

The Good: Jacob Markstrom (31st overall, 2008) – He has yet to play a game in the NHL but Markstrom is considered by most as the the top netminder outside of the league. He recently signed on with the Panthers meaning fans should get to see him next season. The big goalie impressed early at the last two World Junior Championships but faltered at crunch time and that’s a concern.
The Bad: Kenndal McArdle (20th overall, 2005) – A feel good story that so far hasn’t had a happy ending. Hailing from a poor, single parent background and overcoming a speech impediment in order to play professional hockey, McArdle has everyone in his corner hoping he succeeds. So far he has appeared in just 22 games with Florida and has 3 points. His minor league career has been peppered with injury.
The Unknown: Keaton Ellerby (10th overall, 2007) – There are lofty expectations that come with being a top-10 draft pick and so far Ellerby hasn’t met them. He’s only played two pro seasons and has dressed in the NHL 22 times but has yet to record his first big league point. On the farm the Alberta native has been able to produce so the hope is that he’s more of a late bloomer than perhaps expected on draft day 2007.

Draft Trends: The only QMJHL player chosen by Florida over the last 4 years has been Russian Dmitri Kulikov, no French-Canadians. The team doesn’t seem to get caught up with picking by position – Only one defenceman taken in 2009 and only one forward taken in 2008 suggest best player available is followed closely.
2010 Prediction 3rd overall:
Dean Millard: Erik Gudbranson (Kingston) - Gudbranson dealt with mono this year and was forced to watch the Top Prospect game in a suit from the bench. However, once he got back to playing, he made NHL scouts take notice and played well enough to jump up the rankings. After the Panthers took flashy Russian blueliner Dmitri Kulikov last year, they go for size and strength this time around.

1 comment:
After all their frustration with Jay Bouwmeester, I can not see them taking Cam Fowler.
I'm with Dean here, they'll take the meaner player with a higher compete level in Erik Gudbranson.
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