Looking Towards The Draft
Jesse Marshall | NHL Entry Draft
May 20, 02:29 PM | Hype this story!
Our initial hope was that the Penguins would get a crack at drafting Zach Kassian of the Peterborough Petes, but as the Penguins continue to win, the prospect of Kassian being available is becoming slimmer by the day.
Here are a few names that we find intriguing for the Penguins first pick heading into this year.
Obviously, we’re putting our focus on big wingers this year, and there could be some options available. Regardless, this isn’t a bad draft, and the first few rounds are solid enough that the Penguins should be able to stockpile some good selections.
I’m hoping the Penguins have taken note of the Chris Kreider hype. The 6’2 – 200 lb. Phillips Academy of Andover, Massachusetts product has given a verbal commitment to Boston College for the 2010-2011 season. Kreider is a fantastic physical specimen and has the attitude and demeanor of a true professional for such a young kid. On the ice, Kreider is a phenom, the definition of a double-edge sword. Kreider can beat you inside with power, and scorch you outside with speed. His stickhandling ability is uncanny, and when he gets a head of steam, he will simply not be denied. Kreider is a long term project. He still has one year of high school left before committing to Boston College. However, with Crosby and Malkin locked up long-term, the Penguins could have a dynamic 1-2 punch with Krieder down the road. It’s a high risk pick, but Kreider has shown the ability to score at a young age, and that cannot be denied. He should be available when the Penguins step to the podium for the first time this year. Kreider finished with 56 points in 26 games this season (33+23).
Another power-forward that could be available for the Penguins is the Rimouski Oceanic’s Jordan Caron. The 6’2, 196 lb centerman is continuing to fill into his frame and improve upon his speed. This year, Caron notched 67 points in 56 games (36+31). Caron is still learning how to use his size to his advantage, and as he does so, he’s heading to high traffic areas more often and shielding the puck in a more effective manner.
And finally, in what might be the most likely candidate, we have the Kingston Frontenacs Ethan Werek. The Penguins have gotten a fantastic look at Werek since Nathan Moon has been playing alongside him all year in Kingston. Werek is a funny combination of board work, goal line work, and a pretty even keel of offensive abilities. He keeps getting bigger, and as he does so, he’s continuing to get better in traffic. He can play wing and should has a high potential to become a top-six guy someday. The 6’2 – 195 lb. center will be playing under the tutelage of Doug Gilmour next year and, along with Moon, will have a great opportunity to hone his offensive and defensive abilities. In his rookie year, Werek had 64 points (32+32) in 66 games. When we interviewed Nathan Moon this year, he had some high praise for Werek, and you can check that article out right here.
Stay tuned to FF as we continue to dissect the draft, giving you more names to look out for this June!
Comments
Alex Kirshner
May 20, 03:54 PM
Jesse,
What would you think of Toni Rajala? He’s projected to go late first round, has great hands, and has ripped it up with the Finnish national team at various levels over his years of eligibility.
I’d also look into Richard Panik.
Jesse Marshall
May 20, 03:59 PM
Kirsh,
I love Rajala. Mike Farkas and I were talking about him a week or so ago. His size seems to really be hampering him. That’s his biggest knock at this point. But he’s one hell of a good skater and has a great shot.
bag o' pucks
May 20, 05:27 PM
At the moment, the Pens have three picks in either the 22-65 range (if they fail to defeat Carolina, and depending on how many compensatory picks are awarded prior to Tampa’s 3rd rounder), or 29-65 range (if they advance to the Finals) so they should, indeed, be able to pick up some solid prospects.
Andrew Rothey
May 21, 01:49 AM
I’ve been following Rajala for quite awhile now and I think he’d be a great pick. He has steadily moved up draft boards this year. Redline Report loves him.
I think the Pens should also look at Kyle Palmieri as someone who may get downgraded in the draft after being asked to leave the US U18 team for undisclosed reasons. These supposed character flaws (depending on who you believe, he was railroaded by another player’s jealous parents) may allow him to fall to the Pens.
I honestly think both Caron and Werek are possibilities, but I highly doubt Kreider falls to the late 20s (they’d do backflips if he did). Werek has an undisciplined reputation and is a center, however, and I really believe the Pens should target a true winger, instead of trying to convert a center. Caron is listed as both a center and a winger, and is probably one of the top five 2009 draftees from the Q.
Does anyone really think the Penguins need anything but a scoring winger? Although I think targeting power forwards might be a little misguided. They already have a premier power forward prospect in Tangradi, but I think Sid would play best with a speedy winger who can join him on rushes and create space with his speed. Obviously, having a great shot for Crosby to feed wouldnt hurt either.
I would support the Pens trading up for a Zack Kassian or a Scott Glennie or Jordan Schroeder or even Jeremy Moron. Easier said than done, and of course they would have to take into account what they’d have to give up to move up in the draft. If one of those three falls beyond 15, the Pens should seriously consider moving up. After all, if Sid and Malkin actually had people who could finish at their sides… it’s a scary thought. Not to mention the steady stream of defensemen coming up through the Pens’ pipeline. Of those four wingers mentioned, Kassian, Glennie, and Schroeder each could possibly go in the top 10, but fit more in the 12-20 range. Morin is more likely to fall into the 20s, so perhaps he would be easier to move up for.
If the Penguins are sitting here at the end of Crosby and Malkin’s extension without having found some young scoring talent to ride shotgun, it would be an absolute failure.
DS
May 21, 05:07 PM
Was Werek the Fronts number one draft pick, or am I thinking of someone else?
stefanh
May 24, 12:06 AM
I’ve seen a good bit of swedish winger Carl Klingberg and loved what I saw. The guy never takes a shift off and goes after his opponents with checks. He got good speed and decent hands as well as size. That’s definitly a guy I think will become something.
Tony
Jun 14, 05:05 PM
Jesse, FWIW, I checked around various sites for their mock drafts, and here’s the players they had for the Pens:
Zach Budish
Caron
Mike Lee
Kassian
Tim Erixon (2 sites)
Kyle Palmieri (2 sites)
Tony
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