Monday, August 11, 2008

Two 1st Round NHL Picks Sign

With training camp about a month away, the Los Angeles Kings and the Nashville Predators have signed one of their 1st round selections from the 2008 Draft.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed Drew Doughty who was the second overall selection. He has played with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League the last three seasons. Last season he had 13 goals and 37 assists in 58 games. At the World Junior Championships this past season he had four assists in seven contests. At the Super Series he had two assists in eight games. The 2006-2007 season he had 21 goals and 53 assists in 67 games.

Don't be surprised if he plays the entire year in Los Angeles. With the youth movement that's going on with the Kings, I believe it will get the learning curve going for him and the rest of the team.

The Kings still have Colten Teubert that's still unsigned. He was the 12th overall selection and plays for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. I wouldn't be surprised if they sign him but I don't think he will be with the big club this season.

The Nashville Predators have signed goaltender Chet Pickard who was the 18th overall pick. Last season he played with Tri-City Americans where he was 46-14 with a 2.32GAA and a .918SV%.

It will be a while before he sees action in the NHL. He will be with the Tri-City for one more year before moving on to the AHL. He should be one of the goaltenders that will represent Canada at the World Junior Championship this year in Ottawa.

The Predators still have Colin Wilson to sign but he should play one more year at Boston University. At the end of the season they could push hard to join their AHL affliate after the college season.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

1 comment:

SimonTemplar said...

Hey Nathan couple of questions for you.

I see the Av's also signed a player Nigel Williams from Belleville. He and Monty are on the bubble but looks like Williams will be at Lake Erie now.

Montgomery still nto signed could mean OA season at London. ( which is good for us )

And what about Kitchener Ranger Spaling. Still not signed by the Preds.