2010 NHL Mock Draft - BoarWarrior27's Blog

BoarWarrior27's Blog

2010 NHL Mock Draft

Posted on June 17, 2010 at 04:05 PM.

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here are my predictions for the 2010 NHL entry draft.

1. Edmonton Oilers- Taylor Hall LW 6-1 185 Windsor (OHL)
Hall's 2010 Stats: 57 GP 40 G 66 A 106 pts 56 PIM

Scouting Report: Hall will fearlessly drive to the net and score from anywhere in the offensive zone. Taylor will take a hit to make play, Hall is a hard worker in both zones and the future captain of the Oilers.

2. Boston Bruins (From TOR)- Tyler Seguin C 6-1 172 Plymouth (OHL)
Seguin's 2010 Stats: 63 GP 48 G 58 A 106 pts 54 PIM

Scouting Report: Seguin is great playmaker who gets everyone involved in the offense, very elusive player who avoids bone jarring hits. Tyler has improved his goal scoring going from 28 goals in 2009 to 48 goals in 2010. Given Boston's lack of scoring and cap problems Seguin should make a huge impact next year.

3. Florida Panthers- Cam Fowler D 6-1 190 Windsor (OHL)
Fowler's 2010 Stats: 55 GP 8 G 47 A 55 pts 14 PIM

Scouting Report: Fowler's vision, skating and passing make him the total package as an offensive defenseman and future powerplay quarterback. Cam also plays well in his own zone rarely being out of postion, Fowler logs a ton minutes vs the other teams first line. The Panthers will be excited to add Fowler to a ever improving defense.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets- Erik Gudbranson D 6-4 195 Kingston (OHL)
Gudbranson's 2010 Stats: 41 GP 2 G 21 A 23 pts 68 PIM

Scouting Report: Gudbranson is a mean in your face player think Dion Phaneuf. Gudbranson will hit and fight, Erik is the most physical defenseman in this draft class. Gudbranson is a solid but unrefined puck-handler. Injury issues have prevented Gudbranson from challenging for a top 3 pick. Gudbranson's physical style will fit in perfectly for Columbus.

5. New York Islanders-Brett Connolly RW 6-2 181 Prince George (WHL)
Connolly's 2010 Stats: 16 GP 10 G 9 A 19 pts 8 PIM

Scouting Report: Connolly's 2010 season was derailed by hip surgery. Connolly has the skill to take over a game with great hands and puck control Brett has found the back of the net on a regular basis. Connolly is a good two way forward as well, in 2009 when healthy Connolly pocketed 30 goals. If Connolly grows into his body he could become a dominant power forward. The Islanders will be happy to give John Tavares a running mate.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning- Brandon Gormley D 6-2 185 Moncton (QMJHL)
Gormley's 2010 Stats: 58 GP 9 G 34 A 43 pts 54 PIM

Scouting Report: Gormley is a solid Defensive defenseman with offensive upside. Brandon can score and handles the puck well, Gromley has a good point shot on the powerplay that can be easily deflected in for a goal. Brandon has a high hockey IQ, also Brandon will throw his weight around. The Lightning will be glad to add Gormley to their defense along with last year's number one Victor Hedman.

7. Carolina Hurricanes- Alexander Burmistrov C 5-11 157 Barrie (OHL)
Burmistrov's 2010 Stats: 62 GP 22 G 43 A 65 pts 49 PIM

Scouting Report: Burmistrov has top level skill that brings people to their feet, with skills that include great skating, agility and jaw dropping dekes. Burmistrov is a smart hockey player and great passer, Burmistrov also has a physical edge as well. Teams may shy away from Alexander due to his size and the threat of the KHL. But Carolina will jump at the chance to add a #2 center behind Eric Staal.

8. Atlanta Thrashers- Emerson Etem RW 6-0 190 Medicine Hat (WHL)
Etem's 2010 Stats: 72 GP 37 G 28 A 65 pts 26 PIM

Scouting Report: Etem is a natural goal scorer with good speed also Emerson's quick release wrist shot maybe the best in the draft. Etem also handles the puck at top level speed very well. Etem is a fast rising prospect. The Thrashers will be pleased to team him with Evander Kane.

9. Minnesota Wild- Nick Bjugstad C 6-4 188 Blaine (High-MN)
Bjugstad's 2010 Stats: 25 GP 29 G 31 A 60 pts 24 PIM

Scouting Report: Bjugstad was the only player from Blaine to win Minnesota's Mr.Hockey award for most oustanding high school senior. Nick's skill set includes a blue-collar work ethic, good speed, a good shot and a great hockey sense. The Wild will be happy to add Mr.Hockey to fold to be a #2 center behind Mikko Koivu.

10. New York Rangers- Nino Niederreiter LW 6-2 201 Portland (WHL)
Niederreiter's 2010 Stats: 65 GP 36 G 24 A 60 pts 68 PIM

Scouting Report: Niederreiter is a combo Power forward/scorer who doesn't mind get his nose dirty. Nino skates well and has soft hands around the net. Niederreiter is working to improve on his defensive game. Given the Rangers lack of scoring Niederreiter will be a welcome addition.

11. Dallas Stars- Derek Forbort D 6-5 198 U.S. U-18 (USHL)
Forbort's 2010 Stats: 26 GP 4 G 10 A 14 pts 26 PIM

Scouting Report: Forbort is a smooth skating two way defenseman with a developing offensive game. Forbort has a high hockey IQ, Derek also has a hard and heavy shot. Derek is a solid hitter and good puck-handler. The Stars will be excited to add a big stud defenseman to the mix.

12. Anaheim Ducks- Ryan Johansen C 6-2 192 Portland (WHL)
Johansen's 2010 Stats:71 GP 25 G 44 A 69 pts 53 PIM

Scouting Report: Johansen is a good all round center he kills penalties plays on the power-play and is a good playmaker. Ryan can beat a defenseman one-on-one with his shifty speed. Johansen is very responsible is his own zone. Anaheim will be happy to add Johansen to the fold.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (From CGY)-Jeff Skinner RW 5-10 187 Kitchner (OHL)
Skinner's 2010 Stats: 64 GP 50 G 40 A 90 pts 72 PIM

Scouting Report: Skinner's game is all offense 70 goals in 127 games now that is the way to fill the stats sheets. Jeff's hand-eye coordination is second to none. The only questions Skinner has to answer are about below average skating speed and his defensive commitment. If Skinner improves in those areas the Coyotes may have the steal of the draft.

14. St. Louis Blues- Jack Campbell G 6-3 175 U.S. U-18 (USHL)
Campbell's 2010 Stats: 11 GP 2.21 GAA 1 SO .917 SV%

Scouting Report: Campbell is a very sound goaltending prospect. Campbell's positioning is a very solid, Jack has great athleticism and quickness drawing comparisons to Ryan Miller. Campbell has won on big stages as well at the world under-18 and World Junior Championships. The Blues will be very pleased to add Campbell to the prospect cupboard.

15. Boston Bruins- Mark Pysyk D 6-1 174 Edmonton (WHL)
Pysyk's 2010 Stats: 48 GP 7 G 17 A 24 pts 47 PIM

Scouting Report: Pysyk strength is the breakout pass, Mark can hit a forward with a pass in stride for a great scoring chance. Mark is a smooth skater with a great hockey sense, Pysyk knows exactly when to jump into the play. Pysyk is a good Defensive defenseman as well. Boston will be glad to add a well defenseman to the mix.

16. Ottawa Senators- Quinton Howden C 6-2 182 Moose Jaw (WHL)
Howden's 2010 Stats: 65 GP 28 G 37 A 65 pts 44 PIM

Scouting Report: Quinton has great speed, Howden uses his speed to create turnovers and score goals. Quinton also has a good shot and is very good two way player, Howden logs time on the penalty kill and is a threat to score short-handed each time out. This maybe an important pick with Senators shopping Center Jason Spezza.

17. Colorado Avalanche- Calvin Pickard G 6-1 195 Seattle (WHL)
Pickard's 2010 Stats: 62 GP 3.09 GAA 3 SO .914 SV%

Scouting Report: The Word everyone uses when talking about Calvin is Solid. Pickard is calm and relaxed in net and his positioning is outstanding. Calvin reads plays well, Calvin also plays bigger than 6-1. Colorado will jump at the chance add a top flight goalie prospect.

18. Nashville Predators- Mikael Granlund C 5-10 180 HIFK (Finland)
Granlund's 2010 Stats: 43 GP 13 G 27 A 40 pts 2 PIM

Scouting Report: Granlund's bread and butter are his playmaking and his work ethic, Mikael plays with the an edge not afraid to give or receive a hit even through he is a bit small. Scouts compare Mikael to free agent center Saku Koivu because of Granlund's high hockey IQ and leadership. Granlund is a high riser who has top 10 talent. After years of drafting defense the Predators grab a wonderfully talent centerman.

19. Los Angeles Kings- Stanislav Galiev RW 6-1 178 Saint John's (QMJHL)
Galiev's 2010 Stats: 67 GP 15 G 45 A 60 pts 38 PIM

Scouting Report: Galiev is a good two way forward who backchecks hard in the defensive zone. Galiev is a smooth puck handler in the corners and front of the net. Stanislav is a great passer finding open forwards and pinching defenseman for quality scoring chances. Unlike other Russian draft prospects Galiev has already played two years of hockey in the states, so the Kings will not have to worry about luring him away from the KHL.

20. Pittsburgh Penguins- Austin Watson LW 6-3 185 Peterborough (OHL)
Watson's 2010 Stats: 52 GP 20 G 34 A 54 pts

Scouting Report: Watson is a two way forward who blocks shots and kills penalties. Austin is also a plus offensive player with the size and skill to carry and shield the puck from defenders and also stand in front of the net on the powerplay. Watson is also a very good leader. The Penguins will be excited to add Austin on a line with either Crosby, Malkin or Staal.

21. Detroit Red Wings- Vladimir Tarasenko RW 5-11 202 Novosibirsk (KHL)
Tarasenko's 2010 Stats: 42 GP 13 G 11 A 24 pts 18 PIM

Scouting Report: Tarasenko is the total package a pure sniper, strong skater, great playmaking skills, a quick heavy shot Tarasenko has a top 5 skill set. But like most Russian prospects he plays in the KHL meaning that Vladimir may never play a game NHL, and NHL teams are staying away those players in the first round of the draft. But Detroit drafts the best available player and that would be Tarasenko.

22. Phoenix Coyotes- Dylan McIlrath D 6-4 212 Moose Jaw (WHL)
McIlrath's 2010 Stats: 65 GP 7 G 17 A 24 pts 169 PIM

Scouting Report: Dylan nickname is "Mack Truck" that pretty much describes Dylan plays a physical, mean player that will take no prisioners on the ice. McIlrath also considered is have shutdown defenseman skills and growing a offensive zone game as well. Phoenix with second first round pick can draft for size with McIlrath.

23. Buffalo Sabres- Tyler Pitlick C 6-2 194 Minnesota State (WCHA)
Pitlick's 2010 Stats: 35 GP 10 G 8 A 18 pts 27 PIM

Scouting Report: Pitlick is a good faceoff man who also has good speed for a big man. Tyler plays with a good level of grit and physical edge to his game, Pitlick drives to the net and will take a pounding from defenseman is make a play. In order to speed up his development Tyler will be playing for Medicine Hat of the WHL. The Sabres will look to add this physical player to the fold.

24. Atlanta Thrashers ( From NJD)- Jon Merrill D 6-3 198 U.S. U-18 ( USHL)
Merrill's 2010 Stats: 22 GP 1 G 8 A 9 pts 12 PIM

Scouting Report: Merrill is a defensive defenseman he is also a good skater with the ability to join the rush. In the defensive zone Merrill forces the puck-carrier to the corner, Merrill has an actively stick using the poke check a ton. Jon also makes a smooth first pass to a rushing forward, Merrill is also a heavy hitter. The Thrashers with Merrill now have a partner for Zach Bogosian.

25. Vancouver Canucks- Alexander Petrovic D 6-4 193 Red Deer (WHL)
Petrovic's 2010 Stats: 57 GP 8 G 19 A 27 pts 87 PIM

Scouting Report: Petrovic is a stay at home defenseman who inserts hmself physically into the game not allowing himself or a teammate to get pushed around. Alex also has some offensive upside as well, Petrovic is a good puck mover who keeps plays simple Alex also has a good shot from the point. The Canucks will be happy Petrovic physical style to the backend.

26. Washington Capitals- Jarred Tinordi D 6-6 205 U.S. U-18 (USHL)
Tinordi 2010 Stats: 26 GP 4 G 5 A 9 pts 68 PIM

Scouting Report: Jarred is a good skater for a big man Jarred lets loose a cannon from the point, Tinordi is a good passer as well. Jarred will make his mark in the NHL as a thundering hitter, Jarred keeps good position in the defensive zone making sure that scorers don't have a clear path to the goal. Tinordi could fill out to be about 240 pounds. The Capitals have enough scoring now they need a physical defenseman to keep teams honest.

27. Montreal Canadiens- Riley Sheahan C 6-2 202 Notre Dame (CCHA)
Sheahan's 2010 Stats: 37 GP 6 G 11 A 17 pts 22 PIM

Scouting Report: Sheahan is a two way forward, who works hard in the netural zone to keep the puck moving forward. Riley acts as a third defenseman in the defensive zone clearing pucks and starting rushes. Sheahan has offensive upside as well, Riley drives to the net and makes things happen with his size. Riley is the type of player that plays against the other teams first line. With the Defense first style Montreal plays the Canadiens will be happy to add Riley to the mix.

28. San Jose Sharks- John McFarland C 6-0 192 Sudbury (OHL)
McFarland's 2010 Stats: 64 GP 20 G 30 A 50 pts 70 PIM

Scouting Report: McFarland has an amazing skill set, McFarland possesses top end speed, agility and a hard wrist shot and elite offensive skill. Also McFarland plays with a physical edge, McFarland is a top 10 talent. But John's dedication and effort are major problems, McFarland loses focus in the defensive zone almost to the point where he is cherry picking. McFarland seems to not give an all out effort when he is on a bad team. With Sharks most likely losing Patrick Marleau as a free agent The Sharks will take a gamble that they can keep McFarland focused.

29. ANA Ducks (From PHI)- Stephen Johns D 6-3 215 U.S. U-18 (USHL)
John's 2010 Stats: 23 GP 1 G 7 A 8 pts 29 PIM

Scouting Report: Johns is everything NHL teams covet a big, strong, rugged, right hand shooting defenseman with a nasty streak. Johns also handles the puck well, Stephen has some raw offensive tools but those skills still need refined. The Ducks are a physical team Anaheim will jump at the chance to add Johns to the fold.

30. Chicago Blackhawks- Brock Nelson C 6-3 205 Warroad ( HIGH-MN)
Nelson's 2010 Stats: 25 GP 39 G 34 A 73 pts 38 PIM

Scouting Report: Nelson's game is offense, this power forward is a natural goal scorer. Brock is a great skater who can carry the puck from end to end, Brock is a creative player who can spot an open teammate and feed them a prefect pass. Nelson is off to North Dakota is futher his hockey career at the college level. The rich keep getting richer the Blackhawks will love to add Brock to the mix for the future.

Of all of the players drafted I only see Hall, Seguin, Fowler, Gudbranson and Gormley making the NHL next season. The other players will be either in the junior, college or European levels to gain valuable experience as they start their NHL careers.

Stay tuned for my offseason team/trade and salary cap blog and free agent primer blogs.