Buffalo Sabres Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 13th overall

Best Picks of last 3 Years:

Tyler Myers (D) – 1st round 2008
Tyler Ennis (C) – 1st round 2008
Jhonas Enroth (G) – 2nd round 2006
Brad Eidsness (G) – 5th round 2007
T.J. Brennan (D) – 2nd round 2007

Coming Down the Pipe – The Sabres are deep on blueline prospects with Tyler Myers, Chris Butler, Mike Weber, T.J. Brennan and Marc-Andre Gragnani all showing promise. Between the pipes, Swede Jhonas Enroth might be ready for a promotion while next in line is Brad Eidsness who is just entering his sophomore year at North Dakota. The forward crop boasts skill and speed as well as character but there isn’t a lot of size with the high-end prospects; Mark Mancari and Luke Adam take up space but aren’t considered blue-chippers and former 1st round pick Marek Zagrapan appears headed to Europe.

Draft Trends - The Sabres have only drafted two WHL players in the last 4 years, but both (Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis) were in the first round in 2008 and, so far, look like great picks. Buffalo has shown a definite attraction to the QMJHL having drawn 10 players from the Q over the last 4 drafts. In that same 4-year span the Sabres have chosen 11 players from high school or Jr. A who were slated to go the NCAA route. Buffalo’s first pick in each of the last three years has been a defenceman.

Millard: Zack Kassian-A team with some smaller skilled forwards gets a lot bigger with a guy some are comparing to Milan Lucic. At 6.02 and 210 lbs Kassian gives the Sabres instant muscle and some skill to boot.

Flaming: Scott Glennie – Some high-end size to go with Gerbe, Kennedy and Ennis makes sense and Glennie has it plus the speed and skills needed to play with them. The Brandon Wheat King forward could be a steal.

Minnesota Wild Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 12th

Best Picks of last 3 Years:
Cal Clutterbuck-(RW)- 3rd Round 2006
James Shppard-(C)-1st Round 2006
Colton Gillies-(C)- 1st Round 2007
Tyler Cuma-(D)-1st Round 2008
Cody Almond-(C)-5th Round 2007

Coming Down the Pipe - After striking out With AJ Thelan in 2004 and time running out on 2005 first rounder Benoit Pouliot, the Wild received some value from James Sheppard and should see Colton Gillies make the jump this year. 5th rounder Cody Almond played out of his mind in the playoffs and Memorial Cup with Kelowna.

Draft Trends - 3 of Minnesota’s 4 picks last year were blueliners. In 2008 they stayed away from the WHL, while in 2007 spent 4 of their 5 picks out west.

Millard: Jordan Schroeder - Minnesota dips into it’s own backyard, which is likely near a lake somewhere and pulls out Golden Gopher freshman Jordan Schroeder, giving a team that sometimes lacks skill plenty of it.

Flaming: - Jordan Schroeder – A new regime in the State of Hockey looking to impress/reassure the fanbase won’t have to look far to find a highly talented and offensive player

Wednesday Re-Set

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For many people, June means weekends at the lake or afternoons basking in the sun on the patio. To us, June means the NHL Entry Draft is right around the corner so it's time to amp up our draft coverage even higher.

We take a lot of pride in that almost every week over the course of the year we've be bringing you interviews with some of the big name players eligible for the 2009 Draft in Montreal. If you're a regular follower of the show then you've heard from players Like John Tavares, Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Scott Glennie, Jordan Schroeder and Nazem Kadri.


Last night on the show we brought in 3 more players expected to go in the 1st round including someone who might actually go 1st overall - Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman. Hedman joined us from Pittsburgh where he was in town to take in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He talked to us about the year, his performance at the WJC in Ottawa, his opinion on how he was mis-used by coach Par Marts and we also chatted about the NHL combine and the draft itself.

Jared Cowen of the Spokane Chiefs was part of the show last night for a shorter interview (thanks to some phone tag). We were able to get Jared's opinion on the combine and the Top Prospects game considering he was inactive for the second half of the season and couldn't impress on the ice. The 6'5 blueliner is destined to go in the top 10 later this month.


We had a 3rd player join us last night as high school player Chris Kreider (pronounced Cry-Durr) told us about his experience at the intimidating NHL Combine, how he feels about the draft and his remarkable attempt to qualify for NCAA this coming season, a full year ahead of his original plan to join Boston College. Kreider is a well spoken kid, someone who is seeing his stock rise as the draft gets closer and we can only assume he impressed during his combine interviews because he did with us last night.

We also presented our first team preview with Tod Button, the head scout of the Calgary Flames. We were able to get a sense of what Calgary's drafting philosophy might be which really isn't much different than what you hear most teams talk about. We got updates on several key Flames prospects including Mikael Backlund, Greg Nemisz, Keith Aulie and John Negrin.

If you missed any of those 4 interviews you can click the archive HERE.

Werek's World - Part 6

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks and netminder Mike Lee of the Fargo Force.

Here now is Ethan Werek's latest addition to Werek's World. It's a brief glipse into experiences at the NHL Combine...

Nashville Predators Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 11th overall

Best Picks of last 3 Years:

Jonathon Blum (D) – 1st round 2007
Chet Pickard (G) – 1st round 2008
Colin Wilson (RW) – 1st round 2008
Blake Geoffrion (LW) – 2nd round 2006
Jeremy Smith (G) – 2nd round 2007

Coming Down the Pipe – Most organizations can only wish their prospect depth was on par with what Nashville has been able to assemble in recent years. Their NHL blueline is already strong and has Jonathan Blum, Cody Franson and Swiss-product Roman Josi waiting in the wings. Chet Pickard is destined for the starter’s job and yet Jeremy Smith could develop into solid competition for him in net. Up front the Preds boast size and character but could arguably use some high-end skill to go along with blue-chipper Colin Wilson.

Draft Trends – Only once in their history have the Predators taken a European in the first round, that being Alex Radulov in 2004. Is it a coincidence that 2004 is also the last year that Nashville has drafted a Russian? It’s hardly a hole in their prospect system but Nashville has only drafted 4 blueliners with their last 21 picks (2006-08). They also haven’t drawn from the QMJHL since 2004.

Millard: Louis Leblanc - Nashville has drafted D-men and goalies galore lately so taking a decent sized Centerman will be music to Music City’s ears. He hasn’t received a ton of attention because he plays in the USHL and is going to Harvard next year; the Preds have a ton of prospect depth so they can wait.

Flaming: Oliver Ekman-Larsson – The Predators have few (if any) holes in their pool of prospects but have only drafted three defencemen of note in the last 5 years (excluding the now traded Ryan Parent). Despite what I said under ‘trends’ in regards to picking rearguards, the Best Player Available policy says they can’t resist a player many pundits consider to be worthy of the top 10.

Moore From the Pipeline - Part 4

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The Pipeline Show is excited to bring you a series of guest player blogs by some of the top players eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. For a complete recap of the blogs so far, click on '2009 Guest Blogs' under 'Labels' down the right-hand side of your screen. To date we have heard from John Moore from the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Ethan Werek of the Kingston Frontenacs, Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks and netminder Mike Lee of the Fargo Force.

One note before we get to Moore's latest blog... Yesterday we were directed to a story out of Colorado Springs in regards to John Moore's intentions for next season. The brief story (see HERE) makes the following assertion: "Moore expressed that he is definitely coming to CC in the fall."

As we keep in fairly regular contact with Moore, this news came as a bit of a surprise since the last time we had spoken, John made it clear that any decision on that subject wouldn't be made until after the NHL Draft. At that time, with the input from his new NHL team, his advisor and his family he would then weigh his options and come to a conclusion.

The defenceman signed a letter of intent with Colorado College making the Tigers his NCAA option, but he was also drafted by the Kitchener Rangers in the recent OHL Priority Selection. We contacted John earlier tonight and he indicated to us that he has not made any kind of firm commitment to Colorado College nor to the Kitchener Rangers.

Here now is the latest installment of Moore From the Pipeline written by the player himself:

Coming Down the Pipe Tonight!!!

Big Vic will be head of the class on The Pipeline Show tonight as Guy and I will chat with Swedish star D-man Victor Hedman. We'll get his reaction the NHL combine, what he thought of his 'stay at home defenceman' role at the WJC and just how important is going first overall to him.

Speaking of giant blueliners, Spokane Chief rearguard Jared Cowan will be our guest. Cowan suffered a season ending knee injury this year but is still ranked high for the up coming draft, most think he'll be a top ten pick.

Also we'll chat wtih Calgary Flames director of scouting Tod Button. Calgary has elected to keep their first round pick this year and give up next year's as part of the Olli Jokinen deal.

BAD ASS trivia and who knows what else, tonight 7-9 PM MST in Edmonton on the TEAM 1260 AM, or online around the world at www.thepipelineshow.com.

You can chime in with an email, pipeup@thepipelineshow.com or through our facebook page, or follow us and direct message us at www.twitter.com/thepipelineshow.com

Edmonton Oilers Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 10th

Best Picks in last 3 Years:

Sam Gagner-C-1st 2007
Jordan Eberle-C-1st 2008
Theo Peckham-D-3rd 2006
Jeff Petry-D-2nd 2008
Riley Nash-LW-1st 2007

Coming Down the Pipe - The Oilers are hoping that Sam Gagner starts next year the way he’s finished his first 2 NHL seasons. Theo Peckham should challenge for a roster spot next eyar, while Jeff Petry continues to season at Michigan State. Jordan Eberle became a Canadian hero last year at the WJC but should return to Regina next season. Riley Nash needs to make the most of a short season at Cornell while Alex Plante, the 3rd first round pick in 2007 had a bounce back season. The wild card in Edmonton’s draft deck is 2007 4th rounder Linus Omark who lit it up in Sweden but is playing in the KHL this year.

Draft Trends - The Oilers have been long known as a team that isn’t afraid to go the college route but Edmonton has taken just 3 players with college connections in the last 3 years and stayed away from NCAA players all together last year.

Millard: Oliver Ekman-Larsson-With Kulikov gone, the Oilers will settle for a skilled Swede on the back end instead of a Russian. Larsson was a second rounder in January, but has shot up the rankings almost as fast as his rocket shot.

Flaming: John Moore – The Oilers can’t afford to draft for present need so this good sized, 2-way D-man who is arguably the best skater in the draft might just be the best player available.

KHL draft, big Vic on TPS, and the Flames opt into the first round

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Here's a few interesting notes from the world of prospect hockey. The KHL held it's entry draft and a few players who were selected stood out for me. Jonathan Willis has a nice write up on this here at copper and blue.com. The complete list can be found courtesy of Nathan Fournier with World Of Junior Hockey
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Most of the players grabbed were European who are playing overseas, there were some Euros who are skating with CHL and AHL teams, and even an NHL team in the case of Juri Tlusty. But a few Canadian juniors were grabbed in Taylor Hall and Zach Kassian. Would Hall head to the KHL next year? He'd play against better competition and make some cash, and if he was able to sign a one year deal could come back and play in the NHL after getting selected first or second overall in 2010. But why would the KHL only sign him to a one year deal. I don't see whichever NHL team drafts Kassian advising him to play in the KHL, but it could be an interesting bargaining chip for the player Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson is another high end draft pick for the NHL selection in June. He was taken 19th overall by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, and he's a player I could see suiting up for a year in Russia if he doesn't get a suitable contract offer by whichever NHL team grabs him.

Speaking of talented Swedes. Guy and I just got off the phone with Victor Hedman. You'll be able to hear that interview Tuesday night on TPS We discussed everything from the combine to how he wasn't used properly at the WJC and how he's cheering for team Sweden in the Stanley Cup finals.

We also pre taped an interview with Flames Director of Scouting Tod Button about how Calgary will approach the draft now that they have a first round pick again. The Flames had the option of keeping this year's first rounder and giving Phoenix next year's pick as part of the Olli Jokinen deal. That will also alter our draft preview as we'll be including the Flames now.

One final note, Gregg Drinnan had this up at Taking Note and one of my WHL sources just let me know as well, that Marc Habscheid is about to be named head coach in Chilliwack. Habscheid's name has come up for just about every WHL job in the last few years, so we can finally stop speculating where he might land. He's been out of work (but still getting paid) since being fired as an assistant coach with Boston.

Ottawa Senators Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 9th overall

Best Picks of last 3 Years:

Erik Karlsson (D) – 1st round 2008
Patrick Wiercioch (D) – 2nd round 2008
Nick Foligno (LW) – 1st round 2006
Louie Caporusso (F) – 3rd round 2007
Eric Gryba (D) – 3rd round 2006

Coming Down the Pipe – There is no question that the strength of Ottawa’s prospect pool is on the backend where blueliners like newly signed Erik Karlsson, Brian Lee, and Denver Pioneer Patrick Wiercioch await. There are also talented Euro rearguards in the system but they aren’t in North America yet. Brian Elliot shows promise as a goalie but the Senators have little long-term depth behind him. An offensive forward would be in demand as Ottawa has plenty of character and mid-level skaters but lacks a high-end threat.

Draft Trends – Historically the Senators have drafted many Russians but that trend seems to have recently come to an end, as they haven’t selected anyone directly from that country in the past three years (Ruslan Bashkirov was in the QMJHL). Ottawa hasn’t drafted a goalie in the first 4 rounds since Jeff Glass in 2004. Only 2 of Ottawa’s 11 picks in the last two years have come from the Canadian Hockey League while 6 were NCAA-bound and 3 were Swedes.

Millard: Nazem Kadri - Ottawa is hoping Erik Karlsson, Patrick Wiercioch and Brian Lee will turn into solid defenceman, so grabbing London, Ontario native Nazem Kadri will help an average forward prospect department.

Flaming: Nazem Kadri – With lots of blueline prospect depth in Ottawa already, I fully expect that the Senators will be looking at forwards and Kadri’s offensive abilities make him an attractive fit.