Bill "Wiz" Placzek, in addition to being a friend of mine, also knows his hockey prospects. A former writer for hockeysfuture.com, Bill has put together his annual complete mock draft and prospect breakdown, which he has kindly shared with us (first two rounds today, 3-4 tomorrow, 5-7 on Thursday) as follows:


Edmonton Oilers
No. 1 – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - 5-foot-11, 156, LCF, Red Deer WHL
After tiny Rocco Grimaldi, he is the best skilled guy in the draft. Some guys just have it. One of the good hands people, and he shows a gifted ability to work with his skate and stick in traffic, with excellent acceleration. He seems instinctive and opportunistic offensively. A soft passer and natural scorer, has an accurate shot and doesn't hesitate, due to great co-ordination and desire. Superb smart Hockey IQ kid who passes the puck like a musical conductor. He might be prone to sometimes retreating and playing a perimeter game, but that certainly seems to disappear when the hips are down. Obviously far too small and needs bulk and strength, but showed continued willingness in the CHL prospects game, showing he is far from timid and willing at his present level. He simply has the best offensive upside down the road.

Edmonton's need for defensemen cries out, and so does a present roster of smaller forwards. I am not sure whether any of their present smaller guys has a skill total skill set this kid does. Compounding the matter is he is an Edmonton native. When asked of the possibility of trading the pick, Oilers GM Steve Tambellini said it would have to take a "monumental offer." I wonder if that includes a trade down a slot or two?


Colorado Avalanche
No. 2 – Gabriel Landeskog - 6-foot-1, - 205, LhRW-LW, Kitchener OHL
Excellent wall player, with a great attitude that only increases the enthusiastic play of his teammates. The Swedish import is starting to fill out and has displayed the tools necessary to climb the ladder to the pros, as he already captains his Kitchener OHL team. Will hit, pass, score, and fight. Will bring feistiness, and a power wing package to the NHL, with the biggest question being if can he become an NHL money scorer. No holes in his defensive game either as he'll get back get involved with blocks, hits and puck battles.

A pretty nice position Colorado is in at slot two. If Edmonton goes defense or takes the more NHL-ready Landeskog, Ryan-Nugent may fall to them, which would be great considering former Av Joe Sakic seems to be one of the elite NHL stars his game is being compared to. Since Colorado is presently strong at centre, I am sure they will have no trouble waiting for him to fill out and get stronger. Even though the Avalanche traded for Erik Johnson to be an all-around horse on defense, they also get a chance to add Larsson who looks to have the potential to also be one, and could potentially have two top defenseman there for a decade.
Landeskog is no consolation prize here. He is a can’t miss winger. He will play soon. He projects with the upside to be a top line player, but also one who slides to any line or role easily. No team doesn’t like him, it is more a question of “will he contribute season after season of 30 plus goals or just be the jam that helps other?’

I have seen written word about Jonathan Huberdeau being in the mix here, as a guy they start at wing and when he is ready make a centre. If that was part of their plan, a trade down would be in order.


Florida Panthers
No. 3 – Adam Larsson - 6-foot-2, 209, RD, Skellefteå, Sweden
Very safe early pick. Big skilled defender with calm demeanor, and upsize ability and a bit of snarl. Teams drafting early will see him as a complete package defender who almost certainly fills one of their top four for many a year. With the big three forwards all showing tiny parts that might shy early selectors, this kid has little anyone can have misgivings about. If a team feels defense is where they need upgrading, they may call his name earlier than this. I remains to be seen if his decision to return in 2011-12 to Sweden to play for Skellefteå in the Elietseren will impact his selection since a team picking this high may want him making his adjustment to North American smaller rinks starting sooner instead of later.

Most teams would be thrilled with Larsson, and the fact that the Panthers third-overall pick of last year Erik Gudbranson has a less than stellar showing in junior might make Larsson a bit more attractive. But Dale Tallon will hesitate, because he is looking for speed and size up front as well.


New Jersey Devils
No. 4 – Doug Hamilton - 6-foot-3.75, 185, RD, Niagara, OHL
Rising prospect whose physical package and fluid skating ability has put him on the map as a NHL future defender. As I read the early draft blogs fans of the teams that may be picking early , teams have already compared him in ability to many of the early defense picks of past drafts. At this point, he cannot be seen as their equals in at this juncture, but his natural athletic abilities and upside are what have so many teams talking about him. You look to be safely selecting a top-two pair guy, with no ceiling in terms of defensive position. He could become the guy on D. His parents are former Olympic athletes. He is a high character kid, and scholastic player of the year. He may just grow into a star of an NHL defense with continued growth and commitment. He is not viewed as an up ice guy when the season started, but as solid defender, who compares favorably in that aspect with any past drafted defenders. He showed a radical jump in his offensive game, and he is a guy with a mean streak when you come down in his defensive area. All this might have jacked him ahead or equal to Adam Larsson at this point. Excellent gap closer who can gain that space that disrupts their attack and is totally solid in the defensive zone. Uses his size to deliver big hits, and makes that solid first pass. No slouch when letting it rip from the point, where he cannons the biscuit. Far from a poised finished prospect, this lanky drink of water doesn't look out of place against higher competition. He has shown offensive and defensive attributes that cannot be ignored by the NHL staffs. He very well could easily be the top defenseman selected this year, and will definitely be the second if he isn't the first.


Devils truly won the lottery by winning the lottery, because they wouldn’t be getting a chance at an all-around top pair guy if they stay in their original slot. The Devils will have lots of options here, and the draft of Ottawa one of the teams they leap frogged is in their hands. Selecting a forward here is not out of the realm of possibility either. The Devils could easily go centre here, but after Hamilton, there is little chance of the selecting a defenseman prospect with the upside to be a two-way top pair player who can be dominant everywhere on the pond.


New York Islanders
No. 5 – Jonathan Huberdeau - 6-foot-0, 160, LCF, Saint John QMJHL
Plays on a veteran club and, on many a night, is the best player on that club or even carrying it. Skinny smooth skater who has soft hands, good vision, and good touch. He has good speed once moving but doesn't seem to have high end starting gear. He is good in the attack whether he has the puck or not. He reads the ice and passes the puck well as he shoots it. He is always in there after loose pucks. Has seen more action at wing than centre, to which in my opinion, he is better suited. That should not be a deterrent; it just makes him more versatile. He needs more commitment to the defensive side, but has knack in the defensive zone to get things ironed out and gets back going the other way on offense.

Going with Huberdeau poses a problem in that the Isles have more than a few guys that play at his size. If they are convinced with his long term upside, it is a no-brainer, but they may want the bigger Sean Couturier if they think he is a better long-term addition to the mix.

Ottawa Senators
No. 6 – Sean Couturier - 6-foot-3.5, 193, LCF, Drummondville QMJHL
May have become Angelo Esposito-like in his fall from the grace of once being thought of as the top pick. Big strong game-breaking scorer-generator ,who has a terrific Hockey IQ and feel for the game situations and seems to project as a can't miss NHL centre. A terrific stick handler, tape to tape passer and playmaker with such a long reach and quick stick, who can hold the puck that extra bit that free space for teammates, and while the puck is on a teammates stick, he seems to know where to position himself to cause the most damage. With great stick skills comes an improving heavy accurate shot. Very responsible and active in his own zone. Not the fastest guy, his skating might be his only area that will require improvement. It might be that when he puts all the pieces together, he becomes a strong NHL player with a goal of becoming a first line centre. Some say his upside is limited to second line centre since he hasn't seemed to grown further this season, but no NHL team sees him as a consolation prize.

Bryan Murray was candidly disappointed in the New Jersey lottery win that bump them down to slot six, and said they will now not get a player as good or as close. Or maybe he was commenting that he was disappointed his team didn’t win and move up to pick two? It would seem Murray has already declared the top five on his list are a cut above pick six. He thinks the team picking above him are locked in with their top five and the same as his. He may be wrong. Besides, if his scouting staff did their job, he should get a major leaguer. Sean Couturier may be the player of this draft who was most scrutinized, criticized, and undeserving of a fall down to slot six. He is high character kid who could eclipse the careers of the players presently slotted above him. He will get quicker and he brings Ottawa a huge presence in the next couple seasons in an area they need help.


Winnipeg
No. 7 – Mika Zibanejad - 6-foot-0.5, 183, RhC-LW, Djurgarden Sweden
High-motor power centre with size and soft hands. His two way play, vision, crease presence, and corner work make switching him to wing (where he has also played) an easy transition, with good size and tools. He has some touch to his passing ability, but also a heavy snapshot. He has good top gear, but his turns and skating need refinement as the there is a hitch in his strides. A strong determined forechecker who finishes his checks. This kid looks like a willing-to-improve fireball who will after a while make strides to the bigs.

At this point in the draft Kevin Cheveldayoff could do anything, but adding a razzle-dazzle forward to erase all memories of that rich Russian guy who is now in New Jersey. There are several forwards here that jump out. It might be a decision made by each player’s upside or what position they may honing in on or wait time that player will need to get to the NHL. They may be looking for a player on a faster schedule to get to the big leagues, no matter if he is a scorer, playmaking centre or power wing. The Swedish-born Zibanejad is of Iranian-Finn descent and plays a power game and both wing and centre.

Columbus Blue Jackets
No. 8 – Ryan Strome - 6-foot-0.5, 183, RCF, Niagara OHL
Another player who simply catapulted himself with a radical spike in his play level. What happened from last year to this? He simply got stronger bigger and driven. He has a tremendous skill level, may be the best stickhandler in the draft. A one timer that is deadly, you don't have to go far to find videos of his highlight reel goals and persistent attacks. Developmental trajectory went through the roof, much to the delight on the teams picking in the top ten looking for offense.

Columbus has wanted a puck magician for the backline for a while so I think Murphy will be on the radar. If they were to go forward, someone I have picked ahead of them would have to be there. Most other forward prospects are going to be wait-and-see guys, but another big guy to eventual play with prospect centre Ryan Johansen or a dynamic scorer might be in order.

Boston Bruins from Toronto
No. 9 – Ryan Murphy - 5-foot-10.75, 178, RD, Kitchener OHL
Undersized defenseman anomaly who may not be all that versed in his defensive zone but seems a head above almost all other North American defenseman in the offensive and transition game. This puck mover can get up ice super-quick, keep control of the puck and play, handling the pressure of being the carrier better than all others. He is a thing of beauty, the way he shoots up ice like a cannonball and can go through their entire opposing team playing keep away.

Calm and poised, he simply doesn't give it up, and quickly can thread the needle of a seam to his team's advantage. He can make any junior player look bad due to his foot speed and hands. He is the PP general with an accurate shot, but he does need to add more bulk and size to his thin body. Personally, I love these "Ryan Ellis" type picks, because you can use the success/failure rate of these type d-men and balance it against each NHL team's new emphasis to find as many rearguards than effortlessly go up ice as they can, as teams see quick transition as the number one priority. Teams just can't resist game-breakers, and if a comfortable defensive partner can balance an offensivemen's liability, the rewards offensively out-weigh the risks. Tremendous wheels, great vision and puck distribution

Whether it be the dynamic offensiveman Murphy, or big Siemens, or whatever forward is left from the top six, Boston looks to have won the Kessel trade big-time.

Minnesota Wild
No. 10 – Joel Armia - 6-foot-2.5, 165, RW, Assät Pori Finland
Soft-handed big Finn sniper with a high compete ability, skills and improving skating prowess. Receives and handles the puck well, good forechecker, and cornerman. He has good vision, quick shot, and a quick stick. Not a burner but deceptively fast once he gets going. Fearless in the battle areas and able to play with or without the puck at a high speed. He has displayed good effort on the back-check, and a quick release in the attack zone.

No matter which of the big three the Avs picked in the second overall slot, they get a chance this early to get a player who may develop into scorer. They can go various directions here from center to tough wing, but having a second early pick gives them the luxury to gamble on a scorer as opposed to a safer alternative. I think this pick is also tied to whether they select a forward or defenseman with the earlier pick.

Colorado Avalanche from St. Louis
No. 11 – Jonas Brodin - 6-foot-1, 165, LD, Färjestad
Calm all-around rearguard whose offensive game will improve. Cannot afford to throw his weight, because he needs to get so much bigger. He understands positioning and reaction in his own defensive zone, and already makes a good first pass, has good all around hockey sense, and potential to grow his up-ice puck carrying game. He moves up and into the play, and can put it on the tape if he's given the puck when he has jumped in. Turns very, very well and has excellent movement laterally and in pivots. He has an active stick and so far in international play displays excellent gap control. Another one of the rising Scadi prospects. In the past, has been a pointman on the PP.

No matter which of the big three the Avs picked in the second overall slot, they get a chance this early to get a player who may develop into scorer. They can go various directions here from center to tough wing, because having a second early pick gives them the luxury to gamble in whichever direction the see the best player. .I think this pick is also tied to whether they select a forward or defenseman with the earlier pick

Brodin is player that can go off the board as high as the early teens, and will be hearing his name here, or no later than when Pittsburgh, or Tampa picks.


12 Carolina Hurricanes
No. 12 – Oscar Klefbom - 6-foot-3., 196, LD, Färjestad
Rising Offenseman who, so far, has shown little snarl in his own zone, but is a constant threat in the attack zone. Needs to get (and play) bigger and better in his own end. A balanced strong strider, and a good carrier with a bit of jump. Like many young d-man, there is needs to be improvement on his play in his end, but no denying he is a fearless attack player with great size.

This would be philosophical shift by their GM, who thinks drafting defenseman means waiting longer for the results, but Oscar may be worth the wait, as he could end up the absolute best one in this draft when time passes. They could go for a bigger forward too.


13 Calgary Flames
No. 13 – Duncan Siemens - 6-foot-2.25, 185, LD, Saskatoon WHL
Tough stay at home defender with some offensive upside. His skating is a work in progress. Stick skills need work. Great at the junior level of controlling the gaps. This guy understands he has to be nasty defender and improve all other facets. He is dedicated in doing so. It is just a matter of when his name gets called based on what the present package is….

I firmly believe this pick will be shopped in hopes a team will trade multiple picks to select "their guy" with the slot. The Flames are not giving it away and will need either a good NHL player and a pick or a second in the late teens and an early second, not as little as Toronto has to offer. If interested Chicago & Ottawa have what it will take. Sometimes you play the cards you are dealt.

14 Dallas Stars
No. 14 – Mark McNeill - 6-foot-0.75, 198, RCF, Prince Albert WHL
Strong skating centre who is growing into a role as an aggressive big centre. Not a ballerina-type centre but a North-South skater with nice balance, agility, speed, and skating stride. He is an unpolished young centre, still learning to skate the puck. He has good hands, passes the puck very well, wins face-offs and is growing in his improvement and aggressive play. He is a rising prospect who may rise to this high based on his combine tests that showed him strong enough to hold position near the blue paint area, and on the wall. He still must evolve into a truly aggressive tough jam player. He has shown he can fight, but can he play with edge game in and game out?

You will hear McNeill’s name called somewhere before the picks in the ‘teens end.

15 New York Rangers
No. 15 – Alexandre Khokhlachev - 5-foot-11, 171, LCF, Spartak/Windsor Spitfires
Undersized offensive player with great instincts in the offensive zone. Has a full set of gears and real speed. Is a team guy, and although he is a primarily an offensive player, he is working on his decision-making to complete his game.

Khokhlachev may be hard to pass. He is a fearless skilled guy who might end up as a terrific addition even though he isn't a big man.

Rangers might opt for J.T. Miller or Tyler Biggs, so you seem guaranteed coming away with an NHLer with this selection, and it could be in any direction.

16 Buffalo Sabres
No. 16 – Matt Puempel - 6-foot-0.5, 187, LW, Peterborough OHL
Top skill wing of the draft, whose acceleration, lateral quickness, touch and shot put him in line to be drafted early as he begins to put his game to work on a consistent basis. Well built, but still needs to get stronger. Pretty much a natural in the offensive zone because he has a nice feel for play there. He has a tremendous heavy shot, and a player who is good in tight. He still needs to commit and be schooled in the nuances of the defensive zone, and the desire to battle for lost pucks in the offensive zone.

The new Buffalo owner will be happy with another scoring wing who has a bit more size than the present ones.

17 Montreal Canadiens
No. 17 – J. T. Miller - 6-foot-1, 190, LhRW-C, USA U-18 NTDP
A centre-wing who plays a nice puck possession game with grit and bodywork. Some say he may not apply himself consistently to this style and his draft stock will drop if he doesn't become committed 60 minutes, but I don't think it is a question of intent as much as he has emptied the tank with his earlier efforts. Punishes on the attack and skates with good balance, and jump. He is a good shooter and decent passer and good in his own zone . He is very creative on his carries, and is solid in all zones. Once in transit he can move with the best of them. Although he lacks a first step and doesn't consistently play big strong on the puck when in the attack, he will be given time to add to his game, because the payout may be a big reward to the team that selects him.

The Habs need this type of player and he has upside. He may be able to deliver more scoring than he has shown so far. They might feel they can get a young puck rusher here and go in a different direction.

18 Chicago Blackhawks
No. 18 – Mark Scheifele - 6-foot-3, 177, RC, Barrie OHL
We all knew it was his draft year. We all knew he had potential. Carries a large frame, but is lanky and far from strong enough. It wasn't until he got to the World U-18's and sold everyone. Taking him out of Barrie, where he was surrounded by a thin supporting cast, and give him talented linemates put him is a very different light. He displayed high level hockey sense, soft hands, and was comfortable in the tight areas. As he adds strength, he will add a gear, but he already takes off when being pursued and moves well laterally and has a smooth stride. He scored and scored and played smart, getting the puck to his teammates. Whether it is wing or centre, he's a good -sized play-making forward who Coach Dale Hawerchuk has taken under his wing. He is working to build muscle mass, and is working to get faster, less heavy-footed and skating with a lower center of gravity. Long term project who might fill out his frame and abilities as a top six NHLer.

Chicago has so many options, as they have a huge stable of prospects. They may go for a scorer centre prospect, or take the best offensive talent, or a closer to ready jam player, or sandwich their way up the board.

19 Edmonton Oilers from Los Angeles
No. 19 – David Musil - 6-foot-3.25, 193, LD, Vancouver WHL
Burgeoning prospect whose hockey resume is filled with high Hockey IQ marks. Has all the tools and qualities you look for in a big defenseman. Besides being able to separate attackers from the biscuit, he has above average skating steps and hands that may someday establish him as a fine two-way defenseman. Right now his biggest attribute is that he is an excellent box-out defender whose small area quickness in hands and feet can contain and strip attackers. Although he has the above-average balance and strength, he has little up-ice foot speed when he starts out, and that might very well hurt where he gets picked. Once going, he can carry the mail, and is a good outlet passer. Upside is always part of projecting defenseman and it surely doesn't hurt that his father was a NHL vet. The finished product may be a superior talent. He shows that he can effectively continue to use his body and skates to neutralize attackers, and only time will tell us if the kid can become an offensive force also.

If the Oilers didn't move away from selecting Nugent-Hopkins and go d, this spot provides a need fill provided Musil is available. You have to view him and establish if there is limited upside and just who else is available at any position. Oilers might reach down the list if they truly want a defenseman.

20 Phoenix Coyotes
No. 20 – Jamie Oleksiak - 6-foot-6.5, 240, LD, Northeastern University
Do I really need I say anything about why you draft him and hope he develops? He needs plenty of work on lateral pivots and all around footwork, but the guy does have good balance and a nice stride up ice. His hands are not stone. His size gives him plenty of advantage small passing lanes and on the poke check. You'd like more jam to go with his size. A project that many teams will think about around this pick.

There are a half-dozen NHL teams who regret passing on Tyler Myers in the 2008 draft.
The 240 pound Oleksiak doesn't has flash and dash of the forwards available but is far
too tempting to not select IF still here.


21 Ottawa Senators from Nashville subject to change
No. 21 – Nathan Beaulieu - 6-foot-1.75, 175, LD, Saint John QMJL
It would be easy to look at him and say his most impressive trait is his work on the strong St. John power play, but there is lots to like about him all over the ice. He is a good stretch passer, and handles carrying well too. The strength of his game is his skating. He has a wide base, good balance and a nice stride and acceleration. This gives him an advantage in defensive coverage, and when he is does carry the mail at full speed. Good wrist shot and fine bloodlines. Teams view his favorable because every team needs defenseman who are exceptional puck-carriers.

The Senators will be in looking for the best guy on the board and it may another puck carrier, Jonas Brodin, or Nik Jensen whose size and skill package may be hard to resist, or maybe an elite centre falls into their laps?

22 Anaheim Ducks
No. 22 – Tyler Biggs - 6-foot-3., 203, RW, USA U-18 NTDP
Big three zone mean wing who will probably have to continue to upgrade his quickness to be a force at the next levels. He is tough, an on-ice leader/protector and will lay heavy checks within the rules in almost every game he plays. He has nice balance, a wide skating base and solid quick stride, but is basically a North-South guy who has an accurate shot, and soft hands, and a pro-style build, so his goals will come in the crease area where he will cause major disruptions when he anchors down in front and on passes he has unearthed along the wall. His father (Don) was a longtime minor pro player. There really is little to not like about him, if he is given a slower track to continue his improvement.

At this point, he is not the biggest player available but he certainly is skilled, quick and good enough with the puck to eventually fit with the Ducks. The Ducks have chosen lots of bigger lunch pail players, so it would be no surprise to see them consider Brandon Saad type, but Brodin is player that can go off the board as high as the early teens, and will be hearing his name here, or when Pittsburgh, or Tampa picks.

23 Pittsburgh Penguins
No. 23 – – Zack Phillips - 6-foot-1.25, 177, RCF, Saint John QMJHL
Forwards in the Q can sometime be a challenge to project. Not necessarily that they will not become pros, but whether their efforts in junior can translate as they climb the steps. (Here is where I could start to mention Jakub Voracek and others.) No one can deny what Phillips can do: he is a finisher, but not overly fast, or big.

With the injuries to Sid and Geno, maybe the Pens start looking for a scorer who can get open and bury it? He is not the fastest guy, but can play centre or wing.

24 Detroit Red Wings
No. 24 – Vladislav Namestnikov - 5-foot-11.75, 160, LCF, London OHL
A good hands centreman who plays with jump and enthusiasm. A lot like the kid in Atlanta, Alexander Burmisitrov, but much farther away from contributing at the NHL level.

Russian - Red Wings no brainer. He may be gone and but as the Wing roster gets long in tooth, they will be looking long and hard for youthful players that are less "roster-fillers" and more riskier high reward guys who will be top line replacement guys. And if there is not organizational panic about the forward position, they may find a development defenseman they really like, as Lidstrom and Rafalski will need replacements soon.


25 Toronto Maple Leafs from Philadelphia
No. 25 – Brandon Saad - 6-foot-2.25, 199, LW, USA U-18 NTDP
Strong, big winger with good hands and vision, who creates space, and has some nasty in his game. He is a competitor who is difficult to handle in front and near the net and displays a quick snapper of a shot in a toolbox that looks to be pro-bound big time. Like so many gifted two-way players, he tends to overlook a strong commitment to his defensive zone at times. It remains to be seen if he can embrace this type role as competition gets tougher.

Brian Burke like big and although Saad has not stayed up in the top slots he occupied earlier in the year, he has considerable value at this point. Burke wants a home run but also knows that patience in a player like Oleksiak or Conner Murphy might serve the organization better instead of going forward. Still Burkie will have a big decision on which way he goes here. He picks again five slots later.

26 Washington
No. 26 – Rocco Grimaldi - 5-foot-6, 157, RCF, USA U-18 NTDP
I have my prejudices and never EVER thought I would even consider a guy his size as a first rounder, but there is no way he doesn't belong out of consideration, based on his on-ice performances. Simply the best all around skilled guy in the draft. Fearless, tough, a lightning shot, super quick hands and feet. He is too fierce a competitor to think his size will stop him. It is what it is. The question remains: which NHL team has the cojones to take him here?

Radical move by a team whose fans need more than a new coach. This little mosquito can help with a quick injection of wow. Will they get radical?

27 Tampa Bay Lightning
No. 27 – Joe Morrow - 6-foot-0.5, 196, LD, Portland WHL
A player whose status elevated based on a strong showing this last season. His emerging puck carrying abilities, PP work, and all around toughness have moved him up the lists. Still needs to get more strength and better awareness in the defensive zone, and is a long term developmental guy who may have huge upside. So far a point shot and rusher, the best may be yet to come.

After the splendid post season, Tampa may feel that the missing ingredient is a bona fide puck rusher. Hedman may eventually fill that role, but Joe Morrow may eventually grow into more than a puck-carrier.

28 San Jose Sharks
No. 28 – Sven Bärtschi - 5-foot-10.5, 185, LW, Portland
Undersized opportunistic scorer with great stick skills and good wheels he needs little room to launch (or he is prone to being a perimeter player?). He moves well East-West, and is will need to improve his involvement in puck battles. Easily one on the quicker first step wingers available. Needs time.

At this juncture of the draft, you just wait and see who drops into your lap. The Sharks are great at patiently getting their players ready. There are lot of options here, and all possibles are guys they will wait for to develop, including many potential scorers still left at this juncture of the draft. The Sharks roster is also aging and will need scoring soon, so Bärtschi fits that need.

29 Vancouver Canucks
No. 29 – – Nicklas Jensen - 6-foot-2, 1979, LCF, Herning, Denmark /Oshawa
He has a great size and speed/skill ratio, and shows a lot of desirable qualities you look for in a prospect. Needs better conditioning, and must learn the defensive assignments, but shows a nice quick touch in close.

At this point you just look over your board and say "Is he the best player?" If so, put his name on the card. But if Jensen is still there to write his name, at least nine teams may have gotten it wrong….



30 Toronto Maple Leafs from Boston
No. 30 – Conner Murphy - 6-foot-3., 194, RD, USA U-18 NTDP
Another of a long line of US grown big defensemen who year after draft year look to have so many interesting characteristics, although the players are not finished products on their draft day. Big framed, good skater and puck carrier. Has good puck skills but still learning the nuances of attacking. Injury has put him out of viewing under the Under 17s, but the very fact his father is a former NHLer puts him on the radar of all 30 NHL clubs in the last half of the first round. Already displays and active stick and decent gap control due to his strong skating game. Raw long-term project with possible big payoff.

Whether a developmental defenseman, or an offensive player , the pick will have some size . A scorer may be the biggest need, and a developmental defenseman an afterthought.


2nd Round

31 Edmonton
No. 31 – Scott Mayfield - 6-foot-3.75, 192, RD, Youngstown USHL
A long-term project that many teams are interested in due to his great size, puck skills skating and a shade of snarl. Already has shown some good carrying skills, and an accurate first pass. He is capable of springing teammates on the long pass to the opposing blue line too. Far from ready to play against faster players, he is an agile big man that will get consideration early.

"We didn't think he would be there at pick 31" - Oiler GM Steve Tambellini

32 St. Louis from Colorado
No. 32 – – Ty Rattie - 6-foot-0, 170, RhLW, Portland WHL
Scorer with an accurate shot he needs little room to launch, and put up superb numbers as ascend liner. Opportunistic shooter, who isn't a burner but uses the gears he does have offensively and in his defensive commitment. He sees the ice very well and plays like a shooter, always churning away. Needs to get stronger, and will need a bit more grit, but I hard to view him as anything but a late first rounder or early second..

The Blues were devastated by young Perron's concussion and he fills a long term need
as a top two line player.

33 Florida
No. 33 – – Shane Prince - 5-foot-10.75, 181, LW, Ottawa OHL
Dark horse prospect who displays excellent skills with the puck and his stick. Combined with his superb skating and compete level they make him a player who will get his name called in June. Great transition player, able defensively and even can kill penalties. A late season concussion is what pushed him out of the mdi-first round. A full recovery and some team gets a big-time offensive present. Will knock you down to get the puck.

34 New York Islanders
No. 34 – Boone Jenner - 6-foot-0.5, 192, LCF, Oshawa OHL
Big centre who plays fearlessly with good balance and puck position. A team leader who may get even bigger, and already plays all three zones. Skating is a work in progress, as is his passing. He likes to carry and shoot, and be physical. His defensive game needs work along with his foot speed. He does everything above average, but so far is not special in any specific area, but plays a gritty game and comes ready to play. The question may come down to if he can continue to elevate his offensive side.

35 Ottawa Senators
No. 35 – – Richard Rackell - 6-foot-1, 191, C-RW, Plymouth OHL
Opportunistic jam player with great stick skills, but is hard to play against three zone hitter, who riles the opposition by playing his game. Unfinished project at this point, but showing all the qualities to turn into NHLer, because he makes his own opportunities, with turnovers and an improving offensive game. Moved from wing to centre this last year and is a Swedish import who thrives on being an effective three zone player who will knock you down to get the puck.

36 Chicago Blackhawks from Atlanta
No. 36 – Tomas Jurco - 6-foot-0.5, 180, LhRW, Saint John QMJL
Player whose hand-eye coordination and stick-work is off the charts. Fearless wall player who at this point looks like more of a set-up man than scorer. Granted, he has quick release, but he seems more willing to make an unselfishness play as a set-up man and works the corners and front very well to the benefit of his linemates. Needs work on the defensive side of his game, more strength and girth. Could be taken in the first, but will not drop further than here.

Columbus Blue Jackets
No. 37 – Stuart Percy - 6-foot-0.75, 177, RhLD, Mississauga St. Michael's OHL
Undersized defender who has limited offensive potential, but none the less is a solid all-around defenseman who diagnoses trouble in his end, and more than adequately is able to get his team out of trouble.

38 Nashville from New Jersey Devils
No. 38 – Dmitri Jaskin - 6-foot-3.1, 199, RW Slava Praha
Large physical power wing type with a nice hard wrist shot, good vision and decent hands. Big and strong on the puck in battle areas but his skating needs to improve, although he's deceptively quick North-South on the blades. Was out seven weeks with a knee injury. Has many desirable parts but needs improvement to become the sum of the parts.

39 Toronto Maple Leafs
No. 39 – Mike McKee - 6-foot-4, 230, D-LW, Kent H.S. NEDI
See James Oleksiak. Except there is a bit of difference. Until 20 months ago this lanky kid was playing forward. The switch happened at a good time because he was just growing and developing his feet and agility. He already had pretty good skill for a big guy and good hands and a shot. He needs to put in much more development in learning the defensive position, and although NHL teams may be projecting him as an energy forward type, it might be in his interest to concentrate on learning to be a defender, as his long term value would increase. May end up back with the OHL team that selected him Ottawa 67's next season.

Boston Bruins from Minnesota
No. 40 – Adam Clendening - 5-foot-11.5, 190, RD, USA U-18 NTDP / Boston U.
Solid Offensive Point man who moves great laterally along the attacking blue line and smartly sets up the attack with his low snapper. Understands the attack zone and uses his passing and stickhandling to set the plays up.

St. Louis Blues
No. 41 – Mario Lucia - 6-foot-2, 184, LW, Wayzata H. S.
Daddy is the head coach at the U. of Minnesota. Sonny boy has a keen skating ability, nice hands and a nice skill set. Looks like a player already, and has a high on ice IQ. May be the best player in Minnesota high school.

Carolina Hurricanes
No. 42 – Victor Rask - 6-foot-1, 193, LCF, Leksand
Big three zone centremen who will go in to do the dirty work to unearth pucks in the battle zones, and be able to hold the puck and wait for openings. Moves really well and is a excellent face-off man, puck-handler, and offense generator. When he becomes a player who consistently plays well at top speed, he could become a really good major leaguer.

Chicago Blackhawks from Toronto by way of Calgary
No. 43 – John Gibson - 6-foot-2.5, 187, G, USA U-18 NTDP
Top Goaltender in this draft, who has good size advancing technique and upside. Covers lots of the net because of his size and playing square to the attacker. The reason he isn't rated as high as a first rounder is he has tended to become a guesser and shows a lack of consistency due to his losing track of the puck, and poor sizing up of the ensuing play. That doesn't mean he isn't a promising prospect because he does display a very large mature calm presence in the net.

Dallas Stars
No. 44 – Adam Lowry - 6-foot-2, 167, LW, Swift Current
Dave Lowry's son in a work in progress. The size is there, but the skating balance, strength and snarl need tweaking. A big guy who will get bigger. Plays with jam. The wall is where he works and with continued filling out and work on his skating.

Calgary Flames from New York Rangers
No. 45 – Kale Kessy - 6-foot-3., 184, LCF, Medicine Hat, WHL
He was not invited to the scouting combine possible because f his age. This un-drafted 19 & 1/2 year old had an early injury, but eventually showed he had an offensive game to coincide with his sturdy built and super-tough play. He has been drawing comparisons to former Western Leaguer Milan Lucic. He is far from close to this comparison, but does have an untapped skill set and is an improving all-around player besides being a real fist-fighter.

St. Louis from Buffalo
No. 46 – Stefan Noesen - 6-foot-1.25, 196, RCF, Plymouth OHL
Part two of the Whalers top line is a physical player who works at taking pucks away from the winger position with good jam. A very good penalty-killer, he has shown offensive upside at right wing that he displayed in his home state of Texas. A certain pick in the first two rounds for this versatile hard working forward.

Florida Panthers from Montreal Canadiens
No. 47 – Dan Catenacci - 5-foot-9.5, 183, LCF, Sault Ste Marie, OHL
Undersized fireball with great stick skills, superb vision, and speed. Every time he steps on the ice he reminds me of the when Lou Angotti was thrown on the ice for a short shift, and he relentlessly went full speed the entire time, trying to make an explosive impact. He was able to since he was taking not a regular shift. You have to wonder how effective this lad would be as the level of competition rises and everyone naturally moves at a higher quickness level…

Ottawa Senators from Chicago Blackhawks
No. 48 - – Lucas Lessio - 6-foot-0.5, 188, C/LW, St. Michael's CCHL
Enigmatic speedy winger who teases with spurts of advanced abilities. Although not a polished scorer, or backchecker, or energy player, he does at time show intensity and drive that seems missing if you watch him a couple games in a row. Likes attacking and plays interested even gritty down low, but turns if on/off. Can the switch stay on?

Los Angeles Kings
No. 49 – Colin Jacobs - 6-foot-1.5, 195, RCF, Seattle WHL
Projects as a strong skating centre with good jump in his stride. A playmaker who passes the puck well and plays at times close to the edge. He is learning to be a better defensive centre, and is committed to all-around improvement of his game, including his shot and offensive abilities.

New York Islanders from Montreal compensatory
No. 50 – Reece Scarlet - 6-foot-0.5, 167, RhLD,, Swift Current
More of a long term project and is learning in all facets. Is a smart youngster with the chances of being a two-way defenseman. Needs to build his body far past his present size. He certainly can position himself very well, and has nice lateral ability. Very mobile player who distributes the puck well, and easily slips out of his defensive zone when pressured. He pivots and jumps into the empty spaces no matter if they are 270 degrees turnabouts. He could be a gem if he starts polishing up. Plays big, although his present size may hamper his chances. He may be able to grow larger than his present defense first style and might blossom.

Phoenix Coyotes
No. 51 – Matt Nieto - 5-foot-11.5, 180, LW, USA U-18 NTDP
Rocket skater who can beat defenders from the outside. Quality penalty killer and uses his speed to cover in his own end. Shows offensive smarts and good hands but needs more functional strength.

Nashville
No. 52– Seth Ambroz- 6-foot-2.5, 202, RW, Omaha USHL USA U-18 NTDP
Big wing who will do the dirty work to unearth pucks in the battle zones, take hits, stand in front, and show prowess below the hash marks. Not the best skater but has balance and fair speed. Needs to be more of player along the wall, and give a better effort away from the puck. Combined with good hand/eye coordination, vision and solid passing skills, and quick release hard wrister, there is lots to like.

Anaheim Ducks
No. 53 – Sanu Perhonen- 6-foot-2.5, 173, G, Jyvaskyla Finland
Big quick legged Finn goalie who gives little net to shoot at. He moves very well, stays in the play and competes like he is going to win every game. Was instrumental in the Finland win over Sweden in the Four Nations last November.

Pittsburgh Penguins
No. 54 – Tobias Rieder - 5-foot-10.5, 176, LhRW, Landshut Germany/ Kitchener OHL
As the NHL starts seeing more and more German players, teams will give closer attention to players who in time, may compete for NHL roster spots. Rieder fits the category of a long term prospect who needs plenty of growth, strength, and fill-in, but already exhibits very good puck-handling skills, pass and play-making abilities, and willingness to be involved in play with gusto.

Detroit Red Wings
No. 55 – Philip Danault - 5-foot-11, 162, LW, Victoriaville QMJHL
Speedy centre-forward who reads and understands the attack zone well, and separates himself. Plays on both the PK and PP. High motored player, who’s difficult to project to the pro game, because he has little room to grow on his slight frame. Once settled in at a position and growing a bit more muscle mass, we will have an answer of where he may fit as a pro.

Phoenix Coyotes from Philadelphia Flyers
No. 56 – Greg Hofmann - 6-foot-1, 180, LC, Ambri Piotta Swiss
19 year old Swiss pivot who jumped into the second round basically on his Hockey IQ, skill and feet. Plays big and stronger than he looks, and moves extremely fast. Has scoring potential. Getting stronger and always shows up in big games, he could be a good North American pro if he is willing to take the step away from the luxury of the Swiss league and it's perks.

Calgary Flames from New York Rangers by way of Carolina by way of Washington
No. 57 – David Honzik - 6-foot-2.5, 192, G, Karlovy Vary,
Big quick legged goaler who is a butterfly 'tender with agility and good rebound control. Moves well laterally, and stays square on the shooter. Good long term prospect.

Tampa Bay Lightning
No. 58 – Zakhar Arzamastsev - 6-foot-0, 179, LD, Novokunnetsk KHL
Undersized defender with great feet, and a solid defensive game predicated on his skating and passing. Closes well and is a skilled transition player.

San Jose Sharks
No. 59 – Brent Ritchie - 6-foot-2.75, 195, RW, Sarnia OHL
Good balanced straight-ahead wing who passes the puck well and is good carrying it. Had a bit of an injured season, but has shown soft hands for a bigger guy, and exceptional wall work. If he was able to get quicker, he would be an even bigger force to contend with when he goes to the net/slot area.

Vancouver Canucks
No. 60 – Michael St. Croix - 5-foot-10.25 ,168, RW, Edmonton WHL
Undersized opportunistic scorer with great stick skills and superb vision, and some jump. It remains to be seen if he can become a stronger player with a 60 minute involvement.

Ottawa from Boston Bruins
No. 61 – Nick Shore - 6-foot-1, 190, RhC, Denver U.
Scorer with an accurate shot he needs little room to launch

(This document is the intellectual property of William Placzek and cannot be used or duplicated in anyway without expressed written consent. Any use of this document without the expressed written consent of William Placzek will result in public exposure and legal prosecution)

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