11. COLORADO AVALANCHE (via STL) - Christopher Gibson, G, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Analysis: With the Avalanche’s second pick in the top 12, they need to address their other glaring hole, goaltending. The Avalanche did select Calvin Pickard, 49th overall in last June’s draft but with the slow development of goaltenders, it’s never bad to have more than one. Gibson, who is half-Finnish, half-British, has said to be a big game goalie. He led an offensive weak Chicoutimi team into the playoffs. Gibson has good size and is projected to be a starting goaltender.
12. CAROLINA HURRICANES - Joel Armina, RW, Assat (FIN)
Analysis: The Draft was very good to the Hurricanes last year, as 18-year old Jeff Skinner was a phenom in his first season and led all rookies in scoring. What can Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford do for an encore? That’s a tough question but I have heard he doesn’t like selecting defensemen with a high pick, so Armina could be his guy. Armina, a big (6-3, 191) right winger has the makings of a pure goal scorer. Armina uses his size well and throws a lot of pucks on net. He could complement the 3 S’s down the middle, Skinner, Staal and Sutter, very well in the Hurricanes future.
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| Mark McNeill the next Flame? |
Analysis: Our home town Flames have been filled with disappointment when it comes to the Entry Draft in recent seasons (beside Backlund). It continued this summer as top prospect, Tim Erixon refused to sign with the Flames, handcuffing GM Jay Feaster and forcing him to trade Erixon to the Rangers. It was a tough spot for the organization but I will hold my opinion back about that for now. In my eyes, this draft becomes even more important for the Flames. The Flames need to add some size and offensive potential up front. McNeill has been compared to Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan. He can play either centre or wing and from watching him play in P.A, he is what the Flames need.
14. DALLAS STARS - Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)
Analysis: The Stars have some great young forwards with the likes of Loui Eriksson and Jamie Benn and a promising young goaltender with Jack Campbell. A strong defensive prospect is missing and Siemens would be a great add to the Dallas farm system. Siemens is one of the youngest players in the draft but can bring it in all aspects. He is a strong skater which should help him transition to a solid two-way defensemen in the NHL, with limited offensive potential.
15. NEW YORK RANGERS - Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)
Analysis: The bigger story line in New York, when it pertains to the Rangers anyways is the race for Brad Richards. The Rangers have been reported to have high interest in Richards and will buy-out the final year of over-paid and captain Chris Drury’s contract to help make room. Take nothing away from Drury, he is a solid two-way player who won’t have trouble finding a new home. With the 15th overall pick, the Rangers should grab Jenner who plays a very similar game to Drury. Jenner is a 200-foot player who is good in the faceoff dot and does the little things well. Jenner has the potential to be a second line centre.
16. BUFFALO SABRES - Zach Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
Analysis: The Sabres are another team with a strong track record at the draft and should be looking for some punch up front down the road. Zack Phillips had a 50 point increase over that season, finishing the year with 95 points, including 38 goals. Phillips is projected as a goal scoring forward and is compared to Jarret Stoll. Phillips one weakness is his skating but Buffalo is filled with smooth skating forwards that could complement Phillips down the road.
17. MONTREAL CANADIENS - Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
Analysis: The Canadiens have a solid mix of youth and veterans throughout their line-up. Louis Leblanc and defensemen Jared Tinordi are the Canadiens top prospects, so the Canadiens could really go anywhere with this pick. Beaulieu potentially could be the third Sea Dog selected in the first round. Growing last summer, Beaulieu (6-2, 185) brings a solid two-way game onto the ice. He was one of the best players at the CHL Top Prospects Game and was solid in the playoffs and the Memorial Cup.
18. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - Mark Scheifele. C, Barrie (OHL)
Analysis: The Blackhawks plain and simple are going to be competitive for a very long time. There aren’t a lot of holes throughout the franchise so this is another tough pick to predict. Scheifele played for a very weak team in Barrie, who only managed to win 15 games. Regardless, Scheifele put up very respectable numbers with 75 points. Scheifele brings size and grit down the middle, the stuff scouts say will make him a solid power forward. Put Scheifele behind Toews and Bolland one day and the Blackhawks could have a very solid top 3 centres.
19. EDMONTON OILERS (via LA) - Jamie Oleksiak, D, Northeastern (H-EAST)
Analysis: With their second pick in the first round, there is no argument on my behalf about the Oilers selecting a defenseman. Oleksiak is a monster to say the least. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 244 pounds, Oleksiak has been compared to a poor man’s Tyler Myers. Oleksiak is good on his feet and can move the puck fairly well. His calling card for the NHL could be a defensive defenseman.
20. PHOENIX COYOTES - Nicklas Jensen, RW, Oshawa (OHL)
Analysis: Usually a perennial team in the top-10, the Coyotes have turned it around for two consecutive playoff appearances. Unfortunately they have faced the Detroit Red Wings both years. The Coyotes really lacked goal scoring and size on the wings. Jensen is projected as a power forward that can shoot the puck. Jensen came over from Denmark to play for the Generals this season proving he is committed to the pro game. Questions do surround his skating but he could be a nice fit alongside fellow countrymen, Mikkel Boedker down the road.
Coming soon: Tomorrow Nick takes a look at the final 10 picks of the first round and on Thursday he will delve a little deeper into what the Flames should be looking to do come the weekend.
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