Canes Country Top 100 Draft Board
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 5:00 AM EDT
Email
Print
The Hurricanes are two days away from deciding who to select with the seventh overall pick in 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Will it be Swiss power forward Nino Niederreiter? Talented but oft-injured winger Brett Connolly? Eric Staal-esque Ryan Johansen? Europeans Michael Granlund or Vladimir Tarasenko? One of the "Big Three" defensemen? We're getting closer and closer to knowing.
But the impact on the Hurricanes from this weekend goes beyond who will be selected at No. 7. Our inaugural draft board ranks the top 100 players in this year's draft using a mathematical and observational formula. While the players are ranked one through 100, need will also be a consideration once teams get into their later picks. The listed position for each player is according to NHL Central Scouting Services.
Without further adieu, here is the Canes Country Top 100 Draft Board.
1. Taylor Hall
2. Tyler Seguin, C
3. Erik Gudbranson, D
4. Cam Fowler, D
5. Brandon Gormley, D
6. Brett Connolly, RW
7. Nino Niederreiter, RW
8. Ryan Johansen, C
9. Mikael Granlund, C/W
10. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
11. Derek Forbort, D
12. Alexander Burmistrov, C
13. Jack Campbell, G
14. Austin Watson, LW
15. Emerson Etem, RW
16. Mark Pysyk, D
17. Jeff Skinner, RW
18. Evgeni Kuznetsov, C
19. Nick Bjugstad, C
20. John Merrill, D
21. Dylan McIlrath, D
22. Tyler Pitlick, C
23. Quinton Howden, C
24. Riley Sheahan, C
25. Jaden Schwartz, C
26. John McFarland, LW
27. Jarred Tinordi, D
28. Ludvig Rensfeldt, LW
29. Brock Nelson, C
30. Charlie Coyle, C/RW
31. Tyler Toffoli, C
32. Stanislav Galiev, RW
33. Calle Jarnkrok, C
34. Calvin Picard, G
35. Petr Straka, RW
36. Jordan Weal, C
37. Beau Bennett, RW
38. Alexander Petrovic, D
39. Kevin Hayes, RW
40. Maxim Kitsyn, LW
41. Tom Kuehnhackl, RW
42. Kirill Kabanov, LW
43. Stephen Johns, D
44. Bradley Ross, LW
45. Ryan Spooner, C
46. Joey Hishon, C
47. Martin Marincin, D
48. Jason Zucker, LW
49. Ryan Martindale, C
50. Ivan Telegin, LW
51. Justin Faulk, D
52. Patrik Nemeth, D
53. Teemu Pulkkinen, LW
54. Matt MacKenzie, D
55. Danny Biega, D
56. Curtis Hamilton, LW
57. Oscar Lindberg, C
58. Brock Beukeboom, D
59. Julia Melchiori, D
60. Troy Rutkowski, D
61. Mark Alt, D
62. Jakub Culek, LW
63. Justin Holl, D
64. Patrick McNally, D
65. Brandon Archibald, D
66. Max Gardiner, C
67. Bill Arnold, C
68. Devante Smith-Pelly, RW
69. Greg McKegg, C
70. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, D
71. Michael Bournival, LW
72. Justin Shugg, LW
73. Joe Basaraba, RW
74. Kevin Sundher, C
75. Brett Bulmer, RW
76. Joonas Donskoi, RW
77. Jared Knight, C
78. Andrew Yogan, C/LW
79. Connor Brickley, C
80. Steven Shipley, C
81. Stephen Silas, D
82. Kent Simpson, G
83. Adam Pettersson, C
84. Dalton Smith, LW
85. Austin Madaisky, D
86. Christian Thomas, RW
87. Philipp Grubauer, G
88. Kevin Gravel, D
89. Michael Chaput, C
90. Freddie Hamilton, C
91. Mark Visentin, G
92. Taylor Aronson, D
93. Bohumil Jank, D
94. Morgan Ellis, D
95. Victor Ohman, C
96. Alex Theriau, D
97. Jonathan Johansson, C
98. Maxwell Reinhart, C
99. Louis-Marc Aubry, C
100. Geoffrey Schemitsch, D
204 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Good Job
This is a real good job, which, seems to me, very realistic! My only question (not criticism) is Connolly’s injury concerns seem to be unaddressed, to my satisfaction! Has anybody assured us that he is NOT a health concern?
Another question..
Cory, do you have any insight into JR’s pick at #7? Ctr, wing?
I think it’ll come down to how things hash out in front of them. A lot of people seem to think they’ll go center, but it all depends on who is available. If Fowler/Gormley/Gudbranson fall, can he afford to pass on one of them, or try and parlay that into more picks down the road?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Again, it depends on who goes at 6. I think they’ve done a great job at smokescreening who they’re taking. It could be any one of Niederreiter, Connolly, Johansen, Burmistrov or Granlund. I do not think it’ll be Tarasenko.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I know who I’d take … see above order.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I am not arguing with you, but I wonder what made you conclude you’d take Niederreiter over Johansen? I think I’d reverse the order.
Sent from my Iphone
I like that, at 17, Niderreiter already has size on his frame. I think he’s a more intuitive player with a better shot. Johansen is a little safer, Niederreiter could be a beast.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Did you see the results from the IIHF World Cup? Nino might have been alright playing against the kids, but against the big boys in the IIHF he got demolished. He is nowhere near NHL ready.
He was player of the game for Swiss vs. Russia. I mean, they got stomped vs. Canada and Sweden, but he still had an assist on the lone goal vs. Canada and a goal vs. Sweden. And that with the entire opposition zeroed in on him. Combined score was 17-5 in those two games.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
You sure we talking about the same thing?
http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/230/IHM2300SUI_83_8_0.pdf
0 points, 4 games, got crushed, was a healthy scratch.
sry, you were talking World Cup and I was talking U20s. You see that he played only four games and 20 total minutes at the World Cup, right?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes I did, if he was so amazing why didn’t he get more playing time? The IIHF World Cup is barely NHL level play. If he couldn’t make it there then there is no possible way he is NHL ready.
b/c he’s 17. Taylor Hall didn’t get an invite to camp, let alone make the team. I never said he’d be NHL-ready, but you’re basically saying the kid stinks.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Also … how do you get “demolished” in 20 minutes (five minutes a night). I’m guessing he was there more for the experience. I’m sure the Swiss are betting their intl. future with the kid.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say it’s an accomplishment to make a national team at 17, regardless of results. And same hold true for Swiss at WCs and WJCs — they’re overmatched.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Nino will be a nice well-rounded player, but I can’t see him as a 35 goals scorer. He appears to be a 25 guy that might get 30 one or two times. That is still a very good player, but I think his upside is lower than Connolly or Johansen.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Never say never … if Matt Moulson can pot 30….
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Anything can happen, it is only my projection. I just think that Nino has had an advantage being the size he is against younger, smaller competition. The NHL players are bigger and more physical and IMO that will effect Nino’s game.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
he’s actually one of the younger guys out there. among the youngest in this year’s draft.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
When I typed younger, I was meaning younger, less mature players than NHLers.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
you can say that about anyone in the draft tho. Nino’s stock really jumped at the WJCs, hwere he played the best guys his age (and older) and stood out on an otherwise overmatched team.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Why? I agree with Connolly, but Johansen doesn’t have a lot of history, he barely made the BCHL 1 year ago, so there’s no guarantee’s. From what I’ve been told Nino’s the whole package, he has all the tools of an elite forward plus he’s extremely abrasive and no one likes playing against him.
Again, I think he will be a very solid player. I think he is the safest pick at #7. I just feel that Connolly has elite talent, but injury concerns. I feel that Johansen is really progressing nicely and has the upside of maybe a Joe Thornton. Nino will be a nice player, but I just don’t think his upside is as great.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
What’s wrong with safe? At #7 don’t you think it’s important that the player is somewhat guaranteed. What scares me about the other 2 is this: Connolly may never reach the NHL because of injuries and Johansen may have had the year of his life because he played on the same line as Nino.
One thing on Connolly … anyone name the last time a top-flight prospect never made it to the NHL b/c of a previous injury? Simply put, you usually don’t stay in the top-10 discussion if your injuries are that serious. That’s why I keep him atop that second tier of F’s.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
There’s nothing wrong with safe, but I was really hoping to get a top line winger. I just don’t know if Nino is a top line winger. Maybe its a mistake, but I would take a risk and choose Connolly. It very well might not work out or it could be a huge steal with his projected skill level.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Nino wasn’t even a in the top-30 in points in the whole Western Hockey League on a deep Playoff team. He is not a prolific scorer by any means, he scored a lot of goals but you have Johansen (his Center) to thank for that.
Nino – 36 goals, 24 assists – 60 points
Johansen – 25 goals, 44 assists – 69 points
Sorry, but players who are barely 35 goal scorers in the WHL generally don’t magically turn into 30+ goal scorers in the NHL. Look at Drayson Bowman, he was a 42 and 47 goal and he certainly isn’t doing anything too special for us. Nino would be alright, but he won’t be any better than Boychuk or Bowman, and there isn’t much I find exciting about that.
What’s done in the WHL doesn’t always translate either way(Ray Whitney), a guy that’s somewhat comparable in terms of playing style, numbers, and draft position is Scott Hartnell, so if he ends up with similar numbers I say draft him.
And everyone is comparing Johansen to Eric Staal (he has a similar play style, numbers, size, ect.) would you rather have an Eric Staal or a Scott Hartnell?
Those are grain of salt comments. ISS gives a “style compare to” for each player and they said Staal for Johansen and Shanahan for Niederreiter.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus, I’d like to see the Combine data, but I have a hard time believing Scott Hartnell came to the Draft combine looking like the Pillsbury Doughboy. finishing bottom-5 out of the 100 best Draft prospects in both endurance and body fat % does not sound like a Hurricane type player to me.
I wouldn’t look too much into that. To be totally honest, outside of Iginla and Marleau, is there an elite WHL goal scorer?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d file him under “was” … but good one.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
You don’t see a lot of draft eligible players lighting it up the WHL this year. It’s hard to say if that becuase they’re light in talent or there’s a lot of good 19-20 year olds. The kid to watch next year is Shane McColgan from California.
WHL is the tightest league of the three in the CHL too.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Brett Connolly…
As I said earlier Drayson Bowman was one of the best WHL scorers to come along in a while. Bowman is good, but he is certainly not top-flight potential 1st line talent and he put up much better numbers than Nino.
I mean that’s in the NHL. And I’m with you, I’d take Connolly before Niederreiter. But Bowman comparison isn’t good … took him three years to break thru in WHL. 17-24-42-47.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
For reference, Brett Connolly put up almost equal (30 goals, 30 assists, 60 points) numbers to Nino in his ROOKIE season (As a 16 year old). He had 10 goals and 9 assists in 16 games this year while injured/coming back from injury.
I’ll also add that Connolly did it on arguably the worst team in the WHL while Nino/Johansen play for a pretty good team.
Portland was TERRIBLE until this year. Prince George was bad, but nowhere near the worst two years ago. They still made the playoffs. IIRC, Portland was last or second to last in the league, then had a resurgence this year thanks to the Nied-Johnasen-Ross line
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, I think Connolly > Niederreiter. But … did Connolly switch ice surfaces? I mean, it’s like you’re doing anything you can to crap on the kid. Connolly was a minus-26 his first year. Should we crap on him for that?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Nino is bad, I just don’t think he is a top-line prospect. He will be a great 2nd or 3rd line warrior, no doubt. But we have plenty of guys to fill out our 2nd-3rd lines. I’m much more for taking a risk on a guy like Connolly, Tarasenko, or even Skinner who has that potential. Higher risk yes, but much higher reward.
Can’t disagree with that … like I’ve said before, I don’t think he can carry a line as a first-line guy (like Kovalchuk or AO), but put him with, say, Staal and Jokinen? He could be a great complement and be on a first-line w/o being a true first-line talent.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
But isn’t Jussi a complimentary 1st liner. I really like him, but it would be a tough argument calling him a 1st liner.
That sort of puts is in a position of having a 1st liner (Staal) with two 2nd line players.
Again, Nino will be a fine player. I would just be willing to take the risk on a talent like Connolly.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
I would say the same about Ruutu. In fact I think Ruutu and Niederreiter would fill about the same role.
My hope from this Draft was to find a legitimate 1st line talent to help Staal. I think Nino could easily play on the 1st line, just like Larose played the 1st line for a bit last year. They are just bandaids because we can’t afford anyone with real scoring ability.
Well, that’s why they should’ve lost more the second half of the year. ;)
At No. 7 there aren’t any sure things. That’s why people get paid a lot of money to make these decisions. I’d say the current regime of the scouting staff has done a good job with their two top-half-of-the-round firsts.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe we will get our chance next year…
I see why teams would love to have Nino. There isn’t much mystery about him, he has shown that he will one day (in all likelyhood) be a solid contributor on a teams 2nd or 3rd lines. I realize there is a lot of value in that to a team like Tampa or anyone with plenty of 1st line talent already…
Say we are talking Hockeysfuture logic (which I really like). I think Nino would be a 7, but a probability of A.
While I think someone like Connolly, Tarasenko, or Skinner would be more of an 8 or 8.5, but a probability rating of B or C+.
There is obviously value in both, but I think we need to be a little more risky and go for the gold.
JussiJuice, I think it is far too soon to designate young players as having hit their peak and therefore never being able to score consistently. You might well be right, but I have far more confidence in the young players and expect them to continue to improve. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Boychuk, Bowman, or Dalpe become excellent first line wings. I expect them to soon become second line wings who make consistent contributions and who score some amazing goals.
I think Dalpe has a chance of being a 1st line wing!
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I think Dalpe has amazing potential, he showed it the instant he joined the Rats last year. Boychuk and Bowman were good, but I have a hard time believing they will one day be 1st line NHL Stars when they are barely top-5 scorers on their AHL team.
I really think Dalpe will be a top 6 player. Boychuk will be given every opportunity to be a top 6 player, but I am not as high on him as most Canes fans. Bowman should be a solid 3rd liner that could fill in higher slots on a short term. But these are just my opinions and we all know how wrong I can be.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
Spend a few games watching Boychuk. I think he’s got great skill. That goal he scored towards the end of the year when the faceoff was just outside the offensive zone and won back to him at which point he promptly skated around 5 players was amazing. I think the Canes are controlling his progress, making sure he’s got down what he needs to know before going on to the next level. I really won’t be surprised to see a 20 goal season out of Boychuk this year.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Boychuk and Progress
I agree with C-Leaguer. The Hurricanes were very controlled in the amount of ice time they gave Boychuk; and they worked on his defensive game. Even so, the goals he scored were often high-light reel kinds of goals. I too think he may well score 20 goals this coming season; and particularly, if he is given time with Staal or Sutter.
I wouldn’t be surprised if any one of the young guns has a 20 goal season. Someone is going to HAVE to if we don’t want to end up with the #1 Overall pick next year. After losing Whitney and potentially Samsonov, there is going to be a big void in goal-scoring.
Niederreiter versus Johansen
I am happy with either Niederreiter or Johansen. The Hurricanes need both a physical, big, strong forward like Niederreiter and a center for the third line such as Johansen.
Not quite off-topic
Big trade btwn ATL and Chi-town.
I wonder what Chicago has planned for those picks…
sorry caniac1026
but that is now old news…but still it does and will make quite an mpact on the hawks for sure…and ATL should improve alot …and this is just the beging of the trading go round too…stay cool 7 be safe…
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
Nino is The One !
great Job Cory !!
I have a question though…with 11 picks total…what will JR do ? will he use all 11 and what will he do with all those players ?
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
Nino is The One !
If I had to guess, I’d say they will not draft 11 players. They could possibly move up in Round 2 to get a guy they really want or who slides into the second. I wouldn’t rule out trading picks for picks next year, too.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks Cory
I know out of commion sence that JR has no “real” need of 11 players…and I too think he’ll use several of the picks like poker chips to wheel and deal…even if it is for next year…as at this moment…no one is for sure what the next batch will be like yet…gee sounds like a "hedge fund’ huh ?? hehehe…thanks…stay cool
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
Nino is The One !
Isn’t Nino a LW istead of RW? Also, a lot of folks have Forbort high on their board and even have the ’Canes taking him, however, none of the astute bloggers here seem to mention Forbort so what gives?
Is it October yet?
FWIW, I think when people have the Canes taking Forbort they are looking at organizational need and not best player available. There’s no doubt that the Canes need D. There is very little doubt that Forbort is the best option outside of the top three. Those bloggers put those two pieces of info together and come up with a pick. Personally, I don’t see the Canes taking Forbort at #7. Johansen, Granlund, Connolly, and Nino also fill needs in the organization and have more talent.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Like I said above, I’m going by how CSS lists them, just for consistency’s sake.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
OK, I missed that the first time. I read something this morning that he would be a good fit because he is a LW and could take Whitney’s vacant spot.
Is it October yet?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jun 24, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
1) It’s too high to take him, maybe if you move down.
2) JR & Co. are known for not taking a D in Tound 1 b/c of the development curve, and I think they’d only make an exception if they felt a real gem fell to them. I like Forbort (he and Tarasenko are really a 10A and 10B to me), but I don’t think the Canes would take him, and it would be silly to take him at No. 7 on top of that.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Can you tell me a few good reasons why Forbort is ahead of McIlrath? I love big monstorous defensemen, and I’ll admit that bias all day long, but I still don’t see why Forbort is ranked ahead of McIlrath.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Forbort is just as big, but more mobile and skilled with the puck. McIlrath is, without a doubt, nastier, but if you take him I think you’re committed to getting a one-way blueliner, whereas Forbort has the upside to have an impact at both ends of the ice.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks to both Cory and Go_Shelf for the info. Like I said, I have a bias for big nasty blue liners, which is why I’ve been so high on McIlrath, but this info helps.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
me too … I love a nasty d-man. But McIlrath is more Valabik, while Forbort is more Pronger (light)
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Really, you think that way? Maybe I’ve just had my head buried in the sand, but I had not heard the Pronger-Forbort comparisons. I had heard those with McIlrath involved. I guess sometimes it’s about which story you hear first.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Not in the nastiness factor, but in the size and skill combo. Maybe Erik Johnson is a better comparison.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Also … don’t think McIlrath is/will be anywhere near Pronger in skill.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
hard to say, he seems like a late bloomer (still adapting to his body). Also it’s been mentioned that he’s a very good athlete and can pickup about any sport he wants and play it at a competetive level. The other way to look at it is if his game was that solid he’d be a top 10 to top 5 pick, so there’s definitely holes in his game.
I no longer take that “good athlete” label as a positive. Professional sports in the US now take a very specific set of skills. When I hear a player can “pickup about any sport” to me that means they aren’t specialized enough in the specific skills of any one sport. That isn’t to say I don’t like natural athletes. I do. It’s just that you can’t get by in professional sports in the US on just being a pure athlete anymore.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
We’re talking about hockey, it’s not like you can pick it up in high school and think you’ll have a chance to get drafted 2-3 years later.
I get that. But usually that “good natural athlete” label gets thrown out there when there’s nothing better to say. It’s not just hockey. JeMarcus Russel was a “good natural athlete”. The laundry list of first round busts seems to be littered with guys with the “good natural athlete” label.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Then why compareJRussel to a hockey player; apples to oranges. If it is relevant or it weighs into someones decision making model, they’re making the assertion that once he fills into his frame his athleticism will allow him to be an elite defensemen. I’m not buying it one way or the other, what’s relevant is what he’s done so far in junior hockey which has been mixed. If I’m at 15 or so I’d take a shot at him, at the worst he probably turns out to be a 5 or 6 dman and we know he fights well.
JeMarcus Russel was the first that came to mind, and since I was talking about all US sports it’s not apples to oranges.
Honestly, when I hear “good natural athlete” I think that whoever is doing the scouting report didn’t see enough skills in another area to mention something more relevant to his sport. Honestly, aren’t all first round draft picks in all the four majors “good natural athletes”? If there’s nothing better to say about a first rounder other than “good natural athlete” I tend to think that means a player is lacking the elite skills to compete at the top level.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I didn’t mean it to knock the guy, although in re-reading it comes off like that. There’s so many minor things to the game, as you well know, that when I hear “good natural athlete” I wonder why is that the best thing they can say about a players game.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I got that comment from an SB Nation Link that talked about all the 1st round picks and it was one of the last comments about him – that he was a very good athlete, apparently he gave up volleyball and something else at 13 to play hockey.
I think that
Forbort is going "under-the-radar’ route…after all if we look at most of the top end hokey or sports blogs they have a better record than say ESPN …but again in Forbort’s case…I too think it’s a istake to ignore the guy, but …we aren’t them are we ?? I hope he goes to a good team that will appreciate him…later
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
Nino is The One !
I think Forbort needs a little more work himself. I think the Canes are looking for someone that could help out a little more immediately at #7 than a player like Forbort.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know that any of the D in this draft can successfully make the jump next season.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I was actually thinking more of 2011/2012. I think Forbort is at least 2, maybe 3 years away from playing in the NHL. I just think that the Canes are looking for someone at #7 that could maybe play this season, but definitely next year.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 24, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed … that all goes back to the JR “policy” of not taking D in Round 1.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Having said that, if Fowler were to fall to #7, would the Canes take him?
by CoastalCane on Jun 24, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Cory for the Information
I played soccer and can appreciate the finer points of the game…however I still have trouble sitting through an entire game. Maybe it is all the theatrics when someone gets “hurt”. Can you imagine that in Hockey…..Can you say Wimps….almost said the P word.
Yeh i concur
I played (ages ago) in college, and if we did that laying around on the ground, we’d have been laughed off the field!! But when played well, you’ve got to admire the skill!
If we are able to grab a defenseman with the #7 pick I think we should trade up into the 1st and grab a forward. My personal possibilities for late 1st round, Beau Bennett, Riley Sheahan and Tyler Pitlick. I really like Bennett the more I read about him, compared to Dalpe and showed great scoring ability putting up 120 points in the BCHL (same team Dalpe came through in Penticton). Although any or all of these player could be gone by the latter half of the 1st round.
I think Sheahan could be very good, and could slide b/c of his off-ice alcohol thing at ND this spring.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW, there isn’t anything else to do in upstate Indiana other than drink. Not saying the kid should have got caught. Then does show some poor judgement. For me though, that’s not a big deal. If he slides to #37 for that, then so much the better for the Canes.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I was just in South Bend this spring. You can always hang with Amish. They’re close by.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it would be amazing if we ended up with one of the top-3 D and traded up to take Sheahan 20-25. I’d be a happy camper after that Draft, no matter what the budget was.
Nelson w/b good
Under that scenario in the late 1st round Brock would be nice too!
re. Forbort
I don’t think Forbort s/b picked at #7, but as compared to other D-men, he’s a very good skater,as well as being huge, and with a MAJOR upside! Pronger-like may be fair if you wait a few years, and with the skating ability, i don’t think it’ll take more than a year or two for him to be ready!!
From Paul Branecky's chat session:
Paul Branecky: Here’s how I’d rank them (excluding Hall and Seguin): 1. Gudbranson 2. Fowler 3. Johansen 4. Gormley 5. Granlund 6. Burmistrov 7. Skinner 8. Nino. That’s a combination of my personal preferences and the vibe I’ve gotten from our staff.
Is it October yet?
Interesting. Johansen or Granlund wouldn’t be too bad of pickups. In my opinion, Granlund could easily turn out to be the next Nicklas Backstrom. Same size, both well known for their vision and being very smart, playmaking first approach, both Centers, both Euros who put up similar numbers, both will be Drafted top-10, both considered by many to be the best International skaters buried in a heavily CHL Talent Pool.
Agreed … I’m OK with all of Nos. 1-9 if the team ends up picking at No. 7.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Granlund and Backstrom
Backstrom is around 6’1" and 210 lbs. Granlund is around 5’10" and 183 lbs (more or less). Johansen is around 6’3" and 190 lbs (but is projected to fill out more in the 210 lbs to 220 lbs range). Apparently if Granlund were 6’2" and 200 lbs, he would be a top three pick due to his skill level.
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t Backstrom only 5’11" or so when he was drafted? I remember one of the bigger concerns about him was that he was undersized.
6-0, 183 according to 2006 ISS Draft Guide.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah… Cool, he has put on a good 30 pounds or so since then. In my experience it seems that guys coming out of the Euro leagues for the most part pretty thin… I wonder if Granlund could put on the same 20-30 pounds.
Granlund
Granlund at a muscular 5’10" 200 lbs with speed would be beastly. He is supposed to be an amazing hockey player.
Unfortunately I really only got to see him during the WJC, while many people felt his performance was underwhelming I really liked how he carried himself. He seemed to have great puck possession despite his size, he was not easily pushed off the puck. He seemed strong on his skates and always made very well-thought out plays, I never saw a time when it seemed like he just panicked and dumped the puck. I can see why many people would call him the smartest player in the Draft.
One of the things that interests me about Granlund is that he is good friends and has great chemistry with fellow Finn (and once considered a future top-10 Overall pick) Teemu Pulkkinen. I think it would be pretty cool if we ended up with both, could be a future dynamic Finnish Connection to add to our wealth of Finns.
Johansen seems to be our guy now.
Is it October yet?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jun 24, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
When does the pre-draft dealing usually start?
Day of draft?….day before?…..Mostly during the draft?
I don’t know about you all but I’d feel a lot better going into next year with:
Gleason / McBain
Pitkanen / Gormley
Babchuk / Carson
Harrison
than
Gleason / McBain
Pitkanen / Carson
Babchuk / Harrison
Borer
I’m with Cory thinking that most of the defensemen won’t be in the NHL next season. We can draft Gormley and still end up with what you fear.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I think the jump is so hard at defense. I’ll let it work itself out in camp. There’s no telling what an 18year old or their body will do between June 25th and October 1.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
While I don’t think we’ll get any of those guys, I would think they would have roster spots to lose, but of course all Canes decisions are now made by a budget and not what’s best for the competitiveness of the team, so I guess they’d get sent down to save money.
I’m guessing Gormley’s salary would be between $2.5-3 million including bonuses (using Evander Kane #4 Pick Overall last year as an example).
You are probably right, far too expensive for our blood. Sucks when we can’t even Draft someone good because they would cost too much.
Branecky seemes to indicate Picard would complete the 7th man on the D-corps today.
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, how could I have forgotten a talent like Picard. With Harrison, Babchuk, and Picard on our bottom pair I see us going #1 Overall next year… In the Draft.
I’m not a huge fan of Picard, and with Babchuk coming back he’s a step above extraneous. That said, extraneous is three steps above Harrison. Can someone tell me for the love of God what the love affair is with Harrison?
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
hes “tough” and cheap- having him allows JR and PK to sleep well at night with the shortsighted conclusion that they have solved all of our defensive roles on the cheap with this one player
by SouthernHockeyNutter on Jun 24, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not a big fan of Picard either. But we hardly saw him. I agree, the Canes D is terrifying at this point unless Babchuk has developed a whole new persona and is justifiably top-4. Dare we hope?
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
The boards and glass has been made aware of the shot returning and are rightfully scared. The goal, however, is happy that it will not have to face those wild shots.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
He has the ability to make the oppoising D move around with that shot. But as you point out, all they have to do is move to the front of the net and they’ll be out of harm’s way.
I honestly am not that worried about the D. The only thing that would be a little bad is that 3rd pairing. But since when is a 3rd paring ever really that great on any team?
I think the D will be fine this year. I hope so at least…
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Gleason and Pitkanen are fine. Who plays with McBain though on the second pair? Babs on the third? Both could use veteran partners and neither will get that.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Gleason-McBain should play together, IMO. Pitkanen is really going to be the No. 1 and 6 d-man, I’m guessing. Maybe you give Carson a crack at playing with Joni?
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 25, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a good way to maximize the talent on the squad. Babs and Harrison as the third pair w/Picard as the extra. That doesn’t exactly instill confidence in me about the back end, but it is what it is.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I really hope the Hurricanes organization is right about Harrison. He was schooled way too many times at the start of the season and even at the end of the season in the AHL playoffs for me to feel giddy about him being re-signed. Still, I have to think the coaches and front office know far more about his potential than I do; and perhaps the injuries really were undermining his skating. I do shudder when I am watching videos of the Canes/Rats games and he gets undressed.
Connolly
This little birdie tweet, coupled with Branecky’s short list that dropped Connolly, tells me that he’s not on our shopping list.
Brett Connolly was to interview, but said Canes said they already had enough info.
ice_chip
Chip Alexander
Bob just tweeted
Maybe it’s just me but Connolly seems to be walking with a limp.
He’s also tweeting photos. If you’re still not doing twitter, here’s the link to the CC tweetphoto page. He had lunch with Mark Pysyk and family
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I am very very very jealous of Bob. Very very very. Very.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
So say we all.
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
If you really want to be jealous here was his first tweet on the scene in LA
Just saw Bettman Burke Davidson and uncle Lou. BOG meeting here at hotel from 1-6
If there ever was a day to start twitter, I would suggest today through the weekend. You don’t need to put it on your phone, but the instantaneous quality of being there when things are happening is scintillating.
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
The Magnificent Seven
So, from Chip Alexander’s tweet stream this afternoon, we glean the following information:
Canes interviewed seven players again today. Rutherford not naming names, though
And, from later tweets, that the Canes have interviewed Gormley, Burmistrov, and Fowler in LA.
I would think Gudbranson would have to be another one if they interviewed both Gormley and Fowler, no point in just leaving him out. If I were to guess Skinner, Johansen, and Granlund were the other 3. Looks like they are definitely are on a Center kick.
Burminstrov
Has never really come up in conversation here, what do people think of him? I’d be surprised if the Canes took him at #7, but I could see it happening.
Canes Now just brought his name up again.
If so, look for the Canes to take a forward, likely a center, in the first round. That could be Johansen, if he’s available. There also appears to be added interest in Burmistrov.
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions
JR speaks
More hints as to draft strategy and the state of the Canes within this Branecky interview with JR.
http://www.cbc.ca/pei/features/nhldraft/2010/06/interview-with-the-hurricanes.html
Pretty interesting article. JR at least mentions the fact that moving up to get someone like Gormley is a possibility.
Francis then let the tape roll, and asked Gormley to keep talking about how he would execute that play.
"I’d definitely go down in that situation," Gormley said, referring to what he’d do to thwart a cross-ice pass.
And Tom Rowe weighs in : No way … we ain’t taking him!!
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 24, 2010 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
What a great find! well done. (I’m not easily impressed – really- excellent)
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s a link to the hotel. Hollywood for sure.
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 24, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Name dropper
More name dropping in Chip Alexander’s latest Canes Now blog entry.
He mentions that Johansen, Granlund, Burmistrov, and Neiderreiter were not at the press interviews, and that all were players of interest to the Canes. Then added that interviews had been held with Fowler and Gormley.
So, that’s six names of the Magnificent Seven that have been interviewed. Perhaps the seventh is the target of JR’s musing about moving up into the first round for a second drink of water.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=325577
Says Florida is shopping the 15th Overall pick around. JR mentioned he already had called a few teams about their mid-late 1st Round picks, I’d be pretty surprised if we didn’t move up into another 1st Round pick. I just wonder how high and who they will get.
Looks like it depends on the team and who they have targeted. If a team at 20 doesn’t have anyone left on their board they feel is worth the pick, then they’re more likely to move that pick. Also, it depends on whether the Canes have someone they want that’s still available. Should make for interesting viewing tomorrow night.
Gameplan
I think JR has a team who will swap picks , etc. (under certain circumstances). Probably 4th or 5th, ie. CBS or NYI. Suppose one of them wants Gudbranson, or Fowler…but Florida
takes him at #3.. then JR moves up to 4th or 5th and takes Gormley (or if i’m wrong, maybe a Center…Granlund, or Johansen. sound feasible?
I don’t think there is much need to trade up to get a center other than Seguin. There will be plenty of options for centers at #7.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
yes
ur right on about the centers. only would move up for D…my bad!
I would go out in my street and dance a jig (I really don’t know what that is) if the Canes traded up and got Seguin!
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 25, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Puck Previews: Ducks’ road trip continues; Sens, Panthers in battle of most surprising teams
- Watch the weirdest goal of the year, courtesy of ECHL ref’s rulebook gaffe (VIDEO)
- Jeremy Roenick’s OK with Blackhawks trading Patrick Kane for goalie upgrade
- Puck Headlines: Rick Nash chatter; Jagr turns 40; Ovechkin too much of a rock star?
- NHL Trade Deadline Dream Scenarios: Whom do you want to go where?
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
