Faceoff Factor

Penguins Entry Draft Preview - Part 2 of 3

Jesse Marshall | NHL Entry Draft

Jun 20, 11:06 PM | Hype this story!

Penguins Draft Preview – 2nd Round

Installment 2 of 3 on our Penguins draft preview. Here are some guys FF.com thinks could be available as the best player come the 51st pick of this year’s draft.

With the 51st selection in the NHL Entry Draft, the Penguins (might) Select:

Maxime Gratchev – LW – Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) – September 26, 1988 – 5’10 – 196lbs – Shoots L

Gratchev is a pitbull on the puck and an exciting winger to watch. He is relentless on the forecheck and battles through traffic well for his size. Gratchev has a fantastic shot and can make a strong pass at any point on the ice. Has a keen sense of the when and where and goes into stealth mode in the offensive zone. Conditioning is a question mark, but that will come as he grows into his game. Gratchev is a solid player for this late and could project nicely into a spot alongside one of our star wingers. 2006 was his break-out year and he is ready for the next step. A year in the AHL would service him well.

2006/07 Statistics: 70GP – 35G – 42A – 77Pts – 88PIM

OR

Eric Doyle – D – Swift Current (WHL) – April 5, 1989 – 6’3 – 180lbs – Shoots R

A bad WJC send Doyle down the tubes. He’s a strong stay at home defenseman and he’s got good size already. Likes to mix it up and hit. The downside is he has limited offensive abilities. However, his defense is on the right track. His consistency is down, but that will come as will several added inches to his frame. Doyle is a project, but it’s worth the shot. The Penguins could use another guy like this on the roster.

OR

Mario Kempe – RW – St. John’s (QMJHL) – September 19, 1988 – 6’0 – 179lbs – Shoots L

Kempe is a skilled guy that has a plethora of offensive moves at his disposal. He is very good one on one and his conditioning is a strong point. He had a great year for a rookie and is still learning the ropes. He isn’t an immediate answer to any need at Wing, but the project will pay off. As he adds size his game should get more physical and his in-traffic game will improve. His feet are always moving and he’s always working hard.

2006/07 Statistics: 62GP – 23G – 19A – 42Pts – 51PIM

My personal hope:

Mark Katic – D – Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Best puck mover in this class on the backend.