Here’s my latest Risers, Faller, and Surprises
Rising
Chris Kreider
I think he could find himself in the top 20 atleast and could barely sneak into the top 15. No one has really seen his true potential yet only playing high school hockey. He could be one of the top players in the draft when we look back 10 or 15 years from now.
He will be heading to Boston College next season after initially being a 2010 recruit.
Falling
Richard Panik
I have him going 19th to the New York Rangers in my mock but it’s a stretch. To be totally honest, I think he’s out of the top 40. Some believed he was a top ten pick to start the season. He has fallen because he barely got playing time in the Czech Extraliga and was playing in every league in the Czech Republic. His World Junior performance didn’t help his case and he didn’t play in the Under-18’s
Best Value
Goaltenders
In general, I think goaltenders have been underrated for this draft. Teams in the second round could get a first round talent from the goaltenders. They wouldn’t have to pay the first round money on their entry-level contract.
Sleeper
Mac Bennett
Another prep school kid who suffered injuries this season. He will play a year in the USHL before heading to Michigan in 2010. He’s a puck rushing defenseman.
