A huge thanks to Ryan Porth who is hopefully enjoying the West this week. Go check out his show at 8pm ET tonight on BTR! It promises to be a great one as always. Meanwhile here is his East and West draft preview.
Atlanta Thrashers
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Evander Kane (4th overall)
2008- Zach Bogosian (3), Daultan Leveille (29)
2007- None
2006- Bryan Little (12)
2005- Alex Bourret (16)
2004- Boris Valabik (10)
2003- Braydon Coburn (8)
2002- Kari Lehtonen (2), Jim Slater (30)
2001- Ilya Kovalchuk (1)
2000- Dany Heatley (2)
Busts: None
Late-round steals:
Tobias Enstrom (8th round, 2003)
When you look at Atlanta’s drafts from the decade, it’s kind of hard to believe they only got one playoff appearance out of all those high picks. Kovalchuk and Heatley have developed into top-notch goal-scorers in the NHL, but weren’t together for long as Heatley was dealt after the lockout. GM Don Waddell hasn’t been able to find many steals, and probably should have held on to Coburn instead of trading him to Philadelphia for Alexei Zhitnik in 2007. They were also expecting big things out of Lehtonen, which never came to fruition. Overall, they’ve done well in the last ten years, but the one-ice results haven’t followed suit.
Decade Grade: B+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Jeremy Morin
2. C Patrice Cormier
3. RW Carl Klingberg
4. D Ivan Vishnevskiy
5. D Arturs Kulda
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forward
Left & Right wing depth
Defensive depth
First round picks:
8th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Ryan Johansen)
24th Overall, from NJ (C Evgeny Kuznetsov)
Other selections:
Round 2 (54th overall)
Round 3 (87)
Round 4 (101)
Round 5 (128, 150)
Round 6 (158)
Round 7 (188)
Final Remarks…
In Rick Dudley’s first draft in the GM post for Atlanta, it’ll be interesting to see what direction they go with a pair of first-rounders. I don’t see them as a team that would package those picks to jump up to #3 or #4; they need both picks to help the farm system.
—
Boston Bruins
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Jordan Caron (25th overall)
2008- Joe Colborne (16)
2007- Zach Hamill (8)
2006- Phil Kessel (5)
2005- Matt Lashoff (22)
2004- None
2003- Mark Stuart (21)
2002- Hannu Toivonen (29)
2001- Shaone Morrisonn (19)
2000- Lars Jonsson (7), Martin Samuelsson (27)
Busts: Jonsson, Samuelsson, Toivonen
Late-round steals:
Matt Hunwick (7th round, 2004)
Phil Kessel is the only Bruins first-round pick in the last ten years that has lived up to potential – and he’s now with division foe Toronto. Ever since they selected Joe Thornton first overall back in 1997, Boston’s first-rounders have failed to meet expectations. 2000 was a total bust for the B’s (and a handful of other teams), as well as 2002. Kessel and Lashoff have been traded away, while the jury is still out on prospects like Hamill and Colborne. As you can see, Boston has to make this week’s draft count…
Decade Grade: C
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Joe Colborne
2. RW Brad Marchand
3. RW Jordan Caron
4. C Zach Hamill
5. C Jamie Arnel
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goal-scoring forward
Forward depth
First round picks:
2nd Overall, from TOR (Current RLD mock draft pick: LW Taylor Hall)
15th Overall (D Dylan McIlrath)
Other selections:
Round 2 (32nd overall, 45)
Round 4 (97)
Round 5 (135)
Round 6 (165)
Round 7 (195)
Final Remarks…
As of now, it appears GM Peter Chiarelli will retain the #2 overall pick and take whomever Edmonton doesn’t. But the 15th overall selection is a bit of a wild card. Do they hold on to it, or use it to trade up or down? There have been reports that Chiarelli would like to use that pick to jump back into the top ten (or five) to draft a top-notch defenseman.
—
Buffalo Sabres
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Zack Kassian (13th overall)
2008- Tyler Myers (12), Tyler Ennis (26)
2007- None
2006- Denis Persson (24)
2005- Marek Zagrapan (13)
2004- Drew Stafford (13)
2003- Thomas Vanek (5)
2002- Keith Ballard (11), Daniel Paille (20)
2001- Jiri Novotny (22)
2000- Artem Kryukov (15)
Busts: Kryukov, Zagrapan
Late-round steals:
Paul Gaustad (7th round, 2000)
The Sabres were also victims to poor draft classes earlier in the decade, but cashed in with everyone else in 2003. Vanek has been one of the more important players for this Sabres club the last handful of years. They also seem to have hit the jackpot by selecting Myers in 2008, who is the odds-on favorite to win the Calder. GM Darcy Regier also found a late-round gem in Gaustad. Other than that, though, the Sabres’ decade of drafting was above average… obviously not as good as it could have been.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Tyler Ennis
2. RW Zack Kassian
3. G Jhonas Enroth
4. D Brayden McNabb
5. LW Luke Adam
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Size & talent at forward
Forward depth
First round picks:
23th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Jarred Tinordi)
Other selections:
Round 3 (68th overall, 75, 83)
Round 4 (98)
Round 5 (143)
Round 6 (173)
Round 7 (203, 208)
Final Remarks…
It’s hard to gauge which direction the Sabres will go if they stick to the ‘best available’ motto. But I don’t think they’ll take any risks with the 23rd overall pick, especially since they don’t possess a second-round pick.
—
Carolina Hurricanes
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Philippe Paradis (27th overall)
2008- Zach Boychuk (14)
2007- Brandon Sutter (11)
2006- None
2005- Jack Johnson (3)
2004- Andrew Ladd (4)
2003- Eric Staal (2)
2002- Cam Ward (25)
2001- Igor Knyazev (15)
2000- None
Busts: Knyazev
Late-round steals:
None
Carolina was able to capitalize on some first-rounders – namely Staal and Ward – but their lack of quality drafting past the first 30 overall picks is why their grade isn’t favorable. Niclas Wallin (4th round, 2000) is the only player not drafted in the first round that was a factor in the Hurricanes’ lineup in the past decade. Also, Johnson was expected to be a big contributor for the ‘Canes; that didn’t quite happen, as he was traded away before he laced ‘em up in Raleigh. GM Jim Rutherford has the most picks in this week’s draft, and it’d be a good time to start cashing in on those late-round selections.
Decade Grade: C-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Zach Boychuk
2. D Jamie McBain
3. LW Drayson Bowman
4. C Zac Dalpe
5. D Brian Dumoulin
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forward
Defensive depth
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
7th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: RW Nino Niederreiter)
Other selections:
Round 2 (37th overall, 46, 53)
Round 3 (67, 85)
Round 4 (105)
Round 6 (157, 167)
Round 7 (187, 206)
Final Remarks…
I am really curious to see what GM Jim Rutherford will do with the 7th overall pick. They’ve gone with a forward in round one in each of the last three drafts. Does that mean he’ll go with a defenseman?? Common logic would say yes; but a guy like Niederreiter may be too good to pass up.
—
Florida Panthers
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Dmitri Kulikov (14th overall)
2008- None
2007- Keaton Ellerby (10)
2006- Michael Frolik (10)
2005- Kenndal McArdle (20)
2004- Rostislav Olesz (7)
2003- Nathan Horton (3), Anthony Stewart (25)
2002- Jay Bouwmeester (3), Petr Taticek (9)
2001- Stephen Weiss (4), Lukas Krajicek (24)
2000- None
Busts: Taticek, Stewart
Late-round steals:
None
Like Carolina, the Panthers have drafted pretty well in the first round. Their top picks from 2001 to 2003 have been productive, while Frolik and Kulikov promise to be solid NHLers when/if they reach their potential. But this is yet another team that has failed to strike gold late in the draft. Truthfully, David Booth was Florida’s only good selection after round one, and that selection came in the second round. This grade would be higher if they were able to find some players of value on day two…
Decade Grade: C
Top 5 Prospects…
1. G Jacob Markstrom
2. D Keaton Ellerby
3. RW Michal Repik
4. D Colby Robak
5. G Alexander Salak
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Left & Right wing skill
Center depth
First round picks:
3rd Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Cam Fowler)
Other selections:
Round 2 (33rd overall, 36, 50)
Round 4 (92, 93)
Round 5 (123)
Round 6 (153)
Round 7 (183)
Final Remarks…
One direction you can assume GM Dale Tallon won’t be going at #3 overall is goaltending. It’s likely that he takes a defenseman; but don’t rule out a forward, or Tallon possibly trading the pick. The Panthers have a solid farm system, but this is a prime opportunity to expand on that.
—
Montreal Canadiens
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Louis Leblanc (18th overall)
2008- None
2007- Ryan McDonagh (12), Max Pacioretty (22)
2006- David Fischer (20)
2005- Carey Price (5)
2004- Kyle Chipchura (18)
2003- Andrei Kostitsyn (10)
2002- Christopher Higgins (14)
2001- Mike Komisarek (7), Alex Perezhogin (25)
2000- Ron Hainsey (13), Marcel Hossa (16)
Busts: Hossa, Perezhogin
Late-round steals:
Jaroslav Halak (9th round, 2003)
Mark Streit (9th round, 2004)
Sergei Kostitsyn (7th round, 2005)
I’ve stressed the importance of drafting beyond the first round. Montreal has done an admirable job doing just that in the last decade. Really, their top picks – for the most part – haven’t performed to expectations. But when you’re able to get Halak, Streit, and the other Kostitsyn beyond the 5th round, it speaks volumes to the scouting staff. Also, the Habs were able to grab the likes of Plekanec, Lapierre, O’Byrne, Latendresse, and Subban in round two or later; all of those players have made an impact one way or the other. Montreal has been able to get great value for the position where they’ve drafted players.
Decade Grade: A+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D P.K. Subban
2. C Lars Eller
3. RW Danny Kristo
4. C Louis Leblanc
5. D Yannick Weber
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forward
Defensive depth
Goaltending depth
First round picks:
27th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Brock Nelson)
Other selections:
Round 2 (57th overall)
Round 4 (117)
Round 5 (147)
Round 7 (207)
Final Remarks…
Advancing all the way to round three was the difference in 12 spots in the draft order; if they had lost to Pittsburgh or Washington, the Habs would be drafting 15th… that’s a pretty big difference. At #27, look for GM Pierre Gauthier to go with the ‘best player available’, and could nab someone who falls in the second half of the first round.
—
New Jersey Devils
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Jacob Josefson (20th overall)
2008- Mattias Tedenby (24)
2007- None
2006- Matthew Corrente (30)
2005- Niclas Bergfors (23)
2004- Travis Zajac (20)
2003- Zach Parise (17)
2002- None
2001- Adrian Foster (28)
2000- David Hale (22)
Busts: Foster
Late-round steals:
None
It’s hard to imagine the Devils made the playoffs every year in the last decade while not drafting too well during that span. Parise and Zajac were the only bang-on selections in round one, as they couldn’t grab any useful talent as the drafts went on. Paul Martin was picked in round two in 2000, but after that you’re hard-pressed to find another non-first round gem. Even though they haven’t done well in the entry draft, though, it’s a testament to Lou Lamoriello for keeping a playoff team on the ice year after year.
Decade Grade: D
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Jacob Josefsen
2. LW Mattias Tedenby
3. D Matthew Corrente
4. D Tyler Eckford
5. D Alexander Urbom
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goaltending
All-around talent
First round picks:
None – traded to Atlanta in Ilya Kovalchuk trade
Other selections:
Round 2 (38th overall)
Round 3 (84)
Round 4 (114)
Round 6 (174)
Round 7 (204)
Final Remarks…
Due to the Kovalchuk trade, New Jersey won’t be selecting in the first round. However, they did swap second-round picks with Atlanta in the same trade, so they will draft early on day two. One need that Lamoriello should address is goaltending – especially if Calvin Pickard falls to them in the 2nd round.
—
New York Islanders
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- John Tavares (1st overall), Calvin de Haan (12)
2008- Josh Bailey (9)
2007- None
2006- Kyle Okposo (7)
2005- Ryan O’Marra (15)
2004- Petteri Nokelainen (16)
2003- Robert Nilsson (15)
2002- Sean Bergenheim (22)
2001- None
2000- Rick DiPietro (1), Raffi Torres (5)
Busts: DiPietro
Late-round steals:
Chris Campoli (7th round, 2004)
A lot of people call Rick DiPietro a ‘bust’. I’m hesitant to, as he’s endured some tough injuries, and has put together a couple good seasons when his team reached the playoffs. With that being said, as a #1 overall pick, DiPietro has been a bust with that label. Raffi Torres, drafted four slots later, didn’t get a chance to prove himself in New York before getting dealt to Edmonton. Those are two picks they could have done better with in 2000. Management hasn’t necessarily drafted well, but it hasn’t been horrible. They’re certainly hoping Tavares, Bailey, and Okposo buck that trend.
Decade Grade: C+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Calvin de Haan
2. D Travis Hamonic
3. LW Jesse Joensuu
4. RW Kirill Petrov
5. G Mikko Koskinen
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goal-scoring forward
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
5th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: RW Brett Connolly)
Other selections:
Round 2 (35th overall, 58)
Round 3 (65, 82)
Round 4 (95)
Round 5 (125)
Round 6 (155, 160)
Round 7 (185)
Final Remarks…
GM Garth Snow will likely go one of two ways at #5 overall – either Connolly or one of the remaining defensemen. The Islanders could use a go-to-guy for Tavares, but also a future star blueliner. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Snow trade back like he has in recent years, and gather more picks in the cupboard.
—
New York Rangers
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Chris Kreider (19th overall)
2008- Michael Del Zotto (20)
2007- Alexei Cherepanov (17)
2006- Bobby Sanguinetti (21)
2005- Marc Staal (12)
2004- Al Montoya (6), Lauri Korpikoski (19)
2003- Hugh Jessiman (12)
2002- None
2001- Dan Blackburn (10)
2000- None
Busts: Blackburn, Jessiman, Montoya
Late-round steals:
Henrik Lundqvist (7th round, 2000)
Petr Prucha (8th round, 2002)
When the Rangers have drafted a defenseman in round one in the last decade, they’ve done just fine. At the same time, the forwards and goaltenders they’ve drafted have never lived up to expectations; they also had the tragic death to a promising talent in Cherepanov just a year ago. Henrik Lundqvist will go down as one of the biggest draft steals of all-time, and Petr Prucha was also a nice find in the 8th round. Still, not having a first-rounder produce from 2000 to 2004 – and you might as well extend that all the way back to 1991 – can stunt the growth in your system’s youth. It hasn’t affected the Rangers as much as it could have in recent years. I think Lundqvist has something to do with that…
Decade Grade: C
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Evgeny Grachev
2. C Derek Stepan
3. C Chris Kreider
4. D Bobby Sanguinetti
5. D Ryan McDonagh
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Left & Right wing depth
Goaltending depth
First round picks:
10th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C/W Jeffrey Skinner)
Other selections:
Round 2 (40th overall)
Round 4 (100)
Round 5 (130)
Round 7 (190)
Final Remarks…
The Rangers will have their highest first-round selection since 2004, when they drafted 6th overall. Depending on who’s still available, there’s a wide array of prospects for GM Glen Sather to go after at #10.
—
Ottawa Senators
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Jared Cowen (9th overall)
2008- Erik Karlsson (15)
2007- Jim O’Brien (29)
2006- Nick Foligno (28)
2005- Brian Lee (9)
2004- Andrej Meszaros (23)
2003- Patrick Eaves (29)
2002- Jakub Klepis (16)
2001- Jason Spezza (2), Tim Gleason (23)
2000- Anton Volchenkov (21)
Busts: Klepis
Late-round steals:
Brian Elliott (9th round, 2003)
Out of all the years Ottawa has made the playoffs, it’s impressive that they held on to their first-round pick every year… you would figure they would have made a deadline deal at least once involving a first-rounder. The Senators had a nice string of top picks earlier in the decade, as Spezza, Volchenkov, Meszaros, and Eaves all played a role in the team getting to the finals in 2007. GM Bryan Murray is hoping the latest wave of prospects can have the same effect – especially standout defensemen Karlsson and Cowen. Also, Brian Elliott was a 9th-round pick in 2003. Ottawa had a solid decade’s worth of drafting.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Jared Cowen
2. D Patrick Wiercioch
3. G Robin Lehner
4. RW Andre Petersson
5. C Zack Smith
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forwards
Goaltending
Forward depth
First round picks:
16th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Mikael Granlund)
Other selections:
Round 3 (76th overall)
Round 4 (106)
Round 6 (178)
Round 7 (196)
Final Remarks…
Ottawa has just five selections going into Friday’s draft, but could be looking to get more. If GM Bryan Murray feels like he can’t re-sign Anton Volchenkov, he could dangle his negotiating rights for a draft pick. Also, any deal involving Jason Spezza could bring back a pick in return as a part of the package.
—
Philadelphia Flyers
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- None
2008- Luca Sbisa (19th overall)
2007- James van Riemsdyk (2)
2006- Claude Giroux (22)
2005- Steve Downie (29)
2004- None
2003- Jeff Carter (11), Mike Richards (24)
2002- Joni Pitkanen (4)
2001- Jeff Woywitka (27)
2000- Justin Williams (28)
Busts: Woywitka
Late-round steals:
Roman Cechmanek (6th round, 2000)
The 2003 draft made a big impact in the Flyers organization. That’s when Carter and Richards were drafted in Nashville, and they’ve taken over in Philadelphia. Richards now captains the team, while Carter is one of the best snipers in the league. Will ’06 and ’07 have a similar effect? Giroux and van Riemsdyk have shown great promise as their talents are just scratching the surface. Philly hasn’t had much success otherwise, though, and their current system of prospects is paying for it. And because of Chris Pronger, the Flyers basically sacrificed their first-rounders from 2008 through 2010.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Jon Kalinski
2. D Kevin Marshall
3. RW David Laliberte
4. LW Patrick Maroon
5. G Joacim Eriksson
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Defensive depth
Forward depth
First round picks:
None – traded to Anaheim in Chris Pronger trade
Other selections:
Round 3 (89th overall)
Round 4 (119)
Round 5 (149)
Round 6 (179)
Round 7 (209)
Final Remarks…
Without a pick in the first two rounds, GM Paul Holmgren won’t be busy ‘til well into day two in L.A… unless Jeff Carter (or someone else) is traded for a first-round pick. Watch for Holmgren to at least attempt to vault back into round one.
—
Pittsburgh Penguins
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Simon Despres (30th overall)
2008- None
2007- Angelo Esposito (20)
2006- Jordan Staal (2)
2005- Sidney Crosby (1)
2004- Evgeni Malkin (2)
2003- Marc-Andre Fleury (1)
2002- Ryan Whitney (5)
2001- Colby Armstrong (21)
2000- Brooks Orpik (18)
Busts: None
Late-round steals:
Max Talbot (8th round, 2002)
It’s pretty easy to draft guys like Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, and Staal when you’re in the top two every year. That was the case for Pittsburgh from 2003 to 2006, and boy did those on-ice struggles pay dividends for the future. That core of four led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup in 2009, and is locked in for the long haul. Orpik was a good value pick at #18 in 2000, as he’s turned into their shutdown defenseman. Even Whitney and Armstrong, who are no longer on the team, made key contributions here and there. They also nabbed the Game 7 hero, Talbot, in the 8th round. Yeah, I’d say they had a pretty good decade when it came to drafting!
Decade Grade: A
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Eric Tangradi
2. D Simon Despres
3. LW Dustin Jeffrey
4. D Brian Strait
5. LW Ben Hanowski
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
20th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C/W Quinton Howden)
Other selections:
Round 3 (80th overall)
Round 4 (110)
Round 5 (140)
Round 6 (152, 170)
Round 7 (200)
Final Remarks…
Pittsburgh doesn’t have many needs for this week’s draft, but will be looking to add all-around depth. Don’t be surprised if GM Ray Shero trades back from #20 if the player(s) he wants isn’t on the board, and so they can stockpile picks in later rounds.
—
Tampa Bay Lightning
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Victor Hedman (2nd overall), Carter Ashton (29)
2008- Steven Stamkos (1)
2007- None
2006- Riku Helenius (15)
2005- Vladimir Mihalik (30)
2004- Andy Rogers (30)
2003- None
2002- None
2001- Alexander Svitov (3)
2000- Nikita Alexeev (8)
Busts: Alexeev, Svitov, Rogers
Late-round steals:
Paul Ranger (6th round, 2002)
In the last ten years, the Lightning have not done well in the draft. In fact, only one team has done worse (Phoenix). Forwards Alexeev and Svitov never panned out, and defensemen Rogers and Mihalik probably won’t fulfill their potential. Also, Helenius is in the midst of a goaltending logjam in the organization. They also failed to grab many quality players in the later rounds. However, they hit a grand slam (or in hockey terms, scored a hat trick) with the selection of Stamkos, who co-won the Rocket Richard Trophy this year.
Decade Grade: F
Top 5 Prospects…
1. RW Carter Ashton
2. RW Richard Panik
3. G Dustin Tokarski
4. D Ty Wishart
5. C Blair Jones
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Talent at forward
Defensive depth
First round picks:
6th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Brandon Gormley)
Other selections:
Round 3 (63rd overall, 66, 72)
Round 4 (96, 118)
Round 6 (156)
Round 7 (186)
Final Remarks…
GM Steve Yzerman is in a solid position Friday, sitting at 6th overall. They should be to grab Gormley, Fowler, or Connolly there; any of those three would be good fits in Tampa Bay. Also, with five picks in rounds three and four, look for Yzerman to explore trading into round two if he sees a player he wants.
—
Toronto Maple Leafs
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Nazem Kadri (7th overall)
2008- Luke Schenn (5)
2007- None
2006- Jiri Tlusty (13)
2005- Tuukka Rask (21)
2004- None
2003- None
2002- Alexander Steen (24)
2001- Carlo Colaiacovo (17)
2000- Brad Boyes (24)
Busts: None
Late-round steals:
Ian White (6th round, 2002)
When you look at Toronto’s first-rounders, you would assume the grade would be lower than a B-minus. Between Pat Quinn (coach/GM) and John Ferguson Jr., the Leafs were able to find some decent talent past round one – Kyle Wellwood, Matt Stajan, Ian White, Viktor Stalberg, and Carl Gunnarsson. None of them have or will set the world on fire, but are solid pickups in the later stages of the draft. Boyes and Rask both found their way to Boston in trades before they even put on the Maple Leaf sweater. Schenn and Kadri have great potential, but are a couple years away before they maximize it at the NHL level. It also doesn’t help that their next two first-round picks (including #2 overall this week) are in Boston’s possession via the Phil Kessel deal.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Nazem Kadri
2. RW Christian Hanson
3. G James Reiner
4. D Keith Aulie
5. C Philippe Paradis
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Talented forwards
Goaltending depth
First round picks:
None – traded to Boston in Phil Kessel trade
Other selections:
Round 3 (62nd overall)
Round 4 (112)
Round 5 (122, 144)
Round 7 (182, 202)
Final Remarks…
Since the Leafs do not possess a pick in round one, GM Brian Burke will likely deal Tomas Kaberle – whose no-trade clause lifts Friday – for a first-round pick or a forward. If that doesn’t come to fruition for whatever reason, Burke will be unusually quiet until day two.
—
Washington Capitals
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Marcus Johansson (24th overall)
2008- Anton Gustafsson (21), John Carlson (27)
2007- Karl Alzner (5)
2006- Nicklas Backstrom (4), Semyon Varlamov (27)
2005- Sasha Pokulok (14), Joe Finley (27)
2004- Alexander Ovechkin (1), Jeff Schultz (27), Mike Green (29)
2003- Eric Fehr (18)
2002- Steve Eminger (12), Alexander Semin (13), Boyd Gordon (17)
2001- None
2000- Brian Sutherby (26)
Busts: Sutherby, Pokulok, Finley
Late-round steals:
None
The Capitals really benefitted from all of their selling during the trade deadline earlier in the decade. In 2004, Schultz and Green – their current top defensive pairing – were essentially acquired in trades. The same goes for Varlamov, who was drafted with Nashville’s original selection (Brendan Witt trade). Then in 2008, future star blueliner Carlson was picked with Philadelphia’s original selection (Steve Eminger trade). Combine all of these picks gathered through trades with the likes of Ovechkin, Semin, and Backstrom, and you’ve got yourself a damn good hockey team!
Decade Grade: B+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D John Carlson
2. D Karl Alzner
3. G Michal Neuvirth
4. C Marcus Johansson
5. RW Mathieu Perreault
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Talented forwards
Defensive depth
First round picks:
26th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C John McFarland)
Other selections:
Round 3 (86th overall)
Round 4 (116)
Round 5 (142, 146)
Round 6 (176)
Final Remarks…
I wouldn’t expect much out of the ordinary from Washington. With the 26th pick, I think they’ll lean towards taking a forward since Anton Gustafsson may not have the ceiling once thought. McFarland would be exactly what they’re looking for…
Anaheim Ducks
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Peter Holland (15th overall), Kyle Palmieri (26)
2008- Jake Gardiner (17)
2007- Logan MacMillan (19)
2006- Mark Mitera (19)
2005- Bobby Ryan (2)
2004- Ladislav Smid (4)
2003- Ryan Getzlaf (19), Corey Perry (28)
2002- Joffrey Lupul (7)
2001- Stanislav Chistov (5)
2000- Alexei Smirnov (12)
Busts: Smirnov, Chistov
Late-round steals:
Martin Gerber (8th round, 2001)
Shane O’Brien (8th round, 2003)
The Ducks struck gold on three picks: Getzlaf, Perry, and Ryan. The three are considered their future core (assuming Ryan re-signs), the former two were big parts to the Ducks’ Cup victory back in 2007. After that, though, Anaheim’s decade of drafting was pretty average. They were able to grab a couple 8th round picks that made it to the NHL, but Gerber and O’Brien didn’t last too long in Anaheim. Two other first-rounders (Lupul and Smid) were used to acquire Chris Pronger in the summer of 2006. There is a lot of untapped potential in their farm system that they hope will eventually pan out.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Luca Sbisa
2. RW Kyle Palmieri
3. D Jake Gardiner
4. C Peter Holland
5. LW Nicolas Deschamps
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goal-scoring winger
Defensive defenseman
Goaltending depth
First round picks:
12th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: LW Emerson Etem)
29th Overall, from PHI (C Calle Jarnkrok)
Other selections:
Round 2 (42nd overall)
Round 5 (132)
Round 6 (161, 177)
Round 7 (192)
Final Remarks…
Two California kids – Etem and Beau Bennett – are expected to be first-round picks, and the Ducks are right in the area where both will be drafted. I think it’d be a great story if GM Bob Murray was able to get one of them.
—
Calgary Flames
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Tim Erixon (23rd overall)
2008- Greg Nemisz (25)
2007- Mikael Backlund (24)
2006- Leland Irving (26)
2005- Matt Pelech (26)
2004- Kris Chucko (24)
2003- Dion Phaneuf (9)
2002- Eric Nystrom (10)
2001- Chuck Kobasew (14)
2000- Brent Krahn (9)
Busts: Krahn, Chucko
Late-round steals:
David Moss (7th round, 2001)
Adam Pardy (6th round, 2004)
Really, the only first-round pick to live up to his potential was Phaneuf, part of the great draft class of 2003. Kobasew and Nystrom could never take the next step, while most of the picks from 2004 until now have yet to get to Calgary. Backlund has had his cup of coffee, but will need to raise his game next season. The Flames have been able to find a couple nice depth guys in the later rounds, but nothing of significance. They really need their top picks to start fulfilling their potential, as the farm system is anything but deep.
Decade Grade: C-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Mikael Backlund
2. C Greg Nemisz
3. D Tim Erixon
4. LW Ryan Howse
5. D John Negrin
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
All-around talent
Offensive-minded forward
Defensive depth
First round picks:
None – traded to Phoenix in Olli Jokinen trade
Other selections:
Round 3 (64th overall, 73)
Round 4 (103, 108)
Round 5 (133)
Round 6 (163)
Round 7 (193)
Final Remarks…
Without a pick in the first two rounds, Calgary is missing out on a good opportunity to improve their rather shallow farm system. Look for GM Darryl Sutter to possibly acquire a second-rounder by packaging some later picks.
—
Chicago Blackhawks
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Dylan Olsen (28th overall)
2008- Kyle Beach (11)
2007- Patrick Kane (1)
2006- Jonathan Toews (3)
2005- Jack Skille (7)
2004- Cam Barker (3)
2003- Brent Seabrook (14)
2002- Anton Babchuk (21)
2001- Tuomo Ruutu (9), Adam Munro (29)
2000- Mikhail Yakubov (10), Pavel Vorobiev (11)
Busts: Yakubov, Vorobiev, Munro
Late-round steals:
Dustin Byfuglien (8th round, 2003)
Troy Brouwer (7th round, 2004)
After a couple years (’00 and ’01) where the drafting was, well, awful, the Blackhawks rebounded. They’ve had pretty good success with their first-round picks, as the team struggled to stay competitive around the lockout. Toews and Kane brought life back to the fan base in Chicago, while Seabrook and Barker were solid top picks as well. It goes beyond them, though, as Duncan Keith and Dave Bolland were 2nd-round selections. Also, some big parts to their final run – Byfuglien, Brouwer, and Hjalmarsson – were all picked past the 4th round. Chicago’s return to NHL prominence was due in large part to their drafting.
Decade Grade: A+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Kyle Beach
2. D Nick Leddy
3. RW Jack Skille
4. D Dylan Olsen
5. RW Akim Aliu
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goaltending depth
Forward depth
First round picks:
30th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Jaden Schwartz)
Other selections:
Round 2 (43rd overall, 60)
Round 3 (90)
Round 4 (120)
Round 6 (180)
Round 7 (191, 210)
Final Remarks…
GM Stan Bowman may be busy in Los Angeles, as he is expected to be shedding some salary and acquiring draft picks at the same time. Schwartz was a point-scoring machine in the USHL, and would be a great selection if still available at #30.
—
Colorado Avalanche
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Matt Duchene (3rd overall)
2008- None
2007- Kevin Shattenkirk (14)
2006- Chris Stewart (18)
2005- None
2004- Wojtek Wolski (21)
2003- None
2002- Jonas Johansson (28)
2001- None
2000- Vaclav Nedorost (14)
Busts: Nedorost, Johansson
Late-round steals:
John-Michael Liles (5th round, 2000)
Marek Svatos (7th round, 2001)
David Jones (9th round, 2003)
Brandon Yip (8th round, 2004)
Kyle Cumiskey (7th round, 2005)
Colorado’s first-round picks from earlier in the decade didn’t pan out… so why do they get an A-minus?? GM Pierre Lacroix did an exceptional job drafting past round one. In 2000 and 2001, the Avs grabbed Liles and Svatos later on, and both have produced in Colorado since then. Lacroix also found Cumiskey, Jones, and Yip in the late stages, and all three are a part of the Avs’ young depth. New GM Greg Sherman did well in last year’s draft, as both Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly made immediate impacts in the NHL. Colorado has done a great job of drafting over the years.
Decade Grade: A-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Kevin Shattenkirk
2. D Colby Cohen
3. LW Ryan Stoa
4. D Cameron Gaunce
5. D Tyson Barrie
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Top-flight goaltender
Goal-scoring winger
Forward depth
First round picks:
17th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Mark Pysyk)
Other selections:
Round 2 (47th overall)
Round 3 (77)
Round 4 (107)
Round 5 (137, 139)
Round 7 (197)
Final Remarks…
There are two names to watch if they fall to #17: Jack Campbell and Dylan McIlrath. If one of them is available, I anticipate GM Greg Sherman pouncing on the opportunity. If they’re gone, Colorado could continue to build the defense or go with a forward.
—
Columbus Blue Jackets
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- John Moore (19th overall)
2008- Nikita Filatov (6)
2007- Jakub Voracek (7)
2006- Derick Brassard (6)
2005- Gilbert Brule (6)
2004- Alexandre Picard (8)
2003- Nikolai Zherdev (4)
2002- Rick Nash (1)
2001- Pascal Leclaire (8)
2000- Rostislav Klesla (4)
Busts: Picard, Brule
Late-round steals:
Marc Methot (6th round, 2003)
Derek Dorsett (7th round, 2006)
Picking in the top ten for the span of a decade, you’d think the Jackets would have done better on the ice. Instead, it’s only resulted in one playoff appearance, and they’ll be picking #4 overall this week. Nash is really the only top pick to live up to expectations. We all know Zherdev has a ton of talent, but didn’t put it all together in Columbus; people are concerned Filatov could be headed in a similar direction. Leclaire only had one good year before getting traded, while Picard and Brule became busts. Brassard and Voracek have a great amount of potential, but are no guarantees to fulfill. Columbus has found some decent players here and there late in the draft, but nothing to brag about.
Decade Grade: B
Top 5 Prospects…
1. LW Nikita Filatov
2. D John Moore
3. D Grant Clitsome
4. D Cody Goloubef
5. RW Maksim Mayorov
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Top-flight defenseman
Center depth
First round picks:
4th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Erik Gudbranson)
Other selections:
Round 2 (34th overall, 55)
Round 4 (94, 102)
Round 5 (124)
Round 6 (154)
Round 7 (184)
Final Remarks…
Who knows what GM Scott Howson is going to do with that 4th overall selection… it could be used as trade bait, or they could draft one of the extremely talented defenseman. If they draft by need (elite puck-moving defenseman), Cam Fowler would be the guy they’d want over Gudbranson over Gormley.
—
Dallas Stars
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Scott Glennie (8th overall)
2008- None
2007- None
2006- Ivan Vishnevskiy (27)
2005- Matt Niskanen (28)
2004- Mark Fistric (28)
2003- None
2002- Martin Vagnar (26)
2001- Jason Bacashihua (25)
2000- Steve Ott (25)
Busts: Bacashihua, Vagnar
Late-round steals:
Antti Miettinen (7th round, 2000)
Jussi Jokinen (6th round, 2001)
Jamie Benn (5th round, 2007)
If the Stars’ top picks through the decade had panned out, they would have really done well. Second-rounders Loui Eriksson, James Neal, Trevor Daley, and Nicklas Grossman are all important parts to their current roster. Late-round steals Miettinen and Jokinen made an impact in Dallas’ success right after the lockout. Then 2007 fifth-rounder Benn has good future ahead of him. But when you look at the players chosen in the first round, it’s easy to see why this team has taken a couple steps back in recent years. In their defense, though, they were selecting late in the first round due to their playoff success.
Decade Grade: C+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. RW Scott Glennie
2. D Philip Larsen
3. RW Alex Chiasson
4. G Tyler Beskorowany
5. RW Colton Sceviour
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Top-flight defenseman
Goal-scoring forward
Center depth
First round picks:
11th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Derek Forbort)
Other selections:
Round 2 (41st overall)
Round 3 (71)
Round 5 (131)
Final Remarks…
I don’t think it’s any secret that the Stars need a defenseman in this year’s draft. Forbort would be a great pick at #11… but would they think about packaging that pick and maybe Mike Ribeiro to trade up and grab one of the top three blueliners? It’d be worth it if you ask me.
—
Detroit Red Wings
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- None
2008- Thomas McCollum (30th overall)
2007- Brendan Smith (27)
2006- None
2005- Jakub Kindl (19)
2004- None
2003- None
2002- None
2001- None
2000- Niklas Kronwall (29)
Busts: None
Late-round steals:
Jonathan Ericsson (9th round, 2002)
Darren Helm (5th round, 2005)
GM Ken Holland and the Red Wings have always done a masterful job when it comes to the draft, and this past decade was no exception. They may have gone five of six years without a first-round pick, but they’ve made up for that in other rounds. Jimmy Howard and Jiri Hudler were second-round selections, while Johan Franzen and Valterri Filppula were nabbed in round three. Two other steals were Ericsson and Helm. Kronwall has developed into a fine defenseman, while Kindl and Smith have great potential. The Wings’ great drafting has put them in a great position for years to come.
Decade Grade: B+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Brendan Smith
2. D Jakub Kindl
3. LW Tomas Tatar
4. G Thomas McCollum
5. C Landon Ferraro
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Defensive depth
All-around talent
First round picks:
21st Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: D Jonathan Merrill)
Other selections:
Round 2 (51st overall)
Round 3 (81)
Round 4 (111)
Round 5 (141)
Round 6 (171)
Round 7 (201)
Final Remarks…
Although Detroit is sitting there at #21, Holland is always willing to move back and absorb picks. After going with a forward and goalie with their top selections in the last two drafts, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them take a defenseman.
—
Edmonton Oilers
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (10th overall)
2008- Jordan Eberle (22)
2007- Sam Gagner (6), Alex Plante (15), Riley Nash (21)
2006- None
2005- Andrew Cogliano (25)
2004- Devan Dubnyk (14), Rob Schremp (25)
2003- Marc Pouliot (22)
2002- Jesse Niinimaki (15)
2001- Ales Hemsky (13)
2000- Alexei Mikhnov (17)
Busts: Mikhnov, Niinimaki, Schremp
Late-round steals:
None
It’s no wonder why the Oilers have missed the playoffs in five of the last six years. Other than Hemsky in 2001, the Oilers have had an issue with first-round picks ever since the mid-90’s. It also hasn’t helped that they haven’t drafted any useful players in deeper rounds. Gagner and Cogliano had big expectations early, but have struggled to take the next step. Dubnyk has shown promise, but has some work to do to reach his previously-thought potential. The organization really needs Eberle, Paajarvi-Svensson, and either Hall or Seguin to live up to their billing and contribute.
Decade Grade: D
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Jordan Eberle
2. LW Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson
3. D Jeff Petry
4. C Riley Nash
5. D Alex Plante
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Top-flight forward
Defensemen
First round picks:
1st Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Tyler Seguin)
Other selections:
Round 2 (31st overall, 48)
Round 3 (61)
Round 4 (91)
Round 5 (121)
Round 6 (151, 162, 166)
Round 7 (181)
Final Remarks…
I know I’m stating the obvious here, but the Oilers must strike gold with their #1 overall pick – whether it’s Hall or Seguin. They’ve drafted poorly through the years, and they can’t mess this one up.
—
Los Angeles Kings
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Brayden Schenn (5th overall)
2008- Drew Doughty (2), Colten Teubert (13)
2007- Thomas Hickey (4)
2006- Jonathan Bernier (11), Trevor Lewis (17)
2005- Anze Kopitar (11)
2004- Lauri Tukonen (11)
2003- Dustin Brown (13), Brian Boyle (26), Jeff Tambellini (27)
2002- Denis Grebeshkov (18)
2001- Jens Karlsson (18), David Steckel (30)
2000- Alexander Frolov (20)
Busts: Karlsson, Tukonen
Late-round steals:
Cristobal Huet (7th round, 2001)
Scott Parse (6th round, 2004)
Considering the Kings haven’t drafted from the top five until recent years, they did pretty well over the last decade. Kopitar and Brown are key pieces to the Kings’ puzzle, and Frolov had his moments. Ex-GM Dave Taylor was able to grab Lubomir Visnovsky, Michael Cammalleri, and Jonathan Quick after round one, as well as Huet and Parse later on. Current GM Dean Lombardi has hit the jackpot a couple times in the last four years or so. Doughty is going to be an annual Norris Trophy candidate, while Bernier will be a really solid starter some day in this league.
Decade Grade: B
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Brayden Schenn
2. G Jonathan Bernier
3. D Thomas Hickey
4. D Colten Teubert
5. D Vyacheslav Voinov
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
19th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: RW Vladimir Tarasenko)
Other selections:
Round 2 (49th overall, 59)
Round 3 (70, 79)
Round 4 (109)
Round 5 (148)
Round 6 (169)
Round 7 (199)
Final Remarks…
The Kings are in a great position to add some more talent to the cupboard with five selections in the first three rounds. They’d love to see a highly-touted prospect fall to them, and I can see Tarasenko doing just that.
—
Minnesota Wild
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Nick Leddy (16th overall)
2008- Tyler Cuma (23)
2007- Colton Gillies (16)
2006- James Sheppard (9)
2005- Benoit Pouliot (4)
2004- A.J. Thalen (12)
2003- Brent Burns (20)
2002- Pierre-Marc Bouchard (8)
2001- Mikko Koivu (6)
2000- Marian Gaborik (3)
Busts: Thalen, Pouliot
Late-round steals:
None
Ex-GM Doug Risebrough’s poor drafting has resulted in current GM Chuck Fletcher having to pick up the pieces. Minnesota virtually struck out on their first-rounders from 2004 to 2006, Gillies and Cuma are no guarantees to ever make an impact, and Leddy has already been dealt. On top of that, Burns and Bouchard haven’t taken the next step due to injury, and the staff has failed to grab any late-round steals. Gaborik and Koivu were great selections long ago, but you’re hard-pressed to find another impact selection made by Risebrough or Fletcher.
Decade Grade: D
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Marco Scandella
2. D Tyler Cuma
3. G Matthew Hackett
4. LW Colton Gillies
5. C Cody Almond
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forwards
Goaltending depth
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
9th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Alexander Burmistrov)
Other selections:
Round 2 (39th overall, 56)
Round 3 (69)
Round 4 (99)
Round 5 (129)
Round 6 (159)
Round 7 (189)
Final Remarks…
Here’s another club that can’t mess up with their first-round pick. I would expect Fletcher to draft a forward at the #9 spot, with the offensive talent running pretty dry in the system. Burmistrov or Mikael Granlund would be intriguing selections.
—
Nashville Predators
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Ryan Ellis (11th overall)
2008- Colin Wilson (7), Chet Pickard (18)
2007- Jonathan Blum (23)
2006- None
2005- Ryan Parent (18)
2004- Alexander Radulov (15)
2003- Ryan Suter (7)
2002- Scottie Upshall (6)
2001- Dan Hamhuis (12)
2000- Scott Hartnell (6)
Busts: None
Late-round steals:
Pekka Rinne (8th round, 2004)
Patric Hornqvist (7th round, 2005)
2003 was a huge draft year in Nashville; one, because they hosted the event… two, they grabbed three impact defensemen. Ryan Suter and Shea Weber – the co-anchors to Nashville’s back end – were both drafted that year, along with Kevin Klein. None of their first-rounders have qualified as busts, and all have produced at the NHL level. Recent top picks like Blum, Pickard, and Ellis are expected to play big roles in the Predators’ future. GM David Poile also picked up Rinne and Hornqvist – two young, bright stars for Nashville – in the deep stages of the draft. Poile and company have always done an excellent job at drafting, which has put them in the position to make the playoffs in five of the last six years.
Decade Grade: A+
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Ryan Ellis
2. G Chet Pickard
3. D Jonathan Blum
4. RW Zach Budish
5. D Roman Josi
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Offensive-minded forward
Left & Right wing depth
Defensive depth
First round picks:
18th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Nick Bjugstad)
Other selections:
Round 3 (78th overall)
Round 5 (126)
Round 6 (168)
Round 7 (194, 198)
Final Remarks…
The Predators have alternated taking a defenseman and forward seemingly every year. Last year was a blueliner, and Poile has hinted at keeping that trend going by selecting a forward at #18 on Friday. Nashville is also in a position to trade back, if he feels the need to regain a second-round pick.
—
Phoenix Coyotes
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (6th overall)
2008- Mikkel Boedker (8), Viktor Tikhonov (28)
2007- Kyle Turris (3), Nick Ross (30)
2006- Peter Mueller (8), Chris Summers (29)
2005- Martin Hanzal (17)
2004- Blake Wheeler (5)
2003- None
2002- Jakub Koreis (19), Ben Eager (23)
2001- Fredrik Sjostrom (11)
2000- Krys Kolanos (19)
Busts: Kolanos, Koreis, Eager
Late-round steals:
Daniel Winnik (9th round, 2004)
Who did the worst drafting in the last decade? Yeah, you guessed it… the Coyotes. You see those 13 first-rounders above? None of them have not or have yet to fulfill their potential in Phoenix. In fact, their best pick in the last ten years was probably Keith Yandle in the 4th round in 2005. Winnik was a nice find in 2004, but he’s nothing to brag about. The Desert Dogs are going to need the likes of Turris, Boedker, and Tikhonov to play to their potential in the coming years; this organization can’t afford to virtually go oh-for-the-decade.
Decade Grade: F
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Oliver Ekman-Larsson
2. LW Brett MacLean
3. D Maxim Goncharov
4. D Chris Summers
5. D David Schlemko
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Goal-scoring winger
Future #1 goaltender
Forward depth
First round picks:
13th Overall, from CGY (Current RLD mock draft pick: G Jack Campbell)
22nd Overall (C Tyler Pitlick)
Other selections:
Round 2 (52nd overall)
Round 4 (113)
Round 5 (138)
Final Remarks…
The Desert Dogs have a pair of first-round picks to work with, one coming from Calgary in exchange for Olli Jokinen. Could the ‘Yotes package them and trade into the top ten?? Unlikely, as they could use the extra selection to add depth to the system. Campbell would be a great pick at #13…
—
San Jose Sharks
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- None
2008- None
2007- Logan Couture (9th overall), Nick Petrecki (28)
2006- Ty Wishart (16)
2005- Devin Setoguchi (8)
2004- Lukas Kaspar (22)
2003- Milan Michalek (6), Steve Bernier (16)
2002- Mike Morris (27)
2001- Marcel Goc (20)
2000- None
Busts: Morris, Kaspar
Late-round steals:
Ryane Clowe (6th round, 2001)
Joe Pavelski (7th round, 2003)
San Jose hasn’t done that great of a job of picking in round one, but they’ve had balanced drafts throughout the decade. Michalek and Bernier were solid selections in 2003, but were used as trade chips for big-ticket items. Setoguchi in 2005 appears to be a good pick if he can keep progressing. Also, Couture showed some promise late in the year and postseason. But I’ve really liked what management has done after round one. Pavelski and Clowe were great steals later on in the draft. San Jose also drafted defensemen Christian Ehrhoff, Matt Carle, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic in the 2nd round or later; Jason Demers and Derek Joslin could follow suit on the back end. It’s no wonder why the Sharks are a contender year after year…
Decade Grade: A-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Nick Petrecki
2. LW Steven Zalewski
3. G Alex Stalock
4. G Tyson Sexsmith
5. D William Wrenn
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Forwards with size
Left & Right wing depth
First round picks:
28th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: RW Beau Bennett)
Other selections:
Round 3 (88th overall)
Round 5 (127, 136)
Final Remarks…
This is another team I wouldn’t be surprised to see trade back, given they only have three picks in the entire draft. If they stay put, I think GM Doug Wilson will go with a forward over a defenseman.
—
St. Louis Blues
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- David Rundblad (17th overall)
2008- Alex Pietrangelo (4)
2007- Lars Eller (13), Ian Cole (18), David Perron (26)
2006- Erik Johnson (1), Patrik Berglund (25)
2005- T.J. Oshie (24)
2004- Marek Schwarz (17)
2003- Shawn Belle (30)
2002- None
2001- None
2000- Jeff Taffe (30)
Busts: Taffe, Belle, Schwarz
Late-round steals:
Petr Cajanek (8th round, 2001)
Lee Stempniak (5th round, 2003)
Roman Polak (6th round, 2004)
I have a feeling that the Blues will benefit from selling at the Trade Deadline similarly to the Capitals before the lockout. In 2006 and 2007, the Blues had five first-round picks combined. They selected Johnson, Berglund, and Perron with three of those picks (after Oshie in 2005). Cole is a solid prospect still growing, while Eller was flipped for their pending starting goalie for 10/11 – Halak. Ex-GM Larry Pleau did a decent job picking after first round, and was able to get rugged players like David Backers and Polak. Now with John Davidson in the front office, this Blues club is certainly headed in the right direction.
Decade Grade: B-
Top 5 Prospects…
1. D Alex Pietrangelo
2. C Lars Eller
3. D Ian Cole
4. G Jake Allen
5. D David Rundblad
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
All-around talent
Forward depth
First round picks:
14th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: RW Austin Watson)
Other selections:
Round 2 (44th overall)
Round 3 (74)
Round 4 (104)
Round 5 (134)
Round 6 (164)
Final Remarks…
St. Louis is sitting nicely at 14th, in position to grab someone who may fall out of the top ten. In that context, guys like Burmistrov or Skinner would be appealing. Watson is a solid two-way forward that would be a nice changeup to all of the young skill the Blues currently possess.
—
Vancouver Canucks
Decade in Review…
Last ten first-rounders:
2009- Jordan Schroeder (22nd overall)
2008- Cody Hodgson (10)
2007- Patrick White (25)
2006- Michael Grabner (14)
2005- Luc Bourdon (10)
2004- Cory Schneider (26)
2003- Ryan Kesler (23)
2002- None
2001- R.J. Umberger (16)
2000- Nathan Smith (23)
Busts: Smith
Late-round steals:
Kevin Bieksa (5th round, 2001)
Vancouver’s drafting over the last decade has been pretty average, considering only one first-rounder has made a major contribution – Ryan Kesler. He has really emerged over the last couple years as the Canucks’ do-it-all center. Grabner and Hodgson are getting there, but Schneider will eventually get traded in all likelihood, as ‘Bobby Lu’ is in his way for the next, oh, decade! Bieksa and Alex Edler were nice defensive finds past the first 30 picks, but other steals are few and far between.
Decade Grade: C
Top 5 Prospects…
1. C Cody Hodgson
2. G Cory Schneider
3. C Jordan Schroeder
4. LW Sergei Shirokov
5. RW Anton Rodin
2010 Look-ahead…
Draft needs:
Top-tier defenseman
Forward depth
Goaltending depth
First round picks:
25th Overall (Current RLD mock draft pick: C Riley Sheahan)
Other selections:
Round 4 (115th overall)
Round 5 (145)
Round 6 (172, 175)
Round 7 (205)
Final Remarks…
Vancouver is yet another team I can see trading out of round one to gather picks in rounds two or three. They don’t really have a glaring need that they could fulfill at 25th, so GM Mike Gillis could be working the phones.
