2008 Draft Eligibles rising + falling

So who among the draft eligibles are making a strong case for themselves?

Here are my early thoughts :

Stamkos - about as expected

Doughty - It's impressive that he's playing a regular shift...but he's not making a really strong case for himself...don't think this tourny will help him (so far)

Boedker - I think this guy must be turning heads. He looks to me like he's making a strong case for the top half of the 1st rd.

Schenn - must be securing a place at the top of the draft for his safe & solid play


Thoughts??? Who do you think is impressing??

Motin doesn't make himself a sure 1st rounder by his play. He's got very good +- stat, but he was the worst D-man for Sweden in a game with Canada.

forsberg?

Doughty-He really hasn't shown me anything. He's good but I don't think he is top 2 in the draft.

Stamkos-Wow...The kid can skate, he is really explusive. He will be drafted 1st overall.

Schenn- He is really solid, and physical, more offence would be nice, but he is great defencively.

Colin Wilson- He has been really impressive(well looking at the stats)

Doughty's been crap at times. He needs to step it up with a more consistent effort. At times it's visible why he's gonna be a top 3 pick, but so far he's been very underwhelming.

Stamkos is only increasing the gap between him and the rest of the pack.

Schenn is awesome. No fooling around, just getting the job done.

Some other risers

Wilson - might be USA's best player next to van Reimsdyk
Filatov - 3rd most SOG in tournament

Some other risers

Wilson - might be USA's best player next to van Reimsdyk
Filatov - 3rd most SOG in tournament

and 0 goals...

Not sure how that raises your stock.

and 0 goals...

Not sure how that raises your stock.

I dont see how going by stats can tell you if a players stock is going up or down...

and 0 goals...

Not sure how that raises your stock.

It shows he's good enough to constantly be involved in the gameplay......pretty much all you can ask for with a 1990 kid in a 1988 tourney.

Motin doesn't make himself a sure 1st rounder by his play. He's got very good +- stat, but he was the worst D-man for Sweden in a game with Canada.

yes, i agree. he and moe are the worst D for sweden i think. i think he's not 1st round material.

wilson has to be up a few spots with 6 goals in 4 games.

wilson has to be up a few spots with 6 goals in 4 games.

Yeah I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

Doughty-He really hasn't shown me anything. He's good but I don't think he is top 2 in the draft.

Stamkos-Wow...The kid can skate, he is really explusive. He will be drafted 1st overall.

Schenn- He is really solid, and physical, more offence would be nice, but he is great defencively.

Colin Wilson- He has been really impressive(well looking at the stats)

I could never understand how some people can say players are not as good as they thought after playing between 4 to 7games. Doughty has been a beast for Guelph but yet after 4 canadian games his stock drops? I remember watching at these WJC and he was all that impressive considering he was the "next big thing" but I guess it didn't really matter did it?

I also watched Colaiacovo at the WJC when he was named a top dman and being stoked about it for the Leafs......Cola has done nothing in the 6 years he's been here.

The tournament is great to watch and I do admit it can help a player come draft day but only to a certain degree. I think it helps the players later in the first round and throughout the rest of the draft. Come draft day Doughty will be a top 3 pick and so will Pieterangelo and he didn't even make the club.

I could never understand how some people can say players are not as good as they thought after playing between 4 to 7games. Doughty has been a beast for Guelph but yet after 4 canadian games his stock drops? I remember watching at these WJC and he was all that impressive considering he was the "next big thing" but I guess it didn't really matter did it?

I also watched Colaiacovo at the WJC when he was named a top dman and being stoked about it for the Leafs......Cola has done nothing in the 6 years he's been here.

The tournament is great to watch and I do admit it can help a player come draft day but only to a certain degree. I think it helps the players later in the first round and throughout the rest of the draft. Come draft day Doughty will be a top 3 pick and so will Pieterangelo and he didn't even make the club.

to be fair that is more to do with health then talent.

But your point is valid. However i do think players can have their stock rise or drop in this tournament to some degree as this is a chance to see players in a higher pressure situation then you would otherwise get to see. As well as against better more NHL comparable competition.

and 0 goals...

Not sure how that raises your stock.

3 assists, also he has made some good plays, definate top 10 picks. I'd say the tourny has not elevated or lowered his draft rankings, problably around nuetral.
Also, Victor Tikhonov with 4G already, I believe 2 are game winning, and one was a beauty. This guy gets drafted this year for sure.

I could never understand how some people can say players are not as good as they thought after playing between 4 to 7games. Doughty has been a beast for Guelph but yet after 4 canadian games his stock drops? I remember watching at these WJC and he was all that impressive considering he was the "next big thing" but I guess it didn't really matter did it?

I also watched Colaiacovo at the WJC when he was named a top dman and being stoked about it for the Leafs......Cola has done nothing in the 6 years he's been here.

The tournament is great to watch and I do admit it can help a player come draft day but only to a certain degree. I think it helps the players later in the first round and throughout the rest of the draft. Come draft day Doughty will be a top 3 pick and so will Pieterangelo and he didn't even make the club.


You make some good points....but you can't deny that the u20's are a good measuring stick for players.....anyways this post is just for fun.

Colin Wilson has proven to all doubters that he is a top 10 pick in this draft.

Colin Wilson has proven to all doubters that he is a top 10 pick in this draft.

I don't see why he wouldn't be top 5? :help:

Colin Wilson has proven to all doubters that he is a top 10 pick in this draft.

Another Winnipeg boy that can score and play both ends of the ice. Hmm must be something in the water.

Another Winnipeg boy that can score and play both ends of the ice. Hmm must be something in the water.

I thought he was from Connecticut? :help:

ya hes defenitly American.

3 assists, also he has made some good plays, definate top 10 picks. I'd say the tourny has not elevated or lowered his draft rankings, problably around nuetral.
Also, Victor Tikhonov with 4G already, I believe 2 are game winning, and one was a beauty. This guy gets drafted this year for sure.

My point was, the guy said Filatov stock was raised because he has a lot of shots on goal. I disputed that because while he has a lot of shots, the lack of goals would not be looked at as a positive in very many peoples eyes.

He's done nothing to raise his stock, but it's not going to be lowered due to this tournament.

ya hes defenitly American.

Dual Canadian-American citizenship. Born in the US to Canadian parents.

lol why did his parents move to the US? who chooses to move from a country worthy of`respect to one who dosent?

lol why did his parents move to the US? who chooses to move from a country worthy of`respect to one who dosent?

Colin Wilson is the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson.

lol why did his parents move to the US? who chooses to move from a country worthy of`respect to one who dosent?

A person who plays professional hockey?

You make some good points....but you can't deny that the u20's are a good measuring stick for players.....anyways this post is just for fun.

I completely agree. It is definantly a good measuring stick for these players to see how they react to playing at the highest level they can play at. My whole point is if Stamkos doesn't score a goal in this tournament some people think his stock should fall. It's fine to judge a player based on this tournament but to a certain degree is all I'm saying.

Another examaple of this would the Hedman vs Tavares debate for '09. Hedman is geting more ice time and has been more impactful throughout the tournament but to argue he should be the number 1 pick based on this tournament is very premature.

I'll say that Harri Sateri has probably given the scouts something to think about after tonight's semifinal against Canada. I'm not a scout or anything (and being a Finn makes me kind of super-biased), but he played really well under pressure. 28 saves, 3 goals, one of which was a bad bounce off a defenceman. He just continued the Finnish trend of the goaltender being the #1 go-to guy when in a bad spot. Just one game, though, but I'd say his stocks just rose a bit.

What about Stefanovich from Belarus? Anyone see how he did at Div 1?

I thought he was from Connecticut? :help:

He grew up in Winnipeg, from what I've read.

I don't understand people talking about Doughty's stock dropping here.

I watched every second of Super Series play, and I've seen every period of Canada's WJCs this year except the 1st period vs. the Finns, and Doughty's looked great every time I've seen him. McKenzie called him a "riverboat gambler", and that seems pretty bang on, but it doesn't mean he's poor defensively - it's precisely the opposite, actually.

He's very good in his own end, but he doesn't always make the safe play on offense, like Schenn does. He's a dynamic offensive player, so he needs to take some chances to create. Generally speaking, his speed and hockey sense are great enough to compensate if a risk goes wrong. If it weren't for Doughty's gambles, it's quite likely that Canada would be out of the medals this year.

In fact, I'd rank Doughty higher than Stamkos.

let me play the devils advocate and say stamkos has not been very impressive for a guy who is the surefire number 1 pick for this draft... thoughts anyone?

also who is this evgeni rymarev guy whos in the top scorers on KAZ?

let me play the devils advocate and say stamkos has not been very impressive for a guy who is the surefire number 1 pick for this draft... thoughts anyone?

He hasn't been a real game-breaker, but he's performed pretty well in every part of the rink. Very fast, resilient, tricky stickhandler, and has good vision.

He's not my #1 though. Talk of him having Crosby-esque upside is pretty ridiculous.

What about Stefanovich from Belarus? Anyone see how he did at Div 1?

Strictly based on his personal stats, he seriously underperformed.

5 games-3 goals-1 assist-4 points (22nd in scoring, Group B, Div.1) (Tied for 5th in scoring on the Belarus team)
However, he was player of the game for Belarus in their first game vs Hungary

(By comparison, Sergei Kostitsyn had 5 games-4 goals-4 assists-8 points as a 16 year old playing in Div 1 for Belarus in the 2004 U20)

Now I haven't seen all the prospects, but I don't think any of them have had their stock drop, to be honest. They've all been effective, and involved.

He's done nothing to raise his stock, but it's not going to be lowered due to this tournament.
Why is that? I think Filatov has been demonstrating the kind of offensive potential that leaves scouts drooling. His feed on the Anisimov goal against Finland was, in itself, worth a few spots in the draft order as far as I'm concerned.

Why is that? I think Filatov has been demonstrating the kind of offensive potential that leaves scouts drooling. His feed on the Anisimov goal against Finland was, in itself, worth a few spots in the draft order as far as I'm concerned.

Slitty, what's your take on Voinov? It'd be nice to get an overview and some thoughts on where you think he could be drafted, talent-wise...lack of a transfer agreement notwithstanding.

Only saw him play in the WJCs vs. the Czechs and he didn't stand out much, but he looked very good in the Super Series. Hit hard, skated well, made some nice defensive reads, and looked to have some offensive upside. Maguire seems to think he's a modern-day Ulfie, but I figured he could have a more potent scoring dimension than that.

other then the obvious guys, i have been impressed by michal jordan and vyacheslav voinov...

i know voinov is ranked late 1st round most places, but where is jordan ranked??

from what i have seen, he looks like a good 2nd round pick...

Slitty, what's your take on Voinov? It'd be nice to get an overview and some thoughts on where you think he could be drafted, talent-wise...lack of a transfer agreement notwithstanding.

Only saw him play in the WJCs vs. the Czechs and he didn't stand out much, but he looked very good in the Super Series. Hit hard, skated well, made some nice defensive reads, and looked to have some offensive upside. Maguire seems to think he's a modern-day Ulfie, but I figured he could have a more potent scoring dimension than that.

Not Slitty, but Voinov is a guy I could see getting drafted later in the first/second round and end up like Andrej Meszaros.

Some GM's are going to be kicking themselves for passing up on him. No way is Teubert ahead of Voinov.

Strictly based on his personal stats, he seriously underperformed.

5 games-3 goals-1 assist-4 points (22nd in scoring, Group B, Div.1) (Tied for 5th in scoring on the Belarus team)
However, he was player of the game for Belarus in their first game vs Hungary

(By comparison, Sergei Kostitsyn had 5 games-4 goals-4 assists-8 points as a 16 year old playing in Div 1 for Belarus in the 2004 U20)

I wanna say Vanek when I think of Stefanovich but he is just too damn quiet during the course of a game. Not a game breaker, but lethal around the net. Similar to Nemisz, but much more talented with the puck IMO. I'm not sure with this kid.

I think his poor stats have to do with his teammates not being good enough at getting the puck in areas he is dominant.

I think that goal (the second I believe) in which Doughty rushed up the ice himself and passed it to Stamkos pretty much solidified his position in the Top 3 this year. Yes I know you can't base it on one play, but it just showcased exactly what he has to offer. His defensive play is better now too.

Not Slitty, but Voinov is a guy I could see getting drafted later in the first/second round and end up like Andrej Meszaros.

Some GM's are going to be kicking themselves for passing up on him. No way is Teubert ahead of Voinov.

Pretty much my take too. Frankly, as a Pittsburgh fan, I'd love if they could nab him with a mid-first rounder.

Pretty much my take too. Frankly, as a Pittsburgh fan, I'd love if they could nab him with a mid-first rounder.

He seems to be one to pick his spots. Was going to say he's tamed a bit but I don't think so. I haven't really see him go running around to make hits, which may help preserve him a bit at his current size.

Either way, he'd be a great addition to PIT IMO. An athletic rearguard who can do a little bit of everything and keep up with the megatalents that PIT has.

I think that goal (the second I believe) in which Doughty rushed up the ice himself and passed it to Stamkos pretty much solidified his position in the Top 3 this year. Yes I know you can't base it on one play, but it just showcased exactly what he has to offer. His defensive play is better now too.

Depends on what you're looking for. And whether you think he's closer to Leetch or Colaiacovo.

Personally, I'm generally not a fan of that kind of defender but he seems to have a rare combination of acceleration, puck skills, and navigation instincts in traffic. You just can't ignore that.

One of those guys you just hope doesn't burn you with unrealized "potential."

He seems to be one to pick his spots. Was going to say he's tamed a bit but I don't think so. I haven't really see him go running around to make hits, which may help preserve him a bit at his current size.

Either way, he'd be a great addition to PIT IMO. An athletic rearguard who can do a little bit of everything and keep up with the megatalents that PIT has.

From what I've seen/read/heard, not one aspect of Voinov's game really stands out...but he has no significant flaws either. He's just a very solid all-round defenseman who can excel in any situation (es, pp, pk, physical or finesse game).

Probably make an ideal future #2 NHL d-man.

let me play the devils advocate and say stamkos has not been very impressive for a guy who is the surefire number 1 pick for this draft... thoughts anyone?

also who is this evgeni rymarev guy whos in the top scorers on KAZ?
He's in his draft year, if he just doesn't look out of place that's pretty successfull for a player his age in this tournament, which makes a guy like Schenn all the more impressive IMO.

He grew up in Winnipeg, from what I've read.

This is true, he went to my school.

I'll say that Harri Sateri has probably given the scouts something to think about after tonight's semifinal against Canada. I'm not a scout or anything (and being a Finn makes me kind of super-biased), but he played really well under pressure. 28 saves, 3 goals, one of which was a bad bounce off a defenceman. He just continued the Finnish trend of the goaltender being the #1 go-to guy when in a bad spot. Just one game, though, but I'd say his stocks just rose a bit.

I agree, you Finns are producing fine goaltenders. What happened to Helenius? Why didn't he play?

I think that goal (the second I believe) in which Doughty rushed up the ice himself and passed it to Stamkos pretty much solidified his position in the Top 3 this year. Yes I know you can't base it on one play, but it just showcased exactly what he has to offer. His defensive play is better now too.

Maybe just me, but shouldn't he be playing with a lot more intensity than he is? Sure his few end to end rushes are nice, but as a 17 yr old with no real expectation or responsibility, couldn't he stand to get more involved? Or does this just mean he's playing a safe, reliable game?

I don't think Schenn's type of game is that difficult for Doughty to copy as he's a big hitter as well, but for some reason he hasn't shown any of the edge he has in the O. Did I just miss it? Sometimes my attention does drift.

Either way, Doughty's definately a top talent. I'm just not sure he's the 2nd best prospect.

Not that he's played overly poorly...but I think Motin's stock might have fallen a bit.

Not that he's played overly poorly...but I think Motin's stock might have fallen a bit.

I don't think he has to play overly poorly for his stock to fall at this tourney..it seems to be the trend since the start of the season.

He has not played well at all the past couple of months.

I agree, you Finns are producing fine goaltenders. What happened to Helenius? Why didn't he play?

Helenius had slight problems against USA and D left his confidence prolly a bit low. And since Säteri had nice game(or the end of it) against USA Rautakorpi wanted to play Säteri over Helenius. Right pick imho. Not that Helenius would have been bad, but just didn't have best possible day and Finland let his confidence slip even more.

Maybe just me, but shouldn't he be playing with a lot more intensity than he is? Sure his few end to end rushes are nice, but as a 17 yr old with no real expectation or responsibility, couldn't he stand to get more involved? Or does this just mean he's playing a safe, reliable game?

I don't think Schenn's type of game is that difficult for Doughty to copy as he's a big hitter as well, but for some reason he hasn't shown any of the edge he has in the O. Did I just miss it? Sometimes my attention does drift.

Either way, Doughty's definately a top talent. I'm just not sure he's the 2nd best prospect.

I don't know why Doughty would try to copy Schenn; his offensive skills would go completely to waste. Schenn's responsibilites are fairly one-dimensional, so that could partially explain why he's been more successful in a shutdown role.

Doughty's plenty involved in the play, but I think he's not getting too physical because he's wary of the implications of overcommitting on the big ice surface.

Slitty, what's your take on Voinov? It'd be nice to get an overview and some thoughts on where you think he could be drafted, talent-wise...lack of a transfer agreement notwithstanding.

Only saw him play in the WJCs vs. the Czechs and he didn't stand out much, but he looked very good in the Super Series. Hit hard, skated well, made some nice defensive reads, and looked to have some offensive upside. Maguire seems to think he's a modern-day Ulfie, but I figured he could have a more potent scoring dimension than that.
Well, you're observations as to his defensive strengths are rather poignant. The one thing I would add is the he is also blossoming some fine shot-blocking ability. As for his offensive upside - he isn't one to join the rush and doesn't have a particularly potent shot from the point. What will allow him to rack up assists is his very impressive breakout pass - some of his saucers are truly something special! Unfortunately, I don't follow prospects on a global enough scale to come up with any sort of specific prediction as to his likely draft position.

let me play the devils advocate and say stamkos has not been very impressive for a guy who is the surefire number 1 pick for this draft... thoughts anyone?



Gagner didn't do much either in the WJ's.

Well, you're observations as to his defensive strengths are rather poignant. The one thing I would add is the he is also blossoming some fine shot-blocking ability. As for his offensive upside - he isn't one to join the rush and doesn't have a particularly potent shot from the point. What will allow him to rack up assists is his very impressive breakout pass - some of his saucers are truly something special! Unfortunately, I don't follow prospects on a global enough scale to come up with any sort of specific prediction as to his likely draft position.

Not a problem. I appreciate the insight.

Harri Sateri has moved up in my books.

Voinov up a bit, Motin down slightly.

Filatov a top ten talent.

The HF Radio Mid-Season 08 Draft Top 30 will be released on Monday.

Harri Sateri has moved up in my books.

Voinov up a bit, Motin down slightly.

Filatov a top ten talent.

The HF Radio Mid-Season 08 Draft Top 30 will be released on Monday.

Can't wait to read that...where are you going to post it?

Can't wait to read that...where are you going to post it?

I'll post the list here, but the entire list with pictures, comments etc. will be available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com

I'll have all the rankings posted there, ISS, McKeens, TSN etc...atleast the ones that they make available to the public, I'm not allowed to post the ones that people have to pay for.

i have been impressed by michal jordan

I'd draft him just because of his name! :yo:

What about the swiss prospects?

Are they overrated or did the team only play so bad?

What are the reasons?

I'll say that Harri Sateri has probably given the scouts something to think about after tonight's semifinal against Canada. I'm not a scout or anything (and being a Finn makes me kind of super-biased), but he played really well under pressure. 28 saves, 3 goals, one of which was a bad bounce off a defenceman. He just continued the Finnish trend of the goaltender being the #1 go-to guy when in a bad spot. Just one game, though, but I'd say his stocks just rose a bit.

In the game against Canada, Säteri played really well. But there was a misconceivement in the TSN feed in regards to him. Gord Miller mentioned that in spite of being just 18 years old, Säteri is the number one goalie in his club. I don't know where he got that from, as the stats (http://www.sm-liiga.fi/tilastot.html?b=rs&a=s&s=07-08&l=m_ottelut&t=tappara&p=kaikki&tb=&te=&naytaottelut.x=35&naytaottelut.y=9) indicate that he has played zero minutes at the top Finnish level. He has played ~20 games at the U-20 (http://80.248.243.180/cgi-bin/08_kausi/jaakiekko/rt_team_stats.pl?LID=1&GID=1&TID=906062164&LANG=FI&TYPE=8&TIG=1000000004&BIND=0) level.

I thought Voinov had a great game today, that certainly helps his stock.

I'll post the list here, but the entire list with pictures, comments etc. will be available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com

I'll have all the rankings posted there, ISS, McKeens, TSN etc...atleast the ones that they make available to the public, I'm not allowed to post the ones that people have to pay for.

where can i find the rankings on this site?

I'll post the list here, but the entire list with pictures, comments etc. will be available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com

I'll have all the rankings posted there, ISS, McKeens, TSN etc...atleast the ones that they make available to the public, I'm not allowed to post the ones that people have to pay for.

where can i find the rankings on this site?

I'll post the list here, but the entire list with pictures, comments etc. will be available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com

I'll have all the rankings posted there, ISS, McKeens, TSN etc...atleast the ones that they make available to the public, I'm not allowed to post the ones that people have to pay for.

where can i find the rankings on this site?

He grew up in Winnipeg, from what I've read.

Born in US while father, Carey Wilson was still playing pro for the then, Hartford Whalers. Grew up in Winnipeg when the family moved back home post hockey career. Since he had dual, the family made the smart decision to opt into the U17, U18 NTDP.

Looks like a smart decision, not to mention securing a full NCAA ride to college!

Of the first rounders I think the only guy that really significantly helped his draft stock is Colin Wilson. Voinov and Filatov were good but I'm not sure how much their draft stock really went up. Maybe a few spots for Voinov.

Born in US while father, Carey Wilson was still playing pro for the then, Hartford Whalers. Grew up in Winnipeg when the family moved back home post hockey career. Since he had dual, the family made the smart decision to opt into the U17, U18 NTDP.

Looks like a smart decision, not to mention securing a full NCAA ride to college!
Article in the Winnipeg Sun showed that's it killing Carey to see his son wearing the stars and stripes, not the maple leaf!!

where can i find the rankings on this site?

ya i camt find them either?

We post the ISS rankings on Hockey's Future, and the other rankings usually pop up on HF Boards from time to time, I'm sure if you search you can find them.

That is also one of the main reason's I'm going to have them all from Central scouting to The Red Line report available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com as of Monday!!

I don't understand people talking about Doughty's stock dropping here.

I watched every second of Super Series play, and I've seen every period of Canada's WJCs this year except the 1st period vs. the Finns, and Doughty's looked great every time I've seen him. McKenzie called him a "riverboat gambler", and that seems pretty bang on, but it doesn't mean he's poor defensively - it's precisely the opposite, actually.

He's very good in his own end, but he doesn't always make the safe play on offense, like Schenn does. He's a dynamic offensive player, so he needs to take some chances to create. Generally speaking, his speed and hockey sense are great enough to compensate if a risk goes wrong. If it weren't for Doughty's gambles, it's quite likely that Canada would be out of the medals this year.

In fact, I'd rank Doughty higher than Stamkos.

I have to disagree with nearly this whole post. Doughty has been alright this tournament, and the bolded statement above is plain stupid. He is okay in his own end, but he certainly isn't a Luke Schenn either..and to me Stamkos has shown me everything I want in a first overall pick this tournament.

We post the ISS rankings on Hockey's Future, and the other rankings usually pop up on HF Boards from time to time, I'm sure if you search you can find them.

That is also one of the main reason's I'm going to have them all from Central scouting to The Red Line report available at www.hockeysfutureradio.com as of Monday!!

great, thanks.

In speaking to a couple of scouts that were at the tournament, but have returned home (Interestingly; many scouts don't stick around for the Gold and Bronze medal games; nor the semi-finals.)


Scouts have concerns with Wilson's skating still, but the rest of his game is solid that he's now considered a top-ten candidate. I told one team's had scout that i now head him ranked 8th right behind Boedker and Beach. He said that's "about right."

Schenn was already a top 7 or 8 guy in most if not all scouts' lists heading in, but now he's pretty much a guaranteed top five prospect who will push Doughty, AP and Bogosian for the top defenceman selected.

Larsen helped his cause - may be looked at as a first rounder.

Josi caught scouts' eyes. Definitely looked at as a top 50 prospect after this tournament.

Sbisa - disappointed somewhat. Was thought by one scout to be a first rounder going in - now he says second or third rounder.

Motin's stock continues to fall - same with Chudinov.

Filatov impressed - certainly has impressed some scouts as a top ten player in terms of talent. I'm not finding many pro scouts that are warming up to Voinov either. Holes in his game that will kepp him oput of the first round and perhaps even the second.

Strapac, Szturc and Kundratek hurt their rankings with at least one scout. In November he said they looked like mid round prospects after seeing them at a Five Nations tourney - after the WJC he said he wouldn't draft any of them, but may have been overreacting. Personally I thought Strapac and Kundtratek weren't bad if lacking high-end skill - will likely be drafted at least, and even the scout who said he wouldn't draft them admitted they should be selected.

In speaking to a couple of scouts that were at the tournament, but have returned home (Interestingly; many scouts don't stick around for the Gold and Bronze medal games; nor the semi-finals.)


Scouts have concerns with Wilson's skating still, but the rest of his game is solid that he's now considered a top-ten candidate. I told one team's had scout that i now head him ranked 8th right behind Boedker and Beach. He said that's "about right."

Schenn was already a top 7 or 8 guy in most if not all scouts' lists heading in, but now he's pretty much a guaranteed top five prospect who will push Doughty, AP and Bogosian for the top defenceman selected.

Larsen helped his cause - may be looked at as a first rounder.

Josi caught scouts' eyes. Definitely looked at as a top 50 prospect after this tournament.

Sbisa - disappointed somewhat. Was thought by one scout to be a first rounder going in - now he says second or third rounder.

Motin's stock continues to fall - same with Chudinov.

Filatov impressed - certainly has impressed some scouts as a top ten player in terms of talent. I'm not finding many pro scouts that are warming up to Voinov either. Holes in his game that will kepp him oput of the first round and perhaps even the second.

Strapac, Szturc and Kundratek hurt their rankings with at least one scout. In November he said they looked like mid round prospects after seeing them at a Five Nations tourney - after the WJC he said he wouldn't draft any of them, but may have been overreacting. Personally I thought Strapac and Kundtratek weren't bad if lacking high-end skill - will likely be drafted at least, and even the scout who said he wouldn't draft them admitted they should be selected.

Schenn looked amazing out there. Usually, people think it's a good thing for defensemen to be unnoticeable, as that means they aren't doing anything bad to draw attention to themselves. He was actively breaking up USA's play in the offensive zone and getting the puck out. Very, very impressive.

Colin Wilson is playing good and has risen his stock.
Doughty is playing solid and i think he is pulling closer to Stamkos.
Schen i think is the 2nd best defenseman in the draft after Doughty.

I have to disagree with nearly this whole post. Doughty has been alright this tournament, and the bolded statement above is plain stupid. He is okay in his own end, but he certainly isn't a Luke Schenn either..and to me Stamkos has shown me everything I want in a first overall pick this tournament.

No, it's not. If you recall, both Doughty's half spin-o-rama and rush up-ice with an assist to Turris (to go ahead 2-0 in the 3rd in a tight game vs. the Slovaks) and his dipsy-doodle and dish to Stamkos (go ahead goal in the 3rd vs. the Finns) came at critical junctures in both games. Had he not made those gambles, things could've turned out very differently. They were game-breakers.

He hasn't been as dominant a shutdown defenseman as Schenn, but his all-around responsibilities have been much greater. LS doesn't have to worry about putting up points, and Doughty's really the only potent weapon for Canada from the back-end.

In speaking to a couple of scouts that were at the tournament, but have returned home (Interestingly; many scouts don't stick around for the Gold and Bronze medal games; nor the semi-finals.)


Scouts have concerns with Wilson's skating still, but the rest of his game is solid that he's now considered a top-ten candidate. I told one team's had scout that i now head him ranked 8th right behind Boedker and Beach. He said that's "about right."

Schenn was already a top 7 or 8 guy in most if not all scouts' lists heading in, but now he's pretty much a guaranteed top five prospect who will push Doughty, AP and Bogosian for the top defenceman selected.

Larsen helped his cause - may be looked at as a first rounder.

Josi caught scouts' eyes. Definitely looked at as a top 50 prospect after this tournament.

Sbisa - disappointed somewhat. Was thought by one scout to be a first rounder going in - now he says second or third rounder.

Motin's stock continues to fall - same with Chudinov.

Filatov impressed - certainly has impressed some scouts as a top ten player in terms of talent. I'm not finding many pro scouts that are warming up to Voinov either. Holes in his game that will kepp him oput of the first round and perhaps even the second.

Strapac, Szturc and Kundratek hurt their rankings with at least one scout. In November he said they looked like mid round prospects after seeing them at a Five Nations tourney - after the WJC he said he wouldn't draft any of them, but may have been overreacting. Personally I thought Strapac and Kundtratek weren't bad if lacking high-end skill - will likely be drafted at least, and even the scout who said he wouldn't draft them admitted they should be selected.

I'd be curious to know what these supposed holes are.

I'd be curious to know what these supposed holes are.

Me too, from what i've seen he's one of the most well rounded dmen in the draft.

If Philip Larsen goes before Johan Motin in the draft I will be chocked. Even though i agree Motin has had a rough tournament he is clearly a lot better and is much more safe bet. Just because you can make a great firstpass (Larsen) doesn´t mean your that great in the rest of the game.

I'd be curious to know what these supposed holes are.

Keep in mind that there are no Sergei Fetisovs playing on the Russian defence - so him playing lots as a draft eligible prospect at the WJC is admirable, but not awe inspiring. You may have noticed that very few Russian defencemen have been picked in the first round over the past decade - occasionally a Vishnevsky who can skate like the wind or a Volchenkov who hits like Scott Stevens comes along and captures an NHL team with his physical attributes, but Voinov is not overwhelming in his size or skating abilities.

A 5-11 defenceman with decent mobility but not exceptional. Average offensive upside, not overly creative, inconsistencies in his
own end, overcommitting to the defender at times, bad reads, but looks to be improving in that area by tempering his game somewhat. Decent passer when not pressured, but not a future powerplay quarterback. Someone will like his competitiveness and
physicalness enough to grab him sometime in the second round I suspect (Holmgren?), but it wouldn't shock me to see him drop out of the second round given that most teams are shying away from using top 50 picks on a Russian player unless they're really sold on him.

The biggest hole in his game is bad reads. Not apparent every shift in this tournament, but in contests against a strong opponent like Canada in the summer and Sweden in the semis it was quite noticeable.

No, it's not. If you recall, both Doughty's half spin-o-rama and rush up-ice with an assist to Turris (to go ahead 2-0 in the 3rd in a tight game vs. the Slovaks) and his dipsy-doodle and dish to Stamkos (go ahead goal in the 3rd vs. the Finns) came at critical junctures in both games. Had he not made those gambles, things could've turned out very differently. They were game-breakers.

He hasn't been as dominant a shutdown defenseman as Schenn, but his all-around responsibilities have been much greater. LS doesn't have to worry about putting up points, and Doughty's really the only potent weapon for Canada from the back-end.

Josh Godfrey is also a weapon on the back end - actually he has more points than Doughty.

Josh Godfrey is also a weapon on the back end - actually he has more points than Doughty.

True, Godfry is a weapon, but a very one-dimensional one, used only in one specific situation.

I don't think he should've made the team. He's been awful in his own end, and his shot isn't worth the defensive liability, even with limited ES time.

I've only watched the Sweden game and the USA game, but the Canadian player (already drafted) that most concerned me was Claude Giroux. He seems to have all the tools, and excellent vision/play-making ability, but for a smaller player he really needs to work on protecting the puck better. He was too often and easily separated from the puck.

As a 20 year old, he is not going to get any bigger, so this is a skill he is going to have to improve a lot in.

Keep in mind that there are no Sergei Fetisovs playing on the Russian defence - so him playing lots as a draft eligible prospect at the WJC is admirable, but not awe inspiring. You may have noticed that very few Russian defencemen have been picked in the first round over the past decade - occasionally a Vishnevsky who can skate like the wind or a Volchenkov who hits like Scott Stevens comes along and captures an NHL team with his physical attributes, but Voinov is not overwhelming in his size or skating abilities.

A 5-11 defenceman with decent mobility but not exceptional. Average offensive upside, not overly creative, inconsistencies in his
own end, overcommitting to the defender at times, bad reads, but looks to be improving in that area by tempering his game somewhat. Decent passer when not pressured, but not a future powerplay quarterback. Someone will like his competitiveness and
physicalness enough to grab him sometime in the second round I suspect (Holmgren?), but it wouldn't shock me to see him drop out of the second round given that most teams are shying away from using top 50 picks on a Russian player unless they're really sold on him.

The biggest hole in his game is bad reads. Not apparent every shift in this tournament, but in contests against a strong opponent like Canada in the summer and Sweden in the semis it was quite noticeable.

From what I've seen, I couldn't disagree more about his reads. Granted, I've only seen him against the Swedes and the Americans (and in the Super Series), but he generally looked to have a very good sense of what was happening out there.

He can't skate like Doughty, but I'd say his skating is a plus - he's definitely not a plodder by any stretch. Hasn't been overly creative, but he's consistently made the smart, effective play.

I could understand the lack of a transfer agreement having an effect on his draft status, but based on skillset, he deserves to be a 1st rounder in my estimation...and I would be happy if my team picked him in the middle of the 1st.

From what I've seen, I couldn't disagree more about his reads. Granted, I've only seen him against the Swedes and the Americans (and in the Super Series), but he generally looked to have a very good sense of what was happening out there.

He can't skate like Doughty, but I'd say his skating is a plus - he's definitely not a plodder by any stretch. Hasn't been overly creative, but he's consistently made the smart, effective play.

I could understand the lack of a transfer agreement having an effect on his draft status, but based on skillset, he deserves to be a 1st rounder in my estimation...and I would be happy if my team picked him in the middle of the 1st.

Agreed on all accounts.

I've only watched the Sweden game and the USA game, but the Canadian player (already drafted) that most concerned me was Claude Giroux. He seems to have all the tools, and excellent vision/play-making ability, but for a smaller player he really needs to work on protecting the puck better. He was too often and easily separated from the puck.

As a 20 year old, he is not going to get any bigger, so this is a skill he is going to have to improve a lot in.

As a Flyers fan, I was watching JVR and Giroux especially closely, and he was also impressive. He just needs to get stronger, as he is not getting any bigger. His game is very polished and well-rounded for his age, though, and he is dangerous whenever his line is out there. I want to JVR add a more physical element to his game, because his offense and wheels are very good for a big man. He could be a LeClair with better wheels, or a Guerin with a mean(er) streak.

If Philip Larsen goes before Johan Motin in the draft I will be chocked. Even though i agree Motin has had a rough tournament he is clearly a lot better and is much more safe bet. Just because you can make a great firstpass (Larsen) doesn´t mean your that great in the rest of the game.

A great first pass? Did you even watch Denmark-Canada? it seemed that Larsen was out there the entire game, and he was excellent. A clear first rounder in my book.

Well, you're observations as to his defensive strengths are rather poignant. The one thing I would add is the he is also blossoming some fine shot-blocking ability. As for his offensive upside - he isn't one to join the rush and doesn't have a particularly potent shot from the point. mmmh.. am i the only one to think Voinov does have a very good one timer from the point?

A great first pass? Did you even watch Denmark-Canada? it seemed that Larsen was out there the entire game, and he was excellent. A clear first rounder in my book.

a game vs canada is not a good way to judge about a player, because usually everyone plays above his level against canada.

neither larsen and motin are locks for the 1st round in my opinion, but they are around late 1st/early 2nd round. and i think both are on the same level. at least for now.

Love the game of Victor Tikhonov, he has magic and Schenn. He adds some offensive to his, he can be close to another Scott Stevens.

No, it's not. If you recall, both Doughty's half spin-o-rama and rush up-ice with an assist to Turris (to go ahead 2-0 in the 3rd in a tight game vs. the Slovaks) and his dipsy-doodle and dish to Stamkos (go ahead goal in the 3rd vs. the Finns) came at critical junctures in both games. Had he not made those gambles, things could've turned out very differently. They were game-breakers.

He hasn't been as dominant a shutdown defenseman as Schenn, but his all-around responsibilities have been much greater. LS doesn't have to worry about putting up points, and Doughty's really the only potent weapon for Canada from the back-end.

I agree that Doughty was much more impressive in this tournament than Stamkos. I mean at the same age, Doughty won the defenseman of the tourney award even though defensemen traditionally take longer to develop...while Stamkos wasn't even the best forward on his team.

Was not impressed with Stamkos in this tourney, while Doughty did impress me.

I agree that Doughty was much more impressive in this tournament than Stamkos. I mean at the same age, Doughty won the defenseman of the tourney award even though defensemen traditionally take longer to develop...while Stamkos wasn't even the best forward on his team.

Was not impressed with Stamkos in this tourney, while Doughty did impress me.
For me it was the opposite. Dought was obviously good but had a lot of downs too I thought. Furthermore I thought multiple defenders were better than him including Schenn who was on the same team.

Harri Sateri has moved up in my books.

Voinov up a bit, Motin down slightly.

Filatov a top ten talent.

The HF Radio Mid-Season 08 Draft Top 30 will be released on Monday.

Interesting comment. Probably not intentional, but i took that as top 10 talent may not mean a Top 10 selection. Will be interesting too see another draft and the effect the lack of transfer agreement has.

TC, Filatov has indicated he wants to come over to the CHL. He's a top-tenner now.

For me it was the opposite. Dought was obviously good but had a lot of downs too I thought. Furthermore I thought multiple defenders were better than him including Schenn who was on the same team.

Doubty is a very emotional player and still needs to mature in that sense. When he's struggling, he plays very poorly and doesn't have as good of 'bounce backability' as he needs to. He has problems letting go of a bad shift. That is something that will undoubtedly come with maturity, though.

Schenn. He adds some offensive to his, he can be close to another Scott Stevens.
He's actually not a bad offensive player. He put up 29 points last season in the WHL, and has 18 in 31 games this season. There were times yesterday when I was hoping Hartsburg would put him on the powerplay as Pyett, Godfrey, Doughty and Alzner all struggled at times on the point. I think Adam Foote's a pretty good comparision for Schenn, as Foote had a couple of seasons of 30+ points earlier in the decade.

A great first pass? Did you even watch Denmark-Canada? it seemed that Larsen was out there the entire game, and he was excellent. A clear first rounder in my book.

I saw the game.. he was alright.. but ive also seen him every homegame for the last two-years, and i think he is overrated. He is NOT firstround-material. Maybe late-second or third would be worth it.. but not any sooner. I rank Erik Karlsson higher potentialwise on the frölunda-team.

Overagers in WJC who should be drafted are Viktor Tichonov (he was amazing) and Kristoffer Berglund.

I saw the game.. he was alright.. but ive also seen him every homegame for the last two-years, and i think he is overrated. He is NOT firstround-material. Maybe late-second or third would be worth it.. but not any sooner. I rank Erik Karlsson higher potentialwise on the frölunda-team.

Karlsson seems to be a better offensive d-man of the 2, but Larsen is much stronger physically.

For me it was the opposite. Dought was obviously good but had a lot of downs too I thought. Furthermore I thought multiple defenders were better than him including Schenn who was on the same team.

I think a lot of people are watching and remembering the winning Swedish goal from the prelims - how Doughty got beaten. It was one play, and had Hickey not over-pursued, who knows how it could've turned out?

Doughty actually had a very good tournament from top to bottom, and got better as it went on, to the point where I thought he was Canada's best skater in the final game vs. Sweden. He was outstanding.

I'd draft him just because of his name! :yo:

haha.. i think everyone needs to take michal jordan seriously though.. that's all i hear about this guy is his name