This or That

Here are a few random comments from our scouting staff on the progress of other draft eligibles:

- Steve Gionet on Oskars Bartulis (Moncton): “Latvian import switched from forward to defense, and is catching on fast to his new position. A talented two way player, he can generate offense from the point, but seems to be holding back early in his North American debut, concentrating mainly on his defensive duties. Look for this guy to enjoy a big breakout in the second half possibly.”

- Christa Moore on Dan Bertram (Boston College): “Bertram’s the youngest player in the NCAA and is playing on the top line of one of the elite programs, and showing the poise and maturity of an upperclassmen. He’s such a pure goal-scorer, one player actually finding the net during five-on-five play, which is a rarity in this penalty-filled season. His acceleration from a dead-stop to full stride is breathtaking.”

- Christa Moore on Jared Boll (Lincoln): “Boll is starting to gain momentum. He’s already close to surpassing his totals from last season, though scoring is far from being his best asset. Agitates with the best of them - a very aggressive player who constantly strives to distract the opposing team’s best players. Fearlessly willing to drop the gloves against much bigger foes, and also willing to take a beating along the boards and in front of the net to get the job done.”

- Dave Fortier on Brandon Gentile (NTDP): “Stocky rearguard is strong, menacing and uses his size very well. He wears down opposing forwards by sticking to them like glue and once he has a hold of you, you are not going anywhere with this kid on your back. He is smart and instinctive, but his top speed is rather average. Laterally, however, he moves pretty freely.”

- Ron Jones on Michael Kaye (Lethbridge): “Kaye went eighth-overall in the WHL Bantam Draft, and I do think he could be a ‘diamond in the rough’ over the second half. He’s a good-looking prospect who catches my eye each time I see him, however, he’ll have to start creating something if he wants to go in the first three rounds next June. Zero points in 12 games just doesn’t cut it.”

- Doug Evinou on Kyle Lamb (Sudbury): “Lamb definitely possesses good offensive abilities, however, I feel he is too undersized. Unless he seriously bulks up, something he may or may not be able to achieve, he’ll get overwhelmed by larger, faster opponents in the pros. I’ll keep my eye on his progress this season.”

- Chris McCluskey on Kristopher Letang (Val d’Or): “Could surprise. He was Jean-Philippe Paquet’s first-line defense mate for the bronze medal-winning Team Quebec at the 2004 World U-17 Challenge. An offensively-skilled defender with above average speed who likes to join the rush. He has good hands and stickhandling capabilities, and seems to have worked hard on his commitment to defense over the summer. Posted a minus-five rating so far, which is impressive considering teammate Luc Bourdon is a minus-14.”

- Jante Abrahamsson on Robin Lindqvist (Lulea): “Lindqvist isn't yet one of the top five or six Swedes in this draft class, but he has the tools to get there. His move from Boden to the elite club Lulea has been good for his development, as he is in a more competitive environment now. He still gets quality ice time, being the 2nd line center on one of the top junior teams in the country. Very smart player, always doing the little things right. There are similarities between Lindqvist and Mattias Hellstrom from last year, but I think Lindqvist is the better player. He has the potential to be more than just a typecast two-way center in the Hellstrom sense. Lindqvist is the kind of player who could set the pace of game when he's on, at least at this level.”

- Dave Fortier on Patrick McNeill (Saginaw): “Other scouts are higher on McNeill than I am. Granted I like his skating and puck skills, but he’s not overly big or strong, and I find that he really struggles with his one-on-one coverage - gets bulled over way too easily. I want to see more before I hand him a first-round pass.”

- Robert Neuhauser on Fredrik Pettersson (Frolunda): “I see this guy as a possible second-round pick. He is obviously tiny, but he has many other intangibles which make people forget about his size deficiency.

Please also see Robert’s Interview with Fredrik Pettersson, published earlier this year

- Doug Evinou on Daniel Ryder (Peterborough): “ He’s a good two-way center who is more of a playmaker then a scorer. I think he's undersized for his skating ability, which is good but not elite. His lack of explosiveness will likely hold him out of the top two rounds. Having a famous brother will help the hype, but I don't see him as a top pro offensive talent at this point.”

- Steve Gionet on Egor Zharkov (Cape Breton): “ Lots of talent. Plays a power-forward style, but shows a little fear when going into the boards. Has looked afraid to take a hit and will try to avoid it most times. Does own a booming shot, however, and is not shy about using it. Also a very capable passer with good offensive awareness, though his skating needs work, Overall, a good but RAW talent.”

- Robert Neuhauser on three top Swiss prospects - Alessandro Chiesa (Ambri-Piotta): “Chiesa’s the top Swiss blueliner eligible for `05 and offers excellent size and a very heavy shot, however, his skating and lack of offensive vision holds him back” - Yanick Steinmann (Zug) “Captain of the Swiss U17 team has the best chance of hearing his name called on the first day. He’s a solid and dependable all-around performer who already has experience at the under-20 level.” - Reto Berra (Zurich): “A big goalie who has continued to impress at me at the U-18 level.”