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LemaireisGOD · May 11th, 2007, 07:00 AM

The State of Hockey News | MVN - Most Valuable Network » Blog Archive » 2007 NHL Entry Draft, who should the Wild draft? Part II: the Forwards

2007 NHL Entry Draft, who should the Wild draft? Part II: the Forwards

By Derek Felska | May 10th, 2007

In our first segment, the State of Hockey News took a look at the Wild’s most pressing personnel / prospect needs and determined that drafting a defenseman might be the way the team goes when it makes its selection in 2007 NHL Entry draft. Particularily, a physical stay-at-home type of defenseman, which is a position that does not seem to be in great plenty. So what if all of the “good” ones are taken by the time we select? When you draft at least 19th overall or perhaps later (like we’re likely to) that is a distinct possibility. So what would the team consider next? A quick look at Minnesota’s draft history shows a distinct preference for forwards; as the team has drafted forwards 6 times out of the 7 first round selections it has made (remember Brent Burns was drafted as a forward from Brampton, and it was only this season did the team seem to give up on using him in that capasity). The Wild’s most pressing need at forward is a 1st line calibre centre or a bigger-sized checking winger. With that as our focus we’ll take a look at a few prospects that might be the perfect fit for the Wild. We will examine how good of a fit this player could be for the State of Hockey as well as the player’s likely availability when the Wild make their selection (most likely around 19th Overall).

C - Sam Gagner - London Knights (OHL)

Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 191lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 53GP 35G 83A = 118pts 36 PIM’s +32

Talent Analysis: While former North Stars fans will immediately recognize the resemblance to father Dave who played with Minnesota during their glorious ‘90-’91 season they may see an overall resemblance in terms of style of play. Gagner was originally set to play for the Wisconsin Badgers until at the last minute when he decided the OHL was more suited to his tastes. Gagner demonstrated great playmaking skills on another loaded London Knights squad. Despite having a “well-rounded” game according to scouts, Gagner saw a slight drop to 8th in Central Scouting’s Final rankings from being 5th at the Mid-term report. Sam Gagner could potentially be the skilled 1st line centre the team is looking for, but he lacks the grit this team is also in short supply of.

Availability: Even though Gagner’s stock has dropped slightly from the Mid-Term report, Gagner is the type of player that could very well be selected by the time the Wild get their chance to pick. If Minnesota would wish to select Gagner it would likely have to move up in the draft to have their chance.

C - Angelo Esposito - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Height: 6′1″ Weight: 180lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 60GP 27G 52A = 79pts 63 PIM’s +9

Talent Analysis: If you were to look at any hockey prospects magazine before this season started and were to ask, “Who is going to be the #1 pick in the draft in 2007?” virtually everyone would’ve answered Angelo Esposito. How things have changed. The former Shattuck-St. Mary’s star had a less than superstar-like season for the Remparts after leading them to a Memorial Cup a season before. Coaches and fans questioned Esposito’s attitude and desire, and he took a significant drop in the CSS rankings; dropping to 8th after being ranked #1 in the Mid-term report. Esposito is said to have tremendous hands, and great on-ice vision but the main knock is his skating. While he is not ever going to be considered a gritty player, he is skilled enough to potentially develop into a 1st line centre. Some scouts even compare Esposito to Alexandre Daigle, is that supposed to be an insult or a compliment?

Availability: With the question marks around Esposito it is within the realm of possibility that he could drop so far to be able to be picked by the Wild, if that happens the question then becomes “should the Wild take the risk?” It would be difficult not to, considering it was a well-known fact the pressure that comes with being a percieved #1 selection many years in advance of his actual draft year; its pretty tough to live up to such lofty expectations.

C - Logan Couture - Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Height: 6′.05″ Weight: 195lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 54GP 26G 52A = 78pts 24 PIM’s -1

Talent Analysis: Couture is a solid two-way centre who has great hands, and found himself more in the role of a playmaker despite not having many good finishers around him. He has good offensive skills to go along with a strong defensive game which would make him fit well in Jacques Lemaire’s system. The Brian Kilrea-coached centre took a drop from being rated 11th at the mid-term to 19th in the CSS Final rankings.

Availability: Couture might not be skilled enough to anchor the 1st line, and he’s certainly not a checking-style of forward which could mean the Wild might pass even if Couture was available when they were going to make their selection.

LW - Brett McLean - Oshawa Generals

Height: 6′1.25″ Weight: 196lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 68GP 47GP 53A = 100pts 43 PIM’s +9

Talent Analysis: McLean is a skilled and tireless competitor. He demonstrated excellent finishing and playmaking ability making him an ideal skilled winger. The Port Elgin, Ontario-native has rocketed up the rankings from a milquetoast 45th at the Mid-term to 15th in CSS’ Final assessment. He was 2nd on the team in scoring behind phenom John Tavares and is a teamate to Wild prospect Cal Clutterbuck. While he is not quite a checking winger, McLean’s offensive skills might help fill out a scoring line.

Availability: This could be pretty close call for the Wild. McLean would give the team a skilled winger with deft hands, and scoring touch. It would be tough for the Wild to pass on McLean considering his skill level, but he would not provide the grit the team needs at wing. McLean is a Corey Perry-esque type of winger, and this team could always use another assertive scoring winger to work perhaps on another line opposite of Marian Gaborik.

C - Patrick White - Grand Rapids High School (USHS-MN)

Height: 6′.05″ Weight: 186lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 30GP 18G 31A = 49pts

Talent Analysis: White is a dynamic forward with an ability to score big goals at key times. White dazzled audiences at the 2007 Minnesota State Hockey Tournament. His great puckhandling and quick release made him deadly for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and almost brought the school a state championship. The electrifying high school phenom earned a trip to represent the U.S. at the Under-18 tournament, a rare feat for a high school player. White will also be developing fairly close to home as he has signed a letter of intent to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As to be expected for a youngster out of high school White will need to add strength if he is to compete at the next level.

Availability: White will likely be available for the Wild to select if it chooses to. Minnesotans seem to appreciate when locals at the very least are considered and White is one of the state’s best even though he came up short in his bid to be named Mr. Hockey. The main drawback to selecting a player like White is that he’s probably more of a long-term project than other the other prospects I’ve mentioned.

C / RW - Dana Tyrell - Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Height: 5′10″ Weight: 185lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 72GP 30G 26A = 56pts 51 PIM’s +4

Talent Analysis: He is a fantastic skater who’s stock has soared from a mediocre Mid-Term ranking much in the same way Brett McLean has. Tyrell also has a fantastic one-timer to go along with his great skating ability making him a potentially lethal forward with an added amount of versatility as he can play both centre and right wing. His excellent 2nd half was capped off by his team’s improbable playoff upset of WHL President’s trophy favorite Everett. His lack of size is a bit concerned, even though he’s solidly built.

Availability: Tyrell would be another close call for the Wild as some team may try to take a surging player like him a bit early. Tyrell is not known for his grit but he’s a tough competitor willing to pay the price for victories in the high traffic areas of the ice.

May 11th, 2007, 07:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
LemaireisGOD Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 504	2007 NHL Draft...MVN Articles... The State of Hockey News \| MVN - Most Valuable Network » Blog Archive » 2007 NHL Entry Draft, who should the Wild draft? Part II: the Forwards 2007 NHL Entry Draft, who should the Wild draft? Part II: the Forwards By Derek Felska \| May 10th, 2007 In our first segment, the State of Hockey News took a look at the Wild’s most pressing personnel / prospect needs and determined that drafting a defenseman might be the way the team goes when it makes its selection in 2007 NHL Entry draft. Particularily, a physical stay-at-home type of defenseman, which is a position that does not seem to be in great plenty. So what if all of the “good” ones are taken by the time we select? When you draft at least 19th overall or perhaps later (like we’re likely to) that is a distinct possibility. So what would the team consider next? A quick look at Minnesota’s draft history shows a distinct preference for forwards; as the team has drafted forwards 6 times out of the 7 first round selections it has made (remember Brent Burns was drafted as a forward from Brampton, and it was only this season did the team seem to give up on using him in that capasity). The Wild’s most pressing need at forward is a 1st line calibre centre or a bigger-sized checking winger. With that as our focus we’ll take a look at a few prospects that might be the perfect fit for the Wild. We will examine how good of a fit this player could be for the State of Hockey as well as the player’s likely availability when the Wild make their selection (most likely around 19th Overall). C - Sam Gagner - London Knights (OHL) Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 191lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 53GP 35G 83A = 118pts 36 PIM’s +32 Talent Analysis: While former North Stars fans will immediately recognize the resemblance to father Dave who played with Minnesota during their glorious ‘90-’91 season they may see an overall resemblance in terms of style of play. Gagner was originally set to play for the Wisconsin Badgers until at the last minute when he decided the OHL was more suited to his tastes. Gagner demonstrated great playmaking skills on another loaded London Knights squad. Despite having a “well-rounded” game according to scouts, Gagner saw a slight drop to 8th in Central Scouting’s Final rankings from being 5th at the Mid-term report. Sam Gagner could potentially be the skilled 1st line centre the team is looking for, but he lacks the grit this team is also in short supply of. Availability: Even though Gagner’s stock has dropped slightly from the Mid-Term report, Gagner is the type of player that could very well be selected by the time the Wild get their chance to pick. If Minnesota would wish to select Gagner it would likely have to move up in the draft to have their chance. C - Angelo Esposito - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) Height: 6′1″ Weight: 180lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 60GP 27G 52A = 79pts 63 PIM’s +9 Talent Analysis: If you were to look at any hockey prospects magazine before this season started and were to ask, “Who is going to be the #1 pick in the draft in 2007?” virtually everyone would’ve answered Angelo Esposito. How things have changed. The former Shattuck-St. Mary’s star had a less than superstar-like season for the Remparts after leading them to a Memorial Cup a season before. Coaches and fans questioned Esposito’s attitude and desire, and he took a significant drop in the CSS rankings; dropping to 8th after being ranked #1 in the Mid-term report. Esposito is said to have tremendous hands, and great on-ice vision but the main knock is his skating. While he is not ever going to be considered a gritty player, he is skilled enough to potentially develop into a 1st line centre. Some scouts even compare Esposito to Alexandre Daigle, is that supposed to be an insult or a compliment? Availability: With the question marks around Esposito it is within the realm of possibility that he could drop so far to be able to be picked by the Wild, if that happens the question then becomes “should the Wild take the risk?” It would be difficult not to, considering it was a well-known fact the pressure that comes with being a percieved #1 selection many years in advance of his actual draft year; its pretty tough to live up to such lofty expectations. C - Logan Couture - Ottawa 67’s (OHL) Height: 6′.05″ Weight: 195lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 54GP 26G 52A = 78pts 24 PIM’s -1 Talent Analysis: Couture is a solid two-way centre who has great hands, and found himself more in the role of a playmaker despite not having many good finishers around him. He has good offensive skills to go along with a strong defensive game which would make him fit well in Jacques Lemaire’s system. The Brian Kilrea-coached centre took a drop from being rated 11th at the mid-term to 19th in the CSS Final rankings. Availability: Couture might not be skilled enough to anchor the 1st line, and he’s certainly not a checking-style of forward which could mean the Wild might pass even if Couture was available when they were going to make their selection. LW - Brett McLean - Oshawa Generals Height: 6′1.25″ Weight: 196lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 68GP 47GP 53A = 100pts 43 PIM’s +9 Talent Analysis: McLean is a skilled and tireless competitor. He demonstrated excellent finishing and playmaking ability making him an ideal skilled winger. The Port Elgin, Ontario-native has rocketed up the rankings from a milquetoast 45th at the Mid-term to 15th in CSS’ Final assessment. He was 2nd on the team in scoring behind phenom John Tavares and is a teamate to Wild prospect Cal Clutterbuck. While he is not quite a checking winger, McLean’s offensive skills might help fill out a scoring line. Availability: This could be pretty close call for the Wild. McLean would give the team a skilled winger with deft hands, and scoring touch. It would be tough for the Wild to pass on McLean considering his skill level, but he would not provide the grit the team needs at wing. McLean is a Corey Perry-esque type of winger, and this team could always use another assertive scoring winger to work perhaps on another line opposite of Marian Gaborik. C - Patrick White - Grand Rapids High School (USHS-MN) Height: 6′.05″ Weight: 186lbs Shoots: Right Stats: 30GP 18G 31A = 49pts Talent Analysis: White is a dynamic forward with an ability to score big goals at key times. White dazzled audiences at the 2007 Minnesota State Hockey Tournament. His great puckhandling and quick release made him deadly for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks and almost brought the school a state championship. The electrifying high school phenom earned a trip to represent the U.S. at the Under-18 tournament, a rare feat for a high school player. White will also be developing fairly close to home as he has signed a letter of intent to play for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. As to be expected for a youngster out of high school White will need to add strength if he is to compete at the next level. Availability: White will likely be available for the Wild to select if it chooses to. Minnesotans seem to appreciate when locals at the very least are considered and White is one of the state’s best even though he came up short in his bid to be named Mr. Hockey. The main drawback to selecting a player like White is that he’s probably more of a long-term project than other the other prospects I’ve mentioned. C / RW - Dana Tyrell - Prince George Cougars (WHL) Height: 5′10″ Weight: 185lbs Shoots: Left Stats: 72GP 30G 26A = 56pts 51 PIM’s +4 Talent Analysis: He is a fantastic skater who’s stock has soared from a mediocre Mid-Term ranking much in the same way Brett McLean has. Tyrell also has a fantastic one-timer to go along with his great skating ability making him a potentially lethal forward with an added amount of versatility as he can play both centre and right wing. His excellent 2nd half was capped off by his team’s improbable playoff upset of WHL President’s trophy favorite Everett. His lack of size is a bit concerned, even though he’s solidly built. Availability: Tyrell would be another close call for the Wild as some team may try to take a surging player like him a bit early. Tyrell is not known for his grit but he’s a tough competitor willing to pay the price for victories in the high traffic areas of the ice. __________________ "Why mess around with PT Boats when you can have a Destroyer?" ~ Al Strachan (Hockey Night in Canada)