play unit, leading all defenceman in tournament scoring
with seven points.
64. Spencer Machacek RW, Vancouver (WHL)
Machacek continued to
impress scouts with his non-stop motor. While not the most
offensively gifted player, he's always in the middle of the play.
"He's a really hard working kid, but he's not a scorer," said a
scout. "He never stops, but he's not the most skilled and not
what you'd call a dangler. He might be a great fit as an energy
player on a third line some day." Machacek is effective on the
penalty kill, bringing great determination and smarts; he skates
back hard, and displays strong forechecking abilities. While not
a great finisher, Machacek creates scoring chances with his
effort. "There's lots to like about him - he looks like a third-round
guy, perhaps top 60."
65. Casey Pierro-Zabotel RW, Merritt (BCHL)
Good at shielding the puck,
he's a shooter, and doesn't hesitate to shoot. He uses his beefy
frame to shield the puck. He needs to work on turns, and making
sharper cuts, very good in the crease area, tough to move. Not a
pretty stride, but he has long extensions, and deceptive top
speed. He sets up in the slot and gets ready for a one timer -
like a Tim Kerr in that sense. He's strong, and moves the puck
well along the wall; he's opportunistic. He's very at home around
the net. Not a bad skater, but he lacks fast feet, and has been
accused of being a lazy player. In 55 games this season, Pierro-
Zabotel tore up the BCHL with 51 goals and 116 points.