Experts Archive - kmckenna.tsn (%2)

• Islanders face No. 1 question: Tavares or Hedman?
  posted on June 04, 2009 - 12:58:55 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Draft time: How the top picks will fall
  posted on June 26, 2009 - 02:52:44 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  What's an NHL Draft without a mock draft? This is the fun part for us prospect junkies, a ritual that we go through once each year just to prove how wrong we can be.
   
  Figuring out how the first round will go is no easier this year than it has been in previous years. In fact, after pick 10 or so, it becomes increasingly difficult given the fact that there is a large group of players that are roughly equal in overall ability. 
   
  So for instance, if you asked 30 NHL GMs who the best player available is at the 18th overall, you could well get 30 different answers. That is how difficult it will be to divine the correct pick at each position, but it is also a sign of the depth in this draft through the first 50 picks or so.
   
  There is intrigue heading into Friday's first round. For one, the identity of the player chosen first overall is not yet certain. Also, there is a lot of talk surrounding the Los Angeles Kings' first pick and how it might be dealt. And, with the draft being held in Montreal, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Canadiens attempt to make a splash for their fans.
   
  The order of selection in this mock draft is the one that is in place following the completion of the Stanley Cup finals. It is possible a deal or two could be swung involving first round selections, but as of this writing nothing has changed.
   
  Here it is, then, my 2009 Mock NHL Draft.
   
  New York Islanders – John Tavares, C, London Knights (OHL)
  Although there has been talk of the Islanders selecting Hedman, the more likely pick here seems to be Tavares. Simply put, Tavares was one of the top juniors two seasons ago, and he was a better player this season. His MVP performance at the world junior championships indicates that he is ready for prime time.
   
  Tampa Bay Lightning – Victor Hedman, D, Modo (SEL)
  Hedman is the best player available and he fills a need for the Lightning. Several Swedish prospects could be chosen when all is said and done in this draft, with Hedman being the top Swede and top defenseman available.
   
  Colorado Avalanche – Matt Duchene, C, Brampton Battalion (OHL)
  The Avalanche are in rebuilding mode and must add depth in the forward ranks. Duchene is perhaps the top two-way center in this draft, which would be a good complement to the more offensive-minded Paul Stastny.
   
  Atlanta Thrashers – Evander Kane, C, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
  The Thrashers could use an upgrade or two in the forward ranks, so the drafting of Kane, one of the top goal-scorers in this draft, makes sense at this position.
   
  Los Angeles Kings – Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
  Assuming the Kings don't swing a deal that includes this pick, they seem to be a team more in need of talented forwards than defensemen. Schenn has talent as well as a bit of sandpaper to his game, making him a good fit for the Kings.
   
  Phoenix Coyotes – Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Leksand (SWE2)
  The Coyotes will continue their rebuilding process in the desert (for now). The team seems reasonably well-stocked at forward, so adding a top, puck-moving defenseman should improve the team's power play in the coming years.
   
  Toronto Maple Leafs – Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra (SEL)
  The Leafs need help everywhere, with Paajarvi-Svensson being the best player available at this pick. While he may not fit the profile most coveted by GM Brian Burke, a team still needs skilled players like Paajarvi-Svensson to drive the offense.
   
  Dallas Stars – Jared Cowen, D, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
  The Stars have more of need at defense than they do at forward, with Cowen being the best player available at this selection. Cowen was top-five material prior to injuring his knee, so the Stars may land a gem with this selection.
   
  Ottawa Senators – Jordan Schroeder, C, University of Minnesota (WCHA)
  Schroeder is a talented player in a small package, and probably the best player available at this pick. His smaller stature may scare away teams, but the Senators could use a prospect with Schroeder's skill and drive.
   
  Edmonton Oilers – Dmitri Kulikov, D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
  The Oilers appear to have a strong and deep group of forward prospects, but they could use some help at defense. Kulikov is solid defensively and can generate offense from the blue line, and he is the best defenseman available at this draft position.
   
  Nashville Predators – Jacob Josefson, C, Djurgarden (SEL)
  The Predators could deal this pick to add a player or more draft picks. Should they hold on to the pick, however, the selection of Josefson would seem to be a good fit. Josefson, along with Duchene, is a top two-way forward in this draft.
   
  Minnesota Wild – Zach Budish, RW, Edina (MN HS)
  This pick would qualify as a surprise, given the fact that Budish missed the hockey season with a knee injury during football season. But Budish might well have been considered a top prospect in this draft had he stayed healthy, as he is a skilled player built like a linebacker. He seemed to put some of the concerns about his knee to rest at the NHL Combine, so the Wild may well stay in-state for this pick.
   
  Buffalo Sabres – Zack Kassian, RW, Peterborough Petes (OHL)
  If the Wild are feeling less adventurous then Kassian might be their pick, as Kassian is another power forward in this draft, perhaps the best one given the uncertainty with Budish's knee. But the Sabres are in need of a forward with size and toughness, so either Kassian or Budish would fill the bill.
   
  Florida Panthers – Scott Glennie, RW, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
  The Panthers seem to lack true offensive threats in their prospect pool. Glennie is one of the better goal-scorers in this draft, and he would be the best player available at this selection.
   
  Anaheim Ducks – John Moore, D, Chicago Steel (USHL)
  The Ducks need to re-stock their system at most positions, so selecting the best all-around defenseman available at this point in the draft would be a good place to start. Moore has offensive ability and is solid in his own end.
   
  For more NHL Draft information, go to Hockey's Future.com, the top site devoted to the coverage of hockey prospects worldwide.
  
  
  
• Chasing John Tavares: a look at the NHL draft's top prospects
  posted on May 27, 2009 - 10:33:07 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Good race shaping up for Calder Trophy
  posted on April 01, 2009 - 07:43:31 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Center Tavares tops this early NHL mock draft
  posted on March 21, 2009 - 10:15:15 am
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Lesser NCAA programs producing potential undrafted gems
  posted on February 22, 2009 - 10:57:53 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Behind Tavares, Hedman, top of 2009 draft taking shape
  posted on February 10, 2009 - 08:53:41 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Family ties evident at CHL Top Prospects Game
  posted on January 14, 2009 - 06:20:25 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Three foot soldiers will help Canada's bid for juniors gold
  posted on December 19, 2008 - 06:50:18 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Good things are coming in these four small packages
  posted on December 06, 2008 - 03:52:51 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• 2009 Draft class taking shape, headed by John Tavares and Victor Hedman
  posted on November 20, 2008 - 07:17:57 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Plethora of NHL picks fueling OHL Windsor's fiery start
  posted on November 01, 2008 - 04:59:39 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Class of 2008 makes early impression
  posted on October 10, 2008 - 04:38:55 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Defenseman challenges Tavares' No. 1 prospect status
  posted on September 15, 2008 - 07:35:07 am
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• What to look for at the 2008 NHL Draft
  posted on June 19, 2008 - 09:09:53 am
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Juniors prospects improving stock in playoffs
  posted on May 01, 2008 - 10:50:28 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Future is bright for top 2006 draftees
  posted on April 25, 2008 - 05:00:50 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Time to snap up free agent college players
  posted on March 31, 2008 - 10:18:25 am
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Field taking shape for 2008 NHL Draft
  posted on February 29, 2008 - 12:24:17 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Prospect moves unlikely at trade deadline
  posted on February 25, 2008 - 02:34:59 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Blues' new philosophy shows in top prospects
  posted on January 28, 2008 - 11:43:32 am
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Habs' prospects top weak Eastern Conference pool
  posted on January 21, 2008 - 02:52:33 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• NHL prospects lead Miami (Ohio) to top of NCAA
  posted on December 27, 2007 - 01:58:57 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Russians, Swedes top early look at Europeans in '08 draft
  posted on December 15, 2007 - 01:21:05 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• An early look at the top 2008 draft prospects
  posted on November 27, 2007 - 12:26:16 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Former collegians make an impression in AHL
  posted on November 08, 2007 - 08:17:45 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Some NHL talent lurks outside the draft's first round
  posted on October 26, 2007 - 02:25:15 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• 10 to watch in the Western Conference
  posted on October 22, 2007 - 01:55:36 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• The best rookies in the East
  posted on October 15, 2007 - 02:27:51 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna
  
  
  
• Six rookies to watch in 2007-08
  posted on October 04, 2007 - 04:04:15 pm
  
  
  Ken McKenna