Nick Merkley: Games notes WHL Kelowna Rockets VS Vancouver Giants Oct 1st/2014

– Consistant heads up play, with an ability to keep momentum going and keep his body open to the ice, allows him to use quick directional changes and changes in speed to keep defenders guessing.

– Elite hand eye coordination with exceptional vision, strong puck skills and ability to maintain control of the puck in small spaces and during/after contact, especially in high traffic areas.

-Changes in speed and quick bursts in acceleration kept defenders guessing, will fake or cut swiftly into the middle, only to create a shift and quickly skate behind the net in rotation.. Evident on Chartier goal drew all defends around with him to pass cross ice for an open net.

-Strong edging and balance on skates make him very hard to track or hit cleanly, very rarely takes a full hit has a knack for minimizing body contact and slips checks; especially along the boards

-1 Goal 2 Assist night, currently the highest scoring draft eligible player in the WHL

Player Profile: http://www.whl.ca/roster/bio/182437

Thanks for reading
@AndyLevang
thehockeyuniverse@gmail.com

 

Scouting Report: Madison Bowey – RD – Kelowna Rockets

Madison Bowey – D – Kelowna Rockets

Shoots: Right

6’1 ft. 195 LBS

69 GP – 12G – 18A – 30 PTS

Speed:

Bowey pushes the pace of the game and has the ability to control the rush, his high end skating ability keeps defenders back peddling as he break out of the defensive zone and work the play thru the neutral zone.  His first steps are quick and allow him to pinch effectively with the ability to recover his positioning.  The key here is his ability to make plays at high speed and how that translates to his NHL future, I see it continuing to develop moving forward but it could use small improvement.

 

Skill:

Bowey’s point totals don’t do his pure hockey ability justice from my observations. A coveted right shot D man, that shot was one of the best I saw in the WHL this season (better slap and wrist shot than Seth Jones IMO), his ability to skate at high speed backs off defenders in such a way that he becomes very effective on zone entries. He handles the puck extremely well, and works the line in an elusive manner that helps him maximize the space at the point and work the puck deep to his forwards. Never afraid to make moves into the slot he is hard to track because of his quick first steps and ability to carry the puck with his head up at all times. Difficult to read when making decisions, Bowey has a knack for getting the puck on the net (12 goals in 2012/13) and does so in a variety of ways, one move I found very effective for him was working himself toward the slot faking like was going to pass the whole time only to fire a shot on that routinely fooled goalies and defenders.

 

Skating:

A high speed North-South skater with an elusive ability to move East-West, Bowey moves up the ice with a strong and powerful stride, he is a multi-dimensional skater when moving forward and driving the puck up the ice, keeps defenders back peddling and uses his body well. Reverse skating is just as elite and keeps pace when tracking most forwards on the their attack, his quick feet allow him to gamble a bit and recover position easier. He was one of the most fluid defenders in the WHL this season and I would call his skating top 5-7 in this draft.

 

Smarts:

Gifted with a high offensive IQ Bowey did not disappoint when given the opportunity to preform, however he has made a conscience effort to work on the defensive side of his game and has taken strides in this area, his gap control and timing have come a long way since the start of the season as loose defensive play is rarely tolerated in Kelowna. Gifted with that great reverse stride he closes off opponents quickly and rubs them out with authority, but on several occasions during the season got a little out of control and took unnecessary penalties for being over aggressive (Cross checks, roughing, interference) as his PIMs spiked from 39 in his first full year to 75 this season.

 

Overall:

Bowey is a two-way defenseman with potential to have serious offensive upside, his ability to put up points was slightly hampered by the defense first system played by the Rockets, and his general lack of first unit PP time, but when give the opportunity he was very effective, especially when playing with fellow draft eligible player Mitch Wheaton. Bowey a young man who has seen a general lack of limelight because of top heavy draft, looked poised when chosen to represent Canada at the U18, he’s a humble well spoken guy and generally looked excited when I brought up the draft to him. Look for Bowey to be returned to Kelowna after suiting up for a few NHL games, I see a breakout year for him and increased opportunity with a few Rockets possibly moving on, but mostly because he is the best defenseman in Kelowna at this time. Which is a statement that should not be taken lightly. Like most 18-year-old prospects Bowey needs to add some strength and it would not shock me to see him play at 215-220 lbs one day. Tough to project an NHL comparable in this situation, reminds me a little of Subban however should develop into a more elite skater, should be a special player. Could go as high as 15, could slip out of the first round but I doubt it.

Thanks for reading

@AndyLevang

 

Scouting Report: Mirco Mueller – LD – Everett Silvertips

Micro Mueller – LD – Everett Silvertips (WHL)

6’4  – 185Lbs

Shoots: Left

DOB: 21-03-1995

Stats:

GP: 64, G:6, A:25, PTS:31, -10, PMI: 57

Selected 11^th overall in the 2012 CHL import draft, Mueller came to Everett and made a smooth transition to the North American game playing in all situation (PP, PK, 5on5) on the Silvertips top pair and never looking out of place. Skating stride is what jumps out during views. A very smooth and fluid stride skating forward, and already skates backwards at an NHL level.. Shows great agility and appears very light on his feet.. Does not lack in defensive ability or compete level, however a stronger physical presence when clearing the crease and guarding the slot is needed for NHL success.. Must fill out lanky frame to work against bigger competition without compromising smooth stride or quickness.. Very impressed with calm “no panic” play, highlighted especially when clearing the zone or against oncoming forecheckers, could benefit from making decisions a fraction sooner, especially when competition gets faster and more physical.. Looks very solid working the point on the PP and handling the puck along the line in tight spaces..  Passing ability is clean, crisp and accurate.. Has a better wrist shot than slap shot.. Offensive instinct creates chances.. Should achieve moderate point totals at the NHL level.. Scouts have Mueller placed anywhere from top 10 to top 50.. Look for him to go 15 to 30 and return to Everett for the 2013/14 season. NHL comparable: Carl Gunnarrson with more offence..

 

A Sleeper pick for the 2013 NHL Draft, Mitch Wheaton D, Kelowna Rockets

This post when up on http://www.mackeenshockey.com

click the link to read:

http://www.mckeenshockey.com/gus-katsaros-blog/kelowna-rockets-mitch-wheaton/

Feedback, Banter, Debate always welcome

@AndyLevang

thehockeyuniverse.gmail.com

 

Marlies on a Run: Shedding Light on Future Leafs

If you haven’t been to Ricoh Coliseum to catch a Toronto Marlies game, Its not to late. Fresh off sweeping The Heat in their own building they have earned themselves a birth Calder Cup Conference finals. The Marlies seem to be playing with a drive that says to Leaf Nation “stand up and take note, were bringing you PLAYOFF HOCKEY”.

In a city that has had its fair share playoff drought the Marlies are serving you at least a light beer to help quench your thirst. You know, its not quite the real thing but its pretty close and the more you have of it the more your want. This brings me to my next point; there is talent on this team and you will see several of these Marlies players don the Maple Leaf sweater in the not so distant future.

Now before you go crazy and say that this is nothing like NHL Playoff hockey, your right and I agree. However the best part about a league of guys who will mostly never see lengthy NHL careers, is that when someone in this league has talent, it easier to pick them out and man, is their skill fun to watch.

Anyone interested in watching Jake Gardiner break out of his own zone with grace and ease? Walk the offensive line and have 2 opposing players collaps on him just so he can’t completely dominate in one-on-one coverage? I can only imagine how much Gardiner would have dominate this league if he spent a full season in the minors. Gardiner has done a an amazing job in the playoff games I have taken in giving the Marlies transition game a shot in the arm. After seeing this team play several forwards on the point during the powerplay throughout the regular season they look dangerous and structured with Gardiner manning the point the entire 2 minutes. Just a pure talent to watch, he must be loving the extra time and space the AHL provides.

Holzer will play shutdown in the NHL mark those words, he’s tough, positionally sound to go with a good reach and he’s physical, not overly tough but can certainly hold his own and lean the way he needs too. Tough to say more about him, he’s hard to notice at times buts that because he’s not out of position much, Aulie became expendable because of Holzer’s development.

I can’t sit here and tell you Jerry D’amigo is gonna be a full time NHLer, if I could, I wouldn’t be sitting here writing a blog. He has been a leader these playoffs and really taken his game to another level. I know its a steep comparison but D’amigo is starting to remind me a little of Marty St.Louis. His speed and authority going to the net have been driven up gear and looks like he can dominate the competition in the AHL when he desires. He posses and heavy shot and is getting it to the net in good scoring positions, and thus has been rewarded with 6 G, 9 Pts and a +10 in 8 games this season. I’ve seen Jerry up close and he’s certainly not the biggest man, but he has a low center of gravity and thick shoulders. Those assets bode well for him furthering his career, If he can keep his speed up while he continues to get stronger I think he could take a regular shift in the NHL sooner than later. Not to mention he’s proving he can step up when it matters, remember why he signed for 1st round money? Because he scored 7G, 12 Pts in 7 World Jr Championship games after he was picked in the 6th round. Lets hope he carries this over to the conference finals and training camp in September.

What can we say about Nazem Kadri that hasn’t already been said by everyone with access to a media outlet. I don’t care if you love him or hate him, his skill is very clear and he’s learning to harness it, all the while being damn fun to watch. He seems to disregard his body in the mold of Grabovski and makes moves to finish plays regardless of the outcome. Their have been whispers that Kadri will be a regular under Randy Carlyle next season, he will be given every chance to succeed with the new coach, something Wilson seemed to have little patients for. There are nights as recently as the this second round that Kadri has been clear and away the best forward on the ice. I don’t know why I’ve never heard it before, but Kadri reminds me of Patick Kane the way he slips checks but with slightly lesser hands (and less blood alcohol level). I want Kadri to succeed because his skill says he should, the pieces have to fall into place soon or I truly believe he will be trade bait next year. Going into maybe the most important offseason of his career, he is doing his best to put it off with a very solid Calder Cup run.

I feel really bad Carter Ashton, gets a extended call up with the Leafs goes goalless and then in a move to end the season on a high note he is slated for top 6 minutes with the Marlies again and only manages 2 playoff games before suffering a concussion. Brutal luck for Ashton but he’s back next year so lets hope he’s good for camp.

This is one is not fun to be writing about but what has happened to Joe Colborne? I started writing this blog before it came out that he was scratched with a real troublesome cut on his hand that has required freezing and multiple stitch jobs. Something has to be up other than this cut, his second half drop off is becoming hard to explain and I feel like we wont be hearing much else until the season is over. He doesn’t look right, injury or not, thats all I know because its what I see.

I mention the injury situation amid the Marlies success because when publications like The Hockey News have Colborne and Ashton at 18 and 37 respectively in their Future Watch rankings its exciting that this young team is getting it done WITHOUT them. This Calder run highlights the depth in young talent that this team has and gives some credit to our current management regime who are on a course to finally build from within.

Instead of the Leafs letting Dallas Eakins speak with other clubs this offseason they should just make Carlyle show him the ropes as an assistant coach. Give Randy 2 others of his choice but an assistant coach with extensive knowledge of the farm team could never be a bad thing. Reports of Eakins being an exceptional communicator shouldn’t go over looked, staying the course and maintaining the relationships he has built up is a win/win for the entire organization going forward. Do we want to be the Habs?  A team with no Coach and 2 former prime candidates (Guy Boucher & Kirk Muller) working for other teams? I think not. Eakins’ deserves close to head coach money to help finish what he started with the Marlies, but on the big club.

You sprinkle in some leadership from the likes of Mike Zigomanis, a physical scoring presence in Matt Farttin (5G, 7Pts in 8 GP) and extremely good netminding from Ben Scrivens (7-1 with .944 Sv% 1.61 GAA). The Marlies are the whole package, they are rolling 4 lines and growing the experience of the Leafs organizations with every game they play in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Do yourself a favor and get out to a Marlies game, there is a lot to be learned about where the Leafs are heading.

Thanks for Reading.

@AndyLevang

thehockeyuniverse@gmail.com

 

Random Thoughts: Leafs GM Scouting NCAA players, Crosby, Turris, Simmons, NHL Sched

When I Can’t dial a concrete topic down I’m gonna post some thoughts on the week that was/is/is upcoming and the goings on and doings around the NHL. Hopefully spark some interest and feed the fire a little in the forever debatable Universe of Hockey.

-Notre Dame played University of Western Michigan last night with the teams drawing to a 2-2 tie and UWM gaining the extra point in the shootout (that how the do it in the NCAA): Julie Robenhymer of HockeyBuzz (Twitter: @JulieRobenhymer) was at the game mentioning she spotted 3 NHL GM’s there. After prompting her as to who they were she let me know it was Jay Feaster, Ken Holland and Brian Burke in attendance. Now I would guess they weren’t there to drop the ceremonial face-off, so I assume they were scouting the game. This prompted me to wonder who they had in mind to keep an eye on. So I did a little digging through the rosters for draft eligible players and came across a Freshman RW named Austin Wuthrich (6-1, 196 lbs) who was draft eligible in 2011. He was ranked 81st overall by NHL Central Scouting, and from what I can find, was passed over last june. He suffered a broken leg in his second game and was out until Feb 2011 which is most likely the reason he was passed over. He’s a 2 way player with some size and skill around the net, he’s smart and defensively responsible, he seems to drive his opponents crazy and for a freshmen sees second line duty and powerplay time. This tends to mean he has good hockey sense, shows maturity in his game, and his coaches trust in his ability. He has played for the USNTDP in the under 17’s and 18’s and is most likely on the radar for the US World Jr’s this year. A kid to keep and eye on who might end up as a sleeper in the 3rd-4th round.. Oh and he scored the opening goal of the game last night.

Watch Austin Fight here:

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=zayMEFQhJA0&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL44974079E45EEB1A

-Terrible NHL schedule this season: I wont even get into how bad the Leafs schedule is but just a thought. 13 games are on tonight (Wednesday the 23rd), not a single game is on thursday and 13 more on friday. Talk about bending over for a Thursday night NFL game.. Balance the schedule and let people watch more games, its even a holiday weekend in the US.

-Sid Crosby is back with a vengence and he looks to make up for lost time, as Elliot Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) put it, he might be even better now. However, don’t here anyone complaining about all the media talking to Tory Crosby about his son the way they did Reimer and his mom. Similar injury, different circumstances because we knew what was wrong with Sid.. When the story is triumphant we want to hear every family member talk, when someone is looking for info, its crossing the line (Who doesn’t love Scott Oke talking to parents in the stands at games). Maybe the Leafs need to be a little more transparent (clearing things up on twitter seems to be Burke’s newest method). Targeting the injury? Well its a head issue, if its targeted Shanahan will take care of that.

-Side note: enjoyed the one-on-one’s Sportsnet and TSN did with Ron Wilson last week, there just about 2 years to late for insight into the Leafs coach, his rep is what it is in this city and with the media, maybe fans will change their mind, of course they will its Toronto after all.

-Steve Simmons vs Brian Burke & Ron Wilson: Most people hate Steve Simmons, I see him for what he his a man who will write a story with sometimes sketchy sources (See: Sundin, Mats Re: Hip Issue), but he does provide insight at times due to his long standing relationships in his far to long career. If the NHL GM and Coach did in fact block Simmons, its a little petty but I’m sure they have their reasons (dumb/annoying questions). The better Steve Simmons twitter fight that is getting very little attention; him and Mike Danton, wow have you seen the stuff he was writing for a while?

-Kyle Turris is signed and most likely gonna suit up very soon for a Coyotes game. The question is for how long? As rumored there are lots of teams interested.. Flames want him badly but have nothing to give up, if I’m Jay Feaster I lockdown the 1st round pick I have and pray to god I get a top 5 selection. Calgary reeks of disfunction and needs a serious overhaul (Yes, Trade Iginla but thats for another day). If they want to get Turris they have to give up Baertschi or Brodie and that just another backwards move. The Cupboards are bare in Calgary, trade what you have and start new, if you can get Turris into that rebuild somehow for a roster player all the better. Its been rumored the Leafs have interest, at risk of upsetting the dynamic of this team I would make an offer. How about Grobovski? Expiring contract that would save the Leafs cap space, because he will command a raise as a UFA next year (Turris is 1.2m & 1.6m next 2 yrs). If i’m giving up a proven 30 goal guy like Grabbo I’m squeezing a 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounder out of Pheonix too. I offer this trade because well, Bozak is great with Kessel and Lupul, and Connolly and Colborne provide depth down the middle. Biggest red flag, if Turris doesn’t like the tough love of Dave Tippet I doubt he’s gonna like the tough love of Ron WIlson.

As always Questions, Comments and Debate welcome

E-mail: thehockeyuniverse@gmail.com

Twitter: @AndyLevang

 

Taylor Vs Tyler: Debating what could have been in the Post Lockout Entry Drafts

We heard the debate for months, Taylor Vs Tyler and most people in the hockey world knew when Steve Tambellini stepped up to the podium Taylor is was. After hearing the experts debate for months it was almost like the Oilers brass could do no wrong.. Both Kids had the tools to be gamers. One ready now, the other likely a year out. Now with a season under their collective belts (scratches/injuries not withstanding) we can reflect on what has become of these two highly touted prospects.

Lots of people thought Seguin needed to return to Junior ranks, myself included.. Did not look strong enough for the NHL. However the kid deserves credit, he worked hard, took his bumps in stride and now is blossoming into an everyday top line center (2 big bodies on his wings, helps him get a lot of space). I would argue that riding shotgun through a Stanley Cup winning playoff run has done this kid wonders, he got to watch some real big time players get it done and saw first hand what it takes. This no doubt served as motivation for him to come into camp at the same fitness level at his teammates, a place he sat below last year.                             Career Stats: 89 GP 22 G 20 A = 42PTS +10 (one cup ring)                                                                         *note Seguin has 20 PTS already this season, 2 less than last years full totals and a 10 PTS in his last 5 GP

Taylor Hall was on a terrible team last year and was seen as a saviour for the city of Edmonton, he had a pretty good rookie season thats was cut short by an ankle injury and was shut down after 65 games. Solid rookie totals, a good transition to the NHL game, Hall is considered to be well on his way to a successful career. The Oilers have found themselves and very solid building block for the future. Halls strength, accurate shot, big body, high top speed, desire to be physical and go to the net have drawn comparisons to a speedier Mark Messier. He’s seen as a future leader and has developed some chemistry with Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.                                                                                                                                Career Stats: 81 GP 25 G 27 A = 52 PTS – 9                                                                                           *Note Hall is off to a slow start to the season (3G 7A) but is playing mixed minutes on a balanced and competitive Oilers squad that started strong but has had its ups and down lately.

Hall has less games played than Tyler Seguin (excluding playoffs) and has totaled more points, however Seguin has been playing well and has benefit from moving onto the Boston’s top line in the wake of the Injuries and struggles of David Krejci, he has never looked back. From looking purely at points I think we see Seguin with higher career totals when all is said and done, he’s going to become a permeant fixture on Boston’s top line, his quick release and accurate shot will make him a scoring threat but soon enough his passing will begin to shine, he’s a top line guy from here on out. Taylor Hall is the more rare find, he is a big bodied power forward that can score from almost anywhere on the ice, his point totals may not exceed Seguin’s but his goal scoring most likely will, he’s the type of player everyone looks for and is hard to find. Thinking about it, I can’t count to many players in the NHL with his skill set. Oilers are lucky to have him, and now seem to have the perfect complimentary player in RNH. I have to see Hall score a little more to give him the nod, in the future he could take this one day hands down. Seguin seems to be on a mission to rid Boston of this cup hangover. Right now this contest goes to Tyler Seguin.

So Lets see how the top rated guys from the post lockout drafts have faired, if these teams could do it again how would they change their picks? I’m sure we would see some movement based on how guys have established themselves so far in their careers, but again who knows how they would fair if they took the spotlight on draft day?

2011 Draft: Give these guys a year to hash it out, a few great guys to watch: Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), Landeskog (AVS), Couturier (PHL) for this season anyway.

2009: 1.Tavares 2.Hedman 3.Duchene 4.E.Kane 5.B.Schenn

Re-Draft: 1.Duchene 2.Tavares 3.E.Kane 4.Ekman-Larsson 5.B.Schenn 6.Hedman

Tavares is a pretty solid first pick in my books, however Duchene would have challenged harder for first overall, based on his foot speed, ability to make plays and identical point totals in a harder western conference. Kane bumps up, he’s becoming a dominate power forword. Hedman is soft for his size and has become serviceable but overrated, Ekman-Larsson, Rundebland and Cowan, all look to surpass him and maybe one day, de Haan, Ellis or Leddy could challenge on a long shot.

2008: 1.Stamkos 2.Doughty 3.Bogosian 4.Pietrangelo 5.L.Schenn 6.Filitov 7.Wilson

Re-Draft 1.Stamkos 2.Doughty 3.Myers 4.Karlsson 5.Bogosian 6.Eberle 7.Pietrangelo

Not touching this top two, thats solid and was pretty much a give back in 2008, after the top two (maybe 3, Bogosian is looking better each year and plays in all situations for the Jets). After this we see a wide open draft Pietrangelo is also becoming an great all-around blue liner in St Louis but later drafted D men have made a bigger impact at this point. Tyler Myers, Eric Karlsson, would have gone top 5 at this point. Many other players would have re-arranged the top 10 maybe even 15 as some great pick were made throughout the first round of the 2008 draft. Jordan Eberle (22nd), John Carlson (27th), Tyler Ennis (26th), Jake Gardiner (16th), Joe Colborne (17th) Would surely be considered in the top 10, while the rest of the first round was full of serviceable D men and bottom 9/6 forwards.

2007: 1.P.Kane 2.VanRiemsdyk 3.Turris 4.Hickey 5.Alzner 6.Gagner 7.Voracek 129.Jamie Benn!

Re-Draft 1.P.Kane 2.Couture 3.Benn 4.Subban 5.VanRiemsdyk 6.Voracek 7.Pacioretty 8.Simmonds

Another wide open draft, Kane still takes top spot in all but despite putting several servicable NHLers in the league this draft comes off as a little weaker. Logan Couture is a sure fire 2nd pick and Jamie Benn is getting better each game becoming a dominate force for a hot Dallas team. Two players taken in the second round in PK.Subban (43rd) Wayne Simmonds (61st) would surely take up a first round pick, where Hickey would have fallen a round or two easily. While Jamie Benn and Max Pacioretty would have shot up the rankings, Karl Alzner, Sam Gagner and Kyle Turris would have fallen toward the later first round based on some opinion and team needs.

2006: 1.E.Johnson 2.J.Staal 3.Toews 4.N.Backstrom 5.Kessel 18.C.Stewart 22.C.Giroux

Re-Draft 1.Toews 2.Backstrom 3.Giroux 4.Johnson 5.Staal 6.Kessel 7.Stewart

I love this draft, mostly because its the hardest to look back because so many good players with unique attributes could have gone top 10 here. WIDE open doesn’t describe it, Toews with a Stanley Cup, Gold Medal, & Conn Smyth is huge, he oozes leadership, Kills the faceoff dot and his point totals will always be solid. Backstrom a pure passer here, it would have been the Pens pick and I doubt they pass on Erik Johnson after taking Crosby/Malkin in the years before. Nick Backstrom may be a little over rated benifiting from Ovies and Semins high numbers in a few years, but how can you pass on a guy with his skill. Claude Giroux is the man, been a huge fan for years as he looks to become a serious 90 point player and top line center for years to come,  with a big ability to dominate a game. The wealth of talent continues to flow as Johnson, Staal, Kessel and Stewart round out the top 7. You see a guy who plays his role perfectly in Staal he could be a top line center and fills in when needed, but can shut down many of the top guys in the league, if I’m an NHL GM I want Jordan Staal on my top 2 lines, you win with guys like that. Kessel is currently working on his 4th, 30+ goal season and is on fire to start this year, he could finally be fit and grown-up enough to fill the shoes of a guy once thought to be the 1st overall in this draft. Chris Stewart 30 Goal scorer, power forward, hard to come by, enough said.

2005: 1.Crosby 2.B.Ryan 3.J.Johnson 4.Pouliot 5.Price 6.Brule

Re-Draft: 1.Crosby(Duh) 2.Kopitar 3.Ryan 4.Price 5.Letang 6.Johnson 7.Yandle 8.Neal

Lots of depth in the later part of this draft, Crosby is a no-brainer, Kopitar jumps up to 2 slot as he his starting to become a dominate young center in the west, Bobby Ryan is a pure goal scorer with size and skill, one of those rare breeds, a sure fire 3rd overall. Price might be the best Goalie in the league on another team, he goes up to 4. Price carries Montreal, put him on a team with solid D like Philly, Vancouver or Nashville and no doubt he’s won a Veizna by now. Kris Letang come WAY up from the early 3rd round and James Neal jumps into the top 10 from the early second round. A deep post lockout draft has some great late value that surely would have went earlier had they only known what could be. Marc Staal (12th), TJ Oshie (24th), Vlasic(35th), Pavelac (41st), Paul Stastny (44th) and way back there Keith Yandle (105th) who some would prefer over Jack Johnson, comes in no doubt in the Top 10.

So there you have it folks, the draft is an inexact science and as I attempt to educate myself on prospects, I find it a useful tool to look back and see what could have been, now to figure out what kept the low guys from going higher, and the high bust from meeting potential. Enjoy

As always, feedback, opinion and debate welcome

E-mail: thehockeyuniverse@gmail.com

Twitter: @AndyLevang