Nhl.com predicts the first round

[doniceage]

With the order for the 2009 Entry Draft coming into greater focus, NHL.com's draft analysts decided to take another crack at who we think the teams will consider taking in the first round of this year's selection process.

Staff writer Brad Holland says London Knights center John Tavares, NHL Central Scouting's top-rated North American skater in its final rankings, will be the top choice by the New York Islanders.

Staff writer Adam Kimelman, however, sees the Isles opting for giant Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman, Central Scouting's top-rated European skater.

There were a few other changes since the last time Kimelman and Holland looked at the potential first round choices. You can follow along and see is rising and falling in the eyes of the clubs.

The Draft order is based on the lottery and the teams eliminated in the first two rounds of the playoffs, in inverse order of points. Non-division winners eliminated in the first round will pick 15-21, and eliminated division winners taking spots 22-26. Picks 27 and 28 will go to the teams that lose in the conference finals; the loser in the Stanley Cup Final will pick 29th; the Stanley Cup champion will pick No. 30.


http://redwings.nhl.com/team/app/?se...ticleid=425509

[CSSports]

I hjave seen many mock drafts - none of them are the same - so this could be one interesting draft......

[bidds55]

I think # 2 over all is the most interesting pick here. If the Isles take Tavares, and the Lightning have a shot at Duchene, or Hedman, I am really thinking they look at Duchene, and trade Lecavalier.

Alternatively, if the Isles take Hedman, now Tampa has to think about taking Tavares, OR possibly making a deal with Burke that lands Tavares in Toronto, and potentially a pair of Schenn's in Tampa!

This will in my opinion be the most interesting first round of any draft we've seen in a while.

[doniceage]

I hjave seen many mock drafts - none of them are the same - so this could be one interesting draft......

I think # 2 over all is the most interesting pick here. If the Isles take Tavares, and the Lightning have a shot at Duchene, or Hedman, I am really thinking they look at Duchene, and trade Lecavalier.

Alternatively, if the Isles take Hedman, now Tampa has to think about taking Tavares, OR possibly making a deal with Burke that lands Tavares in Toronto, and potentially a pair of Schenn's in Tampa!

This will in my opinion be the most interesting first round of any draft we've seen in a while.

Guys,
I will have to disagree with you that this draft is not going to be more interesting than any other draft. As each draft is unique in what it offers.

Examples:

Gretzky drafted Blake Wheeler and he was not even in the top 40 among. Everyone was thinking what the heck as the kid was in school. Of course Wayne saw something or his scouts did and they took a chance. Of course they did not sign him and we know the rest of the story.

Esposito and Alexei C. fell to respective 20 and 30th pick below even though they were both touted to possibly go in the top 10. Of course with the whole Russian KHL entity and the break down of the Russian governing body that wanted more money the Russians prospects took a hit like never before.

So how can you say this draft is going to be more interesting than some in the past. As each draft has surprises that can be seen instantly while others take years to look back and go OH MY GOODNESS look what happened after careers start or are finished.

Don

[Matteo Hockey]

I hjave seen many mock drafts - none of them are the same - so this could be one interesting draft......

I've seen alot too and none are good .... Everyone knows Louis Leblanc is going to be the first pick!!!

[bidds55]

Guys,
I will have to disagree with you that this draft is not going to be more interesting than any other draft. As each draft is unique in what it offers.

Examples:

Gretzky drafted Blake Wheeler and he was not even in the top 40 among. Everyone was thinking what the heck as the kid was in school. Of course Wayne saw something or his scouts did and they took a chance. Of course they did not sign him and we know the rest of the story.

Esposito and Alexei C. fell to respective 20 and 30th pick below even though they were both touted to possibly go in the top 10. Of course with the whole Russian KHL entity and the break down of the Russian governing body that wanted more money the Russians prospects took a hit like never before.

So how can you say this draft is going to be more interesting than some in the past. As each draft has surprises that can be seen instantly while others take years to look back and go OH MY GOODNESS look what happened after careers start or are finished.

Don

I guess I should clarify. I am thinking that the first round this year will be one of the most exciting in recent memory, ON DRAFT DAY. Certainly no draft can really be judged until the bulk of those drafted have retired years later.

What I am seeing here though, is several HUGE decisions that can completely alter the course of the draft on draft day, including several possible monster trades, at the draft.

If we see Schenn traded to Tampa, Tavares traded to Toronto, Lecavalier traded to Montreal, LA, or somewhere else altogether, all on draft day, then that would be, in my opinion, the most exciting draft in a while.

Just my opinion.

[CSSports]

I was just saying in most years there is a clear cut #1 pick whereas this year the first 5 spots could go in any order.....Tavares was rated #1 for so long but Duchene is expected to be a All-round player who is ready for the NHL right now - Hedman is not a clear #2 either - just saying its going to interesting (for picks, not so much trades - although I think there will be some big movements this year)

[gardzy99]

As a Leafs fan.....I am very afraid for the decision being made by Brian Burke. I myself DO NOT want to see a move made to bring Tavares to Toronto that would cost the team Luke Schenn. HOWEVER, Kaberle and anyone else can go PLUS Tampa owes Brian Burke a favor for taking on the salaries of Kolzig and a couple of other players last year at the trade deadline. I think Luke Schenn is a Captain in the making. Great defensively. He does have a good slapshot, but needs to learn to keep it low. Tavares is too big a risk and he's not a great all-round player like Duschene is. Plus, there are several other players flying under the radar---Kadri, Kane, Brayden Schenn.......I think the rebuilding of Toronto has started effectively.....why take a step back and start again by trading your stay at home defenceman of the future.

[CSSports]

I am hoping Dean Lombardi does not go after Pronger for the #5 pick as rumors have it - would be a HUGE mistake.....He would be boooed at Staples.....
I was hoping he would take a jump up to get Duchene at #3...If he could pull off a #5 to #3 spot and maybe give up a prospect like Taylor/Cliche/Clune, Kings could get a chance at Duchene

[cnshockey]

holland is an IDIOT. Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, dropping to 8? not going to happen. I want Kane in the draft. If he's not available, kings should trade the pick.