First off, I’d like to say WOW to those Philly deals. I mean, we all could see the Carter one coming, but Richards? No chance. Fact the Maple Leafs were in on it blows my mind even more. But that’s all I’m going to talk about that. I think it’s an interesting deal on both sides.
Here’s my top 3 picks, using Bob McKenzie’s final rankings on who I want at 25, 30 and 39! Although I have favourites that are Russians such as Alexander Khoklachev and Nikita Kucherov, I’m going to leave them off the list as I don’t think Burke will be selecting them.
I’d also add, given the depth at the end of the first round, I can’t see a scenario where (if they keep the picks) I’d be disappointed. I’d be a bit more critical if it was a top 10 pick, but at this point I’m open to many selections.
“With the 25th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Matthew Puemple – Peteborough Petes (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-0, Weight: 198lbs
55 GP: 34 G, 35 A, 69 PTS
(Ranked 27th by TSN)
In honesty, I don’t think he’ll be here, but if he is he’s my first pick. He’s a great scorer and has natural offensive abilities that you can’t teach. He can play multiple roles if needed, but he’s primarily an offensive player – and one of the best in this draft in my eyes.
Ty Rattie – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 5-11, Weight: 170lbs
67 GP: 28 G, 49 A, 79 PTS
(Ranked 25th by TSN)
Highly-skilled, but a bit undersized, Rattie has great vision and is an offensively gifted forward. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Sharp; he projects as a second-line player who may be able to fill in top-line duties in a pinch. His offensive creativity would be a warm welcome to the Maple Leafs system.
Boone Jenner – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Centre, Height: 6-1 Weight: 194lbs
63 GP: 25 G, 41A , 66 PTS
(Ranked 26th by TSN)
Unlikely to be a top-line guy, Jenner is going to be a multi-purpose forward who a coach could put into any position. Leadership qualities, a never-quit attitude, and a three-zone player is what you can expect from Jenner. He may be seen as a lower-risk player compared to others who will be available at this spot.
Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone by 25: Jonathan Miller (ranked – 18th), Ty Biggs (ranked – 15th), Oscar Klefbom (ranked – 21st)
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
“With the 30th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Connor Murphy – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-3, Weight: 185lbs
22 GP: 6 G, 4 A, 10 PTS
(Ranked 30th by TSN)
Missed a big chunk of the year, but really won me over at the U-18s. You see that he has some serious potential in the way he controls the ice at both ends. At 6’3 and 185 he has tons of filling out to do, but the tools are hard to ignore – specifically on the offensive side of things. A kid who will take a few years to mature, but potential top-four payout.
Scott Mayfield – Younstown Phantoms (USHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-4, Weight: 197lbs
52 GP: 7 G, 9 A, 16 PTS
(Ranked 46th by TSN)
A stretch where TSN has him ranked, but I think when you have a guy whose biggest knock seems to be that he needs some better coaching, you nab him. Mayfield has some desirable natural abilities, he’s a bit of a high-risk guy at the moment and needs to round his game – but he’s heading to college where he’ll be able to mature.
Stuart Percy – Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL)
Position: Defence, Height: 6-1, Weight: 184lbs
64 GP, 4 G, 29 A, 33 PTS
(Ranked 34th by TSN)
Another player who could be considered a safe pick is Stuart Percy. He’s not going to be a top-end, flashy player, but he’ll be a solid two-way guy. Had a bit of a coming out party in the Memorial Cup, he’s a smart player who is a very mature defenseman. He was a player of interest for the Maple Leafs at the combine.
(Since the picks are so close together, there’s potential for one of those three I listed to squeak to 30th. I’ll give Tomas Jurco an HM at this point)
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“With the 39th overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select...”
Brett Ritchie – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Position: Right Wing, Height: 6-3, Weight: 210lbs
49 GP, 21 G, 20 A, 41 PTS
(Ranked 36th by TSN)
With great size and a touch around the net, it wouldn’t shock me to see Ritchie as a late-round selection. He’s not the most aggressive player with his size, but that could be something he grows into in the future. He missed time with mono, but he’s a very good player at this spot.
Lucas Lessio – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Position: Left Wing, Height: 6-1, Weight: 196lbs
66 GP, 27 G, 27 A, 54 PTS
(Ranked 38th by TSN)
Some have questioned Lessio’s offensive ability at the top-end, I haven’t. He has pedigree being a big-time scorer before coming into the OHL. There have been questions around his game-to-game consistency, but I feel being drafted by his favourite NHL team will give him that necessary push. He plays the game like a pro, and knows his strengths. He was a rookie in the OHL this past season, so expect bigger things next year.
Reid Boucher – USA U-18 (USHL)
Position: Center, Height: 5’10, Weight: 192lbs
57 GP: 32 G, 22 A, 54 PTS
(Not ranked by TSN)
A stretch? Maybe. But this kid is a player who just finds ways to put the puck in the back of the net. If for some reason he falls to the 3rd round where the Maple Leafs pick, I’d be all over him. He’s not big, but he’s strong on his skates and has the gift of finding the open ice. Skating speed has been questioned, but at the U-18 I didn’t see it as a ‘big’ issue. At least, not one that would deter me from taking him.
Other prospects I like, but I think will be gone between 31-38: Stefan Noesen (ranked – 33rd), Rickard Rakell (ranked – 32), Dmitri Jaskin (ranked – 35th)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
NHL Draft 2011: 115 Names of Interest
Here's my 'list' I guess, of players I've had interest in. I've shaved it down a bit from 140ish. It's not pretty, it's just a list of names I'll be checking off as they are picked over Friday and Saturday.
I excluded players I thought wouldn't be around on Friday night. So you won't see a lot of the popular ranked top-20 names.
Here it is. No goalies are included, but I'll say if I have to take a late-round gamble I would select London Knights goaltender Michael Houser. I broke the list into defenders, and forwards. Also split the Europeans. Is it in order of who I want? For the most part.
(Sorry in advance for any spelling errors):
NORTH AMERICA
Defense:
1. Scott Mayfield – Youngstown (USHL)
2. Joe Morrow – Portland (WHL)
3. Stuart Percy – Missisauga (OHL)
4. Ryan Sproul – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
5. Adam Clendening – Boston (HE)
6. Connor Murphy – USNTDP (USHL) *** Injured most of the year
7. David Musil – Vancouver (WHL)
8. Patrick Koudys – Rensselaer (ECAC)
9. Joel Edmundson – Moose Jaw (WHL)
10. Brenden Kichton – Spokane (WHL)
11. Robbie Russo – USNTDP (USHL)
12. Mike McKee – Kent School (HS-CT)
13. Xavier Ouellet – Montreal (QMJHL)
14. Michael Paliotta – USNTDP (USHL)
15. Alex Roach – Calgary (WHL)
16. Zach Yuen – Tri City (WHL)
17. Justin Sefton – Sudbury (OHL)
18. Frank Corrado – Sudbury (OHL)
19. Dillon Simpson – North Dakota (WCHA)
20. Troy Vance – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
21. Jesse Forsberg – Prince George (WHL)
22. Joey Laleggia – Penticton (BCHL)
23. Craig Duinick – Windsor (OHL)
24. Dylan Demelo – Mississauga (OHL)
25. Colin Miller – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
26. Matt Petgrave – Owen Sound (OHL)
27. Sam Jardine – Camrose (AJHL)
28. Samuel Noreau – Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
Forwards:
1. Matt Puempel – Peterborough (OHL)
2. Boone Jenner – Oshawa (OHL)
3. J.T. Miller – USNTDP (USHL)
4. Nicklas Jensen – Oshawa (OHL)
5. Tyler Biggs – USNTDP (USHL)
6. Stefan Noesen – Plymouth (OHL)
7. Alexander Khokhlachev – Windsor (OHL)
8. Tomas Jurco – Saint John (QMJHL)
9. Brett Richie – Sarnia (OHL)
10. Rocco Grimaldi – USNTDP (USHL)
11. Zack Phillips – St. Johns (QMJHL)
12. Reid Boucher – USNTDP (USHL)
13. Lucas Lessio – Oshawa (OHL)
14. Rickard Rackell – Plymouth (OHL)
15. Nick Cousins – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
16. Daniel Catenacci – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
17. Matthew Neito – Boston (HE)
18. Seth Ambroz – Omaha (USHL)
19. Phillip Danault – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
20. Michael St. Croix –Edmonton (WHL)
21. Shane Prince – Ottawa (OHL)
22. Travis Ewanyk – Edmonton (WHL)
23. Marcel Noebels (WHL) – Seattle (WHL)
24. Adam Lowry – Swift Current (WHL)
25. Michael Mersch – Wisconsin (WCHA)
26. Vincent Trocheck – Saginaw (OHL)
27. Blake Coleman – Indiana Ice (USHL)
28. T.J. Tynan – Univ. Of Notre Dame (NCAA)
29. Alan Quine – Peterborough (OHL)
30. Olivier Archambault – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
31. Kale Kessy – Medicine Hat (WHL)
32. Logan Shaw – Cape Breton (QMJHL)
33. Ryan Tesnik – Saint Johns (QMJHL)
34. Joseph Camarossa – Mississauga (OHL)
35. Anthony Camara – Saginaw (OHL)
36. Adam Reid - USNTDP (USHL)
37. Austen Brassard – Belleville (OHL)
38. Joshua Leivo – Sudbury (OHL)
39. Marek Tvrdon – Vancouver (WHL)
40. Barclay Goodrow – Brampton (OHL)
41. Jean-Francois LeBlanc – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
42. Brian Ferlin – Indiana (USHL)
43. Zach Franko – Kelowna (WHL)
44. Chase Balisy (OA) – Western Michigan University (CCHA)
45. Brent Benson – Saskatoon (WHL)
46. David Broll – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
47. Andy Anderoff – Oshawa (OHL)
48. Joel Lowry – Victoria (BCHL)
49. Andrew Shaw – Owen Sound (OHL)
50. Justin Thomas – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
51. Zach O’Brien - Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
52. Destry Straight – Coquitlam (BCHL)
53. Travis Boyd – USNDTP (USHL)
54. Petr Placek – Hotchkiss School (USHS)
55. Austin Wuthrich – USHL USA 18 *** (Injured most of the year)
56. Sahir Gill (OA) – Boston University (HE)
57. Dylan Willick – Kamloops (WHL)
58. Charles Orzetti – New Jersey (EJHL)
59. Mitch Elliott – Seattle (WHL)
60. Tanner Sorenson – Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)
...
EUROPE
Forward:
1. Viktor Rask – Leksand (SWE)
2. Dimitri Jaskin – Slavia (Cze Jr)
3. Nikita Kucherov - CSKA-Krasnaja Armija Moskva (MHL)
4. Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall – Timra (SWE)
5. Markus Granlund – HIFK U20 (Finland)
6. Gregory Hofmann – Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland)
7. Adam Pettersson – Skelleftae (SWE)
8. Johan Sundstrom – Frolunda (SWE)
9. Joachim Nermark – Linkoping (SWE)
10. Thomas Spelling – Herning (Denmark)
11. John Norman – Djurgarden (SWE)
12. Pathrik Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)
13. Nicolai Meyer – Malmo (SWE-J20)
14. Pontus Netterberg – HV71 – J20 (SWE)
15. Konstantin Komarek – Lulea (SWE-J20)
16. Ponthus Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)
Defense:
1. Oscar Klefbom – Farjestad (SWE)
2. Jonas Brodin – Farjestad (SWE)
3. Zakhar Arzamastsev – Metallurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)
4. Albert Yarulin – Bars Kazan (MHL)
5. Albin Blomqvist – Linkoping (SWE-J20)
6. Klas Dahlbeck - Linkoping (SWE)
7. Alexei Marchenko – CSKA Moskva (KHL)
8. Mattias Backman – Linkoping (SWE)
9. Victor Berglind – Brynas (SWE)
10. Pascal Zerressen – Krefeld (DEL)
11. Peter Ceresnak - Team Slovakia U20 (SLV)
I excluded players I thought wouldn't be around on Friday night. So you won't see a lot of the popular ranked top-20 names.
Here it is. No goalies are included, but I'll say if I have to take a late-round gamble I would select London Knights goaltender Michael Houser. I broke the list into defenders, and forwards. Also split the Europeans. Is it in order of who I want? For the most part.
(Sorry in advance for any spelling errors):
NORTH AMERICA
Defense:
1. Scott Mayfield – Youngstown (USHL)
2. Joe Morrow – Portland (WHL)
3. Stuart Percy – Missisauga (OHL)
4. Ryan Sproul – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
5. Adam Clendening – Boston (HE)
6. Connor Murphy – USNTDP (USHL) *** Injured most of the year
7. David Musil – Vancouver (WHL)
8. Patrick Koudys – Rensselaer (ECAC)
9. Joel Edmundson – Moose Jaw (WHL)
10. Brenden Kichton – Spokane (WHL)
11. Robbie Russo – USNTDP (USHL)
12. Mike McKee – Kent School (HS-CT)
13. Xavier Ouellet – Montreal (QMJHL)
14. Michael Paliotta – USNTDP (USHL)
15. Alex Roach – Calgary (WHL)
16. Zach Yuen – Tri City (WHL)
17. Justin Sefton – Sudbury (OHL)
18. Frank Corrado – Sudbury (OHL)
19. Dillon Simpson – North Dakota (WCHA)
20. Troy Vance – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
21. Jesse Forsberg – Prince George (WHL)
22. Joey Laleggia – Penticton (BCHL)
23. Craig Duinick – Windsor (OHL)
24. Dylan Demelo – Mississauga (OHL)
25. Colin Miller – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
26. Matt Petgrave – Owen Sound (OHL)
27. Sam Jardine – Camrose (AJHL)
28. Samuel Noreau – Baie Comeau (QMJHL)
Forwards:
1. Matt Puempel – Peterborough (OHL)
2. Boone Jenner – Oshawa (OHL)
3. J.T. Miller – USNTDP (USHL)
4. Nicklas Jensen – Oshawa (OHL)
5. Tyler Biggs – USNTDP (USHL)
6. Stefan Noesen – Plymouth (OHL)
7. Alexander Khokhlachev – Windsor (OHL)
8. Tomas Jurco – Saint John (QMJHL)
9. Brett Richie – Sarnia (OHL)
10. Rocco Grimaldi – USNTDP (USHL)
11. Zack Phillips – St. Johns (QMJHL)
12. Reid Boucher – USNTDP (USHL)
13. Lucas Lessio – Oshawa (OHL)
14. Rickard Rackell – Plymouth (OHL)
15. Nick Cousins – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
16. Daniel Catenacci – Sault St. Marie (OHL)
17. Matthew Neito – Boston (HE)
18. Seth Ambroz – Omaha (USHL)
19. Phillip Danault – Victoriaville (QMJHL)
20. Michael St. Croix –Edmonton (WHL)
21. Shane Prince – Ottawa (OHL)
22. Travis Ewanyk – Edmonton (WHL)
23. Marcel Noebels (WHL) – Seattle (WHL)
24. Adam Lowry – Swift Current (WHL)
25. Michael Mersch – Wisconsin (WCHA)
26. Vincent Trocheck – Saginaw (OHL)
27. Blake Coleman – Indiana Ice (USHL)
28. T.J. Tynan – Univ. Of Notre Dame (NCAA)
29. Alan Quine – Peterborough (OHL)
30. Olivier Archambault – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
31. Kale Kessy – Medicine Hat (WHL)
32. Logan Shaw – Cape Breton (QMJHL)
33. Ryan Tesnik – Saint Johns (QMJHL)
34. Joseph Camarossa – Mississauga (OHL)
35. Anthony Camara – Saginaw (OHL)
36. Adam Reid - USNTDP (USHL)
37. Austen Brassard – Belleville (OHL)
38. Joshua Leivo – Sudbury (OHL)
39. Marek Tvrdon – Vancouver (WHL)
40. Barclay Goodrow – Brampton (OHL)
41. Jean-Francois LeBlanc – Val d’Or (QMJHL)
42. Brian Ferlin – Indiana (USHL)
43. Zach Franko – Kelowna (WHL)
44. Chase Balisy (OA) – Western Michigan University (CCHA)
45. Brent Benson – Saskatoon (WHL)
46. David Broll – Sault. St. Marie (OHL)
47. Andy Anderoff – Oshawa (OHL)
48. Joel Lowry – Victoria (BCHL)
49. Andrew Shaw – Owen Sound (OHL)
50. Justin Thomas – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
51. Zach O’Brien - Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)
52. Destry Straight – Coquitlam (BCHL)
53. Travis Boyd – USNDTP (USHL)
54. Petr Placek – Hotchkiss School (USHS)
55. Austin Wuthrich – USHL USA 18 *** (Injured most of the year)
56. Sahir Gill (OA) – Boston University (HE)
57. Dylan Willick – Kamloops (WHL)
58. Charles Orzetti – New Jersey (EJHL)
59. Mitch Elliott – Seattle (WHL)
60. Tanner Sorenson – Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS)
...
EUROPE
Forward:
1. Viktor Rask – Leksand (SWE)
2. Dimitri Jaskin – Slavia (Cze Jr)
3. Nikita Kucherov - CSKA-Krasnaja Armija Moskva (MHL)
4. Jeremy Boyce-Rotevall – Timra (SWE)
5. Markus Granlund – HIFK U20 (Finland)
6. Gregory Hofmann – Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland)
7. Adam Pettersson – Skelleftae (SWE)
8. Johan Sundstrom – Frolunda (SWE)
9. Joachim Nermark – Linkoping (SWE)
10. Thomas Spelling – Herning (Denmark)
11. John Norman – Djurgarden (SWE)
12. Pathrik Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)
13. Nicolai Meyer – Malmo (SWE-J20)
14. Pontus Netterberg – HV71 – J20 (SWE)
15. Konstantin Komarek – Lulea (SWE-J20)
16. Ponthus Westerholm – Malmo U20 (SWE)
Defense:
1. Oscar Klefbom – Farjestad (SWE)
2. Jonas Brodin – Farjestad (SWE)
3. Zakhar Arzamastsev – Metallurg Novokuznetsk (KHL)
4. Albert Yarulin – Bars Kazan (MHL)
5. Albin Blomqvist – Linkoping (SWE-J20)
6. Klas Dahlbeck - Linkoping (SWE)
7. Alexei Marchenko – CSKA Moskva (KHL)
8. Mattias Backman – Linkoping (SWE)
9. Victor Berglind – Brynas (SWE)
10. Pascal Zerressen – Krefeld (DEL)
11. Peter Ceresnak - Team Slovakia U20 (SLV)
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