Faceoff Factor

2008 NHL Entry Draft - February Ranking

Jesse Marshall | NHL Entry Draft

Feb 19, 02:31 PM | Hype this story!

1. Steven Stamkos – C- Sarnia Sting (OHL) – 6’0 – 170lbs – Shoots Left – Feb. 7 1990

Stamkos is coming off of a stretch through the WJC that saw him earn 34 pts in 18 games. Stamkos is going to pay a huge dividend to whoever has the opportunity to take him. His game is complete, his head is screwed on right, and he’s a great skater. He has been head and shoulders been the most consistent and dominant player in this draft class all year. Watching Stamkos and Tavares dual for years to come will be a treat for the NHL.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 49GP – 44G -44A – 84PTS – 66PIM

2. Drew Doughty – D – Guelph Storm (OHL) – 6’0 – 185lbs – Shoots R – Dec. 8 1989

Doughty stays at #2 after having a solid WJC and continuing to perform at a high level in the OHL. Drew does a great job of rushing the puck up ice and is continuing to create offense at a high level. In the year of the defenseman, he finds himself at the top.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 46GP – 11G – 33A – 44PTS – 58PIM

3. Luke Schenn – D – Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – 6’3 – 209 – Shoots R – Nov. 2 1989

Luke Schenn has been great in his own end. He’s physical, he’ll fight, and he’s smart. Schenn isn’t as fleet-footed as some of the other young defensemen in this draft class, but he’s willing to muck it up and do the work that a lot of other guys shy away from. Schenn has been the model of consistency as far as defensive coverage is concerned. He’s also mentally tough, and bounces back well from the mistakes he makes. He’s also a down-home guy. When I had the chance to speak with him this year, you could tell his family was involved in what was happening with his career.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 44GP – 5G – 19A – 24PTS – 88PIM

4. Alex Pietrangelo – D – Niagra IceDogs (OHL) – 6’3 – 192lbs – Shoots R – Jan. 18 1990

Alex plays a great two way game. His stick-work and heads-up passing style are impressive. He’s got great wheels and is a natural at adjusting his skating mid-flight. The biggest problem with Alex is toughness. With his size, you’d like to see him muscle a few more guys around. That’s really the biggest thing his game has lacked this season. He shows a real command with the puck during special teams play.

2007/07 OHL Statistics: 50GP – 11G – 29A – 40PTS – 77PIM

5. Zach Bogosian – D – Peterborough Petes (OHL) – 6’2 – 190lbs – Shoots R – Jul. 15 1990

Bogosian makes another jump in this month’s ranking. I am very impressed by this kid. His vision on the ice is great. He protects the puck like a forward. On the power-play, Bogosian does a fantastic job of getting open on the point and getting the puck at the net. He’s dropped the gloves a few times this year, but aside from that he isn’t prone to taking lazy penalties whatsoever. Bogosian just needs to start moving the puck out of danger in his own end. That’s really been an eyesore for him. If he gets the puck in the neutral zone or offensive zone, he can pass with the best of him; his decision making just seems a little rushed. Other than that, he’s been stellar this season. He has the skills to really make a push for a high spot this year.

2006/07 OHL Statistics: 51GP – 10G – 45A – 55PTS – 61PIM

6. Kyle Beach – C – Everett Silvertips (WHL) – 6’3 – 180lbd – Shoots R – Jan. 13 1990

Kyle Beach has taken a fall but it isn’t because of his game, it’s because these young defensemen are making themselves hard to ignore. Beach is a downright nasty individual. He’ll fight anyone at anytime, even if the opponent isn’t willing to participate. He’s been one-punched a few times this year, but it’s not going to affect his ranking here. I think his hands are grossly underrated. He’s not an offensive dynamo, but he isn’t as sluggish as many project him to be. He’s tough and nasty, but I don’t think there’s a true attitude problem present. He definitely need to work on his skating agility in starting, stopping and turning.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 52GP – 26G – 31A – 57GP – 181PIM

7. Zach Boychuk – C – Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – 5’9 – 176lbs – Shoots L – Oct. 4 1989

Boychuk brings a ton of experience to the table. This is a kid who could really fall in the draft and pay a huge dividend to whoever picks him up. He may not have towering size, but he’s as strong as an ox and is very elusive. The problems he has are typical for a player of his age. He needs to be more aware in his own zone. He doesn’t struggle with consistency much, he shows up night in and night. He strikes me as a real heart and soul type player.

2007/08 Statistics: 48GP – 25G – 31A – 56PTS – 68PIM

8. Michael Del Zotto – Oshawa Generals (OHL) – 6’0 – 190lbs – Shoots L – Jun. 24 1990

Del Zotto has been turning up the heat since November. There is no doubt that his skill is underrated and he’s the best offensive defenseman in this draft class. His puck distribution can only be described as uncanny. He can see the play develop and is a fluid skater. Things seem to come naturally to him. However, he tends to get a little lost in the defensive zone and has a tendency to hesitate with the puck at times. Del Zotto is no doubt one of the most exciting players on this list.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 52GP – 13G – 40A – 53PTS – 50PIM

9. Cody Hodgson – C – Brampton Battalion (OHL) – 5’11 – 182lbs – Shoots R – Feb. 18 1990

The only thing Cody Hodgson lacks is star power. When you watch him play, you’re impressed, but he doesn’t make the crowd “ooh” and “ahh”. He’s a quiet kid that is in the right places at the right times and has a fantastic understanding of the game. He’s one of those players that can get behind enemy lines and find open spaces.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 57GP – 35G -35A – 70PTS – 30PIM

10. Nikita Filatov – F – CSKA Moscow (RSL) – 5’11 – 159lbs – Shoots L – May 25, 1990

You’ll see Filatov ranked higher on other websites, but we haven’t seen a ton of him and we’re generally leery of Russians. Filatov definitely has a flare for stick-handling, virtually all video I’ve seen of him has been impressive. However, it’s not enough to put him any higher.

Statistics N/A

11. Mikkel Boedker – RW – Kitchener Rangers (OHL) – 5’11 – 201lbs –Shoots L – Dec 16, 1989

Faceoff Factor is big on Boedker. He’s got great hands and a solid all-around offensive game. His wrister is accurate and deceiving. Needs a little work in the boards and in his own end, but he’s been great for an OHL rookie and will really provide a complete game down the road. Overall, plays an extremely smart game.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 50GP – 24G – 30A – 54PTS – 10PIM

12. Colin Wilson – F – Boston University – 6’1 – 215lbs – Shoots L – Oct. 20 1989

Wilson’s skating has been pegged as an eyesore but he’s really improved by all accounts this year at BU. He’s got a lot of offensive flair and is really impressive with the puck. He wow’ed the world at the WJC where he scored at will and has had a solid year for BU.

2007 NCAA Stats: 28GP – 12G – 19A – 31PTS – 14PIM

13. Colten Teubert – D – Regina Pats (WHL) – 6’4 – 180lbs – Shoots R – Mar. 8 1990

Teubert is physically imposing and plays a great game in his own zone. He’ll rush to the aid of his teammates and scrum it up a bit, but other than that he’s strictly a defensive guy that goes relatively unnoticed and plays a mature game.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 54GP – 5G – 9A – 14PTS – 122PIM

14. Tyler Myers – D – Kelowna Rockets (WHL) – 6’6 – 194lbs – Shoots R – Feb. 1, 1990

Myers has good feet for has big as he is. He doesn’t look out of place in the rush and can protect the puck well with his long reach. He’s not a hitter, but he can use his size and muscle people out of the way. His game isn’t very well rounded but he’s still learning the position.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 52GP – 6G- 8A- 14PTS – 73PIM

15. Mikhail Stefanovich – RW – Quebec Remparts – 6’2 – 202lbs – Shoots R – Nov. 27 1989

The rookie from Belarus has struggled with consistency recently, but when he shows up to play, his offensive skill shines. He’s a little timid with the puck for someone as big as him, but he has a soft set of hands and possesses a fantastic shot. Has good vision and can saucer pass with the best of them.

2007/08 QMJHL Statistics: 51GP – 26G – 27A – 53PTS – 22PIM

16. Jordan Eberle – C – Regina Pats (WHL) – 5’10 – 162lbs – Shoots R – May 15, 1990

Jordan Eberle is one of the better shooters available in this draft class. He’s not a totally flashy guy, but he does his job and makes smart decisions with the puck. His shot is unbelievable and his speed is top notch. We’d like to see him add some muscle.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 32GP – 23G – 15A – 38PTS – 8PIM

17. Joshua Bailey – C – Windsor Spitfires (OHL) – 5’11 – 167lbs – Shoots L – Oct. 2, 1989

Bailey brings a lot of experience to the table and it’s really paid off. He did a year in the OPJHL and because of his birthday he has an extra year in the OHL ahead of everyone else. Bailey has a great set of hands and can distribute the puck really well. He isn’t overly flashy, but he gets the job done. He likes to muck it up and drive to the puck, but his lack of bulk tends to get him tossed around a little bit. He needs to add a little bit to his frame to be effective at the next level.

2007/08 OHL Statistics: 54GP – 24G – 49A – 73PTS – 28PIM

18. Mitch Wahl – C – Spokane Cheifs (WHL) – 6’0 – 175lbs – Shoots R – Jan. 22, 1990

Wahl is a fast guy, but he seems to wear down as the game goes forward. He’s good on faceoffs and is a strictly pass-first type player. His vision is great, but he doesn’t hit open space quick enough. He needs more pounce in his game. Overall he is turning out to be a great puck distributor and should develop more into goal-scoring as his career goes on. He really needs to work on his strength and conditioning.

56GP – 17G – 43A – 60PTS – 57PIM

19. Tyler Ennis – C – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) – 5’9 – 155lbs – Shoots L – Oct. 6, 1989

You can’t deny the skill that Ennis has with the puck, but he’s a verifiable boy against men. His size is about as bad as it gets. That doesn’t stop him from playing like a madman, however. He’s a smart kid, he’s got fantastic speed, and he’s got a great sense of the game. He just needs to gain an inch and some bulk. If he had that, he’d be a top 10 pick. There’s a good chance that next season he’ll break out even more and he could be a real steal for whoever takes a chance on him. He’s a hard worker and an outspoken player who has a shot at being the Tigers go-to-guy next season.

2007/08 WHL Statistics: 59GP – 35G – 38A – 73PTS – 32PIM

20. Joe Colborne – F – Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL) – 6’5 – 175lbs – Shoots L – Jan. 30, 1990

Colborne is an absolute giant. He towers above the competition and keeps on growing. He’s a down-to-earth kid that is a hard worker and has a fantastic frame. He has a good set of hands and has great puck possession skills. He can shoot, pass and skate. Very fluid for his size. Colborne isn’t afraid to use his big frame to get into traffic and win battles. He’s really a complete player and I don’t put any stock into the knock on him playing in the Alberta Juniors at a lower level. Skill is skill, and Colborne has it.

2007/08 AJHL Statistics: 53GP – 20G – 28A – 48PTS – 44PIM