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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.
Czech Out The Big Kid
BEFORE PAVEL ZACHA HEADED TO Finland for the world under-18s, he expressed his confidence in his underdog Czech team, even saying he hoped they would medal. Thanks to an overtime win over Canada in the semifinal, Zacha’s wish came true and the Czechs came home with silver, ultimately losing to the Americans. And while the junior world was once again forced to take notice of the Czechs after a down period, the 2015 draft class better keep an eye out for Zacha, a physically mature power forward who towers over many older players. For his part, Zacha is aware of the competition. “We talk about Connor McDavid, how he’s the next Sidney Crosby,” he said. “And Jack Eichel – I played against him at the under-20s.” Zacha will likely be staying in…
61-100 PROSPECTS
61 G Jonas Johansson 6-4, 198, BRYNAS JR. (SWE.) 23 GP, 2.32 GAA, .911 SP Big goaltender with calm demeanor; late 1995 birthday 62 RW Warren Foegele 6-1, 183, ST. ANDREWS (CDHS) 52-58-49-107-67 Raw talent skates like a demon and may not be done growing 63 D Luc Snuggerud 5-11, 165, EDEN PRAIRIE (USHS) 25-8-30-38-19 Offensive defenseman with vision, explosive stride 64 D Joshua Jacobs 6-1, 193, INDIANA (USHL) 56-5-18-23-46 Athletic and skates well; needs to work on puck skills 65 RW Spencer Watson 5-9, 170, KINGSTON (OHL) 65-33-35-68-16 Pure goal-scorer is small, but has a great battle level 66 D Aaron Haydon 6-2, 197, NIAGARA (OHL) 65-5-11-16-112 Nasty, physical D-man moves well and kills penalties 67 C Axel Holmstrom 6-0, 196, SKELLEFTEA JR. (SWE.) 33-15-23-38-12 Strong and skilled pivot exploded at under-18s 68 D Alex Peters 6-3, 207, PLYMOUTH (OHL) 50-3-6-9-44 Tough defensive D-man sees ice well, kills penalties 69 D Jake Walman 6-0, 170, TORONTO (OJHL) 43-7-26-33-87 Smart offensive D-man rushes the puck and penetrates 70 RW Nick Magyar 6-1, 194, KITCHENER (OHL) 66-20-26-46-20 OHL rookie is…
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…
New Era Begins Now
THERE’S SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT Nashville’s off-season outlook for the first time, well, ever. The Preds said goodbye to Barry Trotz, the lone coach in their history, so it’s possible we’ll see an entirely new Nashville system. That means a team with a perpetually defensive philosophy may seek high-ceiling offensive players at the draft. SHORT-TERM NEEDS: Pekka Rinne’s hip infection following complications from surgery exposed Nashville’s poor goaltending depth. The motley crew of Carter Hutton, Marek Mazanec, Devan Dubnyk and Magnus Hellberg struggled to keep save percentages north of .900. A more reliable veteran backup would help, at least until Mazanec and Hellberg are ready to stick. The Preds have an enviable list of top defensemen in Shea Weber, Roman Josi, Seth Jones, Michael Del Zotto and Ryan Ellis, but a sturdy…
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