2010 NHL Mock Draft: Round One Final Rankings
By (Correspondent) on June 12, 2010
12,174 reads
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft is nearly upon us, and with the NHL season finally over it is time that we take a look at the top 30 prospects in the world of hockey.
The 2010 draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest drafts in years, and many future NHLers will have their names called on June 21st. But where they end up is still a mystery.
The big question looming over the draft is Taylor or Tyler? The Edmonton Oilers have the job any NHL GM would love to have. The choice of which superstar will lead the city of champions back to the promised land.
While most of the attention has been focused in this direction, there is still a ton of talent that will follow the top two and many teams will be extremely satisfied once the day is done.
The following outlines the top 30 picks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The picks are comprised of NHL scouting reports from various sources and my own personal scouting.
30. Chicago Blackhawks
Draft: Jarred Tinordi (D)
Current Team: USA U-18 NTDP
Ht/Wt: 6'5"/205lbs
Stats: 26 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 P
The Chicago Blackhawks have an abundance of young talent up front and could use another stud defenseman. Jarred Tinordi currently plays for the US National Development Program in the USHL and has really shown a lot of upside.
Simply put, Tinordi is a bruiser. With such a solid frame at such a young age, Tinordi should fill out into that defensive defensemen niche. Tinordi is not prone to mistakes, he usually makes the smart play, and causes few turnovers.
The defending Stanley Cup champs should be able to bolster their blue line with this blue chip prospect.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 U-18 Gold Medalist.
Image Courtesy: USA Hockey.
29. Anaheim Ducks (from Philadelphia)
Draft: Petr Straka
Current Team: Rimouski Oceanic
Ht/Wt: 6'1"/181lbs
Stats: 62 GP, 28 G, 36 A, 64 P
The Chris Pronger trade lands the 29th overall selection in the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. With that pick the Anaheim Ducks will select Petr Straka.
In his first taste of Major Junior hockey, Petr Straka has excelled at all aspects of the game.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year fell just short of the national honours, but still managed over a point a game. Straka is a slick forward who possesses a lot of skill and creativity.
With a couple more years to get acclimated to the North American game, Straka could fill out to an exceptional young talent and a real steal.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 QMJHL Rookie of the Year.
Image Courtesy: Saint Johns Sea Dogs.
28. San Jose Sharks
Draft: Dylan McIlrath (D)
Current Team: Moose Jaw Warriors
Ht/Wt: 6'5"/215lbs
Stats: 65 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 P
The picture alone sums up Dylan McIlrath. This guy just loves to fight (he even fought in a top prospects game). Playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League, Dylan recorded nearly 170 minutes in penalties.
With all those minutes many may think he is a liability, but in fact a lot comes from fighting majors as opposed to stupid minors. McIlrath is a big body that gets in the passing lanes and shuts down the rushes. Dylan can lay out a punishing open ice hit and can intimidate any opponent.
The San Jose Sharks could really use this kind of player.
Image Courtesy: Prince Albert Herald
27. Montreal Canadiens
Draft: Charlie Coyle (RW)
Current Team: South Shore Kings
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/207lbs
Stats: 42 GP, 21 G, 42 A, 63 P
Not many prospects from the Eastern Junior Hockey League make it to the big show, but Charlie Coyle may just change that trend.
Charlie Coyle is physically mature for his age, and he isn't afraid to use his size to his advantage.
Coyle could look to improve his foot speed if he wants to make the NHL, but he has all the tools to do so.
Coyle should look to join the NCAA ranks or Major Junior ranks soon if he wants to develop all his tools against world class opponents.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 EJHL Rookie of the Year.
Image Courtesy: ESPN
26. Washington Capitals
Draft: Kirill Kabanov
Current Team: ???
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/176lbs
Stats: 22 GP, 10 G, 13 A, 23 P (with Moncton)
Kirill Kabanov is a real conundrum. He wanted to show the world how he was ready to play the North American game and to show his commitment to play in the NHL.
However in the first quarter of the QMJHL season, Kirill went down to injury and never saw the light of day again. Kirill, once healthy, had a falling out with the Moncton Wildcats. He then packed his bags and headed home to Russia.
Kabanov has all the talent in the world, and was once thought of as the top prospect in the draft. However, his stock has dropped rapidly, and most teams will likely take a pass on this one.
However this pick may be too enticing for the Caps to pass, with an abundance of Russian talent (Ovechkin, Semin, Varlamov, Volchenkov [potentially]). The Caps could likely lure the young Russian back to North America.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2009 U-18 Silver Medalist.
Image Courtesy: Saint Johns Sea Dogs
25. Vancouver Canucks
Draft: Jaden Schwartz (C)
Current Team: Tri City Storm
Ht/Wt: 5'10"/193lbs
Stats: 60 GP, 33 G, 50 A, 83 P
Jaden Schwartz spent time with the Tri City Storm of the USHL this year, and in his rookie season he managed to score 83 points, nearly double the points scored by his nearest teammate.
The likely Rookie of the Year winner lead the league in scoring, and really led his team to a playoff spot, and at the ripe age of 17.
Jack Barzee from Central Scouting said, "He's very deceptive and shifty though the neutral zone and strong on the puck. It's very hard to get the puck off his stick."
Schwartz is not a huge player but is strong on the puck and has proved his offensive ability.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 SJHL Rookie of the Year
- 2010 USHL Forward of the Year
Image Courtesy: USHL
Quote Courtesy: NHL.com
24. Atlanta Thrashers (from New Jersey)
Draft: Brock Nelson (C)
Current Team: Warroad High School
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/205lbs
Stats: 31 GP, 53 G, 42 A, 95 P
A finalist for the Mr. Hockey Award, Brock Nelson had a terrific final year with Warroad in the high school ranks. Nelson averaged over three points a game, dominating the league.
Nelson was a man amongst boys, and he really showed what he can do.
However it has yet to be determined whether he can play this well at a higher level. With a commitment with North Dakota of the NCAA, it won't be too long before we find out.
Brock is a power forward through and through. With a good reach and a good stride, it is hard to knock him off the puck. Brock has all the tools, it's just a question of whether or not he can develop them.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 Mr. Hockey Award Finalist.
Image Courtesy: The Hockey News
23. Buffalo Sabres
Draft: Jon Merrill (D)
Current Team: USA U-18
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/205lbs
Stats: 22 GP, 1 G, 8 A, 9 P
In an interview with NHL.com, Merrill stated that he is not the most skilled defender in the game, but he has a tremendous talent to see plays develop and to smartly break them up.
Merrill underestimates his talents a little, as he is very skilled at most aspects of the game. Merrill likely won't be your powerplay quarterback, but his defensive ability makes up for any shortcomings up front.
Merrill is no stranger to the big games, as he has two gold medals hanging proudly at home. He was a member of the gold medal winning Junior and U-18 teams.
Merrill is a work in progress, but with more time to develop his talents anybody that drafts the young American should be very happy.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 U-18 Gold Medalist
- 2010 U-18 Gold Medalist
Image Courtesy: NHL
22. Phoenix Coyotes
Draft: Tyler Pitlick (C)
Current Team: Minnesota State Mavericks
Ht/Wt: 6'1"/190lbs
Stats: 38 GP, 11 G, 8 A, 19 P
Tyler Pitlick has completed his first season in the NCAA ranks, and while he did not produce mind-blowing stats, he quietly went about his business and had a solid campaign.
Pitlick can be best described as a diamond in the rough, and he has all the tools to be a solid player. We just haven't seen them all yet.
Pitlick has shown some offensive flair with the Mavericks this season, but the NCAA game may not be for him. With rumors swirling that he may join the WHL ranks next season, we may get to have a glimpse of what Tyler is really about.
The CHL is the best developmental league in the world for NHL talent, and a move could likely see a big step forward in the young American's career.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 Mr. Hockey Award Finalist.
Image Courtesy: MSU Mavericks
21. Detroit Red Wings
Draft: Stanislav Galiev (RW)
Current Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Ht/Wt: 6'1"/177lbs
Stats: 67 GP, 15 G, 45 A, 60 P
The Russian factor need not apply in Stanislav Galievs' case. Galiev has spent the past two seasons playing in North America, starting out with the Indiana Ice of the USHL and moving on to the Sea Dogs in the QMJHL.
Galiev is a speedy forward with a lot of creativity. While he may be more regarded as a playmaker, he has a very solid shot. Galiev can make a tape-to-tape pass when needed and can pot the puck in the net to boot. He can provide the entire offensive package.
While he may be slightly weaker in his own end, he has the potential to improve and could fill out into a solid two-way player.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2009 Clark Cup Champion.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins
Draft: Tyler Toffoli (RW)
Current Team: Ottawa 67's
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/181lbs
Stats: 65 GP, 37 G, 42 A, 79 P
The former OHL Cup MVP has had a tremendous start to his junior career with the Ottawa 67's, scoring 125 points in 119 games played thus far.
Toffoli was looking to have a poor year with a struggling 67's club, but a light switched on within the organization and everything seemed to go right. Toffoli had a strong charge near the end of the season and had a very strong playoffs.
Toffoli is a solid player, and while he is not huge on the puck, he does have the wheels to compensate. Toffoli has a knack for the net and is only going to improve. Tyler is very talented with the puck and has the ability to make plays that make you look twice.
With another year or two under his belt any team should be thrilled to be drafting Toffoli.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2008 OHL Cup Champion.
19. Los Angeles Kings
Draft: Nick Bjugstad (C)
Current Team: Blaine High School
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/190lbs
Stats: 25 GP, 29 G, 31 A, 60 P
The winner of the Mr. Hockey award and Minensota's best high school player, Nick Bjugstad is really in a class of his own at this level.
With the impressive numbers he has put up he should be a first round pick, but the fact that it was at the high school level leads many to question whether he can produce well at a higher level.
He is already committed to play at the NCAA level next season, so all questions should be answered soon.
Nick Bjugstad is an imposing center and can be best described as a true power forward. Nick has good speed and an NHL-ready shot. Any team that picks Nick should be very happy.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 Mr. Hockey Award Winner.
Image Courtesy: Game Face Minnesota
18. Nashville Predators
Draft: Emerson Etem (C)
Current Team: Medicine Hat Tigers
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/194lbs
Stats: 72 GP, 37 G, 28 A, 65 P
Emerson Etem could quite possibly be the best pure sniper in the draft and the only player to come from the great state of California to be picked in the first round.
Etem was a rookie this year in the Western Hockey League and produced big time for the Medicine Hat Tigers. With 37 goals on the season, it quickly becomes evident that he has a good shot and has a nose for the net.
Etem is large for his age and is strong on the puck, but many question his skating ability. Over the course of the season, though, he has seemed to make great strides (no pun intended) in his skating ability, but still lacks that explosiveness.
Etem may be a great steal in this draft if he goes where he is expected to.
17. Colorado Avalanche
Draft: Quinton Howden (LW)
Current Team: Moose Jaw Warriors
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/183lbs
Stats: 65 GP, 28 G, 37 A, 65 P
Best described by Central Scouting as a Todd Bertuzzi-style player, Howden is not a standout but is good at all aspects of the game.
Quinton has excelled at the defensive side of the game, but with a point a game in is sophomore season, has also shown that he is not just a one-trick pony.
Quinton has as smooth a stride as anyone in the draft and is also a fairly capable playmaker.
While Quinton may not be particularly good at one thing, he has such a variety of tools that make him an asset and a potential NHL star.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2009 U-18 Gold Medalist.
16. Ottawa Senators
Draft: Mikael Granlund (C)
Current Team: HIFK Helsinki
Ht/Wt: 5'10"/180lbs
Stats: 43 GP, 13 G, 27 A, 40 P
Playing in the Finnish elite leagues, Granlund has managed to produce at an exciting rate as a 17 year old.
Granlund is a playmaking center. He is smart with the puck on his stick and can deke or dish the puck with the best of them. Granlund is a very exciting player to watch.
One knock on the young Finn is his size. The size listed above may be generous, and the fact that he is smaller may make a lot of teams pass on Granlund.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 U-18 Bronze Medalist
- 2010 U-18 Bronze Medalist
- 2010 SM-Liiga Rookie of the Year
- 2010 SM-Liiga Gentleman of the Year
15. Boston Bruins
Draft: Jeff Skinner (C)
Current Team: Kitchener Rangers
Ht/Wt: 5'10"/185lbs
Stats: 64 GP, 50 G, 40 A, 90 P
Jeff Skinner could be the dark horse of the draft. Rated all over the board by various sources, it seems quite likely that he will land right in the middle of the draft.
Many critics are concerned about his size, but the talent that he possesses far outweigh any negatives that may arrive because of his small stature.
Skinner finished second overall in the Ontario Hockey League in goals scored with 50 and finished first overall in goals scored in the playoffs with 20 in 20 games played.
Skinner is a pure sniper and a true leader. Skinner's Kitchener Rangers were big underdogs heading into the playoffs but managed to defeat the very strong London Knights, and were the Windsor Spitfires' toughest opponent in the playoffs, taking them to seven but falling just short.
Skinner should overcome the size issue, and be an explosive player in the NHL.
14. St. Louis Blues
Draft: Jack Campbell (G)
Current Team: USA U-17
Ht/Wt: 6'1"/171lbs
Stats: 11 GP, 2.21 GAA, .917 Sv%
It seems more than likely that the St. Louis Blues will take Jack Campbell in the upcoming entry draft. The Blues are in dire need of a superstar caliber goalie, and why not take a shot on the best goalie in the draft?
Jack Campbell had his coming out party at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Starting as a backup to Mike Lee of the American squad, Campbell finally got a break in the final game of the tournament.
Campbell backstopped the Americans to a gold medal with an amazing performance.
Campbell proved his cool under pressure and really showed the world what he's got. He is strong on the glove side and has quick reflexes.
The Port Huron native will see a lot more game time next season, as he will suit up for the two-time defending Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 U-18 Gold Medalist
- 2010 U-18 Gold medalist
- 2010 U-18 MVP
- 2010 World Junior Gold Medalist
13. Phoenix Coyotes (from Calgary)
Draft: Austin Watson (C/RW)
Current Team: Peterborough Petes
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/171lbs
Stats: 52 GP, 20 G, 34 A, 54 P
Austin Watson could be one of the biggest steals of this draft. Rated around the middle of the draft, he has skyrocketed up the charts from the beginning of the season.
Watson is one of the best penalty killers in the OHL. With his fearless attitude towards blocking shots, he is an asset to any team on the PK.
The one thing that was holding him back was his offensive game. In 42 games played with the Windsor Spitfires he had only amassed 32 points.
Watson was seeing a minimal amount of minutes and finally decided a trade would be best.
Watson then took the ice for the Peterborough Petes. In his first three games he managed a goal before falling victim to a broken ankle while blocking a shot at the Top Prospects game.
After returning, Watson really took off. While still playing his defensive shot blocking style game, Watson put up eight goals and 11 assists in his final seven games of the season.
Watson really now provides the whole package, which is what makes him so valuable.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 J. Ross Robertson Champion
- 2009 Memorial Cup Champion
- 2010 U-18 Gold Medalist
Image Courtesy: Ontario Hockey League
12. Anaheim Ducks
Draft: Mark Pysyk (D)
Current Team: Edmonton Oil Kings
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/170lbs
Stats: 48 GP, 7 G, 17 A, 24 P
On the second worst team in the Western Hockey League Mark Pysyk still managed to make a name for himself.
While many agree that he doesn't exactly excel at either the offensive or defensive side of the game, he is exceptionally well rounded and can effectively play both when called upon.
Mark has a decent break out pass, but really the better part of his game is the defensive aspect. Mark is rock solid in his own end.
Image Courtesy: The Pipeline Show
11. Dallas Stars
Draft: Alexander Burmistrov (C)
Current Team: Barrie Colts
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/170lbs
Stats: 62 GP, 22 G, 43 A, 65 P
Alexander Burmistrov left the Russian ranks of the KHL to play major junior hockey with the greatest team in Canada through the regular season. Scouts have no fear over Burmistrov jumping ship back to Russia, as he seems very committed to the NHL.
Burmistrov is a natural center and like many centers he has a great knack for getting plays started. Burmistrov can make solid tape-to-tape passes and can slip the puck through to anyone he wants.
With 22 goals, he has also proven that he can put up the goals as well, and has a highly underrated shot.
Burmistrov is generously listed at 170lbs, so the only knock on him is his size. Don't expect him to make the NHL until he can put on a few more pounds.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2009 U-18 Silver Medalist.
10. New York Rangers
Draft: Ryan Johansen (C)
Current Team: Portland Winterhawks
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/190lbs
Stats: 71 GP, 25 G, 44 A, 69 P
Ryan Johansen just finished his first year in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks. Johansen finished second in rookie scoring for the WHL, and finished second on his team in points in the regular season and first in the playoffs.
Johansen wasn't on many radars at the beginning of the year, but his size and skill has scouts salivating over the potential player he could become.
Ryan is a big lad who isn't afraid to get into the dirty areas to get the puck. He can lay out a hit when needed, and he is also a smooth skater and sharp passer.
Johansen could make it as a hybrid playmaking power forward, which is something a lot of teams could use.
Image Courtesy: Oregon Live.
9. Minnesota Wild
Draft: Derek Forbort (D)
Current Team: US U-17
Ht/Wt: 6'4"/195lbs
Stats: 26 GP, 4 G, 10 A, 14 P
The Minnesota native is really something to behold. Forobort is an intimidating presence on the blue line, and he uses all his size and ability to his advantage.
Forbort can play the defensive game very well but what is most impressive is his skating and puck handling abilities.
Forbort is nimble on his feet and has good speed to boot. With a good breakout pass, he is a threat anywhere on the ice.
While he will not play next year in the NHL, in a couple years players and teams alike should keep their heads up when he steps on the ice.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 U-18 Gold Medalist.
Image Courtesy: The Hockey News
8. Atlanta Thrashers
Draft: Brett Connolly (RW)
Current Team: Prince George Cougars
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/180lbs
Stats: 16 GP, 10 G, 9 A, 19 P
Brett Connolly has spent most of his time on the shelf this season. Connolly's nagging hip injury left him in the stands and his draft hopes seemed to be crushed.
However, a rare and remarkable thing happened. Despite the injury, Connolly's ranking skyrocketed and now, based on the little we've seen this year and his rookie season, a team may just take a stab in the dark for Connolly.
Now it's not like Connolly is an unproven talent. The Prince George native is a very strong player and probably could have contended with Seguin and Hall for the top spot.
Connolly can shoot with the best of them. With 30 goals last year and 10 in his first 16 this year, it becomes quite obvious that he has a very good shot. Also with his physicality and determination he can do so much more.
Connolly may see his stock drop somewhat as he did not have a great U-18 tournament coming back from the injury, but he should still land in the top 10.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2009 WHL Rookie of the Year
- 2009 CHL Rookie of the Year
Image Courtesy: Future considerations
7. Carolina Hurricanes
Draft: Brandon Gormley (D)
Current Team: Moncton Wildcats
Ht/Wt: 6'1"/175lbs
Stats: 58 GP, 9 G, 34 A, 43 P
Brandon Gormley is not flashy. He isn't particularly spectacular at any side of the game, but what he is, is steady. Gormley likely won't thrill a crowd with a huge hit or rocket of a shot, but he does play the game that any team needs to have to succeed.
Brandon is a good skater and has a fairly solid breakout pass. He could be considered as more of an offensive defenseman, but his defensive game is not lacking.
Gormley is cool under pressure and rarely makes any mistakes at any level of the game. If a team wants a steady, reliable player that will make the NHL, then Gormley is your man.
Awards and Accomplishments:
- 2010 QMJHL Top Prospect Award
- 2010 QMJHL President's Cup Champion
Image Courtesy: Moncton Wildcats
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
Draft: Vladimir Tarasenko (RW)
Current Team:Novosibirsk Siber
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/200lbs
Stats: 42 GP, 13 G, 11 A, 24 P
The fact that Tarasenko remains in the KHL at the moment may be a little disconcerting for some general managers, but if they can get past the "Russian factor" they will have a very good player on their hands.
Already having played two full seasons in the KHL, Tarasenko represents the odds on favourite for first European to be selected in the draft.
Tarasenko is big for his age, and with the size still comes a lot of speed and ability.
Tarasenko has excellent foot work and mobility that allows him to glide past defenders and a quick shot to slam it past the goalie.
Tarasenko may drop further than this but, based on talent alone, he will fit into the 5-10 range.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2009 U-18 Silver Medalist.
5. New York Islanders
Draft: Nino Niederreiter (LW)
Current Team: Portland Winterhawks
Ht/Wt: 6'2"/203lbs
Stats: 65 GP, 36 G, 24 A, 60 P
El Nino really didn't catch the scouts' attention until the World Junior Championships.
Playing with the Suisse Niederreiter really proves his clutch ability to play well under pressure. Nino finished the tournament very strong and continued playing well back in Portland.
Niederreiter is fairly big, but he is still quick on his feet. While his physicality may not quite be there he has a good compete level and makes few mistakes with the puck.
Another year or two getting more adjusted to the North American game with the Winterhawks could do a solid prospect a world of good.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
Draft: Erik Gudbranson (D)
Current Team: Kingston Frontenacs
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/195lbs
Stats: 41 GP, 2 G, 21 A, 23 P
Erik Gudbranson may be the best hitter of the 2010 draft class. Gudbranson, with his large size, has a real knack for laying the body out.
While Gudbranson really isn't the best at the offensive side of the game, he makes up any shortcomings with his defensive game and leadership abilities.
Gudbranson is very good at stopping plays before they happen and getting the puck out of the zone. Gudbranson's mistakes are few and far between.
Whenever he is on the ice you know the opponent is going to struggle, one way or another.
Gudbranson has the potential to be an elite shutdown defender in the game, which means he will likely go third or fourth.
Awards and Accomplishments: 2010 OHL Scholastic Player of the Year.
Image Courtesy: Ontario Hockey League
3. Florida Panthers
2. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)
1. Edmonton Oilers
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