2009 Draft Preview: With A Battle Edge

June 26, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It’s finally arrived. In less than two hours, the suspense will end. Who will Islanders GM Garth Snow call with the first overall selection?

Assuming they keep it, will it be top rated John Tavares, who shattered the OHL record with 161 goals? Or might the Isles opt for the size of Victor Hedman revamping their blueline in a tough Atlantic? Could it all be a smoke screen or are they really smitten with third ranked Matt Duchene? These answers shall all be provided tonight (Versus, 7 ET)  in Montreal when Gary Bettman welcomes everyone to the NHL 2009 Draft and receives about as much love as A-Rod will this weekend.

Let’s not forget that the Islanders don’t just have to make a huge decision at No.1 but also possess another first rounder at 26 which could impact what they do in a deep draft. It’s possible they could wind up addressing both needs (scoring and D) with the two picks. Using that logic, it might make sense to go with Tavares, who projects to be a big goalscorer- the likes Long Island hasn’t seen since Ziggy Palffy. But given that it’s our belief that he has the potential to become a 60-goal scorer, will the Mike Bossy comparisons end? All depends if a kid that skipped to juniors faster than anyone can live up to the hype. Sidney Crosby has. Will Tavares?

Aside from the main storyline which will impact what Tampa Bay and Colorado do with Brian Burke a curious observer, this draft could also benefit the other Battle teams. The Sabres pick 13th and could wind up with a very good player. The question is does Darcy Regier fill a void on the blueline with quite a few names to be had (Jared Cowen, John Moore, Simon Despres, Dmitry Kulikov, Ryan Ellis) or is the prospect of landing an impact forward (Zach Kassian, Jordan Schroeder, Scott Glennie, Chris Kreider, Louis Deblanc, Nazem Kadri) too tempting?

Who will be left for the Rangers to grab assuming they stay put at 19? Does Glen Sather look to move up for Kassian or Schoreder? They can’t really take another defenseman even if there are many good ones. Can they? The other question looming is will the teflon GM acquire Dany Heatley filling a gaping hole up front? The Ottawa sniper must be moved prior to July 1 due to a five million signing bonus which the Sens would be obligated to. In other words, an elite finisher can be had and it probably won’t take a king’s ransom due to his trade request. But can the Blueshirts really get it done with Michal Rozsival, Nik Zherdev (must be qualified Monday) and a prospect without sacrificing a No.1 tonight? It’s the Rangers. So, I’m skeptical.

Can Hall of Fame bound Lou Lamoriello pull another magic rabit out of the hat making TSN’s Pierre McGuire go ga ga again? One has to believe the Devils Kool Aid leader would love to trade up for University of Minnesota’s Schroeder, who looks like the latest promising college forward. Given the track record (Zach Parise-UND ‘03, Travis Zajac-UND ‘04), figure Lou to be involved if Schroeder starts to fall. Getting another scoring forward isn’t the only Devil need as they also might look to bolster their back end. While it’s true former first rounder Matt Corrente is near NHL ready, they still lack a true power play quarterback. Paul Martin’s a solid player but he’ll never be confused with Scott Niedermayer or Brian Rafalski. Would they covet offensive-minded Ellis if he slips? Or do they covet someone else like Swedish riser Tim Erixon or fellow Swede David Runblad?

All what makes this draft so intriguing. There’s that kind of depth to be had. Some players could move up or down with even a few sliding to Round Two tomorrow as possible steals. As we know, sometimes guys slip through the cracks. The Red Wings do their best drafting late best evidenced by gems Nick Lidstrom (1989 3rd Rd-53rd overall), Sergei Fedorov (’89 4th Rd-74th), Henrik Zetterberg (’99 7th Rd-210th) and Pavel Datsyuk (’98 6th Rd-171st).

Last year, the Rangers tabbed Russian Evgeny Grachev in Round Three 75th overall. In his first OHL season, he tallied 80 points (40-40-80, +48 in 60 GP) for Brampton, garnering Rookie of The Year honors. He was on a talented squad that featured future 2009 picks Duchene and Matt Clark along with 2008 Vancouver first rounder Cody Hodgson. Blueshirt fans are hopeful that Grachev can help offset the tragic loss of Alexei Cherepanov.

Of course, like any draft, we won’t know the full outcome until a few years later. Who will pan out? Who will bust? And which sleepers will make NHL GMs have nightmares? It’s time to take a look at what could happen in tonight’s highly anticipated first round for the locals:

1.NY Islanders- 1st overall

It’s really simple. They’re going to wind up with either Tavares, Hedman or Duchene. Even better. All are expected to be can’t misses. This just in...Mike Milbury intercepts Snow and sends the first overall pick along with Mark Streit to the Senators for Dany Heatley, Chris Kelly and the Sens’ ninth overall. Couldn’t resist.

In all seriousness, the Isles should come out big winners tonight. Especially with that extra pick. They have a chance to change the whole dynamic which can only bode well. Logic says they should go for Tavares which would be a home run for adoring fans who are flocking to Nassau Coliseum for the Draft Party as we speak. However, if in the event they stun the masses, contrary to popular belief, it won’t be the end of the world as we know it. But if they do opt for Hedman or Duchene, it would be wise for Snow to trade down and maximize the value of a Tavares.

A.C John Tavares, London Knights OHL

B.D Victor Hedman, Modo Swe

C.C Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion OHL

2.Buffalo Sabres-13th overall

In assessing their roster, they already boast a top finisher in Thomas Vanek and other good scoring forwards like Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Tim Connolly. We’re also a fan of Drew Stafford, who could finally emerge into a second line scorer. Clarke MacArthur made some nice strides too. Offense isn’t the issue in Western New York. They lack a true No.1 defenseman who can anchor the blueline. With Teppo Numminen likely done, re-signing Jaroslav Spacek is a must. But it’s time for Regier to get some help.

Grabbing a Kassian, Kreider or Schroeder if they’re there could be hard to pass up. But I wouldn’t.

A.D Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville QMJHL

B.D John Moore, Chicago USHL

C.D Ryan Ellis, Windsor OHL

D.RWZach Kassian, Peterborough OHL

3.NY Rangers-19th overall

Offense. Offense. Offense. It can’t be any clearer for an offensively challenged team that relied too heavily on Henrik Lundqvist. Boasting tremendous blueline depth with Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy, Michael Del Zotto, Mike Sauer, Bobby Sanguinetti and possibly Corey Potter expected to compete for jobs, the goal is simple. Find a taker for Rozsival and pray to God that Toronto is actually serious about Wade Redden. Though it’s gotta be a joke. No Ranger fan should expect both gone. Figure the better and more affordable Rozsival gets moved clearing space. If it’s as part of a Heatley package, it at least fills a void. Hopefully, they don’t overpay. Why am I not excited?

The Rangers must go forward in Round One. The focus should be drafting guys with finishing potential. There’s no need to take too many D.

A.RW Zach Kassian, Peterborough OHL

B.RW Carter Ashton, Lethbridge WHL

C.LW Jeremy Morin, USA U-18 USDP

D.RW/C Kyle Palmeiri, USA U-18 USDP

4.NJ Devils-23rd overall

Getting another offensive minded forward would help take pressure off the top heavy line of Parise, Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner. Patrik Elias had a bounce back season but still doesn’t have a center to play with. Imagine how much more lethal the Devs would be. They’ll need more from Brian Rolston, who hopefully will fully heal. David Clarkson’s a Randy McKay clone. It’s hard to say what Lou and chief scout David Conte will do. They also might not bring back John Madden creating a void. Is Rod Pelley still in their plans? Are prospects Petr Vrana and Nicklas Bergfors finally ready to contribute?

What’s more? They could lose key scorer Brian Gionta to UFA. There’s so many questions including who the next coach will be (Jacques Lemaire II ???). They also could use another defenseman depending on if they re-sign Johnny Oduya. As usual, we’re lost.

A.C Landon Ferraro, Red Deer WHL

B.C Jordan Schroeder, University of Minnesota, WCHA

C.D Tim Erixon, Skelleftea, Swe

D.C Peter Holland, Guelph OHL

5.NY Islanders-26th overall

This pick depends largely on what Snow does with the No.1 overall selection. If he goes for Tavares, then figure them to go D here. But if they choose Hedman, they’ll definitely go forward. Might they consider packaging this pick to acquire an established player? You never know.

A.D Stefan Elliot, Saskatoon WHL

B.D Ryan Button, Prince Albert WHL

C.C Landon Ferraro, Red Deer WHL

D.LW Carl Klingberg, Frolunda Jr. Swe

This concludes our look into the crystal glass. What will happen? Will Tomas Kaberle move to Boston as has been rumored on TSN for Phil Kessel and a pick? Don’t bet against it. The two Northeast rivals have a history. Is this the weekend Vincent Lecavalier leaves Tampa for possibly hometown club Montreal or Hollywood? What happens with Chris Pronger and Anaheim? Does it depend on Scott Niedermayer? Figure there to be tons of activity.

And finally, some potential sleepers who could be scooped up tomorrow:

1.C Tomas Tatar, Zvolen Slovakia

2.RW Toni Rajala, Ilves Jr., Fin-Jr.

3.D Nick Leddy, Eden Prairie, High-MN

4.C Chris Brown, USA-U18, USDP

5.RW Alex Chiasson, Des Moines USHL

6.C Ryan O’Reilly, Erie OHL

7.LW Anton Burdasov, Chelyabinsk 2 Russia-3

8.C Marcus Johansson, Farjestad, Sweden

9.RW Alexander Avtsyn, Dynamo-Moscow 2 Russia-3

10.RW Richard Panik, Trinec CZREP