Columbus Blue Jackets: Checking out THN's Draft Preview

Here are the top 30:

1. Steven Stamkos - center - CAN
2. Drew Doughty - defenseman - CAN
3. Zach Bogosian - defenseman - USA
4. Nikita Filatov - left wing - RUS
5. Alex Pietrangelo - defenseman - CAN
6. Luke Schenn - defenseman - CAN
7. Colin Wilson - center - USA
8. Cody Hodgson - center - CAN
9. Mikkel Boedker - left wing - DAN
10. Kyle Beach - center - CAN
11. Tyler Myers - defenseman - CAN
12. Zach Boychuk - center - CAN
13. Colten Teubert - defenseman - CAN
14. Josh Bailey - center - CAN
15. Michael Del Zotto - defenseman - CAN
16. Mattias Tedenby - left wing - SWE
17. Luca Sbisa - defenseman - SWISS
18. Colby Robak - defenseman - CAN
19. Jacob Marksrom - goalie - SWE
20. Mikhail Stefanovich - center - BEL
21. Greg Nemisz - center - CAN
22. Jordan Eberle - center - CAN
23. Yann Suave - defenseman - CAN
24. Anton Gustafsson - center - SWE
25. Joel Colborne - left wing - CAN
26. A.J. Jenkins - center - USA
27. Daultan Leveille - center - CAN
28. Tyler Cuma - defenseman - CAN
29. Zac Dalpe - center - CAN
30. John Carlson - defenseman - USA

Now Howson has been quoted as saying he thinks Columbus will end up with a defenseman if they keep that No. 6 overall pick, especially given how top heavy this draft is with defensemen.

However, if Dougthy, Bogosian (whom I personally love), Pietrangelo and Schenn all off the board—which could happen—does Howson draft the supremely talented Russian in Filatov?

Here is what THN had to say about him:

Russian teenager Alexei Cherepanov tumbled on draft day last year more because of his effort and character than the NHL's problems with the Russian federation.

If Filatov tumbles, it won't have anything to do with his skill or desire.

"He probably has as much skill as anyone in this draft, and he's a very competitive player," one scout said.

But the left winger for Central Army's second division team will surely slide, because teams don't know what hoops will have to be cleared to get him to the NHL. And teams that are choosing high are looking for secure picks.

The lack of an agreement with Russia might help, said one scout. It means if he doesn't sign, he'll remain a defected player in perpetuity, instead of going back into the draft in two years.

Filatov has been a consistent terror for opposing goalies at international tournaments.

The magazine also stated that if Filatov played in the Canadian Major Juniors, there is no doubt he would have put up Stamkos-like numbers.

That's interesting, but I just don't see the organization taking a chance on a Russian this high in the draft again, after selecting Zherdev fourth overall in one of the deepest drafts ever a few years ago. There seems to be no denying this kid's talent level, though. A lot of people compare his game to that of Pavel Datsyuk.

It will be really interesting to watch what Columbus does if those big four drop right in a row after Stamkos goes No. 1 to Tampa.

I really like what I read about Elerbe, Ennis and Wahl, though. They are smaller players who can flat out zip offensively. If we retain the 36th overall pick in the 2nd round and go D in the first I certainly wouldn't mind picking one of those kids up.

Also something else I want to note, THN's 29th-ranked Zach Dalpe is committed to Ohio State next season, although the magazine mentions there are "rumblings he may end up with OHL's Lodon Knights". Don't do it, Dalpe. Come to OSU, where they desperately need you! They go on to say "there are few players in this draft who have risen faster and higher than Dalpe."

Speaking of college recruits, For those that like to keep up with more than OSU football's recruiting class, here is a great site that tracks incoming NCAA D1 college recruits.

Finally for those keeping track, THN has 52 Canadians ranked in their top 100 and 18 USA-born followed by 7 Swedes and 6 Finns.

For those who follow the draft closely, I would recommend picking this up. It can usually be found at Barnes & Noble, but you may want to call first. It makes following the draft much more fun.

-LTL