NHL Draft: United We Stand

There is a very strong flavor expected to come out of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, as the United States Hockey League (USHL) is no longer a league that NHL executives can neglect when combing the nation for top talent. This year's crop of draft-eligible talent is the deepest the USHL has ever produced and the league should have a dramatic affect on the NHL draft. McKeen's has 36 USHL players ranked in our top-300 list and profiles them on the eve of the draft.

Nick Petrecki, D, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 17

A big defenseman with hulk-like strength and one of the nastiest mean streaks of the draft, Petrecki is arguably the most athletic defenseman available. His mobility is exceptional for a player of his size and he plays the game aggressively with and without the puck. His offense began to blossom this season but he appears to lack the natural instincts to be a puck moving defenseman at the next level. He's a character defenseman that intimidates the opposition and opens up the ice for his linemates. Petrecki has seen his stock fall lately because of a poor playoff and the fact that he wasn't invited to USA's World Junior Championship selection camp. He'll play for Boston College next fall.

Max Pacioretty, RW, Sioux City Musketeers, McKeen's Ranking: 20

No one rose more rapidly this season than this big and skilled power forward. Pacioretty was a dominant offensive threat in every game and really came on as a developing power forward, as the season progressed. He's a good skater for a big man and possesses soft hands. While he owns a quick shot, his bread and butter is exceptional playmaking ability. He's your prototypical power forward and has excellent upside. He'll attend the University of Michigan next fall and will be a great value pick if he slips outside of the top-20.

Patrick White, C, Tri-City Storm, McKeen's Ranking: 21

While he only played a limited amount of games in the USHL this season, White made his presence felt around the league for his offensive exploits. White has very few weaknesses and projects to be a good two-way center at the next level. His speed is deceptive and his offensive instincts are superb. He possesses soft hands and good poise with the puck. His ability to draw the defender to him and then execute a slick pass is his a special trait. White owns a quick and accurate shot but he's more than just a scorer, as he's defensively committed and aware. He should be a key contributor immediately when he joins the University of Minnesota next fall.

Kent Patterson, G, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, McKeen's Ranking: 53

The only knock on Patterson was that he wasn't able to wrestle the starting job away from Dallas Stars prospect Richard Bachman down the stretch. He's an athletic goaltender with an elite mental makeup and has very few weaknesses. One day older and he would've been eligible for the 2008 draft giving him terrific upside. His style of play is comparable to Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller. Patterson remains uncommitted, although he received interest from several colleges including some Ivy Schools, as he's a terrific student. He will be back in the USHL next season as the starting goaltender for the Rough Riders.

Colby Cohen, D, Lincoln Stars, McKeen's Ranking: 55

Cohen began the season playing for the USNTDP but less than a month into the season, he reported to the USHL to play for the Lincoln Stars, a move that benefited his draft status. He instantly became the leagues most feared offensive defender for his bone-rattling pointshot, exceptional puck movement, and offensive creativity. Cohen is a big kid with decent feet for a player his size and can play with a mean streak. The issue that will likely keep him out of the first round however, is a lackadaisical defensive game. Too often, he is caught watching the puck leading him into no man's land, as the opposition takes the puck to the net without contest. Cohen will play for the Boston University Terriers next season.

Brad Malone, C, Sioux Falls Stampede, McKeen's Ranking: 68

Malone came to the USHL as a highly touted prospect known for his powerful physical game coupled with a slick skill set. His stock slipped early in the season with dismal performances at the Buc-Bowl and USA Junior Jamboree, where his effort level wasn't up to par. He rebounded with a strong second half, as his offensive skill began to shine after using his big and powerful frame to his advantage more frequently. Malone is a smart two-way center with decent playmaking ability and good mobility for a player his size. He will need to improve his finishing ability to be more than a third-line center in the NHL. Malone will play for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux next season.

Aaron Palushaj, RW, Des Moines Buccaneers, McKeen's Ranking: 70

One of the more intriguing players eligible from the USHL, Palushaj was dominant early in the season and then again in the playoffs. Between those dominant spurts of play, Palushaj didn't carry the play much and saw his stock fall from out top-30, down to the 70's. He's comparable to a poor man's Thomas Vanek, as he leaves a lot to be desired away from the puck but few are better around the net. Scouts love his hand skill, poise with the puck, and ability to execute in traffic however, he will need to prove his sluggish skating and lack of size are non-issues at the next level, when he plays for the University of Michigan next fall.

Nick Larson, C/RW, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 73

While he only played a total of ten games with the Lancers, it was more than enough to catch the attention of McKeen's scouts, as he instantly shot himself to the top half of the second round in our rankings. Larson is your prototypical power forward with a big and strong body, a powerful stride, and a good reach to compliment his soft hands. The issue with Larson however, remains his unpredictability. He's very inconsistent, as one night he can be a gritty power forward taking the puck hard to the net, and then the next night, he isn't moving his feet and is a non-factor. He will have plenty of time to mature into a consistent force, as he will be attending the University of Minnesota next fall.

Ben Ryan, C, Des Moines Buccaneers, McKeen's Ranking: 81

The team that selects Ryan will be comfortable knowing what they will be getting, as he's a gritty and honest two-way center who leaves it all on the ice. His character and tenacious play are his standout qualities but he also possesses decent quickness and above average vision and playmaking ability. Ryan may never be a top-six forward in the NHL but if he can remain healthy and develop while playing for Notre Dame, he could become a solid third or fourth-line center.

Corey Tropp, RW, Sioux Falls Stampede, McKeen's Ranking: 85

Talk to any scout who saw Tropp playing Midget Hockey at the age of 15 and they will tell you they are shocked to see how far he has come in such a short time. The once lazy and sluggish winger has developed rapidly into one of the USHL's most feared offensive catalysts. Tropp is a dynamic, offensive talent from inside the blueline, as he's strong in traffic, has great hands, and is a deadly finisher and playmaker. Not much separates him from Palushaj besides a team's preference. Tropp saw his stock skyrocket with two great performances at key events. He was named the USHL All-Star Game MVP after scoring two goals and was the leading scorer for Clarkson Cup Champion - Sioux Falls Stampede in the regular season and playoffs. Tropp must improve his defensive game and skating when he attends Michigan State next season.

Jake Hansen, C, Sioux Falls Stampede, McKeen's Ranking: 93

Hansen joined the Stampede late in the season for their championship playoff run. While he was known for his end-to-end offensive exploits at the high school level, Hansen impressed scouts with his ability to adjust to the role of a checking-line center for the Stampede. Hansen is blessed with a great feel for the game and his puck sense is superb. His hands are soft and his lateral bursts are powerful making him a dynamic one-on-one threat. He's a gritty and fiery competitor who is just scratching the surface of his potential to develop into a solid two-way player at the next level. Hansen needs to work on his explosiveness and his finishing touch when he attends the University of Minnesota.

Blake Kessel, D, Waterloo Black Hawks, McKeen's Ranking: 106

The younger brother of Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel went from a long shot NCAA prospect last season, to a highly sought after NHL prospect this season. Blake is a big defenseman with no glaring weaknesses. His best attributes are his vision of the ice and mature puck movement. He makes a good head-man pass and he works the point well. He owns a quick shot and he does a great job of getting it through, making him a goal-scoring threat from the blueline. His mobility is okay but he's a strong defender because of his size and astute defensive positioning. Blake is an outspoken kid with good character and he will be one of the team captains for Waterloo next season, before attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall of 2008.

Michael Dorr, C, Des Moines Buccaneers, McKeen's Ranking: 113

Michael used the Des Moines Buccaneers as a before-and-after team while captaining his high school team during the season. Dorr broke out and put himself on many scouts' radar with a dominant performance against the USHL's best, at the USA Junior Jamboree where he used his speed and hand skill to go end-to-end before sending a laser past the unsuspecting goaltender. Dorr is a gritty two-way center with exceptional speed and a hard shot. While he may lack the vision and offensive instincts to play as a top-six forward in the NHL , he will still be a sought after player at the draft, as McKeen's believes he can develop into a good two-way center capable of killing penalties and at times, sparking the offense with his exceptional top gear and hard wristshot. Dorr is committed to the University of Minnesota.

Tristin Llewellyn, D, Tri-City Storm, McKeen's Ranking: 119

When scouts where projecting the 2007 draft class years ago, Llewellyn was seen as a top-five pick, after playing and holding his own in the USHL at the age of 14. Competing against players several years older than he was however, hindered his development and now Llewellyn won't be drafted until the mid-rounds. He's a perplexing prospect, as the strength of his game is his competitive and physical defensive game, although his decision-making in his own end leaves much to be desired. Besides his questionable hockey sense, Llewellyn has few weaknesses and some scouts view him as a smaller Mark Mitera. Llewellyn will attend the University of Michigan next fall.

Drew LeBlanc, C, Chicago Steel, McKeen's Ranking: 132

This St. Cloud State recruit saw his stock rise late in the season with a dominant performance at the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament and making a smooth transition to the USHL, after his high school season was completed. LeBlanc is an intuitive center with soft hands, great vision, and an abundance of offensive instincts. He anticipates the game well and the puck just seems to follow him. Nevertheless, he will need to improve on his speed, defensive game, and his play in traffic, as he was knocked off his feet too often.

Taylor Matson, C, Des Moines Buccaneers, McKeen's Ranking: 136

Matson was known around the scouting community at a young age, as his game was mature beyond his years and he was an early commit for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. While Matson has never emerged into the top-end offensive threat some had hoped, he is still a complete two-way player with good speed and hockey sense.

John Lee, D, Waterloo Black Hawks, McKeen's Ranking: 137

The younger brother of Ottawa Senators first-rounder and North Dakota Fighting Sioux defenseman Brian Lee, John played for the Blackhawks on a before-and-after basis. He's a lanky kid with a lively stride and heavy pointshot. Lee is a decent offensive defenseman and uses his speed well to compensate for some of his defensive deficiencies. At times, he can be too dependant on his speed, as he'll suffer mental lapses without the puck and be caught up the ice. Lee is extremely thin and will need to bulk up. He's committed to the University of Denver and could be the next in line of productive offensive defenseman to go through there system

Calle Ridderwall, C, Tri-City Storm, McKeen's Ranking: 154

This Swedish center was passed over at last years draft but he put himself on the map with a strong rookie season in the USHL, where he showed he could handle the rigors of the North American game. Ridderwall is blessed with an above average skill set and fluid mobility. His hands are soft and quick, and he's equally effective at creating a play or finishing it. He's still small and gets knocked off the puck too often but his resiliency is impressive, as he never quits going into traffic areas and always bounces back up on his feet. His defensive game needs improving but his character is off the charts and he is one of the most admired players in this draft class by his peers. He will join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish next season.

Dustin Gazley, RW, Sioux City Musketeers, McKeen's Ranking: 158

While Gazley is one of the smallest players in the USHL, he is arguably the fastest, helping him get noticed by NHL scouts. Some have compared his dynamic top gear and acceleration to New Jersey Devils forward Brian Gionta. Gazley is blessed with soft hands and offensive creativity to compliment his quick shot. He will need to improve his play away from the puck and in traffic areas but that is something that should come with time, as he will be attending Michigan State next fall.

Vincent LoVerde, D, Waterloo Black Hawks, McKeen's Ranking: 167

LoVerde was highly regarded early in the season and there where whispers of him going in the second round. He never lived up to the hype however, as his inconsistent play finally wore on the scouts and he saw his stock slip to the mid rounds. LoVerde has a little bit of everything, as he possesses the size, mobility, tenacity, and puck sense that NHL teams covet. The problem is he rarely used those gifts to be a force on the ice and was even a healthy scratch a few times down the stretch for the Black Hawks. He will need to work on his maturity next season, while he attends the University of Miami-Ohio.

Jordy Christian, C, Sioux Falls Stampede, McKeen's Ranking: 178

Christian is a St. Cloud State recruit and is a highly regarded Minnesota High School player that adjusted well late in the season to the pace of the USHL. While he is a bit on the small side, he plays hard and isn't afraid of getting his nose dirty. He generates most of his offense through his tireless work and his explosive, initial burst out of the gates. His hand skill is adequate but is nothing special, as he projects to be a gritty two-way player with his mature defensive commitment.

Jason Gregoire, LW, Lincoln Stars, McKeen's Ranking: 181

Originally, a verbal commit to Denver University, Gregoire changed his mind and decided to play for the University of North Dakota for the 2008 season. Jason battled injuries, which hurt his stock and exposure to scouts but those who saw him came away impressed with his superb anticipation and hockey sense. Gregoire killed penalties and was on the ice in critical defensive situations for the Stars when he was in the lineup, which speaks volumes about his impressive defensive play. He's also an offensive talent with soft hands and great puck sense. Jason sees the ice well and can be a creative playmaker and a precise finisher.

Podge Turnbull, LW, Waterloo Black Hawks, McKeen's Ranking: 183

Passed over at last summers draft, Turnbull has a realistic shot at being draft this year. He's a tenacious spark plug that has been compared to St. Louis Blues' 2005 first-round selection - T.J. Oshie. Turnbull comes to play every game and he's a fiery competitor who plays the game the way it is supposed to be. Offensively he is gifted with decent hands, a rocket wristshot, and he goes to the net hard as anyone. He isn't hesitant to play in traffic and his defensive game improved as the year progressed. He is committed to the University of Wisconsin.

Craig Smith, C, Waterloo Black Hawks, McKeen's Ranking: 191

While he may slip through the cracks and go un-drafted this year, here at McKeen's we believe that would be a mistake, as he has legitimate NHL potential. He's one of the youngest players eligible this year and hasn't even physically matured yet, despite his exceptional work ethic. His upside is endless, as he's a combative two-way center with great speed, soft hands, top-end hockey sense, and the ability to finish and create. He appears very similar to the raw but talented LA Kings 2006 first round draft pick Trevor Lewis, in his first draft year. Smith will return to the Black Hawks next season before playing for the Wisconsin Badgers in the fall of 2008.

Mark Olver, C, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 195

The younger brother of New York Rangers second-round selection Darin Olver, Mark plays a similar game to his older brother. He's a fast and sleek two-way center with a wicked wristshot. The concern is his size and while he's slippery one-on-one, he can still be pushed around. His defensive game is also in need of improvement while he attends the University of Northern Michigan.

Travis Erstad C, Lincoln Stars, McKeen's Ranking: 202

Erstad's upside is tremendous but his current play without the puck is horrendous, which makes him a high-risk, high-reward-type-of selection. He's a big lanky kid with a lot of room to add bulk and he's a superb skater for a big man. His hands are capable of some astonishing dangles and he combines that with a long reach to be a dynamic one-on-one threat. He over handles the puck though and despite being a creative playmaker when he wants to be, he comes off as a puck hog too often. He's still extremely raw, inconsistent, and his play on the defensive side of the puck is as poor as anyone's. He's all projection, as the hope remains that if he puts on another 20 pounds and learns how to use his size to drive through people instead of playing on the perimeter, he could be a real horse. If not he'll be a complete bust, but that will need to be seen several years from now as he will play next season for the Lincoln Stars before joining the Wisconsin Badgers in the fall of 2008.

Andrew Conboy, LW, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 214

Conboy looked like a man amongst boys on most nights this season for the Lancers. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Conboy is an intimidating physical presence who plays that hard-nosed style that we wish all big kids did. He forechecks hard and can land some devastating body checks. His skill set and mobility improved steadily all season and by the end of the year, his booming wristshot was amongst the most feared in the league. Conboy protects the puck well and loves to drive the net with vigor. While he was passed over at last summers draft, this year his physical game and lethal shot might be to much for a team not to take a chance on him in the latter rounds. He's committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Jack Downing, RW, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 221

Based on pure physical gifts, Jack Downing would be ranked much higher. The problem is his play was flat early in the season because he was playing with undiagnosed sports asthma. Once the medical issues where out of the way, Downing responded with a strong second half. He's a big kid with a commanding top gear, who is just scratching the surface of his potential. His hockey sense is the question mark, as is his below average vision of the ice. However, he owns a heavy wristshot and when he combines his speed with his power game, he can be a commanding presence. Downing is committed to the University of Vermont.

Barry Almeida, LW, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 222

Almeida is a small but gifted offensive winger that is committed to join the Boston College Eagles next season. Almeida wouldn't be described as a tenacious player but he doesn't back down from traffic areas and he goes to the net consistently. He's an offensive catalyst with soft hands and quick bursts of speed. He sees the ice well and is a creative playmaker. The two major concerns with Almeida is that while he's a quick skater, he lacks a top gear, and while his shot is accurate, it lacks velocity. His defensive game will also need to be upgraded, although this department of his game saw dramatic improvement as the year progressed.

Phil DeSimone, C, Sioux City Musketeers, McKeen's Ranking: 230

The second-leading scorer in the USHL this season, DeSimone is a classic late-bloomer that went from a solid two-way player two years ago, to an absolute dominant force this season. He was the best player at the Buc-Bowl early in the season and he only got better as the season went on. DeSimone is a big and powerful center with a swift stride and an underrated offensive game. He's a creative playmaker who can thread the needle with a slick pass, even at full speed. While his age might turn teams off, here at McKeen's, we believe he is just a late-bloomer and still has plenty of upside left in him to develop while he attends the University of New Hampshire.

Danny Hobbs, C, Ohio Junior Blue Jackets, McKeen's Ranking: 236

It was difficult for anyone to impress while playing on the dreadful expansion Junior Blue Jackets, but Hobbs caught the attention of NHL scouts with his consistent effort, decent size, and powerful skating stride. Hobbs is the type of center NHL teams covet, as he's strong kid with a great top gear, and a heavy wristshot. The team that selects him will be doing so believing if he was on a stronger team, he would've had a better year and the teams that pass up on him will do so believing despite his poor supporting cast, he should have been more productive. He's committed to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Tom Wingels, LW, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, McKeen's Ranking: 249

Wingels is a big and fast two-way forward who gives an honest effort at both ends of the ice. He has strong hockey sense and uses his size adequately to be a decent physical presence. Wingels moves the puck maturely and is a decent finisher from in close but he lacks the top-end skill to be drafted for his offensive exploits. He's a fluid skater and owns a good top gear, which he uses well with and without the puck. If Wingels is drafted, it will be for his mature game away from the puck and the hope that his offensive game continues to develop while attending University of Miami-Ohio.

Joe Beaudette, C, Omaha Lancers, McKeen's Ranking: 253

A tall and lanky center with a lively stride that produces a good top gear, Beaudette was known for his offensive exploits at the high school level but impressed scouts with his strong play as a checking line center late in the season for the Lancers. He owns a frame that is capable of adding another 15-20 pounds and his superb skating ability is already a huge asset. His hands are okay and while he owns a quick shot, he lacks the vision and creativity to emerge as a playmaker at the next level. Late in the year, his improved defensive commitment and physical game caught the attention of scouts and it might give him a chance at being selected this year.

Corey Chakeen, RW, Chicago Steel, McKeen's Ranking: 256

Chakeen is very young, as he's only a junior in high school and was stuck with the worst supporting cast in the league. That didn't stop him from impressing scouts night after night, as he's a fiery competitor who showed no quit in his game this season. Chakeen has an explosive initial burst, soft hands with creative one-on-one moves, and a heavy wristshot. He needs to work on his defensive awareness but he backchecks hard and he is always the first one in on the forecheck, as his grit is impressive. Chicago Steel's General Manager believes that there is a lot of upside in Chakeen, "We have him penciled in for a 30-goal year next season".

Stephen Schultz, C, Lincoln Stars, McKeen's Ranking: 287

Passed over at last years draft, Schultz impressed McKeen's chief scout Iain Morrell with his strong two-way play "One player that I keep coming back to is Stephen Schultz, he has quick feet, a good shot, he can create plays and his defensive game is mature". Schultz is committed to play for Colorado College next season.

Donnie Hallmark, C, Sioux City Musketeers, McKeen's Raking: 298

Hallmark impressed scouts early in the season with a ferocious and fearless Buc-Bowl performance. However, after being traded to three separate teams, he began to lose his offensive touch. Donnie is a gritty two-way center who can spark his team with his tenacious physical game. He throws his weight around recklessly and his mobility is above average. His offensive game is lacking and any team that selects him will be doing so for the toughness quotient he brings.

Baylor Dieter, D, Green Bay Gamblers, McKeen's Ranking: 299

Another player who could've been selected at last years draft but slipped through the cracks, Dieter has an outside shot at being selected this year. He's a big defenseman with decent mobility and defensive awareness. He plays with a physical edge but does a good job keeping it within reason. He moves the puck maturely but isn't creative enough to be a powerplay quarterback. Dieter owns a good pointshot but he is still learning how to utilize it properly.