HabsWorld.net -- 

The 2010 NHL Entry Draft will be held at the
Staples Center in Los Angeles this coming Friday and Saturday.  As is tradition,
here is our official mock draft.  Will the Habs keep building depth up
front or is this the year they revert back to selecting a defenceman? 
Keep reading to find the answer.

Our draft was selected by a trio of panelists, myself, Louis Moustakas, and
Norman Szcyrek.  Our thoughts about each pick are included in the scouting
reports and commentary following each player’s ranking on other sites. 


Those rankings are from the following 4 places: Central Scouting Bureau (CSB),
International Scouting Services (ISS), The Hockey News (THN), and The Sports
Network (TSN). 



Season stats and player position/height/weight are
from the CSB’s final rankings list.



With the 1st overall pick,
Edmonton selects:

Taylor Hall,
LW, Windsor (OHL), 6’1", 185 lbs
57 GP, 40 goals, 66 assists, 106 points, 56 PIMS
Although the Oilers have
better depth at wing than up the middle, Hall gets the nod over Seguin here. 
Hall has a game-breaking dimension that Seguin has yet to display which tips
the scale in his favour.  Being surrounded by the other quality wingers
(shown below) will help ease his transition into the league without as much
pressure as other recent #1 draft picks have had.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: M. Paajarvi-Svensson, LW (10th overall)

2008: Jordan Eberle, RW (22nd overall)
2007:
Sam Gagner, C (6th overall)
CSB:
2 (NA)
ISS: 2
THN:
1
TSN: 1
LM: "A can’t
miss player who could quickly become the face of the franchise."



With the 2nd overall pick,
Boston selects:

Tyler Seguin,
C, Plymouth (OHL), 6’1", 172 lbs
63 GP, 48 goals, 58 assists, 106 points, 54 PIMS
The Bruins would ecstatic to
have Seguin fall to them.  (Though they wouldn’t be too upset if Hall
did instead.)  The top brass remember how a young centre named Patrice
Bergeron made their squad in 2003 but was shifted to the wing to fit into
the squad’s roster.  Expect a similar move for Seguin, as well as a good
mentor in Bergeron to fit in.

How the pick was acquired
:

From Toronto with the Leafs’ 1st round pick in 2011 and 2nd round pick in 2010 in
exchange for F Phil Kessel.
CSB:
1 (NA)
ISS: 1
THN:
2
TSN: 2
NS: "He could
crack the Bruins lineup this fall, but may be moved to the wing."



With the 3rd overall pick,
Florida selects:

Erik Gudbranson,
D, Kingston (OHL), 6’4", 195 lbs
41 GP, 2 goals, 21 assists, 23 points, 68 PIMS
Like Edmonton at #1, there’s
no real risk factor here with a trio of very good defensemen on the board. 
Gudbranson has the best overall package of the three as he brings both
strong offensive and defensive play to the game with the grittiness that
everyone loves out of defencemen.  May not be NHL ready yet like
Florida’s last 1st rounder though.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Dmitry Kulikov, D (14th overall)

2008: Jacob Markstrom, G (31st overall)
2007:
Keaton Ellerby, D (10th overall)
CSB:
4 (NA)
ISS: 6
THN:
5
TSN: 3
BLR: "A
promising physical blueliner to complement the smooth skating Kulikov from
last year."



With the 4th overall pick,
Columbus selects:

Cam Fowler,
D, Windsor (OHL), 6’1", 190 lbs
55 GP, 8 goals, 47 assists, 55 points, 14 PIMS
A very mobile blueliner,
which fits a big need for the Blue Jackets.   Fowler has great
offensive tools, good size, and decent positioning on defence.  He’ll
never be a crushing defenceman in terms of physical play, but more of the
type that out thinks the opposition to break up a rush.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: John Moore, D (21st overall)

2008: Nikita Filatov, LW (6th overall)
2007:
Jakub Voracek, RW (7th overall)
CSB:
5 (NA)
ISS: 3
THN:
3
TSN: 5
LM: "Fowler
could become the stud on the blueline they’ve never had."



With the 5th overall pick,
New York (I) selects:

Brandon Gormley, D,
Moncton (QMJHL), 6’2", 185 lbs
58 GP, 9 goals, 34 assists, 43 points, 54 PIMS
He’s not as flashy as those
drafted before him but it’s that safe element that will make him attractive
to the Isles.  He has a very strong all-round game, though his physical
play isn’t the greatest (but still adequate).  He’s the type of player
that every team needs to win which will make him highly coveted for years to
come.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: John Tavares, C (1st overall)

2008: Josh Bailey, C (9th overall)
2007:
Mark Katic, D (62nd overall)
CSB:
6 (NA)
ISS: 5
THN:
7
TSN: 4
NS: "The Isles
need blueline help, and Gormley could rise to their top-2 in a hurry."



With the 6th overall pick,
Tampa Bay selects:

Brett Connolly,
RW, Prince George (WHL), 6’2", 181 lbs
16 GP, 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points, 8 PIMS
With a skilled sniper in St.
Louis set to retire soon, Connolly makes sense here, despite the injury
concerns.  Were it not for those hip injuries, he would have challenged
for the top spot.  Brett shares similarities to his namesake, Brett
Hull; both are sharpshooters, with the ability to know where to be to
capitalize on a scoring chance. He’s also unafraid to go into high traffic
areas, and has good playmaking abilities as well.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Victor Hedman, D (2nd overall)

2008: Steven Stamkos, C (1st overall)
2007:
Dana Tyrell, C (47th overall)
CSB:
3 (NA)
ISS: 11
THN:
4
TSN: 8
BLR: "Arguably
a top-3 talent; if healthy, Tampa could have the steal of the draft."



With the 7th overall pick,
Carolina selects:

Nino Neiderreiter,
RW, Portland (WHL), 6’2", 201 lbs
65 GP, 36 goals, 24 assists, 60 points, 68 PIMS
A high-end winger like Nino Niedereiter will complement well Carolina’s solid group of young centers. El Nino brings a visible passion to the game and has an element of grit to go along with his offensive touch.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Phillipe Paradis, LW (27th overall)*

2008: Zach Boychuk, C (14th overall)
2007:
Brandon Sutter, C (11th overall)
CSB:
12 (NA)
ISS: 9
THN:
8
TSN: 7
LM: "Will
complement Carolina’s solid group of young centres."



With the 8th overall pick,
Atlanta selects:

Mikael Granlund,
C, HIFK (FNL), 5’10", 180 lbs
43 GP, 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points, 2 PIMS
A scoring centre is a
position of need, and Granlund is the right fit here with the Thrashers. 
Atlanta already has young forwards Niclas Bergfors, Evander Kane, and Bryan
Little, and newly signed prospects Fredrik Pettersson & Carl Klingberg up
front, so Granlund would be a nice complimentary fit to help rebuild their
offence.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Evander Kane, RW (4th overall)

2008: Zach Bogosian, D (3rd overall)
2007:
Spencer Machacek, RW (67th overall)
CSB:
1 (Euro)
ISS: 14
THN:
10
TSN: 13
NS:
"Atlanta needs to improve their offence,
Granlund will blend in well there."



With the 9th overall pick,
Minnesota selects:

Ryan Johansen, C,
Portland (WHL), 6’2", 192 lbs
71 GP, 25 goals, 44 assists, 69 points, 53 PIMS
A solid playmaker (largely
setting up the projected #7 pick) who plays well in his own end as well. 
The Wild are lacking a prototypical #2 C which is what Johansen is pegged to
be, a mobile attacker who can play in every situation.  He will need to
bulk up and play more physically before he can be effective in the NHL
though.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Nick Leddy, D (16th overall)*

2008: Tyler Cuma, D (23rd overall)
2007:
Colton Gillies, C (16th overall)
CSB:
10 (NA)
ISS: 17
THN:
12
TSN: 6
BLR: "With
most of their previous C’s (Pouliot, Sheppard) being busts, time to restock
up the middle."



With the 10th overall pick,
New York (R) selects:

Derek Forbort,
D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’5", 198 lbs
26 GP, 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 points, 26 PIMS
For the Rangers, defence is a
position of need, both short and long term.  In Forbort they get a
mobile defenceman with a solid offensive game and good size.  He can
handle the puck well or make a good outlet pass to get the puck out of his
zone.  He’s likely a couple of years away, but the Rangers will find
he’s well worth the wait.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Chris Kreider, C (19th overall)

2008: Michael Del Zotto, D (20th overall)
2007:
Alexei Cherepanov, RW (17th overall)*
CSB:
9 (NA)
ISS: 10
THN:
11
TSN: 11
LM: "New York
can afford to be patient with Forbort, who, admittedly needs some extra
seasoning."



With the 11th overall pick,
Dallas selects:

Jeff Skinner, RW,
Kitchener (OHL), 5’10", 187 lbs
64 GP, 50 goals, 40 assists, 90 points, 72 PIMS
Size, as Hab fans have
learned all too well over the years, isn’t everything anymore in the NHL
which boosts Skinner’s draft stock vastly.  Simply put, he’s a
goalscorer which will endear an offensively challenged Dallas team to him. 
But given his small stature, he’s a bigger (no pun intended) risk which may
scare some teams off.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Scott Glennie, RW (8th overall)

2008: Tyler Beskorowany, G (59th overall)
2007:
Nico Sacchetti, C (50th overall)
CSB:
34 (NA)
ISS: 15
THN:
25
TSN: 10
NS:
"He’s a small dynamo on offence, who will
succeed in the NHL despite his size."



With the 12th overall pick,
Anaheim selects:

Austin Watson,
LW, Peterborough (OHL), 6’3", 185 lbs
52 GP, 20 goals, 34 assists, 54 points, 22 PIMS
A power forward who should
complement Bobby Ryan quite nicely up front for the Ducks.  He often
powers his way to the net, and will perform the little things in the game
that coaches love, such as block shots and forecheck the opposition with
gusto.  His playmaking skills are only average, but his effort level is top
notch.  At the worst, he could become a premier penalty killer, but
he’s more likely to rise to a top-2 line spot and could make the NHL
quickly.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Peter Holland, C (15th overall)

2008: Jake Gardiner, D (17th overall)
2007:
Logan MacMillan, C (19th overall)
CSB:
14 (NA)
ISS: 8
THN:
15
TSN: 14
BLR: With Ryan
in the system, this would give them two high end power forwards."



With the 13th overall pick,
Phoenix selects:

Vladimir Tarasenko,
RW, Novosibirsk (KHL), 5’11", 202 lbs
42 GP, 13 goals, 11 assists, 24 points, 18 PIMS
Phoenix has a plethora of
solid talent up front which allows them to take a riskier selection. 
Tarasenko could be a front liner in the league with his dynamic offensive
abilities and his speed.  Though he matured as the year went on, there
are some concerns with his attitude and his defensive game though both are
expected to continue to improve.

How the pick was acquired
:

From Calgary with F Matthew Lombardi and F Brandon Prust in exchange for F Olli Jokinen and a 3rd round pick in 2009 (Josh Birkholz).
CSB:
2 (Euro)
ISS: 4
THN:
14
TSN: 16
LM: "A risky
choice (the Russian factor) but given the Coyotes’ depth, one they can amply
afford."



With the 14th overall pick,
St. Louis selects:

Nick Bjugstad,
C, Blaine (USHS), 6’4", 188 lbs
25 GP, 29 goals, 31 assists, 60 points, 24 PIMS
The Blues are envisioning a
David Backes style power forward in Bjugstad, and he will not disappoint
them.  Good athleticism and size helped Bjugstad dominate the Minnesota
high school circuit last season.  At 6’4" he has pro size, but needs to
fill in from his 188 pounds, which he should given his frame.  He’s
currently a centre, but could easily move to the wing based on the Blues’
needs.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: David Rundblad, D (17th overall)

2008: Alex Pietrangelo, D (4th overall)
2007:
Lars Eller, C (13th overall)*
CSB:
13 (NA)
ISS: 24
THN:
9
TSN: 19
NS: "Has
tremendous upside as a big power forward."



With the 15th overall pick,
Florida selects:

Alexander
Burmistrov,
C, Barrie (OHL), 5’11", 157 lbs
62 GP, 22 goals, 43 assists, 65 points, 49 PIMS
Though this pick was
originally earmarked for Boston, it also applies well to the Panthers. 
Florida needs some help offensively which is Burmistrov’s bread and butter,
particularly in the playmaking variety.  With rumblings that he will be
leaving the OHL’s Colts to return to the KHL, he may slide further than
originally anticipated.
How
the pick was acquired:


With D Dennis Wideman and Boston’s 2011 3rd round pick in exchange for W/C
Nathan Horton and C Gregory Campbell.
CSB:
11 (NA)
ISS: 12
THN:
6
TSN: 12
BLR: "Highly
skilled playmaker could replace the recently traded Nathan Horton down the road."



With the 16th overall pick,
Ottawa selects:

Mark Pysyk,
D, Edmonton (WHL), 6’1", 174 lbs
48 GP, 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, 47 PIMS
The Senators have several
organizational needs, and Pysyk helps to solve one of them.  He’s a strong
skater, with good mobility, who outthinks the opposition forwards rather
than out muscle them.  On defence he is very good positionally while he
should be able to contribute on the offensive side as well in time.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Jared Cowen, D (9th overall)

2008: Erik Karlsson, D (15th overall)
2007:
James O’Brien, C (29th overall)
CSB:
8 (NA)
ISS: 16
THN:
16
TSN: 20
LM: "Ottawa
possesses other promising young d-men, he will complement that group
nicely."



With the 17th overall pick,
Colorado selects:

Emerson Etem,
RW, Medicine Hat (WHL), 6’0.", 190 lbs
72 GP, 37 goals, 28 assists, 65 points, 26 PIMS
Despite Colorado’s success
this year, they still need a few pieces up front.  Etem, who can play
the wing or centre, can fill potentially a pair of voids at once.  His
offensive game translates to a solid second liner while his defensive play
continues to improve, largely due to his NHL ready speed. 

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Matt Duchene, C (3rd overall)

2008: Cameron Gaunce, D (50th overall)
2007:
Kevin Shattenkirk, D (14th overall)
CSB:
8 (NA)
ISS: 23
THN:
17
TSN: 17
NS: "Has
succeeded immediately at every level of hockey during the past 3 seasons."



With the 18th overall pick,
Nashville selects:

Tyler Pitlick,
C, Minnesota State (WCHA), 6’2", 194 lbs
35 GP, 10 goals, 8 assists, 18 points, 27 PIMS
The Predators have an
organizational need for more depth up front having stocked up on D in recent
years, and Pitlick addresses that need well.  Tyler, the nephew of
former NHL’er Lance Pitlick, has good size, speed, acceleration and an
excellent work ethic.  He projects to be at best a 2nd line centre/forward,
and at worst a 3rd/4th liner, a fairly safe selection.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Ryan Ellis, D (11th overall)

2008: Colin Wilson, C (7th overall)
2007:
Jonathan Blum, D (23rd overall)
CSB:
18 (NA)
ISS: 28
THN:
21
TSN: 25
BLR: "Having
dealt Arnott and Legwand aging, the Preds need to restock."



With the 19th overall pick,
Los Angeles selects:

Quinton Howden, LW/C,
Moose Jaw (WHL), 6’2", 183 lbs
65 GP, 28 goals, 37 assists, 65 points, 44 PIMS
Though Howden’s offensive
ceiling won’t be as high as some players drafted after him, that’s quite
okay.  The Kings have the offensive guys coming up but not a lot of
defensive ones.  Enter Howden, who should be an elite 3rd liner for a
long time.  If his offensive game can improve, he could be a dominating
two-way player.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Brayden Schenn, C (5th overall)

2008: Drew Doughty, D (2nd overall)
2007:
Thomas Hickey, D (4th overall)
CSB:
19 (NA)
ISS: 20
THN:
23
TSN: 26
LM: "In a
system devoid of quality wingers, Howden will fit in quite nicely."



With the 20th overall pick,
Pittsburgh selects:

John McFarland,
LW, Sudbury (OHL), 6’0", 192 lbs
64 GP, 20 goals, 30 assists, 50 points, 70 PIMS
Although McFarland is
currently a centre, and the Penguins have the most depth at that position in
the league, it’s likely the Penguins would shift him to the wing, to
supplement their (lack of) wingers.  McFarland has been somewhat
inconsistent during his junior playing days, but his skill set is high, and
the Penguins can afford to have some patience with him.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Simon Despres, D (30th overall)

2008: Nathan Moon, C (120th overall)
2007:
Angelo Esposito, C (20th overall)*
CSB:
15 (NA)
ISS: 30
THN:
20
TSN: 28
NS: "The
Penguins could use a sniper at the wing to take the pressure off Crosby and
Malkin."



With the 21st overall pick,
Detroit selects:

Jonathon Merrill,
D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’3", 198 lbs
22 GP, 1 goal, 8 assists, 9 points, 12 PIMS
With most of their core
forwards locked up for a very long time, it makes sense to focus on
improving the back end.  Merrill is a very safe defenceman, nothing
really special about him but he does everything reasonably well with lots of
room to improve.  The main concern for the Wings would be that he’s
likely 3-4 years away.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Landon Ferraro, C (32nd overall)

2008: Thomas McCollum, G (30th overall)
2007:
Brendan Smith, D (27th overall)
CSB:
21 (NA)
ISS: 21
THN:
31
TSN: 22
BLR: "Lidstrom/Rafalski
are both growing long in the tooth, Merrill needs seasoning but would be a
good replacement."



With the 22nd overall pick,
Phoenix selects:

Jarred Tinordi,
D, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’6", 205 lbs
26 GP, 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, 68 PIMS
Tinordi has pro size already
at 6’6" and 205 pounds, and is blessed with good skating and mobility.  He
plays an aggressive style, with good  leadership qualities.  His defensive
positioning is excellent, but he will unlikely be a contributor on the
scoresheet.  For a team looking for a good dependable, defensive
shutdown defender, then Tinordi (the son of former NHL defenceman Mark
Tinordi) is your man.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D (6th overall)

2008: Mikkel Boedker, RW (8th overall)
2007:
Kyle Turris, C (3rd overall)
CSB:
38 (NA)
ISS: 26
THN:
22
TSN: 23
LM: "After
taking a risk earlier,
Tinordi
is a much safer choice here."



With the 23rd overall pick,
Buffalo selects:

Dylan McIlrath,
D, Moose Jaw (WHL), 6’4", 212 lbs
65 GP, 7 goals, 17 assists, 24 points, 169 PIMS
By now, most of us now that
McIlrath’s game is predicated primarily on the physical side.  What
they don’t know is that his offensive game really picked up in the 2nd half,
adding another dimension to what he can bring to the table.  With Myers
and McIlrath, the Sabres’ defence will morph from small to big in quite a
hurry.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Zack Kassian, RW (13th overall)

2008: Tyler Myers, D (12th overall)
2007:
T.J. Brennan, D (31st overall)
CSB:
17 (NA)
ISS: 38
THN:
26
TSN: 15
NS: "Tough as
nails, McIlrath punishes opposing forwards with great size and some skill."



With the 24th overall pick,
Chicago selects:

Ludwig Rensfeldt,
LW, Brynas Jr. (SWE Jr.), 6’3", 192 lbs
39 GP, 21 goals, 29 assists, 50 points, 37 PIMS
At 6’3" and 192 pounds, he
has the makings of a good power forward, and combines his size with a good
shot, good hands, and puckhandling ability.  Rensfeldt has shown a
willingness to play in the dirty areas, an asset for a team without a lot of
cheap talent.  His defensive game requires some improvement, but
his upside as a top-6 forward is excellent.  Note that this pick was
originally made while it was property of Atlanta.
How the
pick was acquired
(via
NJ):


With F’s Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin and a 2010 2nd rounder from Atlanta
in exchange for F’s Ben Eager, Dustin Byfuglien, and Akim Aliu, plus D Brent
Sopel.
CSB:
5 (Euro)
ISS: 47
THN:
32
TSN: 37
BLR: "A reach
here but he brings much needed size and skill to the Thrashers’ wing spots."



With the 25th overall pick,
Vancouver selects:

Jack Campbell,
G, USA U-18 (USHL), 6’3", 175 lbs
11 GP, 6-3-1 record, 2.21 GAA, .917 SV%, 1 SO
Though Vancouver likely
wasn’t planning on taking a goalie, the fact that Campbell slid this far
will be too much to pass up.  Campbell didn’t see a whole lot of action
this year but will get his shot at being a starter next season with the OHL
champion Spitfires.  If he pans out, the ‘Nucks could have a pair of
high end young goalies before long.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Jordan Schroeder, C (22nd overall)

2008: Cody Hodgson, C (10th overall)
2007:
Patrick White, C (25th overall)*
CSB:
2 (NA-G)
ISS: 1 (G)
THN:
13
TSN: 9
LM: "The
Canucks’ cupboard is fairly bare in goal now with Schneider heading to the
NHL."



With the 26th overall pick,
Washington selects:

Kirill Kabanov,
LW, Moncton (QMJHL), 6’2", 173 lbs
22 GP, 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, 34 PIMS
The Capitals can afford to
take a flyer on a high maintenance prospect in Kabanov.  The allure for
him to play alongside fellow Russians Ovechkin and Semin will be tempting,
nullifying any potential KHL temptations.  He has top 5 level offensive
skill in all categories.  His work ethic and attitude will be enough to
scare off most NHL teams, except the Capitals who would love another
gunslinger to add to their stable.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Marcus Johansson, C (24th overall)

2008: Anton Gustafsson, C (21st overall)
2007:
Karl Alzner, D (5th overall)
CSB:
31 (NA)
ISS: 7
THN:
38
TSN: 43
NS: "He’ll
cause many teams to regret passing him over after he starts hitting the NHL
scoresheets."



With the 27th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Jaden Schwartz, C,
Tri-City (USHL), 5’10", 180 lbs
60 GP, 33 goals, 50 assists, 83 points, 18 PIMS
He’s committed to college
which gives the Habs the two extra years (to hold his rights before signing)
they seem to value so much recently.  Despite his small stature, his
skill and speed should ensure that he can be a solid 2nd line centre down
the road.  With both Gomez and Plekanec signed long term, the Habs can
afford to develop him slowly.
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Louis Leblanc, C (18th overall)

2008: Danny Kristo, RW (56th overall)
2007:
Ryan McDonagh, D (12th overall)*
CSB:
28 (NA)
ISS: 18
THN:
30
TSN: 29
BLR: "His
combination of skill and speed fits in well with Montreal’s current
direction."



With the 28th overall pick,
San Jose selects:

Evgeny Kuznetsov,
C, Chelyabinsk (KHL), 6’0", 172 lbs
35 GP, 2 goals, 7 assists, 9 points, 10 PIMS
San Jose will be looking for
a high impact forward and Kuznetsov is just that.  His offensive skill
level is top notch, but his size and inconsistency will cause other teams to
pass him over in the first round.  His signability is also an issue due
to the Russian factor, but the Sharks can offer a lot in terms of their well
run organization and development track record which should be enough to
entice him.

Recent
Top Picks:


2009: William Wrenn, D (43rd overall)

2008: Justin Daniels, C (62nd overall)
2007:
Logan Couture, C (9th overall)
CSB:
3 (Euro)
ISS: 19
THN:
18
TSN: 24
LM: "Could be
the highest risk, highest reward pick of the draft."



With the 29th overall pick,
Anaheim selects:

Alexander Petrovic,
D, Red Deer (WHL), 6’4", 193 lbs
57 GP, 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, 87 PIMS
With Scott Niedermayer just
retiring and recent 1st round pick Mark Mitera’s development stalling, a
defenceman is exactly what Anaheim needs.  He’s not overly physical but
surprisingly mobile for his size and his offensive game improved noticeably
last season.  There are some concerns that he was cut from the Under-18
team this year after making it as a 17 year old.

How the pick was acquired
:

With D Luca Sbisa, F Joffrey Lupul, and PHI’s 1st round pick in 2009 (later
traded) in exchange for D Chris Pronger and F Ryan Dingle.
CSB:
29 (NA)
ISS: 31
THN:
24
TSN: 36
NS: "A very
good balance of offensive and defensive abilities."



With the 30th overall pick,
Chicago selects:

Calvin Pickard,
G, Seattle (WHL), 6’1", 195 lbs
62 GP, 16-34-12 record, 3.09 GAA, .914 SV%, 3 SO
The Stanley Cup champions
have relatively good depth at most positions except in goal.  Pickard would
represent a good selection for the Hawks, and fits the current pro trend
towards larger goalies.  There have been some whisperings in the NHL
grapevine that the Predators will attempt to select Pickard to form a
potential brother duo in goal (Nashville drafted brother Chet Pickard in the
first round of 2008).
Recent
Top Picks:


2009: Dylan Olsen, D (28th overall)

2008: Kyle Beach, LW (11th overall)
2007:
Patrick Kane, RW (1st overall)
CSB:
1 (NA-G)
ISS: 2 (G)
THN:
27
TSN: 31
BLR: "After a
long Cup run, Chicago knows exactly what their biggest need is…and so does
everyone else."

Other serious first round candidates

There were a handful of other players whose names
came up at different points for consideration throughout the selection process. 
Those were:

RW/C Charlie Coyle (South Shore, EJHL)
RW Stanislav Galiev (Saint John, QMJHL)
C Brock Nelson (Warroad, USHS)
C Tyler Toffoli (Ottawa, OHL)


Habs’ 2nd Round pick



With the 57th overall pick,
Montreal selects:

Danny Biega, D,
Harvard (ECAC), 6’0", 191 lbs
30 GP, 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, 45 PIMS
At this point, it’s quite
difficult to project who may even be on the board but Biega fits a few
elements the Habs like.  He’s a steady player on both ends of the rink
and played more physically this season.  The Habs also would have seen
him while keeping tabs on his teammate, Montreal’s 1st rounder last year,
Louis Leblanc. 
Other
players considered here:


C Michael Bournival (Shawinigan, QMJHL)
D Jerome Gauthier-Leduc (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL)
LW Maxim Kitsyn (Novokuznetsk, KHL)
CSB:
46 (NA)
ISS: 46
THN:
57
TSN: HM