Post by hockeyfreak (Hurricanes GM) on Aug 7, 2011 20:19:26 GMT -5
#1 - Anaheim Ducks
RYAN MURRAY
A team that has it's future set up front with young stars in Claude Giroux, Nikolai Kulemin and Nazem Kadri, the Ducks are relying on this pick to be the cornerstone to their back end for years to come. Murray will provide some much needed stability to a general manager who so desperately and deservedly wanted him.
--
#2 - Minnesota Wild
Nail Yakupov
With supreme young talent in Ryan Murphy and Dmitry Kulikov manning the defensive corps for the next decade+, this pick is a slam dunk. Yakupov will provide just what the Minnesota Wild have lacked since the departure of Marian Gaborik. An electrifying talent with the talent to bring a franchise back from the grave, GM Heelsox won't have to thinktwice about this one.
--
#3 - Carolina Hurricanes
Nick Ebert
Built behind offensive talent in Rick Nas, Jeff Carter and Danny Briere, the Hurricanes should look towards a defender to play alongside Keith Yandle and Ryan Ellis. Ebert brings a complete package that the Canes currently lack. With comparisons to Jack Johnson, the Hurricanes could most definitely use a physical presence on a D core that has been criticized for being too soft.
--
#4 - Colorado Avalanche
Mikhail Grigorenko
While the Avalanche are in need of defense, the possibility of pairing Grigorenko with Matt Duchene is simply astounding. The Avalanche are a team built on two way ability, and they can afford to look for the dynamite offensive threat that is Mikhail Grigorenko. A bit of a risk with this one, but the rewards could be endless.
--
#5 - Ottawa Senators
Andrew Watson
The Senators spent last season reconstructing their offense, but GM sensfan has yet to find that missing piece to add to his defensive unit. A relatively safe pick, Watson could be the key ingredient with his excellent two way ability and hockey IQ. Watson could very well end up being the best defender in the draft, however he lacks the aggression at the current time to project to be a #1 defender.
--
#6 - Phoenix Coyotes
Parjeet Lilja
A team whose cupboards are bare, Parjeet Lilja provides the perfect foundation. A jack of all trades, there are not many players with the complete package of Lilja. He could go higher because of his well rounded game, but for the Coyotes sake, he could prove to be their Jonathan Toews.
--
#7 - New York Islanders
Alex Galchenyuk
The perfect fit for a team with Jamie Benn. The Islanders have solidified their defense behind Travis Hamonic and Erik Johnson, so it's now time to focus the attention over to a terrific two way forward who brings many of the same elements to the game as Benn. Galchenyuk is exactly what embodies GM commish's philosophy in building a team: strong two way play. With Galchenyuk, the Isles would add a very promising piece to the puzzle that seems to be coming together quite nicely.
--
#8 - Minnesota Wild
Claude Snipre
Already on the board at #2, the Wild come back with another electrifying youngster to wow their fans. Snipre is a pure goal scorer to the highest of degrees. His small stature may scare some off, but the Wild should not be weary of the incredible mix of speed and skill that Snipre possesses. Alongside Yakupov, the Wild may have one of the NHL's most lethal duos on their hand for the next two decades.
--
#9 - Montreal Canadiens
Griffin Reinhart
After dealing away PK Subban, the Habs have he opportunity to bring in a fine defensive defender in Griffin Reinhart. While he may not have the sky high ceiling of some of his defensive peers in the draft, Reinhart will be the big, physical presence that the Canadiens have been searching for. Paired with Ryan Suter, the Habs may have one of the NHL's most dynamic pairings on the back end.
--
#10 - Boston Bruins
Mike Labbe
With the aging of Zdeno Chara, Mike Labbe will provide some serious size, strength, toughness and two way ability as big Z begins his slow descent. Labbe is a project at this point, but one the Bruins would be happy to take on while having no better mentor than he monstrous physical specimen that is Zdeno Chara.
--
#11 - Boston Bruins
Nabby Jamal
In the second of two straight picks, the Bruins pick up a gritty, two way power forward in Jamal who has some excellent potential skating alongside Nathan Horton. Together, the two power forwards could create a scary mix of size and skill that could give defenders fits. Jamal should bring back the nostalgia of the good old days of Cam Neely with his physical dominance over every square inch of the ice.
--
#12 - New York Islanders
Filip Forsberg
After trading Michael Grabner, the Islanders essentially pick him back up with this selection. Forsberg is a blazing fast skater with an excellent shot that can dazzle you, Forsberg may be a risk that could provide huge dividends in the future. The Islanders have built a strong core that can allow them to wait for this promising youngster to develop.
--
#13 - Winnipeg Jets
Alexander Bure
A team that is in a bit of a transition period, the Jets will be forced to roll the dice here. Bure has one of the most incredible skill sets in the draft. With an NHL shot that could give trouble to Vezina winners and a set of hands as smooth as Bure's, one begins to wonder which Bure we are actually talking about. But a generation later and this phenom is poised to be a make it or break it type player. The Jets could end up in the dust with this pick, or they could end up reaping the rewards big time.
--
#14 - New York Islanders
Chi Tuzzi
With their third pick in the draft, the Isles start to consider rounding out their bottom lines with a hard nosed winger in Tuzzi. Tuzzi brings a workman like attitude to the table, and while he may not be a future Hart winner, he provides the toughness that teams need to compete these days. A bit of a project, but for the Isles, they are so flooded with young talent, taking on a this kind of a job almost seems like fun.
--
#15 - New York Islanders
Binny Dunji
Back so soon, and this time for one of the most unique players in the draft. Dunji provides truly atrocious hands of stone and well below average offensive ability. However, his defensive awareness and hockey IQ is second to none in this draft, and Dunji could end up being one of the premier physical, stay at home defenders in the league. With a skill set reminiscent of Robyn Regehr, Dunji will play a key role in balancing out the two way presense of Johnson and Hamonic in Long Island.
--
#16 - Winnipeg Jets
Ayesh Baker
With Luongo aging and with four picks in between 10 and 20, Baker is a logical option for a team that will need a young goalie to match their youth movement. Baker projects to be a bona fide #1 goalie, and no matter the team, such a commodity should be highly valued and GM Beau has the volume of picks to take a flyer on Baker.
--
#17 - Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin Frk
A sturdy winger with a great pair of wheels, Frk is a safe pick who should mesh well with 2012 first pick Joel Armia. Frk's passing game still has to improve before he takes the next step, but he shows promise for a mid round pick.
--
#18 - Winnipeg Jets
Matthew Dumba
Dumba drops to the 18th pick, and the Jets would be pleased to have a smooth skating two way defender with a mean streak. Dumba could be the steal of the 1st round, although his game is a little raw right now. He has a booming shot, but his positional play leaves some to be desired. If he could develop his awareness defensively, he could be an extremely useful player.
--
#19 - Detroit Red Wings
Hafeez Dossa
Another tumbler in the draft, Dossa falls to #19 because of concerns about his size. He has tremendous offensive vision but he was easily muscled off the puck in major juniors and concerns only grow as he becomes an NHL prospect. If Dossa does not put on some weight, he may never see NHL ice, but there is no doubting that he has some of the greatest raw skill in the draft.
--
#20 - St. Louis Blues
Brenden Gaunce
True to his style, GM PR99 goes with the two way forward over some players with more offensive ability. Gaunce should be well insulated in St. Louis and he will be in an environment that will allow him to develop naturally. Gaunce is a very well rounded player with excellent offensive instincts. Maybe not the highest ceiling, but he is a safe pick as good two way players never run out of fashion.
--
#21 - Winnipeg Jets
Michael Mattheson
Mattheson provides another quality defensive prospect to the pipeline. With Bogosian and Enstrom leading the troops, Mattheson should be a welcome addition. He possesses a great breakout pass and good vision in the offensive zone. If nothing else in this league, he should be dependable to become a quality powerplay quarterback.
--
#22 - Tampa Bay Lightning
David Damarro
Damarro has one of the most NHL ready packages in the draft, however his character and heart have been called into question. Comparisons to Alex Daigle have been made. But there is no denying that if Damarro can get his game into line, he will make a quality top six forward.
--
#23 - Nashville Predators
Jacob Trouba
With one of the most impulsive GMs in the league, in all likelihood, the Predators will be dealing this pick. But on the off chance that GM Colton can hang onto his pick, Trouba would be an excellent addition to a team which just dealt Cam Fowler and is watching Andrei Markov age quickly.
--
#24 - Vancouver Canucks
Alex McKillop
A well rounded a versatile forward, McKillop can play many roles. For a complete team like the Canucks, McKillop should fit nicely into the prospect pool. Never the biggest star on the team, McKillop is a solid pickup for a late first who can see top six minutes potentially in the future.
--
#25 - Montreal Canadiens
David Avila
A strong forward who isnt afraid to crash the net, Avila has a skill set that the Habs have not had since Pacioretty was traded. Avila can provide a much needed phsyical presence with a nose for the net and a solid scoring touch.
--
#26 - Boston Bruins
Danny Erdhart
A forward with excellent defensive insincts, Erdhart has never been known for putting up points. But with excellent defensive awareness, Erdhart could be a bottom sixer with a heart and soul attitude one day in the future if he can develop an acceptable offensive skill set.
--
#27 - Colorado Avalanche
Oscar Dansk
With Michal Neuvirth not developing as had hoped, GM Dalfan will look to use a 1st on a promising goal prospect. Could Dansk be their answer? Maybe not, but it's always a good idea to keep the cupboard stocked with talent. Dansk has tremendous upside and has shown potential to carry teams in the past.
--
#28 - Colorado Avalanche
Matia Marcantuoni
With the second of back to back picks, the Avs pick up the speedy Matia Marcantuoni. Matia has the fastest straight away speed in the draft, but his offensive game is still coming around. He shows promising ability, but he must put all the tools together to be considered a top prospect. He shows checking line potential and with his speed, not many will be a match for him. If he can translate his ability to the NHL level, he could have a surprisingly successful career.
--
#29 - Phoenix Coyotes
Morena Dacow
The third goalie taken in the draft, Dacow is a monstrous 6'7" netminder who relies on sound positioning and sheer size to get the job done. He lacks the athleticism and desperation of a star goaltender, but if he can ever get proper training and develop the requisite skills, Dacow has the size to be a top quality goalie in the NHL.
--
#30 - Phoenix Coyotes
Darren Boogaard
Boogaard can flatten people. He is an average skater, shooter, passer, stickhandler and he cant do much else, but he can hit. If he can develop some decent NHL qualities to pair with his hitting ability, Boogaard could one day be a quality energy player for the Coyotes.
RYAN MURRAY
A team that has it's future set up front with young stars in Claude Giroux, Nikolai Kulemin and Nazem Kadri, the Ducks are relying on this pick to be the cornerstone to their back end for years to come. Murray will provide some much needed stability to a general manager who so desperately and deservedly wanted him.
--
#2 - Minnesota Wild
Nail Yakupov
With supreme young talent in Ryan Murphy and Dmitry Kulikov manning the defensive corps for the next decade+, this pick is a slam dunk. Yakupov will provide just what the Minnesota Wild have lacked since the departure of Marian Gaborik. An electrifying talent with the talent to bring a franchise back from the grave, GM Heelsox won't have to think
--
#3 - Carolina Hurricanes
Nick Ebert
Built behind offensive talent in Rick Nas, Jeff Carter and Danny Briere, the Hurricanes should look towards a defender to play alongside Keith Yandle and Ryan Ellis. Ebert brings a complete package that the Canes currently lack. With comparisons to Jack Johnson, the Hurricanes could most definitely use a physical presence on a D core that has been criticized for being too soft.
--
#4 - Colorado Avalanche
Mikhail Grigorenko
While the Avalanche are in need of defense, the possibility of pairing Grigorenko with Matt Duchene is simply astounding. The Avalanche are a team built on two way ability, and they can afford to look for the dynamite offensive threat that is Mikhail Grigorenko. A bit of a risk with this one, but the rewards could be endless.
--
#5 - Ottawa Senators
Andrew Watson
The Senators spent last season reconstructing their offense, but GM sensfan has yet to find that missing piece to add to his defensive unit. A relatively safe pick, Watson could be the key ingredient with his excellent two way ability and hockey IQ. Watson could very well end up being the best defender in the draft, however he lacks the aggression at the current time to project to be a #1 defender.
--
#6 - Phoenix Coyotes
Parjeet Lilja
A team whose cupboards are bare, Parjeet Lilja provides the perfect foundation. A jack of all trades, there are not many players with the complete package of Lilja. He could go higher because of his well rounded game, but for the Coyotes sake, he could prove to be their Jonathan Toews.
--
#7 - New York Islanders
Alex Galchenyuk
The perfect fit for a team with Jamie Benn. The Islanders have solidified their defense behind Travis Hamonic and Erik Johnson, so it's now time to focus the attention over to a terrific two way forward who brings many of the same elements to the game as Benn. Galchenyuk is exactly what embodies GM commish's philosophy in building a team: strong two way play. With Galchenyuk, the Isles would add a very promising piece to the puzzle that seems to be coming together quite nicely.
--
#8 - Minnesota Wild
Claude Snipre
Already on the board at #2, the Wild come back with another electrifying youngster to wow their fans. Snipre is a pure goal scorer to the highest of degrees. His small stature may scare some off, but the Wild should not be weary of the incredible mix of speed and skill that Snipre possesses. Alongside Yakupov, the Wild may have one of the NHL's most lethal duos on their hand for the next two decades.
--
#9 - Montreal Canadiens
Griffin Reinhart
After dealing away PK Subban, the Habs have he opportunity to bring in a fine defensive defender in Griffin Reinhart. While he may not have the sky high ceiling of some of his defensive peers in the draft, Reinhart will be the big, physical presence that the Canadiens have been searching for. Paired with Ryan Suter, the Habs may have one of the NHL's most dynamic pairings on the back end.
--
#10 - Boston Bruins
Mike Labbe
With the aging of Zdeno Chara, Mike Labbe will provide some serious size, strength, toughness and two way ability as big Z begins his slow descent. Labbe is a project at this point, but one the Bruins would be happy to take on while having no better mentor than he monstrous physical specimen that is Zdeno Chara.
--
#11 - Boston Bruins
Nabby Jamal
In the second of two straight picks, the Bruins pick up a gritty, two way power forward in Jamal who has some excellent potential skating alongside Nathan Horton. Together, the two power forwards could create a scary mix of size and skill that could give defenders fits. Jamal should bring back the nostalgia of the good old days of Cam Neely with his physical dominance over every square inch of the ice.
--
#12 - New York Islanders
Filip Forsberg
After trading Michael Grabner, the Islanders essentially pick him back up with this selection. Forsberg is a blazing fast skater with an excellent shot that can dazzle you, Forsberg may be a risk that could provide huge dividends in the future. The Islanders have built a strong core that can allow them to wait for this promising youngster to develop.
--
#13 - Winnipeg Jets
Alexander Bure
A team that is in a bit of a transition period, the Jets will be forced to roll the dice here. Bure has one of the most incredible skill sets in the draft. With an NHL shot that could give trouble to Vezina winners and a set of hands as smooth as Bure's, one begins to wonder which Bure we are actually talking about. But a generation later and this phenom is poised to be a make it or break it type player. The Jets could end up in the dust with this pick, or they could end up reaping the rewards big time.
--
#14 - New York Islanders
Chi Tuzzi
With their third pick in the draft, the Isles start to consider rounding out their bottom lines with a hard nosed winger in Tuzzi. Tuzzi brings a workman like attitude to the table, and while he may not be a future Hart winner, he provides the toughness that teams need to compete these days. A bit of a project, but for the Isles, they are so flooded with young talent, taking on a this kind of a job almost seems like fun.
--
#15 - New York Islanders
Binny Dunji
Back so soon, and this time for one of the most unique players in the draft. Dunji provides truly atrocious hands of stone and well below average offensive ability. However, his defensive awareness and hockey IQ is second to none in this draft, and Dunji could end up being one of the premier physical, stay at home defenders in the league. With a skill set reminiscent of Robyn Regehr, Dunji will play a key role in balancing out the two way presense of Johnson and Hamonic in Long Island.
--
#16 - Winnipeg Jets
Ayesh Baker
With Luongo aging and with four picks in between 10 and 20, Baker is a logical option for a team that will need a young goalie to match their youth movement. Baker projects to be a bona fide #1 goalie, and no matter the team, such a commodity should be highly valued and GM Beau has the volume of picks to take a flyer on Baker.
--
#17 - Tampa Bay Lightning
Martin Frk
A sturdy winger with a great pair of wheels, Frk is a safe pick who should mesh well with 2012 first pick Joel Armia. Frk's passing game still has to improve before he takes the next step, but he shows promise for a mid round pick.
--
#18 - Winnipeg Jets
Matthew Dumba
Dumba drops to the 18th pick, and the Jets would be pleased to have a smooth skating two way defender with a mean streak. Dumba could be the steal of the 1st round, although his game is a little raw right now. He has a booming shot, but his positional play leaves some to be desired. If he could develop his awareness defensively, he could be an extremely useful player.
--
#19 - Detroit Red Wings
Hafeez Dossa
Another tumbler in the draft, Dossa falls to #19 because of concerns about his size. He has tremendous offensive vision but he was easily muscled off the puck in major juniors and concerns only grow as he becomes an NHL prospect. If Dossa does not put on some weight, he may never see NHL ice, but there is no doubting that he has some of the greatest raw skill in the draft.
--
#20 - St. Louis Blues
Brenden Gaunce
True to his style, GM PR99 goes with the two way forward over some players with more offensive ability. Gaunce should be well insulated in St. Louis and he will be in an environment that will allow him to develop naturally. Gaunce is a very well rounded player with excellent offensive instincts. Maybe not the highest ceiling, but he is a safe pick as good two way players never run out of fashion.
--
#21 - Winnipeg Jets
Michael Mattheson
Mattheson provides another quality defensive prospect to the pipeline. With Bogosian and Enstrom leading the troops, Mattheson should be a welcome addition. He possesses a great breakout pass and good vision in the offensive zone. If nothing else in this league, he should be dependable to become a quality powerplay quarterback.
--
#22 - Tampa Bay Lightning
David Damarro
Damarro has one of the most NHL ready packages in the draft, however his character and heart have been called into question. Comparisons to Alex Daigle have been made. But there is no denying that if Damarro can get his game into line, he will make a quality top six forward.
--
#23 - Nashville Predators
Jacob Trouba
With one of the most impulsive GMs in the league, in all likelihood, the Predators will be dealing this pick. But on the off chance that GM Colton can hang onto his pick, Trouba would be an excellent addition to a team which just dealt Cam Fowler and is watching Andrei Markov age quickly.
--
#24 - Vancouver Canucks
Alex McKillop
A well rounded a versatile forward, McKillop can play many roles. For a complete team like the Canucks, McKillop should fit nicely into the prospect pool. Never the biggest star on the team, McKillop is a solid pickup for a late first who can see top six minutes potentially in the future.
--
#25 - Montreal Canadiens
David Avila
A strong forward who isnt afraid to crash the net, Avila has a skill set that the Habs have not had since Pacioretty was traded. Avila can provide a much needed phsyical presence with a nose for the net and a solid scoring touch.
--
#26 - Boston Bruins
Danny Erdhart
A forward with excellent defensive insincts, Erdhart has never been known for putting up points. But with excellent defensive awareness, Erdhart could be a bottom sixer with a heart and soul attitude one day in the future if he can develop an acceptable offensive skill set.
--
#27 - Colorado Avalanche
Oscar Dansk
With Michal Neuvirth not developing as had hoped, GM Dalfan will look to use a 1st on a promising goal prospect. Could Dansk be their answer? Maybe not, but it's always a good idea to keep the cupboard stocked with talent. Dansk has tremendous upside and has shown potential to carry teams in the past.
--
#28 - Colorado Avalanche
Matia Marcantuoni
With the second of back to back picks, the Avs pick up the speedy Matia Marcantuoni. Matia has the fastest straight away speed in the draft, but his offensive game is still coming around. He shows promising ability, but he must put all the tools together to be considered a top prospect. He shows checking line potential and with his speed, not many will be a match for him. If he can translate his ability to the NHL level, he could have a surprisingly successful career.
--
#29 - Phoenix Coyotes
Morena Dacow
The third goalie taken in the draft, Dacow is a monstrous 6'7" netminder who relies on sound positioning and sheer size to get the job done. He lacks the athleticism and desperation of a star goaltender, but if he can ever get proper training and develop the requisite skills, Dacow has the size to be a top quality goalie in the NHL.
--
#30 - Phoenix Coyotes
Darren Boogaard
Boogaard can flatten people. He is an average skater, shooter, passer, stickhandler and he cant do much else, but he can hit. If he can develop some decent NHL qualities to pair with his hitting ability, Boogaard could one day be a quality energy player for the Coyotes.
That concludes my mock draft. Thanks for reading