Draft Talk

I figured we mine as well throw together a thread that is focused on thw upcoming draft.

Any information on players/teams/etc. should be posted here.

Okay, I called it and I would like to start it.

Everyone here knows that we have a big hole in the defense (both in the major and in the farm team), so Bryan Murray will likely pick a d-man, especially since this is a strong year for that department. While I normally prefer talented european forwards when the needs are in offense (No question about Ovechkin, but I like really much Malkin and Olesz is a favourite of mine), I would pick for sure a NA kid for d-man.
Now we have four names: Barker, Thelen, Green, O'Neill.

The first could go from #2 to #5 but I can't see him dropping more. To get him and his offensive skills BM would have to make a trade to move up in the draft. It would be wonderful but I don't think he could become a Duck. I would also add that he's not exactly what we need because he seems to be too much interested in the offensive part of the game while in the defensive part sometimes he leaves a hole (kinda like gonchar or Ozo). We already have for this Skoula (trade in summer?), Havelid, and Ozolinsh, with Vish improving here ( :D )

Thelen is on the roll here in HF. From Mr Unknown to consensus top 10 pick. HE could be our man, big and good in both ends; only problem, he's probably two year (at least) away from the NHL. If Minnesota or Carolina are higher than us they could steal him from us. Look at the standings and pray, hoping he will opt in.

The main problem of Green is size: only 6'1", but he plays with energy and physically, great checker, another guy good in offense and in defense. He's not projected to be a top 10 pick but who knows, we need defense! He's older than the other guys, maybe he's the most NHl ready of the four (last time I heard this, it was for Svitov! :joker: )

O'Neill IMO is a bit overrated. Everyone look at him like a possible franchise d-man but I'm concerned about his progress. Not that good in the offensive part of the game, but I also heard he don't play physical! He's 6'4" and don't use the body much. This explain maybe why he was 19th in the NA ranking. Don't know if he will opt in.

So, that's my take on the possible picks for Anaheim. My dream is Olesz btw (he's falling a bit, there's a possibility to see him still available), more likely will be Thelen.

About the second round there are few names like Meszaros (mid to late first round, but he could drop in the second) and Lepisto (Havelid with a finnish name) that could be interesting for us.

Any thought?

NHL-readiness isn't a matter that'll be discussed. We just need a prospect d-man. BM won't draft Thelen because he's most NHL ready.

Draft Andrew Ladd...he's a real powerforward.

First, Bryan Murray, like the vast majority of GMs in all sports, will draft the best player available. It doesn't matter what position the guy plays. With the possible exception of the top two picks, it's highly unlikely that any 18 year old drafted this year is anywhere near ready for NHL action.

You always take the best player. If you develop a glut at any given position, you can always make a trade.

If you're focusing on d-men, Valibak seems like a guy the Ducks could use. Radulov, Thelen and Ladd are other guys who might be available when the Ducks' turn rolls around. (According to my calculation, the Ducks will pick somewhere between 3rd---they'd have to have the 7th-worst record AND win the lottery---a pretty unlikely scenario---and 12th (finishing with the 11th-worst record and getting bumped down one spot).

I'm guessing the Ducks will pick between 8th and 10th overall.

Please repeat after me:

Best Player Available, Best Player Available, Best Player Available...

It's really that simple guys. Yeah, we all know the holes that need to be filled on this team, but you can't draft 18-year olds to fill holes that are there now because a kid that's just been drafted is very, very unlikely to be able to step in right away. Yes, there are exceptions, but you can't realistically expect a draftee to be ready to play at the NHL level for 2-5 years (if not longer). If you draft a guy based on what you need now, by the time he's ready odds are that you'll have a different hole in your lineup.

Please repeat after me:

Best Player Available, Best Player Available, Best Player Available...

It's really that simple guys. Yeah, we all know the holes that need to be filled on this team, but you can't draft 18-year olds to fill holes that are there now because a kid that's just been drafted is very, very unlikely to be able to step in right away. Yes, there are exceptions, but you can't realistically expect a draftee to be ready to play at the NHL level for 2-5 years (if not longer). If you draft a guy based on what you need now, by the time he's ready odds are that you'll have a different hole in your lineup.

Agreed, especially with your first couple picks. You must focus on getting the most return for your top picks. After that we can fill the ranks with d-men. Who knows someone may surprise us.

But if a great forward is available where ever we pick I want him over a d-man if we are basing it off of need. Especially since this team doesn't exactly tear up the scoring sheet either.

Agreed, especially with your first couple picks. You must focus on getting the most return for your top picks. After that we can fill the ranks with d-men. Who knows someone may surprise us.

But if a great forward is available where ever we pick I want him over a d-man because of need. Especially since this doesn't exactly tear up the scoring sheet either.

If we drafted best D-man availble in the first round it would probably be O'neill, but judging on Murrays 2 drafts I think we would more likely see us go with someone like Andrew Ladd in the first round, and maybe start with the defenseman in the second round. Jeff Shultz looks like he may be a nice defenesman in the second round.

I think we will end up with the 7th pick which is good. Isn't ladd the guy who plays on Getzlaf's line? If thats true im sure the ducks would ask Getzlaf what he thinks of him. Is their any chance Vladimir Korsunov will come play for cinci next year?

Ladd would be a good pick. He plays with Getzlaf, and is a power forward. Also, at where we could probably draft, O'Neil could very well be the best player available. I guess we'll see after the lottery.

Best Player Available, Best Player Available, Best Player Available...

Considering that "best" is subjective and open to a wide margin of error I don't think there is any problem taking the D-man between 2 roughly equal guys. Now if the forward is vastly better that's another story but that doesn't happen at the top of the draft. All those guys are good or they wouldn't be top 10 picks.


but you can't draft 18-year olds to fill holes that are there now because a kid that's just been drafted is very, very unlikely to be able to step in right away.

If you draft a guy based on what you need now, by the time he's ready odds are that you'll have a different hole in your lineup.

A team ALWAYS needs defense and in two years if defense has suddenly become a surplus you can trade that as well.

I'll be pissed if the Ducks come out of the 1st round with another forward.

Call me nuts but I think the Ducks could use a goaltender. Al Montoya anyone? If the Ducks plan to trade Gerber and move Bryzgalov up as backup, then the Ducks could use a talented kid in the system.

i think at this time we have a sufficient quantity and quality of forwards in the system, 8 of our top 10 HF prospects are forwards, and then there's guys like Chistov and Lupul too
defense and a goaltender should be our focus

A d-man is what we need. Regardless of who's the best, a d-man isn't going to be a whole lot worse. If that d-man is, then BM can always trade down a few picks. We also have alot of prospect forwards, so no need for another.

As for a goalie, we badly need one, but a highly touted one like Montoya or Schwarz isn't really needed. One we could get in the second round would be alot better. Also, if there's an overage goalie from Europe, BM should definetely draft him. Alot of times, those types do well, and we could use a starter in Cincy.

They could use lots of things but it's not a huge priority right now.

As for a goalie, we badly need one, but a highly touted one like Montoya or Schwarz isn't really needed. One we could get in the second round would be alot better. Also, if there's an overage goalie from Europe, BM should definetely draft him. Alot of times, those types do well, and we could use a starter in Cincy.

makes me wonder if the Ducks would do well signing one of the tryouts from last season, Kelly Guard or Adam Russo, both were good and had some potential, Guard really ripped up in the WHL this season, both are undrafted Free Agents

Best player available? Yes I agree.
Probably the best player available from 7# to the 10# spot could be Thelen. I see not many are excited about any d-men not named Barker. Moreover taking O'Neill in the top 10 would be stupid IMO, he currently worth a 15th pick, even if he has a lot of upside.

Ladd would be an interesting guy to pick, but another forward?

draft(w/o lottery):

1st pick:Pittsburgh 54 points
2nd pick:Washington 55 points
3rd pick:Chicago 58 points
4th pick:Columbus 60 points
5th pick:Phoenix 66 points
6th pick:NY Rangers 67 points
7th pick:Florida 74 points(3 games left-Ottawa,Tampa,Carolina)
7th pick:Anaheim 74 points(2 games left-Vancouver,Calgary)
9th pick:Carolina 75 points(2 games left-N.Y.Isles,Florida)
10th pick:Atlanta 76 points(2 games left-Tampa,Pittsburgh)
11th pick:Minnesota 77 points(3 games left-Colorado,Dallas,St.Louis)
12th pick:Los Angeles 80 points
13th pick:Buffalo 81 points
14th pick:Nashville 85 points

*Florida and Anaheim both have 28 wins...what would be the next tie breaker?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=78433

The National Hockey League Draft Drawing, a weighted lottery system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the 2004 Entry Draft, will take place Tuesday, April 6, at Noon ET, in New York.

The current percentage chance of being selected in the Draft Drawing is as follows, based on team finish:






30th........... 25.0% 29th........... 18.8% 28th........... 14.2% 27th........... 10.7% 26th.............8.1% 25th.............6.2% 24th.............4.7% 23rd.............3.6% 22nd............ 2.7% 21st.............2.1% 20th.............1.5% 19th.............1.1% 18th.............0.8% 17th.............0.5%

makes me wonder if the Ducks would do well signing one of the tryouts from last season, Kelly Guard or Adam Russo, both were good and had some potential, Guard really ripped up in the WHL this season, both are undrafted Free Agents


that's exactly what i was thinking when jerky broght up the golaie thing..... I don't think I would want to use either of our first 2 picks on a goalie. maybe a mid round pick would be good for that.......but I think signing a free agent would be the best idea. kinda like we did with Ferhi. Didn't Guard win AHL goalie of the year, or was runner up or something??? I think that would be a nice free agent pick up, and save our first 2 picks for either 2 d-men, or a forward and a d-man.

draft(w/o lottery):

1st pick:Pittsburgh 54 points
2nd pick:Washington 55 points
3rd pick:Chicago 58 points
4th pick:Columbus 60 points
5th pick:Phoenix 66 points
6th pick:NY Rangers 67 points
7th pick:Florida 74 points(3 games left-Ottawa,Tampa,Carolina)
7th pick:Anaheim 74 points(2 games left-Vancouver,Calgary)
9th pick:Carolina 75 points(2 games left-N.Y.Isles,Florida)
10th pick:Atlanta 76 points(2 games left-Tampa,Pittsburgh)
11th pick:Minnesota 77 points(3 games left-Colorado,Dallas,St.Louis)
12th pick:Los Angeles 80 points
13th pick:Buffalo 81 points
14th pick:Nashville 85 points

*Florida and Anaheim both have 28 wins...what would be the next tie breaker?


C'mon Florida! you can do it! go 3-0 to end the season!!!

I like Montoya but we have two good young goaltenders already.

I say trade up at all costs to get Cam Barker, I don't care if you have to trade our first three picks or so to do it, this guy i'd say is just a little lower on the scale then Jay Bouwmeester.

Ja we should sign Guard before some other teams start courting him (if therye not already)

I don't think it would cost BM all that much to move up a few spots to grab Cam if we possess the 7th pick in the draft. I think dangling a guy like McDonald and our pick to move up a few spots if Cam is there is certainly worth it and something BM would look long and hard at.

30th........... 25.0% 29th........... 18.8% 28th........... 14.2% 27th........... 10.7% 26th.............8.1% 25th.............6.2% 24th.............4.7% 23rd.............3.6% 22nd............ 2.7% 21st.............2.1% 20th.............1.5% 19th.............1.1% 18th.............0.8% 17th.............0.5%


If we get the 7th spot, our chances would look pretty decent at 4.7%. I think the Kings won the lottery in 95 which got them from #7 to #3. So it could be done.

I like the way how Murry goes for big physical players with lots of upside. He should continue this trend and build a deep system. We still have some darkhorse-defenseman in the System (Rogers, Alen, Korsunov, Mantymaa) who could turn out to be decent guys, but I think a defenseman is the biggest need.

Murray has shown last year that he doesn't shy away from trading up to get his man (Perry) and he will do that again if he gets the chance. So I'm confident that we will see a big defenseman with offensive upside joining the Ducks on draft day.

I don't think it would cost BM all that much to move up a few spots to grab Cam if we possess the 7th pick in the draft. I think dangling a guy like McDonald and our pick to move up a few spots if Cam is there is certainly worth it and something BM would look long and hard at.

10.16: McDonald has virtually zero trade value. Barker could go as high as third overall. Let's suppose the Ducks wind up with the 7th pick. Ask yourself this question: Would you trade down two-to-four spots in the Entry Draft if the other team were dangling a small 26 or 27 year old forward who disappeared during the second half of the 2003-2004 season and has a history of concussions?

One other point: I'm not sure that Thelen doesn't have more long-range potential than Barker. Of course, unless he "opts in", it's all academic.

Jerky: You said, "If we get the 7th spot, our chances would look pretty decent at 4.7%." 4.7% is less than 1 chance in 20 or, put another way, it's almost 20-to-1. You think that our chances of moving up are pretty good? The odds of us moving down one spot are about 9.9%. So, it's twice as likely that we'll move down one than move up four.

Too harsh on McDonald, the guy is good and works hard, plus he's decent in scoring.

Barker is a bit overrated here, he has a lot of potential but he's not THAT better than Thelen IMO.

I throw in another idea: like last year, we draft a forward with the 7th pick (let's say Olesz :D or Ladd) and we trade our 2nd and our 3rd rounder and we move up to a low first round pick, to select a d-man like Valabik or Meszaros (I don't like Schultz). Not bad thought. :handclap:

10.16: McDonald has virtually zero trade value. Barker could go as high as third overall. Let's suppose the Ducks wind up with the 7th pick. Ask yourself this question: Would you trade down two-to-four spots in the Entry Draft if the other team were dangling a small 26 or 27 year old forward who disappeared during the second half of the 2003-2004 season and has a history of concussions?



I guess then you subscribe to the fact that BM and Kevin Lowe are the only GM's in the NHL who see any value in Andy Mac. Add a 3rd rounder if you like.

Too harsh on McDonald, the guy is good and works hard, plus he's decent in scoring.

Barker is a bit overrated here, he has a lot of potential but he's not THAT better than Thelen IMO.

I throw in another idea: like last year, we draft a forward with the 7th pick (let's say Olesz :D or Ladd) and we trade our 2nd and our 3rd rounder and we move up to a low first round pick, to select a d-man like Valabik or Meszaros (I don't like Schultz). Not bad thought. :handclap:

I personally would rather just draft a d-man in the 2nd and 3rd round with our picks rather than deal two for a d-man in the late 1st.

I personally would rather just draft a d-man in the 2nd and 3rd round with our picks rather than deal two for a d-man in the late 1st.

So who would be your pick in this case (d-man in 2nd and 3rd) and overall who would you draft with the 7# spot?

I haven't seen Thelen play, he was never on the radar up until this season so obviously i'm not sold on him.

I think we should just take the best player available, or work a trade with another team involving the pick and a player to perhaps get a really good Dman via the trade route.

I guess then you subscribe to the fact that BM and Kevin Lowe are the only GM's in the NHL who see any value in Andy Mac. Add a 3rd rounder if you like.

10.16: You're missing the point: it's not that I don't like Andy Mac, it's just that he has no trade value. Small guys who've scored a total of 27 goals in their careers AND have a history of concussions have NO trade value. Adding a 3rd isn't going to cut it. If you think that it will, ask yourself whether you'd be happy if the Ducks traded the 7th pick overall for the 11th pick, a 3rd rounder and a marginal player with a history of concussions.

I'm not even sure that Kevin Lowe saw a lot of value in Andy Mac. He decided he'd rather have Corey Perry and the Ducks first rounder---then he welched on that deal.

10.16: You're missing the point: it's not that I don't like Andy Mac, it's just that he has no trade value. Small guys who've scored a total of 27 goals in their careers AND have a history of concussions have NO trade value. Adding a 3rd isn't going to cut it. If you think that it will, ask yourself whether you'd be happy if the Ducks traded the 7th pick overall for the 11th pick, a 3rd rounder and a marginal player with a history of concussions.

I'm not even sure that Kevin Lowe saw a lot of value in Andy Mac. He decided he'd rather have Corey Perry and the Ducks first rounder---then he welched on that deal.

We say that he has no value, but between NHL GMs, I'm sure he does. In a league where Chris Gratton and half the second round draft pick can pretty much go for Derek Morris, McDonald can easily bring back something good. Barker will go between 4th and 5th overall, as long as Columbus gets a top two pick. IMO, Washington, Chicago, and Pittsburgh will take the chance on Olesz before going taking Barker. I'm hoping for 3rd or 4th overall, which potentially means Barker or Olesz is ours for the taking.

I wouldnt trade up either.... theres no guarantee of a good prospect, and it would look even more dumb to trade up for a guy who will never make the NHL.

I think Barker should be a good player, but I wouldnt give up too much for him. Its not like he would make an instant impact with the ducks as a Boumester or Pitkanen. Hes a few yrs away.


Can anyone find info on these top D prospects? Guys like Thelen, Barker, Valabik, Wes...? I know they all have some skill and size, but I just wanted to see if their strengths and weaknesses. Stupid CSB says basically all the same crap about all the players : good skater, strength, shot... etc..

10.16: You're missing the point: it's not that I don't like Andy Mac, it's just that he has no trade value. Small guys who've scored a total of 27 goals in their careers AND have a history of concussions have NO trade value. Adding a 3rd isn't going to cut it. If you think that it will, ask yourself whether you'd be happy if the Ducks traded the 7th pick overall for the 11th pick, a 3rd rounder and a marginal player with a history of concussions.

I'm not even sure that Kevin Lowe saw a lot of value in Andy Mac. He decided he'd rather have Corey Perry and the Ducks first rounder---then he welched on that deal.
He "decided" that after Murray had declined to offer McDonald.

He "decided" that after Murray had declined to offer McDonald.

Booger: Maybe you've seen some different sources than I saw, but I don't recall anything about McDonald being pulled off the table.

For the record, I never said that McDonald doesn't have any value. I said that he doesn't have any TRADE value. There's a big difference between the two.

It was pretty widely reported that Lowe had asked for and been refused McDonald.

I'm actually glad we didn't get Comrie now, we would have lost a good prospect plus a top 10 pick...IMO Comrie isn't worth that much. I hope we get Barker he is by far the best D prospect in the draft. I like O'neill too but haven't seen enough to make a decent judgement on him.

I really think the draft falls off after the top 5 picks, lets hope we get in the top 5.

I like O'neill too but haven't seen enough to make a decent judgement on him.

He doesn't worth a top 10 pick IMO, and I don't want a 6'4" soft guy. At this point I would prefer, as you suggested, to pick Ladd instead of him.


I really think the draft falls off after the top 5 picks, lets hope we get in the top 5.

Unlikely without a trade.

He doesn't worth a top 10 pick IMO, and I don't want a 6'4" soft guy. At this point I would prefer, as you suggested, to pick Ladd instead of him.

Unlikely without a trade.

Is that " 6'4" soft guy" supposed to be a reference to Jeff O'Neill? O'Neill is nowhere near 6'4" and he's anything but "soft". He hits people and he crashes the net.

If you were referring to someone else, I apologize.

Is that " 6'4" soft guy" supposed to be a reference to Jeff O'Neill? O'Neill is nowhere near 6'4" and he's anything but "soft". He hits people and he crashes the net.

If you were referring to someone else, I apologize.

Here we're talking about the draft and I'm referring to WES O'Neill, who is supposed to be a little "soft" for his size and not productive offensively. (that's why I don't see him as a top 10 pick)

Even if I don't like that much JEFF O'Neill, I know he isn't soft. :yo:

Wes O'Neill would be my choice at this point now that we are picking 9th.

There was a prospect profile on him in Hockey News (1-20-04)...heres parts of it:


"At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, his size is the first thing that's getting scouts' attention," said Fighting Irish coach Dave Poulin..."But they're also seeing a guy who skates well and understands the game. He has great feet and what's most impressive is his maturity and coachability. He's really the complete package."

...some compare him to Florida's Jay Bouwmeester.

"He's very talented", said one NHL scout based in the Eastern Conference. "He carries the puck well and he's a good passer. Defensively, he uses his size and reach well to eliminate men in his defensive zone."...

And as for O'Neill's physical side? It's there, albeit subtly so. "He hasn't been overly physical," Poulin said, "but he isn't shy, either."

Said the scout: "He's not necessarily punishing, but with his size, he doesn't have to be. He can use his reach and leverage to do that."...

However his draft status is uncertain. NCAA rules say that as a 17-year-old-he turns 18 in March-O'Neill would lose his college eligibility should he opt in to the draft.

Wes O'Neill would be my choice at this point now that we are picking 9th.

There was a prospect profile on him in Hockey News (1-20-04)...heres parts of it:


"At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, his size is the first thing that's getting scouts' attention," said Fighting Irish coach Dave Poulin..."But they're also seeing a guy who skates well and understands the game. He has great feet and what's most impressive is his maturity and coachability. He's really the complete package."

...some compare him to Florida's Jay Bouwmeester.

"He's very talented", said one NHL scout based in the Eastern Conference. "He carries the puck well and he's a good passer. Defensively, he uses his size and reach well to eliminate men in his defensive zone."...

And as for O'Neill's physical side? It's there, albeit subtly so. "He hasn't been overly physical," Poulin said, "but he isn't shy, either."

Said the scout: "He's not necessarily punishing, but with his size, he doesn't have to be. He can use his reach and leverage to do that."...

However his draft status is uncertain. NCAA rules say that as a 17-year-old-he turns 18 in March-O'Neill would lose his college eligibility should he opt in to the draft.


I'm not sold on Wes O'Neill. Picking 9th overall, I'd rather take Drew Stafford or Andrew Ladd. Valibek, who's a bit of a "project", should be a punishing d-man. We could take him with the 9th or trade down and probably still have a shot at him. If we take Stafford or Ladd, Jeff Shultz should be available in the Second Round.

Further, since the draft always has a few surprises, maybe someone ranked in the top 5 or 6 could "fall" to us (just as Getzlaf did last year).

I think we're gonna hafta take O'Neill. I recentley read a scouting report that said Thelen was a bit like Rob Blake, and O'Neill was like Mike Rathje. Obviously, after reading that, I preferred Thelen, but he's probably gone before 9th overall. I wouldn't mind trading up to like 6th(Rangers' pick) if it means grabbing him, but then again, if Gerber(likely component in any moving up deal) can grab something else that can help the team, we might as well pick O'Neill. If both go, Ladd'll be a good pick.

International Scouting Services April 2004 ranking

Written by on 04/15/2004
Here is the April edition of International Scouting Services’ preliminary identification list of the top draft prospects eligible for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. The Draft will be held in Raleigh, N.C. on June 26-27.

1. ALEXANDRE OVECHKIN, LW
6-2/205
R
9-17-85
Dynamo Moscow

2. EVGENI MALKIN, C
6-3/185
L
7-31-86
Magnitogorsk

3. ROBBIE SCHREMP, C
6-0/ 200
L
07-01-86
London

4. CAM BARKER, D
6-3/206
L
4-4-86
Medicine Hat

5. ROSTISLAV OLESZ, C
6-2/200
L
10-10-85
Vitkovice

6. WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW
6-3/188
L
2-24-86
Brampton

7. ANDREW LADD, LW
6-2/200
L
12-12-85
Calgary

8. LAURI TUKONEN, RW
6-2/198
R
09-01-86
Espoo Blues

9. DREW STAFFORD, RW
6-2/200
R
10-30-85
U. of North Dakota

10. ANDREJ MESZAROS, D
6-2/187
L
10-13-85
Trencin Dukla


RISING
Andrej Meszaros / Trencin
Position: Defense Height: 6’2” Weight: 187
Andrej Meszaros is a gifted offensive defenseman whose play this season has been as consistent as his high draft ranking with ISS. After starting the season ranked 10th overall in October, he finds himself back where he started in the April’s rankings. In last month’s Slovakian semifinal series against Kosice, Meszaros was on a mission. In the first game, he had five shots (most on his team). In the second game, he scored the insurance goal with a hard slap shot from the point. In the third game, he scored another goal with a hard, accurate one-timer from the point. He was arguably the best player for Dukla in that semifinal series. With his recent strong play, he has earned himself a nomination to Slovakia’s national team. He could possibly join Russian phenom Alexander Ovechkin as the only two 2004 draft-eligible players to participate at the World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, starting April 24.

If Ladd can drop to us like Getzlaf did last year I say we take him.....if not, I think Meszaros might be our guy.

IMO, Ladd and Meszaros are a bit too high. Tukonen's a bit low, too. Schremp's got the talent for that ranking, but his attitude will drop him a couple spots. If Olesz falls to #5, that'll be a huge steal for Phoenix.

I'm not sold on Meszaros...

I wish there was a Phaneuf for us at #9 like there was for Calgary last year.

I'm not sold on Meszaros...



Anyone else know about this HS'er Blake Wheeler? Like someone mentioned before, things could change 3 to 4 years from now. The Ducks don't really NEED a draft pick to come in and produce. We have a lot of talent in our minors. So maybe getting someone going into college won't have to clog up the system ( especially with so many forwards ) and let the player grow gradually a la Rogers. ??? ::: raising shoulders :::

I like Meszaros really much but I agree is a bit high, I have him from #15 to #30. Would be nice to find him available in the second thought.

For those that would, I'm wondering, why would we pick Drew Stafford? He's got a fair bit of size, but considering we've picked a right winger in the first round in the last two drafts, I'm not sure it's a good idea to make it three in a row.

I think the only forward we would probably chose is Ladd, and that's if the team is sour on most of the d-men available and not wanting to trade down

Well....think that Meszaros well earned the spot that high....playin the senior league whole year, pklus earning spot on Slovak defense with guys like Chara, Strbak, Mezei all playin NHL...what do u guys want more???

i would take tukonen if we can grab him ... that would give us lupul, perry and him on the right side .... would be nice and deep right side. second round ogorodnikov if he is there and then pic defenseman and a goalie with the rest.

how many pics do we have each round????

how many pics do we have each round????

1 in 1st, 1 in 2nd, 1 in 3rd, 0 in 4th, 0 in 5th, 1 in 6th, 1 in 7th, 1 in 8th, 1 in 9th.

-the 4th and 5th rounders were traded during last years draft to Nashville for their 2003 4th rounder so that we could draft Defensmen Nathan Saunders.

-for 2005 draft we have a pick in each round except the 4th round-traded with Kurt Sauer for Martin Skoula.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=9251

TSN's thoughts on what Anaheim may be looking for at the draft:

"An aging defence corps, which includes Sandis Ozolinsh, Keith Carney and Niclas Havelid in the over-30 club, definitely needs to be replenished. While Mark Popovic is one youngster that could challenge for a spot soon, there are precious few other defencemen in the organization and fewer still that have top four potential. With recently-acquired Martin Skoula the most offensively gifted of the Ducks' younger blueliners, a defenceman who has potential to contribute on the power play would be a nice addition. Another area of concern would be the size of the forward ranks, where a power forward with goal scoring potential would add an element that is currently missing."

So....TSN thinks the acquisition of Skoula means we need another defenseman who can contribute on the power play? With Ozolinsh and Havelid also in the fold?

Ozolinsh may be over 30 but he may be the fastest skating defenseman in the NHL, having him healthy for a full season will be critical because he is by far the best transition player we have outside of Fedorov.

Our team really isn't bad off if guys have their "normal" years IE:Rucchin,Havelid,Giguere,Ozolinsh and Fedorov. plus with Niedermayers progression, a healthy Mike Leclerc and now a confident player in Pahlsson i'd say we have a good team that has a chip on it's shoulder, I would agree with TSN though we could use a young puck moving defensemen and outside of Barker there aren't any that really stand out.

I would agree with TSN though we could use a young puck moving defensemen and outside of Barker there aren't any that really stand out.

Yeah I agree, Barker is the only obvious top 10 pick for defensemen, so It looks like there is a good chance we will take a forward in the first round and hope that a decent defensemen is available in the second round.

Smid,Green,O'Neill,Thelen...none seem to stand out to me as worthy of the 9th pick.

Murray might find a forward available with size that will help the organization or he might simply add an assett to the organization that does not fill a particular need.(Schremp or Radulov)

I think Thelen fits our needs perfectly
only problem is he might be chosen before the Ducks pick

So....TSN thinks the acquisition of Skoula means we need another defenseman who can contribute on the power play? With Ozolinsh and Havelid also in the fold?

Havelid is the most likely guy to get moved if Murray wants to make (a needed) change on the blue line, IMO. And Ozolinsh could easily price himself out of Anahiem as a UFA. I believe his current contract is up after the 04-05 season.

Drafting an offensive D-man that will need another 2 years to develope is exactly what the Ducks should do now. As long as he's also the BPA .

The Ducks need a defensive defense prospect, of which we have zero. Offensive guys with suspect D skills are always kicking around the league.

I will scream if A.J. Thelen falls to you guys.

Last year you guys landed Getzlaf at 19....SO so lucky.

The Ducks need a defensive defense prospect, of which we have zero. Offensive guys with suspect D skills are always kicking around the league.
Lee, Korsunov, Saunders, O'Brien are all Defensive
Popovic is a lot more defensive then offensive right now

Only by default.

Lee, Saunders and O'Brien are pretty much slag, and Korsunov may never cross the Atlantic.

Only by default.

Lee, Saunders and O'Brien are pretty much slag, and Korsunov may never cross the Atlantic.

Lee had a breakthrough year in the OHL, Saunders is a big mean defensmen we could use, and O'Brien had a nice rookie season for Cincy. I don't see how these 3 are not good defensive d-man prospects?

I think Thelen fits our needs perfectly
only problem is he might be chosen before the Ducks pick

ok then lets say Barker and Thelen have been picked...do the ducks take a forward?

depends who's on the board and it depends who wants the pick
if there's a power forward type still around, then we might take him

if we can profit from moving down to the level where O'Neill and Green are supposed to go, then we might do that too

O'Neil's a funny one. The safest thing to do would be to pick him at #9, should Thelen be picked before then. Hotlanta likely wants him to pair up with Coburn, and the only way I can see them not picking him is if Schremp is still available.

The only forward I'd take over O'Neill is Radulov, Ladd, Schremp, or Tukonen. Sometimes, it's just Ladd I'd take over O'Neill.

Really, I'd just rather make a trade with Florida with a pick-swap so we can take Thelen.

Lee had a breakthrough year in the OHL, Saunders is a big mean defensmen we could use, and O'Brien had a nice rookie season for Cincy. I don't see how these 3 are not good defensive d-man prospects?
That's as rosy a view as possible. They're nothing special - could be good, most likely not.

I'd say the best move would be to either move up 2-3 places and pick Thelen, or move down to the 15-20th and pick Smid, Meszaros, Green or O'Neill, whoever of them is still available at that point.

I like Green a lot, if we move down and take him I would be more than happy. Maybe I'm too high on him but IMO he worth a 9th pick.

according to some on the prospects board, Meszaros is quite highly thought of

I've seen Meszaros play a few times for Slovakia in the WJC and WC. In the WJC he was clearly the best D on the Slovakian team, and also one of the best defensemen of the whole tournament. At the WC, he didn't look out of place, and I'd say he played better than Majesky and Mezei who got more ice-time than he did. I'd put him in the 13-18 range in the draft.
Another european defenseman I'd like even more than Meszaros and Green/O'Neill/Valabik is Smid. I'd rank him as the no.2 defenseman in the WJC after Lepistö, and would be more than happy if we traded down a few spots to get him. Taking him with the 9th ov wouldn't be much of a reach either, as he should be the best D available at that point, but I think we might be able to move down to say 13-16th and still get him.

according to some on the prospects board, Meszaros is quite highly thought of

Another one kid I like, he's currently 4th on my list of favourite (not best) d-man, after Barker, Thelen and Green.
Maybe we can move UP in the draft with our second rounder and something else to grab him around 25th-30th spot.

Hi Guys! :jump:

Seeing, we've had an early finish to the season..

I haven't seen a thread about the Entry Draft! :dunno:

We've got a 9th OVerall Pick..


Who do u think will be OUR first selection for the draft?


What are our needs for the future?


According to TSN.ca

"...An aging defence corps, which includes Sandis Ozolinsh, Keith Carney and Niclas Havelid in the over-30 club, definitely needs to be replenished..."

What do u guys thinK?

WE havent made a defenseman as a 1st choice for manyer years now.. and i think its tiMe!

Last time was Jordan Leopold 5 years ago...That was a decent pick..and Vishnevski b4 that...I wouldnt mind getting another #1 dman in to the System, considering our great past in selecting D!

Now..if only we could keep them (Leopold..*cough cough*) :banghead:


IMO. i highly doubt we;d get a goalie, with Bryzzy, Giggy and GerbS


NA:


1. Andrew Ladd, LW, Calgary (WHL); 2. Cameron Barker, D, Medicine Hat (WHL); 3. Alexandre Picard, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL); 4. Kyle Chipchura, C, Prince Albert (WHL); 5. Wojtek Wolski, LW, Brampton (OHL); 6. Boris Valabik, D, Kitchener (OHL); 7. Drew Stafford, RW, Univ. of North Dakota (WCHA); 8. Dave Bolland, C/RW, London (OHL); 9. Mike Green, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 10. Robbie Schremp, C, London (OHL);

Europeans:

1. Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Dynamo (Russia); 2. Yevgeny Malkin, C/W, Magnitogorsk (Russia); 3. Rostislav Olesz, C, Vitkovice (Czech Republic); 4. Ladislav Smid, D, Liberec (Czech Republic); 5. Lauri Tukonen, W, Blues (Finland); 6. Andrej Meszaros, D, Trencin (Slovakia); 7. Johan Fransson, D, Lulea (Sweden); 8. Viktor Alexandrov, C/W, Novokuznets (Russia); 9. Alexander Radulov, RW, Dynamo (Russia); 10. Petteri Nokelainen, C/W, Saipa (Finland);


My Picks:

I believe this is the right time to stck up in defense..
We need a few Carlo Colociacovo types in the team.


My best pick would be:
Cameron Barker, D, Medicine Hat (WHL); ..but ranked at 2 by CSB..the Duck's would be better off trading up..or getting a top prospect from another team .


Your thoughts appreciated!

Barker should be going in the top 5, so we have little chance of getting him.
My hope rests with A.J. Thelen out of the NCAA ranks

I wonder if Smid is availible if hes worth picking up. The guy seems like a Lidstrom without the speed. Hes not physical, but I think he scouting report said he is very creative offensively and is very good with defensive positioning. If Thelen and Cam are gone, he might be the best dman available. I would prefer a nasty dman, but if Smid is as solid as he is said to be, he could come in immediately and a Lidstrom type of player isnt too shabby.

There's no doubt in my mind that Defence should be the main focus and Smid is a top notch choice. Now obviously Barker is the best option, but it would take a miracle for him to drop to the #9 spot. After that, I have Thelen and Smid about the same with Thelen maybe a little higher but not by a whole lot. One of these two are likely to be available at the Ducks pick and would be my choice at #9.


on a side note:
I believe this is the right time to stck up in defense..
We need a few Carlo Colociacovo types in the team.

I don't really care about spelling, but I tried to say his name the way you have it spelled here and it's got to be the funniest thing I've read all day (I don't mean to critisize, I just found it funny).

I wonder if Smid is availible if hes worth picking up. The guy seems like a Lidstrom without the speed. Hes not physical, but I think he scouting report said he is very creative offensively and is very good with defensive positioning. If Thelen and Cam are gone, he might be the best dman available. I would prefer a nasty dman, but if Smid is as solid as he is said to be, he could come in immediately and a Lidstrom type of player isnt too shabby.

I'd be very happy with picking Smid at 9th. Only question is if he'd be available a few picks later, in the range of 13-15th? If so and we can get say an extra 2nd rounder to go, why not take the risk of ending up with Meszaroz (who I rank close to Smid)?

Hi Guys! :jump:

Seeing, we've had an early finish to the season..

I haven't seen a thread about the Entry Draft! :dunno:

We've got a 9th OVerall Pick..




We have a stickied thread called "draft talk"..its the only stickied thread, hard to miss.

Mods, please move all this into that thread thanks. :)

I would take Green over Smid any day of my life. We need also a PHYSICAL presence, not only a good young d-man who can score.

I would take Green over Smid any day of my life. We need also a PHYSICAL presence, not only a good young d-man who can score.

I'm with fighter on this one. Green played on a horrible team, but it's clear that no one wants to make it in the NHL more than he does. The kid's a winner.

www.mightyducks.com poll:

What type of player should the Ducks target in the 2004 Draft?


86
Goalie

94
Stay-At-Home Defenseman

133
Offensive Defenseman

109
Playmaking Forward

301
Goal Scoring Forward

221
Power Forward

Total Votes: 944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

301 unknowledgeable Duck fans in my opinion.

Aww come on. There's only like 308 of us all told.

www.mightyducks.com poll:
301
Goal Scoring Forward

221
Power Forward

Total Votes: 944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

301 unknowledgeable Duck fans in my opinion.

Well, the 221 fans which voted Power forward aren't wrong thought :teach:
Uhm... well we can consider 222 fans now :D

AJ Thelen is rated #15 on THN Draft Preview. Sounds like a surefire NHLer to me. Here is what they had to say about him:
_________________

Big Dman who can quarterback the powerplay.

Poise and confident, he can lead the rush.

Scouts said he makes the right plays.

Not many freshmen make an impact in college. Thelen led all Dman in scoring.

Heavy point shot; skating is sound; Good hockey sense; Not afraid to throw body.

Can dish out punishment as much as he gets. He is likely a few years away from the pros.

"Let him develop in college," said a GM.

I wouldn't mind getting Robbie Schremp either. He is rated #10 on THN Draft Preview:

_________________

Has all the skills in the world but needs to be consistent.

Spotty history on character when he demanded a trade from Mississauga and then got left off US WJC team.

"He has the tools," said a scout. "I like him and have no problems with his personality."

Great performance at Top Prospect Game; Highlight reel goal; Player of the Game for team.

Has been tested against older players.

"He's confident and you want to see that in a player," said a GM. "And he has loads of talent."

I wouldn't mind getting Robbie Schremp either. He is rated #10 on THN Draft Preview:


I don't want Schremp on the Ducks.
I'm a bit afraid of his attitude; we all know that the Ducks are known as a cinderella team (just like the IcdDogs...). Moreover he's small and sound like a less flashier Paul Kariya, with no attention to the defensive part of the game.
Yeah, if he will turn out like a Kariya it would be huge but I'm not that confident.

I don't want Schremp on the Ducks.
I'm a bit afraid of his attitude; we all know that the Ducks are known as a cinderella team (just like the IcdDogs...). Moreover he's small and sound like a less flashier Paul Kariya, with no attention to the defensive part of the game.
Yeah, if he will turn out like a Kariya it would be huge but I'm not that confident.

I'm sure the Ducks can get a scoop from Corey Perry since they played on the same team. Personally, I like to hit home runs. Schremp will either be a boom or bust player.

I'm sure the Ducks can get a scoop from Corey Perry since they played on the same team. Personally, I like to hit home runs. Schremp will either be a boom or bust player.

I don't like him, I don't like the type of player (small, selfish, all attack) and I don't like the boom-or-bust picks: if he will be a bust it would be a wasted pick, if he will be a boom he could ask a trade after two years and go to... Colorado? Detroit? Rangers?
Get information from Perry would be a very smart move, but personally I hope that the Rangers will pick him cause he would fit there perfectly: he's the kind of superstar whiner who wanna play in a great city that the Rangers like :devil:

This is such a weak draft year. After the top 4-5 players, its a crap shoot. It reminds me of the 2000 draft, loaded with Russian forwards/European skaters who will never make the NHL. Even guys like Ladd and Stafford are nothing more than 2nd-3rd liners. I see now why so many playoff contenders traded their 1st round pick this year. The only safe pick IMO are the goaltenders. There are 4 good ones and the Ducks may be smart to get a guy like Montoya.

I think that Ladd is a quality player and could be a talented 1st liner. Also it's a weak draft but not as bad as 1999 or 2000. The best player this year are European IMO (Ovechkin, Malkin, Olesz and Tukonen) while in the NA only few kids are interesting.
Even with the 9th pick we could pick an important asset for the future, but select Montoya would be a WASTED PICK, Jigger is gonna be our goaltender for at least 6-7 years.

In the Hockey News Draft Preview they list the lineup of every team based on their entry draft picks alone. I thought it was interesting. Here is Anaheim's:

Centers:
Matt Cullen 35th 1996
Bates Battaglia 132nd 1994
Chad Kilger 4th 1995
Tony Martensson 224th 2001

Left Wingers:
Paul Kariya 4th 1993
Mike Leclerc 55th 1995
Stanislav Chistov 5th 2001
Alexei Smirnov 12th 2000

Right Wingers:
Trent Hunter 150th 1998
Joffrey Lupul 7th 2002
Jeremy Stevenson 262nd 1994
Stephen Peat 32nd 1998

Defensemen:
Jordan Leopold 44th 1999
Ruslan Salei 9th 1996
Niclas Havelid 83rd 1999
Vitaly Vishnevski 5th 1998
Pavel Trnka 106th 1994
Mark Popovic 35th 2001

Goaltenders:
Martin Gerber 232nd 2001
Ilya Bryzgalov 44th 2000

*They only took active NHL players (or AHL) into consideration, otherwise Tverdovsky would be in there instead of Trnka or Popovic.

also in Hockey News, 10 highest drafted Russian players ever...interesting we drafted 3 of them.

1.Ilya Kovalchuk 2001 #1 Atlanta
2.Alexei Yashin 1992 #2 Ottawa
3.Oleg Tverdovsky 1994 #2 Anaheim
4.Andrei Zyuzin 1996 #2 San Jose
5.Alexander Svitov 2001 #3 Tampa Bay
6.Alex.Volchkov #4 1996 Washington
7.Nikolai Zherdev #4 2003 Columbus
8.Vitaly Vishnevski #5 1998 Anaheim
9.Stanislav Chistov #5 2001 Anaheim
10.Viktor Kozlov #6 1993 San Jose

Also, maybe southerners like Russian players. 5 of the 10 were drafted by a California team(Ducks-3, Sharks-2), and 7, 1 other from Tampa(Svitov) and 1 other from Atlanta(Kovalchuk), were drafted by Southern states(Cali and Florida). Also, the Ducks have more Russians on their team than any other team in the NHL, and even more USSR-born players.

Matt Cullen 35th 1996
Bates Battaglia 132nd 1994
Chad Kilger 4th 1995
Tony Martensson 224th 2001

Left Wingers:
Paul Kariya 4th 1993
Mike Leclerc 55th 1995
Stanislav Chistov 5th 2001
Alexei Smirnov 12th 2000

Right Wingers:
Trent Hunter 150th 1998
Joffrey Lupul 7th 2002
Jeremy Stevenson 262nd 1994
Stephen Peat 32nd 1998

Defensemen:
Jordan Leopold 44th 1999
Ruslan Salei 9th 1996
Niclas Havelid 83rd 1999
Vitaly Vishnevski 5th 1998
Pavel Trnka 106th 1994
Mark Popovic 35th 2001

Goaltenders:
Martin Gerber 232nd 2001
Ilya Bryzgalov 44th 2000



Boy that team would suck worse than the one we have now.

Did you see who Colorado drafted? No d, but their forwards are sick.

Boy that team would suck worse than the one we have now.

Did you see who Colorado drafted? No d, but their forwards are sick.

yeah.

Tanguay-Sakic-Hejduk
Deadmarsh-Sundin-Nolan
Parrish-Lindros-Anson Carter
Nieminen-Drury-Hinote

those lines are pretty sweet...especially if its a non-concussion Lindros.

there top 4 D would be ok, 2 shutdown guys and 2 puckmovers.
Foote,Regehr,Liles,Skoula

they would be ok in goal with Marc Denis and Jocelyn Thibault.

our drafted team is pathetic compared to this...i love that our first line center is Matt Cullen :joker:

Looks like there should be a good player available with our second round pick (#39).

Hockey News has Wes O'Neill as #36...Mike Green at #32...please one of you fall to 39 in the draft :) ...Boris Valabik at #20 is the type of player we need based on what the scouts say about him...("clone of Chara")

If one of the top 4 goalies is avaiable at #39 then we should think about taking one. Montoya and Schwarz are going in the first for sure...but Dubnyk(ranked 17) and Schneider(26th) could fall to the second round.

Boston College forward Adam Pineault(#33) could be available as well.

Looks like there should be a good player available with our second round pick (#39).

Hockey News has Wes O'Neill as #36...Mike Green at #32...please one of you fall to 39 in the draft :) ...Boris Valabik at #20 is the type of player we need based on what the scouts say about him...("clone of Chara")

Not a damn chance IMO to get Green in the second. He's too good to slip there. Also O'Neill and Valabik will go in the first. I would keep in high consideration Fransonn; he's very talented, he just had problems with an injury. Talking of d-men, Lyamin, Schultz, Hedman are other very good options. And Rogers (Calgary) is another big defensive d-man who can slip in the late second or early third.


If one of the top 4 goalies is avaiable at #39 then we should think about taking one. Montoya and Schwarz are going in the first for sure...but Dubnyk(ranked 17) and Schneider(26th) could fall to the second round.

Don't forget Shantz, I would take him over Schneider. He carried over the IceDogs in the playoffs.

Boston College forward Adam Pineault(#33) could be available as well.

Terrible year for him but the talent is there. I think he will go from the late second to the early third.
Almost same situation for McGrath.

With Bryan Murray gone, how does this affect our draft?

according to the Hockey News, Alain Chainey (the Ducks director of amateur scouting since 1993) is still the man in charge, he just takes orders from Fletcher now instead of Murray, but it's hard to say how much actual effect Murray had on the draft.

Saw this over on the Kings board (first we swipe Rome, now we swipe topics)

TSN had a mock draft
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=7065

Anaheim selected Stafford with Thelen still on the board...

Saw this over on the Kings board (first we swipe Rome, now we swipe topics)

TSN had a mock draft
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=7065

Anaheim selected Stafford with Thelen still on the board...

interesting that TSN doesnt recognize Anaheim's need for D. If Thelen is still available the Ducks shoud take him.

I still get the impression that Thelen is being overhyped. Woodlief loves him, but others don't seem to rate him nearly as high.

I'd give serious thought to Alexandre Picard and/or Drew Stafford. If Tukonen or Olesz "fall", I'd through them in the mix. Finally, Korpikoski, although not in most people's top ten, merits serious consideration.

If Tukonen is there at 9 that would be awesome and I think that would be a no brainer. Thelen at 9 would also be outstanding although I am higher on him than most it seems. I think he has the size and the skills to develop into a big time D-man.

Hockey News seems to see Anaheim targeting Thelen with their pick.

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/extras.cgi?2004NHLDraft-MockDraft1

9. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: A.J. Thelen, D, Michigan State University (CCHA)
While the Ducks will enter the draft proceedings without former GM Bryan Murray, the team won't change its draft strategy in Round 1. As a result, Thelen will be the target as their future No. 1 or 2 rearguard. In order to grab him, however, Anaheim may have to move up to the No. 7 position to secure his rights, since he's coveted by several clubs.

they should try (like most other teams) to move up the board and pick barker... otherwise trading down for a nhl-proven D-man and some additional picks would be a wise choice

just to add more information to the pile
ISS has some really nice things to say about Meszaros

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=7000&mode=threaded&order=0

something else to throw out there for our expected 3rd or 4th round selection of a goalie

Halifax's Jason Churchill came out of nowhere this season. He has tremendous size and potential at 6-4/186, but is very raw and will need to get together with a top goalie coach who can teach him fundamentals and techniques. He's only one year removed from Junior A hockey in Newfoundland, but he's a coachable kid who soaks up knowledge and instruction like a sponge.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2004-06-14-woodlief_x.htm

Anaheim is familiar with the Moosehead organization (hell, that's how I got snared into being a writer here). A top goalie coach who can teach fundamentals and techniques...sounds a lot like Allaire....
in fact, according to his Hockey's Future profile, Churchill has already worked with the Allaire brothers before
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=4024

If we select a forward in the first round I would pick a d-man in the second, but if we pick a d-man in the first I would like to see a goalie like Dubnyk, Shantz or Schneider picked in the second (if they are still available...)

And about stay at home d-men for the second/third round, what about Calgary fellows Rogers and Carson? I heard the latter is a bit soft for a 6'4" guy (just 30 PIM!!!), but Rogers is what we're searching for the defense: a huge, north american, stay-at-home d-man. If they fall in the draft also Hedman or Lepisto are intriguing (assuming Lyamin is gone).
Other notables for the third IMO are Funk, Jordan Smith and Clayton Barthel (I picked some of them for my gm game team and I read good thing about them)

Also I would like the Ducks to pick another tough kid in the later rounds (maybe the fifth like last year with George Davis). Gino Pisellini is my favourite for this, he has decent skills and could bring energy to the team in the future.

Any thought?

Hockey News top 125 for the Entry Draft(includes Re-entrys)...Interesting Tim Brent is #50...in a weak draft there are 49 players better than him? If this is fairly accurate then I'm not as angry anymore about not signing him...signing of Rome lowered my anger level a bit as well...

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/extras.cgi?2004NHLDraft-Profiles1to25

Also Thelen is #11 on there now...hope he is available at #9.
He is looking more and more like the second best defensmen in the draft. If Barker goes 3rd or 4th that means 4 or 5 teams have to pass on Thelen for us to get him.

Also I would like the Ducks to pick another tough kid in the later rounds (maybe the fifth like last year with George Davis). Gino Pisellini is my favourite for this, he has decent skills and could bring energy to the team in the future.



Is Pisellini an enforcer? I see him listed at 6'0...We need a 6'5 guy...like a young Stu Grimson...

Is Pisellini an enforcer? I see him listed at 6'0...We need a 6'5 guy...like a young Stu Grimson...

Yep, he's an enforcer and from what I heard he's one of the most entertaining guys in the OHL. And the name of Pisellini reminds something of my all time favourite Odjick. :D :yo:

A big SOB like Grimson would be good to me but in this NHL you need also hockey skill... (Valabik ring a bell)

I took Pisellini in a mock draft representing the Ducks with our 6th Round pick.

I did this mock as my final one. I just have a feeling the Rangers are going to do something out of the ordinary with their pick...like Radulov or maybe Montoya...if so we just need either one of the goalies and Radulov or both goalies to go in front of the Ducks to have either Ladd, Tukonen or Thelen fall into our lap.

I explained some where I felt it was needed.

1. WSH - Alexander Ovechkin LW Dynamow Moscow:

2. PIT- Evgeny Malkin C Magnitogorsk Russia

3. CHI - Cameron Barker D Medicine Hat WHL

Best Defenseman available will be picked here, whether it's by Chicago or one of the many teams salivating over the offensively gifted D-man.

4. CLB - Rostislav Olesz C HC Vitkovice Czech Republic

Columbus will be looking to nab Barker but failing that they will take the skillful Czech center.

5. PHX - Marek Schwarz G Sparta Prague Czech Republic

The highest rated goalie may not necessarily be picked by Phoenix here, but my feeling is a team moves up to grab him.

6. NYR - Alexander Radulov RW Tver Russia

The first real surprise of the draft comes from the Rangers as they take the biggest questionmark of the 1st round thus far. Radulov has undeniable talent but his perceived lack of desire at times on the ice at times and his tendancy to take bad penalties make him a bit of a wild card this early.

7. FLA - Andrew Ladd LW Calgary WHL

Florida was probably looking defense here but the big LW and #1 ranked North American skater by Central Scouting is too tempting to pass up. Ladd will give the Panthers some much needed size and scoring ability on the front line.

8. CAR - Lauri Tukonen RW Espoo Blues Jr. Finland

9. ANA - AJ Thelen D Michigan State University

10. ATL - Robbie Schremp C London OHL

11. LA - Al Montoya G University of Michigan

12. MIN - Drew Stafford RW University of North Dakota

13. BUF - Boris Valabik D Kitchener OHL

14. EDM - Wojtek Wolski LW Brampton OHL

15. NSH - Alexander Picard LW Lewiston QMJHL

16. NYI - Ladslav Smid D Liberec HV Czech Republic

17. STL - Andrej Meszaros D Trencin Slovakia

18. MTL - Mike Green D Saskatoon WHL

19. CGY - Kyle Chipchura C Prince Albert WHL

20. DAL - Dave Bolland C London OHL

21. COL - Johan Fransson D Lulea Sweden

22. NJD - Travis Zajac C Salmon Arm Jr. A

23. OTT - Lukas Kaspar RW Litvinov Czech Republic

24. NYR - Wes O'neill D University of Notre Dame

25. EDM - Lauri Korpikoski LW TPS Turku Jr. Finland

26. VAN - Devan Dubnyk G Kamloops WHL

27. WSH - Enver Lisin RW Saratov Russia

28. SJ - Jakob Sindel C Sparta Prague Czech Republic

29. WSH - Kyril Lyamin D Central Army Russia

30. TB - Petteri Nokelainen C SaiPa Lappeenranta Finland

I took Pisellini in a mock draft representing the Ducks with our 6th Round pick.


Well done! :handclap:

Can you imagine a fourth line like Davis-Severson-Pisellini? :yo: :bow: :deadhorse

Personally, my ideal top 3 picks would be as follows:

1. Thelen (2nd choice: Stafford)
2. Brent (2nd choice: Lepisto)
3. Churchill (2nd choice: Brent (if still on the board))

Personally, my ideal top 3 picks would be as follows:

1. Thelen (2nd choice: Stafford)
2. Brent (2nd choice: Lepisto)
3. Churchill (2nd choice: Brent (if still on the board))

I agree almost completely. Except, in the third, if Blake Wheeler's still around, I wouldn't hesitate to pick him. It's also fairly possible. Same with guys who were highly touted early on, such as Adam Pineault and Evan McGrath.

In the 2nd, I'd probably pick Brent too. But, if someone like Lukas Kaspar, Wes O'Neill, or one of those Finnish guys(I have trouble with the names: Korpikorski and Nokelainen I think) were still around, I'd probably pick them, and hope Timmy fell to us in the third.

www.mightyducks.com poll:

What type of player should the Ducks target in the 2004 Draft?


86
Goalie

94
Stay-At-Home Defenseman

133
Offensive Defenseman

109
Playmaking Forward

301
Goal Scoring Forward

221
Power Forward

Total Votes: 944
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

301 unknowledgeable Duck fans in my opinion.
They don't know Ducks hockey like mad, all of them. Seriously, the ones who chose Power Forward, man! I'm glad they're here. As for the rest, they're just regular, stupid net surfers.

Well done! :handclap:

Can you imagine a fourth line like Davis-Severson-Pisellini? :yo: :bow: :deadhorse

definetly would be a fun line to watch...them and Saunders and O'Brien on defense for a shift... :yo:

I forgot, when's draft day again?

They don't know Ducks hockey like mad, all of them. Seriously, the ones who chose Power Forward, man! I'm glad they're here. As for the rest, they're just regular, stupid net surfers.

I'm one of them. :yo:

I forgot, when's draft day again?

Saturday June 26th.

Personally, my ideal top 3 picks would be as follows:

1. Thelen (2nd choice: Stafford)
2. Brent (2nd choice: Lepisto)
3. Churchill (2nd choice: Brent (if still on the board))

I agree with #1....and your second choice for #2, but just out of curiosity why would we draft Brent again when there was the possibility that he parted ways with our organization on "unpleasant terms". I'm not privy to how everything went down and in fact from a lot of his rhetoric it sounds like he's a bit bitter.

Personally, I like Brent and I still think he could be a perfect replacement for Rucchin in 5 years or so. It's hard to say why he wasn't signed (Murray not wanting to pay him, Disney not giving Murray enough money to pay him (thus frustrating Murray enough to take the Ottawa job), Brent asking too much). I don't think Brent is bitter, more disappointed or surprised how it all wwnt down, because from what I've read and heard, he was asking for what was fair for what he brings to the table (not rookie max money, closer to what Paille got). Brent always struck me as a class-act guy, and the fact that he was a captain in Toronto and an alternate for Canada attest to that. I don't think he was a "whiny-baby" or greedy. I think what mainly happened is the two sides didn't talk much until it came down to the line and then they discovered they weren't able to get a deal done on time. From the sounds of it, there wasn't much negotiation, just an offer by Anaheim that wasn't what Brent was expecting. I would like to see us have another chance at Tim Brent. I think he still has NHL potential, which is something we are lacking at the pivot position in our prospect pool. Only Getzlaf(who could become a right-winger) and Brent appear capable of stepping into the NHL anytime soon, at least at this point. With Fedorov in his mid 30s and Rucchin always fighting nagging injuries, Brent is a player we know a lot about who will help shore up some depth issues.

Interesting. Has there ever been a case where a team has redrafted a player that they couldn't come to terms with?

Interesting. Has there ever been a case where a team has redrafted a player that they couldn't come to terms with?

Mathieu Chouinard was taken twice by Ottawa, in 1998 and 2000.

Mathieu Chouinard was taken twice by Ottawa, in 1998 and 2000.

A pick wasted two times thought...

The official order of all 9 rounds has been announced.

We have the 9th(1st round),39th(2nd round),75th(3rd round),172nd(6th round),203rd(7th round),236th(8th round) and 269th picks(9th round).

We received ZERO comp picks from the league. Nothing for losing Kariya(because we signed Feds and Prospal)
Detroit did NOT receive one for losing Fedorov to free agency(because they signed Hatcher)...curiously they received a 5th rd comp pick for loss of Luc Robitaille as UFA.
Tampa did NOT receive a pick for losing Prospal.

http://www.newyorkislanders.com/news/draft061604.html

172nd(6th round)

Pisellini will slip here hopefully

Pisellini will slip here hopefully


Yeah we definetly can't use a third rounder on a tough guy so hopefully he is there with that 6th rounder.

Its unfortunate we don't have a fourth or fifth so we could definetly get the best available tough guy.

Its unfortunate we don't have a fourth or fifth so we could definetly get the best available tough guy.

But we have Skoula's puck poise :joker:

Just to let you guys know, on the Moderator Mock Draft, I chose Thelen at #9. HF should have a write-up once the mock draft is done.

There was a small article on Bolland and Schremp in todays london free press. Bolland said he has been contacted by 28 teams but only two teams are mentioned.
"The carolina Hurricanes like bolland but at No. 8, it may be a little early. The Anaheim mighty ducks at No.10 have also shown alot of interest."
Onviously you notice we pick at 9 and not 10 but I found it interesting it mentioned us. I could see us trading down and picking either bolland or a defensemen in the mid teens.

link (http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Sports/2004/06/22/509049.html)

There was a small article on Bolland and Schremp in todays london free press. Bolland said he has been contacted by 28 teams but only two teams are mentioned.
"The carolina Hurricanes like bolland but at No. 8, it may be a little early. The Anaheim mighty ducks at No.10 have also shown alot of interest."
Onviously you notice we pick at 9 and not 10 but I found it interesting it mentioned us. I could see us trading down and picking either bolland or a defensemen in the mid teens.

link (http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Sports/2004/06/22/509049.html)

I've been advocating that the Ducks select Robbie Schremp if he's still on the board when the 9th pick rolls around. He's just too much of an offensive talent to pass up. Bolland is more of a character guy. I certainly wouldn't mind if the Ducks pick him, but I think it would be foolish to waste the 9th pick overall on him.

If the Ducks were to get Bolland and/or Schremp, their roster might look like the London Knights Alumni Club in a few years!

Bolland sounds like a crafty player. But 6 feet and a buck 78 pounds won't get him alot of attention. I wouldn't be surprised if he dropped down to the second round for us at #39.

Bolland sounds like a crafty player. But 6 feet and a buck 78 pounds won't get him alot of attention. I wouldn't be surprised if he dropped down to the second round for us at #39.

Neither of us has a crystal ball, but I'd say Bolland won't last beyond the 20th pick or so. In fact, I think he'll go in the top 16.

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/extras.cgi?2004NHLDraft-MockDraft1

THN did another Mock Draft (Phase II as they called it)
has us picking Thelen but says we may have to move up to #7 to get him, because the Canes like him too

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/extras.cgi?2004NHLDraft-MockDraft1

THN did another Mock Draft (Phase II as they called it)
has us picking Thelen but says we may have to move up to #7 to get him, because the Canes like him too

Interesting that they also have us re-selecting Brent at #39. Definately won't happen IMO. Maybe further down the draft but not at 39.

hey all, been lurking for a couple months, i was wondering what you guys would think of drafting radulov at #9. with a good possibility of thelen, olesz, tukonen, ladd, and schremp (yes i'm now on the schremp bandwagon too) gone, would you take the most talented forward available?

i know we have had trouble with high pick russian forwards in the recently (smirnov, chistov) but by all accounts radulov seems to have what smirnov and cheesy lack - work ethic on the ice, as well as some raw talent and one of the biggest upsides in the draft.

hey all, been lurking for a couple months, i was wondering what you guys would think of drafting radulov at #9. with a good possibility of thelen, olesz, tukonen, ladd, and schremp (yes i'm now on the schremp bandwagon too) gone, would you take the most talented forward available?

i know we have had trouble with high pick russian forwards in the recently (smirnov, chistov) but by all accounts radulov seems to have what smirnov and cheesy lack - work ethic on the ice, as well as some raw talent and one of the biggest upsides in the draft.

In the worst case scenario where Ladd,Thelen, and Schremp have all been taken, I would be ok with getting Radulov.

With Bryan Murray gone, there's nothing stopping us from taking a Euro.

with a good possibility of thelen, olesz, tukonen, ladd, and schremp (yes i'm now on the schremp bandwagon too) gone, would you take the most talented forward available?


For this to happen neither Montoya nor Schwarz will be picked in the top 8...I don't believe that will happen.

I can see us re-selecting Brent, even at 39th overall. Brent is arguably as good as any talent we'll get at 39. Maybe we can trade down a bit, and gain something we can use.

BTW, I hope we get Schremp. He's amazingly talented, and the whole demanded trade thing from Missasauga isn't as bad as it sounds. Apparentley, new guys bought the IceDogs, and Schremp's brother had troubles with them in the past, so he wanted out if they were running the show. Also, he plays with Perry, and the two might have chemistry, and would make a stellar future 2nd line.

I can see us re-selecting Brent, even at 39th overall. Brent is arguably as good as any talent we'll get at 39. Maybe we can trade down a bit, and gain something we can use.

I disagree, Brent is a "safe" pick in that he's a sure 4th liner that might peak anywhere up to a decent 2nd liner.

The Ducks need to take the chance on getting an impact player even at the risk of failure. There are too many other ways to get "safe" players.

Al Coates last minute comments from LATIMES:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nhl26jun26,1,3151332.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

"The Ducks, Coates said, will seek the best player available, regardless of position."

"We're going to attempt, like other teams, to protect our assets the best we can, while being careful about our commitment level," Duck General Manager Al Coates said.

the article also suggest the ducks need to reduce payroll to get Perry and Getzlaf on contract:

"The Ducks have already committed about $35 million to 14 players for next season. NHL officials are holding fast to demands of a salary cap for the next collective bargaining agreement, a cap that is believed to hover around $35 million. The collective bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15.

Besides Carney, the team has several key players unsigned. Forward Rob Niedermayer, defenseman Ruslan Salei and defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski, all vital on the ice, need at least qualifying offers before July 1 or they will become unrestricted free agents.

Niedermayer made $2 million, Salei $1.75 million and Vishnevski $1.18 million last season. Coates has yet to contact their agents regarding either contract negotiations or qualifying offers.

In the wings are the team's two first-round picks from last June, Ryan Getzlaf, a skilled power forward the Ducks desperately need, and Corey Perry, whose value increased after his performance in junior hockey last season. Both are unsigned.

That may force Coates to make a trade to create financial wiggle room."

more Al Coates(and Chuck Fletcher)...from OC REGISTER:

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2004/06/26/sections/sports/pro/article_148274.php

"Picking at the No. 9 spot, we certainly expect to get a quality hockey player," Ducks director of hockey operations Chuck Fletcher said. "Even in the second and third rounds, we expect to get players who will (eventually) play in the NHL."

and on possible trading:

Drops in the salaries of center Sergei Fedorov from $10 million to $6 million and left wing Vinny Prospal from $6.5 million to $2.5 million will save the Ducks $8 million next season, but instructions from the parent Walt Disney Co. are to cut even more.

How successful Coates is in trading what the Ducks consider expendable assets will significantly impact how the club deals with its potential free agents next week.

By Wednesday night, the Ducks must determine whether to pick up a $2.7 million option on the contract of veteran defenseman Keith Carney and also decide which of their eight potential restricted free agents they will retain by extending qualifying offers. Among that group, winger Rob Niedermayer made $2.1million last season, defenseman Ruslan Salei $1.75 million and defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski $1,179,750.

"That's all contingent on what, if anything, we're able to do" this weekend, Coates said.

interesting in that OC register article also says how Coates feels there are 10 top players and then not much difference from the 11th pick on.

I guess he must be glad we have the 9th pick. I wish i knew what his group of 10 is.

edit: Ducks director of hockey operations Chuck Fletcher made the above comments...its late :innocent:

Barker just went 3rd to Chicago.

Ducks on the clock, Tukonen still there. Good fit?

"The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim are pleased to select from Czech Republic Ladislav Smid"

Kings have Tukonen...

Obviously I won't be sharing my full opinion on the draft just yet (as an HF guy, that's what's my articles are for! so a draft review article after tommorrow sometime and then a re-rank and then a figuring out of who goes where etc...lots of work lots of fun). But just a couple things I'd like to share

1. Last night I spent the night in the HF chat (also during the draft). Helped do a mock draft (by the end I was drafting for 3-4 teams). Anyways, it was a lot of fun and I really learned a lot about quite a few players.
2. Smid has been called a guy who could end up being the best blueliner in the draft. He's a safer pick then Thelen or Meszaros(what a fall!) but I'm pleased with him.
3. I'm happy that the Ducks have a second chance at Tim Brent. I really like this guy and I think he could someday replace Rucchin for us, in both leadership and two-way play.

So Tommorrow Predictions:
A goalie
2 forwards
Another blueliner

Unfortunately, none look to be impact, as our first pick isn't until the 6th round (172nd overall).

Unfortunately, none look to be impact, as our first pick isn't until the 6th round (172nd overall).

Maybe O'Neill will keep falling, and be available with our 6th round pick. :)