14. Zemgus Girgensons
15. Olli Määttä
16. Tom Wilson
17. Sebastian Collberg
18. Matt Finn
19. Andrei Vasilevski
20. Slater Koekkoek
21. Henrik Samuelsson
22. Derrick Pouliot
23. Tomas Hertl
24. Hampus Lindholm
25. Nicolas Kerdiles
26. Scott Laughton
27. Ludvig Bystrom
28. Cristoval 'Boo' Nieves
29. Oscar Dansk
30. Malcolm Subban
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Pieces are forming for Dallas after an up-and-down season. The emergence of a star in Jamie Benn, a long with the continued improvement of other pieces like Kari Lehtonen and Loui Eriksson have things looking up. But it isn't enough yet. With some dwindling hope in the prospect status of Scott Glennie, Dallas is eager to continue adding talent.
"With the thirteenth pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Dallas is proud to welcome, from the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League:
Brendan Gaunce."
Brendan Gaunce is very likely to have a long NHL Career. At six-foot-two and 215 lbs, this Markham native has size in spades, and a long list of attributes teams covet come June 22nd. The only question about Gaunce is whether he's a top six power center or a potential shutdown center.
Gaunce comes with many 'intangibles'. Despite the movement in the blogging community to dismiss these things, Gaunce is a leader on the ice. He communicates well and uses his play to back it all up. His intelligence is very apparent, utilizing smart sound positioning and work ethic to be a factor defensively.
A big guy, Gaucne uses that size down low on the cycle to frustrate defenses and draw penalties. He's a warrior along the boards and can make a difference by coming away with the puck more often than not when a crowd forms. He makes very calculated moves with the puck, often dishing to his wingers for very good scoring chances. After being voted one of the best playmakers in the O, it's no wonder that he's able to keep his linemates happy. He did tally 40 assists this past season.
Despite a good package of two-way skills and intelligence to go with his intangibles, the opinions of Gaunce are very polarizing. One scout believing he's nothing more than a third line center, and the next believing he's a Top 10 prospect who can play on a top line one day.
Whatever the case, the value of centers is at a premium, even ones who can play in a shutdown role. Just ask Paul Gaustad on July 1st. The belief is that Gaunce is one of the more pro-ready prospects who may only need a year before making the jump to the pro game. Similarities have been drawn between him and the likes of Jordan Staal and Ryan O'Reilly. Not bad company, if you ask me.
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