2010 NHL Draft Results and Grades: Live Blogging and Grading the Picks

Welcome to day one of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Tonight, Bleacher Report will be live blogging all the action of the first round, which airs on Versus and TSN.

11:00 P.M.

Coverage of the draft closes with the final breakdown of round one: 22 forwards, six defensemen, and one goalie in the first round.

Thanks for tuning in tonight!

10:56 P.M.

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded their 30th round pick to the Islanders for the 35th and 58th picks. Therefore, the Islanders will close out round one.

Garth Snow comes back to the podium to announce the selection of Brock Nelson. Nelson is the 11th American drafted in this round, breaking a record set in three past drafts.

John McFarland is shown sitting in the stands, lamenting after being passed over in the first round. The snub is probably one of the bigger surprises of the night.

Jonathon Merrill is also one of the players that was passed over in round one.

However, both of these players could stand to be taken early in tomorrow's second round.

10:50 P.M.-ANAHEIM DUCKS

The Anaheim Ducks, who have the 29th pick after a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, select California born EMERSON ETEM.

Etem is another "physical fitness" fanatic who spent the 2009-2010 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. He has tremendous speed and keeps his game simple with good puck poise around the net and overall solid play.

Etem has a huge family contingent on hand, and it seems to take him forever to accept all his hugs and well wishes before getting up to the stage. While we're waiting, Versus tells us that the 10 Americans picked this round ties the record for most Americans picked in the first round of NHL Drafts.

Etem receives his jersey from retired Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer. He had 65 points in 72 games this season and is compared to Ducks all-star Teemu Selanne.

10:43 P.M.-SAN JOSE SHARKS

San Jose uses the 28th pick in the overall draft to select Charlie Coyle.

Coyle doubles as a right wing and a center, a versatile player who will fit in well with San Jose. His 28th selection makes him the player from the Eastern Junior Hockey League taken the highest in the draft.

Coyle is capable of playing both as a power forward and as a naturally talented, finesse player. His biggest weakness is that he does not shoot the puck enough.

Before starting his professional career, Coyle will attend Boston University.

San Jose was low on right wings, so picking Coyle will help their system.

GRADE: A-

10:38 P.M.-PHOENIX COYOTES

The Phoenix Coyotes pick 27th with Niagra Ice Dogs goalie MARK VISENTIN. 

In 2009-2010, Visentin improved after a rough rookie season, getting a 2.99 GAA and a .911 save percentage.

Visentin moves very quickly on the ice and has a high confidence level. He models his game after Cam Ward and Marc-Andre Fleury, partially because they know what it takes to win.

With Phoenix on the rise after making their first Cup playoffs in eight years, Visentin's attitude will fit in great in the organization. He could be a solid goalie for Phoenix down the road, but still has to improve on his statisitics. 

GRADE: B

10:34 P.M.-WASHINGTON CAPITALS

The Washington Capitals use their 26th overall pick to draft EVGENY KUZNETSOV.

Kuznetsov has every intention to fulfill his contract in Russia and will likely not start playing in the Washington organization for another two years.

However, Kuznetsov only had nine points in 35 games this season. He is billed as highly skilled and a leader on the ice.

However, with Alexander Ovechkin's debatably over inflated ego and another strong Russian talent on the team in Alexander Semin, this was not really what the Capitals needed.

GRADE: C

10:24 P.M.-FLORIDA PANTHERS

The Panthers use the 25th overall pick to select left wing Quinton Howden.

Howden is a third line forward who is one of the fastest skaters in the draft. He will be a Gregory Campbell type player for the Panthers and was the first overall pick in the Western Hockey League draft.

Howden was in an accident when he was six years old and was told he may never be able to play hockey again. It must be a miracle to see him get drafted today.

He won the accuracy shooting competition in the 2010 CHL Top Prospects game, where he hit four out of six targets.

10:22 P.M.

Gary Bettman announces the trade news that most people already knew regarding the Florida-Vancouver trade that sent defenseman Keith Ballard to the Canucks. Right wing Victor Oreskovich also goes to Vancouver, while Michael Grabner goes to Florida with the draft pick.

10:16 P.M.-CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

The Chicago Blackhawks, in addition to their 30th overall pick, got the 24th pick from the Atlanta Thrashers.

Stan Bowman uses their first pick this round to select 49th ranked right wing KEVIN HAYES.

Hayes was described at the NHL Combine as a "physical fitness" machine. He is a strong skater and has an excellent wrist shot.

The Hawks have only three wingers on current contracts. With Kris Versteeg's name recently mentioned in trade rumors, a pick like Hayes will be good to have around for the future while their current roster only improves.

GRADE: A

10:09 P.M.-BUFFALO SABRES

The Sabres use their 23rd overall pick for defenseman MARK PYSYK.

Pysyk is a safe defenseman who does not really wow fans and hockey personnel with any special skills. He is not really an offensive defenseman, just middle of the road and does not have the high upside that Tyler Myers did when he was drafted last year.

Pysyk had 24 points in 48 games this year before suffering a broken foot. In spite of that, he was still named the Edmonton Oil Kings MVP and top defenseman.

Although Pysyk had a good juniors career, the fact that he does not appear to have any standout qualities makes you wonder how his career will eventually pan out. However, he's not likely to join the Sabres immediately, so there is still time for him to improve and mature as a player.

GRADE: B

9:58 P.M.-MONTREAL CANADIENS

The Montreal Canadiens select JARRED TINORDI, a defenseman from the U.S. Development program.

Tinordi is a big physical defenseman, coming in at 6'3" and 207 pounds.

The Canadiens currently have seven defensemen under contract, but some are getting up there in years. Tinordi, who is scheduled to go to Notre Dame next year, will be a nice compliment on defense with P.K. Subban, who had an incredible Stanley Cup playoffs with the Habs.

Tinordi is the seventh American the Canadiens have taken in the first round. Pierre Gauthier says that the Canadiens like Tinordi's leadership, physical play, and pretty much everything about him.

Gauthier briefly addresses the trade that sent Jaroslav Halak to St. Louis. He defends Price by saying his young goalie has plenty of experience in the league and still has a chance to get better.

The pick was good for the Canadiens, but if I could take points off for Gauthier's semi-lame explanation of the Halak trade, I definitely would. Halak proved more in one playoff run than Price did over three seasons with the big club.

GRADE: B

9:56 P.M.

Bettman announces the Coyotes have traded their 22nd and 113th picks to the Montreal Canadiens for the 27th and 57th picks.

9:49 P.M.-DETROIT RED WINGS

Center RILEY SHEAHAN is taken as the Red Wings' 21st overall pick.

Sheahan recently got an underage drinking charge, but it's noted the scouts were more concerned with the fact that he got six goals in his first year with Notre Dame. He did have a major drop off from 2008-2009 to 2009-2010; going from scoring 73 points in 2008-2009 to just 17 points this past year.

Further, the Red Wings already have numerous strong centers in their system with Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen, and Valeri Filppula. However, they are thin on this position in their prospect system and Sheahan can make good things happen on the ice.

Let's just hope his recent troubles are just a phase and he will be able to bloom into a true professional.

GRADE: B-

9:47 P.M.

Darren Dreger reports that Gonchar wants to make five million dollars in a new contract and get a three year extension. However, the Penguins only want to give him two years. If Gonchar doesn't get the deal he is looking for, he will likely explore free agency.

9:42 P.M.-PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

General Manager Ray Shero takes BEAU BENNETT 20th overall, a great move to get the scoring winger they were in need of.

Bennett, who will play at Denver University next season, had 120 points in his first season with Penticon of the British Colubmia Hockey League.

He is a good sized player at 6'1" and 173 pounds. If he develops properly, he will fill a good hole for Pittsburgh in the future. Shero continues to prove his smarts with this pick.

Bennett is the highest drafted California player ever and speaks of the growth of hockey in California. He is a pure shooter and says playing with Crosby, who is present at the Pens' draft table, would be "unreal".

GRADE: A

9:36 P.M.-FLORIDA PANTHERS

Florida uses their 19th pick from the Kings to select center Nick Bjugstad.

Bjugstad had 60 points in 25 games this year and will attend the University of Minnesota next year. He also had nine points in five playoff games. 

According to scouting reports, Bjugstad is already better in some areas of his game than current NHL players such as Blake Wheeler and David Backes. He is also a hard worker, which will be a good skill to bring to a struggling Panthers franchise.

GRADE: A-

9:31 P.M.-NASHVILLE PREDATORS

The Nashville Predators take AUSTIN WATSON with the 18th overall pick in the draft.

Nashville is already stacked with wingers in their prospect system. Watson is another player who suffered an injury earlier in the season, but still managed to have an impressive season with 54 points in 52 games with Peterborough.

In the meantime, my Twitter has blown up with references to the Duggars when they saw all the little kids dressed in the same outfit. Cue me trying hard not to bust up laughing.

One of Watson's other asset is his strong leadership abilities, which Nashville will need with Jason Arnott no longer on the team.

GRADE: B+

9:25 P.M.

The Colorado Avalanche take the 17th pick in the draft with center JOEY HISHON.

Hishon makes a good jump to number 17 after being ranked 55th in the final rankings. Despite a broken foot, he still scored 40 points in 36 games and even scored the winning goal on the night he got injured. 

Hishon is one tough cookie and very dependable on the penalty kill, but I have to wonder why the Avalanche took another center with 10 in the system and good talents such as Matt Duchene and Paul Stasny bound to be around for awhile.

However, he could make a good physical player for the Avalanche, with David Koci and Darcy Tucker not signed for the long term.

GRADE: B

9:15 P.M.

Bettman takes the podium to announce that Ottawa has traded the 16th pick to St. Louis for defenseman David Rundlad. He is a mobile defenseman with physical ability.

St. Louis is already heavily stacked with centers and defensemen, so a wing would be a smart pick here.

Sure enough, the Blues are smart, taking Russian right wing VLADIMIR TARASENKO.

Tarasenko is a nice sized prospect at 5'11" and 200 pounds. Like Alexander Ovechkin, he has a fierce competitive drive and a desire to win a Stanley Cup early in his NHL career.

Not only did the Blues fill one of their needs, they also took a player who really has no weaknesses in his game. Ottawa may live to regret this.

GRADE: A+

9:08 P.M.

Gary Bettman announces that Florida has traded the 15th pick, which they originally got from Boston, to the Los Angeles Kings for the 19th and 59th picks of the draft.

Los Angeles will definitely have an advantage getting to jump up a few draft spots here. Let's see who they'll take.

The Kings step up stage and announce they are taking DEREK FORBORT from the U.S. Development Camp.

Like Jaden Schwartz, Forbort has committed to NCAA Hockey for 2010 and will play at the University of North Dakota. In this year's U-18 tournament, he had two assists and a plus-nine rating in seven games.

Forbort takes to the stage donning the vintage purple and gold of the Kings.

With defensemen such as Jack Johnson, Drew Doughty, and Rob Scuderi already a part of the Kings, Forbot will eventually only make the defensive corps stronger. He is continuing to improve everyday.

GRADE: B

8:59 P.M.-ST. LOUIS BLUES

St. Louis recently lost one of their top draft picks, Lars Eller, in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens that got them goalie Jarsolav Halak.

John Davidson says some thanks to people who are leaving the organization or switching positions.

St. Louis has selected center JADEN SCHWARTZ from the USHL.

Schwartz had 83 points in 60 games this year, the youngest player in the USHL to accomplish this since 1983. He is compared to Montreal forward Mike Cammalleri and New Jersey forward Zach Parise. 

His younger sister, Mandy, is currently fighting leukemia and looking for a suitable bone marrow donor to survive. This makes the moment that much more speical.

Schwartz is committed to Colorado College for next season, so he won't immediately make an impact with the Blues. He has consistently played the same style of games for several years and will be ready to come into St. Louis at a time when the majority of their centers under contract likely won't be around.

GRADE: B+

8:54 P.M.-PHOENIX COYOTES

General manager Don Maloney steps up to make his 13th pick and mentions the massage therapist that recently passed away.

BRANDON GORMLEY is finally selected as the pick by the Coyotes. He is not ready to be in the NHL just yet, but he had promise going into the QMJHL,  being selected first overall by Moncton.

Gormley isn't a true offensive defenseman, but isn't a true defensive power either. However, he can be used in all situations and has great hands. He believes he doesn't make mistakes and is incredibly grounded.

GRADE: B

8:44 P.M.-ANAHEIM DUCKS

With the 12th pick the Ducks take CAM FOWLER from Windsor, and he has to be relieved.

Versus tells us that Fowler won't be as good as Pronger or Niedermayer, He is the 21st player to win the Memorial Cup and World Juniors in the same year. He has to get a little more physical, which is why he was likely drafted lower than expected.

With Niedermayer retired, this is a good pick to start the Ducks on their way to rebuilding their defense. Further, the Ducks are already heavily stocked at forward, so putting Fowler out of his agony was a good move.

GRADE: A-

8:38 P.M.-DALLAS STARS

Dogs need to stop barking or I'll miss this pick...

Tim Bernhardt, director of player development for the Dallas Stars, selects JACK CAMPBELL.

Campbell is definitely a good pick for a team that is short on goalies. He was part of Team USA's comeback at World Juniors when they defeated the heavily favored Canada team in overtime.

His whole career has been about winning, and he is seen as a franchise type goalie.

As Campbell heads to the stage, Fowler is shown in the audience, looking concerned about his falling status. 

GRADE: A+

8:32 P.M.-NEW YORK RANGERS

Which of the highly talented defensemen will fall out of the top 10? Cam Fowler or Brandon Gormley? Or both?

General Manager Glen Sather picks defenseman DYLAN MCILRATH.

Out of all the prospects, McIlrath is probably my favorite. He is not ony a talented offensive player, but he is also physical and definitely not afraid to fight. Any team would be very fortunate to have him. He has had 19 fighting majors.

A team that has had a mediocre last couple of seasons, including failing to make the playoffs since the hiring of John Tortorella, will be grateful to get a player who can replace Sean Avery and Donald Brashear in agitating opponents. They also got another solid defenseman to go alongside Michael Del Zotto.

GRADE: B+

8:24 P.M.-MINNESOTA WILD

Chuck Fletcher takes the podium to announce their selection, MIKAEL GRANLUND.

Granlund was voted the smartest player in the draft and was among the best playmakers available. He has been compared to Saku Koivu and has a great attitude.

Granlund has one year left on his contract with his Finnish team, so he won't be in Minnesota right away. He should fit in nicely with some of Minnesota's solid forwards such as Martin Havlat, Cal Clutterbuck, and Pierre-Marc Brouchard.

Fun fact: Granlund is one of nine, soon to be ten, kids. And I thought having three siblings was rough...

GRADE: A

8:19 P.M.-ATLANTA THRASHERS

Rick Dudley is taking his turn at the podium. He almost says Atlanta has the third pick in the draft. Oops.

The Thrashers have drafted center ALEXANDER BURMISTROV.

Burmistrov is a high skilled player who players bigger than his size and is one of the quikest players available. He is even a faster skater than Taylor Hall. The fact that he outdid the No. 1 pick in that category is rather commendable.

With this pick, the Thrashers have even more skill in their lineup after drafting Evander Kane last year. Furthermore, as you all know, Atlanta recently made a huge trade by adding Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager, and prospect Akim Aliu from Chicago.

If Burmistrov makes the lineup and all the chips fall in the right place, this Thrashers team could be dangerous next year.

GRADE: A

8:12 P.M.-CAROLINA HURRICANES

Jim Rutherford does not really like to draft defensemen. With Brandon Gormley and Cam Fowler still available, will he change his mind?

Former Penguin forward and Canes associate head coach Ron Francis makes his pick. He has selected JEFF SKINNER of the Kitchener Rangers.

Skinner used to be a figure skater before taking up hockey. Could it be time to add a new contest to the all-star skills competition? I'd actually watch the All Star Game if that happened...

OK, enough. He leads top prospects in goals between regular season and playoffs with 70 goals in 84 games.

Versus shows a picture of a net in front of Skinner's garage at his home. Wonder if they're aiming for Sidney Crosby dryer fame?

Skinner was ranked 34th in prospect rankings, but is probably the best goal scorer available.

However, with only three defensemen under contract next year and only Tim Gleason signed for 2011-2012, Rutherford needed to conquer his fear of drafting defensemen. He had a golden opportunity available to do so and didn't take it.

GRADE: B-

8:01 P.M.-TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Steve Yzerman takes the podium to make his first pick as general manager. He selects Prince George Cougars forward BRETT CONNOLLY.

Again, this pick seems to be somewhat of a surprise. Tampa still has numerous talented forwards under contract such as Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone, and Steven Stamkos. Their prospect system has 27 forwards and nine defensemen.

There are also six defensemen under contract for the 2010-2011 season.

One of Connolly's drawback is a nagging hip injury, but he still managed a point per game with Prince George in the 19 games that he played.

However, Yzerman sympathizes with Connolly and didn't see enough of a drawback to keep him off the board. Connolly could also nicely compliment Steven Stamkos.

If Connolly makes the team out of training camp, he will be under the guidance of new head coach Guy Boucher, who has plenty of experience guiding young players and has gone into the playoffs at multiple levels of the game.

GRADE: B+

7:58 P.M.

Darren Dreger announces that the Oilers are interested in taking another pick in this first round.

7:54 P.M.

Alyssa Milano? Meh.

7:42 P.M.-COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Columbus has had 10 first round picks in 11 years. 

However, some of their picks have been busts with both Nikolai Zherdev and Nikita Filatov currently not playing in the league.

The Blue Jackets still have some good options on the board with Brandon Gormley, Cam Fowler, and Ryan Johansen; just to name a few.

Scott Howson has taken the podium and selects RYAN JOHANSEN.

Johnansen can only get better and is called the "poster boy for success" for young hockey players. He is also an underdog, so he may have to set himself apart in Columbus as they try to make a young team better and get back to the playoffs.

Johansen has come a long way since he was drafted 150th in the Bantam draft in junior hockey.

It is a little surprising to see the Blue Jackets take a center with five under contract for next season, but Johnasen is such an all around player that it's hard to go wrong.

GRADE: B+

7:35 P.M.-FLORIDA PANTHERS

Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon skips the plattitudes (thank goodness) and cuts right to the chase, drafting defenseman ERIK GUDBRANSON. 

Gudbranson grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan. His mom is shown in the audience wiping away tears. Awwww!

Gudbranson is the third straight pick from the Ontario Hockey League to go in the first round. He rebounded from a knee injury to score 23 points in 41 games. Unfortunately, he never regained full strength, but this didn't seem to faze the Panthers.

In his interview at the press table, Gudbranson said he hoped to go to Florida. I think it's great that he looked into what the team had to offer, almost like a potential employee would when you are getting ready for a job interview.

Tallon's number one priority when drafting is player character. Aside from being a physical defenseman, Gudbranson is also a mature, strong individual.

Florida has six defensemen under contract for 2010-2011 as they strive to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

Gubdranson sends out good wishes to his little brother, who is going through treatment for leukemia. Best wishes.

GRADE: A-

7:25 P.M.-BOSTON BRUINS

Boston General Manager Peter Chiarelli is taking his turn at the podium.

Tyler Seguin, again no surprise, is taken second overall.

Seguin served as captain of the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. It's noted that Seguin may not be quite ready to jump to the NHL next season, but he is definitely "almost ready".

Seguin has showed progress in his game from the end of his OHL season to the recent NHL Combine.

We get a look at the draft board where Hall's and Seguin's names are posted up front. 

The Bruins are now loaded with centers with Seguin, Bergeron, and Krejci just to name a few. Seguin can also play wing in addition to center. Chiarelli says that he is considering options for trades and also notes that Tim Thomas does not want to leave Boston, so they will try to keep him around.

The Bruins get a strong grade for adding Seguin to an already talented pack of centers.

GRADE: A-

7:17 P.M.-EDMONTON OILERS

Steve Tambellini is at the podium. The moment has arrived.

And the pick is....

TAYLOR HALL!

It's hard to be surprised with this pick. What better way for the Oilers to start rebuilding?

Hall is a back to back Memorial Cup winner and MVP. He is the sixth player in history to win a Memorial Cup and be drafted first overall in the same year. He has been a dominant force in the OHL and will be making his step to the NHL in the 2010-2011 season. 

Hall sits down for an interview and still seems nervous. He seems like a humble kid, giving credit to everyone at home who has helped him and acknowledges the Oilers fans in the crowd.

He describes himself as a "dynamic offensive player".

Tambellini echos the sentiment, talking about how strong Hall has been in the World Junior tournament and in the Memorial Cup playoffs.

GRADE: A

7:13 P.M.

Gary Bettman is now on the podium giving his thanks to everyone for making the draft run smoothly and for attending.

Bettman notes this is the first time the draft has been conducted in the state of California. Eight of the top picks are California born players. Five of those are in the top 100 and one is ranked in the top 10.

See? It is possible to make hockey work in non-traditional markets.

7:08 P.M.

Some humorous moments shown in the highlight reel as Edomnton is dubbed "Taylor and Tyler Day".

Immediately after, a clip is shown of a rehearsal where Hall and Seguin took turns pretending to be the first overall pick and Gary Bettman. One went on stage while the other shook their hands.

Just a little bit of lighter fare to add to the nervous emotions Seguin and Hall are experiencing right now.

7 P.M.

Versus cut to Rexall Place in Edmonton, where a big draft party is in progress.

Although the Oilers have not been to the playoffs since losing in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, the fans have a playoff-like atmosphere going. They are decked out in Oilers gear and waving white pom poms, cheering loudly while watching the Jumbotron.