NHL DRAFT: Spring Update - Scouts Corner

Spring Update - Scout's Corner (posted 3.22.06)

by mckeenshockey.com

A selection of comments from the McKeen's staff regarding the recent progress of some notable `06 draft candidates. (current overall ranking listed in brackets).

Contributors: Jante Abrahamsson, Evgeny Belashchenko, David Burstyn, Mike Chisholm, Rich Dillon, Dave Fortier, Max Giese, Ron Jones, Patrick King, Cory Kornelsen, Derrick LeBlanc, Vincent Montalbano, Iain Morrell, Robert Neuhauser, Chris Parsley, Sharon Stead, Mikko Vuori

TOP 100 PROSPECTS

Matt Beleskey (LW) Belleville

- Power forward has progressed well this season, though somewhat differently than some had expected perhaps. His stock has been rising throughout the second half. He shows a lot of heart and may be able to improve his skating with the right coaching/training. [Rank: 71]

Andrew Bodnarchuk (D) Halifax

- I would seriously think about taking him ahead of Mathieu Carle at this point. Andrew has a good skill set in place and just needs time and experience. His skating will take him a long way. [Rank: 73]

Francois Bouchard (RW) Baie-Comeau

- Highly skilled playmaker has come out of nowhere to be among the top 10 in Q scoring. Plays bigger than his size indicates he should, but still needs work on his skating. [Rank: 42]

Derick Brassard (C) Drummondville

- I love his ability to singlehandedly take over a game. Possesses great speed and isn't afraid to get his nose dirty to score. [Rank: 8]

Codey Burki (C) Brandon

- One of the better eligible prospects in the league. Possesses excellent hockey sense and playmaking potential. He's certainly moved well ahead of Holzapfel and Calla since his coming-out party at the Top Prospects Game. [Rank: 22]

Mathieu Carle (D) Acadie-Bathurst

- Continues to shine in the offensive end, but defensively he's struggled. Hasn't shown the same strength nor work effort that he showed in the early going. Besides losing the man-on-man battles and tending to get caught out of position, he's also demonstrated a lack of speed and conditioning. [Rank: 69]

Cal Clutterbuck (RW) Oshawa

- Could be this year's Steve Downie though he still lacks the same presence of mind with the puck. Can't ask for much more in a package though - strong and quick skater, excellent inside skills, and a kamikaze physical game. Love this pick in the first round. [Rank: 24]

Cory Emmerton (C) Kingston

- People don't realize how good of a shooter this guy is. He generates a ton of assists from his slapper whether it's off the rush or playing the left point on the power play. Defenders back off as they know he has an extra top gear and his finishing skills are so effortless that he makes scoring appear more routine than it actually is. [Rank: 19]

Mitch Fadden (C) Lethbridge

- Shown a lot of promise since being traded to Lethbridge and has been singlehandedly creating offense for his new team. Several times has been the best player on the ice in terms of creating chances.. Exceptional playmaking instincts, excellent speed, and the potential to be a solid contributor at the next level. [Rank: 99]

David Fischer (D) Apple Valley

- Named Minnesota's Mr. Hockey for 2006 and AP Player of the Year. Effortless skater, great passer with speed, poise and an extended wingspan which he really knows how to exploit when eluding checkers. A much more polished and well-rounded player than teammate Kyle Medvec. [Rank: 23]

Robin Figren (RW) Vastra Frolunda

- His stock is on the rise. He has found a more aggressive approach in his game over the last couple of months which has made him an effective offensive presence. [Rank: 74]

Claude Giroux (RW) Gatineau

- Upstart rookie didn't slump all season, breaking the 100-point barrier which has gained him consideration for the early part of the draft. A highly gifted playmaker with speed and a quick accurate release. [Rank: 29]

Josh Godfrey (D) Sault Ste Marie

- Zooming up the charts since his trade from Guelph. Rugged, strong-skating defender boasts excellent one-on-one defensive skills and a booming shot. Decent puckhandler with a smooth stride plus impressive first-step quickness and lateral agility. Plays a heightened physical game the closer he gets to the boards. Would like to see him try and integrate himself more into the offense, which should come next season [Rank: 89]

Chad Greenan (D) Kootenay

- A true super-sleeper from the WHL. An absolute workhorse with tremendous untapped upside. Will make one team look very smart when they steal him in the second or third round. [Rank: 83]

Eric Gryba (D) Green Bay

- Big blueliner hits like a truck, but hasn't shown much in the way of an offensive upside. He's now a fine skater which is an area that improved significantly as the year progressed. With further off-ice work, skating could turn into one of his strengths. Not at a Braydon Coburn level yet, but he's close. [Rank: 58]

Ryan Hillier (LW) Halifax

- The guy just won't be denied. Not the most skilled available in the draft but his desire to win combined with his work ethic should make him a hot commodity on draft day. There's also some leadership qualities already in place. Will be most effective on a line with a couple of finishers because he'll do all the dirty work. [Rank: 32]

Bobby Hughes (C) Kingston

- The Fronts have been a different team since Hughes went out with an injury earlier this month. He really had blossomed into one of the league's most dangerous scorers and was going end-to-end on a regular basis. Not the biggest guy though and must work to round out his game still. [Rank: 26]

Erik Johnson (D) USNTDP

- His strength and physical intensity is what separates him from the pack. He's everything you could ask for in a defenseman. Mean, aggressive, a 'take-charge' leader with the speed to join the rush plus a huge, powerful frame that he loves to punish and intimidate with. There's little doubt he will mature into a top-line NHL defender once his game is fully polished. [Rank: 1]

David Kveton (RW) Vsetin

- His physical assertiveness and desire to play in the NHL remain serious issues. Fearful against physically-mature senior opponents, doesn't initiate any contact, and hides from tight traffic areas - not good signs! [Rank: 75]

Pierre-Luc Lessard (D) Gatineau

- Brings the type of well-rounded game that NHL teams will be looking harder at now. He's a pretty complete package aside from the size and strength (6-0/180), but those areas can be worked at. He's a good skater, competes well physically, and possesses above-average puckhandling and offensive abilities. A guy who can contribute in all areas. [Rank: 91]

Trevor Lewis (C) Des Moines

- Even without Okposo, he is a fine playmaker with the ability to carry things through to the finish. He's not the hard-hitting physical force that Kyle is, but he's strong on his skates and I absolutely love his speed and shot. [Rank: 40]

Bryan Little (C) Barrie

- Plays a solid two-way game and has a lethal shot on the PP just above the face-off circle. In a relatively weak OHL draft crop, Little has proven that his perseverance and willingness to compete are unchallenged by the league's other top prospects. [Rank: 14]

Mark Mitera (D) Michigan

- Hulking freshman has size, technical smarts and a pretty rugged physical game, but he gets burned a lot off the rush, and has had trouble containing quicker forwards off the cycle. His footspeed in terms of acceleration and turning speed in particular, needs to get better. [Rank: 45]

Ben Maxwell (C) Kootenay

- Will need to make plenty of adjustments if he's going to be successful at the next level. He's a great stickhandler but he's a bit soft. I think he's going to have difficulty because much of his game is based on anticipation and surprising defenders. How will he fare when the competition gets tougher? [Rank: 44]

Jamie McGinn (LW) Ottawa

- While not a drastic growth in development, he's come along nicely again this year. Smart and solid in all aspects of the game while not being great at any particular thing. Still, with his tools and hockey sense, I could see him developing into a fine complementary NHLer. [Rank: 60]

Kyle Okposo (RW) Des Moines

- Will thrive in the pro game. He is such a strong skater, effective in traffic, and both a good finisher and set-up man. Also does all the hard grinding stuff for a team. Any coach would love to have such a skilled player work so hard. [Rank: 7]

Joey Ryan (D) Quebec

- Nice blend of skill and physical play on the blueline. He's had a strong second half and will increase his stock even more with a long playoff run. [Rank: 35]

Billy Sauer (G) Michigan

- Literally thrown to the Wolverines too early thanks to Al Montoya's pro defection. Sauer has hit the normal high's and low's experienced by most 17-year-old Div I freshmen (turned 18 in January). Sometimes overaggressive and other times too passive, he just needs time to learn how to properly use his natural athletic gifts. [Rank: 28]

James Sheppard (C) Cape Breton

- Despite skating concerns and a lack of physical play, Sheppard could be this year's Ryan Getzlaf if he gets a little more aggressive. Sheppard has that innate ability to hold onto the puck to the last second to allow his linemates to get open, and makes passes that

remind you of a young Joe Thornton. [Rank: 9]

Felix Schutz (C) Saint John

- Shifty skater is fun to watch. Best player on a poor Sea Dogs team, he's caught the attention of scouts in the second half. He's better defensively than most his age and is very dangerous shorthanded. [Rank: 53]

Ben Shutron (D) Kingston

- Tries to do too much simply because he can - relies on his elite agility and quickness to bail himself out of jams or recover from careless turnovers. His physical play has progressed though - he's stronger and tougher in front of his net, but what really excites me is his offensive vision and execution off the rush - great pace. [Rank: 30]

Jordan Staal (C) Peterborough

- Projecting ahead 3-5 years, I'm confident he'll turn out to be a special player at the next level - and quite possibly the best forward from his draft class. He's grown a lot and improved so much in all facets of his play this season, but the scary thing is he's still a long way from putting the full package together. [Rank: 2]

Bryce Swan (RW) Halifax

- A gritty two-way forward with a very good scoring touch. Plays aggressively and isn't shy about throwing his weight around. Quick on his feet and can be counted on to deliver a solid performance in all areas of the ice. [Rank: 87]

Jiri Tlusty (LW) Kladno

- Progressing rapidly over recent weeks and is now a regular goalscorer on the senior level. The most impressive shooter among the Czech 2006 eligibles. Hits hard, plays a team-orientated game, and displays defensive maturity beyond his age. His dedication is paying off - a definite riser. [Rank: 13]

Ryan Turek (D/C) Omaha

- Meat-n-potatoes player with impressive speed, grit and finishing ability. Possesses a great work ethic and versatility as he can seamlessly shift between center and defense. I actually prefer him at the back as he has exceptional poise with the puck and is one of the better outlet players available in this draft. Michigan State will love him. [Rank: 62]

Semen Varlamov (G) Yaroslavl

- Best goalie to come out of Russia since Ilya Bryzgalov. Varlamov possesses good reactions, excellent mobility, and his positioning is very strong. One area that could stand improvement is to challenge shooters more. He starred for Russia at the U18 4-Nations Tournament in Mytische, where he was named Top Goalie as well as Tournament MVP, allowing just 2 goals in 4 games. [Rank: 70]

Ivan Vishnevsky (D) Rouyn Noranda

- After Sanguinetti, Vishnevsky may very well be the best offensive d-man available in the draft. At this stage in the game, he may also be stronger defensively then Ben Shutron, though he still has room for improvement in those areas. [Rank: 21]

Mike Weber (D) Windsor

- What you see is sort of what you get with Weber. A big, strong, mobile defender who plays a simple, defense-first game. Could do much more than he does though, especially in terms of punishing opponents in his own end. His physical game seems to have actually regressed since the start of the season. [Rank: 38]

Ryan White (C) Calgary

- Possesses tremendous potential as a solid, all-around pro player. He's got a great shot and a real keen sense for how to play the game in the tough areas. His lack of footspeed is a concern though and is holding him from the top-half of the first round. [Rank: 27]

Ty Wishart (D) Prince George

- It's just too hard to resist his combination of size, mobility and strong defensive play. He certainly should be up there with Williams and Sanguinetti. Seems to be one of those players who will get substantially better over the next few seasons as well. [Rank: 15]

Vladimir Zharkov (RW) CSKA Moscow

- A very good prospect, I really liked what I saw in him during a recent viewing, though it's highly debatable whether he's the best Russian available for the draft - there are differing opinions with this year's crop for sure. I still might prefer Yuri Alexandrov. [Rank: 25]

OTHER DRAFT CANDIDATES

(in alphabetical order)

Phil Axtell (LW) Cedar Rapids

- Among the USHL leaders in powerplay goals thanks to a huge shot from the point and his ability to screen goalies with that colossal frame. Strong on his skates, but lacks speed and conditioning. Might find his forte to be on the blueline.

Eric Baier (D) Taft

- A junior already committed to Dartmouth is excellent offensively, but has problems defensively. Could turn out to be a solid defenseman who needs time to improve. Another year with coach, Dan Murphy, a former defenseman at the University of Maine, can only help.

Patrik Berglund (C) Vasteras

- Things are starting to come together for the big 6-foot-3 center. He's scored a couple of goals playing against the senior men and is gradually smoothing up the rough edges in his game.

Alex Biega (D) Salisbury

- Turned in an excellent playoff performance in the semi-finals and especially the finals. A tremendous player whose lack of size shouldn't scare off scouts too much. Named All-New England West.

Alexander Bumagin (RW) Lada Togliatti

- Surprisingly bypassed at last year's draft, Bumagin has emerged as a big part of the offense for the cash-strapped Lada club. Just a joy to watch lately.

Matthew Cline (C) Red Deer

- This kid doesn't do much of anything. He has good size, however has trouble putting two passes together, and doesn't exactly jump out at you with NHL potential. Just can't see what role he'd play at the next level.

Zach Cohen (LW) Tri-City

- Grinder type who could make it as a role player. Plays the power forward game well by being physical on the forecheck, strong on the cycle, and always willing in front of the net. Surprises with his skill, but it's his size and determination that makes him so effective.

Chad Costello (RW) Cedar Rapids

- One of the USHL's top scorers this season. His speed and maneuverability are both strengths, and he plays a hard, clean game. However, his smaller size may lessen his value at higher levels of play. Adding more bulk to his frame will help.

Joe Devin (C), Mike Devin (D) Catholic Memorial

- The Devin twins are on a dominant Catholic Memorial team that plays against average high school players. It's hard to tell whether they would stand out playing against bigger and better players. They didn't make much of a case for themselves in my viewings.

Sean Dolan (C) Cedar Rapids

- Skated with his head down the other night and received a huge open-ice hit and a collision with a teammate. Skates around, but doesn't do anything else. Should really be way beyond this stage in his development. Still unwilling to use his size and take full advantage of his skills, which are actually quite decent.

Sebastian Eriksson (C) Brynas

- Has emerged as a late wildcard. Kind of lanky and not very physical, but is a very smart player with quick lateral movement and soft hands. Have been a huge factor for Brynas in the junior league lately.

Michael Griffin (C) Noble & Greenough

- Did nothing to improve his draft stock after an overall quiet playoffs. He plays a solid game, but nothing really stands out.

Chris Huxley (D) Noble & Greenough

- A lot of scouts were at the playoff game between Nobles and Taft to see Huxley attempt three risky cross-ice passes in his own zone and get one picked off which almost turned into a goal against. Offensively he is excellent, but his defense needs work.

Derrick LaPoint (D) Eau Claire North

- Tall, lanky defender with excellent hockey sense. Plays almost every minute for a mediocre team which he managed to carry to the state playoffs. Exceptional puck movement and raw ability but needs to add bulk and better physical play.

Thomas Larsson (C) Skelleftea

- Mental skill is just as important as stickhandling or skating, and getting a suspension from the national team for bashing a referee after the game is, right or wrong, not a proof of a strong mental game.

Kris Lazaruk (G) Kootenay

- Possesses some of the quickest feet in the draft. If he works on his patience and positioning, he will be a big steal for a team in a few years. Tons of potential here and could emerge as one of the best goaltenders taken from the WHL this year.

Igor Makarov (RW) Krylja Sovetov

- Falling like a rock. Among the better-known Russians entering the `05-6 season and actually performed quite well at the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge, but has since lost his way. Work ethic has all but disappeared and he was even demoted to juniors after appearing to get into a conflict with the Soviet Wings coach.

Brad Marchand (C) Moncton

- Small in height but big on work ethic - at least with Ted Nolan as his coach! Marchand has excelled on the power play and has improved throughout the year. Will be fine as long as he continues to be willing to pay the price.

Gavin McHale (G) Lethbridge

- Might get drafted due to size, however he isn't very mobile and lost the starting job to a younger Justin Leclerc.

Todd McIlrath (C) Indiana

- Injured again in `05-6 but is back in top form and may be one of the better-kept secrets for this draft. Very speedy skater with excellent conditioning, able to go end to end and drive to the net. Always a threat when he has the puck, clever passer and playmaker. His sneakiness and puckmoving skills are enjoyable to watch.

Patrik Prokop (D) Vitkovice

- Returned back from his recent knee injury in unimpressive shape. Failed to upgrade on his skating ability in recent weeks, essential for a smallish defenseman like him. Supports the offense but is inconsistent in passing accuracy. As well, he can't get along with his junior coach very well.

Kevin Quick (D) Salisbury

- Delivered a solid playoff showing playing alongside of Alex Biega. Does not have many holes in his game. Also named All-New England West.

James Reimer (G) Red Deer

- Performed well for a weak team and is flying well below the radar. An economical and technically proficient goalie who relies on his solid positioning and huge frame to block off the net. Keeps his upper body square while he moves and possesses excellent flexibility.

Garrett Roe (LW) Indiana

- Fast, agile skater able to turn on a dime, even at top speed. Very impressive work ethic, athleticism, and, despite being undersized, wins battles along the boards and in the corners. Protects the puck well and is very adept at takeaways. A player who can go around or through an opponent.

Andrew Rowe (LW) Sioux City

- Well-rounded player when he plays a physical game. However, he tends to lurk a little too much on the perimeter and stays out of the corners. Strong skater with a lot of potential and upside. Needs to fill out a bit and gain some size/strength to match his frame.

David Ruzicka (D) Kladno

- Shows at least glimpses of promise which have helped halt his sagging stock. A player who tends to be overrated, Ruzicka is likely to be selected on the first day of the draft, but his play reveals his potential worth a selection in the fourth round at his point.

Ryan Scott (D) Indiana

- Massive sleeper at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. Possesses solid stickhandling skills and a booming shot from the point. Good acceleration with a long, smooth stride once he gets going. Offensive instincts are still developing, needs to make sure he can still cover his end if he joins the rush. Fits the mold of a punishing defender.

Timo Seppanen (D) HIFK Helsinki

- Offensive defenseman had a few problems at the World Juniors, but has picked up his game a lot during the spring season. An `87-born.

Alexei Shvalev (D) Yaroslavl

- Strong, up-and-coming `87-born blueliner who's playing very well for Lokomotiv in the Super League.

Marek Simko (G) Zvolen

- The top Slovak netminder for `06 by a fair margin. Solidified his spot with a solid showing on the February Under-18 tournament. Quick and progressing on his play with his glove. Conversely, a diminutive frame spoils his pro potential in a serious way.

Shane Sims (D) Des Moines

- Seems to be under everyone's radar. Boasts solid size, a huge shot from the point, and just continues to get better. Nothing that flashy but continuously makes strong plays in all three zones.

Viktor Sjodin (LW) Vasteras

- Not the quickest nor the smoothest of skaters, but you have to admire his willingness to compete every shift. Likes the physical side and being in traffic in front of the net, and his hands are not bad.

Ben Smith (C) Westminster

- Led a team of unknowns at Westminster to a playoff spot. Named All-New England West and is only going to get better at Boston College.

Jiri Suchy (D) Halifax

- A big, hard-hitting machine with a solidly-built fame. Always willing to deliver the big hit and his defensive game is solid all-around, though his one-on-one abilities need improvement. Also displays good offensive awareness. Could develop into a solid pro defender for a patient NHL team.

Viktor Tikhonov (RW) Dmitrov

- The grandson of legendary Russian coach Viktor Tikhonov has grown quite a bit mentally and physically over the past six months, sprouting up to six-foot-three. Despite being one of the youngest forwards on Dmitrov of the High League (Rus 2), Tikhonov has emerged as a leader on the ice and in scoring. A clever player who does the little things and plays a strong team-oriented game. However, he needs to fill out his skinny frame and work hard to continue improving his skating as he doesn't yet have the power in his legs and lacks a strong top speed.

Jakub Valsky (RW) Kladno

- Progressed on his offensive ability during the last month, stepping up when the leaders of the junior team were promoted to the senior squad. Better agility on his skates makes it easier for him to sneak into the scoring chances. Returns back to help out the defense regularly, though is still a longshot to be selected in the draft.

Petteri Wirtanen (C) HPK

- Two-way center played well at the World Juniors and has continued to get better and better in the SM-Liiga. An `86-born whose impressive development may earn a draft selection.

Colton YellowHorn (LW) Lethbridge

- Surprisingly went undrafted last year, but could be selected this time around. Displays a load of offensive potential and has been even converted to defense of late.

Marek Zukal (D) Senica

- The international stage revealed holes in his game as he wasn't able to handle the higher pace of international games in both mobility and his reading of the plays. Likely buried his chances of getting drafted as a possible wildcard.