Defensive depth

Seems like defense is no longer a problem for the Ducks, as they have a plethora of depth on the blueline. Which of these will most likely turn out to be NHL defensemen for the Ducks and what kind of upside (and what's their estimated time of arrival)? Keep in mind that a team can only feature 6 or 7 players, so it's unlikely they will all make it. Who falls victim to the #'s game?

Ladislav Smid
Mark Popovic
Jordan Smith
Shane O'Brien
Vladimir Korsunov
Brandon Rogers
Aaron Rome
Nathan Saunders
Kurtis Foster
Tomas Malec
Kyle Klubertanz
Ville Mantymaa
Juha Alen
Sheldon Brookbank

Seems like defense is no longer a problem for the Ducks, as they have a plethora of depth on the blueline. Which of these will most likely turn out to be NHL defensemen for the Ducks and what kind of upside (and what's their estimated time of arrival)? Keep in mind that a team can only feature 6 or 7 players, so it's unlikely they will all make it. Who falls victim to the #'s game?

Ladislav Smid
Mark Popovic
Jordan Smith
Shane O'Brien
Vladimir Korsunov
Brandon Rogers
Aaron Rome
Nathan Saunders
Kurtis Foster
Tomas Malec
Kyle Klubertanz
Ville Mantymaa
Juha Alen
Sheldon Brookbank

Most likely to play in NHL:

1. Popovich
2. Foster
3. O'Brien
4. Smith
5. Malec
6. Smid

Highest potential (pairing-wise):

1. Smid
2. Popovich
3. Smith

NHL next season:
Mark Popovic
Kurtis Foster (some callups)
Tomas Malec (some callups)
Ladislav Smid (could even make it right away as he played already with the czech senior national team this season)

Rest in this order (by potential):
Kyle Klubertanz (best offensive potential beside Smid)
Brandon Rogers
Vladimir Korsunov (biggest question mark. i'm sure he could do something if he gets signed)
Jordan Smith
Nathan Saunders
Ville Mantymaa
Shane O'Brien
Aaron Rome
Sheldon Brookbank
Juha Alen

I'll stab at it

Seems like defense is no longer a problem for the Ducks, as they have a plethora of depth on the blueline. Which of these will most likely turn out to be NHL defensemen for the Ducks and what kind of upside (and what's their estimated time of arrival)? Keep in mind that a team can only feature 6 or 7 players, so it's unlikely they will all make it. Who falls victim to the #'s game?

Ladislav Smid - Ducks best hope for a 1st pairing, puck rushing D-man. Sounds like a poor man's Lidstrom from what I have heard.

Mark Popovic - Should be a solid citizen on D, hasn't quite shown the offense promise that was expected of him, but that doesn't concern me as I would settle for a good defensive leader after Carney exits.

Jordan Smith - Traditional defensive D-man, I would think he would get a nice opportunity to crack the lineup at some point.

Shane O'Brien - Could be a bottom pairing guy at some point in his career, I see him as a poor man's Marchment instigator-wise.

Vladimir Korsunov - Who knows, he's still in Russia

Brandon Rogers - Has had a nice collegiate career, we'll see what he brings to camp. Another defensive D-man in the system can't hurt.

Aaron Rome - I thought he'd be a bit better than what I've seen he'll probably get a shot to compete at some point.

Nathan Saunders - Another guy in the Shane O'Brien mold, depth guy.

Kurtis Foster - Had a sensational year in Cinci from the point. We'll see what he can do on the next level I would assume.

Tomas Malec - Has some experience on the next level so he should have some playing time at some point when we resume.

Kyle Klubertanz - Too early to tell, I like his offensive upside however.

Ville Mantymaa - In Finland, who knows.

Juha Alen- Was unspectacular with the Ducks last year, probably out of the picture.

Sheldon Brookbank - Another brawler

Ladislav Smid-1st pairing potential
Mark Popovic-2nd pairing potential
Jordan Smith-2nd/3rd pairing potential
Shane O'Brien-3rd pairing potential
Vladimir Korsunov-3rd pairing potential/Career in Russia
Brandon Rogers-3rd pairing potential/NCAA career over, may not be signed by Ducks
Aaron Rome-2nd/3rd pairing potential
Nathan Saunders-3rd pairing potential/Needs to be signed by Anaheim
Kurtis Foster-2nd pairing potential/powerplay specialist
Tomas Malec-3rd pairing potential (haven't been impressed with him this year)
Kyle Klubertanz-long term 2nd pairing potential
Ville Mantymaa-Career in Europe
Juha Alen-Career in Europe
Sheldon Brookbank-AHL career/7th D-man NHL

Well we are loaded with 2nd and 3rd pairing guys for the future. I'd use this years first rounder on a potential North American top pairing d-man to pair with Smid...Marc Staal!!!

Defense post lockout with Ozolinsh gone as UFA:

Carney-Skoula
Vish-Salei
Foster-Popovic

With Salei also gone as UFA (age may be lowered by CBA):

Carney-Skoula
Vish-Smid
Foster-Popovic

Ladislav Smid-1st pairing potential
Mark Popovic-2nd pairing potential
Jordan Smith-2nd/3rd pairing potential
Shane O'Brien-3rd pairing potential
Vladimir Korsunov-3rd pairing potential/Career in Russia
Brandon Rogers-3rd pairing potential/NCAA career over, may not be signed by Ducks
Aaron Rome-2nd/3rd pairing potential
Nathan Saunders-3rd pairing potential/Needs to be signed by Anaheim
Kurtis Foster-2nd pairing potential/powerplay specialist
Tomas Malec-3rd pairing potential (haven't been impressed with him this year)
Kyle Klubertanz-long term 2nd pairing potential
Ville Mantymaa-Career in Europe
Juha Alen-Career in Europe
Sheldon Brookbank-AHL career/7th D-man NHL

Well we are loaded with 2nd and 3rd pairing guys for the future. I'd use this years first rounder on a potential North American top pairing d-man to pair with Smid...Marc Staal!!!

I pretty much agree with McDonald19's projections so I won't do my own. As for next years draft I would like to go with the best player available method and who knows where we will be picking from.

You had a Swedish prospect called Viktor Wallin. Do you still have the HF link showing his profile ? What could you tell me about him ?

You had a Swedish prospect called Viktor Wallin. Do you still have the HF link showing his profile ? What could you tell me about him ?
Viktor Wallin at 25 is too old to be considered a prospect under HF rules. His profile is still in the database (here: http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=55).
Basically, he's a disappointment, he had a strong season in Junior in 97-98, followed by two solid World Junior performances. Then in 2000-01, he only player 5 games (not sure of the reason, although I believe it was injuries).
He never really recovered from that and soon found himself in the Swe-2 league, where he's been solid, but unspectacular. It's safe to say that his future with the Ducks is dim.

keep you toughness - Sauders-Smith-O'Brien