Friday, January 23, 2009

My Top 30

With mid term rankings coming out, it's time for my top 30.

1.

After his World Junior performance, he has regained the number one spot many eyes. I still believe it's up to the organization's needs.

2.

People were expecting more from Hedman at the World Juniors. He can be both a defensive and an offensive defenseman.

3.

After Hedman, Cowen is the best defenseman available in this draft. He's known for his defensive play.

4. Magnus Pääjärvi-Svensson

Timrå J20 SuperElit 1 0 0 0 0
Timrå Elitserien 36 4 7 11 4
Team Sweden U18 (all) International 4 3 6 9 2
Team Sweden U20 WJC-20 6 2 5 7 6
Team Sweden U20 (all) International 5 1 4 5 4

He looks like one of the best forwards to come out of Sweden in a while. He averaged over a point a game at the World Juniors but he couldn't finish on some of his changes.

5.

I wouldn't say he came out of no where in Ottawa but he surely helped himself. He replaced Dana Tyrell on the roster. He's having a great year in the WHL.

6.

He's having a great freshman year at the University of Minnesota. Schroeder is a playmaker and has a decent shot.

7.

He was one of the younger players on Canada's Under 18 team last season. He knows how to put the puck into the net. He's higher on other lists but I don't consider him falling.

8.

He was having a great year before he suffered a jaw injury. His stock could go up with Tavares on the team.

9.

Schenn is having another big year after he had 71 points as a 16 year old. He's not afraid to get physical either.

10.

Some questioned if he should of been on the World Junior roster. He answered his critics as the powerplay specialists.

11.

He's one of my favorite players in this draft. He has flourished with the Voltigeurs. He will be one of the first two QMJHL defenseman taking.

12. Jeremy Morin

26 games 16 goals 6 assists 22 points 76 penalty minutes

He's one of pure snipers of this draft. He's uncommitted but don't be surprised if he's wearing a Kitchener Rangers jersey next year.

13. Jacob Josefson

Djurgården J20 SuperElit 2 0 0 0 4
Djurgården Elitserien 36 4 3 7 8
Team Sweden U18 (all) International 4 3 2 5 4
Team Sweden U20 WJC-20 6 0 0 0 2
Team Sweden U20 (all) International 7 1 6 7 0

Another high profiled Swedish player. He looks to be a playmaker. His coming out party could come at the Under 18's.

14.

He's another defensive defenseman. He won't stick out at you but won't don't do anything to hurt the team.

15.

Another of my favorite players in this draft. Despite what happened at the Top Prospects game, it shouldn't hurt him. Just think of him as Milan Lucic 2.0.

16.

I still consider him the best goalie in this draft. If a team needs a goalie, they can't pass up an athletic goalie like Roy.

17.


Remember LeBlanc's name because he will rise. He was one of Canada's best players at the Ivan Hlinka this past summer. He's committed to Havard.

18.

De Haan has come out of no where. A defenseman for the Oshawa Generals that looks to be a two way defender.

19.

The USHL's best defenseman this year. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes higher. Next year he will be at Colorado College.

20.

Glennie is a linemate of Brayden Schenn. The duo is one of the best young 1-2 punch in the CHL.

21. Mike Lee 28 games 14-12-1 2.63 goals against average .910 save percentage

The best American goalie in the draft. He playing on the expansion Fargo Force and has been stellar. Next year will be at St. cloud State

22. Drew Shore


31 games 8 goals 12 assists 20 points 24 penalty minutes

He could be the third American player to go but I believe his skating will hold him back. He will head to Denver to join the Pioneers in 2009.

23.

He was hyped up to go in the top five in the draft. He had a decent rookie year. This year he's showing his talent.

24.

Holland looks like he will be a two way center at the next level. He has risen and at the beginning of the year he was outside the first round.

25.

Pasquale could be arguably the best goaltender for 2009 draft in the entire CHL. He has been solid since being traded to Saginaw.

26. David Rundblad

Skellefteå AIK J20 SuperElit 7 7 5 12 2
Skellefteå AIK Elitserien 33 0 6 6 8
Team Sweden U20 WJC-20 6 1 1 2 0
Team Sweden U20 (all) International 9 3 1 4 8


This is probably Sweden's best draft crop in ages. Runblad looks like a two way defenseman down the road.

27. Richard Panik

HC Trinec Czech 7 1 0 1 4
HC Trinec U20 Czech U20 - - - - -
Slovakia U20 WJC-20 7 2 3 5 4
HC Havirov Czech2 2 0 1 1

Panik didn't have the showing most expected at the World Juniors. He looked good against the Americans in the quarter-finals.

28. Kyle Palmieri

19 games 9 goals 11 assists 20 points 31 penalty minutes

He was highly touted but has missed some games this season. He looks to be a power forward. He's set to join Notre Dame.

29. Chris Kreider

13 games 19 goals 9 assists

He plays at Andover Academy and is probably the most intriguing player in the draft. I wouldn't be surprised if he plays for Team USA at the Under 18's. Committed to Boston College for 2010.

30.

Gelinas has had a solid sophomore campaign. He has taking the role as one of Lewiston's top defenseman this season.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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