Unofficial Prospects Migrating to Anaheim Thread (Draft)

HERE IT IS!!! THE MOMENT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!! DRAFT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The draft is on OLN from 3:00 PT-6:00 PT or if you want to watch online, it will probably be on NHL.COM provided free of charge.

Lots of rumors going around involving the Ducks, the big one I have heard is Jiggy for Havlat, which would make me incredibly happy. :dumbo: Expect the unexpected from our :bow: GM Brian Burke.

Just to remind everyone, the Ducks draft postitions are as follows:

1st Round
19th Overall: D Mark Mitera

2nd Round
38th Overall: F Bryce Swan

3rd Round
83rd Overall: D John Degray

4th Round
112nd Overall: F Matt Beleskey

5th Round
No Picks

6th Round
172nd Overall: C Petteri Wirtanen

7th Round
No Picks

Here are several scouting reports from different scouting services on the draft.
http://www.nhl.com/futures/2006draft/index.html

We have heard many names that the Ducks might draft at 19, but the ones that keep popping up are: Chris Summers, Mike Mitera, and Patrick Berglund.

Have fun and GL DUCKS!!! :) :D

Why is the draft so late this year? In other years, it always started at 9 am pst.

Why is the draft so late this year? In other years, it always started at 9 am pst.

Its late....Im glad I dont have to get up at 9am tomorrow.

Why is the draft so late this year? In other years, it always started at 9 am pst.

Beats me. :dunno:

Jeez, I am so excited!!!!!!!!! :propeller :bb: :pickle: :dumbo: :vhappy: :wave: :devdance:

BTW, LOL static. I know what you mean.

Jiggy for Havlat? I don't know... I find the deal quite tempting, but I don't see it happening.

Jiggy for Havlat? I don't know... I find the deal quite tempting, but I don't see it happening.

I would add also the first rounder for Havlat :bow:

Why Havlat? He's probably as good a fit as Sykora was.

One reason I've read that the draft was moved to 6 (3 for you guys) is to give GM's more time to make trades.

Why Havlat? He's probably as good a fit as Sykora was.
Maybe it's something to do with the fact he's LW? And that we need one of them, one which is young so that he won't be too old when we go for a real cup run? Also that he's a really go player?

I hope that Anaheim can pull of a trade to be able to draft Kessel. He loves skating he says in an interview, and from his video he is a great skater. He would be the center Anaheim is looking for to center Lupul and Penner. That would make to great lines for the future...not to mention the third line of the future if Chistov comes back.
-Lupul -Kessel -Penner
-Ryan -Getzlaf -Perry
-Chistov -Shanon -Miller

Maybe it's something to do with the fact he's LW? And that we need one of them, one which is young so that he won't be too old when we go for a real cup run? Also that he's a really go player?

All that's well and good, but if he doesn't fit the team then all that means nothing. He's due for a big payday soon, he had an iffy playoff, and from what we've heard from Ottawa fans he's not particularly gritty nor a very willing forechecker.

It's not just about acquiring talent. If it were, we'd have been a better team with Fedorov and Sykora.

Why Havlat? He's probably as good a fit as Sykora was.

Havlat is a game breaker, and is a lot faster than Sykora. He takes the puck towards the net and finishes with world class moves.

Sykora on the other hand gets over the blueline and fires shots right into the goalies chest.

still this wouldn't be a great trade because it would most likely be a rental with Havlat also UFA eligible July 07.

I hope that Anaheim can pull of a trade to be able to draft Kessel. He loves skating he says in an interview, and from his video he is a great skater. He would be the center Anaheim is looking for to center Lupul and Penner. That would make to great lines for the future...not to mention the third line of the future if Chistov comes back.
-Lupul -Kessel -Penner
-Ryan -Getzlaf -Perry
-Chistov -Shanon -Miller

not going to happen but if we traded up to #2 It would take something like Bobby Ryan and the 19th pick...

Kessel will end up as a right wing in the NHL by the way...his all around game isn't good enough to be a first or even second line center...at right wing he can be a teams top sniper and not have to worry about defense as much.

Maybe it's something to do with the fact he's LW? And that we need one of them, one which is young so that he won't be too old when we go for a real cup run? Also that he's a really go player?

I believe he is actually a natural right winger and that has always been a problem for Ottawa with Alfreddson and Hossa/Heatley in that position. Whenever he has been moved to Left Wing he has been less effective.

not going to happen but if we traded up to #2 It would take something like Bobby Ryan and the 19th pick...

Kessel will end up as a right wing in the NHL by the way...his all around game isn't good enough to be a first or even second line center...at right wing he can be a teams top sniper and not have to worry about defense as much.

If Selanne can backcheck, so will Kessel. The kid will learn under Carlyle. Nonetheless, I don't see Brian Burke willing to trade one of our young guns to trade into the top 5. It would be a mistake.

Is he? I didn't know that. Make the trade a bit worse than it first was. He'd still be a big upgrade on Kunitz on the first line IMO.

EDIT: This was in reply to McDonald19

If we do trade up to the top 5, I'd want Backström. A year in the SEL, then over the pond the the AHL with Ryan. Also pick up Jesse Joensuu in the second if we could and have him play in Finland for another year before going to the AHL too.

That'll give us a nice line down there of Joensuu - Backström - Ryan. Which will then make a nice forth scoring line in the NHL the season after that...

Why Havlat? He's probably as good a fit as Sykora was.
he's about a million times more skilled. Sykora can't skate or pass like he does.

he's about a million times more skilled. Sykora can't skate or pass like he does.

I don't know about a million times more skilled ... if he really were, he wouldn't have pulled a disappearing act in the 2nd round.

Add to that the fact that he's made no secret he wants a big payday next summer as a UFA, and I don't want any part of him. There's a reason why a guy who's so young and talented is being openly shopped.

So much for trading up into the top end...

Ducks aren't rebuilding.

Will the next pick be Bob Sanguinetti? I hope so.

Mark Mitera is the guy.

Our first: Mark Mitera!

Welcome to the Ducks :hand-clap:

Good call Kevin!

Our first: Mark Mitera!

Welcome to the Ducks :hand-clap:

Good call Kevin!

I also drafted Mark Mitera in the MOD mock draft.

Safer pick than Sanguinetti, fine to me.

Welcome Anaheim Mark Mitera! :clap: :handclap: :yo:

Did anyone catch what Burke said about goalie trading during the TSN interview? I heard something about waiting until July 1st.

Did anyone catch what Burke said about goalie trading? I heard something about waiting until July 1st.

Teams are waiting July 1st to get a goaltender for free.

A good safe pick. We are loaded with young forwards so no need to get a forward. I like this pick because he can stay at Michigan for at least two more seasons with Mikkleson and Salcido will be in the system after this season. Our depth of young d-men will give Burkey some leverage on a new contract with Vish whom may only get a one-year deal like DiPenta. Good pick Burkey!

Am I right in thinking Rusty when I read about this guy?

Am I right in thinking Rusty when I read about this guy?

I would say more like a replacement for Carney, the Carney we had back in 03.

Good job Jerky, we should apply for jobs with the Ducks.

The Ducks draft Bryce Swan in the second. He a RW from Halifax.

A quick google search on Bryce Swan.

http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=6517&sc=3

Sounds like a heart and soul type player who went through alot of injuries this past season. He might be a gem.

The Ducks draft Bryce Swan in the second. He a RW from Halifax.

You guys are going to love him. He's a heart and soul guy with a good two way game. You'll notice that in his two seasons in Halifax he's played a low number of games. As a sixteen year old, he saw rookie time along with fellow prospect Ryan Hillier (whom I hope the Devils pick...heh) and this past year had a rough time with injuries.

You'll hear a lot about the injuries. He's not soft and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. He gets injured playing tough and through some strange luck. Broke a bone in his hand fighting, if I remember correctly. Accidentally stepped on the puck during play and had some freak leg injury. The last one was him trying to throw a massive check and he missed. He went right through the glass and hurt his shoulder pretty bad.

The guy is a potential captain of the Mooseheads this year and when he's in the lineup, the team's record is staggering. Probably 200% better than when he's out.

A quick google search on Bryce Swan.

http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=6517&sc=3

Sounds like a heart and soul type player who went through alot of injuries this past season. He might be a gem.
Like his size, wonder how skilled he is..

Like his size, wonder how skilled he is..

He's not overly skilled but he brings some offense to the table. He scores most of his goals down low and in front of the net. A lot of his game is focused on energy and bringing the team to life. He's got a good two way game and shows his physical side more often than not.

Thanks for the info on Swan PEli! I like what I'm reading :)

Here's his report from the draft media guide posted in the prospects section:

BRYCE SWAN
Halifax • QMJHL
6’2”, 191 lbs. Right Wing, shoots right
Born: October 6, 1987 in Alderpoint, Nova Scotia
Final Ranking: 17 • Mid-Term Ranking: 38 • North American Skater

Central Scouting Report: Is a very good skater with a good stride
who is solid on his skates with good balance and acceleration ... handles
the puck well in traffic, is strong on his stick which makes it hard
to get the puck away from him ... passing abilities are both good
forehand and backhand and he is dangerous around the net ... is very
aware of his defensive responsibilities ... has a very good scoring
touch, a good shot which he can release in full stride and his hockey
sense allows him to read game situations well ... is a very good competitor
who can play a physical game – a power type forward who
plays effectively at home and on the road ... goes to the net and with
his size is hard to move creating havoc for the opposition goalie ...
has suffered through injuries all year, but came on really well when
healthy ... Halifax’s 4th round pick in the 2004-05 QMJHL Draft, 61st
overall ... was selected to play in the 2006 Top Prospects Game in
Ottawa but did not participate because of injury ... was a member
of Team Atlantic for the 2004 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.

Personal Profile: Nicknames are Swan and Swanny ... favorite team is
the Colorado Avalanche ... favorite player is Philadelphia’s Peter
Forsberg ... wears #16 because he has worn it while growing up ...
says that his parents have been the greatest influence on his career,
and without them “I wouldn’t be where I am,” and most admires
them, saying “I owe them everything and more”... patterns his game
after Edmonton’s Ryan Smyth because he “works hard and gets the
job done” ... most memorable hockey game played was in the 2005
QMJHL Finals vs. Rimouski because it was “very intense and memorable”
... most memorable hockey game watched was the 2006
World Junior Championships because Canada came out with a victory
after going in as the underdogs ... favorites are: Family Guy, Friends
(TV shows), Shawshank Redemption (movie), Owen Wilson(actor),
Jessica Alba (actress), and Green Day (band) ... if he could have dinner
with any three people, he would invite Peter Forsberg – “favorite
player,” Johnny Damon – “favorite ball player,” and Martin Luther
King Jr. – “he changed the world.”


Statistics
Season. Team.. League GP G ..A Pts PIM
2005-06 Halifax QMJHL. 34 14 11 25 54

Here's Mitera's:

MARK MITERA
University of Michigan • CCHA
6’ 3”, 202 lbs. Defense, shoots left
Born: October 22, 1987 in Royal Oak, Michigan
Final Ranking: 20 • Mid-Term Ranking: 15 • North American Skater

Central Scouting Report: Is a good skater with a smooth stride – is
strong on his skates and is hard to knock off the puck ... a good
backward skater who pivots well and has good agility ... makes a
crisp first pass and likes to make long passes though he is not an
offensive minded defenseman ... can rush the puck and possesses a
quick, accurate wrist/snap shot from the point ... will pinch and is
very effective in keeping puck in the offensive zone ... has a long
reach which he uses effectively and plays a solid positional game
making good decisions ... is an effective shot blocker who is used in
all game situations ... is a competitor who plays hard every night with
an aggressive style game and at times can dominate physically ... can
be mean and will not be intimidated ... a solid hitter who finishes his
checks and always gives a solid effort home or away ... is a very
durable player with good stamina ... member of 2005-06 U.S.
National Junior Team and a member of gold medal Team USA at
2005 IIHF World Under-18 Championship ... a member of U.S. Under-
18 team in 2004-05.

Personal Profile: Nickname is Mits ... favorite team is the Detroit Red
Wings ... favorite player is Red Wings’ Nicklas Lidstrom ... wears #17
because it is the first number he ever wore ... says that his father Ken
has had the greatest influence on his career because “he taught me
the game and always supports me” ... patterns his game after both
Lidstrom and Edmonton’s Chris Pronger, because of their smart and
physical play ... outside of hockey, most admires Lance Armstrong
because “his accomplishments are amazing” ... most memorable
game played was the Under-18 World Championship game vs. Czech
Republic because of the “amazing atmosphere” ... most memorable
hockey game watched was the ESPN Classic replay of the 1980
Olympics USA vs. USSR game ... favorites include: Family Guy (TV
show), Man on Fire (movie), Denzel Washington (actor) and Tim
McGraw (musician) ... if he could have dinner with any three people
they would be: Jesus – “advice for life,” Nick Lidstrom – “hockey
advice,” and Grandpa Bezak – “just to see him one more time.”

Statistics
Season. Team............ League GP G A Pts PIM
2005-06 U. of Michigan CCHA... 34 0 9 9... 51

With the 83rd pick, the Ducks go defense with John Degray. Welcome to Anaheim.

patterns his game
after Edmonton’s Ryan Smyth because he “works hard and gets the
job done” ...

Here's an article (http://www.halifaxmooseheads.ca/default.asp?mn=1.8.30&sfield=content.id&search=958) on Swan. It's fairly recent and done for the team website.

If you liked my weak report, wait until lalalaprise gets here and gives you more detail. He's the expert on Q prospects.

He's not overly skilled but he brings some offense to the table. He scores most of his goals down low and in front of the net. A lot of his game is focused on energy and bringing the team to life. He's got a good two way game and shows his physical side more often than not.

Definitely sounds like he and Mitera fit in with the other players Anaheim has been drafting in recent years ... a focus on character, size, and intangibles as much as on talent, perhaps more so.

here is a small blurb about Swan..

The Ducks have selected right wing BRYCE SWAN out of Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with their second pick (38th Overall). Born in Alderpoint, Nova Scotia, Swan had 14 goals and 11 assists in 34 games with Halifax last season. At 6' 2", 191-pounds, Swan is a right-handed shot. CSS says that Swan 'goes to the net and with his size is hard to move creating havoc for the opposition goalie.' And, Swan himself says that he patterns his game after Edmonton's Ryan Smyth who makes his own living creating havoc.

Definitely sounds like he and Mitera fit in with the other players Anaheim has been drafting in recent years ... a focus on character, size, and intangibles as much as on talent, perhaps more so.

I am loving the Mitera and Swan picks. Two quality players with alot of character. Three picks so far, 3 NA players. With the new rules regarding signing European players, I don't think teams are going to gamble draft picks anymore.

heres some info on our third pick

Teams like large defensemen and DeGray is big, although he does not always play up to his size. He is a special defensive player who can play effectively against the other team’s best. He needs to improve his speed to be a good player in the faster than ever NHL.

Teams know exactly what they are going to get with DeGray which is a solid defensive-minded defenseman who can kill penalties, and who will be solid with possibilities of becoming a real anchor. DeGray is somewhat reminiscent of Adam Foote early in his career, although DeGray is two inches taller and not quite as physical as the NHL-stalwart.

The Ducks draft Matt Beleskey in the 4th round. He's a LW from the OHL.

I would say more like a replacement for Carney, the Carney we had back in 03.

Good job Jerky, we should apply for jobs with the Ducks.


I agree, he is more of Carney-type of player. Likes to play safe defense and is not very offense oriented, he is a way better skater than Carney though.

heres HF's write up on Beleskey

2004-05: A former member of the Ontario Junior A’s Collingwood Blues, Beleskey began his OHL career with the Belleville Bulls in 2004-05. In his rookie junior season, Beleskey tallied 23 points (ten goals) in 68 games. Most notably though, he accumulated 118 PIM. Considered a highly talented aggressive player, Beleskey was invited to Team Canada’s Under 18 Summer Development Camp last summer.

Unfortunately while practicing he injured his knee colliding with another prospect and was forced to sit out the beginning of this season.

2005-06: Named a Bulls alternate captain despite his injury, Belesky did not begin his 2005-06 season until the middle of October, which was almost a full month earlier than expected. After Beleskey had an excellent offensive month in December (registering 15 points in nine games), he was named to play in the January Top Prospects’ Gam where he performed very well. Although Beleskey's play later in the season was somewhat uneven, and at times too undisciplined, he registered 40 points (20 goals) in 61 games in the regular season.

Additionally, despite being injured at the Summer Development Camp last August, Beleskey was chosen to represent Canada in the Under-18 World Championships in Sweden. The team leader in penalty minutes in the tournament (37 PIM), Beleskey had one assist in 7 games.

Beleskey has a good shot and hands, but needs to work on his skating.

I agree, he is more of Carney-type of player. Likes to play safe defense and is not very offense oriented, he is a way better skater than Carney though.
The more I read about Mitera the more I like him, I only saw him play once or twice but I remembered how he was a very good skater for a guy his size. HF's write up also points out he has a pretty good shot and outlet pass as well...sounds like a guy who can be a 2/3 dman.

Bob McKenzie seemed to love Smid when he was talking about our prospects...a year ago this was a trouble spot now it's starting to become pretty deep with quality talent.

Quick recap for today:

1st round
Mark Mitera. D, Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)

2nd round
Bryce Swan. RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

3rd round
John Degray. D, Brampton (OHL)

4th round
Matt Beleskey. LW, Belleville (OHL)

6th round
Petteri Wirtanen. C, HPK (Finland)

Like the first two picks for sure. Mitera helps give some depth to the blueline prospect wise. If Swan models his game after Ryan Smtyh and is going to be that guy who takes a beating in front of the net to score goals, then he'll be a favorite of mine. Hopefully these guys pan out. Free agency starts in about a week so that's when more fun begins, should be interesting to see what Burke does.

Welcome Mr. Mitera, Mr. Swan, Mr. Degray, Mr. Beleskey, and Mr. Wirtanen!!! :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Wirtanen was the captain on the Finns WJC team. Character was the word of the day. I hope the Ducks are done with the days of drafting boom or bust players.

I am confident Burke will make good decisions as weird as they seem to us, after all he can see the future.

Like the first two picks for sure. Mitera helps give some depth to the blueline prospect wise. If Swan models his game after Ryan Smtyh and is going to be that guy who takes a beating in front of the net to score goals, then he'll be a favorite of mine. Hopefully these guys pan out. Free agency starts in about a week so that's when more fun begins, should be interesting to see what Burke does.
his scouting report makes it sound like he could be a doan/smyth type of guy..must..find..video..

Here is Wirtanen's bio from HF.

http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/petteri_wirtanen

Talent Analysis

Wirtanen is a rather typical Finnish player, a two-way center with limited offensive upside. He leads his unit to control the play in all zones, his excellent two-way smarts complemented by strong leadership and exceptional penalty-killing skills. Wirtanen has now grown to the size of an adult player and his physical play has improved from average to good. He can both shoot and pass, but only to the extent of putting up lower-line points when facing challenging opposition. His performance is so consistent that very nearly everyone would like him on his team.

Future

At the age of twenty, Wirtanen is ready for the AHL if need be. To realize his potential he needs only a little more experience before going after a spot in the show, no more than anyone else of his age and talent level does. In the meantime, Wirtanen must gradually develop his offense to bring it up to NHL standards.

Sounds like a good 6th round pick!!! :)

GJ Duckie organization and GL all!!! :) :yo:

So, sounds like the draft went quite excellent!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: I love the fact that every single player we drafted was a character player. Just awesome! :)

Mitera sounds like a good, soild pick and Swan will be a great addition to our hockey club as will some or all of these other guys. :)

More reports from the draft media guide:

JOHN DEGRAY
Brampton • OHL
6’ 4”, 204 lbs. Defense, shoots left
Born: March 14, 1988 in Richmond Hill, Ontario
Final Ranking: 68 • Mid-Term Ranking: 35 • North American Skater

Central Scouting Report: Is a good skater with a long stride ... a big
guy with a wide base makes him solid on his skates ... good mobility
and lateral movement – most effective when he keeps his game simple
... has shown he can move the puck with crisp, accurate passes
but gets himself into trouble by trying to over handle the puck ... a
prototypical defensive defensemen with limited offensive ability ...
used on the penalty kill unit, where his long reach allows him to get
his stick into passing lanes ... good mobility for a big man is an asset
... gives a steady consistent effort each game ... a big guy who needs
to be more aggressive ...effective when he takes the body – can pin
opponents along the boards ... Brampton’s 1st pick, 6th overall, in
the 2004 OHL priority selection, he was a member of Team Canada
for the 2005 Junior World Cup ... was selected to the 2006 CHL Top
Prospects Game in Ottawa.

Personal Profile: Nickname is Johno and it was given to him as a baby
... favorite NHL team is Vancouver ... favorite NHL player is
Edmonton’s Chris Pronger ... wears jersey number 12 because it was
the first number he ever wore and has had it since age 5 ... The
greatest influence on his career has come from his father because
“he got me into hockey and taught me how to skate at age 3. He’s
extremely dedicated, comes to all of my games, and always wants the
best for me” ... patterns his game after Colorado’s Rob Blake because
“he is extremely steady, a good skater and is good with his stick” ...
outside of sports, he most admires his grandfather because he is
knowledgeable, caring and someone to look up to as a role model ...
most memorable hockey game played in was the gold medal game
vs. Czech Republic for the Under-18 tournament because it was his
first time in Europe, “an amazing atmosphere and I captured the gold
medal for my country” ... most memorable hockey game watched
was the 2006 World Junior Championships because Canada was seen
as an ‘underdog’ team and did everything they needed to in order to
capture gold ... favorites include: Seinfeld (TV show), Gladiator
(movie), Russell Crowe & Angelina Jolie (actors), and Our Lady Peace
(band) ... if he could have dinner with any three people they would
be: his paternal grandfather – “he died before I was born and I never
had the chance to meet him,” Paul Coffey – “my favorite player of all
time, and I admire his talent,” and Donald Trump – “no matter what I
do in life I want to be successful and he would have some great
advice and could share life experiences.”

Statistics
Season Team...... League GP. G. A Pts PIM
2005-06 Brampton OHL..... 68 0 10 10 103


MATT BELESKEY
Belleville • OHL
5’ 11”, 202 lbs. Left Wing, shoots left
Born: June 7, 1988 in Windsor, Ontario
Final Ranking: 46 • Mid-Term Ranking: 40 • North American Skater

Central Scouting Report: Is a good skater who needs to improve on
his first step acceleration ... has very good balance and is solid on his
skates, a power forward type of player who is a good puck handler ...
sees the ice well and is able to move the puck with accurate passing
... has a hard shot, which he has used successfully while on the
power-play unit ... is a fierce and gritty competitor ... most effective
when he plays an aggressive, physical game he has the ability to be
an intimidating power forward ... will finish his checks with authority
... is a tough player to play against as he will not be intimidated ...
out of the lineup until November due to a knee injury he suffered at
the Under -18 camp in August ... Belleville’s 2nd round pick, 21st
overall, in the 2004 OHL priority selection ... was selected to the 2006
CHL Top Prospects game in Ottawa.

Personal Profile: Nickname is Ski because of the way his last name
ends ... favorite NHL teams are Toronto and Vancouver ... favorite
player is former NHL’er Wendel Clark ... wears jersey number 17
because it was Clark’s number ... says that his dad has had the most
influence on his career because “he coached me most of my life and
showed me EVERYTHING about hockey” ... patterns his style of play
after Clark because he was “the best left winger” ... outside of
sports, he most admires his mom and dad for being great parents ...
most memorable hockey game played was the 2006 Top Prospects
game because it was “the opportunity of a lifetime” ... most memorable
hockey game watched was the Top Prospects game in Kitchener
in 2005... favorites include: Seinfeld (TV show), Wedding Crashers
(movie), Will Ferrell (actor), Green Day (band) ... if he could have dinner
with any three people they would be Wayne Gretzky, Mario
Lemieux and Bobby Orr to “get some tips for hockey.”

Statistics
Season Team......League GP G ..A .Pts PIM
2005-06 Belleville OHL.... 61 20. 20 40 119


PETTERI WIRTANEN
HPK • Finland
6’1”, 202 lbs. Center, shoots left
Born: May 28, 1986 in Hyvinkaa, Finland
Final Ranking: 35 • Mid-Term Ranking: 25 • European Skater

Central Scouting Report: Good, above average mobile skater ...
could use some first step quickness ... good skill level and hockey
sense ... very good team player – works hard for his team mates ...
effective two-way center and very good penalty killer ... at his best in
a defensive role ... blocks shots ... sees the ice well ... excellent work
ethic – good competitor ... not overly physical but does not shy away
from the rough stuff ... captain of Finnish team at the 2006 World
Junior Championships.

Statistics
Season Team League GP. G. A Pts PIM
2005-06 HPK. FIN..... 50.. 8 3 11. 24

Quick recap for today:

1st round
Mark Mitera. D, Univ. of Michigan (CCHA)

2nd round
Bryce Swan. RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

3rd round
John Degray. D, Brampton (OHL)

4th round
Matt Beleskey. LW, Belleville (OHL)

6th round
Petteri Wirtanen. C, HPK (Finland)
Very solid draft. Hard-working players all the way. I personally would have liked someone with higher potential and maybe more risk in the first round, but Mitera is a pretty good dman.
I especially like Beleskey and Swan. Both have untapped potential and could turn into very valuable players.

Very solid draft. Hard-working players all the way. I personally would have liked someone with higher potential and maybe more risk in the first round, but Mitera is a pretty good dman.
I especially like Beleskey and Swan. Both have untapped potential and could turn into very valuable players.

So, are you a Duck fan now? ;) :D

New fans are always welcome. :)

So we didn't draft any goalies? I thought our 'biggest need' was in goal.

http://anaheimducks.com/press/release/topstory.php?dir=200604&id=1369

MARK MITERA - DEFENSE - UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN (CCHA)

6' 3", 202 lbs. Shoots: LEFT

Born: October 22, 1987 in Royal Oak, Michigan

FIRST ROUND - #19 OVERALL

Mitera describes himself as a defensive defenseman. The Royal Oak, Michigan native won gold at the 2005 World U-18 tournament. Central Scouting Service describes Mitera as a 'good skater with a smooth stride who is strong on his skates and hard to knock off the puck.' Mitera says that he tries to model his game after Edmonton defenseman Chris Pronger and tries to be smart and physical on the ice. Central Scouting also says that Mitera 'is a competitor who plays hard every night with an aggresive style game and at times can dominate physically. In 39 games at Michigan in 2005-2006, Mitera had 10 assists and 59 penalty minutes.

Anaheim Ducks.com article. Basically says what the other reports in this thread say in a more concise manner. Has reports on the other players drafted as well. :)

So, are you a Duck fan now? ;) :D

New fans are always welcome. :)
i'm a long-time ducks fan. just did not post here too much for longer time.

i'm a long-time ducks fan. just did not post here too much for longer time.

Oh ok. I was thinking that was the case, I just wasn't sure. :)

Good to see you really like the Swan pick.

Here is Wirtanen's bio from HF.

http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/petteri_wirtanen



Sounds like a good 6th round pick!!! :)

GJ Duckie organization and GL all!!! :) :yo:
Sounds like Pahlsson

Quite nice draft. I hoped that Burke will deal up to get into the top 5 but on the other hand i have plenty of faith in our scouting team because of what they did in the past. so overall i think we picked out a fine group in a weak overall draft.

Btw. are there any interessting undrafted, unsigned players out there to go after like we did with andy mac and kunitz?

Quite nice draft. I hoped that Burke will deal up to get into the top 5 but on the other hand i have plenty of faith in our scouting team because of what they did in the past. so overall i think we picked out a fine group in a weak overall draft.

Btw. are there any interessting undrafted, unsigned players out there to go after like we did with andy mac and kunitz?

The one we should be looking after is local product Gabe Gauthier. :)

The one we should be looking after is local product Gabe Gauthier. :)

I second that! Hey, did anyone notice a kid from Orange (hey my birthplace!) was drafted today, as well as Placentia. I forget their names and who took em but you can chaulk up another couple of So Cal, nah OC kids drafted.

I second that! Hey, did anyone notice a kid from Orange (hey my birthplace!) was drafted today, as well as Placentia. I forget their names and who took em but you can chaulk up another couple of So Cal, nah OC kids drafted.

Rhett Rakhshani is the kid from Orange that got drafted by NYI and T.J. Miller is the other guy from Placentia that was drafted by NJ. There was also another California player that got drafted by Montreal, his name is Cameron Cepek from Huntington Beach.

So we didn't draft any goalies? I thought our 'biggest need' was in goal.

CanWest Services thought so too, and had us draft Leland Irving, but, we're as good as set in goal. We have two fairly young starters, a Hobey Baker finalist behind them, another very good QMJHL goalie behind them, and a goalie who was just awesome in the Dub behind them. I'd say that's good enough for me.

I like this draft. Alot of character guys, no boom or bust guys this year. I did, though, have a scare when Mitera was picked. When he took off the white Ducks jersey right after being picked, I thought he was pulling a Lindros or something, but then I saw it was just to show off both jerseys to the world, which I find an awesome touch by Burkey.

News about Wirtanen

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/pros/article_1192980.php

With their final pick, in the sixth round, the Ducks took center Petteri Wirtanen of HPK in Finland. Wirtanen, 20, might be ready for American League duty next season, Ducks vice president of amateur scouting and player development Chuck Fletcher said.

SWEET!!! :bow: IN Mr. Fletcher I trust!!!

hmm so Vancouver got our 3rd round pick (#82) and we had San Jose's 3rd round pick (#83) from the Ozolinsh trade through the Rangers.

I thought Vancouver was getting our 2007 2nd rounder as Carlyle signing compensation...??

hmm so Vancouver got our 3rd round pick (#82) and we had San Jose's 3rd round pick (#83) from the Ozolinsh trade through the Rangers.

I thought Vancouver was getting our 2007 2nd rounder as Carlyle signing compensation...??

I've heard that 07 is a deeper draft anyway so it worked out well. :)

Here's a nice little peice from NHL.com on Mitera.

On the day of this year's Entry Draft in Vancouver, Anaheim first-round selection Mark Mitera spoke extensively about how he tries to pattern his game after NHL superstar Chris Pronger.

At the time, Pronger had just finished wowing the hockey world with his showing for the Edmonton Oilers in their dramatic march to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Many believed that if the Oilers had won that final game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Pronger would have been selected as the postseason's Most Valuable Player, hauling away the coveted Conn Smythe Trophy.

It's only natural that the 6-foot-3,205-pound Mitera, the 19th overall pick, would identify with another big-bodied defenseman when looking for a role model. But little did Mitera know that he would soon be serving as an apprentice for the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Pronger in a mere matter of weeks.



http://www.nhl.com/features/system/mitera081806.html

Copying entire articles is against copyright rules, even if you give a citation (link). Suggest you delete the quote and let interested parties simply click on the link.

Copying entire articles is against copyright rules, even if you give a citation (link). Suggest you delete the quote and let interested parties simply click on the link.

Oops, my bad.

Thanks braincramp (and Jerky).