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Draft Preview 2014
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
TOP 60 PROSPECTS
SAM BENNETT BORN June 20, 1996, Richmond Hill, Ont. 2013-14 Kingston POS LW HT 6-0 WT 181 SHOOTS L INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES No. 4 SCOUTS SOUND A LITTLE different when they’re talking about Bennett. There’s an enthusiasm they just can’t contain. “I really like this guy,” said one evaluator. “He’s got a little pop to him, a burst. I really like his competitiveness. He’s got some juice.” The engine that drove Kingston this season, Bennett put up a 10-game point streak to start the campaign. But his real masterpiece began in November, when he went on a 25-game tear that lasted into late January. While most top picks possess one dominant trait, Bennett has been lauded for his versatility. He’s a two-way forward with great wheels who can finesse a game or get chippy. “His hockey sense…
Stars, But Powerless
IF IT’S NOT THE world’s longest rebuild, it sure seems like it. The Edmonton Oilers have been spinning their wheels with a lineup that includes three first-overall picks and some others who are dynamite with the puck in the offensive zone. But the group lacks depth and dimension. At its best, Edmonton beats you with skill and creativity. But when that’s not on, the holes are apparent and easily picked at. This team has to address its losing culture. SHORT-TERM NEEDS: The Oilers have needed to shore up big gaps on defense since the day Chris Pronger left almost a decade ago. There are some solid blueline prospects in the system, but leadership and experience is needed, though not easily attained. Edmonton also could use a towering, rugged center to match…
Dynamic Duo In Dallas
THE GOOD NEWS: DALLAS has a devastating duo to build around for years to come. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have emerged as two of the game’s best players. The bad news: the “building around” part is moving slowly. Valeri Nichushkin is the lone Dallas pick from the last four drafts to crack the roster as an everyday player. SHORT-TERM NEEDS: The Stars are set with Seguin as their No. 1 center, but Rich Peverley’s scary heart woes cast doubt on his future. Dallas needs a second-line pivot who can distribute the puck. While its defensemen have plenty of size and snarl, it lacks an elite puck-mover to support Alex Goligoski, especially with Sergei Gonchar now 40. LONG-TERM NEEDS: Dallas has promising forwards in the pipeline, including Brett Ritchie, Radek Faksa and…
An Extra Dimension
NOT ONLY WERE THE Anaheim Ducks among the best teams in the NHL this season, they also had the best list of prospects and 21-and-under NHLers. Anaheim finished first in Future Watch 2014, which canvasses a panel of scouts to rank prospects and development systems. The Ducks were second and third the previous two seasons. Knowing this, Anaheim is sure to stay a contending team for an extended period. SHORT-TERM NEEDS: Even with the prime-time arrival of Nick Bonino as an offensive producer, the Ducks lack reliable scoring depth. And unless Mathieu Perreault and Andrew Cogliano can match career seasons, Anaheim will need another form of offensive help. That will help deflect some of the defensive focus off setup man Ryan Getzlaf and sniper Corey Perry. LONG-TERM NEEDS: The future of the…
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