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| Tyler Biggs |
21. OTTAWA SENATORS (via NSH) - Tyler Biggs, RW, U.S. U-18
Analysis: The Senators have to continue to stock-pile young players up front and with the love of size Bryan Murray has, Biggs could be a nice choice with their second pick in the first round. Biggs stands at 6-foot-2 and projects to be a power forward. Biggs has great work ethic to go along with his physical play, but whether he will score once in the NHL, is yet to be seen.
22. ANAHEIM DUCKS- John Gibson, G, U.S. U-18
Analysis: The Ducks are another team who did very well with last June’s draft when Cam Fowler fell to them. Fowler enjoyed a very good rookie season and looks to be a top defensemen for years to come. GM Bob Murray has stock piled fire power up front and the back end in recent drafts and it’s time to add a prospect behind Jonas Hiller. Gibson, the second goalie taken with the last name Gibson, is projected to be a franchise goaltender. He is the top rated goalie in Central Scouting rankings and is compared to Dallas prospect, Jack Campbell. Gibson is said to stay poised and not get rattled.
23. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS - Ty Rattie, LW, Portland (WHL)
Analysis: The Pens never needed much goal-scoring help on the wings with Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle, but it never hurts to have it either. The Pens used their first round choice last June on RW Beau Bennett who with his skill and hockey sense has the potential to be a top-6 forward. Add Rattie who is projected to be an offensive forward on the left side and the Penguins could be even scarier than they already are. Rattie isn’t the biggest player (5-11, 170) or the smoothest skater but only Nugent-Hopkins and Bartschi outscored him among draft-eligible players in the WHL.
24. DETROIT RED WINGS - Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SWE)
Analysis: With the sudden retirement of Brian Rafalski, and the uncertainty of Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings have some question marks on the back end. The Red Wings do have young Jakub Kindl who saw some action throughout last season and Brendan Smith in the farm system but past that, most of their top prospects are up front. Brodin is a prototypical Detroit defensemen, smooth skating, good confidence with the puck and can play big minutes if called upon. Brodin is said to be a smart pick, with offensive upside, who should form into a solid two-way defensemen.
25. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (via PHI) - Matt Puempel, LW, Peterborough (OHL)
Analysis: I’m sure Brian Burke would like the 9th overall pick but taking away questions surrounding that deal, Phil Kessel can no doubt score goals. Saying that, the Leafs still don’t have enough goal scorers and need to continue to get players who can put the puck in the back of the net. Puempel has goal scorer written all over him. Puempel, who played for a weak team had a couple of injuries, was forced to only 55 games but still managed his second consecutive 30-goal season. There are some issues with his skating but at the start of the season he was a consensus top-10 pick.
26. WASHINGTON CAPITALS - Brandon Saad, Saginaw (OHL)
Analysis: The Capitals skill has got them as far as a great regular season and a huge disappointment in the playoffs. Compete could be something lacking with the Caps. Saad, who had a disappointing season offensively, is an all around player the Caps could use down the road. Saad brings good size (6-1, 208) and is said to be a horse with his strength and his smarts.
27. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING - Joseph Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)
Analysis: The third Winterhawk taken in the draft, Morrow is projected to be a solid two-way defenseman. He made big strides this season as he plays a very physical game while still being able to move the puck. Morrow finished with 49 points on a very solid Winterhawks team.
28. SAN JOSE SHARKS - Tomas Jurco, RW, Saint Johns (QMJHL)
Analysis: No wonder the Sea Dogs were Memorial Cup champs, with the potential 4th player taken in the first round. Jurco was a You-Tube sensation this year and with his unbelievable skill and size, the Sharks won’t have a problem taking him with the 28th overall pick. Jurco could be a little more consistent but his top-end skill usually makes up for it.
29. VANCOUVER CANUCKS - David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)
Analysis: Musil is a prototypical defensive defenseman, big, strong and plays the game with little or no flash. Musil’s skating has improved since coming over from the Czech Republic to play for the Giants. Musil could be a valuable piece down the road for the Canucks to complement their puck moving defensemen.
30. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (via BOS) - Daniel Catenacci, C, S.S. Marie (OHL)
Analysis: Brian Burke loves big, tough power forwards but in a draft filled with smaller, skilled forwards, Burke has to take what he can get. Catenacci (5-10, 176) is small in stature but makes up for it with his skating and his ability to play at high speeds. He plays both ends of the ice and has no issue putting the puck in the net. Scouts compare him as the next Mike Cammalleri.
-Nick Symon
thesportsroundup@gmail.com
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