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The media hasn't paid a lot of attention to the June 20th-21st NHL entry draft taking place in Ottawa. Here's a quick look at the ten top North American skaters.
#1 Steven Stamkos, C, SarniaStamkos has been a winner and a scorer at every level and since midway through the 2007-2008 NHL season this draft was being referred to as the “Stamkos Sweepstakes”. The hockey world will be stunned if Tampa Bay don't acquire him with the first pick. #2 Zach Bogosian, D, PeterboroughThis year's draft is well stocked with defensemen and there is a good deal of contention among the scouts as to who would be the best pick. Bogosian, with his combination of offensive skills and sound defense, is the current consensus for the number two pick and he's only played better under increasing pressure and scrutiny. #3 Drew Doughty, D, GuelphDoughty's stock has dropped a bit recently, after being ranked number two for a good portion of the year. Like Bogosian, Doughty offers a mixture of offensive talent and strong play in his own zone. Doughty seems to display more of the physical edge that the scouts love. #4 Tyler Myers, D, KelownaMyers is big. At 6'7” he towers over the other members of his draft class, but what really sets him apart from his mates is his combination of size and speed. Far from a lumbering hulk, Myers is described as a smooth skater, and the potential to have a mobile giant patrolling their zone has a number of teams excited. #5 Luke Schenn, D, KelownaWhat Schenn gives up to his teammate Myers in size he makes up for in attitude. Schenn relishes the physical game like few others do- playing nasty, gritty defense and sacrificing his own body if it's necessary to get the job done. #6 Alex Pietrangelo, D, NiagraPietrangelo is another good-sized defenseman with decent mobility and the ability to make smart passes out of his zone. The only knock on him seems to be that scouts would like him to use his size more to his advantage and play a more aggressive game. Despite this, most agree that he will adapt well to the pro game. #7 Kyle Beach, C, EverettIt probably says something that you have to drop this far in the list to find another North American forward. Still, there's a lot to like about Kyle Beach. He's not only has good size, but he's tough and racks up the penalty minutes as well as the hits. Pair this with his excellent offensive skills and Beach has a sound future in the majors as long as he can learn to keep his temper under control. #8 Zack Boychuk, C, LethbridgeBoychuk's 5'9” stature may hurt him a bit in the rankings, but with his offensive skill set he should be able to contribute consistently in the new NHL. His star has been on the rise as he has displayed strong play and continued point production in the playoffs. At the same time, he has handled the additional pressure of his high seeded ranking well. #9 Cody Hodgson, C, BramptonHodgson may be one of the best rounded forwards available in the draft. He scores, digs the puck out of tight spots, and plays well in his own end. That sort of versatility won't go unnoticed by NHL GMs next weekend. #10 Colin Wilson, C, Boston UniversityThe parade of centers continues. Wilson is described as a power forward with good speed and impressive hockey sense to go along with the ability to finish. It isn't hard to imagine him jamming himself into an NHL crease near you in the not too distant future.
The copyright of the article The 2008 NHL Draft in National Hockey League (NHL) is owned by Daniel Devine. Permission to republish The 2008 NHL Draft in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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