2010 Ice Scoopz Mock Entry Draft: Top 15

2010 Ice Scoopz Mock Entry Draft

#1. Edmonton Oilers - Taylor Hall – LW - Windsor - OHL
ISS - 1
CS - 2 NA
HN - 1
+ Natural Goal Scorer + Hype Value
+ Big Game Player + Speed To Burn
+ Great Hockey Sense + Elusive With The Puck
- Plays On An Elite Team - Not Physical
I can’t imagine anyone in this draft passing up Taylor Hall, the hype has been tremendous since he was drafted in 2nd overall in the 2007 OHL selection draft. The Edmonton Oilers need to rekindle some excitement back into their rapidly fading franchise and a sure fire goal scorer should bring fans back into the seats. Hall has been often compared to former NHL sniper Pavel Bure due to his elite speed and ability to find the back of the net. He just has that knack for scoring and it’s almost as he can score at will. He has awesome vision and can be extremely slippery with the puck. His stickhandling and his speed make him a deadly threat every time he steps on the ice. It’s hard to find a flaw in his game because of his offensive abilities but some are saying numbers could be inflated due to his dynasty of a team the Windsor Spitfires. He also shies away from the rough stuff but who cares when he lights the lamp each and every time he touches the puck.

#2. Boston Bruins - Tyler Seguin – C – Plymouth – OHL
ISS – 2
CS – 1 NA
HN – 2
+ 2 Way Player + Makes Players Better
+ Mr. Consistency + Plays All Situations
+ Awesome Vision
- Struggles In Big Games -Struggles In The Circle
If Taylor Hall is the #1 pick in this Entry Draft then Tyler Seguin is #1B as Seguin has been battling Hall for the number one spot all season long. Ether player could go first but Hall’s performance over Seguin in the playoffs I believe cements his #1 spot. That being said whoever gets Seguin isn’t getting a lesser player in fact they might even be getting more. Tyler has incredible vision and is solid at both ends of the rink. He is extremely competent in his own end while he also knows where to be in the other end of the rink as well. His linemates benefit from his on ice presence and his incredible vision. He can do it all and do it in any given situation. The Boston Bruins easily replace Phil Kessel and upgrade at the same time with Tyler Seguin.

#3. Florida Panthers - Erik Gudbranson – D – Kingston – OHL
ISS – 7
CS – 4 NA
HN – 5
+ Mean Streak + Very Physical
+ Leadership Skills + Patient With And Without The Puck
- Slow - Not Very Offensive
While many believe that Cam Fowler is the hands down number 3 but I believe the Florida Panthers will go with toughness and grit over yet another offensive defenseman. His mean streak adds another element to his game. Erik Gudbranson’s physical play and his ability to calm things down from the backend would fit well alongside fellow Panther future star Dmitry Kulikov. The Panthers are looking to overhaul their organization and starting from the backend only makes sense. Gudbranson is the perfect cornerstone of a defense and adds that character and passion a team needs; can you saw future captain.

#4. Columbus Blue Jackets - Cam Fowler – D – Windsor – OHL
ISS – 5
CS – 5 NA
HN – 3
+ No Turnovers + Good Skater
+ Offensively Gifted
- Hard To Read Abilities - No Shot
- Very Soft
Mr. Cam Fowler is at the top of all defensemen in this draft in many organizations eyes. To me he loses a little value because he’s soft and doesn’t really have that great of a shot from the point for an offensive defenseman. He also is very hard to read as he plays on such a powerhouse of a team. Is it really him or does he have a lot of help? Looked great in the World Juniors. He still is extremely dangerous when he has the puck. Fowler has the ability to move the puck really well of just to do it himself without causing turnovers. His defensive play is pretty decent as well. A great pick fit for Columbus as they’ve struggled to find that elite defenseman to help them break out and scare opponents.

#5. New York Islanders - Nino Niederreiter – LW – Portland - WHL
ISS – 6
CS – 12 NA
HN – 8
+ Tremendous Heart + Clutch
+ Great Shot + Crafty
- Not Overly Physical For A Power Forward
Nino Niederreiter put himself on the map this World Juniors with his incredible dedication and his willingness to carry the Swiss team on his back. He was extremely timely and clutch when his team needed him. Great shooter, can score from almost anywhere on the ice. Nino is also a great shoot out specialist and that’s often overlooked but is crucial in the new NHL. The Islanders need some help for John Tavares and Nino Niderreiter would be a great addition to add alongside him. The Isles had a steal in Calvin De Haun last year and Travis Harmonic is on the way up so no need to focus on the backend as a goal scoring left winger would help out greatly.

#6. Tampa Bay Lightning - Alexander Burmistrov – C – Barrie – OHL
ISS – 14
CS - 11 NA
HN – 6
+ Tricky Hands + Good Vision
+ 2 Way + Faceoff Specialist
- Very Small - Not Physical At All
- “Russian Factor?
Alexander Burmistrov is a player I’ve managed to watch over and over this season and he has impressed me. He works hard every shift and doesn’t take too many shifts off. He has great vision and is quite possibly the best stick handler in this draft. He has a bag full of dekes than many NHLer’s wouldn’t be able to pull off. He also is a great faceoff guy who can play in every situation making him even more deadly. The only downside is that Burmistrov is extremely small at 157 lbs causing him to shy away from the dirty work and anything physical. I don’t believe there is the “Russian Factor” here as he played in the O but I’m sure some teams will still be cautious in the KHL era. The Tampa Bay Lightning will go with the best player available and Burmistrov has the least flags and will fill a future void at center once Vincent Lecavalier moves on.

#7. Carolina Hurricanes - Brett Connolly – RW – Prince George – WHL
ISS – 13
CS – 3 NA
HN – 4
+ Threat Every Shift + Pure Sniper
+ Hockey IQ
- Injury Prone - Liable In His Own End
Brett Connolly had a rough year this season but still hasn’t seen his stock drop that much. It really shows how much goal scoring means to NHL clubs. Connolly fits that mold to a tee, an offensive threat that can score at will when he has the puck. He dominated offensively as a rookie in a defense first minded league. On the other hand Connolly follows the old saying what you see is what you get. Strictly offense. Connolly suffered multiple hip flexor injuries this season and missed all but 16 games this season leading many teams’ medical scouts doubting his fitness and ability to resist injury. The Carolina Hurricanes won’t mind as they are in the middle of a rebuild and could use any offense possible. The Canes have had great success with Western League kids of late.

#8. Atlanta Thrashers - Brandon Gormley – D – Moncton - QMJHL
ISS – 3
CS – 6 NA
HN – 7
+ All Round + Great Mobility
+ Solid Defensively
- Not Physical
Many view Brandon Gormley as the safest pick out of this years crop of defenseman because Gormley is steady and reliable in both ends and is above average in all categories except a few. His main strength relies on his skating and his mobility. He can easily join the rush or stay at home and defend. While he doesn’t excel at one particular skill he remains all round defenseman and everything he does is well above average. The main criticism of his game is that he’s not very physical and doesn’t stand out in the crowd. The Atlanta Thrashers need a stable presence on the backend that can play at both ends of the rink. The Thrashers have one extreme or the other on the point and Gormley would solidify this young and growing team. Think Los Angeles in a few more seasons if they continue to progress.

#9. Minnesota Wild - Ryan Johansen – C – Portland - WHL
ISS – 8
CS – 10 NA
HN – 12
+ Hockey Smarts + Eager To Please
+ Room Left To Develop + All Situations
- Needs To Get Stronger - Soft
- Plays On A Strong Line
There are not many prospects in this draft with the ceiling potential that Ryan Johansen has, as he’s extremely underdeveloped. After an average Junior A season he came on the to CHL scene and catapulted himself into the high first round. Johansen did play with good linemates in Brad Ross and Nino Niederreiter so there will always be that question mark. That aside he is a talented centerman who plays a smart offensive game and has an underrated defensive side. He is a bit soft and needs to put on a bit of weight but more than makes up for it in his willingness and ability to play any role. Minnesota really needs that offensive catalyst and a future center to line up behind Mikko Koivu. He’s a great fit in the Minnesota system. Best case scenario the Wild get a number one center, worst case scenario they get a smart 3rd line center with an offensive touch. Win-win.

#10. New York Rangers - Vladimir Tarasenko- RW – Novosibirsk – KHL
ISS – 4
CS – 2 INT
HN – 14
+ Lightning Quick + Good Vision
+ Good Hands
- Defensive Zone Coverage - “Russian Factor”
Vladimir Tarasenko could be the overall most skilled player in this draft. He also has speed to burn and can hit that extra gear on command. Not an overly big player but is in good physical condition and doesn’t mind the rough stuff unlike most European offensive talents. Should go a lot higher but the new era with the “Russian Factor” scare should drop his stock quite a bit. The New York Rangers have had good luck bringing European players over and have several connections inside the KHL. Could be a gamble but could also be a huge pay day if they can convince him to play in North America.

#11. Dallas Stars - Mikael Granlund – C/W – HIFK – SM LIIGA
ISS – 17
CS – 1 INT
HN – 10
+ NHL Ready + Elite Playmaker
+ Shifty With Puck + Powerplay Specialist
- Small - Not Physical
- Slow Footed
Finland is in need of an elite prospect to help replace many of their aging stars such as Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu. Theres no better prospect than Finnish sensation Mikael Granlund. He and his linemate Teemu Pulkkinen have drawn many comparassons to Selanne and Koivu. Just like Saku, Granlund is undersized for a center but makes up for it with talent and passion for the game. Sound familiar? Granlund is probably the best playmaker or atleast in the top 2 of this draft. He can single handedly control a game. Playing in the SM Liiga has helped his development playing with grown men. The Dallas Stars would love to add some offense and have lots of experience with Finnish players. The fact that he is almost NHL ready helps the Stars decesion greatly.

#12. Anaheim Ducks - Nick Bjugstad – C – Blaine – US High
ISS – 12
CS – 14 NA
HN – 17
+ Big And Physical + Lethal Shot
+ Pass First Player
- Playing In Weak League - Incosistent
- Needs Defensive Polish
It’s always hard to gauge a player playing in the US High School system because you never know how their game is going to translate when move up to the next level. Nick Bjudstad is the perfect example. He on most nights dominates but on others he’s a no show so it’s hard to predict what will happen when the competition gets harder. Bjugstad has all of the tools to suceed but the question is can he at the next level. He’s a big bodied center with great physical strength and has a very lethal shot. He can be the difference maker on most nights but needs to work on his consistency. The Anaheim Ducks are looking for their next big center and with two picks in the first round the Ducks can take a risk on Bjugstad and hope he develops into a big time center.

#13. Phoenix Coyotes (CAL) - Austin Watson –RW – Moose Jaw – WHL
ISS – 18
CS – 8 NA
HN – 15
+ Future Captain + Willing To Play Any Role
+ Gritty + Great Hockey IQ
- No Shot - Not Strong Enough Yet
The Phoenix Coyotes have a long list of topend talent coming out of the system but still are struggling to find themselves blue chip scoring wingers and character players. Austin Watson may be able to kill both needs with one stone so to speak. Watson is a coachs dream as he does whatever is asked of him and can play any role needed of him as well. While playing with the Windor Spitfires he struggled to get top 6 minutes so he was forced into a 4th line role but when traded to Peterborough he was asked to fill a number 1 role and caught fire. He’s tough and isn’t afraid to do the dirtywork that’s need to score. He can play in all situations and has hockey smarts most players would kill for. He knows when and where to be a all times. His only downside is that he has an extremely weak shot for an offensive force and also struggles when playing againsts big teams.

#14. St. Louis Blues - Jack Campbell – G – US U18 – NTDP
ISS – 1
CS – 2 NA G
HN – 13
+ Mentally Mature + Physical Specimin
+ Nerves Of Steal
- Big Ego - Character Issues?
Many Canadians remember and loath Jack Campbell for his dominating performance at the World Juniors but the fact of the matter is Campbell is a solid goalie who doesn’t buckle under pressure, after all he came off the bench cold and manage to win a gold medal. He’s got nerves of steal and is mature beyond his years. Many scouts compare him to Carey Price mentally. He has the ability to steal games and is a good team first guy. Jack Campbell is also in top physical shape and his fitness levels are through the roof. Some have questioned his character after bailing on the University of Michigan for a powerhouse Windsor squad but that should only help his development. The St. Louis Blues would love to get their hands on a franchise goalie to continue their progress and keep moving forward.

#15. Boston Bruins - John McFarland –LW/C– Sudbury – OHL
ISS – 39
CS – 15 NA
HN – 20
+ Top End Talent + Major League Shot
- Selfish - Bad Additude
- Poor Work Ethic John McFarland is an intriging prospect as he once was highly touted and expected to go in the top 5 but now he continues to slip down the rankings and could possibly be a 2nd round pick now. The reason for the slip is because of some of his character flaws such as his lack of commitment to his team and his lack of effort most nights. Many believe this lack of effort is due to him not wanting to be in Sudbury with the Wolves and would be a different story if he were on a contender. Theres no doubt McFarland has incredible talent but only he decides when he wants to use it. He’s got an incredible release to go with his NHL calibre shot and he knows how to use his frame in traffic. He also has good hockey IQ but he struggles to find or use his teamates. The Boston Bruins have 2 top half first round draft picks so their able to take a gamble on the enigmatic McFarland. With some good coaching, tough love and maturing they might be able to steal a gem.