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Home , 2010 NHL Entry Draft, 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Brady Skjei, Carson McMillan, Casey Wellman, Charlie Coyle

Minnesota Wild Prospect Handbook 2011/12 Review

“This Wild prospect handbook is the result of a beautiful marriage with First Round Bust and Hockey Wilderness, two dedicated Wild online blogs that bring you Minnesota hockey from a fan’s of view. The idea of this handbook is to offer some detailed insights into the world of hockey prospects, and what Minnesota hockey has to offer for the future. Enjoy!” Hockey Wilderness & First Round Bust

STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF DANIEL CHAN

SENIOR WRITERS DAN SHRADER NATHAN WELLS

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS HEATHER GALINDO

CONTENTS

Matt Hackett 77th overall selection in Photo by Chris Jerina 2010 NHL Entry

Houston Aeros The Youth Season 8 Movement 20 Update

Close to Home on 2012 Wild The Other Side 10 21 Draft Preview of the World

Prospect NHL Mock 12 Rankings 22 Draft

Top Minnesota 19 Draft Eligible Players

WWW.FIRSTROUNDBUST.COM

HOCKEY WILDERNESS WWW.HOCKEYWILDERNESS.COM

YOUTH MOVEMENT The Next Wave Appears BY DANIEL CHAN

nly about a season ago Phillips and . depth defensemen, no longer will , there a sort of cloud All the names listed here are injuries mean a losing streak. O that hung over the eligible to play with the Houston Although the Wild have been organization. Aeros next season, and all have in Minnesota for 12 years, the There was very little optimism a very high chance to doing so. team has never seen a time when coming from the fans as they Not only that, but every single its minor league has been so full watched their favorite team miss one of these prospects have the of talent. This influx of youth will the for consecutive potential of being high impact change everything, the way the seasons. players for the Wild. team performs and the way fans This was a result of numerous For example, the most recent perceive their hockey team. first round busts that Minnesota first round pick, , has The most amazing thing is that had. For six seasons, from 2004- exceeded fan expectations. He the team did not have to 2009, the Wild’s first round picks represented in the Men’s sacrifice its youth or draft picks produced nothing for the team, World Championships, playing for this movement, and still have and ultimately left a huge alongside NHLers Niklas all its picks for the 2012 NHL drought of talent in the prospect Kronwall and Daniel Alfredsson, Entry Draft, including the 9th pool. and did not look out of place. In overall selection. That all started to change on fact, he appeared to play better There is new life to the June 25th 2010. than a few of the more veteran organization and in fans, and in “With the 9th selection in the players. the next few years, the Wild draft, the Minnesota Wild select With around seven high finally have some talent that from HIFK, ” impact players all coming at would be the envy of the rest of With those words, GM Chuck once to the pros, the Wild have the NHL. Fletcher started the injection of to adjust accordingly to give talented youth into the Wild each prospect their deserved organization. The Granlund playing time. selection was followed up by But the real question is, what names such as Brett Bulmer, does this mean for the Minnesota Johan Larsson, and Wild? . This impressive No longer will the team have draft class was followed up by to rely on one or two players to the 2011 draft in which the Wild carry the team, no longer will the continued to add talent with the Aero call-ups be grinders and additions of Jonas Brodin, Zack

Jonas Brodin 10th overall selection in 2012 NHL Entry Draft Photo by Nick Laham ERIK HAULA FEATURE

Erik Haula 182nd overall selection in 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Photo by Andre Ringuette

took off this year finishing 9th in Close To Home On college hockey with 49 points (20G-29A). Playing on The Other Side Of The Minnesota’s second line and making an effort to shoot more, World Haula was en fuego early in the BY NATHAN WELLS season and put up 15 points in the team’s first 7 games. He then hen it comes to prospects, in the ’s cooled off, however, only scoring draft day sticks out as the run to the Frozen Four semifinals 3 goals between November and wreward for years of hard work, as a sophomore. the end of January before 6 AM practices and hundreds of Born in Pori, , Haula finishing the end of the season hockey games. But it’s not the came to the to strong. end. play hockey at Shattuck-St. It began with a that blew A first round pick still needs Mary’s – a boarding school in the roof off of Mariucci Arena. develop and grow, even after Fairbault, Minnesota that has Down 1-0 and a man in the being drafted, and the NHL is iced NHL stars like Sidney third period to rival in full of cases where top-ten picks Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Kyle the Gophers’ final regular season flame out while guys drafted in Okposo and Zack Parise. After game, Haula and senior forward the sixth and seventh rounds then being drafted by the Wild, Jake Hansen were on a two-on- flourish in the league. It all comes he played a season with Lincoln one when the Wild prospect saw down to taking the next step and in the USHL before heading to the Wisconsin defender cover his for the Minnesota Wild, one Minneapolis to play for the teammate and made them pay. prospect is doing so nine miles Gophers. “That’s the loudest I’ve ever away from the Xcel Energy While the 5’10”, 184 lbs heard the place in my life,” Center halfway around the world center put up a respectable 24 University of Minnesota from home. points (6G-18A) in 34 games as defenseman Nate Schmidt told Erik Haula, a 7th round pick a freshman (along with me after the game. “It’s (182nd overall) by Minnesota in representing Finland in the unbelievable. I was sitting next to 2009, played an important role World Junior Championships), he (backup goalie Michael)

ERIK HAULA FEATURE

Shibrowski on the bench after the goal and And that doesn’t include three couldn’t hear him. The crowd was so loud it gave prospects (Johan Larsson, Jonas me goosebumps.” Brodin and Mikael Granlund) playing Over the next six games, Haula scored 11 for their country in the World points (5G-6A), including two goals in Championships before a single 18 seconds against -Anchorage game with the Minnesota and a power play goal against Wild. that sent the Despite everything - the Gophers to the Frozen Four. accolades and finishing the What makes it more impressive season strong – Erik Haula still is that Erik stepped up in the has to work on his game. The postseason when other big scoring and face-offs may names for Minnesota slowed have improved but he can be down. His play as a sophomore more consistent in all aspects, dictated how the team would be like skating, and for that (the Gophers started off hot, were reason is returning to the .500 in the middle and hot again in University of Minnesota for his February and March) and when Haula junior season. The seventh scored Minnesota was 12-1-1. round pick isn’t alone in the He wasn’t alone among Wild prospects in Minnesota Wild organization in finishing seasons strong. Four prospects that taking that next step after being Minnesota holds rights to (Johan Larsson, Charlie drafted but in terms of draft position, Coyle, and Mario Lucia) won their he’s developed far beyond being an league playoff championships and Lucia’s afterthought. ended the year as the Canadian Junior “A” Champions. Larsson and Coyle, Photo by Gopher Athletics meanwhile, also won awards as Swedish Elite League Rookie of the Year and QMJHL Playoff MVP, respectively.

PROSPECT RANKINGS

1 – MIKAEL GRANLUND

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 HIFK Helsinki SM- 45 20 31 51 18

A smart but undersized forward that Because of his success playing plays with enormous confidence and against men, he will have a very high poise. Has tremendous playmaking chance of finding a regular top six abilities, complimented with great role on the team. creativity and on-ice awareness. Pos: C/LW Although undersized, he plays PROJECTION: Ht: 5-9 hard and is very willing to throw his Elite playmaking versatile forward. Wt: 170 body around, which is a good amount of muscle. He recently signed a three-year entry level deal with the Wild.

2A – JONAS BRODIN

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Farjestad SEL 49 0 8 8 14

An extremely smart and mobile decisions with the puck. This may or defenseman that moves seamlessly may not translate into points when he around the ice. He plays a safe, reaches the NHL. defensive game, and uses his mobility He represented Sweden in the and active stick to shake off and Men’s World Championships and was Pos: D evade forecheckers. considered one of the better Ht: 6-1 There are questions about his defenders on the team through the Wt: 181 offensive upside as he struggles to tournament. run the offense from the blueline but he makes very good breakout passes PROJECTION: and always makes smart and quick Top pairing mobile two-way defenseman

2B – CHARLIE COYLE

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 QMJHL 23 15 23 38 8

While Zach Phillips is the Sea Dog’s many of his board battles, as well as season MVP, Charlie Coyle the team’s bull his way towards the net. playoff MVP. He started the year He will have his chance to show his playing for but left stuff off as he heads towards for unknown reasons. Houston, but will first be able to Pos: C/RW It is fair to say that his departure audition for a Wild roster spot. Ht: 6-2 did good things for his development Wt: 207 as he was able to play more games PROJECTION: and tougher competition. Top nine two-way forward Coyle is a strong player that protects the puck well and can win

PROSPECT RANKINGS

4 – JOHAN LARSSON

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM

11-12 Brynas Gavle SEL 49 12 24 36 34

A versatile, two-way forward with a His ability to do everything well as great number of intangibles. He uses well as bringing leadership skills is a his body very well to protect the puck combination that will be highly valued and drive to the net while displaying when he comes to North America next a impressive array of offensive season. The question is, is he good Pos: C/LW abilities. enough for the Wild or will be start Ht: 6-0 He captained the U-20 Sweden the year off in Houston? Wt: 203 team to gold at the 2012 WJC and won the SEL’s Rookie of the Year PROJECTION: award. Top nine two-way forward; possible future

5 – MATT HACKETT

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP W GAA Sv % Svs 11-12 Houston Aeros AHL 44 20 2.38 0.917 1116

A good sized that moves It is widely discussed that Hackett well laterally and possesses a will most likely stay in Houston next lightning quick glove. He is an active season as the number one goaltender, goaltender, challenges the shooter battling time with Darcy Kuemper. well, and does a good job anticipating the play PROJECTION: Pos: G He has found success at every level 1A Goalie Ht: 6-2 Wt: 179 he has played at, which includes the NHL. Like any young goaltender, he will have to continue refining his game and improving his rebound control.

6 – ZACH PHILLIPS

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL 38 22 24 46 38

Phillips was named the Sea Dog’s good opportunistic player. MVP this season and rightfully so. He Phillips is in fact old enough to join has great vision, soft hands, and a the Houston Aeros, and considering well-rounded offensive toolset all the success he has had at the junior He is an offensive prospect that level, it seems it is time for him to Pos: C has a wide range of skills to produce move on. Ht: 6-1 points. The problem is his average Wt: 181 size and his below-average skating. PROJECTION: He isn’t the most explosive or the most Top six offensive forward dynamic but his hockey sense and offensive instincts make him a very

PROSPECT RANKINGS

7 – MARIO LUCIA

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Penticton Vees BCHL 56 42 51 93 42

The Minnesota boy that was drafted 2013 season, where he will be left by Minnesota in Minnesota. His first there to slowly develop muscle and season out of high-school was a strength. It will be some time before successful one, where he led the BCHL he reaches the professional level. in PPG and tied for Rookie of the Pos: LW Year. PROJECTION: Ht: 6-3 Lucia still has tons of room to fill Top six offensive winger Wt: 195 out but has offensive skills and speed to make the Wild excited. He committed to Notre Dame and will be heading there for the 2012-

8 – JASON ZUCKER

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Denver University WCHA 38 22 24 46 38

Energetic and feisty, Zucker’s quick He also shows leadership skills by speed gives him a good future as a captaining the 2012 U-18 USA Team. checking forward for the Wild. He had a six game audition with

However, there may be more to his the Wild and looked decent on the game as he does own a deceptive bottom six role. He will hope to Pos: LW , competes hard, and likes to jump develop more offense in Houston. Ht: 5-11 into the dirty areas and drive the net. Wt: 185 He also has had a great showing PROJECTION: throughout his collegiate career by Bottom six forward placing 2nd in scoring two years in a row.

9 – BRETT BULMER

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 WHL 53 34 28 62 93

Bulmer is a competitive, gritty for the U-20s. agitator who has a good frame to Bulmer will have a good chance of build off on and has decent offensive starting the year with the Wild during skills to compliment. the 2012-13 season as a chippy Bulmer played a few audition bottom six player. However, he still Pos: LW games with the Wild at the beginning has tons of room to fill out before he Ht: 6-3 of the season, and did not look out of reaches his potential. Wt: 193 place. He was one of the last cuts during PROJECTION: this year’s Team selection Bottom six agitator camp. It was his last year of eligibility

PROSPECT RANKINGS

10 – JOHAN GUSTAFSSON

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP W GAA Sv % Svs 11-12 Lulea HF SEL 50 18 1.75 0.930 673

Another Swedish Wild prospect that focus and rebound control, evident now has a gold medal in his resume; through his average WJC there was some worry when the Wild performance, but he did managed to seemed to have problems signing him. play an impressive season in the top But now that he is signed, the Wild Swedish professional league. Pos: C keep its goaltending pipeline deep He will return to the SEL and Ht: 6-2 with talent. continue getting top minutes against Wt: 209lbs Gustafsson is a big sized men. goaltender that moves well in his crease and covers a lot of net. He PROJECTION: needs to improve his consistency, 1B Goaltender

11 – DARCY KUEMPER

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP W GAA Sv % Svs 11-12 Houston Aeros AHL 19 6 2.36 0.923 504

Kuemper started off the year in the rest of his game. ECHL where he amassed impressive He will most likely split time with totals. When started to Matt Hackett in Houston. move around, Kuemper found himself promoted to the Aeros, and never PROJECTION:

Pos: G looked back. 1B Goaltender Ht: 6-4 He is a big goaltender that covers

Wt: 212 a lot of net, moves well and is very

athletic. He needs to continue working on his rebound control and refine the

12 – NICK SEELER

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 USHL 26 2 11 13 33

A good sized defenseman that plays Nebraska-Omaha and will be

a solid all-round game. Seeler is developed slowly there.. decent in all areas of the game, and plays with a bit of jam. He was able PROJECTION: to play in all situations and a chance Bottom pairing two-way defenseman Pos: C to develop all aspects of his skillset. Ht: 6-2 He led his team in PPG by a Wt: 209lbs defenseman and was named to the USHL All-Star Rookie Team. He will heading to the University of

PROSPECT RANKINGS

13 – KRIS FOUCAULT

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Houston Aeros AHL 70 14 18 32 44

Foucault’s last season with his junior improve his defensive game if he team was a bit disappointing, wants to find his way to the Wild pro producing only 48 points in 65 roster. games. However, his team was He did manage to play a single considered weak, and in his full game with the Wild, but did not do Pos: C season debut with the Aeros, he very much. He will most likely return Ht: 6-2 impressed, scoring 32 points in 70 to Houston as a key offensive player. Wt: 209lbs games. He is a solid offensive player that PROJECTION: has a solid skillset, but needs to Top six offensive forward – boom or bust type of prospect

14 – ERIK HAULA

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 U of Minnesota WCHA 43 20 29 49 30

In Haula’s freshman year, he was perhaps not speedy enough for his amongst seven players that scored 20 size, Haula plays hard and is still points or more. In his sophomore year, able to bring in an impressive he emerged as a leader with 49 offensive game. points in 43 games. Pos: C He will be returning to the Gophers PROJECTION: Ht: 5-11 for his junior year and will look to Top six offensive forward – boom or Wt: 187 repeat his success and continue bust type of prospect leading the team. Considered undersized and

15 – TYLER CUMA

YR TEAM LEAGUE GP G A PTS PIM 11-12 Houston Aeros AHL 73 0 9 9 48

Injuries have been the story of Cuma’s Cuma played one game with the hockey career, but this season, he Wild in which is looked solid but if he managed to play almost an entire wants to find a permanent space on season, which is a great the pro roster, he will have to battle accomplishment. a deep core of solid defensemen. Pos: D This defensive-defenseman plays Ht: 6-2 an unspectacular game; safe and PROJECTION: Wt: 192 smart. He has solid skating and can Bottom pairing defensive defenseman make solid passes out the zone. His game may remind some people of ex-Wild player Nick Schultz.

MN DRAFT ELIGIBLES

TOP MINNESOTA DRAFT ELIGIBLE PLAYERS Minnesota continues to produce talent BY DAN SHRADER here is no doubt that the looking to try and get their team somewhat of a polarizing player. game of hockey and to the State Tournament. In He has elements to his game that T Minnesota are intertwined, between there are the away he has been knocked for having almost as if the sport and the tournaments, somewhat shoddy hockey sense State are synonymous. In a lot of the outdoor pond hockey, and and instincts. Whatever the final ways we watch kids grow up as the elements of the kids' verdict may be, Skjei will likely adults and as players; what used progression from kid to adult, be the first Minnesotan taken in to be kids who would pre-dress from peewee to bantam to June's Entry Draft. for practice are now seniors on starting forward; players their high school team are bred here. ZACH STEPAN, C, 6-0, 166, Its why scouts spend SHATTUCK ST.MARY’S (HIGH- their nights in rinks MN) Zach Stepan has been a during those frigid fixture on a powerhouse winter months, Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep team because Minnesota has that has won the last two USA long been a hot bed for Hockey Tier 1 National talent. From Phil Housley Championships. The Hastings to to Grant native plays a feisty and gritty Besse, NHL teams game, using his skating ability to have fingers on the interject himself into the offense pulse of the hockey and be a menace on the scene here because of forecheck. He plays a physical the credibility game too- and in case you and resume weren't aware, he is the cousin of generated by Rangers forward the players who . were at one time skating around the CODY CORBETT, D, 6-0, 210, rink pushing a folding (WHL) chair. Cody Corbett has been an So who are the top interesting story this year; while Minnesota kids this manning the blueline in the Fall year, those will be able to slip on Elite League, and penciled in as an NHL sweater on a June a Captain for his hometown evening this Summer? Stillwater High School team, Corbett opted to sign with the , D, 6-3,200, Edmonton Oil Kings of the USA U-18 (USHL) Brady Skjei, , of Lakeville, just finished up his forgoeing his senior season for Cody Corbett stint with the United States more exposure and a higher Edmonton Oil Kings National Team Development level of play in Major Junior. A Program with a Gold Medal in big bodied defenseman, Corbett the World Under-18 has been a mainstay on an Oil Championships in Brno, Czech Kings squad riding a 21-game Republic. Known for his powerful winning streak. and fluid skating ability, Skjei is Photo by Canadian Press MN DRAFT ELIGIBLES

Zach Stepan Shattuck St.Mary’s

Photo by Derek Gee , D, 6-0, 178, GRAND RAPIDS play a year of junior before heading to East (HIGH-MN) Jake Bischoff of Grand Rapids took a Lansing and the State Spartans. step similar of that to Corbett; once his Thunderhawks were eliminated from post-season Of course there are more players worth mention; play, Bischoff joined the of the Grant Besse, Justin Kloos, Jake Montgomery United States Hockey League for some games near (SSM), Logan Nelson (Victoria, WHL) amongst the end of the and season. The University of others- but these five stand out the most. Minnesota recruit has good size poise, and While this year is somewhat of a down year, impressed many in the Fall Elite League. and that is bound to happen from time to time- the group of kids who will be eligible for the 2013 NHL JOHN DRAEGER, D, 6-2, 186, SHATTUCKS Entry Draft are reason to create excitement. Players ST.MARY’S (HIGH-MN) John Draeger's been a rock like Connor Hurley, Michael Brodzinski, , for the same Shattuck squad that Zach Stepan plays and Hudson Fasching all look like they could have for. The rugged 6'2" defenseman will likely play a some prominence this time next year. more stay-at-home role at the next level, but makes life difficult for the opposition. His skating has improved as the season has gone on, and will likely

DABO HOCKEY MANAGER Under Development

HOUSTON AEROS

Carson McMillan 200th overall selection in 2007 NHL Entry Draft Photo by Chris Jerina HOUSTON AEROS UPDATE A full season update on the Wild’s developmental team BY HEATHER GALINDO

ften, the type of season if he can get both ends of his between Houston and St. Paul), an AHL team has couldn’t game going, he’s going to be was too high a hurdle for the O be more divergent from awfully fun to watch. team to really ever get the the season its parent club had, Chay Genoway has also put traction they needed. And but this year the Aeros were in in a lot of work transforming his losing, not only valuable players, lock step with the Wild. old habits into something more but also locker room cornerstones While they did squeak into the effective for the pros. He’s grown like Jed Ortmeyer and Warren playoffs on the last game of the more patient, mainly, and doesn’t Peters, who were so pivotal to season, a loss here or there and try to stampede through last season’s success, shifted the a win by certain other teams in defenders to the net every time foundation of the team. Trading the conference would have put he has the puck (99.9% chance away Casey Wellman to the the Aeros in 10th or worse to end of a turnover doing that, even in Rangers for stop-gap Erik the season. The point being, they the AHL) Cristensen completely took away were a bounce or two from Darcy Kuemper is the new guy the reliable go-to scoring that having a nearly identical we saw the least, due to injuries could have kept the Aeros more outcome to the Wild. and spending part of the season competitive. That said, the rookies came a down in the ECHL. Maybe the Coach and long way this season, and that’s goalie duel that looked so captain Jon DiSalvatore should really the Aeros’ raison d'etre. promising this year will finally be commended, however, for Justin Fontaine showed he’s got come to fruition next year. But holding the team together as tremendous upside with great this year it was all Matt Hackett. well as they did and getting into hands and good vision. Kris But ultimately, the constant roster the post season at all. A Foucault seems like a kid who just shuffling stunted cohesiveness, significant roster overhaul this loves to play, and while he’s and the distraction and travel summer should make for an having to retool his game a bit to fatigue for the Aeros’ best intriguing 2012-13. be more defensively responsible, players (those riding the yo-yo

WILD DRAFT PREVIEW

WILD SEARCHING

FOR DRAFT TALENT

Minnesota needs goals and physicality BY DANIEL CHAN

he Wild’s recent success has and can go many ways. One Last, but not many confident of the name they could consider is least, two-way T team’s future. The draft Finnish Teuvo Teravainen, who is defenseman Slater class of 2010 and 2011, as well a natural goal-scorer with agile Koekkoek was as the addition of Charlie Coyle, skating and magnetic puck skills. injured for most of has the prospect pool ripe with If the Wild want to go with a the season, but two-way talent. The team also defenseman, there are a number has size, skill, have a good amount of of options as this is considered and mobility character players that display the year of the defensemen. that allows great character and work ethic. is a popular him to However, there are still a number name, considered one of the have top of things that team needs to look bright spots on a rather pairing to improve disappointing USA team. During potential. this year’s WJC. Trouba is a GOAL-SCORING Ever since the big, mobile defenseman who departure of Marian Gaborik, plays smart, physical, and the team has lacked a dangerous possesses a cannon goal-scorer. The emergence of for a shot. Mikael Granlund and Charlie Another name Coyle has helped revive the that is being talent in the forward position, but discussed is neither of them is considered a , goal-scorer. who is a slick, puckmoving OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMEN The defenseman, for Marek Zidlicky was who can suppose to solve the lack of run any blueline offense, but as evident team’s through the recent trade with offense from , he just didn’t fit in. the blueline As such, the team continues to and had a very look for someone to step in and impressive combine be the answer. despite being injured for a large part of PHYSICAL DEFENSEMEN Marco the season. Scandella and Justin Falk have Big Griffin considerable size of the Wild Reinhart could be a blueline but they aren’t Wild as he has the Marco Scandella especially physical. The team has size to stop th lacked that blueline that can opposing 55 overall selection in clear the net using his body forwards but also 2008 NHL Entry Draft the skills and DRAFT POTENTIALS The Wild mobility to play own the 7th overall pick this year in all situations.

NHL MOCK DRAFT

9. , D, 6-0, 183, RED DEER (WHL) Besides Mark Schiefele, the Jets lack a bluechip prospect. Dumba brings tremendous upside to a team that needs a high upside player like him..

10. , RW, 5-11, 176, FROLUNDA (SWE) Has a ton of Morgan Rielly offensive talent, but played in a Ranked 9th by Future defensive role in Sweden. Will Photo by Cory Kerr provide secondary help to Considerations .

2012 NHL MOCK DRAFT 11. MIKHAIL The team of Shrader, Wells, and Chan GRIGORENKO, C, 6-3, 200, (QMJHL) While come together and pick one-by-one to see George McPhee has drafted his who goes off the board share of Russians, the Caps could care less. is available at 11 despite the 1. , D, 5. , LW, Russian factor being overrated 6-1, 201, EVERETT (WHL) 6-2, 181, LEKSAND (SWE-2) and he cannot be passed up Whether they take him outright takes a player with regardless of nationality. or trade down a pick or two, I size and who he sees as the most suspect The Oil and Ryan Murray complete forward on the board. uniting. 12. , C, 6-3, 202, KITCHENER (OHL) The 6. JACOB TROUBA, D, Sabres have a decent prospect 2. , 6-2, 193, USA-18 (USHL) Ducks blueline but lack in the forward RW, 5-11, 189, (OHL) have plenty of offensive and department, especially center. Blue Jackets take the player they smooth skating young Faksa brings skill and a solid were tanking the season for - a defensemen so Trouba adds a two-way game to help the team forward with game-changing physical element to that core. add more forward talent. superstar potential.

7. , 13. , 3. , D, 6-2, 184, PETERBOROUGH D, 6-4, 207, EDMONTON (WHL) C, 5-11, 189, SARNIA (OHL) (OHL) Forgotten because he Yet another gigantic D to patrol Galchenyuk has arguably the didn't play after November, but the Stars blueline. highest upside at this point and has everything the Wild look for injuries seem to be the past after in a player. Potential #1 D. an impressive combine. 14. , D, 6- 2, 207, OTTAWA (OHL) The 8. TEUVO Flames need some depth on the 4. MORGAN RIELLY, D, TERAVAINEN, LW, 5-11, 165, blue line and what better way to 5-11, 190, MOOSE JAW (WHL) JR. (FIN-JR) Jim address it by picking up a big Isles love their puck moving D, Rutherford basks at the fact that two-way defenseman like Ceci. and Ken Morrow let the cat out the only team who likes Finns of the bag at the Lottery saying more than the Hurricanes passed they want a D. on Teravainen.

NHL MOCK DRAFT

15. HAMPUS 21. BRENDAN 27. TOMAS HERTL, C, LINDHOLM, D, 6-3, 196, GAUNCE, C, 6-2, 215, 6-2, 198, SLAVIA (CZE) The ROGLE-JR (SWE-JR) The 2011 BELLEVILLE (OHL) The Sabres Coyotes lack a player with both draft saw the Senators stockpile add another centerman to help offensive talent and physical forward prospects and with an strengthen its forward prospect abilities and Tomas Hertl brings aging blueline, Ottawa adds a pool. both. talented defenseman, much like their very own . 22. HENRIK 28. , SAMUELSSON, C, 6-2, 192, LW, 6-2, 210, USA-18 (USHL) 16. NICOLAS KERDILES, EDMONTON (WHL) Maybe a Yeah, another name recognition C, 6-1, 201, USA-18 (USHL) name recognition thing, but will thing. Brings some jam to the Hard working player, has succeed in Crosby and Malkin's Blueshirts. offensive upside too- blue collar shadow. quality to bolster talented Caps. 29. BRADY SKJEI, D, 23. , 6-3, 200, USA-18 (USHL) 17. , RW, D, 5-11, 186, PORTLAND (WHL) Honestly, I'm going to assume 6-4, 203, PLYMOUTH (OHL) A has the best prospect that the Devils will forfeit this big (6'4") power forward who is pool in all of hockey but if they pick (they get to pick one of the underrated due to his role and have any issues it's on the blue next 3 firsts to lose because of knows how to use his size against line. Thankfully Pouliot fell into the salaray cap CHL competition. Sounds familiar their arms. fiasco a couple summers ago) so and WIlson will be great trade why not have them pick a future bait when the Sharks end up Golden Gopher? needing to acquire the next 24. , piece that gets them over the RW, 6-1, 189, KELOWNA (WHL) hump. Boston have a solid prospect so 30. MARK they add another player that JANKOWSKI, C, 6-2, 170, works well in the Bruins system. (HIGH- 18. OLLI MAATTA, D, Plays well in all zones and brings QC) The Kings have tons of talent 6-2, 202, LONDON(OHL) Deep tons of character and leadership. in their prospect pool and with in almost every single category, the very last pick of the first the Blackhawks choose the best round, they go for a hail-mary player available, who seems to 25. PONTUS ABERG, type of pick with a very raw but be a defensive defenseman with LW, 5-11, 194, DJURGARDEN very talented Canadian high a very impressive and productive (SWE) Blues grab one of the few schooler. playoffs. skilled forwards left on the board.

19. JAKE MCCABE, D, 6-0, 195, U. OF WISCONSIN 26. DALTON (WCHA) An under the radar THROWER, D, 5-11, 189, player, but will be a fixture on SASKATOON (WHL) Nothing has the Bolts blueline for years. to piss off Mike Gillis more than seeing a Swedish left winger taken the pick before but the 20. ZEMGUS Canucks take the next best thing GIRGENSONS, C, 6-2, 198, in a WHL Defenseman with a DUBUQUE (USHL) With McCabe cannon of a shot. off the board, Paul Holmgren takes the BPA in Girgensons, a big, speedy forward from the USHL.