Despite his size, the 6th round pick has a complete arsenal of offensive weapons including speed, soft hands, and well-developed hockey sense, which could make him an elite playmaker. He also plays with intensity and surprising grit for a player of his talent level.
Right now, the 20-year projects as a top six forward, but will require more seasoning in the AHL. A 2010 debut would seem likely.
3. Cory Emmerton, C – Mononucleosis shortened Emmerton's 2007-08 season, and his health problems no doubt contributed to his reduced offensive production. Although he still averaged more than a point a game (61 points in 56 games), more was expected of the 20-year old after his 2006-07 breakout season.
The St. Thomas, Ontario native is a natural play-maker. His elite level passing skills and his on-ice awareness make him a continual threat to find the open man or hit a teammate in mid-stride. Definitely a player who makes his teammates better.
To be successful in the show, Emmerton will need to improve his skating and his defensive play.
Still a long-term project, Emmerton will need some minor league experience before he's ready for NHL action. When he reaches Detroit in 2011 or 2012, he should be ready to center one of the Red Wings' top two lines.
4. Jimmy Howard, G – If Jimmy Howard was in any other team's organization, he probably wouldn't crack the list of the club's top five prospects. But sometimes opportunity is more important than talent.
That's not to say that Howard isn't a capable goalie. The 2nd round pick in the 2003 draft rebounded from a mediocre 2006-07 season to achieve one of his pre-season goals—a selection to the AHL All-Star Game.
The native of Ogdensburg, New York is a big butterfly goalie who covers the net well and plays with poise. Among his strengths are concentration, hockey sense, and puck handling.
The biggest knocks on Howard are his lack of consistency and rebound control, two things he'll have to improve to become an NHL starter.
His immediate prospects took a blow when the Wings signed Ty Conklin to serve as Chris Osgood's back-up, but considering both Osgood's age and how prone the two guys in front of him are to injury, Howard's chance may come sooner than later.
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