HabsWorld.net

2008 HW Mock Draft

The 2008 NHL Entry Draft will be held June 20th
and 21st in Ottawa.  As always, we’re providing you with a mock draft of
the first round but this time, there’s a little twist.  Not only did we
compile the input of some of our writers, but also from some of our forum
members.  Our committee was as follows:

Representing HW: Matt Godbout, Brian La Rose, Norman Szcyrek
Representing the forum (by forum
ID)
: marky_and_komi, saskhab,
Tony

In order to get voted into each spot, a player must have received 3 of the 6
votes.  In the event of a 3-3 tie, someone switched so that there would be
a majority at all times. 

Other notes:  The conference to determine our mock draft was held on
Monday, June 9th.  Player bios have been
written by the website writers.  To the right of the draft history/how
acquired section is a compilation of ratings from 4 other sources (Central
Scouting Bureau, International Scouting Services (updated June 18), The Hockey News, and The
Sports Network.)
 

1st

Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia
(OHL), 5’11.75", 176 lbs

The undisputed #1 all season,
he should instantly be able to come in and fill the void left by Brad
Richards, who was dealt at the trade deadline in February.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Dana Tyrell, C (47th overall)
2006:
Riku Helenius, G (15th overall)
2005: Vladimir Mihalik, D (30th overall)
CSB: 1st (NA)
ISS: 1st
THN:
1st
TSN: 1st

2nd

Drew
Doughty, D, Guelph (OHL), 6’0.5", 219 lbs

The most NHL ready of all
defencemen in the draft, he plays in all situations and can play any style. 
Although his offensive numbers dropped this year, there’s no worries with
that side of his game.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Thomas Hickey, D (4th overall)
2006:
Jonathan Bernier, G (11th overall)
2005: Anze Kopitar, C (11th overall)
CSB: 3rd (NA)
ISS: 4th
THN:
3rd
TSN: 2nd

3rd

Alex
Pietrangelo, D, Niagara (OHL), 6’3.25", 206 lbs

Despite his large stature, he
is a very good skater and makes a good first pass out of the zone. 
He’s not as physical as the other available D, but still a solid two-way
defender.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Spencer Machacek, RW (67th overall)
2006:
Bryan Little, C (12th overall)
2005: Alex Bourret, RW (16th overall)
CSB: 6th (NA)
ISS: 5th
THN:
5th
TSN: 4th

4th

Zach
Bogosian, D, Peterborough (OHL), 6’2", 197 lbs

In November of 2006, he was
ranked as a 2nd rounder by Central Scouting, but his status has risen
dramatically this year.  Not as big as Pietrangelo, but he plays more
physically.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Lars Eller, C (13th overall)
2006:
Erik Johnson, D (1st overall)
2005: T.J. Oshie, C (24th overall)
CSB: 2nd (NA)
ISS: 2nd
THN:
3rd
TSN: 3rd

5th

Luke
Schenn, D, Kelowna (WHL), 6’2.25", 216 lbs

The Islanders need help
everywhere, and although there’s more flashier options available, GM Garth
Snow, a former netminder, can sure appreciate Schenn’s exceptional defensive
play.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Mark Katic, D (62nd overall)
2006:
Kyle Okposo, RW (7th overall)
2005: Ryan O’Marra, C (15th overall)
CSB: 5th (NA)
ISS: 6th
THN:
6th
TSN: 6th

6th

Nikita
Filatov, LW, Central Army (RUS-3), 6’0", 172 lbs

This is a good secondary prize
if the Jackets hold this pick.  Although they need help on D and may
trade up, to pick up such a dynamic player here should help kickstart their
offence.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Jakub Voracek, RW (7th overall)
2006:
Derick Brassard, C (6th overall)
2005: Gilbert Brule, C (6th overall)
CSB: 1st (Euro)
ISS: 3rd
THN:
4th
TSN: 5th

7th

Cody
Hodgson, C, Brampton (OHL), 5’11.5", 185 lbs

Arguably the best offensive C
in the draft after Stamkos, he’s also somewhat of a local for Toronto. 
The Leafs are very weak at this position, he would be a great start to
restocking there.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Dale Mitchell, RW (74th overall)
2006:
Jiri Tlusty, LW (13th overall)
2005: Tuukka Rask, G (21st overall)
CSB: 9th (NA)
ISS: 9th
THN:
8th
TSN: 9th

8th

Michael
Del Zotto, D, Oshawa (OHL), 5’11.75", 211 lbs

What’s a draft without an
early surprise pick?  The Coyotes need help on the back end, and
with the style of play they have, Del Zotto’s offensive skill fits best here. 
Also plays with prospect Brett MacLean.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Kyle Turris, C (3rd overall)
2006:
Peter Mueller, C (8th overall)
2005: Martin Hanzal, RW (17th overall)
CSB: 15th (NA)
ISS: 23rd
THN:
15th
TSN: 15th

9th

Colin
Wilson, C, Boston University (H-EAST), 6’1", 215 lbs

The Preds are starting to get
a little long in the tooth at the pivot spot, and Wilson is a very safe
pick.  Although not as flashy as some others, he still has strong
offensive abilities.
How
acquired:
From Florida with a 2nd round pick in 2007 and a conditional 2nd round
pick (either 2007 or 2008) in exchange for Tomas Vokoun.
CSB: 10th (NA)
ISS: 8th
THN:
7th
TSN: 8th

10th

Mikkel
Boedker, LW, Kitchener (OHL), 5’11.25", 195 lbs

Aside from Grabner, there
really aren’t any forwards in Vancouver’s current farm system that stand
out.  Boedker looked good at the Memorial Cup, and may be a steal here.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Patrick White, C (25th overall)
2006:
Michael Grabner, RW (14th overall)
2005: Luc Bourdon, D (10th overall)
CSB:
11th (NA)
ISS: 7th
THN:
9th
TSN: 7th

11th

Tyler
Myers, D, Kelowna (WHL), 6’7.25", 204 lbs

He is often compared to Zdeno
Chara for size but that’s where the comparisons stop.  Myers is an
unusual combination of extreme size and fluid skating.  Set new career
highs last season.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Patrick Kane, RW (1st overall)
2006:
Jonathan Toews, C (3rd overall)
2005: Jack Skille, RW (7th overall)
CSB: 4th (NA)
ISS: 15th
THN:
11th
TSN: 11th

12th

Kyle
Beach, C, Everett (WHL), 6’3", 203 lbs

Kyle can be one of the best
playmakers in the draft but he also has a rough physical side to his game. 
Injuries aside, he always plays an energetic, aggressive style suited to the
NHL.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Logan MacMillan, C (19th overall)
2006:
Mark Mitera, D (19th overall)
2005: Bobby Ryan, RW (2nd overall)
CSB: 7th (NA)
ISS: 13th
THN:
10th
TSN: 10th

Note: This pick was originally Edmonton’s,
it is part of the compensation from Dustin Penner RFA signing.

13th

Mattias
Tedenby, LW, HV 71 (Sweden), 5’10", 176 lbs

Offense is his game. 
Stickhandling, deking and skating are what sets him apart from others in the
draft class.  He needs to work on his defensive responsibilities and
strength.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: T.J. Brennan, D (31st overall)
2006:
Dennis Persson, D (24th overall)
2005: Marek Zagrapan, C (13th overall)
CSB: 3rd (Euro)
ISS: 14th
THN:
16th
TSN: 26th

14th

Luca
Sbisa, D, Lethbridge (WHL), 6’1.75", 190 lbs

Sbisa has a flair for the
offensive side of the game and he tries to pattern his own game after the
Canadiens’ Mark Streit.  Size isn’t the issue with Sbisa, decision
making and strength are the concerns.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Brandon Sutter, C (11th overall)
2006:
Jamie McBain, D (63rd overall)
2005: Jack Johnson, D (3rd overall)
CSB: 12th (NA)
ISS: 11th
THN:
17th
TSN: 17th

15th

Zach
Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL), 5’9.5", 175 lbs

Boychuk plays an in your face
style that coaches and scouts love; it also helps him rack up the points.
Skating is his strong suit, but he will need to bulk up for the NHL.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Jonathan Blum, D (23rd overall)
2006:
Blake Geoffrion, LW (56th overall)
2005: Ryan Parent, D (18th overall)
CSB: 8th (NA)
ISS: 12th
THN:
12th
TSN: 14th

16th

Josh
Bailey, C, Windsor (OHL), 6’0.5", 188 lbs

Although not the greatest
offensive player, Bailey provides something that every team covets, good
positional play and leadership qualities.  Offensive game improved
plenty this year.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Zach Hamill, C (8th overall)
2006:
Phil Kessel, LW (5th overall)
2005: Matt Lashoff, D (22nd overall)
CSB: 14th (NA)
ISS: 10th
THN:
14th
TSN: 12th

17th

Joe
Colborne, LW, Camrose (AJHL), 6’5", 190 lbs

He’s a player whose stock has
seemed to be on the rise even after his season ended.  Definitely a
project-type forward, but his size and skill should attract the Flames and
other teams.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Mikael Backlund, C (24th overall)
2006:
Leland Irving, G (26th overall)
2005: Matt Pelech, D (25th overall)
CSB: 28th (NA)
ISS: 16th
THN:
25th
TSN: 19th

18th

Colby
Robak, D, Brandon (WHL), 6’3", 194 lbs

Defence was a major issue for
the Sens this year, and the system isn’t exactly oozing out prospects on the
back end.  His skating ability is strong, something Ottawa truly
covets.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: James O’Brien, C (29th overall)
2006:
Nick Foligno, C (25th overall)
2005: Brian Lee, D (9th overall)
CSB: 13th (NA)
ISS: 19th
THN:
18th
TSN: 28th

19th

Colten
Teubert, D, Regina (WHL), 6’3.5", 185 lbs

Since the Jackets don’t get
their D at #6, they manage to pick one up here.  Teubert isn’t
exceptionally good at anything, but isn’t overly weak anywhere.  Has
good size and strength.
How
acquired
:
From Colorado along with a conditional 4th round pick in 2009 in
exchange for Adam Foote. 
CSB: 18th (NA)
ISS: 18th
THN:
13th
TSN: 13th

20th

Greg
Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL), 6’3", 197 lbs

The Rangers are in reasonable
shape everywhere with regards to prospect, so the opportunity to add a power
forward is hard to pass up.  Improved his +/- by 50 this year.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Alexei Cherepanov, RW (17th overall)
2006:
Bob Sanguinetti, D (21st overall)
2005: Marc Staal, D (12th overall)
CSB: 22nd (NA)
ISS: 28th
THN:
21st
TSN: 27th

21st

John
Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL), 6’2.25", 212 lbs

Considered to be possibly the
most well-rounded defenceman after Doughty, Pietrangelo, Bogosian, and
Schenn by some scouts, could very well be considered a steal before too
long.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Mike Hoeffel, LW (57th overall)
2006:
Matt Corrente, D (30th overall)
2005: Jeff Frazee, G (38th overall)
CSB: 17th (NA)
ISS: 21st
THN:
30th
TSN: 22nd

22nd

Zac Dalpe,
C, Pentiction (BCHL), 6’0.5", 175 lbs

Another late bloomer, and has
high-end offensive abilities.  He plays with intensity every shift and
has an adequate physical game.  If he can keep developing, he should be
a top-6 forward.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Sam Gagner, C (6th overall)
2006:
Jeff Petry, D (45th overall)
2005: Andrew Cogliano, C (25th overall)
CSB: 16th (NA)
ISS: 20th
THN:
29th
TSN: 32nd

Note: This pick was originally Anaheim’s,
it is part of the 2006 Chris Pronger deal.

23rd

Anton
Gustafsson, C, Frolunda (Swe Jr.), 6’2", 194 lbs

He has the speed and skills to
make him a threat in the offensive zone, but is also able to use that speed,
natural instinct, and physical edge to be defensively responsible.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Karl Alzner, D (5th overall)
2006:
Nicklas Backstrom, C (4th overall)
2005: Sasha Pokulok, D (14th overall)
CSB: 5th (Euro)
ISS: 34th
THN:
24th
TSN: 30th

24th

Jake
Gardiner, D, Minnetonka (USHS), 6’0.5", 173 lbs

He’s relatively new to playing
D, but you wouldn’t know it.  He has great offensive instincts and the
speed to go with them.  Being a local makes this an intriguing pick for
the Wild as well.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Colton Gillies, C (16th overall)
2006:
James Sheppard, C (9th overall)
2005: Benoit Pouliot, LW (4th overall)
CSB: 23rd (NA)
ISS: 31st
THN:
39th
TSN: 21st

25th

Evgeny
Grachev, C, Yaroslavl (RUS-3), 6’3", 202 lbs

A big, strong, right shooting
centre is exactly what the Habs need and desperately lack.  He has a
very underrated all-round game, particularly in the physical department
where some feel that part is NHL calibre.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Ryan McDonagh, D (12th overall)
2006:
David Fischer, D (20th overall)
2005: Carey Price, G (5th overall)
CSB: 9th (Euro)
ISS: 24th
THN:
74th
TSN: 55th

26th

Jyri
Niemi, D, Saskatoon (WHL), 6’2", 192 lbs

Has an absolute rocket from
the point and is considered to be a physically strong offensive defenseman
but lacks consistency and dependability on the back end.  Only
converted to defence 4 years ago.
How
acquired
:
From San Jose along with Steve Bernier in exchange for Brian
Campbell and a 7th round pick in 2008.
CSB: 25th (NA)
ISS: 65th
THN:
44th
TSN: 49th

27th

Chet
Pickard, G, Tri-City (WHL), 6’2", 210 lbs

Chet is a big mobile
goaltender who relies on playing the angles and being technically sound to
make the save.  He has a calmness to him that is reminiscent of
Canadiens goalie (and ex-teammate) Carey Price.
Recent
Draft History:
2007: James van Riemsdyk, LW (2nd overall)
2006:
Claude Giroux, RW (22nd overall)
2005: Steve Downie, RW (29th overall)
CSB: 2nd (NA-G)
ISS: 1st (G)
THN:
32nd
TSN: 18th

28th

Kirill
Petrov, RW, Kazan (Russia), 6’3", 198 lbs

Has the skill, size, and speed
to make scouts drool, but needs some work on the defensive side.  Looks
to be a project prospect, but could be well worth the wait when he develops.
How
acquired
:
From Dallas with Jaroslav Modry, Johan Fransson, and 2nd/3rd round picks
in 2007 for Mattias Norstrom, Konstantin Pushkarev, and 3rd/4th round picks
in 2007.
CSB: 2nd (Euro)
ISS: 17th
THN:
100th
TSN: 43rd

29th

Mikhail
Stefanovich, C, Quebec (QMJHL), 6’1.75", 202 lbs

Compared by some to Montreal’s
Sergei Kostitsyn, he is creative in the offensive zone and is still able to
play defensively to help out his teammates.  Slid over 30 spots from
CSB’s mid-term rankings though.
How
acquired
:
From Pittsburgh along with Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, and Angelo
Esposito in exchange for Pascal Dupuis and Marian Hossa.
CSB: 57th (NA)
ISS: 57th
THN:
20th
TSN: 38th

30th

Jordan
Eberle, C, Regina (WHL), 5’10", 174 lbs

One of the more purely skilled
forwards in the draft, he’s both an above average shooter and passer while
being defensively responsible.  The main concern with Eberle is his
lack of size and strength. 
Recent
Draft History:
2007: Brendan Smith, D (27th overall)
2006:
Cory Emmerton, C (41st overall)
2005: Jakub Kindl, D (19th overall)
CSB: 33rd (NA)
ISS: 30th
THN:
22nd
TSN: 29th

Over our discussions, some other players came
up for discussion, but did not receive majority support to be picked in the 1st
round.  Those are:

G – Jacob Markstrom
D – Tyler Cuma, Jens Karlsson, Aaron Ness, Yann Sauve, Michael Stone
F – Jamie Arniel, Nicolas Deschamps, A.J. Jenks, Jared Staal, Corey
Trevino

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