Draft Talk

Lightning to pick 28th or, God willing, 30th...

I'm looking at this and thinking to myself "Worst draft since '96." Anyways... I am focusing on forwards and goaltending, to a lesser extent, as our need position, and here are 10 to watch for:

Europe:
13. Enver Lisin, RW, 6'2" 190 lbs, Saratov (RUS1)
14. Lukas Kaspar, W, 6'2" 202 lbs, Litvinov (CZE)
20. Johannes Salmonsson, W, 6'2" 183 lbs, Djurgardens (SWE)
23. Carl Soderberg, C/w, 6'3" 198 lbs, Malmo (SWE J-20)

North America:
14. Bruce Graham, C, 6'6" 220 lbs, Moncton (QMJHL)
15. Travis Zajac, C. 6'2" 205 lbs, Salmon Arm (BCHL) (Committed to North Dakota)
17. Blake Wheeler, RW, 6'3.5" 185 lbs, Breck (USHS) (Committed to Minnesota '05-'06)
18. Bryan Bickell, LW, 6'3" 210 lbs, Ottawa (OHL)
22. Adam Berti, LW, 6'2" 188 lbs, Oshawa (OHL)

2. Devan Dubnyk, G, 6'5.5" 194 lbs, Kamloops (WHL)

-Pete Choquette

29th and 30th picks of the last dozen or so drafts up to 2000 (more recent classes haven't really had time to prove themselves):

1988:
Wayne Doucet
Adrien Plavsic (!!!)

1989:
Rob Woodward
Patrice Brisebois

1990:
Chris Gotziaman
Rod Pasma

1991:
Jassen Cullimore (!!!)
Sandis Ozolinsh

1992:
Tuomas Gronman
Chris O'Sullivan

1993:
Tyler Moss (!!!)
Nikolai Tsulygin

1994:
Stanislav Neckar (!!!)
Deron Quint

1995:
Brian Wesenberg
Mike McBain (!!!)

1996:
Dan LaCouture
Josh Green

1997:
Scott Barney
Jean-Marc Pelletier

1998:
Jonathan Cheechoo
Kyle Rossiter

1999:
Michal Sivek
Luke Sellars
* Kudroc was 28th (!!!)

2000:
Niklas Kronwall
Jeff Taffe

Some keepers in there, but it's definitely a crap-shoot.

This whole draft is a crap shoot outside of the top two. Emphasis on "crap".

-Pete Choquette

This whole draft is a crap shoot outside of the top two. Emphasis on "crap".

-Pete Choquette

Yeah, when you look over those I posted, the only keepers came out of relatively deep drafts. Not a good sign.

Actually, I screwed up... they'll get either the 28th pick or (God willing) the 30th pick. The only way they would've picked 29th is if Detroit had won the Cup. Now that they are gone, they are locked in at 29 with the cup winner picking 30th.

And considering it was my goof up that undid half your research, here are the 28 picks:

1988:
Paul Holden

1989:
Mike Craig

1990:
Brandy Semchuk

1991:
Jim Campbell

1992:
Paul Brousseau

1993:
Shean Donovan

1994:
Johan Davidsson

1995:
Jan Hlavac

1996:
Pavel Skrbek

1997:
Brad DeFauw

1998:
Ramzi Abid

1999:
Kristian Kudroc

2000:
Justin Williams

2001:
Adrian Foster

2002:
Jonas Johansson

2003:
Corey Perry

Slop. Lots of slop. I'd settle for a servicable NHLer in this draft.

-Pete Choquette

15. Travis Zajac, C. 6'2" 205 lbs, Salmon Arm (BCHL) (Committed to North Dakota)


C'mon, Jay, give me another North Dakotan.

There was an article in the Nashville Tennessean this past week saying the Preds will likely go center. Graham was one of two names mentioned.

I hope he lasts until the bottom, but I highly doubt it.

Think there is a good chance at trading down and extending Feaster's streak of drafts with out a 1st round pick?

No I don't, because there is a decided lack of depth in this draft. If he does, it'll only be to move down a handful of picks to gain a mid rounder IMO.

-Pete Choquette

Lukas Kaspar strikes me as a really good fit here... sniping winger with good size and a big shot.

-Pete Choquette

Blake Wheeler another interesting Wild Card as a high school junior who will likely play one year in the USHL before going to the University of Minnesota in '05-'06.

He'll be 6'4" and over 2 bills when he fills out and supposedly skates really well with a nasty streak. Roll the dice at 28 or (God willing, help us out big fella) 30?

-Pete Choquette

One more:

G Cory Schneider, 6'2" 195 lbs, Phillips Andover (USHS)

-Pete Choquette

Allegedly the Rag$ are going to end up with a TON of high 2nd round picks between finishing so poorly, comp picks, and now losing Umberger as an unsigned UFA first rounder.

If you beleive guys like Schneider and Wheeler might slip to the early 2nd, do you repeat the 2002 trade down?

The thing about it is, there are safe picks (Dubnyk) but I really would love to get my hands on a couple of guys like Zajac, Wheeler, Schneider, Kaspar etc who are less safe who maybe have even more upside.

-Pete Choquette

Schneider caught my eye last night while I was reading through THN's preview. They have Kaspar down around the 35 range. Zajac around 25, I think. (I knew I should have brought that thing to work)

Reading some of the write-ups and looking for the guys who's character is highlighted, combined with skill, one of the ones that I ran across as an option if we were to trade down or potentially slips was Aki Seitsonen. #30 NA. 6'3" 206 center. Stats aren't great - 16 goals and 40 points for Prince Albert last year. Write-up talked about his speed and willingness to bang, play in high-traffic areas and scouts wanting to see what he could do on the scoresheet next year after a season of NA hockey. A good skill set.

THN has Graham in the low 30's. I think he'll go before we're there. Write-up wasn't fantastic on him, but big guys get taken earlier than they probably should. I don't think Seitsonen will last until the late 2nd either.

Any re-draft players catch your eye, Pete? Tim Brent?

Nah.

Schneider could be a stud.

I had Seitsonen at midterms and he's highlighted as a second rounder on my notes but like Berti I can't justify using a 1st round pick on him without production.

-Pete Choquette

im still saying #33 projected overall Adam Pinault quote from this edition hockey news "adam is a big strong kid who has everthing you would want in a prospect. except a showcase season." "Pinault is a power winger who does the little things it takes to win."

There were some negative things but having seen him play and knowing some of the reasons behind the bad season this year i think he can work around this bad season. Tampa was the last team he talked to at the trials they just had up in canada where the prospects for this draft were put through a mini camp.

Pinault was supposed to be a lottery pick going into the year but really stubbed his toe production wise. Its tough to step in as a freshman in the NCAA and have a huge impact unless you're the best of the best prospects.

I just can't justify taking him in the first round when he had just 8 points all season. He's another guy maybe you look at if you trade down into the 2nd.

-Pete Choquette

Pinault was supposed to be a lottery pick going into the year but really stubbed his toe production wise. Its tough to step in as a freshman in the NCAA and have a huge impact unless you're the best of the best prospects.

I just can't justify taking him in the first round when he had just 8 points all season. He's another guy maybe you look at if you trade down into the 2nd.

-Pete Choquette

I agree, however, if Jay is feeling lucky and wants to take a high-risk/high-reward pick, Pineault could be the guy.

I don't like reading this about him, though: "He's called the Mystery Man for good reason (THN)," "He did not work hard and he is a myster man. He has gone backwards and why, we don't know. (scout)" They all keep pointing to the fact he didn't play, but point to his under-17 teams he was so "great" on. Projected as a top-2 line power forward.

Re: Berti

Some comments that stuck out:

"When he wakes up and wants to play, he can play (scout)."
"He reminds me of Clark Gillies in that Gillies played very passively if you left him alone. Slash him once or twice and you got him going.(scout)"
"You wish he was more competative (NHL exec)" This one isn't good, but you could be describing Adam Henrich in his draft year.

Re: Seitsonen

I agree, Pete, he can't be a #1 with those numbers. But comments that stuck out in his profile:

"They [Finnish players] just work and work and work. (scout)"
"Good size, average scill, and is very competitive. (THN)"
"I don't know if he'll be a big scorer at the NHL level, but he won't be outworked.(scout)"

So, you're not only thinking 2nd at best, but maybe lower. Here's why I think he's a candidate:

"He has good smarts and good puck skills (scout)."
"Scouts can't wait until next season to see how he faris in his 2nd year in the WHL... he played in the Top Prospets Game and had the 4th best 60 yard dash and posted the 9th fastest in the fastest skater competition."

They make it sound like he's got untapped offensive potential to go along with the Tortorella-ingredients. For the record, he scored 15 in 14 with Ahmat in the Mid. and 18 in 40 with Hameen in the Finnish Jrs.

I think he'd be one to even trade up to the mid-2nd to get. Perhaps package a fifth or fourth (not the CLB pick, or do we have another 4th?) with our 2nd to move up 10 or so spots if he's still there in round 2.

Seitsonen strikes me as a third liner... I think we need to focus on getting some more skill than that back in the organization this season.

-Pete Choquette

I agree, however I think we have a need for a big centerman that can step in as a shut-down guy. Perhaps we can find one of those in the later rounds.

We haven't used a 1st round pick on a guy with legitimate 1st line offensive potential in over a half decade. Not since the Lecavalier draft to be specific. Other forwards we have taken have either been projects (Alexeev) or two-way players it was freely admitted would probably top out as second liners (Svitov).

Now's the time to go for some skill. Nothing to lose when you're sitting at pick 30 (::knock on wood::) and everything to gain.

-Pete Choquette

Schneider reportedly considering joining Rimouski for next season...

:eek:

-Pete Choquette

The first TSN.ca mock has the Lightning selecting center Bruce Graham at pick 30.

-Pete Choquette

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=7065

I find it interesting that Schneider, Wheeler and Zajac all slip out of the 1st in this mock... which begs for a trade down for extra picks if it holds up.

-Pete Choquette

Schneider reportedly considering joining Rimouski for next season...

:eek:

-Pete Choquette

YES!!!

On 2 counts....

1) If we draft him, add another Rimouski star-in-the-making to the list (not calling Hrdel a star)
2) He was supposed to go to Boston College, which means Joe Pearce may be allowed an easier road to the starting job once their Finnish goalie graduates this year.

Is trading up a possibility? Drew Stafford strikes me as the type of player that Torotrella and Feaster are looking for; top line talent, defensivly responsible, character. If by chance he drops, sitting their pretty at #20 -#25...maybe you trade a mid round pick and snag him?

One one hand...

I don't think you're apt to see Feaster trade up unless there is a prospect whom they are REALLY high on and he's fallen a little bit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think Feaster's traded up in either of his drafts. Dudley would do it at the drop of a hat, but Feaster is more apt to trade down for a guy who fits their wants (and may not be as highly rated by other teams: see Egener, Smaby). Feaster has shown an ability (with Goertzen) in the last two drafts to make good use of his mid-late round picks. Finding guys like Ranger and Reid and O'Brien and the like that look like NHLers may lessen the need to get a "guaranteed" player by moving up in the early rounds.

On the other... as Pete mentioned, TB does need some prime-time skill on the farm and what a better time than right after winning the Cup (my GOSH does that sound good to use now) with a young core to take a little bit of a gamble and move up to get that high-end guy. It would have to be a player in whom they think will be a "guaranteed" guy, though, and Stafford may top out as a 2nd liner. His hands aren't as good as some other prospects, though he plays a Tortorella-friendly game.

Let the cramming for the draft begin!

There are no "sure things" after Ovechkin and Malkin in this draft.

For the ultimate dice rollers, there's Blake Wheeler.

For the semi-adventurous, there's Travis Zajac.

For the cautious, take a goaltender like Dubnyk.

-Pete Choquette

Does size take a back seat to talent then (Schremp type)? Or is Feaster still looking for those size-speed attributes that were stressed during the Dudley regime? In past drafts i've noticed how superior smaller talent has been passed over for teams looking for size, so maybe Feaster does trade down takes advantage. Or has Marties success somewhat rekindled GM's willingness to draft smaller players?

In past drafts i've noticed how superior smaller talent has been passed over for teams looking for size, so maybe Feaster does trade down takes advantage. Or has Marties success somewhat rekindled GM's willingness to draft smaller players?

I'm not so sure we have a complete picture or accurate read on Feaster's drafting tendencies yet, IMO. Others may disagree. The first two years, the organization has been focused on filling some glaring holes in the prospect system that have resulted from:

(1) a long-term dysfunctional development system stemming from not having a sole minor league affiliation;

(2) Dudley's relatively poor track record of drafting prospects with NHL upside coupled with his almost manical preference to big, fast Russians and huge, slow defenseman;

(3) Dudley's seemingly constant trading of picks and prospects.

As such, IMO Feaster's drafting tendencies have been somewhat masked and skewed simply out of necessity to address a number of holes in the organization. For example,

Feaster's first draft was clearly focused on improving the NHL team that was being iced, of course the lynchpin being the trade of the 4th overall for Fedotenko, Lukowich, and Henrich.

Feaster's second draft was focused on replenishing the system with defenseman and goalies, glaring holes in our system. Feaster came under quite a bit of fire for passing up a number of skilled forwards last summer in order to draft the likes of Egener, Smaby, and Boutin. Like it or not, the organization from ownership, to the GM, and to the coaches each have a plan, and they persistently stick to that plan no matter the criticism from press or fans. Remember the outcry last year of passing over Stewart, O'Sullivan, and Vrana for Egener and Smaby?

That all being said, on the surface, it seems that drafting from Europe and Russia have been de-emphasized, and Feaster may have a soft spot for tough western Canadians. And the fact that he was the first GM in Lightning history to draft an FC goalie is also telling. Certainly Goertzen, and to a lesser extent Bill Barber, have much input into the drafting plan. As a *recovering* attorney, Feaster puts a lot of faith in the *hockey* people he has surrounded himself with, and the trifecta of Goertzen, Reese, and Barber have served him well so far.

Regarding the organization's view on diminuative forwards, I think you look no further than the chance and role Perrin was given at the end of the season and the early rounds of the playoffs to see that there is no overt *bias* against smaller players. However, I don't see the squad carrying more than one or two of these little guys at a time. In the later rounds of the playoffs, size MATTERS significantly as we all saw. When the refs throw away their whistles and the rulebook, St. Louis' impact mostly went out the window with it, and Perrin was reduced to serving popcorn and filling out the practice squad.

I don't think you're going to see many little guys drafted, though. They ones like St. Louis and Perrin who battle through all that and make it despite their small size makes for great profile stories, and I think that is fine by the Lightning. Draft guys with size and character, and keep an eye peeled for the undrafted midgets who won't seem to go away.

I would have a heart attack if Schremp dropped to us, although I would've said that about O'Sullivan falling so far last season.

IMO the template for a Lightning player hasn't changed much since Jay has taken over. Our scouts still love big guys who can skate and Jeff Reese still loves mammoth sized goaltenders... and that size tends to be a bigger factor in their decision making than skill. It seems like they want the specemin and they'll teach him how to play hockey as time goes on.

The difference is, of course, Jay loves North Americans and Dudley loved Russians. Jay's top picks in 2002 and 2003 pretty much prove this out: Henrich, Egener, and Smaby versus Dudley's picks of guys like Svitov, Polushin and Alexeev.

So for our top pick... I'd say bet the farm on a player who will be at least 6'2" when they're fully filled out and North American.

Speaking of which, I think I need to go to the HF Cave and check to see how the official HF mock is going and if they're on pick 30.

-Pete Choquette

Kevin Wey on the clock and Zajac off the board...

And the question is... do I follow my heart and take Wheeler or my head and take a goaltender?

-Pete Choquette

Chicago reportedly looking to acquire another 1st round pick and they have a few 2nd rounders stockpiled to do it...

-Pete Choquette

Sotnos... can we sticky a Draft Talk thread up until the draft? We had the CSS Finals one, but I can't find it anywhere. I did a search, found it, but it said it was an invalid thread and wouldn't show it.

In that thread a poster said that the Lightning were the last team to talk to Adam Pineault of Boston College after a recent prospect gathering.

He fell after a year where he couldn't earn the icetime he needed.

It wasn't mentioned in that thread - but is probably common knowledge by now - he left BC in late April and it's speculated he's going to Moncton of the Q.

Reading his profile around the 'net, he sounds like a player the Lightning would be interested in, but may not be worth a first. Other things I've read said someone will take a chance on him in the mid-late first. I don't think his name should be thrown away for a possibility to pick for Tampa, though.

If they draft Pineault, it should be after a trade down. Taking him in the first round would be a reach and the Lightning know it, just as they knew taking Egener in the first would've been a reach even though he was the guy they wanted at 25.

-Pete Choquette

Sotnos... can we sticky a Draft Talk thread up until the draft? We had the CSS Finals one, but I can't find it anywhere. I did a search, found it, but it said it was an invalid thread and wouldn't show it.

In that thread a poster said that the Lightning were the last team to talk to Adam Pineault of Boston College after a recent prospect gathering.

He fell after a year where he couldn't earn the icetime he needed.

It wasn't mentioned in that thread - but is probably common knowledge by now - he left BC in late April and it's speculated he's going to Moncton of the Q.

Reading his profile around the 'net, he sounds like a player the Lightning would be interested in, but may not be worth a first. Other things I've read said someone will take a chance on him in the mid-late first. I don't think his name should be thrown away for a possibility to pick for Tampa, though.

How would you say he rates compared to Adam Berti? Are they considred similar as far as the way the play?

Berti is a speedster with not much in the hands department.

Pineault, on the other hand, is more of a power forward type.

Both have struggled somewhat... Berti out of lack of intensity and Pineault for a number of factors.

Pineault is the better pick of the two IMO.

-Pete Choquette

Guys, if you want to know what is up with Pete, you'll really have to ask him yourselves!

Alright, I merged both threads together, consider this your official draft thread and revel in the fact that we're picking 30th. :)

Does anyone think we will hang onto our 1st round choice? After the last two years i think jay will trade down again. This is a weak draft and he may want out of the first in order to save some money and get some later prospects that might develop long term. From everything i have read this is one of the weakest drafts in awhile so that seems like a logical conclusion. Are there some gems that will be around later in the 2nd that jay might want to pick up? If so then I see a trade of the first- maybe to florida or Pittsburgh. One of the rebuilding teams may want to part with later round choices in order to get a better prospect earlier on. Gee how nice is it to draft last??

HF first round mock draft complete.

After consulting with their draft advisor, the Lightning make the "heady" pick and choose Kamloops goaltender Devan Dubnyk.

http://www.kamloopsblazers.bc.ca/photogallery/photos/Dubnyk.jpg

Indeed, Boutin, Coleman and Eklund are all coming off great developmental seasons, but after seeing how important not just above-average goaltending, but unhuman goaltending was in the team's Cup run, the Lightning take the 6-6, 194-pound Dubnyk. Somewhere Jeff Reese is smiling.

Scouting Report:

Positives: Huge, quick feet, quick hands, and good positioning. Shooters don't have much net to look at. WHL's GT of the year and scholastic player of the year.

"He could be the big surprise in net," said a former goalie turned scout.
"For a big goalie, he's fairly agile," said another scout. "He moves well in his crease and he has good lateral movement. You watch him andyou see good anticipation and he's very alert."
Will garner strong consideration for Canada's WJC squad next Christmas.

Neutral comment: Wears Luongominiums.

Negatives: No word yet on competitiveness, a Feaster/Reese primary ingredient. Also, he has bad acne. Not Kovalchuk bad, but we're going to need some Oxy here. Finally, there's no way Dubnyk falls to the 30 spot. THN says he'll be a steal in the MID-first round. However, there have been a few mocks that have both Dubnyk and Schneider available at 30.

Comparison: Kolzig, but a little bigger and a little quicker.

Alternatives:

In this situation, consideration was given to high-risk/high-reward prospects Wheeler and Pineault.

TSN Top-30 (Not The Sporting News) (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/draft/feature.asp?fid=9467)

Noteables:
*
Zajac-14
Dubnyk-21
Lisin-23
Kaspar-25
Chucko-28
Wheeler-31
Pineault-33
Schneider-34
Sindel-35
Graham-37
Bickell-43
Berti-44

McKeen's Mock Draft (http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/draft.asp?Draft=45)

They have Bolland falling to us. Bolland is a smallish (under 6') center for the London Knights with good offensive skills. THN has him at 21, projecting him as a 2-way forward.

I think he's too small for Feaster/Jake's liking, as they've been pretty steady in drafting forwards 6'1" or taller. Most have been in the 6'2" or 6'3" range, especially those taken in the first 6 rounds: Henrich (6'4"), Kazionov (6'3"), Akkanen (6'6").

It wouldn't be a bad pick, but they have us passing on Zajac for him.

Well, the folks on the JV board are making a statement for LightningNation by voting 72% in favor of drafting a defenseman in the first round Saturday. Goalie is second with 10%.

Defensive depth is the strongest part of the farm right now with Holmqvist, Egener, Smaby, Ranger, O'Brien and Dicaire.

Can't find the logic in this one.

Ran into the same thing on AOL, which of course is the sub-JV board.

Kind of humerous really. Seems the justifications there were actually valid... A YEAR AGO (hence the reason you trade down to secure Egener and Smaby and use your fourth pick on O'Brien).

LightningNation appears to be on a one year behind when it comes to draft matters. Kind of justifies Erik Erlendsson's position that the local papers need to do more prospect coverage to keep the fans up to date IMO.

Never been one for drafting "need" when the player the Bolts will draft at #30 is at least 3 years away from sniffing the NHL roster. Who knows what the team will look like by then? BPA is the only way to go.

In general drafting BPA is always the smart thing to do. Last year was an exception though given how thin we were at the defenseman position. Besides, the Lightning believed Egener and Smaby were the BPA in the early second round.

YES!!!

On 2 counts....

1) If we draft him, add another Rimouski star-in-the-making to the list (not calling Hrdel a star)
2) He was supposed to go to Boston College, which means Joe Pearce may be allowed an easier road to the starting job once their Finnish goalie graduates this year.

Pearce will not be at BC next year.

I agree, however, if Jay is feeling lucky and wants to take a high-risk/high-reward pick, Pineault could be the guy.

I don't like reading this about him, though: "He's called the Mystery Man for good reason (THN)," "He did not work hard and he is a myster man. He has gone backwards and why, we don't know. (scout)" They all keep pointing to the fact he didn't play, but point to his under-17 teams he was so "great" on. Projected as a top-2 line power forward.

Re: Berti

Some comments that stuck out:

"When he wakes up and wants to play, he can play (scout)."
"He reminds me of Clark Gillies in that Gillies played very passively if you left him alone. Slash him once or twice and you got him going.(scout)"
"You wish he was more competative (NHL exec)" This one isn't good, but you could be describing Adam Henrich in his draft year.

Re: Seitsonen

I agree, Pete, he can't be a #1 with those numbers. But comments that stuck out in his profile:

"They [Finnish players] just work and work and work. (scout)"
"Good size, average scill, and is very competitive. (THN)"
"I don't know if he'll be a big scorer at the NHL level, but he won't be outworked.(scout)"

So, you're not only thinking 2nd at best, but maybe lower. Here's why I think he's a candidate:

"He has good smarts and good puck skills (scout)."
"Scouts can't wait until next season to see how he faris in his 2nd year in the WHL... he played in the Top Prospets Game and had the 4th best 60 yard dash and posted the 9th fastest in the fastest skater competition."

They make it sound like he's got untapped offensive potential to go along with the Tortorella-ingredients. For the record, he scored 15 in 14 with Ahmat in the Mid. and 18 in 40 with Hameen in the Finnish Jrs.

I think he'd be one to even trade up to the mid-2nd to get. Perhaps package a fifth or fourth (not the CLB pick, or do we have another 4th?) with our 2nd to move up 10 or so spots if he's still there in round 2.

Saw Pineault play this week and he was great. 2g, 2a in 1 game playing in the PRO AM league out of Bridgewater, MA. Pineault has the talent and from what I hear in the area, BC poorly managed the 3 freshmen this past season. Pineault is a power forward who has all the skill needed in the NHl, all he needs is a chance to prove it. The 2 goals I saw were over the shoulder of the goalie. Pineault can play RC/RW, although he shines most as Center. I believe he should go in the 1st round without a doubt.

Woodlief (Red-line) had his chat yesterday:

He did a lot of talking right here (http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20040623004/tscript.htm)

He projects Wheeler to go 23-27.

No mention of Pineault.

Questions Sindel's work ethic.

CBS-Sportsline came out with their mock this week.

Anyone can do a mock! (http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/story/7444537)

I love our pick of Wolski at THIRTY, but Rick Dudley has a better chance of being hired again by the Lightning than Wolski does of falling to 30. Stafford falling to Ottawa is almost as bad.

I'd crap my pants if Wolski fell to 30. I have no idea, other than the fact he apparently shoved someone at a party and had the cops called on him, why this guy has dropped over the course of the year. By all rights, he has lottery pick talent.

I sat down and did my own mock and it was Wheeler at 30 after the top four goalies went off the board.

I sat down and did my own mock and it was Wheeler at 30 after the top four goalies went off the board.

You've sold me on Wheeler (it wasn't difficult), and as you mentioned, seeing that Feaster took a chance on USHSer Smaby last year it could be in the cards, but I'm not sure he'll be there at 30. I think the Rangers or someone with multiple picks will take a shot at him, or someone in the 25 range will take a chance on the package. Big guys like that usually tend to rise. That's why I think Graham will be gone by 25. I point to the Kings last year taking a project in Brian Boyle at 26, or Minnesota with Brent Burns at 20. I guess we shall see.

Usually by this time Cristordero or Eazy-E has received and published a top-10 from the Lightning. I'm anxious to see a list like this from the organization to get a better feel for who they may have their eye on.

I think the favorites for the #30 right now (in Feaster's view) are Schneider, Wheeler and Pineault (because Dubnyk won't be there). I still think we end up with Pineault. Any chance Pineault could have risen in the rankings may have been squashed by him leaving BC and the rumor about him stealing College ID's, which he later returned.

Rumor is, though, that as many as four of the late teams are eyeing Schneider, and your mock may pan out in that regard and he won't be there.

I have Schneider gone at Edmonton's second pick from what I recall.

If Wheeler and Schneider are gone at 30 in your scenario, there is no reason not to trade down.

Pineault is a reach in round one IMO.

The odds of getting a goalie in the first tomorrow has increased since yesterday.

The Blues traded Shawn Belle for Jason Bacashihua. That takes care of the Blues potential selection of a goalie.

It lessens the need, but they still may go for one. Schneider was rumored to be a target of STL.

As I recall, I had Dubnyk going to Ottawa and Schneider to Edmonton on the Oilers' second pick.

McKeen's (I have subscribed for one month) has a "Buyer Beware" section. Just one noteable as it pertains to prospects we've discussed:

(Jake Dole is the writer and prospects editor for McKeen's. Didn't he used to work with HF? I remember talking to him about Alexeev and other prospects.)

Berti
"He can be about as hard to move as a statue but he shows just about as much pizzaz. There are two concerns with Berti: his lack of willingness to work hard along the boards and his average hands, which will limit him offensively. If he smartens up he’ll be a capable checking player, but we don’t see much more here."

McKeen's labels Berti as the strongest in the draft, though.

They list a wild-card for the Lightning (IMO) Kris Chucko (2nd round) as one of two best agitators (Dane Byers the other).

Pineault is one of two listed as most likely to break out next year.

While I continue to add to my post count... (I'm trying to catch up to Joeminus)

... and while I'm still hung up on Pineault at 30...

McKeen's on Pineault:

Smooth, deceptively-quick first few strides .. understated quickness and acceleration for a big man .. has a bit of Lupul in terms of his skating; there are times when he appears to be losing balance only to scoot by a defender with a quick, unexpected burst .. more of a shiftier skater than a straight-ahead power skater like Stafford .. uses that Ulf Dahlen stutter-step move to freeze defenders off the rush, opening up space to use his soft hands and excellent passing skills .. sucks pucks up and makes nice soft passes .. somewhat unique skating stride makes it appear that he is sluggish, but he is an underrated skater whose acceleration and change of pace can catch defenders off-guard .. really knows how to use his body to disrupt puckcarriers .. powerful hitter who maintains strong positioning after he commits to making body contact.

Also, in their who will rise and who will fall category...

Kaspar will fall (out of first).
Churchill will rise (to third).
Wheeler will stay the same - which they have at mid-2nd. They say he's the draft's biggest wildcard, but he hasn't proven anything and teams will keep that in mind.

Pete, I saw Gabriel Bouthillette of Gatineau mentioned for the first time today. I think it was on NHL.com in a goalie article. I had mentioned him to you earlier. Big goalie. FC. Who knows if a late rounder is spent on him. I think that's highly doubtful. After taking two goalies last year and two the year before, it'd have to be a premier goalie falling in the first for TB to take one. I don't think they'll take another one late.

has a bit of Lupul in terms of his skating

those are Goertzen/Feaster giveaway words...

(remember if the TBL hadn't of traded the #3 overall pick two years ago, they supposedly would have picked Lupul over Pitkanen...)

...I'm beginning to think Pineault might be the odds-on favorite tomorrow...

Brian Boyle "hadn't proven anything" either last season and he was a 1st round pick in a MUCH deeper draft than this one. And Wheeler has better production as a junior than Boyle did as a senior.

Jake is... a character. You might know him better a DrChimera on these boards. For the most part I think he's a good guy although I had a run in with one of his alternate egos here on the boards once (I was told that was him under another screen name by HF management). I believe he referred to Berti as a "scout killer" at one point in time this year. He's right more often than wrong, although he disagreed with me that Phaneuf would be a top ten pick last year. Take what he says for what it is worth... one voice in the chorus that is the scouting community... and draw your own conclusions.

If they're hot for Pineault, trade down I say.

I would like for us to draft Denis Parshin. Don't care when or where just so long as we draft him this weekend. I have a good feeling that he is going to be a player.

Pretty small for Feaster's liking, I'd think, but you never know.

They passed on Hudler and O'Sullivan multiple times in the last two years.

I wouldn't mind a pure-skill guy, though. Parshin's write-up in THN says he's a guy you'd love to have on your rec team - he's a perimeter skill guy.

I think Woodlief or McKeen's said he's one of the most exciting players to watch in the draft. There's a little Norwegan that's supposed to be of the same type.

Usually by this time Cristordero or Eazy-E has received and published a list of 10 or so potential picks for the Lightning. I'm anxious to see a list like this from the organization to get a better feel for who they may have their eye on.


Trib has theirs up. (Bolts.tbo.com) No list of prospects, though.
They also have a new Lightning header at the top of the Lightning page. About time. Worth the wait though if it meant putting "2004 Stanley Cup Champions" on it.

Feaster to move up?



That doesn't mean, however, that Feaster will stand pat at No. 30. In the the first two drafts he ran as Lightning GM, Feaster traded out of the first round. This year, he might be looking to move up.

``We have made some inquiries as far as moving up in the first or the second round if a guy we feel strong about is still there,'' Feaster said after attending the general managers meetings Friday. ``We have a list of who we feel good about. That's where things stand now, and we'll see how it goes. But if we see somebody we really like and he's still on the board, we will be aggressive in pursuing that and step up without taking something off our roster.''

A goalie?

What is lacking are top two- line forwards and a long-term answer in goal, despite the progress this year of 2003 picks Jonathan Boutin and Gerald Coleman.

``We are bullish on Boutin and Coleman, but it is still too early to say they are the answer,'' Feaster said. ``What we may want to look at is that and ask, who's the next guy? Who's going to be the long-term replacement for Nik Khabibulin?''

Wheeler?

With the success of the franchise and the prospects in the minors, the Lightning can afford to take a risk pick, a long- term project who could pay big dividends.

``Could we swing from our heels aiming for the fence? Sure, in an advised sort of way,'' Feaster said.

A lot of talk about Feaster not feeling the need to acquire more picks, having picked 25 in the last two years.

``Could we swing from our heels aiming for the fence? Sure, in an advised sort of way,'' Feaster said.

God how I have waited for this day ::tear:: They're finally going to approach the draft with my philosophy: roll them dice. Roll 'em Jay.

One guy who I would like to see whom we have an outside shot at drafting is Travis Zajac. A guy with size, toughness, and a scoring touch is always welcome. Plus we could save on flight costs by having reports on both Zajac and Pete's beloved Matt Smaby :) I'm hoping he slips down to the 30 spot.

Wheeler I'm not completely sold on. His numbers do look nice, but I don't have a good feeling about him. I think his top end potential is a 3rd liner.

Pretty small for Feaster's liking, I'd think, but you never know.

They passed on Hudler and O'Sullivan multiple times in the last two years.

I wouldn't mind a pure-skill guy, though. Parshin's write-up in THN says he's a guy you'd love to have on your rec team - he's a perimeter skill guy.

I think Woodlief or McKeen's said he's one of the most exciting players to watch in the draft. There's a little Norwegan that's supposed to be of the same type.

I think he may be a bit like Pavel Datsyuk. About the same size too. Woodlief said he is like a master chess player in the way he sees the ice. Always knows where his pieces are and how best to use them. I believe that is who said it anyway.

So much for Wheeler.

Can't believe he was taken 5th.

I guess Gretzky is sold on Wheeler.

My gosh.

Dubnyk off the board too.

Gotta tip your cap to the 'Yotes for having the stones to make that pick. Wheeler could be another Bertuzzi... Lord knows I would've LOVED to see him in our stable.

Draft wrap up:

D- Andy Rogers (1st Rd. 30th overall)
6'5" 206lbs- 8/25/86- Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
GP 64 G 1 A 3 PIM 89
What in the world? How many of these Egener clones do you need (not to mention he is a teamate of Egener)? I know it is important to have a couple in the system, but Jesus Christ we already have Egener, Smaby, Rosehill, and Greco. (not to mention Elliot too who was picked later). We had a whole slew of other potential players to pick from. Not to take anything away from Rogers, but I think we could have used that 1st rounder better.

LW- Mark Tobin (2nd Rd. 65th overall)
6'3" 204lbs- 11/26/85- Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
GP 69 G 22 A 16 PIM 112
Not a bad pick IMO. Maybe I'm a little bias towards Rimouski, but can you blame me? We probably could have gone after a few other guys though like Gacik, my personal pick Miedl, or Alexandrov. With our success from drafting le Oceanic, why not I guess? If he develops he should be one of Tort's favs. Maybe something of a Martin Cibak?

D- Mike Lundin (4th Rd. 102nd overall)
6'3" 180lbs- 9/24/84- Maine Blackbears (HE)
GP 44 G 3 A 16 PIM 34 +/- +19
I'm actually really happy we got this kid, a guy with size, skating ability (go figure), and drumroll....yes skill! He was played in all game situations as a freshmen, and was argueably one of the best Blackbears on the ice game in and game out. Not a bad pick at all. :handclap:

D- Brandon Elliott (5th Rd. 158th overall)
6'4" 225lbs- 3/8/84- Mississauga IceDogs (OHL)
GP 30 G 0 A 4 PIM 89 +/- +1
Another big defensive defensemenwith NO offense whatsoever. How many do we really need? Really?

C- Dusty Collins (5th Rd. 163rd overall)
6'3" 196lbs- 5/5/84- Northern Michigan Wildcats (CCHA)
GP 37 G 1 A 5 PIM 30 +/- +3
Another hard working guy very much like Mark Tobin, but without the Tobin's offense...scary. He has almost non-exsistent in the Super 6 tourny, I'm not sure why they decided on Collins, I have seen him on a regular basis and I don't think he was worthy of a 5th round pick. Size/skating ability....I guess it makes sense in Feasters eyes. :shakehead

D- Jan Zapletal (6th Rd. 188th overall)
6'3" 187lbs- 8/21/86- Vsetin Jr. U-20 (CZ Jr.)
GP 51 G 2 A 4 PIM 26 +/- -2
A huge project IMO. Already playing a regular shift in the U-20 league as a 17 year old. Not bad to start with. :dunno:

G- Karri Ramo (6th Rd. 191st overall)
6'2" 192lbs- 7/1/86- Pelicans Jr. A (FIN Jr.A)
GP 18 GAA 3.31 SV% .907
With the emergance of Kiprusoff, Toskala, and others. The new goalie factory seems to be coming from Finland. Looks he absolutely got shelled in his 3 apperences in the SM-Liiga. Posting a GAA of 4.34 and SV% of .861. Another long term project, not a bad pick in the 6th round, seems to be a bit of a gamble but I like it. :)

LW- Justin Keller (8th Rd. 245th overall)
5'11" 185lbs- 3/4/1986- Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
GP 72 G 24 A 21 PIM 44
Seems like a slender kid, nice totals for a 86', especially for an undersized player in the WHL. Seems like a steal in the 8th round.

How did we get those extra picks? I really hope we didn't trade picks from next year for this year. :banghead:

Draft wrap up:
LW- Justin Keller (8th Rd. 245th overall)
5'11" 185lbs- 3/4/1986- Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
GP 72 G 24 A 21 PIM 44
Seems like a slender kid, nice totals for a 86', especially for an undersized player in the WHL. Seems like a steal in the 8th round.

Wonderful hands, not much else. Dealt really well with the pressure of being a rookie on a high-profile team. 45 points in Kelowna this year is 60+ on a more freewheeling team. You really don't want him handling the puck in his own end, though.

Wonderful hands, not much else. Dealt really well with the pressure of being a rookie on a high-profile team. 45 points in Kelowna this year is 60+ on a more freewheeling team. You really don't want him handling the puck in his own end, though.
I have read from a couple reports that he is sound defensively. A kid who has excellent wheels and is coachable, also one of the best players in the Memorial Cup. Either way he is an excellent pick up for a 8th rounder.

With that said, not that it matters much right now I give the Lightning a C+/B- for the draft. Of course we will have to wait a couple years and see how each player develops. But this years crop doesn't really excite me. I think we could have better utilized the 1st and 2nd rounders. Collins and Elliott are wastes of picks IMO, but I'm hoping they can make me eat my words in the future. Zapatel I really don't have an opinion on right now. I may be off base, but the name Marek Preichodsky comes to mind (yes even though he is Slovakian). I do like the fact that we ventured overseas to select a goalie from Finland.

Finnish goaltenders are quickly building a rep for themselves so it's pretty smart to jump on that bandwagon. I give the Bolts a solid C/C+. They didn't do anything all that exciting but they didn't draft some total stiffs or do anything crazy stupid either. Just gotta roll the dice and see what pans out. It was hard to do anything that great this year, but we kept the pipeline flowing. It seems like any reasonably talented prospect develops into a keeper when you have a championship caliber team, anyway.

Should be fun watching some of the Hockey East games I get up at school in Massachusetts on NESN now that I have a prospect to root for. Go Lundin!

I tried to get on HF all day yesterday without much luck.

My thoughts are close to yours, Erack.

Rogers: Again, taking nothing away from him, I'm not sure on the "need" for a player like this. I like his upside, but a guy you HOPE to crack your top-4 isn't usually a first rounder. First rounders are top-2/3 guys. I like the kid, though.

Tobin: Of course I'm happy because he's from L'Oceanic. I think of him as a 2/3 line tweener in the future. I'm thinking Modin without the offensive creativity and shot and/or Afanasenkov (drive) again, without the raw offensive skills, but more size and physicality.

Lundin: I really like this pick. A good sleeper to pick up as he expected to go in the 2nd round. He plans on spending all four years at Maine. At the end, who knows, he could be a top-5 TB prospect then.

Elliott: Why the heck we traded to get this pick is beyond me. I haven't confirmed if he was injured or not, but he only played in 1/2 his teams' games in both the RS and PO... and he's a full two years older than Keller. Seems like a big, ol' mean 6/7 dman as upside. Eric Cairns without the turnovers? I don't like this pick at all. Now, that could change depending on their plans for him. If he's a big, mean dman who likes to fight and skates relatively well, Jay/Jake may envision him as a 4th line grinder/enforcer.

Collins: If you've seen him play a lot, Erack, then I'll go with whatever you say. On paper, it doesn't look like a great pick. If they are thinking 4th line banger in the future, fine. I'm not thrilled with this one.

Zapletal: Project, project, project. He was only made a dman last summer, yet was playing internationally at the position for the CR. Not bad. Let him develop a few years and perhaps he turns into a fine 3rd pair guy. I don't mind this pick at all. Moderate risk, moderate reward. There's a chance he gets taken in the CHL import draft and comes over. I'm hoping for that.

Ramo: I like the pick. The Pelicans were the worst team in the SM-Liga last year, so I'm not going to be critical of his numbers. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does the next few years. More quality from quantity in terms of goaltenders.

Keller: I love this pick, just because it seems unlike Feaster/Jake. They usually go big North American (Reid, Tarnasky, Hrdel) or skilled Euro (Vishnyakov, Gloukhov, Dainilicis) late. To take a small, skilled NA like Keller is intriguing. I like the overlooked small NA player that can put up points - especially in the WHL. I'm very much looking forward to following this kid next year. I hope with Habshield and Guard leaving Kelowna, that they'll go to a more offensive system. At the least, Keller could be a guy who is among our AHL affiliates leading scorers in the future. At most, he can land a spot on one of the top two lines due to his shot/skill.

G- Karri Ramo (6th Rd. 191st overall)
6'2" 192lbs- 7/1/86- Pelicans Jr. A (FIN Jr.A)
GP 18 GAA 3.31 SV% .907
With the emergance of Kiprusoff, Toskala, and others. The new goalie factory seems to be coming from Finland. Looks he absolutely got shelled in his 3 apperences in the SM-Liiga. Posting a GAA of 4.34 and SV% of .861. Another long term project, not a bad pick in the 6th round, seems to be a bit of a gamble but I like it. :)

An excellent goalie in Aleksis Ahlqvist went undrafted and I'm taking it out on the Bolts, another team whose scouts didn't bother to go farther than the U18 WC. Rämö has nothing on Ahlqvist except butterfly coverage. Rämö is not a bad pick at the end of the sixth, but not the best either. He needs to get his technique all together soon.

Isn't he the guy who was beat out for Finland's national team by Tuukka Rask and Ramo?

Did you write the HF write-up on him? It wasn't very complimentary of Ahlqvist. Ramo's bigger and plays butterfly - both of which is favored by TB, especially Goalie Coach Jeff Reese. In that sense, I'm not surprised they passed on the a 6' stand-up guy in Ahlqvist.

How did we get those extra picks? I really hope we didn't trade picks from next year for this year. :banghead:

TB #3 in 2005 to Philly for those 3 picks (1 in 5th, two in 6th).

Isn't he the guy who was beat out for Finland's national team by Tuukka Rask and Ramo?

Ayup. Being second to Rask isn't much short of an honor, and I found the choice for backup a little weird. It doesn't mean much, though, two years ago Tommi Tervo and Hannu Toivonen split duties (with Tervo lightly favored). Soon after Toivonen was picked in the first round and Tervo, undrafted, wasn't in anybody's future plans in Finland and still isn't.

Did you write the HF write-up on him? It wasn't very complimentary of Ahlqvist. Ramo's bigger and plays butterfly - both of which is favored by TB, especially Goalie Coach Jeff Reese. In that sense, I'm not surprised they passed on the a 6' stand-up guy in Ahlqvist.

I've noticed I focus more on weaknesses than others. I bet Tampa's preference of big butterflies works fine, but that means they can't get them all right.

Rämö's environment isn't good. He hasn't been able to play solid seasons with the lacking Pelicans junior teams and that will take a turn for even worse in SM-Liiga. The odds of being adopted by a stronger organizations are against him. That won't work well for him even if he plays well.

i wouldn't be too excited over keller imo, like lard lad said he's got deadly hands, even a very good wrist shot, but not much else. he can be bullied off the puck in all three zones easily enough, isn't very good defensively (decent enough positionally but awful physically), a true peremiter player..

i wouldn't expect much

LW- Justin Keller (8th Rd. 245th overall)
5'11" 185lbs- 3/4/1986- Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
GP 72 G 24 A 21 PIM 44
Seems like a slender kid, nice totals for a 86', especially for an undersized player in the WHL. Seems like a steal in the 8th round.
With the way Keller played in the Memorial Cup, scoring the Cup winning goal, I thought his stock rose higher than 8th round.

This is a steal for the Bolts, Keller was a rookie in the WHL this year and was under alot of pressure to score on a defensive team. Kelowna will be more offensive next year with ten seventeen year olds getting one more year older.

In that Memorial Cup final game Keller hit the post a couple times and he elevated his game in the most important game any of those guys ever played.

I'll keep you guys updated on his progress!

i wouldn't be too excited over keller imo, like lard lad said he's got deadly hands, even a very good wrist shot, but not much else. he can be bullied off the puck in all three zones easily enough, isn't very good defensively (decent enough positionally but awful physically), a true peremiter player..

i wouldn't expect much
Don't forget he's just 17 yrs old, there is lots of time to hit the weights. I have watched almost every game in Kelowna this year and he gets his nose dirty.

I wouldn't call him a "peremiter player" at all.

Don't forget he's just 17 yrs old, there is lots of time to hit the weights. I have watched almost every game in Kelowna this year and he gets his nose dirty.

I wouldn't call him a "peremiter player" at all.

That's the same response I got from a Kelowna guy when I posed the question to him.

Any chance that Kelowna opens up their play a little with Habschied gone?

I'll keep you guys updated on his progress!
Please do! :)

Well, here's some cool info I found! Turns out Chris Bourque's favorite player and the player he wants to emulate is Marty St. Louis. Well, Marty found this out and called Chris Bourque's cell at the draft to wish him good luck! That's the Marty we all know and love!!! :D

Bourque story (http://www.uscho.com/news/2004/06/28_008576.php)

That's the same response I got from a Kelowna guy when I posed the question to him.

Any chance that Kelowna opens up their play a little with Habshield gone?

Kelowna 03/04 played a very strong defensive system because the Rockets were very young and not much for offensive potential. Rockets 02/03 team went to the Memorial Cup finishing third with plenty offensive threats and sound defensive team.

Under new head coach Jeff Truit the 04/05 team will be very sound defensively, but with his young guys like Keller, with play a more offensive system. Last year Kelowna had ten 16 and 17 yr olds and we still won the Memorial Cup, just wait until the young guys like Keller learn the game over the next two years!

Here are some stats of Karri Ramo. I didn't put the SM-liiga stats here because someone already did it. Pelcans' last season was a total disaster so it wasn't easy for Karri to play. He actually played two good games (even was the MVP in the other one), but the third one didn't go as well as the others so that is why his stats aren't too good. He played last season mostly in Pelicans A-junior team, but had a chance to show his skills in SM-liiga also. K-Reipas is a part of the Pelicans organisation so that's why Karri played there too. Next season he will play for the Pelicans A-junior team but after that its all open.

Karri Ramo 2003-2004
Team______G____MIN____GA___SA____SO__W__T__L__GAA_ ___S%
Pelicans__18__960.00__53___517___0___5 2__9__3,31__90,70 (A-juniors)
Pelicans__2___120.00__1____66____1___2__0__0__0,50 __98,51 (A-junior relegation playoffs)
K-Reipas__3___180.00__7____82____0___3__0__0__2,33__ 92,13 (B-juniors)
K-Reipas__5___267.55__10___138___0___2__0__2__2,24__ 93,24 (B-junior playoffs)

A-junior level = U-20
B-junior level = U-18
Team are allowed to use couple of over aged (U-21/U-19) players.

Collins: If you've seen him play a lot, Erack, then I'll go with whatever you say. On paper, it doesn't look like a great pick. If they are thinking 4th line banger in the future, fine. I'm not thrilled with this one. I saw Collins play once this year. He's big and physical and will hit in open ice, an only average skater, and no offensive game at all. Not even a very good puckhandler. I wouldn't have taken him before the eighth round. Was very surprised to see him go sooner. Just like I was surprised to see his teammate Darin Olver go to the Rangers so high. Both should have been lower picks. Walt Kyle can only do so much.

HF Lightning Draft Review (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=7076&mode=threaded&order=0)

New top-20 coming after the holiday.

Very nice job!

I guess we're all still wondering why Elliott was chosen.

I've had more than one person tell me how much they like Rogers, so I'm feeling better and better about that pick. :)

Mississauga's online newspaper had a little write up about the Ice Dogs that were drafted and all they could say about Elliott was what a surprise he was drafted. And we took him in the 5th.

Confusing, but I did hear from one fight fan that Elliott was a good enforcer prospect.

Nice work, Chad.

The more I hear about Lundin, the more I like him. On the other hand, I'd rather have the 3rd in 2005 than Elliott, Collins and Zapletal. Oh well.

Mississauga's online newspaper had a little write up about the Ice Dogs that were drafted and all they could say about Elliott was what a surprise he was drafted. And we took him in the 5th.

Confusing, but I did hear from one fight fan that Elliott was a good enforcer prospect.

I think that is all he has going for him. My guess is that he must have really pounded on some guys when the Lightning scouts were watching. Could have been what cought their eyes? :dunno:

That's the same response I got from a Kelowna guy when I posed the question to him.

Any chance that Kelowna opens up their play a little with Habschied gone?

I wouldn't expect the team to shift from the very successful defensive philosphies from the last several years; The Rockets franchise had never been past the 1st round of the play-offs until Habschied arrived. The new head coach, Jeff Truit, has also been one of the assistant coach for the Rockets since Habschied has been there, so I wouldn't expect many drastic changes.

The team should be better offensively but I think it'll be more because the players will be better than because of a change in playing style.