Nhl 2010 Entry Draft

[SteenIsThaFuture]

Hello there again all my draft-loving friends,

The amateur hockey seasons as well as the Euro leagues are just starting to get underway, and with that comes another year of watching those draft-prospectives as we watch the boys whose rights will be selected next June. We are coming off one of the most hyped draft classes in many seasons, with sterling names like Tavares, Hedman, Duchene and Kane leading the head of the 09 class. The depth in the class was also enormous at the top and throughout the 2nd round, the percentage of players taken in the top 40 in my opinoin have a shot to be one of the highest success % in terms of making the NHL in recent history.

We head to the 2010 class though, and with it at the head comes names like Taylor Hall and Kirill Kabanov. Both are exceptionally, explosive left wingers who have very elite skillsets. Hall has been touted since his Bantam years and as of now is the favorite to go #1 to whoever is unfortunate enough to bomb this season. Rounding out the top of the class is former OHL #1 pick John McFarland, the juggernaut from the point in Cam Fowler, the two way skilled forward in Tyler Seguin and the dazzling Fin in Mikael Granlund.

In my honest opinion in this following league year, all have at least a somewhat decent shot to make a run to be #1 although they will have to battle hard to dethrone Hall (and/or he sucks). The 2010 class lacks the depth of the 09 however, no longer are there any true possible first liner/pairings players past twenty or at least one who at the moment look like they have a good shot at becoming one.

Anyways, here are my pre-season rankings for the 2010 class, there will be a mid-season update as well as a Final ranking, the legend is

Rank. Name, Position, Team- League :

1. Kirill Kabanov, Left Wing, Moscow-Spartak Russia 91

2. Taylor Hall, Left Wing, Windsor Spitfires- OHL

3. Tyler Seguin, Centre, Plymouth Whalers- OHL

4. Cam Fowler, Defense, USA U-18 NTDP

5. John McFarland, Centre, Sudbury Wolves- OHL

6. Mikael Granlund, Centre, Karpat- Finland Jr. A

7. Brett Connolly, Left Wing, Prince George Cougars- WHL

8. Eric Gudbranson, Defense, Kingston Frontenacs- OHL

9. Brandon Gormley, Defense, Moncton Wildcats- QMJHL

10. Vladimir Tarasenko, Left Wing, Novosibirsk- KHL

11. Stanislav Galiev, Left Wing, Indiana Ice- USHL

12. Joey Hishon, Centre, Owen Sound Attack- OHL

13. Jordan Weal, Centre, Regina Pats- WHL

14. Ryan Spooner, Centre, Peterborough Petes- OHL

15. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Centre, Mechel-2 Russia 91

16. Tyler Toffoli, Right Wing, Ottawa 67’s- OHL

17. Jeffrey Skinner, Centre, Kitchener Rangers- OHL

18. Mark Pysyk, Defense, Edmonton Oil King- WHL

19. Teemu Pulkkinen, Right Wing, Jokerit- Finland Jr. A

20. Curtis Hamilton, Left Wing, Saskatoon Blades- WHL

21. Austin Watson, Right Wing, Windsor Spitfires- OHL

22. Maxim Kitsyn, Left Wing, Novokuznetsk Mettalburg- KHL

23. Jonathan Merrill, Defence, USA U-17 NTDP

24. Victor Ohman, Right Wing, Malmo IF Redhawks –SuperElit

25. Alexander Burmistrov, Centre, Kazan AK Bars-2- Russia 91

26. Steven Shipley, Left Wing, Owen Sound Attack- OHL

27. Tom Kuhnackl, Centre, Landshut EV Jr- Germany 2

28. Nick Mattson, Defense, USA U-18 NTDP

29. Stephen Silas, Defence, Belleville Bulls- OHL

30. Ben Duffy, Centre, PEI Rocket- QMJHL

The notables:

• Kabanov ahead of Hall is not a knock on Taylor but more of just how good Kirill is, also its pretty close and could swing either way, both are exceptional players.
• Russia strikes with force with a top of the line prospect as well as two in the top ten and five in the top thirty. Mother Russia did not appreciate their 2009 draft class.
• The lack of defense is notable, the last few drafts have pumped up plenty of great defenders at the top of the draft but unless theres two or more Oliver Ekmans who just come out of nowhere, this year its going to be Folwer, Gubrandon and Gormley. Great players, but hardly a blow you away assemblage of defense theres no middle class really, just a top of the class.
• As I eluded to before theres not as much meat towards the latter end of the top thirty.

Here are other lists for your viewing pleasure:

Bob Mckenzie's Top 10:

1. Taylor Hall

2. Cam Fowler

3. Tyler Seguin

4. Kirill Kabanov

5. Brett Connolly

6. John McFarland

7. Brandon Gormley

8. Erik Gudbranson

9. Vladimir Tarasenko

10. Mikael Granlund

International Scouting Services Top 10:

1. Taylor Hall, LW

2. John McFarland, C

3. Kirill Kabanov, LW

4. Cam Fowler, D

5. Tyler Seguin, C

6. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW

7. Mikael Granlund, LW

8. Joey Hishon, C

9. Erik Gudbranson, D

10. Evgeny Kuznetsov, RW

Deeper lists will be provided by ISS and CSS as the year goes on as wll my lists will get deeper as I scout and learn more about these prospects.

Look forward to another great year of Draft talk!

[SteenIsThaFuture]

Also forgot to add the teams names there are from the prior season, Kabanov will likely be playing in the Q, Fowler with Windsor etc.

[ruuvimeisseli]

18. Mark Pysyk, Defense, Edmonton Oil King- WHL

Ive seen him play a couple of days ago good skilled player, but raking him 18th imo is to high.

Height: 6'1

Weight: 175

[SteenIsThaFuture]

18. Mark Pysyk, Defense, Edmonton Oil King- WHL

Ive seen him play a couple of days ago good skilled player, but raking him 18th imo is to high.

Height: 6'1

Weight: 175

How many times have you seen him play out of curiosity? And where would you put him, we got ten months until the Draft so plenty of time to debate

I may have put him 1 or 2 spots too high but overall I like his ranking.

[DA_Champion]

Can't imagine expending a 1st overall pick on a Russian player.

It's a once in a generation chance for a GM to forge a dynasty, the risk of bolting to the KHL is too high.

[SteenIsThaFuture]

Can't imagine expending a 1st overall pick on a Russian player.

It's a once in a generation chance for a GM to forge a dynasty, the risk of bolting to the KHL is too high.

So if Malkin, Ovechkin or Kovalchuck were there you wouldn't take them?

Kabanov has made every intention of playing in the NHL, hes probably going to the Q this season and in fact the KHL is considering suspending him because of his defection intents. He speaks great English and his intents are 100% clear.

[DA_Champion]

So if Malkin, Ovechkin or Kovalchuck were there you wouldn't take them?

Kabanov has made every intention of playing in the NHL, hes probably going to the Q this season and in fact the KHL is considering suspending him because of his defection intents. He speaks great English and his intents are 100% clear.

Malkin and Ovechkin were in 2004, not 2010.

And since all I would have are some advisors telling me he has a good chance of being almost as good or as good as Malkin, I'd pass and take Taylor Hall.

[SteenIsThaFuture]

Malkin and Ovechkin were in 2004, not 2010.

And since all I would have are some advisors telling me he has a good chance of being almost as good or as good as Malkin, I'd pass and take Taylor Hall.

But hes not defecting, the KHL just suspended him. He wants to play in NA, because hes an elite talent and he knows he can get the big buck in the NHL.

[habs1119]

I feel we should make a move to get McFarland from Sudbury, this kid is going to be special, in an Yzerman mould

[DA_Champion]

I feel we should make a move to get McFarland from Sudbury, this kid is going to be special, in an Yzerman mould

I don't get player comparisons.

Can you look at two players active now and say those 2 guys are the same?

[habs1119]

I don't get player comparisons.

Can you look at two players active now and say those 2 guys are the same?

People use these comparisons for ease of explination. Should I have instead written a paragraph that evokes the same imagery and thoughts that simply writting "Yzerman mould" evokes?

Bottom line. I've been to a few Wolves games and have seen this kid in action. He's a great skater, a natural playmaker with a great shot, who's also a leader and has the physical size and work ethic to really excel in the NHL.

I truly feel this kid is a bonafied 1st line C in the NHL in 3 yrs. Imagine the CH with him and Leblanc as our 1-2 punch up the middle. There's an exciting team for sure.

[Komprice]

I find you very informative Moneypuck and love reading your replys but was wondering if you could give me some insight on up and coming heavyweight fighters for the 2010 draft. Just wondering if there are any future Georges Laraques out there. Thank You!

[SteenIsThaFuture]

I find you very informative Moneypuck and love reading your replys but was wondering if you could give me some insight on up and coming heavyweight fighters for the 2010 draft. Just wondering if there are any future Georges Laraques out there. Thank You!

I don't know about future Laraques, I don't follow and scout those kinda players.

In terms of a prospect who can fight and contribute in other ways, Brad Ross, a winger from Portland of the WHL.

[ashikhabib]

Here is who I think will go 1st-5th...

1st - Kirill Kabanov

2nd - Taylor Hall

3rd - Cam Fowler

4th - Tyler Seguin

5th - John McFarland

[habs1119]

Here is who I think will go 1st-5th...

1st - Kirill Kabanov

2nd - Taylor Hall

3rd - Cam Fowler

4th - Tyler Seguin

5th - John McFarland

There's no doubting Kabonov's talent and potential. However I can't see any NHL GM throwing away a lottery pick on a russian player regardless of what he states as a desire to play in North America. If he moves to Moncton and plays in the Q then I might see it. But as of today he isn't there. He'll likely drop to late 1st or 2nd rd before someone takes a chance on him (likely someone who has 2 picks in the 2nd)

[A-K-46]

There's no doubting Kabonov's talent and potential. However I can't see any NHL GM throwing away a lottery pick on a russian player regardless of what he states as a desire to play in North America. If he moves to Moncton and plays in the Q then I might see it. But as of today he isn't there. He'll likely drop to late 1st or 2nd rd before someone takes a chance on him (likely someone who has 2 picks in the 2nd)

if he drops that low i'd take him

[SteenIsThaFuture]

There's no doubting Kabonov's talent and potential. However I can't see any NHL GM throwing away a lottery pick on a russian player regardless of what he states as a desire to play in North America. If he moves to Moncton and plays in the Q then I might see it. But as of today he isn't there. He'll likely drop to late 1st or 2nd rd before someone takes a chance on him (likely someone who has 2 picks in the 2nd)

Theres no way he drops that low, high Russians don't fall because elite playrs get big contracts and for sure playing time in NA.

Malkin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuck, Filatov etc. They're in a different class.

[habs1119]

Theres no way he drops that low, high Russians don't fall because elite playrs get big contracts and for sure playing time in NA.

Malkin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuck, Filatov etc. They're in a different class.

While he has talent that could rival theirs (maybe), he is still a great prospect, but he still has alot of question marks. He's seen as a problem child due to family situations (like Lindros) not accepting certain teams, playing situations (a la Heatley), basically someone that wants to pick his spots. Also, his commitment to play in N-A is in question. He is seen as a money player. While the players you mentioned above are Russian, they are also well paid and have a desire to play against the best not just get paid. If he gets offered top line pairing for 5-6 million, there is NO WAY he'd come to N-A to see 2nd line mins for 850K + bonuses

Until some of those perceptions are changed, I'd find it hard for a team to spend a 1st or 2nd rd pick on him (unless they hold two 2nd rd picks)

[habs1119]

The 09 draft had one Russian drafted in the 1st rd and likely only because he opted to play in the Q. The next one wasn't picked until late in the 2nd rd. Then there were two picked in the middle 3rd. And in 2008 there again was only one chosen in the 1st rd (Filatov) and he this summer threatened to go back to russia unless he was given a spot on the top 2 lines.

It is these reasons that exascerbate the problem the lack of a transfer agreement causes. And why very few GMs will use a high pick to select someone who may ply his trade in Russia insead of the NHL when he could use it on a western european or NA skater that may not be as talented but is more willing to play for their team.

[SteenIsThaFuture]

You can`t compare the 09 Russian class to the 10. There were no Russians last year, none zilch. Kulikov went like 2-3 spots after where I`d think he go and Orlov went exactly where he should`ve gone.

This year with Kabanov, Tarasenko, Kuznetsov, and Kitsyn that won`t be the same.

Kabanov has made every intention clear he wants to play in the NHL, also I don`t know where you get this impression he is going to bolt to the KHL at the first big money incentive but I`d like to see a link thank you.

[habs1119]

Calm down. My point of view is just as valid. I understand you do spend alot of time at researching these young players and are pretty good a spotting the talent and guessing draft order. But you can't deny that Russians a viewed differently in these last few seasons and that there have been wispers that his father is a Lindros type parent and that Kabanov had a choice between the russian leagues and the CHL. And had he chose the CHL (Moncton Wildcats hold his rights) it would have definately calmed alot of GM's down, and that some of his fellow ruskies (Filatov) who proclaimed a love and desire to play in the NHL have threatened a return to russia if certain demands weren't met.

These things do create a perception that is hard for people to ignore, despite the great talent displayed by some of these fine young men.

Again, a solid transfer agreement would likely make 3 of those you mentioned top 10 picks but I guarantee they will all slide.

And if Kirill Kabanov is selected with a lottery pick this coming draft, I will proclaim your utter dominance over me and name my next child after you.

[ruuvimeisseli]

I would draft Kirill Kabanov any day, hes big skilled and explosive. If he some how ends up not in a top 5 pick i will be surprised.

[habs1119]

http://www.moncton-wildcats.com/en-ca/news...ease.php?id=559

Looks like Kabanov has ensured he jumps up the draft order by moving to N-A

[leafs_rock_go_mccabe]

http://www.moncton-wildcats.com/en-ca/news...ease.php?id=559

Looks like Kabanov has ensured he jumps up the draft order by moving to N-A

Maybe we will have a shot at him.

[habs1119]

If the boys play the way they did in Vancouvr 30 more times....guaranteed!