2008 NHL Draft Wrap

Top stories such as Alex Tanguay being traded to Montreal, Olli Jokinen to Phoenix, and R.J. Umberger to Columbus might have overshadowed the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa this weekend so let UPDATE! catch you up to speed.

2008-09 BIG IMPACT ROOKIES

1. Steve Stamkos, Tampa Bay, C

Comment: The undisputed No. 1 pick overall heading into this year’s draft is pegged to be the “next big thing” in the NHL and he’ll get a better chance than most to start right out of the gate because of the team he’s on. Stamkos can bring his 197 points through two OHL seasons to a Tampa Bay team desperately lacking in talent beyond their top line of Vinnie Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. Playing behind (and occasionally beside) those two will help Stamkos develop into an exceptional player and leader. Vinnie will be able to help guide him through the rough patches a No. 1 pick will likely see.

2. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles, D

Comment: Ranked as the premiere offensive defenseman in this years draft, Doughty will get a chance to shine on the Kings. His powerful slapshot, speed, strength and ability with the puck make him the most NHL ready of all the defensemen – and possibly all others aside from Stamkos – of the draft. His offensive talents often overshadow his defense, which is top-notch.

3. Zach Bogosian, Atlanta, D

Comment: By April of next season Bogosian might very well be the best defenseman on the Trashers. His defensive ability takes a backseat to his offense but don’t let that fool you—he still plays a smart, physical game. But it’s his playmaking ability that seperates Bogosian from the others. His first pass will set up Ilya Kovalchuk for many, many quick breaks next season.

4. Nikita Filatov, Columbus, LW

Comment: This is a perfect match for both the Blue Jackets and Filatov. For the Jackets, they get a speedy, talented, hard working team player. For Filatov, he gets to play behind Rick Nash, be coached by the one of the league’s greats in Ken Hitchcock and have a center like R.J. Umberger to play alongside. Filatov brings some solid stats to backup the claim that he’s the No. 2 offensive guy behind Steve Stamkos, notching 30 goals and 56 points in only 35 games last year in the Russia professional league.

5. Jared Staal, Phoenix Coyotes, RW

Comment: The trade that saw Olli Jokinen come to town in exchange for Keith Ballard and Nick Boyton frees up a spot on the right wing, perfect for a kid of such caliber as Jared Staal. The youngest of the Staal brothers, Jared has been pegged as being the most talented of the bunch. His offensive numbers don’t compare to his brothers Eric or Jordan but he brings his own unique style to the table. He is a hybrid of the offensive talent of the aforementioned brothers and his other, more defensive minded brother, Marc. Staal fell further in the second round than many expected but his physical, grinding play and offensive potential will fit well in Coach Wayne Gretzky’s system.

On the bubble:

Luke Schenn, Toronto, D

Comment: This is not a knock to Schenn’s ability. He’s as NHL ready as a Drew Doughty or Zach Bogosian. This has more to do with the Maple Leafs than anything. Toronto is in such chaos and Schenn’s place on this team depends on how the offseason turns out in Toronto. If GM Cliff Fletcher can free up some space on the blue line by getting rid of some of the big contracts, Schenn is guaranteed a spot. Otherwise, he’ll have to battle for a spot with Carlo Colliacovo, Ian White and several other Leaf defensive prospects. All in all though, I think Schenn will make an appearance before November finishes (if he doesn’t make it straight out of training camp).

NAMES YOU’LL KNOW IN A FEW YEARS

1. Tyler Myers, Buffalo, D

Comment: Myers is a work in progress. His size and skating ability make him so dangerous (he’s Zdeno Chara big—6’7, 204 lbs) at age 18. When he becomes comfortable with his size at the professional level Myers is going to hold down the fort on the Buffalo blue line for years to come.

2. David Toews, New York (Islanders), LW

Comment: Yes he is related to that “other” Toews kid. Jonathan’s younger brother, David, will follow a similar path but it won’t be next season. David has found himself in the shadow of his brother and so few people expected him to be drafted any higher than he was. The comparisons are unfair as Jonathan is amazing, but the younger David has a lot of offensive potential. In 51 games in junior last year, Toews racked up 44 goals and 100 points. His hockey smarts are top-notch as is his skating and physical games. When he gets to the big show expect him to grind it out and be a solid checking forward who can still make some plays.

3. Jordan Eberle, Edmonton, C

Comment: Edmonton has seen many of its young prospects turn out as expected. Kevin Lowe has done a masterful job on his offensive blue-chippers and Eberle should be no exception. They are very deep at center but Eberle should manage to crack the roster in a few years because of his scoring touch. Because of smaller size (5’10, 174 lbs) and the fact that his overall playmaking takes a backseat to his scoring means he’ll have a tough time cracking the ranks but by all accounts he is a hard working, courageous player who is not afraid to get dirty and find the open spots.

4. Greg Nemisz, Calgary Flames, C

Comment: Nemisz is almost ready. Physically, the blueprint for a strong and talented power forward is there. A few more years bulking up in the minors and working on his skating will do him wonders. He’s the type of player Calgary likes – big, strong, and likes to score. In 68 games last year he managed 34 goals. He’s not afraid of picking up the garbage in front of the net and will battle it out for position. Once he gets his size where it should be, he’ll be a dangerous player in the West.

5. Corey Trivino, New York (Islanders), C

Comment: Another solid draft by the Islanders. Trivino is a work in progress. The skill set is all there for him as he has the makings of a fantastic playmaker but it’s his size that scares everyone. His physical game is very weak but he has plenty of time to fill out and learn to fight through some bigger guys. When his physique catches up to his hockey sense and skill the Islanders are going to prove they hit a home run with the 36^th overall pick in the 2008 draft.

ROUND 1

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Steve Stamkos, C, Sarnia (OHL)

2. Los Angeles Kings

Drew Doughty, D, Guelph (OHL)

3. Atlanta Thrashers

Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough (OHL)

4. St. Louis Blues

Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagra (OHL)

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna (WHL)

6. Columbus Blue Jackets

Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA Moscow (RUS)

7. Nashville Predators

Colin Wilson, C, Boston University (NCAA)

8. Phoenix Coyotes

Mikkel Boedker, LW, Kitchener (OHL)

9. New York Islanders

Josh Bailey, C, Windsor (OHL)

10. Vancouver Canucks

Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton (OHL)

11. Chicago Blackhawks

Kyle Beach, C, Everett (WHL)

12. Buffalo Sabres

Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna (WHL)

13. Los Angeles Kings

Colten Teubert, D, Regina (WHL)

14. Carolina Hurricanes

Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL)

15. Ottawa Senators

Erik Karlsson, D, Vastra Frolunda (SWE)

16. Boston Bruins

Joe Colborne, C, Camrose (AJHL)

17. Anaheim Ducks

Jake Gardiner, D, Minnetonka HS (MN)

18. Nashville Predators

Chet Pickard, G, Tri-City (WHL)

19. Philadelphia Flyers

Luca Sbisa, D, Lehtbridge (WHL)

20. New York Rangers

Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa (OHL)

21.  Washington Capitals

Anton Gustafsson, C, Vastra Frolunda (SWE)

22. Edmonton Oilers

Jordan Eberle, C, Regina (WHL)

23. Minnesota Wild

Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa (OHL)

24. New Jersey Devils

Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV-71 (SWE)

25. Calgary Flames

Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL)

26. Buffalo Sabres

Tyler Ennis, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)

27.Washington Capitals

John Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL)

28. Phoenix Coyotes

Viktor Tikhonov, LW, Cherepovets (RUS)

29. Atlanta Thrashers

Daultan Leveille, C, St. Catharines (GHJHL)

30. Detroit Red Wings