AE's Mock Draft v2

Status
Not open for further replies.

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Stick this up your pipe and smoke it SI. I hope I fare better here than I did my NFL Draft mocks.


Courtesy of ARodEnvy

1. Edmonton Oilers: LW Taylor Hall, Windsor (OHL)
* * Despite the attempts by several draft critics to lead us to believe otherwise, there's no doubt in my mind that Taylor Hall is taken 1st overall. Hall is incredibly dynamic, a fantastic skater. His creativity on the offensive attack and undeniable passion for the game make him the face of the Oilers' future.

2. Boston Bruins: C Tyler Seguin, Plymouth (OHL)
* * One could argue that Tyler Seguin does a lot more with less and hasn't been surrounded with as much talent as Taylor Hall. An ice maturity that goes well beyond his years, Seguin is on the ice for nearly every single situation while Plymouth. He's made an incredible push to be that #1 overall but in the end, he ends up in a much better situation with the Boston Bruins.

3. Florida Panthers: D Cam Fowler, Windsor (OHL)
* * This is the point in the draft where 1 pick can alter the next 10. I'm 55/45 right now on the Panthers selecting Fowler but I could switch to Gudbranson within a week. To sum up the way the 2009-10 Florida Panthers defence handled the puck....they treated it like a "hot potato". Add the smooth skating, puck moving Fowler to the equation and suddenly goalies won't be as hung out to dry. Still, the Panthers might opt for a more hard-hitting/enforcer type of presence in Gudbranson.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: D Brandon Gormley, Moncton (OHL)
* * An offensive minded defenceman, Gormley gives the Jackets another option along the blueline. Gormley can best be described as "Sheldon Souray w/o the 100-mph slapshot". Best part about Gromley is he can step in right away w/o having to spend another year in Juniors.

5. New York Islanders: D Erik Gudbranson, Kingston (OHL)
* * Look for Gudbranson to go as high as 3 but no lower than this pick. Gudbranson is a dominant/enforcer-type of blueliner that the Islanders' defence is in need of. Gudbranson steps in right away and makes the Isles' D tougher overnight.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning: C Alexander Burmistrov, Barrie (OHL)
* * A couple months ago and this was a reach for Burmistrov....but now he's being projected even as high as 5th overall. Alex's seamless transition to North American hockey, passing, and playmaking can be responsible for his jump. A make sense pick for the Lightning as he provides another option at center, solidifying a group of improving forwards.

7. Carolina Hurricanes: RW Mikael Granlund, HIFK (Finland)
* * Granlund may be a smaller player but don't buy into any Saku Koivu comparisons. A dominant player given his size, very clever with the puck and has a good shot. Leading his team at only 17-years old, this kid finds a way to make things happen on the ice. Great prospect for the Canes.

8. Atlanta Thrashers: LW Nino Niederretier, Portland (WHL)
* * Coming off a great year with Portland, "El Nino" gives the Thrashers much-need power forward that can score. Good skater for his size and fun to watch on the open ice. Will develop into a dominant offensive presence for the Thrashers.

9. Minnesota Wild: C Jeffrey Skinner, Kitchener (OHL)
* * Skinner scored 70 goals in 84 games and is lethal in front of the net. A former figure skater (seriously), Skinner's skating ability is premier and his hand-eye coordination is well above average.

10. New York Rangers: RW Brett Connolly, Prince George (WHL)
* * The draft's wild card is finally off the board. Dominant player with injury concerns that might scare away many top 10 teams. The Rangers will take the gamble in hopes that Connolly's big-time goal scoring will help a team that struggled offensively in 2009-10.

11. Dallas Stars: D Derek Forbort, US NTDP
* * Headed to the University of North Dakota this fall, Dallas invests into a kid that wisely gave up his last year of high school eligibility to play for the National Team Development Program. A high-quality defence prospect that has good size, strength, and puck-moving ability.

12. Anaheim Ducks: C Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat (WHL)
* * The Ducks are running short on centers, especially if Koivu doesn't come back. Having spent a lot of higher picks on defence lately, I like the Ducks to address the offense by picking this kid from Long Beach. Killer wrist shot, quick, lethal, accurate...will be a star if he can improve his skating.

13. Phoenix Coyotes: RW Vladimir Tarasenko, Novosibirsk (Russia)
* * The Yotes have prospects all over the ice, so they could really go anywhere with this pick. I like Tarasenko here, I think he's a top 15 talent that is as good as anyone around the net. Only 17, a smaller player, but done more than just hold his own against older men in the KHL.

14. St. Louis Blues: G Jack Campbell, US NTDP
* * Goalies are very tough to evaluate and the reason is how important the mental side of the game is. Campbell is a prime mix of physical ability and ice water in the viens. Talented, fundamentally sound, and not easily rattled...Campbell adds a future to the shaky situation between the pipes in St. Louis.

15. Boston Bruins: D Jon Merrill, US NTDP
* * The Bruins already get their future offense at pick 2, time to focus on the future behind the blueline. Lots to like about Merrill, he's a big defenceman that does a lot of things well. Needs to become a better skater and mature his game...nothing a couple years at Michigan won't fix.

16. Ottawa Senators: C Ryan Johansen, Portland (WHL)
* * Ottawa will look to Johansen to bolster their forward depth. Coming off a great year at Portland, a top playmaker, great hands, and long arms. Need to put on about 15 pounds in order to hold up at the NHL level but he'll be on the pro ice within a year.

17. Colorado Avalanche: D Jarred Tinordri, US NTDP
* * Adam Foote has 1 more season left and its time to get his eventual replacement. Tinordi is a tough player with an NHL pedigree and a physical style of play. Very nice blueline bluechipper for the Avs...should be ready within 2 years.

18. Nashville Predators: C Nick Bjugstad, Blaine HS (Minnesota)
* * Bjugstad is another prospect with the NHL in his bloodlines (Scott Bjugstad) and he's got size. Nick lead his team in scoring this past year and he's impressed even more with his maturity. You wouldn't think at 6'5" and 190...but the dude is quick on the ice.

19. Los Angeles Kings: C Brock Nelson, Warroad HS (Minnesota)
* * Expect Nelson to be useful in front of the net by the time Ryan Smyth calls it a career. The potential to be a strong scoring forward, Nelson is big bodied and an elite goal scorer in HS. Warroad HS is also the alma-mater of TJ Oshie.

20. Pittsburgh Penguins: RW Austin Watson, Peterborough (OHL)
* * The Pens need to do wise by their future and look to add complimentary pieces to Sidney Crosby. Watson is a high-character forward that will do whatever he asked to do. As he grows into his bigger body, Watson should become a bruiser to have on the offensive attack.

21. Detroit Red Wings: C Riley Sheahan, Notre Dame (CCHA)
* * Detroit always finds great prospects in the draft and Sheahan's 2-way play fits right into the Wings' style. An disappoint frosh season at ND and an April arrest for public intoxication have cost Sheahan's stock to fall but he's one of College's youngest players and he's got plenty of time to mature.

22. Phoenix Coyotes: D Mark Pysyk, Edmonton (WHL)
* * Smooth skater who can contribute offensively but known for strong play in own zone. Very smart player, great puck mover, and should turn into a grinding pro D-man.

23. Buffalo Sabres: C Tyler Pitlick, Minnesota State (WCHA)
* * Good sized forward that is reportedly leaving collegiate play for the Juniors. Has a willingness to bag bodies but needs more offensive flair. Some time in the WHL would do Pitlick a ton of good for his game.

24. Atlanta Thrashers: G Calvin Pickard, Seattle (WHL)
* * Keri Lehtonen is gone and the Thrashers' goalie depth is questionable. Pickard might be a reach for the 1st round but he'll help in the farm system and hopefully develop into someone who can compete with Ondrej Pavelec for NHL playing time.

25. Vancouver Canucks: D Stephen Johns, US NTDP
* * Scout's love Johns' big, strong, tough, physical style of play...all the elements you want in a shutdown defender. Also a right-handed shot, which adds to his appeal. Canucks are tad thin in defencemen.

26. Washington Capitals: C Evgeny Kuznetsov, Chelyabink Traktor (KHL)
* * Enigmatic talent that will have plenty of time to develop NHL skills, thanks to Capitals' organizational depth. Overmatched playing in the KHL but time spent with professional talent helps.

27. Montreal Canadiens: C Jaden Schwartz, Tri-City (USHL)
* * A smaller-speedy forward that Montreal Canadiens never shy away from. Will attract teams with his playmaking skills but skeptics say he can't take a hit.

28. San Jose Sharks: C John McFarland, Sudbury (OHL)
* * The Sharks have depth all over their system and McFarland is in a good situation here...taking time to grow up in the Juniors and Minors.

29. Anaheim Ducks: D Dylan McIlrath, Moose Jaw (WHL)
* * Tough along the blueline and a great defensive prospect for Anaheim.

30. Chicago Blackhawks: RW Beau Bennett, Penticton (BCHL)
* * Chicago continues to stock up on young talent by way of taking players heading to College. Bennett will vastly improve his game playing under George Gwozecky at the U of Denver.
 

snipezo

Well-Known Member
Hall of Fame
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
29,592
Reaction score
474
Nice mock draft. I personally think Gudbranson is going to picked by the Panthers though.

This must be a lot of work dude. I give you props for that and not putting Kabanov in the first round.
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Nice mock draft. I personally think Gudbranson is going to picked by the Panthers though.

This must be a lot of work dude. I give you props for that and not putting Kabanov in the first round.
I'm so torn with that f'ing Panthers pick. Originally, I loved Gudbranson at 3, adding some much needed muscle to that defense. Ultimately, how bad Florida's defense was in moving the puck last season leads me to believe they opt for the more offensive defenceman.

And damn, glad I'm not the only one that thinks Kabanov has burned too many bridges to end up in the 1st.
 

snipezo

Well-Known Member
Hall of Fame
Joined
Apr 26, 2009
Messages
29,592
Reaction score
474
Yeah that's a really tough pick. BUt I would pick him over Fowler because he's a big, physical D who still has room for improvment on his puck handling.
 

Oiler35

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2008
Messages
7,373
Reaction score
258
No doubt, the Oilers are taking Hall, because we have Riley Nash in Junior still.

....and Jordan Eberle.
 

The Guid

The Guid abides
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
24,895
Reaction score
214
Nice work here man. Picks 3-5 are definitely going to be interesting to watch.

I personally think that the Tampa is going to take "El Nino" with their pick. Unless they trade Vinny they have their 1st and 2nd line centers so they need to solidify the wing. Guys like Tanguay, Veilleux, Purcell, etc., aren't "main targets" on a top-6 line. I don't know how often St. Louis played with Stamkos but he'd definitely benefit from a legitimate scoring threat on his wing.
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Nice work here man. Picks 3-5 are definitely going to be interesting to watch.

I personally think that the Tampa is going to take "El Nino" with their pick. Unless they trade Vinny they have their 1st and 2nd line centers so they need to solidify the wing. Guys like Tanguay, Veilleux, Purcell, etc., aren't "main targets" on a top-6 line. I don't know how often St. Louis played with Stamkos but he'd definitely benefit from a legitimate scoring threat on his wing.
El Nino would be a great pick for the Lightning, no doubt. I like Burmistrov to add to the depth the Lightning lack at center, behind Stamkos & LeCav. Tampa's best depth with prospects is on the right wing and even though they could use more depth on the left side, people forget about Johan Harju and Alex Killorn.
 

The Guid

The Guid abides
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
24,895
Reaction score
214
Yeah, a defensively aware center like Burmistrov definitely appeals to Stevie Y and would be a great pick in any event. My thought was just, like you said, they can get depth on the left side and add an instant force for Stamkos in Nino.

Anyone got an idea where Kabanov might fall?
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Anyone got an idea where Kabanov might fall?
Something to think about is Edmonton getting him at 31 or even Boston at 45.
 

The Guid

The Guid abides
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
24,895
Reaction score
214
You know, I was thinking about Boston but I just don't think he'd fit. For a FO that now seems to pride themselves on strong character guys fitting into the "system", I don't know if they'd take a guy with those problems. They traded Kessel for similar reasons (yes, contract was one but he didn't CJ's system and all that). Maybe they think they could mold him. IDK. If they could that would be a hell of a pick for a team that is strongly lacking in the scoring department; both in the NHL and in their farm system.
 

Brick.

New Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
419
Reaction score
0
17. Colorado Avalanche: D Jarred Tinordri, US NTDP
* * Adam Foote has 1 more season left and its time to get his eventual replacement. Tinordi is tough player with an a NHL pedigree and a physical style of play. Very nice blueline bluechipper for the Avs...should be ready within 2 years.
Why is it that people think that Adam Foote is still useful? :huh2:

You guys have to understand he can't move anymore.
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Why is it that people think that Adam Foote is still useful? :huh2:

You guys have to understand he can't move anymore.
Totally understand that and I know the only reason the Avs brought him back for 1 more is strictly for leadership. Like I said, 1 more left...time to get his eventual replacement as the anchor of the defence. Not that Foote anchors the D anymore....but he did once upon a time.
 

Brick.

New Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
419
Reaction score
0
Totally understand that and I know the only reason the Avs brought him back for 1 more is strictly for leadership. Like I said, 1 more left...time to get his eventual replacement as the anchor of the defence. Not that Foote anchors the D anymore....but he did once upon a time.
Good thing you said once upon a time. :lol:

We have way too many defensive prospects that are all offense, hopefully we can get a guy who can shut the top players down. Although I hope that Jack Campbell drops to 17th.
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Although I hope that Jack Campbell drops to 17th.
Whew...you had better hope St. Louis goes elsewhere with that pick then. I really don't think they will as Campbell is the most promising/close-to-nhl ready Goalie prospect to come through in a couple years. I'd much rather see Campbell is Colorado myself though.
 

LeafsFan4Life

New Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
825
Reaction score
7
Very interesting.

To think that I would post this at a few different forums....huh. Can't wrap my brain around that one.
Yeah I didn't realise that was you with a different name until after I posted so I feel pretty <Censored>en dumb right now. lol -_-
 

A.E

Vottomatic
Hall of Fame
Joined
Mar 31, 2007
Messages
14,335
Reaction score
132
Yeah I didn't realise that was you with a different name until after I posted so I feel pretty <Censored>en dumb right now. lol -_-
LOL....allow me to poke fun at that. No biggie, I figured as much. Nothing about that account over there cries out "That's AE from Sportin!" anyways. I'm really trying to get a ton of feedback on this mock, hence why I posted it there.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Who Wins Game 5?

  • Tampa Bay Rays (Away)

    Votes: 5 33.3%
  • Houston Astros (Home)

    Votes: 10 66.7%
Top