FC's Mock Draft

Predicting the direction an NHL organization will go when selecting prospects at the annual entry draft can be somewhat of a crapshoot, but sticking with a formula which looks at the organization as a whole, the prospects currently in the each system, the NHL talent and the age of those representing the big club as well as past history and draft tendencies one can get a pretty good idea of how a team will go about making selections on draft day.

1). Tampa Bay Lightning – C Steven Stamkos
Organizational Summary: Tampa is light in the prospect cupboard and lacks a single prospect with real star potential. While they have been able to accumulate decent organizational depth of potential role players at the forward position, they do not have potential star caliber prospects whom can lead this team into the future. The defensive depth contains no top four potential candidates. Goaltending is the one area with some upside.
Reason for the Pick: With the exception of Vincent Lecavalier, no current Lightning regular or prospect comes close to wearing the ‘franchise’ tag like Stamkos will with the type of skill and persona that he exudes. With his marketable personality and on-ice talents the Lightning should gain some of the sporting spotlight down south as well as remain competitive for years on the ice.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Dana Tyrell
Defenseman: Matt Smaby
Goaltender: Karri Ramo
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – NONE
2004 – D Andy Rogers (30th)
2005 – D Vladimir Mihalik (30th)
2006 – G Riku Helenius (15th)
2007 – NONE

2). Los Angeles Kings – D Drew Doughty
Organizational Summary: LA has a full stable of quality prospects in the system and does not need to fill a specific need because of the good overall organizational depth. The defense position is the weakest in the organization and should be solidified with a top prospect or two.
Reason for the Pick: With many young skilled forwards already playing in the NHL plus a blue-chip goalie prospect in Jonathan Bernier waiting in the wings, building a blue line to play with the young nucleus is the direction they should take.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Trevor Lewis
Defenseman: Thomas Hickey
Goaltender: Jonathan Bernier
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Dustin Brown (13th) & C Brian Boyle (26th) & C Jeff Tambellini (27th)
2004 – LW Lauri Tukonen (11th)
2005 – C Anze Kopitar (11th)
2006 – G Jonathan Bernier (11th) & C Trevor Lewis (17th)
2007 – D Thomas Hickey (4th)

3). Atlanta Thrashers – D Zack Bogosian
Organizational Summary: Recent trades have depleted a once healthy prospect cupboard. With little depth at all positions and few potential impact players on the horizon, Atlanta would benefit with just adding skilled prospects at all positions. Defense is the main weakness at both the organizations development and pro levels. They will look at the top echelon of defenders with this pick.
Reason for the Pick: Bogosian is the best player available at this point and adds a physical element to a team that desperately needs some size coming through the ranks. He brings his complete two-way game and also solid character and leadership qualities that will benefit the Thrashers down the line.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Bryan Little
Defenseman: Andrei Zubarev
Goaltender: Ondrej Pavelec
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Braydon Coburn (8th)
2004 – D Boris Valabik (10th)
2005 – C Alex Bourret (16th)
2006 – C Brian Little(12th)
2007 – NONE

4). St. Louis Blues – D Alex Pietrangelo
Organizational Summary: St. Louis is blessed with some nice talent at all positions, some of whom some could develop into impact performers in the not to distant future. Goaltending is set with two good prospects that should make an impact sooner rather than later. The forward ranks have some nice talent but could use depth on the wings. Defense has some nice depth but no real stud prospect.
Reason for the Pick: A look at the second best forward in the draft, Nikita Filatov, brings up too many question marks so the decision to go with a defenseman is made. A choice needs to be made at this spot between a big stay-at-home physical defender in Schenn and the big two-way defender in Pietrangelo with good offensive upside.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Patrik Berglund
Defenseman: Ian Cole
Goaltender: Marek Schwarz
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Shawn Belle (30th)
2004 – G Marek Schwarz (17th)
2005 – C T.J. Oshie (24th)
2006 – D Erik Johnson (1st) & C Patrik Berglund (25th)
2007 – C Lars Eller (13th) & D Ian Cole (18th) & RW David Perron (26th)

5). New York Islanders – D Luke Schenn
Organizational Summary: The Islanders posses solid depth at the forward position although lacking in high-end talent. Not much depth exists on defense and no real top four potential prospects at this position, although they do have a few potential top six defenders waiting in the wings. Goaltending depth is non-existent and they will need to draft at least one goaltender in this draft.
Reason for the Pick: This pick gives the Islanders a stud defender on which to build around. Not much doubt that Schenn will be a top four defender in the NHL and right now that fills a glaring hole in the Islanders organization as a premier defensive prospect.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Kyle Okposo
Defenseman: Dustin Kohn
Goaltender: Stefan Ridderwall
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Robert Nilsson (15th)
2004 – RW Petteri Nokelainen (16th)
2005 – C Ryan O’Marra (15th)
2006 – LW Kyle Okposo (7th)
2007 – NONE

6). Columbus Blue Jackets – LW Mikkel Boedker
Organizational Summary: The forward ranks are deep on the wings although some depth at centre is required. Only Jakub Voracek has top-six skills but they do have good size and some limited offensive potential that could develop some solid secondary scoring. Defense has good depth but no potential top four prospects. Goaltending is the number one area of strength for the organization with a young starting goalie already in the NHL in Pascal Leclaire as well as a potential starting goalie waiting in Steve Mason.
Reason for the Pick: Adding a defenseman at this spot would have been ideal but all of the big four were selected before this pick. A trade down in the first round as well as Tyler Myers and Cody Hodgson get looks but Myers just has too many question marks to be taken this early. Instead they add an element of skill and speed in Boedker who they see as a rising potential superstar in the making.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Jakub Voracek
Defenseman: Marc Methot
Goaltender: Steve Mason
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Nikolai Zherdev (4th)
2004 – LW Alexander Picard (8th)
2005 – C Gilbert Brule (6th)
2006 – C Derick Brassard (6th)
2007 – LW Jakub Voracek (7th)

7). Toronto Maple Leafs – LW Nikita Filatov
Organizational Summary: The organization as a whole needs an upgrade in every prospect position. They have very few potential top six forwards, no top four potential defenders and only one strong goalie prospect in the system. After years of trading draft picks and prospects for stop gap fixes and short lived runs in the playoffs it has become a mandate the Leaf organization work to rebuild the prospect cupboard. An impact prospect at any position is what is required with this pick.
Reason for the Pick: After debate between Cody Hodgson and Filatov, the Leafs go with whom they see as having the higher offensive upside. The dynamic winger gives the Leafs organization a potential superstar to develop and call a homegrown talent. Even though he is an immense talent, to be taken this high in the draft the skilled Russian needed to assure the Leafs that his intentions are to play in North America for the Buds.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Nikolai Kulemin
Defenseman: Anton Stralman
Goaltender: Justin Pogge
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – NONE
2004 – NONE
2005 – G Tuukka Rask (21st)
2006 – RW Jiri Tlusty (13th)
2007 – NONE

8). Phoenix Coyotes – D Tyler Myers
Organizational Summary: The prospect cupboard has recently become somewhat thinned out, but not from lack of quality drafting. Instead, most of the team’s top prospects have graduated and are contributing at the NHL level. They have good depth at the forward position although they will need to add scoring wingers. centre is set for years with young talent in the NHL and Kyle Turris set to join. Defense has depth but not many with potential top-notch talent. Goaltending is very deep and has some interesting possibilities developing with the addition of Montoya.
Reason for the Pick: With the number eight pick the problem arises that the Coyotes are a deep organization down the middle and that the next few top picks are all centres. If a trade cannot be reached to move down a few spots they should take the next best prospect that is not a centre and who is Myers. With some big wingers targeted later in the draft, Phoenix feels comfortable to pick Myers who fills an organizational need for a potential blue-chip prospect on the backend.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Kyle Turris
Defenseman: Keith Yandle
Goaltender: Al Montoya
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – NONE
2004 – LW Blake Wheeler (5th)
2005 – C Martin Hanzal (17th)
2006 – C Peter Mueller (8th) & D Chris Summers (29th)
2007 – C Kyle Turris (3rd) & D Nick Ross (30th)

9). Nashville (from Florida) – C Cody Hodgson
Organizational Summary: The Nashville Predators organization has done a good job of evaluating talent and getting those who they target in the draft since their inception in the league. The have good overall depth and some solid prospects throughout. They only lack star potential at all positions which is a common thread throughout the league.
Reason for the Pick: After a slight slide down the draft board, the impressive two-way Hodgson gets selected by the Predators. They also look at Kyle Beach and Colin Wilson with this selection. This pick adds depth to the centre position and gives the organization the potential first line centre they are lacking.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Nick Spaling
Defenseman: Cody Franson
Goaltender: Jeremy Smith
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Ryan Suter (7th)
2004 – C Alexander Radulov (15th)
2005 – D Ryan Parent (18th)
2006 – NONE
2007 – D Jonathon Blum (23rd)

10). Vancouver Canucks – C Colin Wilson
Organizational Summary: Not great depth of top end talent for the Vancouver Canucks, but they do have some potential talent at each position. The club has quantity, just not a lot of quality at the forward position and defense should be an area of concern. They could already have the goalie who eventually replaces Roberto Luongo in Cory Schneider so goaltending is the least of their worries.
Reason for the Pick: With a lack of size in the potential impact prospects they do have already in the system they select the big two-way centre from the Boston Terriers who is about a sure fire NHL prospect as there could be at this spot.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Michael Grabner
Defenseman: Taylor Ellington
Goaltender: Cory Schneider
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Ryan Kesler (23rd)
2004 – G Cory Schneider (26th)
2005 – D Luc Bourdon (10th)
2006 – RW Michael Grabner (14th)
2007 – C Patrick White (25th)

11). Chicago Blackhawk’s – C Zach Boychuk
Organizational Summary: The Blackhawks are one of the deepest organizations with regards to potential impact prospects and already have a good stable of contributing young NHLers. The forward position has great depth although it could use some more prospects with scoring pop. Defense has good depth and goaltending is also a strength although they lack a true blue-chip prospect with star potential.
Reason for the Pick: The only need that is developing in the organization is on the backend but they think they can nab a few in the next few rounds. They have no current glaring weaknesses so they go with the best available prospect with this pick and determine that Boychuk is the safest bet at this spot.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: David Bolland
Defenseman: Niklas Hjalmarsson
Goaltender: Corey Crawford
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Brent Seabrook (14th)
2004 – D Cam Barker (3rd)
2005 – LW Jack Skille (7th)
2006 – C Jonathan Toews (3rd)
2007 – RW Patrick Kane (1st)

12). Anaheim (from Edmonton) – C Kyle Beach
Organizational Summary: The thinking of the Anaheim organization is size, speed and skill wins and it seems almost like when it comes to the draft it is regarded in that order. The biggest organizational need is on the backend. The limited quantity of prospects they have at this position require more time to develop and also possess limited upside. Goaltending is another position where they have quantity but not much quality.
Reason for the Pick: Brian Burke cannot help picking this prospect that has been compared to Todd Bertuzzi, a player Burke has always admired for his on the edge style. Others who get looks from the Ducks are defenders Michael Del Zotto and John Carlson.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Bobby Ryan
Defenseman: Mark Mitera
Goaltender: J-P Levasseur
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Ryan Getzlaf (19th) & RW Corry Perry (28th)
2004 – D Ladislav Smid (9th)
2005 – RW Bobby Ryan (2nd)
2006 – D Mark Mitera (19th)
2007 – C Logan MacMillan (19th)

13). Buffalo Sabres – C Joshua Bailey
Organizational Summary: The forward position lacks star potential for the Sabres, although they do have a multitude of good depth players at the centre position. Both wings need special attention because of a major lack of depth. The defensive position is very strong in depth and has a few prospects with top-six potential and goaltending is also an organizational strength but they could always use more depth at the most crucial position. The lack of size is also an area that should be addressed in this draft.
Reason for the Pick: They also look at Michael Del Zotto with this pick as a possible Brian Campbell replacement but ultimately select the Windsor centre for his two-way game, size and the fact that the biggest need in the organization is at the forward position.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Clarke MacArthur
Defenseman: Andrej Sekera
Goaltender: Jhonas Enroth
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Thomas Vanek (5th)
2004 – RW Drew Stafford (13th)
2005 – C Marek Zagrapan (13th)
2006 – D Dennis Persson (24th)
2007 – NONE

14). Carolina Hurricanes – C Jordan Eberle
Organizational Summary: The Hurricanes are an organization that has had good luck mining mid-round picks to build solid defensive depth. They are lacking real star potential at all positions within the entire organization however they do have some good mid-range prospect working there way up the ranks. Defensive depth is the main strength while the forward position needs the most help.
Reason for the Pick: The top rated prospect left at the 14th spot are forwards and that plays right into the needs of an organization that has a glaring need of skilled forward prospects. Michael Del Zotto, Mattias Tedenby and Joe Colborne all get looks with this pick but Eberle seems to fill the organizational needs the best.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Brandon Sutter
Defenseman: Jamie McBain
Goaltender: Justin Peters
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Eric Staal (2nd)
2004 – LW Andrew Ladd (4th)
2005 – D Jack Johnson (3rd)
2006 – NONE
2007 – C Brandon Sutter (11th)

15). Nashville Predators – D John Carlson
Organizational Summary: The Predators lack star-caliber prospects, an area they are trying to address with the previous pick and now with this selection. They are using this draft to re-stock a cupboard that has seen many good young talented prospects graduate to the NHL or have been recently used in trade acquisitions.
Reason for the Pick: First adding Hodgson and now Carlson gives the Predators two potential blue-chip prospects. The thought of taking another forward, the organizational need at this point is a possibility but Carlson moves close to the top of the class in the depth chart for defenders and is too good a prospect to pass up from Nashville’s perspective. Again, Michael Del Zotto and Mattias Tedenby get looks but they can’t let the targeted Carlson slip through their fingers.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Nick Spaling
Defenseman: Cody Franson
Goaltender: Jeremy Smith
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Ryan Suter (7th)
2004 – C Alexander Radulov (15th)
2005 – D Ryan Parent (18th)
2006 – NONE
2007 – D Jonathon Blum (23rd)

16). Boston Bruins – LW Mattias Tedenby
Organizational Summary: The Bruins are an organization that has dipped into their prospect pool and come out with some nice impact players at the NHL level. They now face a situation of needing to re-tool the system. The strengths of the Bruins talent pool are on the backend with some potential top-six defenders and a likely starter waiting in the wings at the goaltender position. The forward spot, which has been decimated with call-ups and trades, needs the biggest upgrade.
Reason for the Pick: The Bruins go right after one of the most skilled forwards available and despite his small stature see Tedenby as a future top six NHL forward who will contribute in the not too distant future. They also look at Joe Colborne and Greg Nemisz with this pick but decide that overwhelming skill wins out over size for this selection.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: David Krejci
Defenseman: Matt Lashoff
Goaltender: Tuukka Rask
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Mark Stuart (21st)
2004 – NONE
2005 – D Matt Lashoff (22nd)
2006 – C Phil Kessel (5th)
2007 – C Zach Hamill (8th)

17). Calgary Flames – D Michael Del Zotto
Organizational Summary: After many years of desperately needing to add depth to the forward ranks, the tide has somewhat shifted in the Flames organization and now the most pressing need has become the need for a homegrown offensive defender. While they have compiled some forward talent they still could use a few potential top line prospects to be considered strong in that area. Goaltending on the other hand is one are that they seem to be good in, though they will likely grab a goaltender in one of the later rounds.
Reason for the Pick: The Flames have been able to fill their No. 1 organizational need with the selection of Del Zotto and can now shift back to adding quality forwards and more defensive depth with their next few picks.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Mikael Backlund
Defenseman: Matt Pelech
Goaltender: Leland Irving
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Dion Phaneuf (9th)
2004 – RW Kris Chucko (24th)
2005 – D Matt Pelech (26th)
2006 – G Leland Irving (26th)
2007 – LW Mikael Backlund (24th)

18). Ottawa Senators – G Chet Pickard
Organizational Summary: The success the organization has enjoyed at the NHL level the past few years has taken its toll on the Senators’ prospect pool. The forward ranks contain a few prospects with potential but lack many safe players. The defense has some good potential but is getting thinned out. The major area of weakness that needs to be addressed is lack of a true goalie prospect from which to mold into the Senators “Goalie of the Future”.
Reason for the Pick: The Senators get a very solid prospect that has great upside and potential to become their next No. 1 goalie. They take a look at Joe Colborne and Greg Nemisz but then select who they have as the draft’s No. 1 goalie prospect.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Nick Foligno
Defenseman: Brian Lee
Goaltender: Brian Elliott
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Patrick Eaves (29th)
2004 – D Andrej Meszaros (23rd)
2005 – D Brian Lee (9th)
2006 – C Nick Foligno (28th)
2007 – C James O’Brien (29th)

19). Columbus (from Colorado) – C Joe Colborne
Organizational Summary: The Blue Jackets have added a significant piece to the organization with Boedker at the sixth pick and can use this pick to gamble somewhat in hopes of a home run return. The main areas that beg to be addresses are still the overall lack of skilled type forwards and the lack of a true top four potential defender.
Reason for the Pick: With the pick of Boedker sixth overall and now this pick of Colborne, Columbus has taken the opportunity to upgrade the skill at the forward position. The thought of taking a defender with this pick is entertained as they look at both Colten Teubert and Luka Sbisa but decide to take the skilled forward. They will look to strengthen other areas of the organization with some of the later picks.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Jakub Voracek
Defenseman: Marc Methot
Goaltender: Steve Mason
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Nikolai Zherdev (4th)
2004 – LW Alexander Picard (8th)
2005 – C Gilbert Brule (6th)
2006 – C Derick Brassard (6th)
2007 – LW Jakub Voracek (7th)

20). New York Rangers – G Thomas McCollum
Organizational Summary: With recent trades and graduations of prospects to the NHL level, the Rangers prospect pool is starting to drain. The forward crop is still relatively healthy and deep but the defense lacks both top end talent and depth and goaltending position needs a shot of top rate talent. They could also use a blue-chip offensive prospect at the forward position.
Reason for the Pick: With the recent trade of Al Montoya the Rangers surprise all who had them taking a forward and go with a goalie prospect that they can groom and bring along slowly. They also look at Colten Teubert and Jack Gardiner with this pick as their defense needs to be addressed but the thinking is that the backend can be addresses with later picks and young free agents down the line.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Alexei Cherepanov
Defenseman: Bobby Sanguinetti
Goaltender: Matt Zaba
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Hugh Jessiman (12th)
2004 – G Al Montoya (6th) & C Lauri Korpikoski (19th)
2005 – D Marc Staal (12th)
2006 – D Bobby Sanguinetti (21st)
2007 – RW Alexei Cherepanov (17th)

21). New Jersey Devils – D Brandon Burlon
Organizational Summary: The Devils organization has always done well at drafting and developing homegrown talent but the well is running dry. They need to replenish at all three positions but the most glaring hole is on defense. The forwards are a group that contains a lot of promise but could also very easily produce nothing. The goaltenders are in need of depth and a few top-notch nominees to vie for the job of eventually replacing an aging Martin Brodeur.
Reason for the Pick: With the lack of depth and talent at both defense and in the crease, New Jersey is forced to look at who is left on the board and who best fits into the Devils style. The drafts two top goalies are off the board and thinking they can add a quality tender in one of the later rounds so they grab all-purpose defender and University of Michigan bound Brandon Burlon.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Nicklas Bergfors
Defenseman: Matt Corrente
Goaltender: Jeff Frazee
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Zach Parise (17th)
2004 – C Travis Zajac (20th)
2005 – C Nicklas Bergfors (23rd)
2006 – D Matthew Corrente (30th)
2007 – NONE

22). Edmonton (from Anaheim) – D Colby Robak
Organizational Summary: The strength of the Oilers organization’s prospect pool lies in the abundance of quality forward depth. They lack many top notch offensive forwards but there are a few with potential. The backend has a stable of solid developing prospects but they all have limited upsides. The goalie situation is solid for now but they should add to this area before it does become a weakness.
Reason for the Pick: The organization’s current prospects coming through the ranks have limited offensive potential from the backend and Robak adds a dimension that is sorely lacking. Offensively he can start the transition with his breakout passing abilities better than all the rest and immediately moves to the top of the defensive prospect depth chart.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Rob Schremp
Defenseman: Taylor Chorney
Goaltender: Jeff Deslauriers
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Marc-Antoine Pouliot (22nd)
2004 – G Devan Dubnyk (14th) & C Rob Schremp (25th)
2005 – C Andrew Cogliano (25th)
2006 – NONE
2007 – C Sam Gagne (6th) & D Alex Plante (15th) & C Riley Nash (21st)

23). Washington Capitals – D Colten Teubert
Organizational Summary: Some solid depth and nice talent in the forward prospects of the Washington Capitals are working their way up the ranks. The defense has some depth but could use more top talent to draw from. The goaltending of Washington has a good mix of talent who will soon be ready to look at taking over the crease in Washington.
Reason for the Pick: With all the offensive talent in the organization the Capitals opt for physical stay-at-home defender Colten Teubert.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Eric Fehr
Defenseman: Karl Alzner
Goaltender: Semen Varlamov
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Eric Fehr (18th)
2004 – LW Alex Ovechkin (1st) & D Jeff Schultz (27th) & D Mike Green (29th)
2005 – D Sasha Pokulok (14th) & D Joe Finley (27th)
2006 – C Nicklas Backstrom (4th) & G Simeon Varlamov (23rd)
2007 – D Karl Alzner (5th)

24). Minnesota Wild – D Jack Gardiner
Organizational Summary: The Minnesota Wild organization has depth all round but they are severely lacking in top talent at most positions. Goaltending is the only position which can be called solid. Forwards are comprised of a bunch of potential role players as well as some boom or bust prospects. The backend has nothing special and could use a major shot in the arm.
Reason for the Pick: The one of the local kids gets taken by the Wild and fills a pretty large hole in the prospect pool. They look at Greg Nemisz and Luka Sbisa but can’t pass up on the skating, speed and offensive potential that Gardiner possesses.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Benoit Pouliot
Defenseman: Shawn Belle
Goaltender: Anton Khudobin
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Brent Burns (20th)
2004 – D A.J. Thelen (12th)
2005 – LW Benoit Pouliot (4th)
2006 – C James Sheppard (9th)
2007 – RW Colton Gillies (16th)

25). Montreal Canadiens – RW Greg Nemisz
Organizational Summary: The Canadiens organization has done a good job in the past few drafts at getting good value for all of their picks. They are somewhat strong in all areas but they should be looking too add a sizable forward who could play on the top few lines in a few years. The goaltending pipeline is another area that needs re-tooling though it has had two very recent graduations in youngsters Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak to the Habs roster.
Reason for the Pick: The Habs are able to address the number one need with the selection of big skilled winger Greg Nemisz. He gives the prospect pool depth on the right side as well as much needed size.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Sergei Kostitsyn
Defenseman: Ryan McDonagh
Goaltender: Carey Price
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Andrei Kostitsyn (10th)
2004 – RW Kyle Chipchura (18th)
2005 – G Carey Price (5th)
2006 – D David Fischer (20th)
2007 – D Ryan McDonagh (12th) & RW Max Pacioretty (22nd)

26). Buffalo (from San Jose) – C Mikhail Stefanovich
Organizational Summary: With Josh Bailey another centre taken earlier in this draft, Buffalo needs to focus on the wing and adding skill and size to both sides. Goaltending is an area they will add depth to later in the draft and the backend could also use some freshening up with a couple later selections picks.
Reason for the Pick: Buffalo selects Stefanovich with this pick as they see him permanently moving to right wing and being the skilled and big bodied presence they so desperately need coming through the system. The Sabres know what areas they need to address and with the available talent Stefanovich fits perfectly with this pick.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Josh Bailey
Defenseman: Andrej Sekera
Goaltender: Jhonas Enroth
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Thomas Vanek (5th)
2004 – RW Drew Stafford (13th)
2005 – C Marek Zagrapan (13th)
2006 – D Dennis Persson (24th)
2007 – NONE

27). Philadelphia Flyers – G Jacob Markstrom
Organizational Summary: While the forward ranks are somewhat deep, the Flyers could use some high-end skill at the centre position. Depth is also an area that is decent at both defense and the goalie position however true impact potential is lacking. The prospect cupboard will have a few years to develop and grow as the NHL team is relatively young and will not need replacing for a few more years.
Reason for the Pick: With many mediocre prospects at this position and no true potential No.1 to take the reins in a few years the selection of Markstrom is a strong pick for the future of the organization. They would also look at the defenders available but ultimately go with the best available for there needs.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: James vanRiemsdyk
Defenseman: Ryan Parent
Goaltender: Jakub Kovar
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – C Jeff Carter (11th) & C Mike Richards (24th)
2004 – NONE
2005 – C Steve Downie (29th)
2006 – LW Claude Giroux (22nd)
2007 – RW James vanRiemsdyk (2nd)

28). Los Angeles (from Dallas) – C Mitch Wahl
Organizational Summary: Overall, Los Angeles has a full stable of quality prospects in the system and has no major hole to fill. The defense position has been helped with the selection of Doughty but could use another top talent to solidify the position. The goalie position could use a replacement with the likely graduation of Bernier this upcoming season. The forward ranks could use a few highly skilled prospects.
Reason for the Pick: LA takes a playmaking centre and local product in Wahl which helps an area that they are somewhat lacking in. They look at some of the talent available in goal but decide that they can pick-up a talented prospect at that position later in the draft.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Trevor Lewis
Defenseman: Drew Doughty
Goaltender: Jonathan Bernier
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – RW Dustin Brown (13th) & C Brian Boyle (26th) & C Jeff Tambellini (27th)
2004 – LW Lauri Tukonen (11th)
2005 – C Anze Kopitar (11th)
2006 – G Jonathan Bernier (11th) & C Trevor Lewis (17th)
2007 – D Thomas Hickey (4th)

29). Atlanta (from Pittsburgh) – D Luca Sbisa
Organizational Summary: The weakest part of the Atlanta organization has been on the backend and they added a potential top four future fixture in Bogosian but that alone is not enough. The forwards have a good mix of size and skill and the depth is adequate although not overly strong. The goaltender situation is decent as they have a very good prospect in Ondrej Pavelec in the minors and a young starting No.1 already in the NHL.
Reason for the Pick: With the earlier selection of Bogosian and now Sbisa, the Thrashers have taken a huge leap in the effort to reconstruct the backend for the future. They will now look to the forward position and address the lack of size and physical play with most of the remaining picks.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Bryan Little
Defenseman: Zach Bogosian
Goaltender: Ondrej Pavelec
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – D Braydon Coburn (8th)
2004 – D Boris Valabik (10th)
2005 – C Alex Bourret (16th)
2006 – C Brian Little(12th)
2007 – NONE

30). Detroit Red Wings – D Tyler Cuma
Organizational Summary: With decent overall depth and some decent talent coming through the ranks at all three forward positions Detroit can select the best available player. They would be well server to add a couple blue-chip forwards. Size at both forward and defense is an area that they would also like to address.
Reason for the Pick: They will be looking to add one or possibly two goaltenders to the organization in this draft but with the top group already gone they look to deal the pick for a second and third later in the draft where they think their targeted goalie sits. With a trade not in the cards they look to add the best available which is the non-flashy but effective Cuma.
The Top Prospects by Position
Forward: Darren Helm
Defenseman: Jakub Kindl
Goaltender: Jimmy Howard
Last Five First Round Picks:
2003 – NONE
2004 – NONE
2005 – D Jakub Kindl (19th)
2006 – NONE
2007 – D Brendan Smith (27th)