A History of Round 1, Pick No. 27 Of The NHL Entry Draft
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 19, 2009 12:19 AM EDT
44 comments
Assuming the Carolina Hurricanes stand pat and select in their assigned position at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26, it will be the first time the franchise — as the Hurricanes or Whalers — will select the 27th player. When Nashville became the NHL's 27th team prior to the 1998-99 season, the pick became a first-rounder. The selection that year — made by New Jersey — is arguably the best taken at No. 27 since pick became part of Round 1.
Here's a look at the players who have gone 27th since the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, plus Carolina's first-round pick that year.
1998
New Jersey Devils: Scott Gomez, C, Tri-City (WHL) — With their second straight pick at the end of Round 1, the Devils selected Gomez. One could argue that outside of No. 1 overall pick Vincent Lecavalier, Gomez was the best player taken in the first — and perhaps the entire draft. With 706 games, 148 goals, 430 assists and 578 points, Gomez's numbers are impressive. So are his two Stanley Cups. Grade: A+
Canes took at No. 11: Jeff Heerema, RW, Sarnia (OHL) — Heerema only played 10 games for Carolina and just 32 total games in the NHL. He now plays professionally in Germany. Grade: F
1999
New Jersey Devils: Ari Ahonen, G, JyP HT Jyvaskyla (FNL) — The Devils weren't so lucky the following year. Ahonen was the second-to-last pick in the first round (expansion to Atlanta made for 28 teams) but never made it to the NHL. He had five unspectacular seasons in the AHL before heading back to Europe. The Finn now plays in the Swedish Elite League. Grade: F
Canes took at No. 16: David Tanabe, D, Wisconsin (NCAA) — Tanabe was one of the more successful picks the Canes had in the past 10-plus drafts, but that's not saying much. Tanabe played more than 400 games in the NHL before injuries put him on the shelf. Some would argue he was rushed to the NHL and was never fully prepared for the rigors of the pro game. A bonus to the Canes for landing a serviceable player because this draft is arguably one of the worst in the modern era. Grade: B
2000
Boston: Martin Samuelsson, RW, Modo (SEL) — Who? Exactly. He came to North America in 2002-03 and spent the majority of the season with the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence, plus eight games in Boston. The next season was more of the same — 56 games with the Baby B's, six in Beantown. But Samuelsson never made it back to the NHL. After two more years in the A, he returned to Sweden and is currently playing the in the second league of the SEL. Grade: D-
The Canes did not have a first round pick.
2001
Philadelphia: Jeff Woywitka, D, Red Deer (WHL) — Woywitka, now with the St. Louis Blues, finally got a prolonged shot at playing in the NHL this season. The Blues are his third team. He went to Edmonton as part of the Flyers' acquisition of Mike Comrie in 2003, then was dealt to St. Louis in a package that brought Chris Pronger to Edmonton in 2005. He played 64 games with the injury-riddled Blues this year, but will need to fight for a roster spot next year. Grade: B-
Canes took at No. 15: Igor Knyazev, D, Moscow Spartak (Russia) — Kyyazev is the definition of bust. The only good that came out of Knyazev's selection was his trade to Phoenix (along with Tanabe) for gritty d-man Daniil Markov and a fourth-rounder. After playing well for Carolina, Markov was traded for Justin Williams, a key part of the 2006 Stanley Cup champions. Knyazev played eight games in the KHL this year with HC MVD. Grade: F
2002
San Jose: Mike Morris, F, St. Sebastian's High School (Mass.) — After four years at Northeastern, Morris moved on to the Sharks' affiliate in Worcester. He's played two abbreviated seasons there, dressing for just 26 games due to injuries. Surely the Sharks can't be faulted for unfortunate injuries, but Morris was considered a surprise pick and doesn't look like he'll pan out. Grade: D
Canes took at No. 25: Cam Ward, G, Red Deer (WHL) — Carolina fans know who this guy is. Anytime you land a Conn Smythe winner and franchise goalie in the first round, it's a great pick. Grade: A+
2003
Los Angeles: Jeff Tambellini, LW, Michigan (NCAA) — Tambellini has been a dominant AHL scorer but has been unable to translate that to the NHL with the Islanders, who acquired him from the Kings in a four-player trade in 2006. Tambellini is still just 25, but given the players selected right before and after him (Ryan Kesler, Mike Richards, Corey Perry, Patrick Eaves) he has been a disappointment. Grade: C
Canes took at No. 2: Eric Staal, C, Peterborough (OHL) — Like Ward, Staal has been a home run selection. It's easy to say you can't miss at No. 2, but Carolina could've taken Nathan Horton or Nikolai Zherdev instead. Grade: A
2004
Washington: Jeff Schultz, D, Calgary (WHL) — Schultz has developed into a reasonable NHLer, but he's not much more than a bottom pairing defenseman. Luckily for the Caps, they took another blueliner four picks later and ended up with Norris Trophy finalist Mike Green. It would be a lot tougher to accept Schultz at No. 27 if Green had wound up elsewhere. Grade: B
Canes took at No. 4: Andrew Ladd, LW, Calgary (WHL) — Ladd wound up being a good selection in an otherwise thin first round. He was a contributor to the '06 Cup-winning team, but later struggled with consistency and injuries. He was dealt to Chicago straight up for Tuomo Ruutu at the 2008 trade deadline, a deal that looks like it will benefit both squads. Grade: B+
We now reach the territory where it becomes a lot tougher to grade players because they're still in the early stages of their development.
2005
Washington: Joe Finley, D, Sioux Falls (USHL) — Finley just completed his fourth season at North Dakota, and the monstrous 6-7 d-man will likely spend time in Hershey with the Caps' AHL affiliate starting next year. But the fact Matt Niskanen was chosen with the next pick — and already has 158 regular-season games under his belt — hurts the grade. Grade: C
Canes took at No. 3: Jack Johnson, D, Michigan (NCAA) — There might not be a tougher analysis out there. Johnson is immensely talented and shows signs of promise with Los Angeles, but he's earned a bit of a reputation as a difficult player to deal with. The Canes grew tired of trying to sign him and dealt him to the Kings in a package that included Tim Gleason. Now there are rumors L.A. would be willing to move him for the right return. The Canes had to take Johnson after he fell in their lap, and the trade to get Gleason looks good now, but could they have gotten more? Grade: B
2006
Dallas: Ivan Vishnevskiy, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) — Vishnevskiy had a good first pro season this year, registering 19 points in 67 games with Peoria (the Stars were without their own AHL affiliate this year) and getting two assists in three games with the Stars. Pegged as an offensive d-man, Vishnevskiy could find significant time with Dallas next season. Grade: B+
The Canes did not have a first round pick.
2007
Detroit: Brendan Smith, D, St. Michael's (OPJHL) — Smith has moved on to Wisconsin where he was the team's No. 2 blueline scorer behind Canes prospect Jamie McBain. Smith has the size, toughness and skills to become an all-around defenseman in the future. Detroit's history of being patient with their prospects can only help. Grade: B+
Canes took at No. 11: Brandon Sutter, C, Red Deer (WHL) — Chances are Sutter will never wow anyone with his skill, but one can't deny that he has the look of a long-time NHL role player at worst. Wise beyond his years and still filling in, Sutter showed flashes of what's to come this season with Carolina. One could argue the Canes could've upgraded by taking Colton Gillies (who was chosen 16th by Minnesota) instead, but I wouldn't underestimate Sutter. Grade: B+
2008
Washington: John Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL) — The big defenseman was a top-notch point producer for the OHL's London Knights this year, scoring 16 goals and adding 60 assists in just 59 games. But his numbers might be a bit inflated seeing that he played with likely first-rounder Nazem Kadri and possible No. 1 overall pick John Tavares (24 regular season games with London following a trade). Still, Carlson's combination of size and skill is intriguing, and he's the Caps' No. 2 defensive prospect behind Karl Alzner. Grade: A-
Canes took at No. 14: Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL) — Boychuk's speed and skill should have Carolina fans drooling in anticipation. Despite battling through injuries this year, Boychuk scored 28 goals in 43 regular-season games and was clutch at the World Juniors for gold medal-winning Canada even though he was playing hurt. He will get a long look at Carolina's training camp this year and could be in the starting lineup in Raleigh come October. Grade: A-
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Should that make his grade even worse?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 19, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I asked and I received!
Well this is just what I asked for a couple of days about our draft picks and what a GREAT job you did Cory giving it to us. Thanks!
I’m very excited about Sutter and Boychuck for our team, especially Sutter. My gut feeling is Sutter will be the Malkin of our team in the future and will eventually outshine Staal.
I cannot wait for training camp to see who shines for us and makes the line-up. It’s going to be interesting.
Yes – lots of information well presented. And I do look forward to see what the young guns can bring to the party. I was SO impressed by Sutter on a couple of his very creative skill moves last fall. It would be a great thing to have some kids who can shine here in Raleigh. How many more days till the the season starts???
Glad we have Cory and Bubba keeping tabs for us. If we had to rely on only Canes Now and the Hurricanes site, I’d feel completely lost. Thanks for all you guys do to sustain the Caniac Nation.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jun 19, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Answer: too many days. I’ll be so excited to see Sutter here on a more permanent basis!
by Andrea's evil twin on Jun 19, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
"Sutter will be the Malkin of our team in the future and will eventually outshine Staal."
Wow, really? Care to qualify that statement?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
"Sutter will be the Malkin of our team in the future and will eventually outshine Staal."
I agree with “Wow”! I think Sutter is more of a Brind’Amour type, but I’ll take a Malkin.
Lighten up.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jun 19, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Really?
I can’t ask how someone came to a conclusion that, to me, seems a bit of an overstatement? Sorry if I hurt your feelings on Mr. c59’s behalf. If he really doesn’t want to answer, he certainly doesn’t have to.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Its your tone, your “know it all” way of saying something, and you need to spit out google stats at everyone all the time.
We’re a bit more laid back here then CatScratchReader is.. We can have meaningful discussions, but we try to keep it feeling like family and friends.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, feel free to comment however you see fit. I won't let it bother me.
The second I go against CC’s terms, call me out on it. Until then, I really don’t care what you think.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Expect to be treated the way treat others then. Thats how I’ve been going about it.
I just hate to see it have to be that way. This blog is one of the best out there when it comes to keeping the trolls and aholes down. I would like to keep it that way. Its not hard to word comments to sound less then prick-ish, but whatever suits you best… just expect it back.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
This is the internet...
My feelings aren’t going to get hurt. I hope you’re a big boy and won’t be crying yourself to sleep at night about what you might read on SBN, either.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha. Your a joke.
I tried to be civil. whatever… I guess mutal respect for another person goes out the window on the internet, regardless of the topic
I never said anything about feelings. I just said you were a prick. You prove that more and more everytime you feel the urge to type something smart-ass to someone.
Have it your way. I bet your the type that never backs down on the internet? Keyboard bully? Ha.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not doing anything.
You’re the one now violating this site’s code of conduct with personal attacks. I’ve yet to do any such thing. Say what you want, but every post I make has something of substance about the topic.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
oh yeah… “I hope you’re a big boy and won’t be crying yourself to sleep at night about what you might read on SBN, either.” isnt a personal attack?
I dont think your posts on this discussion are bringing anything more of “substance” then mine are. Its stupid. I said what I have to say. All I asked for is a bit more respect for others.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Hoping someone is a grown-up and calling them a prick are decidedly different, chief.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha
ok…
whatever you have to tell yourself.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont know about “the Malkin of our team” seeing as Malkin was widely believed to be on the same level as Crosby/AO when he came into the league anyways, but I could see him becoming the type of player that will push Staal to the best he can, lest he get shown up by a kid.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
OOOhhh, maybe he can be the new Cole! (only even better?) We must buy him cheeseburgers (to fill him out a little).
by Andrea's evil twin on Jun 19, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
"Detroit's history of being patient with their prospects can only help."
Well of course it does…but this is another of those perks of having lots of money to spend. You can afford to pay twice as much for a veteran replacement who will probably be as good or better without having to develop them.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
"Sutter will be the Malkin of our team in the future and will eventually outshine Staal."
Sid the Kid was suppose to be the wonder boy for the Pens and it’s turning out that Malkin is acutally the wonder boy of the Pens (did you watch the SC series?) Staal is suppose to be the wonder boy of the Hurricanes, but mark my words Sutter will end up being the most valuable forward of this team in the near future, Staal will take the back seat to him. Sutter doesn’t need another certain forward to make him play better, Sutter will be elite on his own with any good wingers on his line. Sutter will eventually be our future franchise player IMO.
Thanks...
also, the reply button helps to keep the flow of conversation understandable. What type of player do you see him being to become that MVP? A 50-60 point Selke guy? Or do you really think he’ll develop into a big-time scorer?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Hard to imagine Sutter being a better pro than Staal...
I think it is more likely that Sutter wins the Selke than score 30 goals. If he develops into a consistent 20-30-50 checking center than I will be happy. The only place I see him outshining Staal is in the faceoff circle! Don’t get me wrong, I love Sutter…just think the idea of him becoming an elite scorer are far fetched. I think the reasonable expectation for him is an elite shut-down center with great leadership ability, Ie John Madden. He will score timely goals for us, but these goals will most likely be short-handed or based on effort, ie going to the net. If his frame fills out like Staal’s continues to do…who knows he may shock the world!
Er, what do you mean by pro? to me, they just play different roles and are (potential) elite players in their respective roles.
by Andrea's evil twin on Jun 20, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I like Sutter, but those are pretty lofty expectations for a guy who never scored 30 in junior. Even saying he’ll be like Brind’Amour might be a reach … Rod is a four-time point-per-game guy on top of being one of the best faceoff men defensive forwards of the generation. I expect something along the lines of Rob Niedermayer.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 19, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions
I’ll be thrilled if Sutter’s another Jussi and Boychuk another Cullen.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jun 19, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Ouch...
So a 40-point scorer who’ll be a consistent minus player? That seems a bit harsh.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
No worries there… Sutter has shown he can play responsible on D. He is just young and needs to get play time to grow.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Niedermayer’s a great pro … he’s played on a lot of bad teams, but he’s a great glue guy. I’d expect Sutter to have a couple 50-point season, but be more of a high teens goal scorer who will be counted on in clutch situations. I think you’re viewing the stats and not looking at the entire body of work. Every team needs guys like Niedermayer.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 19, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess...
But I think that kind of ceiling (3rd-liners/ST contributors who are “great pros”) for guys who were picked 5th and 11th overall is a bit disappointing.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
And your point is?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The NHL is more like the MLB draft then the NFL’s. There are higher cases of prospects not working out. If you dont have a top 3 pick in the NHL all bets are off. Even then they are off. The amount of quality talent out there is FAR behind the NFL and anything can happen.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 19, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
For me, a thousand games in the NHL is never disappointing.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 19, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Great post Cory. Thanks for taking the time to look up all of this info.
I’m just glad to see the Canes drafting trend going up over the years.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Yea, good stuff here Cory and posts like this is why enjoy this site. Of course there is some biased info that flows, but you guys consistantly provide informative information for those folks who just latched on to hockey. I thought the same thing Ivan about the drafting trend going up so either Rutherford just recently found his niche in his players selection or there are better players becoming available in the last few years.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jun 19, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he has finally hit his niche. Let’s just hope we don’t get a loser this year. We have been doin good the last couple of years. KEEP IT UP JR!!!
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Then again...
It could certainly be said that we’ve seen “good prospects” fall by the wayside. I just hope our current group of youngsters can break through and produce at least a solid handful of contributors in the next few years to come.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 19, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
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