Courtesy of our resident draft expert in Hawk Nation, Bill Placzek (aka Wiz), here is a mock draft with player scouting capsules for your enjoyment.

Wiz will likely be on the board today and this weekend to answer your questions (when not enjoying draft coverage form the comfort of his hot tub.)

I will post rounds 2-7 (yes, he did all 7 rounds!) tomorrow!

I am personally not as in touch with prospects as I used to be when writing for Hockey's Future, but I like the two guys Wiz has penciled in in round 1 for the Hawks— a lot.

Another guy I can see the Hawks taking in a later round is Swedish goalie Fredrik Petersson-Wentzel. I am told chief European scout Jonas Blomgren is high on him.



The Wizard's 2010 NHL Mock Draft
Written by
Bill Placzek

Edmonton Oilers
No. 1 – Taylor Hall – 6-foot-1, 185 lbs – LW, Windsor Spitfires
Taylor Hal, undisputed, he took it back from Sequin and it is staying there.
Not yet a true battler for the biscuit, and doesn't engage as much as a Toews in the "dirty areas", he is outstanding passer breakaway skater with world class acceleration, beside being one hell of a sniper. For some reason many see a little Mark Messier in him, and I cannot disagree. He has got that quick jump rocket acceleration, great vision, quick hands, excellent passing skills, to go along with that "smell blood" scoring ability.
Has several gears and can play at top speed, getting and giving the puck as he is pretty good and showing goalies his creative side, as opposed to be repetitious. Although not a complete battle zone mucker, there are hopes that down the road he adds jam, which would make him not only someone the opposition has to contend with when he enters the attack zone, but also one who could wreak havoc all over the attack zone. He certainly brings the NHL team that drafts him a potential of adding a special player.

Boston Bruins
No. 2 – Tyler Seguin – 6-foot-1, 186 – RC, Plymouth Whalers
Where Hall is a potential big goal scorer, Tyler Sequin is the creatively gifted centre who generates chances with his size/skill package. Cannot be categorized as a passer, as he scores as well most of the top forwards available, using his hard snapper or his wrist shot. Superb puckhandler, effortless skater who makes time and space until he is ready to dish it. Passes on the money, and his vision provides him with time to make the correct read, and he makes the four other skaters better with the chances he creates for them. As good a East-West as North-South. Not breakaway lightning bolt fast, but tell that to the opposition who get the "What happened" look after his team score. As all young players he still needs work to improve the defensive side of his game. I think a team might prefer him over any other draftees if they feel that centre is their specific area of need, because I think you would see him making two NHL wingers better before too long.

Florida Panthers
No. 3 – Erik Gudbranson – 6-foot-3.7, 199 – RD, Kingston Frontenacs
Gudbranson is an almost 6 4 defenseman and plays nasty fluid skater with great mobilty, who first had a knee injury then had mono so he is falling on the lists like SJ forward Logan Courture did because of his mono...This bruiser can pass and is already poised and a fluid skater. A lot depends upon what the scouts see from his return until the end of the season. While Fowler is presumed to have the whole package, Gudbranson displays much the same, albeit to a lesser extent, and plays with bruising vigor, and eager engages attackers in hopes that push back. His year was marred by the knee injury, and later by mono, so his ascent comes only after everyone could see him enough to make comparisons to Fowler who seemed a lock on the third spot where a large group of 12 jockey for slots. This is guy is a fluid skater who isn't polished, but already comfortable at so much of what makes good NHL defensemen. No one will rush him into the NHL, as he will patiently be schooled with the nuances of NHL defense, and then let loose on the NHL.

Columbus Blue Jackets
No. 4 – Cam Fowler – 6-foot-2, 190 – LD, USA U-18 NTDP -Windsor Spitfires
Indisputably the flashiest skating defenseman in this class with pure glide, speed, and top gear. He is also already an accomplished puck carrier and passer, so these three strengths vault him to the top three-four of many GM's list because there is so much already in place. He makes teammates better. Not great defensively but not shirking in learning to get better. Has to learn proper defensive positioning. He has a good pro wrister, but not dominant point shot that goalies respect, so he acts more as a PP QB who distributes and is not the main scoring threat on the PP. Not the polished gem defensively but improving. Positioning can be learned, but most prospects don't come to the draft with all around package he arrives with. Tremendous upside to develop as a go-to NHL defenseman.

New York Islanders
No. 5 – Brandon Gormley – 6-foot-2, 189 – LD, Monton Wildcats
Gormley is a taller but lighter than Fowler but only a little behind him in his development and abilities as a defenseman. he makes everything look easy, and the difference between him and the more offensively honed (so far) Fowler is Gormley whats a way of putting it, ah, robs forwards of time & space with short gaps (e.g., fast & fluidly quickly filling) textbook positioning and real active stick. Great under pressure, smooth passer, strong backward skater effortlessly mobile and great laterally along the Blue Line in a PP to open up lanes from the point and middle blue line. raw physically, needs mass and a little more body usage in his defensive zone. I think teams will consider drafting him this early, based on him eventually being a sort of "Braydon Coburn" clone that may or may not grow a pair....

Tampa Bay Lightning
No. 6 – Brett Connolly – 6-foot-2, 181 – RhLW, Prince George
Speed merchant with terrific skill set and sense. Can score or set up the play. Can PK and use his speed to get short-handed chances. Manages inside a small build to be a strong PK, shot blocker,besides a playmaker and finisher. Seemed to be a natural scorer prior to hip injury. After all that being said, scouts only were able to get a glimpse of him and he may off many teams who are picking in the top tens lists, because of his injuries and lack of time. His 16 games yielded 10 goals,19 points, a minus 3 +/- , with 8 pims. His free-fall in the draft may be reminiscent of 2009 draft pick Jared Cowen's down to Ottawa at pick #9 after he seemed a lock in the top half-dozen, when teams were unable to gauge his slotting on that year's performance.The very fact that Connolly showed no top gear in the April World Under-18 Tourney may indicate that teams have to consider the hip as an ongoing career problem His selection will come only after he actually is the best player available on a team's draft board.

Carolina Hurricanes
No.7 – Mikael Granlund – 5-foot-10, 178 lbs – LC-F, HIFK Helsinki Finland
The plethora of North American talent has stepped up in strong numbers to provide GM's sleepless nights deciding if the stay "home" or act on their instinct to take diminutive offensive dynamo, despite the fact he doesn't have great speed, or "size." He is just too good to not get picked at least in the top round. I might take him at slot four if my team is well-stocked with defensive prospects. Will never be a hitter you takes pucks away with collisions, but he is difficult to knock off the puck and will be a point producer wherever he plays. Fearless. takes the crap, and actually gives as well as he gets. Tremendous skills, balance and vision. No matter at centre or wing, he distributes the puck excellently, and finishes equally as well. Unafraid of the rough going, he perseveres through heavy traffic where you get to see just how wonderful a stickhandler he is, and how he can change the gears he does has to make space for linemates or chances for himself. You don't want him on your defenseman one on one. Similar to Patrick Kane, in that he uses the half-boards as home on the PP, he stick-handles and passes his team to one scoring chance after another. He scores too, in bunches, because understands the flow game and effortlessly uses the ice given as plays develop. This hard-nosed little big man just fights through to that open space, and is the guy who concerns opponents at every juncture of the game. Can you say Saku Koivu?

Atlanta Thrashers
No. 8 - Nino Niederreiter - 6-foot-1, 207, LhRW Portland
Rugged Swiss import who plays big, has nice speed to go with his great agility and balance. He is a battler, who seems to love the gritty play of the traffic areas and relishes the competition and 1 on 1 battles. Firm accurate passer, with jump to go around the WHL defenders. He will need to refine his instincts in the offensive zone, and be able to see how his more than adequate stickhandling skills are more valuable when he uses team mates in the attack. He possesses soft hands for a power winger. His arsenal includes a crisp heavy wrist shot. Some might say he lacks that first step acceleration, but once the train gets moving, he is tough to slow, driving to the area he wants to occupy. Accurate passer, physical player, check finisher, who needs bit of work at his hockey awareness.

Minnesota Wild
No. 9 - Derek Forbort - 6-foot-4, LD US NTDP U-18
Forbot is impressively solid, smart and climbing up the draft boards. Another big guy who has great mobility for his size. Projects to be an even bigger pro as he has room to grow on his large frame. Is a willing hitter, but also shows good board work in the defensive end, and above average puck skills and is no slouch at going up ice either. He has a heavy point shot and sees the ice very well and reacts accordingly. Does it all. Excellent all around skill and can beat you at both ends. Huge upside. Committed to the University of North Dakota.

New York Rangers
No. 10 - Vladimir Tarasenko – 5-foot-10.4 , 172 – LhRW, Novosibirsk KHL
Whether he says or comes over or threatens to go back ala Filatov, he really ranks as the 7th best player overall. He will not get picked here at this slotting number, but represents an excellent value to a team as he drops past the NHL clubs resistant to selecting non-North American picks not already playing in North America. Pure sniper, finds the dead spots in the offensive zone, and he is an unselfish creator who gets the puck to linemates. I realistically know he will not be picked this early but that has little to do with where his abilities rank in terms of North American players. But expect teams who have Russian-born family members and strong stocked farm teams to be a bit less reluctant at selecting any of the top Russian prospects who have yet to cross the pond and play in north America.

Dallas Stars
No. 11 - Ryan Johansen - 6-foot-2.25, 192, LC Portland Winterhawks
Rising wide-bodied playmaker who sees the ice well and can put the puck on linemates sticks with the best of them. Has tremendous vision to pinpoint the puck to the open man and is a great clean-up man if there is a rebound. Good straight ahead speed, not much of a tight turner, but also not much of bull either. Can end up over-handling the puck, instead of using his linemates. Surely he benefits from playing one a line with two solid draftees, Nino Niederreiter and Brad Ross and defers much shot taking to them. Skating speed, balance and stride may be a concern at the NHL level, as is his sometimes docile demeanor,and limited scoring skills although he can look a dynamic big bloodthirsty pivot the next night. He has shown there are many parts to his game that are just what teams are seeking. The team buying has to feel they are looking for a player with what's already in his repertoire, or that the rest of his game rounds out.

Anaheim Ducks
No.12 – Alexander Burmistrov - 5-foot -11.5,162 LC, KazanAK Bars/ Barrie OHL
A three zone responsible speed merchant an under 6 foot with quick first step, superb speed, balance and lateral skating ability. Many compare him to the old time centres, who could breakout and pass to the tape but can finish as well. I love that he is both patient and allusive in tight spaces, making sharp cuts,and direction changes, while is a step ahead to planning his teams scoring chance. Superior saucer passer when he does need an outlet. Difficult to hit, as he never stops moving his feet , and has excellent vision and aforementioned abilities may help to cancel the "Russian Factor" out of team's evaluations of him. Defensively very good, and a fine passer, it is rare bird that this extremely creative, and a hard working backchecker that gets it. Granted this guy has a big time chance to drop because he is under six foot and Russian born. Maybe Christmas comes early to a better team picking later. Would not be surprised a team wouldn't be trying to move up to the middle if he isn't chosen here.

Phoenix Coyotes (from Calgary)
No. 13 - Jack Campbell - 6-foot-2, 185, G, USA U-18 NTDP -Windsor Spitfires
Acrobatic, strong-based star of last Christmas' American World Junior team who came off the bench to puck stop against a strong Canada entry. Great competitor with a strong glove, and puck handling ability. Exudes in giving few rebounds.
This American puck stopper, soon be OHA Windsor Spit, is somebody who is desperate to develop into a starting goaltender in that five years window ala Pittsburgh Fleury's development time table. It remains to be seen if a team is willing to spend a top fifteen pick (or a first a round pick at all for a "slow return" investment) and patiently wait for the results when they can go forward and have possibly have a player in a shorter window of time. I think you can say goalie Cal Pickard also fits this type of assessment. With a draft with such a rich middle, teams could find a more immediate salary cap relief now required for each NHL roster's bottom end spots. Long term investment goalie prospects look to not be selected as early as in other years, because teams must be oh, so patient after selecting them.

St. Louis Blues
No.14 - Riley Sheahan- 6-foot-1.5, 202- Lh C, Notre Dame
Norte Dame coach Jeff Jackson entrusted this 17 year old Freshman with minutes and responsibilities rarely seen by a Freshman. Earlier in the year I heard Bob McKenzie say he had him in his top ten. The reason is Sheahan's size+skill, hockey IQ, puck-handling skills, soft hands, and good vision. He projects as a superior project who reads the on-ice situations and defends and attacks in response. His final ranking may has dropped when charged with public intoxication and alcohol consumption by a minor when the moving pick-up truck he was in was pulled over.(He was in the truck bed, and most U.S. States have driving restrictions concurring unbelted passengers in moving vehicles.) He was sentenced to community service. It remains to be seen if this plummets him into the 20-30 range. Certainly the NHL franchises has talked up drafting character along with skills. Where he get selected might be contingent upon whether teams are willing to think past the 17 year old drinking issue, and concentrate on the on-ice observations of a 17 year old playing against 22 year olds, and doing so with a two way game, more than one skating gear, and keen offensive prowess. There is considerable upside, and it will be curious to see just which team takes a chance at he turning into a solid NHL player and citizen.

Florida Panthers (from Boston)
No. 15 - Austin Watson - 6-foot-3.25, 185, RW Peterborough OHL
Solid all-around two-way winger who leads his team by example. Good balanced skater with good hands and above average game smarts. Had an ankle break but worked hard to be back to lead his team at playoff time. Uses his size in whatever role he is utilized. He can be on your go-to offensive line, used as a checker, or on the PK. Always competing and making smart decisions, he is not fully filled out, but provides NHL teams with a pick who they can project as solid in almost all phases of play.

Ottawa Senators
No. 16 - Emerson Etem - 6-foot-0.25, 190 - LC Medicine Hat
May be the fastest player player at any forward position with the puck in the draft as his stick and feet attack with such veracity and that, along with his good size is difficult to defend against. Great combo of balance, acceleration, speed and separation ability with his instinctive attacking abilities albeit the fact he is far more of a solo artist than passer. Granted, players that take responsibility and feel they are the best option may take it upon themselves to carry the weight. Plays and looks bigger than his height although he rarely plays with jam, but is used on the PK & PP because his speed is such a valuable asset. Possesses a nice snap shot. Far from the finished product but his speed offers a nice starting polish. Needs to continue to learn and commit to the defensive side of the game.

Colorado Avalanche
No. 17 - Nick Bjugstad - 6 foot-4, 185, LC, Blaine H.S.
Followed Nick Leddy as "Nick too" as a Mr. Hockey award winner in Minnesota. Unlike the diminutive Leddy, this work mule will take the weight on his shoulders if a game is one the line. Has shown a nice heavy shot, good anticipation, and above average puck and skate skills, can dish with the best, and reads plays exceptionally well, showing a hockey IQ beyond most his age. He is equally adept at scoring as setting up his teammates, by way of his size and puck-handling. Committed to the University of Minnesota.

Nashville Predators
No. 18 – Jeff Skinner - 5-foot-10, 197, LCF, Kitchener
Undersized opportunistic scorer with great stick skills and deadly accurate shot he needs little room to launch. Easily typecast a one way guy as he rarely goes in to do dirty work to unearth pucks in the battle zones, and shows no commitment in his own defensive zone to battle for puck possession either. At times he seems "me-me", by decisions that favor him attempting to control play as opposed to him going to the open teammate. Superb face-off guy, high skill level prospect with Jekyll-Hyde on-ice performances that make you sometimes think you see it and other times when you are sure you don't. Superb hands and quickness, but isn't a burner. Great offensive awareness, but plays soft and is less committed in his defensive zone. Some think he can make the jump to the pros soon, but his new NHL club will be tolerate with hopes he can improve his negatives quickly, or have blinders...

Los Angeles Kings
No. 19 - John McFarland - 6-foot, 192, RC Sudbury
He may be a target for the Stanley Cup winner, as he is second top player that might take the longest fall in the draft, as he went from a top dozen guy to maybe out of the round. He put on an eye-opening performance in in last year's Under 18s, he has shown less hockey sense, less team concept and less results. he has a darn good shot and makes the OHA goalies look like OHA goalies. He would be a great fit for a club that already has skilled passers. He pursues the puck well and is a guy who sacrifices and hits the wall to make his presence. He has such a nice powerful skating stride and that is what helps him be successful. So far the success has been limited,as he shows he doesn't seem to see the unraveling of the defense in the attack zone, so he many times doesn't do the smart thing with the biscuit. If surrounded by good attack players and sound defensively responsible players, I am certain he could gain hockey sense, learn his defensive responsibilities, and even become a dominant all-around player. It does seem like there must be something behind the fact that this lightning quick player with a powerful shot had so few positive results. You may have to put that firmly on him. But what if you do and he responds. As I said before you cannot have enough speed and scorers.

Pittsburgh Penguins
No. 20 - Evgeny Kuznetsov - 5-foot-11.6, 172, Lh RW, Chelyabinsk
Russian Factor excluded, he is another real deal prospect who has all the tools to be a pro player. He is a gifted smooth skating, quick agile and fluid player who plays with creativity and excellent vision. He is an offensive generator who can saucer pass with the best. His soft hands make him dangerous whenever he has the puck and very tough to separate from it. May end up there in the second round if the KHL, and "freedom fees" deter his North American debut.

Detroit Red Wings
No. 21 – Jarred Tinordi - 6-foot-4.7, 205, LD, USA U-18 NTDP-U-18
Captains the U.S. National team and has big time physical defender written all over him. His offensive game emerged a little but time will tell if he has a dominate offensive side. His forte is his own zone,in front and anywhere there is a body to thump. The opposition quickly gives him the respect he deserves shy away from him. If they don't shy away he will quickly show puck domination because the attacker doesn't have it any more. Can develop into a shutdown defender. Let's his fellow defenseman handle much of the puck carrying at this juncture. He does display good outlet passing, including the stretch. Also has a heavy wrist shot. Bloodlines are a factor, as is that fact he is captain material, and big enough to grow in to a monster player. Granted a NHL team may view him as limited offensively, but it difficult to pass if he truly is a shutdown defender.

Phoenix Coyotes
No. 22 - Justin Faulk – 5-foot-11, 195 – RD, USA U-18 NTDP
The 'smallest" of the US redwood defensive core, but is in no way shadowed by the others. Extremely smooth in the both ends. Smart and is a excellent skater who jumps in. Doesn't shy away from using his body to crunch opponents. Has a really good point shot too. Must be considered as possibly the second of the U.S. NTDP U-18 ers to on defense to get selected, and third for sure. Committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Buffalo Sabres
No.23 – Kirill Kabanov – 6-foot-3, 176 lbs – LW, Salavat Ufa/ Monton Wildcats
Kabanov's problems are well documented on both sides of the ocean. A wrist injury and subsequent surgery and recovery had him off the ice for over ten weeks. When he returned to Moncton's line-up at play-off time, (where he already was playing behind two veteran quality QMHL RWers) it was as as a third line wing. In the play-off series, he takes a bad penalty and his team leaders take him to task for putting himself above the team. I am not completely sure if this verbal undressing and his benching for Moncton's Western Conference semifinal play-off matchup against Rouyn-Noranda were the reasons, but he was allowed by his team, the Moncton Wildcats, to return to Russia to attend the World U-18 championships, despite the fact that the Wildcats were in the midst of their QMJHL playoff run. Even more curious is the fact that Kabanov and his father has burned many bridges in Russia. From TSN: "Kabanov was reportedly removed from Russia's Under-18 team that is set to compete at the upcoming U-18 IIHF World Hockey Championship in Belarus by head coach Mikhail Vasiliev due to lack of discipline. I removed him from the team because we thought Kabanov would help us, but he brought only confusion to the team," Vasiliev told Sovietsky Sport. "Kabanov came and thought 'Here I am, a star from Canada, who will save all.' But it's the team that wins rather than an individual player." His father stood in defiance to Ufa Salavat, his Russian team which was trying to say his out clause was applicable. While playing in Russia, a ear and a half ago in the Can-West tourney, he skated around giving a blind stare to the zebras while all the time tapping his stick to the ice, as a response to the flurry of questionable calls his team was inflicted. So on one side you see a very immature kid with unchecked emotions, but who is an elite prospect with a gorgeous stride, and gears, and all the tools, and skills on offense you could ask for: soft hands, instinctive scoring abilities, extraordinary puck battle & reception ability, patience/ anticipation / vision. Despite the setbacks, his agent J.P. Barry stated that the NHL remains the goal of his client."We will now prepare Kirill for the upcoming NHL Combines and the NHL Draft,” Barry told TSN. “Kirill is an extremely dynamic talent; he speaks English perfectly and is highly motivated to play in the NHL.""He will soon have an NHL team who will help us chart his future development." I think if I am picking here, I am hard-pressed to let this level of type talent pass… if my research reveals that much of the concern lies in the forces around the player, and not squarely on the player, I take him.

CHICAGO (updated) (from Atlanta Thrashers by way of New Jersey)
No. 24 - Dylan McIlrath - 6 foot-4, 212, RD, Moose Jaw (WHL)
I wholeheartedly suggest you watch the fights on Youtube. Heralded as the best fist-fighter out of junior in a long while, this guy seems to have uncanny balance and an ability to land punches from right, left, under, and even over the combatants!
Admittedly, many of his fist-fights happen after he destroys an opponent with a devastating body-check. Good balanced skater with the biggest questions being whether he projects to more than a situational player, or a player who can actually play in a top two pairing. He moves the puck well, as he started out as a forward. Granted his puck handling skills are not refined, but there are tools to work on that might soothe the thought you are drafting an enforcer only. Teams must decide whether spending a precious first round pick on a specialty guy instead of looking to another player who projects to be a guy who would fill a larger role, minutes, and goals.

Vancouver Canucks
No. 25 - Brad Ross - 6-foot, 174, LW, Portland Winterhawks
Third part of the Portland draft eligible line 6 foot LW wing with really good speed, good fists and seems to have hands for scoring too. This jam guy thrives in the lunch pail parts of the game, and maintains a high level of competitiveness match through match. He has an edge and is a willing combatant to get his guys going. Shows quite a burst and can skate with anyone. Found his shooting touch as the year progressed, and will be viewed as viable pick for a team looking for a jam winger.

Washington Capitals
No. 26 - Jon Merrill - 6-foot-3, 196 – LD, USA U-18 NTDP
Lights out skater a big time shot. Accomplished heady defensive player who can play physical. Good offensive and transition game. Great acceleration and tremendous foot speed, and turning abilities. He was the PP QB for his team. Although he reads well in both the attack and defensive zone, teams may be looking for a big man with a little more jam than he has shone up to this juncture. Good prospect with untapped potential. Long armed defenseman with an excellent size/skills ratio, good skating ability, and a hard shot. Improving is play in the defensive zone. He has never lacked a physicality bordering on mean. Still need work on gap control, and controlled aggression. Committed to the University of Michigan.

Montreal Canadiens
No. 27 - Jaden Schwartz - 5-foot-9, 184, LC, Tri-City
A sturdily built mighty mite who must be considered as a first rounder by a team looking for offense, based on the maximum output this kid has shown. Good responsible face-off man. An agile & quick, smart pivot with above-average vision, who fearless goes everywhere in the offensive zone. Plays fast, but not a burner, more of a super-quick to the puck player, willing to use his quick stick to can possession and when he has it, to use his stickhandling skills along with his quick feet to get to open space to create chances. No one can say his size has deterred him so far, as he visits all areas of the ice with regularity, and give an honest effort defensively. Decent balance, quick shot high, high anticipation,and active stick are nice strengths.In some ways, you want to just copy the evaluation of Schwartz and paste it here as Spooner also must be considered an undersized centre who has room to grow. He is both a playmaker and a bit of a scorer, as besides straight on shots, he can pick a part of the net and use the opponents in front to provide screens for his shots and also is gifted as a tip-in guy. He has an active stick due to his excellent hand/eye coordination,and his balance skating ability makes him dangerous, as he darts in, cuts over, making space for the attack, and also showing he can give defenders fits if they choose to engage him 1 on 1.

San Jose Sharks
No. 28 - Quinton Howden - 6-foot-2,183, LW, Moose Jaw
Developing big guy with hands and straight line speed,and an edge. Responsible two way player, who plays in all one-ice situations. Has good pro size, and skates with control and is a good puck carrier. Finds space and reads the offensive zone very well. Passes well and has a nice shot. Good competitor, who will need to continue improving his defensive side and a add a bit more active stick-work to the jam he displays. Workman-like attitude on and off the ice.

Anaheim Ducks (from Philadelphia)
No. 29 - Beau Bennett - 6-foot-1, 180, RW, Penticon Vees Tier 2 BCHL
Perpetual motion machine playing in BC but native to California. Strong balance stride, with creative vision and superb offensive ability great forecheck attitude, high energy and disruptive manner. Good with the puck, and better with shooting it. Great shooter, great one timer, and soft passing paws. Good corner man, with soft hands. Power striding general who doesn't lose sight of where the play is going, even after he has entered the fray, and has the calm and creativity to leave the disruptor's role and become the go-to shooter. Moving up like wildfire on some team's lists, but it remains to be seen if a player ,who you know you have to wait a little longer for, can penetrate the first round full of players who have been viewed in competition levels that were reasonable higher. There will be a longer wait on the return.

Chicago Blackhawks
No. 30 - Brock Nelson - 6-foot-2, 205, LC, Warroad HS/U. of N.D.
Big framed centre who can fill out a little more. He has a nice strong snap shot that he releases quickly. Total team guy, who displays leadership and confidence. His size and good power stride enable him to keep puck control and take space in the attack zone, and is above average at puck possession at the present level of competition. Soft hands, for receiving and dishing, quick shot. Raw, but developing centre/forward. Nephew of Dave Christian.

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