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Draft Opinions

  • 28-06-2011 1:57am
    #1
    Shanannigan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,227 ✭✭✭


    would love to hear people's thoughts on the draft picks and what they think of the new nhl prospects?


Comments

  • #2
    Rented Mule
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,153 ✭✭✭Rented Mule


    I spent two days camped in front of my television watching this years draft. In years past I would road trip (when possible) to be there in person. There have been some great locations that really added to the experience of the weekend.

    As a life long Chicago Blackhawks fan, I was really excited about out draft weekend. We had some very interesting picks as well as moving Brian Campbell's massive contract to Florida, as well as moving Troy Brouwer for the #26 overall pick.

    The Blackhawks ended up with four picks in the Top 43.

    #18 Mark McNeill - C     - He is listed at 6'2" and anywhere from 201 - 211lbs.

    Notes: Had plenty of opportunities but was unable to finish plays at the U-18's, going scoreless in the tournament after a 32-goal, 81-point WHL campaign. Strengths - Big body, good straight ahead speed, pretty good puck skills, crafty playmaker, effective cycling the puck, smart two-way winger. Capable fighter. Weaknesses - Doesn't always compete for space in heavy traffic, sometimes lacks emotion and drive. Limited agility, doesn't win a lot of battles despite his size. NHL Upside - The tools are there for a successful NHL career, but it all depends on how much he wants it. Has the size to be a physical offensive presence, but will need to be more assertive.

    # 26 - Phillip Danault - C - 6'0" and listed at 170lbs

    Notes: Speedy left winger followed up a 67-point regular season with 15 points in nine QMJHL playoff games. Contributed three assists on Canada's U-18 team last summer. Strengths - he does everything okay, great work ethic and character, good defensively, quick feet, can make plays, his hands are fine. Leaves it all on the ice. Good puck manager, rarely plays a bad game. Sees the ice well and uses his linemates intelligently. Weaknesses - Bent over skating style, needs added weight to play same robust style at pro level, limited goal-scoring abilities, shot needs work. NHL Upside - Pesky, unselfish third-line winger who will do whatever the coach asks.



    #36 - Adam Clendening - D 5'11" / 190

    Notes: Won two U-18 Gold Medals. Led American blueliners in scoring at 2010 u-18'S, a team that featured four top 40 picks from this past NHL draft. Stepped right into Boston University 's lineup and produced offensively with 26 points in 39 games. Strengths - Sees the ice extremely well and has a soft touch with the puck. Has some aggressiveness to his game. reads the developing play well, smart, competitive, good character. Weaknesses - Lacks explosiveness and top-end speed you want from an undersized rearguard. Lateral agility and pivots need refinement. Needs to add strength to deal with larger players in pros. NHL Upside - Skating will make or break his NHL career. If it improves sufficiently, he has the skills to run an NHL power play some day.


    #43 - Brandon Saad - LW - 6'1" / 208

    Notes - After tearing up the USHL last year on the US national development team, found the going a little tougher in his inaugural OHL campaign, leading to a drop from the top ten draft status he enjoyed last autumn. Strengths - possesses all the tools. with size, strength, shot, skating and hands all above average. Capable of driving to the net and working effectively along the wall. Weaknesses - Doesn't show up to compete every night,lacks passion at times. Left scouts wanting more effort and production. NHL Upside - Has the physical tools to be an imposing top-six forward, but will need to improve his work ethic.


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