2008 Faceoff Factor Mock Draft

FF Staff | NHL Entry Draft

Jun 19, 11:39 PM | Hype this story!
FF Mock
  Jesse Marshall Michael Farkas

1		 Steven Stamkos: If you follow an Eastern Conference team, watching this kid a few times a year will be a great treat. Stamkos is one of the most complete players in recent draft years and I am of the opinion that he will have the better, more rounded career than next years phenom, John Tavares. Steven Stamkos: The Lightning have already started their marketing campaign around Stamkos, he’s definitely their guy. He’s a great two-way talent in the mold of Steve Yzerman, probably the most NHL-ready prospect I’ve seen since Sidney Crosby in 2005.

2		 Drew Doughty: I thought the Kings were a lock for Karl Alzner last year, but we all saw how that turned out. However, they’d be nuts to pass up this kid. His overall game is underrated even for being a #2 ranked pick. Doughty plays a complete game and can make the jump whenever called upon. Drew Doughty: Almost a certain pick here at 2, but you never know what Deano is capable of on draft day…he usually leaves me shuffling through my papers…surprise potential is limited to Bogosian or Schenn at this spot I think.

3		 Luke Schenn: I see Atlanta taking Schenn here. While Bogosian would certainly be a good pick, Schenn is a dominant force on defense and would be a great addition to the other defensive prospects Chad Denny they have. Zach Bogosian: If Doughty is gone, this is very logical for Atlanta. He’s a great kid to anchor the Atlanta defense, especially since they dealt away Braydon Coburn for a song.

4		 Zach Bogosian: Bogosian to St. Louis will give the Blues two of the best young defensemen in the entire world of hockey. Bogosian can provide a ton to the blueline of this team. He and Johnson on the power-play will strike fear into a lot of teams. Alex Pietrangelo: Depends on what’s left out there, but I think Alex is their guy and has been all along…a good puck mover with excellent vision to go along with big-time size…he’s the strong two-way defenseman that the Blues have sorely needed since Pronger left.

5		 Nikita Filatov: I have to agree with Mike here. I can see the Isles taking the jump here. I like Filatov, but I think there are better options at #5. However, they’re still getting a great prospect out of the deal, especially considering they only had 2 solid picks last year, Katic, Gratchev. Nikita Filatov: Apparently Garth Snow is a big fan of this kid, and there’s no reason not to be. He’s got that big time Russian talent but isn’t a one-dimensional dangler. This gives the Isles someone to build around as they try to resurrect their team.

6		 Alex Pietrangelo: Alex will bring a dynamic combo of physicality and offensive prowess to the blueline of Columbus. Luke Schenn: If Schenn falls further than 7, there is a major problem that I’m not aware of. He’s a very intelligent defensive defenseman that will do wonders for the Blue Jackets. Has the smarts of an NHLer already, and a real steal at 6 if there is such a thing.

7		 Zac Boychuk: Toronto takes the good ol’ boy from Canada with this pick. The Maple Leafs need a strong center like Boychuk in this draft. With the departure of Sundin, Boychuk will soon take the reigns as the future leader of this franchise. Mikkel Boedker: He’s just been a dynamo this year, you can’t pass him up if you’re Toronto at 7. There are a lot of d-men in the system, you have to assume that some pan out and they will go with this all-around phenomenal Dane. He’s the total package at forward.

8		 Tyler Myers: I agree with Mike here. Myers makes the most sense for the Coyotes. Besides Yandle, the Coyotes don’t really have a top-flight D prospect like this. I think you could see them shock everyone, though, and take Colby Robak here too. Tyler Myers: Maybe a little high for Myers, especially looking back at picks like Branislav Mezei and Kristian Kudroc, but Myers is worth the risk here for Phoenix, they don’t really need another offensive prospect…I believe they trade down to about 11 or 12 and allow a team to slide up to grab a center prospect while Myers will still be available. Phoenix could shock everyone and go with Colborne at 8 also, be on the lookout for that; they can be unpredictable on draft day.

9		 Mikkel Boedker: Like Mike said above, Boedker had a fantastic first year in NA. He’s building strength and stamina and will make a fantastic selection for the Predators at #9. Cody Hodgson: They could go with Wilson here, but I wouldn’t let Hodgson slip by at 9. Hodgson is a great package to have at center, he runs the show on the power play, is an excellent faceoff man and is very versatile. 40 goals for Brampton this year tells you can do more than just dish too.

10		 Kyle Beach: Beach will bring a presence to the Canucks that they’ve not seen in years. He’s the perfect center to play with the Sedins. Tough, fast, and good enough hands. Beach will provide a huge boost to the Vancouver offense. They’ve gotten a good look at him from his time in Everett, this pick makes sense to me. Colin Wilson: Vancouver can’t afford to swing for the fences at 10, there’s only going to be so many times when they are at this point again. They’ll go with the safe pick, the two-way center from college. He has great smarts at both ends of the ice, powerful kid too, he’ll fit it in Western Canada just fine.

11		 Cody Hodgson: Hodgson, should he fall here, would be the perfect fit for Toews and Kane. He’s a dynamic playmaker that makes good players better with his on-ice vision. Joshua Bailey: I’m pretty sure Chicago trades down here, perhaps they pair the 11th with Rene Bourque and try to pick up a big asset. If they don’t, Bailey could certainly be the guy for them. An outstanding playmaker with good hockey sense and has a high work rate.

12		 Colin Wilson: Wilson would be a good fit for the Ducks. He’s got good size, good offensive skills, and fits the Anaheim style of play. Kyle Beach: Beach was going to be this year’s Angelo Esposito for me, but I’ll stop the slide at 12 and Anaheim. Besides being a fantastic power forward with a terrific shot, Beach is quite the gritty agitator. In fact, he probably takes the extra-curriculars a little too far some nights. Once he rounds out his game completely, he’ll be a valuable center for Anaheim; he is the proto-typical Duck.

13		 Michael Del Zotto: I agree with Mike here. A lot of people have Luca Sbisa penciled in this spot, but MDZ is one of the better puck movers of this draft. Buffalo can use a young kid like him to quarterback the PP. What will be interesting is how long of a wait we will have between now and when MDZ is finally ready. Michael Del Zotto: You can’t allow Del Zotto to keep falling, Buffalo will draft a d-man, here he is, on a silver platter at 13 when he should have gone sooner. He’s a sensational puck mover, a very skilled offensive defenseman that the Sabres could use in the lineup. There are some questions regarding his defensive game, but he’ll get a couple years to work on them.

14		 Colby Robak: I’m going out on a limb here. Carolina has a lot of D prospects, but none as good as Robak. Robak can ease a little of the hurt caused by Rutherford’s impatience with Jack Johnson. Carolina needs a dynamic defenseman like Robak, and he’ll be available at #14. Zac Boychuk: I’m going to assume Rutherford two putts for par here. Boychuk adds a counterpoint from big Eric Staal for Carolina. He’s one of the draft’s most agile skaters and uses it to overcome his smallish stature. Carolina could try for the homer with Colborne though, Tedenby is also a likely scenario here.

15		 Joshua Bailey: The Predators need a player like Bailey bad. Whether it be Tendenby as Mike suggests, or Bailey, they’ll take a forward with this pick. Mattias Tedenby: You have to take the dynamic forward here. With Weber, Suter and crew, the need for young d-men is lessened and it’s too high to take a goalie. Tedenby can fly and do everything at top speed, he’s small and takes a lickin’ but he’s right back up looking for the puck. Jordan Eberle is also a possibility at 15.

16		 Colton Teubert: Mike and I agree here, I like Teubert for Boston. He’s a great 2nd pairing guy and has done really well for himself in the mobility department for being so large. Chara/Teubert would be two of the most physically imposing defenders in the East. Colton Teubert: I think you have to like the big d-man here if you’re Boston.  They’ve had some pleasant surprises at forward recently and could probably fill the gap left by the recent Sigalet/Marquardt swap with Teubert here.  He’s an apt puck-mover who checks in at 6’4".

17		 Joe Colborne: They’ve gotten a good look at him playing in Camrose, and Sutter will love the way this big boy skates. Colborne brings a lot to the table and should fit the Flames perfectly. Jamie Arniel: If there isn’t a skilled forward here, Sutter will get rid of the pick.  Calgary probably wants Tedenby here and might trade up to grab him, but Arniel, who models his game after Ottawa’s Mike Fisher could be the safety valve pick for the Flames.  Calgary tends to go with the safe guy on draft day and Arniel fits that description.

18		 Mattias Tendenby: Ottawa gets a solid forward at #18. I’d list Kirill Petrov here, but after the debacle with the Bashkirov’s last year, Ottawa will stray away from Russians. John Carlson: Ottawa probably considers a goalie at this spot, but it won’t do them any good in the next two or three years anyhow.  Carlson is too good of a prospect to let slide into the 20’s, he’s a great mix of si ze, speed and toughness.  Possesses a heavy shot and could be a real asset on the Senators blueline.  Look for Colborne or Robak here at 18 potentially as well.

19		 Zac Dalpe: Columbus needs help at Center really bad. Dalpe has decent size and can fill that need in a short time frame. This will be a good selection for Columbus. Might see Greg Nemizs picked here as well. Either one would be a good option for them down the middle and a much needed addition. Luca Sbisa: Columbus likes to draft Europeans and Sbisa fits that description perfectly.  The Jackets have to bank on some of those highly skilled forwards panning out and LeClaire/Mason are the future in net.  That means it’s time to go for D at 19.  Sbisa is a calming presence on the blueline and a very smart player who is adjusting to the North American game quite well.

20		 Luca Sbisa: Just like last year, the Rangers get a good player to fall into their lap. Sbisa has been overlooked all year. There’s a good chance he could drop this far. The Rangers, as Mike said, are a bit of an enigma in the prospect department. If Sbisa isn’t available, Carlson should be. Either is an option here. Colby Robak: I’m not positive what the Rangers want to here, but Robak is one of the best players available at this point.  A fantastic skater with some good tools to have a strong offensive game in time.  Playing in the WHL will continue to toughen him up some more so he can play a major role in the Rangers organization in a fe w years.  Greg Nemisz and Kirill Petrov are very possible here, as a matter of fact, Petrov makes a lot of sense here at 20.

21		 Greg Nemisz: The Devils need a center like this badly. They are absolutely zero in their current organization. Nemisz brings good size and experience to the table and will add a much needed element to the New Jersey organization. Greg Nemisz:  I just can’t see the Devils going with a goalie here, although they probably could.  The heir apparent-to-Brodeur pick failed in the past (Ahonen) but they may add one in a later round.  Meanwhile, Nemisz is a developing power forward that will add something to the Devils lineup that they are severely lacking, plus, he’s a center to boot.

22		 John Carlson: Edmonton lucks out with Carlson at this pick. This USHL product has really come onto the scene this year with a strong year and is playing with a lot of skill and charisma. The Oilers have a ton of gifted offensive players, it’s about time they add a solid defenseman to that list. Mikhail Stefanovich: Edmonton likes to take chances on draft day, well, here’s a chance.  Stefanovich is a wildcard, but he’s got the talent.  I wouldn’t like him to go this high, but something tells me Edmonton grabs him here (or swaps with Philadelphia because MS will be there at 27 I imagine.  The Oilers don’t really need a defenseman, they probably contemplate McCollum here, but still hold out hope for their own goalie prospects.

23		 Anton Gustaffson: The Caps go off the board here a little to draft another good Swedish player. The son of a former Capital, Gustaffson has great size and is apt in both zones. The Capitals will add another element to their dynamic offense with this player. Yann Sauve: Gustafsson or Petrov are real possibilities here for Washington.  However, I’ll go with the big shutdown blueliner (even if he’s a tad high at 23) that could help out opposite Mike Green in the future.  Sauve’s a big kid and along with Shaone Morrisonn could help anchor an increasingly potent Capital blueline.

24		 Aaron Ness: Minnesota scouts have gotten a great look at this kid’s high school career and he’ll fit their system perfectly someday. He’s a long term project, but any team that takes him will reap the rewards of what he can do with the puck. I liken him to the Penguins own Alex Goligoski. Jake Gardiner: This makes so much sense that it is guaranteed not to happen.  First of all, he’s a defenseman that has the tools (skating and shot especially) to be a quick forward, in fact, he used to be a forward until a few years ago.  He’s a dynamic player (Brent Burns, also forward turned defenseman) from Minnesota and the Wild should grab this kid at 24.

25		 Nicholas Deschamps: I think this one is pretty much consensus for everyone. Montreal takes the Chicoutimi center and keeps a great tradition of Quebecois hockey in their system. Nicolas Deschamps: There really isn’t an American college kid that Montreal could go with here, so a little home cookin’ could be what’s on their plate at 25.  Deschamps made great strides this season in the Q and this solid two-way scorer could add some potential top-six center depth to the Montreal lineup in a few years.

26		 Tyler Cuma: With this pick Buffalo grabs another solid defenseman in the first round and points their organization in a solid direction. Tyler Ennis: The Sabres like kids like Derek Roy, Nathan Gerbe and Daniel Briere so they will absolutely love Ennis.  He’s quick, can score in bunches and fits in the palm of your hand.  Ennis is Sabre material no matter which way you slice it.  Offensively gifted player.

27		 Jamie Arniel: This kid screams Philadelphia hockey.He’s gritty, fast and tenacious. His shot is solid and he is committed to two way hockey. This might be going a bit off the board for some, but I don’t see a player better suited for Philadelphia anywhere near this kid. Thomas McCollum: Philadelphia does not have much (read: any) in the way of significant goaltending prospects.  McCollum adds that “goalie of the future” aura to the Flyers organization so they can at least look forward to something in net down the line.

28		 Jordan Eberle: With the second pick in this round, the Kings will have a chance to sang a smaller, fiesty center for their second line. Eberle could be a short-term project that will play right into what the Kings want to build. Tyler Cuma: I think this pick is dealt by Los Angeles (perhaps with Cammalleri) but if it isn’t, this forward-turned-defenseman might be good for the Kings.  He brings a talented puck-moving defenseman who also understands his role defensively to the Kings lineup.  Along with Doughty and Johnson, the Kings could have some of the league’s premier defensive talent along their blueline.

29		 Kirill Petrov: He fell big time on my side of the mock, and should he fall that much in real life, Atlanta will be the team to snag him. Petrov is a gifted talent, but will the lack of a transfer agreement stymie their plans to reel him over here? Joe Colborne: I guess this is where his fall stops at 29.  Colborne is a gifted player in the Joe Thornton mold.  However, just like Thornton, he seriously lacks the motivation and heart of a future NHL player.  He dominated at a lower level with ease and has a projectable frame.  The questions about his work ethic will continue to dog him and allow the center to slide down to 29 for Atlanta.  Mitch Wahl is a possibility here too.

30		 Johan Motin: The Red Wings love to draft overseas, and there is a nice sized defenseman waiting for them in Sweden. Motin is the real deal, and I think the Red Wings will take a chance on him here. If they decide to go NA, however, Jake Gardiner is available here as well. Anton Gustafsson: The Red Wings love drafting Europeans, especially Swedes, if Gustafsson is around at 30, the Wings will almost certainly scoop him up.  A talented puckhandler and scorer, Gustafsson could be a great player in the Red Wings system.

Comments

  1. Eric

    Jun 20, 12:19 AM

    I seem to agree with Michael through your first 9, then switch to Jesse for the remainder of this mock (if that’s possible). Nonetheless, nice read here.

    I like Jesse’s #28 pick.

    What’s up for grabs at who gets more right?

  2. Jesse Marshall

    Jun 20, 12:30 AM

    Eric, to be honest, we haven’t really wagered. This all came together the other day, next year we’ll go deeper and put a little something on the line.

  3. Alex

    Jun 20, 12:48 AM

    Am I the only person who thinks that Doughty will have a better career than Stamkos? He will be as good as Pronger, IMO. He’s got all the tools, and is maybe the best offensive blueliner since Paul Coffey?

  4. Jesse Marshall

    Jun 20, 12:51 AM

    Alex, it’s tough to compare the two, but I will say this: Doughty is underrated. There’s all this discussion about Del Zotto and Bogosian, people just aren’t talking Doughty.

    Offensively I wouldn’t throw the Coffey comparison out there, he’s more level headed than that MDZ is more of the Coffey of this class.

    Stamkos, however, is the real deal. It’ll be tough to top what he can potentially achieve.

  5. Carly

    Jun 20, 12:58 AM

    I wish the Red Wings would look at players other than the Swedes … are they trying to adopt an entire country? I’m not sure about the Flyers going after a goalie in the first round, though.

  6. Eric

    Jun 20, 01:14 AM

    Bogo and Doughty seem to be a pick’em at the 2 spot. Personally, I like Doughty.

  7. Pens1967

    Jun 20, 08:31 AM

    I know the Pens very probably won’t pick until tomorrow, but I also read that because the NHL doesn’t have a transfer agreement with the IIHF, the window to sign European players not already in North America would be an indefinate one.

    If so, do you think the Pens would take a highly rated European who other teams might shy away from becaue of the transfer issue? The Pens seem to be in a position where they could wait a few years like they did for Jagr and Malkin to come to the US.

  8. Beav

    Jun 20, 10:04 AM

    Regarding Doughty, on NHL Live yesterday they interviewed him and Stamkos and he said he was really hoping to get drafted by L.A. as he was a big fan of Gretzky with the King when he was growing up. Hopefully the Kings heard the interview too and lock this kid up, looks like a good one.

    Regarding Stamkos, looks like the real deal and sounds like the kid has a really good head on his shoulders.

  9. Jesse Marshall

    Jun 20, 11:11 AM

    Pens1967,

    RS doesn’t have a track record of drafting Europeans playing overseas, so no. I don’t think he would. He likes big NA kids.

  10. Ashley Gallant

    Jun 20, 01:13 PM

    I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chet Pickard chosen in the first round. He seems to be following the same path of Carey Price, his former teammate. He was the CHL’s Goaltender of the Year, and he had 46 wins this year for the Tri-City Americans – enough to break the franchise record. He also appears to be the frontrunner to be the starting goalie for the 2009 WJC.

    The Times and Transcript, my local newspaper, has been profiling prospects from New Brunswick this week and they indicate that the Habs may target Pickard tonight. The thought is that Montreal doesn’t have much depth in goal, besides Price and Halak. I’m not sold on that idea and I think Gainey will likely select a skater (like Deschamps), but I kind of like the thought of a Moncton kid playing for the Habs.

    This is going to be an exciting draft for Moncton, since the last Moncton native to be drafted into the NHL was Scott Fraser in 1991. This year there will be Pickard and Kelsey Tessier (the Remparts’ top scorer this year). Then there’s Patrice Cormier, who grew up in Cap-Pelé (about 40 minutes from Moncton). If Cormier hadn’t missed so many games this year because of appendicitis and injuries, we could’ve been talking about where he’d go in the first round.

    In any case, I can’t wait ‘til tonight’s draft special. The Pens may not do anything today, but I’m interested to see what the Leafs will do besides acquire Jamal Mayers.

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