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.

Draft Preview 2006

The Hockey News - Draft Preview 2006- CA

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0003-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-012239/10058475-1-eng-US/f0003-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Peter MeullerRanked No. 6</figcaption></div><h2>12</h2><h3>PROSPECT FEATURES</h3>assistance The top 50 prospects for the 2006 NHL entry draft (June 24 in Vancouver) are profiled with the of 15 NHL scouts.<h2>62</h2><h3>HOT 100</h3>Use our top-100 list of prospects on draft day to see which teams made bargain selections.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-021618/10058468-1-eng-US/f0003-022.jpg" title="f0003-02" width="849" height="1202"><figcaption class="caption-body">Erik JohnsonRanked No. 1(COVER: ELSA/GETTY IMAGES CONTENTS: MEULLER: CHRIS RELKE/GETTY IMAGES; JOHNSON: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

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IN THIS ISSUE

OPENING FACEOFF

<div class="byline">BY MATTHEW WUEST</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0005-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-012159/10058606-1-eng-US/f0005-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOHNSON A HITErik Johnson&rsquo;s giant size and all-world talent have made him the favorite to go No. 1 overall. (WALT DMOCH/USA HOCKEY)</figcaption></div>Erik Johnson was just eight years old the last time a defenseman was drafted first overall into the NHL.He doesn&rsquo;t remember where he was the day Chris Phillips became an Ottawa Senator in 1996 &ndash; perhaps a testament to how long it has been &ndash; but odds are he would have been found on a baseball diamond somewhere in Minnesota.A multi-sport athlete growing up in Bloomington, a suburb of Minneapolis, Johnson was a power-hitting left fielder and a big kid with a knack for heroics.&ldquo;I was a good ball player. I&rsquo;m not going to lie,&rdquo; Johnson said. His career highlight was blasting a grand slam in a city championship game. &ldquo;But hockey was my forte.&rdquo;When Johnson was 10, the time came to settle on one sport.During an important baseball tournament, Johnson made his choice. He left a ball game early to get to a hockey game on time.&ldquo;The baseball coach benched me when I got back,&rdquo; Johnson recalled. &ldquo;I said, &rsquo;forget it, I quit.&rsquo; That was the end of baseball.&rdquo;Those days are long gone and nobody is second-guessing Johnson&rsquo;s decision. The 18-year-old is in line to end the decadelong drought for defenders, ranked as The Hockey News&rsquo; top prospect heading into the June 24 draft.One of the top American players in his age group for years, Johnson took charge with the U.S. national team development program. He led the under-18 squad in defensemen scoring with 11 goals and 33 points in 38 games. The 6-foot-4, 222-pound workhorse has the size that makes scouts drool. He has proportional muscle mass and very low body fat, prompting one member of the development program staff to label him &ldquo;a high-performance vehicle.&rdquo;But there&rsquo;s much more to the package than a big body. Johnson&rsquo;s upside is a complete, two-way defender with a booming shot, blazing speed and the presence to quarterback the offense.&ldquo;He&rsquo;s good at everything &ndash; that&rsquo;s the amazing thing,&rdquo; said one NHL scout. &ldquo;He has flare. He can really skate and open up the ice.&rdquo;Johnson, who turned heads at the World Junior Championship in Vancouver at Christmas, isn&rsquo;t a punishing bruiser or a splashy hitter, but scouts don&rsquo;t consider him a pushover physically. Far from it.&ldquo;He uses his size and strength to clear the front of the net and tie up guys in the corners and along the boards,&rdquo; said a scout. &ldquo;Being physical isn&rsquo;t his forte, but he can.&rdquo;Johnson has committed to play for the University of Minnesota in 2006-07, a 15-minute drive from where he grew up. He was in the stands for numerous Golden Gophers games as a kid and was a die-hard fan even before he ever laced up a pair skates.Most scouts agree patience will be important with Johnson &ndash; he won&rsquo;t develop into a prized NHL defenseman overnight, they say, but two or three years in the NCAA will clean up his game.&ldquo;If there&rsquo;s a question mark, it&rsquo;s &lsquo;how far can he take his hockey sense?&rsquo;&rdquo; said one scout. &ldquo;Sometimes he falls into the trap of doing too much and that gets him scrambling. He needs to work with a coach day-to-day, defining his game and rounding it out.&rdquo;Off the ice, development program officials describe Johnson as mild-mannered and a pleasure to be around. When director of player personnel Ryan Rezmierski had to rush to the hospital in January because of a family emergency, Johnson was the first to call to make sure everything was OK.&ldquo;He&rsquo;s an all-around great kid with an outgoing personality,&rdquo; Rezmierski said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s very thoughtful, very personable in the office before practices and games. There&rsquo;s more to him than just hockey, but when he laces them up, he&rsquo;s all business.&rdquo;The development program ties up Johnson with classes, training and practice from 7:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day. By the time he gets home, he barely has energy for any NHL games on Xbox.&ldquo;I usually just unwind and crash,&rdquo; he said, listing sleeping as one of his favorite activities.Johnson was surprised to hear a blueliner hasn&rsquo;t been drafted first overall since his baseball days. His biggest challengers will come from dynamic scoring forwards, with Phil Kessel, Jonathan Toews and Jordan Staal charging at the lead of the pack.&ldquo;That&rsquo;d be really cool &ndash; to be No. 1 &ndash; because it&rsquo;s been such a rare thing,&rdquo; Johnson said.&ldquo;If you take (Johnson), you&rsquo;re saying, &lsquo;this guy is going to be a No. 1 defenseman,&rsquo;&rdquo; said one scout. &ldquo;He has a very raw package right now that, when it all comes together, is very attractive.&ldquo;As he matures, his upside will get better and better.&rdquo;<h2>IT&rsquo;S NO LONGER LONELY AT THE TOP</h2>Erik Johnson&rsquo;s ISS draft ranking since October, 2004<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-021578/10058599-1-eng-US/f0005-022.jpg" title="f0005-02" width="1036" height="281"></div> &#9632;

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Slugger Erik batting leadoff

<div class="byline">BY BRUCE GARRIOCH</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-02265/10061091-1-eng-US/f0051-022.jpg" title="f0051-02" width="805" height="1020"><figcaption class="caption-body">Daniel Alfredsson133rd overall, 1994 (SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-01368/10061098-1-eng-US/f0051-012.jpg" title="f0051-01" width="150" height="119"></div>The Ottawa Senators decided to change their draft philosophy.While the Senators have always been built through the draft, the team decided to expand its pro scouting department when the new CBA was signed. Because of the decision to lower the age for unrestricted free agents to 28 or seven years service, the Sens are going to lose players entering their prime.&ldquo;You&rsquo;re going to have to do a better job with pro scouting,&rdquo; said Sens GM John Muckler.Ottawa always has drafted well, but it might be more willing to move draft picks to stay competitive immediately.SCOUTS HONOR As soon as the NHL&rsquo;s new labor deal was signed, the Sens moved director of player personnel Anders Hedberg to the pro scouting department.Not only is he scanning the American League to watch prospects, he also is keeping a close eye on players to acquire in trades or sign as free agents.But the Sens still value the draft. Chief scout Frank Jay heads up the amateur scouting department and brings a wealth of experience.IMMEDIATE NEED How about a goalie? The Senators aren&rsquo;t sure what is going to happen with free agent Dominik Hasek.Yes, the team has Ray Emery, it picked up Mike Morrison on waivers, and Billy Thompson and Jeff Glass are in the system. But if the Sens thought Thompson or Glass was ready, they wouldn&rsquo;t have brought in Morrison.If Wade Redden or Zdeno Chara aren&rsquo;t resigned, a defenseman is also going to be a priority.LONG-TERM NEED The blueline could be trouble. Yes, the Senators drafted collegiate prospect Brian Lee, but they have a long way to go. Keeping Redden and Chara will be tough, while any combination of Chris Phillips, Brian Pothier, Anton Volchenkov and Christoph Schubert may not be there, either.Ottawa is regarded as having one of the best defensive units in the NHL and that could change. The new CBA makes it difficult to build a team that is going to grow together. Trades, free agency, and drafting will all be key to retooling.READY TO STEP IN The Sens will be watching closely this summer for an agreement between the IIHF and the Russian Federation. They&rsquo;d like to bring over center Alexei Kaigorodov, as they feel he&rsquo;s ready for prime time.He is an offensive whiz who will help the team up the middle. The Senators have Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher, Bryan Smolinski, Chris Kelly and Antoine Vermette, but would love to have Kaigorodov push for a spot.2005 TOP PICK Brian Lee, D, North Dakota, ninth overall. 43-3-22-25-44. Top-scoring defenseman on team and named a WCHA all-rookie. Led his team in time on ice, an excellent indication of his value.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Tyler Arnason, C, 27; Ray Emery, G, 23; Martin Havlat, RW, 24; Chris Kelly, C, 25; Brian McGrattan, RW, 24; Peter Schaefer, LW, 28; Christoph Schubert, D, 24; Jason Spezza, C, 22; Antoine Vermette, LW, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Zdeno Chara, D, 29; Dominik Hasek, G, 41; Mike Morrison, G, 26; Brad Norton, G, 31; Brian Pothier, D, 28; Wade Redden, D, 28; Vaclav Varada, LW, 29.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Ottawa&rsquo;s system1. Brian Lee, D, North Dakota (WCHA)2. Alexei Kaigordov, C, Mag. (Rus.)3. Vitali Anikeyenko, D, Yaroslavl (Rus.)4. Jeff Glass, G, Charlotte (ECHL)5. Igor Mirnov, C, Moscow (Rus.)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Ottawa chosen 134 players since 1992. Europeans account for 60 (45%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-03193/10061084-1-eng-US/f0051-032.jpg" title="f0051-03" width="446" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">60European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Daniel AlfredssonSens captain having career year2. Marian HossaDynamite with Kovalchuk in Atlanta3. Pavol DemitraAll success after leaving Ottawa4. Martin HavlatMissed most of season with injury5. Alexei YashinAlways productive and enigmatic &#9632;

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NHL TEAM REPORTS

Can’t hold on to everybody

<div class="byline">BY TIM CAMPBELL</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0009-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-012147/10058734-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">FIGHTING MANJonathan Toews&rsquo; willingness to compete hard in every situation will make him a success in the NHL.</figcaption></div>Try to pigeon-hole Jonathan Toews and you might miss the boat.The 18-year-old native of Winnipeg &ndash; and a freshman at the University of North Dakota &ndash; has moved along the improvement curve so swiftly that just liking his on-ice vision, his scoring ability or even wondering about his skating is settling for an incomplete picture.&ldquo;I know he has developed in all parts of his game, but one of his strengths is he takes pride in being a complete player,&rdquo; said Toews&rsquo; coach Dave Hakstol. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s not just interested in one end of the rink. He&rsquo;s competitive at both ends and strong defensively.&rdquo;The self-proclaimed rink rat, who played the two previous seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary&rsquo;s in Faribault, Minn., has followed precisely the route he envisioned.&ldquo;Since my days at Shattuck, even before, I wanted to be able to skate well, handle the puck well, hit, block shots, score,&rdquo; Toews said. &ldquo;Meeting guys like (New Jersey Devil) Zach Parise, I&rsquo;ve learned a lot about how guys worked on the little details of their game. It really motivated me to be a two-way forward. There&rsquo;s more to hockey than just scoring.&rdquo;Toews scored 21 goals and 38 points in 41 games and was plus-20. He had just seven goals and 11 points in 18 games before the World Junior Championship in Vancouver, where he helped Canada win a gold medal.After Canada&rsquo;s triumph, Toews continued to be a creative, big-game player for North Dakota in their run to the Frozen Four.&ldquo;Offensively, he&rsquo;s strong enough to play a power forward game, but with dynamic offensive ability,&rdquo; Hakstol said. &ldquo;It took half of our season and the world junior tournament for some of those things to come out. But without question, they did in the second half.&rdquo;Try to project what kind of left winger Toews will develop into &ndash; a go-to impact player or a quiet, effective and reliable player &ndash; is a question Hakstol didn&rsquo;t want to answer.&ldquo;That&rsquo;s too black and white,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think he&rsquo;s a mix of all of that. Comparisons are so difficult, even dangerous, but at times from the highlights I see, I think I see some of the things Vincent Lecavalier does well.&ldquo;And defensively, he has the potential to be as strong as anybody. He&rsquo;s so strong on the puck and sees the ice so well and we saw him find his (scoring) touch.&rdquo;Toews (pronounced Taves) is the son of a French-Canadian mother, Andree Gilbert, and father Bryan Toews. His surname is a Dutch/German Mennonite name, not uncommon in Manitoba.Toews grew up speaking both English and French, attending French-speaking schools until Grade 9 and continuing to converse with many family members in the language.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a pride and a privilege for me to speak French,&rdquo; he said.For all the talking Toews&rsquo; game has done, his future is to be drafted by one of the NHL&rsquo;s unsuccessful teams, but he won&rsquo;t shy away from the challenge.&ldquo;I learned what an up-and-down team felt like this year,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s never fun to be on a team that struggles, but to be part of an organization like that, you&rsquo;ve got to be able to battle every night. It makes you feel alive. You have to work your butt off to survive. I&rsquo;d have no problem with that.&rdquo;That future won&rsquo;t be immediate, however. Jumping straight into the pro game is not a likely possibility for the North Dakota star.&ldquo;Why not stay another year (in school) even if I am ready?&rdquo; Toews said of jumping into the NHL. &ldquo;It was an adjustment period for me in the first half. I&rsquo;d like to spend a whole season here where things are clicking and be a big part of the team and a leader.&rdquo;Another year or two in the NCAA will help Toews blossom even more into an elite player, according to Hakstol.&ldquo;With maturity, I think he&rsquo;s a captain,&rdquo; the coach said, and he wasn&rsquo;t just talking about the Fighting Sioux. &ldquo;I think that&rsquo;s the highest compliment I can pay him. I&rsquo;ve seen him develop from a guy who wasn&rsquo;t even 18 &ndash; from a quiet guy who soaked in everything from the locker room with intensity &ndash; into a guy who, by the end of this year, was part of a leadership group.&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t see many young men like him. Some put on a pretty good disguise, but I haven&rsquo;t seen many approach the game like a pro the way he did from Game 1.&rdquo;Those are qualities that will help Toews be a winner in the NHL when he gets there.<h2>MOVING UP THE RATINGS CHART</h2>Jonathan Toews&rsquo; ISS draft rankings since October, 2004<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-021510/10058727-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="1034" height="271"></div> &#9632;

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Smooth Toews can do it all

<div class="byline">BRIAN COSTELLO</div>The new Draft Preview is a lot like the new-style NHL player. Now in magazine format, we&rsquo;re streamlined and slick with more room to roam. To be those things, we became smaller, too. From 11 inches tall to 10-and-a-half.That&rsquo;s like a typical NHL prospect going from 6-foot-2 to 6-feet. Come to think of it, that&rsquo;s exactly what&rsquo;s happening in the new NHL. Whether it&rsquo;s a spoken mandate or not, the league is placing an emphasis on prospects who are smaller, slicker and can flourish with the room to roam that NHL officials are giving them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012303/10058513-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="309" height="461"></div>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re definitely paying more attention to (draft prospects) who can play under the new rules rather than be consumed with size,&rdquo; said E.J. McGuire, the NHL&rsquo;s new director of Central Scouting Services.&ldquo;You wouldn&rsquo;t have seen prospects like Bryan Little or Cory Emmerton rated this high (first round) before.&rdquo;It has been a quick evolution. The NHL promised for years it was going to crack down on obstruction. The fact that scouts are being more objective in their evaluation of prospects regardless of size tells you the crackdown isn&rsquo;t going away anytime soon.Gone are the days when one-dimensional thugs such as Scott Parker, Brad Ference and Kevin Grimes were drafted in the first round. The good ones might be interesting commodities in mid-rounds, but premier skaters and skilled playmakers will become the cream of their draft classes.&ldquo;Teams used to look for toughness in a prospect because that was always of some value, if only for the fourth line,&rdquo; McGuire said. &ldquo;Now I think you&rsquo;re going to see teams consider a smaller, skilled guy in that role. That player can be of value as a shootout specialist after overtime.&rdquo;Did the lockout have an affect on this year&rsquo;s draft class? McGuire says yes.&ldquo;Because some NHLers played in the AHL last year,&rdquo; McGuire says, &ldquo;AHL teams were reluctant to fast-track major junior players into their lineups. So there was a fair number of players staying an extra year in junior. That took away a bit of ice time from (2006 draft-eligible) players. So, in other words, their development was a little bit stalled. Not eliminated, just put off a bit. Our scouts are noticing they&rsquo;re somewhat behind their peers from previous years, which makes this draft class a tough one to read.&ldquo;But we look at it as though it&rsquo;s a late-arriving spring. The flowers are going to blossom and look beautiful eventually. It&rsquo;s just going to take a little longer than other years.&rdquo;Also worth noting in Draft Preview: Five draft primers on team pages were provided by draft guru Simon Richard, who has done extensive research on draft trends and tendencies. His work also ran in Draft Preview 2004&hellip;Our Eye On Europe sidebars on team pages represent five of the top European players drafted by that team since 1991.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021953/10058506-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="650" height="155"></div> &#9632;

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FEATURES

The incredible shrinking world

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-031535/10058544-1-eng-US/f0004-032.jpg" title="f0004-03" width="429" height="346"></div>1. ST. LOUIS2. PITTSBURGH3. CHICAGO4. WASHINGTON5. BOSTON6. COLUMBUS7. NY ISLANDERS8. PHOENIX9. MINNESOTA10. FLORIDA11. LOS ANGELES12. ATLANTA13. TORONTO14. VANCOUVER15. TAMPA BAY16. MONTREAL17. MIN (from EDM)18. COLORADO19. ANAHEIM20. SAN JOSE21. NY RANGERS22. PHILADELPHIA23. NASHVILLE24. BUFFALO25. NEW JERSEY*26. CALGARY*27. STL (from CAR)*28. DALLAS*29. OTTAWA*30. DETROIT** Division winners &#9632;

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2006 DRAFT ORDER

<div class="byline">BY JOE STARKEY</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012531/10058658-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">STAR SAVIORSYoung Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby re-ignited the interest of potential new owners. (MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div>New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner once had an interest in buying the Pittsburgh Penguins. So did singer Andy Williams. Both quickly came to their senses, but other men did not.Nothing reflects the Pens&rsquo; roller-coaster history more than the long line of dreamers who invested in what was a shaky proposition from Day 1. OK, before Day 1.No fewer than 21 owners invested $2 million to launch the Pens in 1967. Then-GM Jack Riley recalls one of them asking to hold the check a few days to collect interest.Many of the same owners had invested in the Pittsburgh Phantoms soccer team, which played before miniscule crowds at old Forbes Field, losing $700,000 before the Pens ever hit the ice.Heavy losses became the norm. The Penguins expected to bleed $7 million in 2005-06, despite home games drawing 94 per cent capacity crowds at Mellon Arena.But, the days of throwing away good money on a bad team appear to be ending. After 40 years and several near-death experiences, the Penguins have become a good investment. A great one, really.As columnist Adam Proteau suggested in The Hockey News, the Penguins might have &ldquo;the most talented collection of young players in NHL history&rdquo;, especially after they add a top-two pick in June to complement Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc-Andre Fleury. Just as importantly, the team will soon be playing in a new arena with all the inherent revenue streams to keep the youngsters around.But hockey in Pittsburgh might die on the road to a new arena. The building won&rsquo;t necessarily be in Pittsburgh. It could be in Kansas City or Las Vegas or Seattle.Kansas City opens the new Sprint Center in 2007, right when the Pens&rsquo; lease at 45-year-old Mellon Arena expires. There is no anchor tenant at the Sprint Center, which will be managed by Anshutz Entertainment Group.&ldquo;If Pittsburgh doesn&rsquo;t have an arena deal done, they&rsquo;re gone,&rdquo; Tim Leiweke, AEG&rsquo;s president and CEO, told the Kansas City Star in December. &ldquo;The Penguins can be the Kansas City Penguins.&rdquo;It had to come to this. There wasn&rsquo;t going to be substantive action on a new Pittsburgh arena until the threat of a new owner relocating the team became real. The threat is real. The Penguins are for sale and are eligible to sell this summer. Mario Lemieux has already stepped aside as CEO.This isn&rsquo;t merely a sports issue. The Penguins&rsquo; arena situation has become a lightning rod in the battle for Pittsburgh&rsquo;s lone slots-parlor license. It also has become a political puck, so to speak, in the Pennsylvania race for governor.The Republican candidate is Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, a Pittsburgh icon supporting a plan to build a $290-million arena with private funds. Incumbent Ed Rendell has his own plan. We&rsquo;ll get to all that in a minute, but, for now, put yourself in a prospective new owner&rsquo;s shoes. Penguins president and CEO Ken Sawyer recently did so, upon a reporter&rsquo;s request.He liked what he saw.&ldquo;First of all, buying into the (NHL) now, with the new labor deal, is a tremendous opportunity,&rdquo; Sawyer said. &ldquo;Then, looking at the Penguins and the core of players, this is a dream to own a team that has Crosby and Malkin and Fleury and some top pick this year.&rdquo;However, management shouldn&rsquo;t get credit for building this core. The Pens got here by virtue of incompetence and the NHL&rsquo;s formerly whacked economic system. From 2002-06, their average draft position was second overall. Now, imagine multi-talented defenseman Erik Johnson climbing aboard.As Proteau pointed out, only the old Quebec Nordiques could boast something close to this kind of young foundation. That team drafted Mats Sundin, Owen Nolan and Eric Lindros first overall and parlayed Lindros into Peter Forsberg.Forget the other baby Penguins for now. Simply consider Crosby and Malkin in black-and-gold.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s pretty exciting to think about that,&rdquo; said rookie defenseman Ryan Whitney. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s two superstars. The nucleus in this room is real special.&rdquo;So, now let&rsquo;s wade back into the cesspool of uncertainty.Mellon Arena, built in 1961, is the oldest facility in the NHL. It has holes in the roof, disgusting seats, sticky floors, cramped concourses and outdated luxury boxes. The Pens insisted for years they needed a new arena to compete. Politicians told them to find a way to build one privately because no public funds were available. So, they did.The team has partnered with Mississippi-based Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., which has applied for the license to operate a slot-machine parlor in Pittsburgh. Two other entities have bid for the rights to the yet-to-be-built parlor. A state board is expected to award the license in late December, after a new governor is elected.Should the Isle of Capri win, it promises to hand the city $290 &ndash; the money earmarked for an arena.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-012218/10058651-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg" title="f0007-01" width="1085" height="778"><figcaption class="caption-body">A HERO ARRIVES?To have a shot at success in &rsquo;06-07, whether in Pittsburgh or not, the Penguins want Evgeni Malkin in the fold. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve laid the foundation for the future, hopefully in a way that (the Penguins) will stay here forever,&rdquo; Lemieux said.Nearly 30 state and local politicians have endorsed the Isle of Capri plan. Not a single one has backed either of the other two plans. One of those is headlined by politically connected Harrah&rsquo;s Entertainment, the largest gaming firm in the United States. Its key members contributed to the campaigns of Gov. Rendell and Pittsburgh mayor Bob O&rsquo;Connor.If Isle of Capri wins, the Penguins assure whoever buys the team will be bound to keep it in Pittsburgh. If another group wins, all bets are off.In regard to the on-ice product, Sawyer did make the critical call on GM Craig Patrick in late April. After four straight seasons out of the playoffs, he was let go in the final year of his contract.Whoever the incoming GM is, he&rsquo;ll have a wealth of young talent to build the franchise around. He&rsquo;ll have a salary cap system that levels the playing field and he&rsquo;ll have everyone&rsquo;s attention.Those are the only certainties.<h2>Five-year plan on</h2>Pittsburgh&rsquo;s run of early first-rounders looks similar in talent to Quebec&rsquo;s run a generation ago.<div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-021522/10058644-1-eng-US/f0007-022.jpg" title="f0007-02" width="79" height="51"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3>QUEBEC NORDIQUES</h3>1988 3rd C. Leschyshyn, D1989 1st Mats Sundin, C1990 1st Owen Nolan, RW1991 1st Eric Lindros, C1992 4th Todd Warrener, LW<div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-03948/10058637-1-eng-US/f0007-032.jpg" title="f0007-03" width="75" height="70"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3>PITTSBURGH PENGUINS</h3>2002 5th Ryan Whitney, D2003 1st M-A Fleury, G2004 2nd Evgeni Malkin, C2005 1st Sidney Crosby, C2006 2nd TBA June 24 &#9632;

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Pittsburgh enduring long wait for salvation

<div class="byline">BY ANDY BAGGOT</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0008-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012421/10058696-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">DREAM DASHED?Phil Kessel is no longer the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2006 draft, but he isn&rsquo;t worried one bit. (SCOTT A. SCHNEIDER/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div>When the cell phone call came in from Phil Kessel one day in early April, he sounded bored out of his mind.Turns out he was.That&rsquo;s what happens when your passion is put on hiatus and you&rsquo;re left to do things that simply don&rsquo;t pique your interest.The NCAA Frozen Four would be getting underway in only a couple of days, but Kessel &ndash; the most celebrated freshman in U.S. college &ndash; was left on the outside looking in.Kessel passed on the University of Wisconsin, his hometown school, and signed with Western Collegiate Hockey Association rival Minnesota. The Madison product felt the Gophers would give him the best opportunity to win a national title.But here he was, planning his off-season workout and attending art, speech, writing and psychology classes. Meanwhile, the Badgers were chugging toward their sixth NCAA title.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s boring,&rdquo; Kessel said. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t be a regular college student. I just couldn&rsquo;t do it. I&rsquo;m so bored right now.&rdquo;Things should get more interesting for Kessel, an 18-year-old center, as the June 24 NHL draft in Vancouver draws closer. Countless questions and options swirl around the kid whose speed and offensive repertoire have prompted comparisons with everyone from Sidney Crosby to Jeremy Roenick.Where will Kessel, one of a handful of prospects labeled as a potential first overall pick, be selected? If Kessel is not taken No. 1, then who? If Kessel does have his name called first, will he return to college or take his game-breaking skills to the NHL?The 6-foot, 190-pound Kessel began the season rated as the No. 1 prospect, but he has slipped on all scouting service reports, including to fifth on Central Scouting&rsquo;s final ranking.&ldquo;He is flashy, sees the ice and is very dynamic,&rdquo; said CSS director E.J. McGuire.Though questioned about it all season, Kessel said he only recently began thinking about the NHL draft and its possibilities. He has consistently maintained he doesn&rsquo;t care where he&rsquo;s picked or who chooses him.&ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;There are a lot of great players and I could be drafted anywhere. Wherever I end up, I&rsquo;ll be happy.&rdquo;Unfortunately, neither Kessel or the Gophers had a happy ending to their season.They won the WCHA regular-season title and were ranked No. 1 in the nation for most of the second half. Kessel, meanwhile, put together an 18-goal, 51-point season while being named WCHA rookie of the year.But instead of challenging for its third NCAA title since 2002, Minnesota lost three straight games to end the season, including a 4-3 overtime decision to Holy Cross in what could be the biggest upset in NCAA tournament history.Kessel can only guess at what went wrong.&ldquo;Maybe the passion wasn&rsquo;t there,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We got on a roll for a while and then we just fell apart. I don&rsquo;t think the drive was there to be the champs.&rdquo;Kessel finished second in team scoring and was first with a plus-22 rating. Asked where he improved his game the most, he cited his defensive play.&ldquo;I was never a big-time defensive player and probably never will be,&rdquo; Kessel admitted. &ldquo;But on the defensive end, I did pretty good.&rdquo;Kessel conceded he had a reasonably good year as far as production goes, but it fell short of his expectations. He had far more assists than goals, which is in stark contrast to his previous two seasons with the national team development program and 2005 world juniors.&ldquo;Did I have my best year?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;No. The team won a lot and did pretty good. But you come here to win and we didn&rsquo;t get it done.&rdquo;Minnesota coach Don Lucia said Kessel had a very good season given the extraordinary attention and pressure thrown his way, especially after what critics called a poor performance at the 2006 world juniors. Kessel scored a single goal and 11 points for USA.The Gophers desperately need Kessel to return next season if they are to contend again. The off-season was less than two weeks old when two top-scoring under-classmen &ndash; center Ryan Potulny and winger Danny Irmen &ndash; signed NHL contracts with Philadelphia and Minnesota.Lucia believes Kessel will be back. Kessel said he doesn&rsquo;t feel strongly one way or another.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m just trying to get school done and see how it goes this summer,&rdquo; he said.<h2>IT&rsquo;S NO LONGER LONELY AT THE TOP</h2>Phil Kessel&rsquo;s ISS draft ranking since October, 2004<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021862/10058689-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="1036" height="291"></div> &#9632;

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Phenom Kessel faces adversity

<div class="byline">BY MIKE DAVIES</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012398/10058772-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">FAMILY TRADITIONJordan Staal has done well to live up to the expectations set by two older brothers. (DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div>As Eric Staal bursts onto the NHL landscape in a big way, scouts are already drooling over his younger brother.In fact, one has to clarify which younger brother they&rsquo;re talking about these days. In this case, it&rsquo;s Jordan Staal &ndash; a sophomore with the Ontario League&rsquo;s Peterborough Petes.There is also Marc Staal, a first round New York Rangers&rsquo; draft pick who was named top defenseman at the World Junior Championship for Canada&rsquo;s gold medal winning team. He joined the Rangers in the NHL playoffs. Or there is Jared, who at 15, is expected to become the fourth Staal chosen in the first round of the OHL draft May 6.But let&rsquo;s get back to Jordan. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound 17-year-old is already climbing the 2006 NHL draft rankings. The Hockey News bumped Staal to fourth overall and the International Scouting Service ranked him third in April.But Jordan has a real chance to equal brother Eric at the draft. Eric, selected second overall by Carolina in 2003, finished seventh in NHL scoring with 45 goals and 100 points.&ldquo;When Eric went to junior we had no idea of what was to come,&rdquo; Jordan Staal said. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think much about it until I got drafted myself. I started to think we had something going here.&ldquo;We had no idea this was going to happen. We&rsquo;re like any other family. We just take it day by day and when something like this happens, it&rsquo;s pretty exciting.&rdquo;Before making hockey his priority, Jordan Staal tried his hand in nearly any sport imaginable. He led his Thunder Bay high school basketball squad to a city championship and was named MVP.&ldquo;I just stood underneath the net,&rdquo; Staal chuckled. &ldquo;Not too many people got around me.&rdquo;He also played for the school golf team, although he claimed he was a terrible golfer. He was an avid skier, too, until he broke his wrist in a fall at 11.&ldquo;After that I canned that for the rest of my life.&rdquo; Staal laughed.Luckily, he found a true calling in hockey. Staal combines great natural skill with a determination to drive to the net. And while many bigger players at the same age are slow and awkward on their skates, Staal&rsquo;s stride is fluid and strong.As a rookie, Petes&rsquo; captain Jamie Tardif played on Eric Staal&rsquo;s line and now, in his final junior year, he&rsquo;s playing with Jordan.&ldquo;They both want the puck and are always calling for the puck,&rdquo; Tardif said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what a good player wants.&rdquo;Despite the similarities, Jordan does hold one edge on what Eric was capable of at the same age, as far as Tardif is concerned.&ldquo;Jordan is a lot bigger and stronger than his brother when he was in the league,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Jordan likes to get his nose dirty, but they are both great players.&rdquo;Both Staal brothers produced a similar offensive output in their second OHL season, too. Jordan tallied 28 goals for Peterborough and matched his rookie point total with 68 in 68 games. Those numbers are comparable to Eric&rsquo;s 23 goals and 62 points in 56 games as a sophomore in 2001-02.But Jordan Staal isn&rsquo;t just an offensive force. According to Petes coach Dick Todd, he&rsquo;s a complete package.&ldquo;Jordan made a dramatic advancement for us in scoring,&rdquo; Todd said. &ldquo;He has that great size and the ability to change speeds a little bit. He&rsquo;s very responsible defensively. He&rsquo;s a well-rounded player.&rdquo;That&rsquo;s something any coach, or GM for that matter, likes to hear. Petes GM Jeff Twohey drafted both Staals, and thinks Jordan possesses the character and ability to mimic older brother Eric&rsquo;s success.&ldquo;He can go as far as he wants to go,&rdquo; Twohey said. &ldquo;He has size, he has skills. He has hockey sense. He&rsquo;s only scratching the surface of how good he can be.&rdquo;<h2>BIG RATINGS JUMP IN PAST SEASON</h2>Jordan Staal&rsquo;s ISS draft rankings since October, 2004<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-021759/10058765-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="1035" height="282"></div> &#9632;

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Third episode of Staal saga

<div class="byline">ALAN ADAMS </div><div class="byline">Columnist</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0011-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-011988/10058803-1-eng-US/f0011-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">AMERICAN PRIDEErik Johnson leads the competition for first overall, ahead of another American &ndash; Phil Kessel. (WALT DMOCH/USA HOCKEY)</figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0011-021448/10058810-1-eng-US/f0011-022.jpg" title="f0011-02" width="216" height="256"></div>This will not be an easy choice.Unlike 2004 and 2005, the top pick in the June 24, 2006 draft isn&rsquo;t a no-brainer. Alex Ovechkin was miles ahead of the pack in &rsquo;04 and ditto with Sidney Crosby a year later. But what about &rsquo;06?The St. Louis Blues, if they decide to retain the first overall pick, must decide whether they want size and strength on the blueline or a dynamic forward.Erik Johnson, who played for the U.S. under-18 team with USA Hockey, is the consensus No. 1 pick. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman is in the mould of Scott Stevens, meaning he could be a force for 20 years.The explosive forwards are Phil Kessel of the University of Minnesota, Jonathan Toews of the University of North Dakota and Jordan Staal of the Ontario League&rsquo;s Peterborough Petes.This year, the practice of &ldquo;take the best player available&rdquo; probably won&rsquo;t apply.St. Louis needs an offensive forward more than it needs a stalwart defenseman, so it might want to flip the first pick for second, third or fourth and perhaps gain a third- or fourth-rounder on the exchange. Or the Blues may want the honor of first overall and take one of the three forwards, taking a pass on Johnson.But the Penguins, picking second, clearly are a perfect fit for Johnson. Besides Crosby, Pittsburgh has center Evgeni Malkin and franchise goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The Pens might have to throw something St. Louis&rsquo; way to ensure they get Johnson. It&rsquo;ll be interesting to see how that plays out in June.&ldquo;You can make arguments Kessel, Toews, and Staal are better than Johnson, but if you look at the teams likely picking 1-2-3, will they pass on a 6-foot-4, 220-pound defenseman?&rdquo; wondered an NHL scout. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think Pittsburgh will pass on Johnson, but I&rsquo;m not so sure about the rest.&rdquo;Kessel was the consensus No. 1 pick heading into the 2006 world juniors, but he didn&rsquo;t live up to expectations. Johnson had no expectations weighing him down and moved past Kessel.There is an argument the expectations on Kessel were too high and he is easy to dislike because, as one scout put it, &ldquo;he tries to do too much and guys are looking to count him out.&rdquo;Toews, meanwhile, had a strong second half of the season and Staal reminds people of his brother, Eric Staal of Carolina.Rightly or wrongly, drafts are judged by the top five or six names, but important players do come later. Detroit&rsquo;s Henrik Zetterberg (210th overall in 1999) and Carolina&rsquo;s Erik Cole (71st overall in 2001) are two examples.&ldquo;There will be a lot of guys who go in those rounds who will be better in the long run than some of the top guys,&rdquo; said a director of player personnel. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll win with some of the guys in the second, third and fourth round. It just takes them longer to become players.&rdquo;This will be a banner year for USA Hockey. Up to 12 Americans from the national team development program are tagged as first-rounders. &#9632;

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Americans lead the pack

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Player Profiles

<div class="byline">BY DAN WOOD</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-021053/10060062-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg" title="f0030-02" width="683" height="974"><figcaption class="caption-body">Teemu Selanne10th overall, 1988</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011527/10060069-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="159" height="144"></div>With a bevy of bright prospects already on their roster, the Mighty Ducks are well positioned for coming seasons.Five rookies &ndash; forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Chris Kunitz and Corey Perry, defenseman Francois Beauchemin and backup goalie Ilya Bryzgalov &ndash; played key roles in 2005-06. Right winger Joffrey Lupul, meanwhile, made great strides in his second season.Defenseman Ladislav Smid and winger Dustin Penner, who saw limited NHL action this season, figure to challenge for jobs next year. Stanislav Chistov could return from Russia next season.SCOUTS HONOR First-year GM Brian Burke made some personnel changes in the scouting department when he took over last summer, but stuck with the basic format that predecessor Bryan Murray used to draft the likes of Perry and Lupul.Chuck Fletcher, vice-president of amateur scouting and player development, calls the shots at the draft. Fletcher, 38, is in his 13th NHL season and fourth with the Ducks.Director of amateur scouting Alain Chainey, who has been with Anaheim since the inaugural season in 1993, is a key talent evaluator.IMMEDIATE NEED The first offseason order of business will be re-signing right winger Teemu Selanne, who had reconstructive knee surgery and regained his place among the NHL&rsquo;s top scorers after the worst season of his career with Colorado in 2003-04.Though he surely commands a substantial raise on the $1 million price he played for this season, Selanne wants to stay with the Ducks. Defenseman Ruslan Salei&rsquo;s situation is less certain, given his apparent desire for a longer contract than Burke wants.LONG-TERM NEED With the likes of Getzlaf, Perry, Lupul and 2005 first-rounder Bobby Ryan, the Ducks were again heavy up front and light on defense and in net.Acquiring Beauchemin in the trade that sent Sergei Fedorov to Columbus, and minor-leaguer Maxim Kondratiev in the January deal that sent winger Petr Sykora to the Rangers, upgraded Anaheim&rsquo;s blueline depth.Drastically thin in goal, the Ducks began to address that issue with the April signing of collegiate standout David McKee, who had completed three seasons at Cornell. He is expected to play for Portland in the AHL next season.READY TO STEP IN Penner, who had four goals and seven points in 19 games with the Ducks, is a 6-foot-4, 245-pound late-bloomer who will make a sizable impact. He has good hands and figures to give Anaheim an imposing presence in front of the net.Smid, the ninth overall selection in the 2004 draft, is a solid, two-way defender who is ready.2005 TOP PICK Bobby Ryan, RW, Owen Sound, second overall. 59-31-64-95-44. Young power forward prospect didn&rsquo;t stand out at world juniors, but again posted solid numbers in OHL.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Ilya Bryzgalov, G, 26; Joe DiPenta, D, 27; Chris Kunitz, LW, 26; Joffrey Lupul, RW, 22; Andy McDonald, C, 28; Travis Moen, LW, 24; Vitaly Vishnevski, D, 26.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jeff Friesen, LW, 29; Jason Marshall, D, 35; Ruslan Salei, D, 31; Teemu Selanne, RW, 35.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Anaheim&rsquo;s system:1. Bobby Ryan, RW, Owen Sound (OHL)2. Ladislav Smid, D, Portland (AHL)3. Stanislav Chistov, LW, Mag. (Rus.)4. Dustin Penner, LW, Portland (AHL)5. Brendan Mikkelson, D, Vancouver (WHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Anaheim has chosen 105 players since 1993. Europeans account for 42 (40%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-04569/10060055-1-eng-US/f0030-042.jpg" title="f0030-04" width="448" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">42European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Martin GerberWanted starter status, deserves it2. Niclas HavelidHad career season in Atlanta3. Oleg TverdovskyIn Carolina after year in Europe4. Ruslan SaleiVeteran a blueline leader5. Ilya BryzgalovStrong season as Giggy&rsquo;s backup &#9632;

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Ducks fill gaps, set for success

Our &lsquo;Eye on Europe&rsquo; focus on team pages examines how often teams dip into the European talent pool.Nashville is the only team to have selected more Europeans than North Americans since 1991. Eighteen teams have taken more than the league-wide average of 34 per cent. See sidebars on team pages for each team&rsquo;s best European picks.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-03761/10060100-1-eng-US/f0030-032.jpg" title="f0030-03" width="983" height="661"><figcaption class="caption-body">Martin Erat - 191st overall, 1999(SELANNE: ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN/GETTY IMAGES; ERAT: NOAH GRAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div>Nashville 52%Detroit 46%Ottawa 45%San Jose 41%Boston 41%Phoenix 40%Toronto 40%Anaheim 40%Philadelphia 40%Dallas 39%St. Louis 39%Columbus 39%Tampa Bay 38%NY Rangers 38%Minnesota 37%NY Islanders 37%Los Angeles 36%Calgary 35%Edmonton 33%Chicago 30%Pittsburgh 30%Atlanta 30%New Jersey 30%Buffalo 29%Florida 27%Carolina 25%Washington 24%Montreal 24%Colorado 24%Vancouver 21% &#9632;

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Eye on Europe reveals some teams biased

<div class="byline">BY JOHN MANASSO</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-02939/10060138-1-eng-US/f0031-022.jpg" title="f0031-02" width="697" height="1020"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ilya Kovalchuk1st overall, 2001 (SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011382/10060145-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg" title="f0031-01" width="168" height="142"></div>After the first round, the Thrashers have had little luck in the NHL entry draft. Seven players on Atlanta&rsquo;s roster were draft picks, and four were first-rounders: Patrik Stefan, Ilya Kovalchuk, Kari Lehtonen and Jim Slater.The jury is still out on the past three first-rounders. Defenseman Braydon Coburn played almost all of his first pro season in the AHL; blueliner Boris Valabik will play his first full pro season next year; and, Alex Bourret will have a shot to make the team if he has markedly improved his conditioning.The goal for the Thrashers is to continue to try and build organizational depth, something they have struggled with in seven drafts.SCOUTS HONOR GM Don Waddell has gradually increased his amateur staff. The Thrashers started with four full-timers in North America and one European.For the early round picks, Waddell makes sure he sees prospects in person, preferably multiple times. For later round picks, he relies on chief scout Dan Marr and robust discussions can ensue among the scouts.The scouting staff has remained intact, with one exception, for the organization&rsquo;s existence. Marr took over several years ago for Bob Owen, whose role has been reduced to a consultant.IMMEDIATE NEED The biggest question facing the Thrashers is whether they will be able to retain center Marc Savard, one of the league&rsquo;s top 10 point-getters. The Thrashers could be restrained by the salary cap: if Savard chooses to test the unrestricted market, he may command more than the $5.25 million Florida gave Olli Jokinen.One indication that they might not be able to keep Savard would be if they traded for a center at the draft. They may also deal a veteran defenseman to open up a roster spot for Coburn or Mark Popovic.LONG-TERM NEED Atlanta will need forwards in the future. Just look at the birth certificates. Scott Mellanby is approaching 40, Peter Bondra is 38, Bobby Holik is 35 and Slava Kozlov is 34.The system is lean on young up-and-coming blue chip forwards, especially if Derek MacKenzie returns next season to refill the fourth line center role.READY TO STEP IN Waddell thought Coburn could have played for the Thrashers in the lockout season. He played the first nine games of 2003-04, but with the turmoil surrounding the Thrashers&rsquo; start &ndash; Kovalchuk was unsigned for the first three games and goalies Lehtonen and Mike Dunham were hurt &ndash; he was sent to the AHL.The Thrashers are relying on the 21-year-old to develop into the top-four defender they need.2005 TOP PICK Alex Bourret, RW, Shawinigan, 16th overall. 67-44-70-114-133. Enjoyed good offensive production this year, and Atlanta was impressed with his conditioning. That will decide his future.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Kari Lehtonen, G, 22; Steve Mc-Carthy, D, 25; Patrik Stefan, C, 25.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Serge Aubin, C, 31; Peter Bondra, RW, 38; Eric Boulton, LW, 29; Mike Dunham, G, 34; Niclas Havelid, D, 33; Brad Larsen, LW, 29; Derek MacKenzie, C, 25; Scott Mellanby, RW, 40, Ronald Petrovicky, RW, 29, Marc Savard, C, 28.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Atlanta&rsquo;s system:1. Ondrej Pavelec, G, C. Breton (QMJHL)2. Boris Valabik, D, Kitchener (OHL)3. Alex Bourret, RW, Shawin. (QMJHL)4. Jim Sharrow, LW, Gwinnett (ECHL)5. Nathan Oystrick, D, N. Mich. (CCHA)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Atlanta has chosen 70 players since 1999. Europeans account for 21 (30%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-03706/10060131-1-eng-US/f0031-032.jpg" title="f0031-03" width="443" height="289"><figcaption class="caption-body">21European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Ilya KovalchukOne of NHL&rsquo;s most lethal snipers2. Kari LehtonenAtlanta&rsquo;s franchise netminder3. Patrik StefanStill hasn&rsquo;t lived up to promise4. Pasi NurminenInjuries forced early retirement5. Tommi SantalaNot quite a Supernatural talent &#9632;

f0031-02

Search begins for more goals

<div class="byline">BY MIKE LOFTUS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-021021/10060183-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg" title="f0032-02" width="696" height="1018"><figcaption class="caption-body">Patrice Bergeron45th overall, 2003 (SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011506/10060190-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="130" height="130"></div>If Boston&rsquo;s increasingly dissatisfied fan base has reason to look forward to next year, it&rsquo;s because it will be greeted by a team built &ndash; or in the process of being rebuilt &ndash; from the back end out. Credit the team&rsquo;s amateur scouting department for that.Saddled with low first round picks since 1991, or no first round picks as in 2004, the staff has nonetheless come up with No. 1 center Patrice Bergeron (45th overall in 2003), blueliners Andrew Alberts (179th in 2001) and Milan Jurcina (241st in &rsquo;01) and potential No. 1 goalie Hannu Toivonen (29th in 2002). All are considered key players as the team moves ahead.SCOUTS HONOR Boston retains about a dozen scouts, with Nikolai Bobrov holding the newest position as director of European scouting.Everyone reports first to interim GM Jeff Gorton (no change there from when Mike O&rsquo;Connell held the job), but Gorton trusts Scott Bradley, the team&rsquo;s director of amateur scouting for the past nine years, to make the key calls.Gorton, who joined the hockey operations department in &rsquo;94, anticipates changes in the pro and European scouting divisions.IMMEDIATE NEED Reasonably content with its defense corps and goaltending, Boston is in serious need of an offense-oriented line to play behind the trio of Bergeron, Marco Sturm and Brad Boyes. Trade and free-agent options will be explored this summer.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s pretty obvious the Bruins need help at forward,&rdquo; said Gorton, at the end of a year in which Boston traded Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov.&ldquo;Our organization is solid from the back end out. We need more forwards.&rdquo;LONG-TERM NEED Again, the Bruins are looking for help up front. Since drafting Thornton (No. 1) and Samsonov (No. 8) in 1997, Boston hasn&rsquo;t used a single first round pick on a forward.Only Bergeron has panned out lately up front, though there&rsquo;s hope for Ben Walter (160th in 2004), son of former NHLer Ryan Walter.READY TO STEP IN Blueliner Mark Stuart (21st in 2003), who left Colorado College a year early to jump-start his pro career, made strides significant enough to earn a late-season recall from Providence of the American League to Boston.Stuart, with good mobility and size, figures to be a full-timer in Boston next year.2005 TOP PICK Matt Lashoff, D, Kitchener, 22nd overall. 56-7-40-47-146. Following a year of injury and illness, he provided production and toughness. He finished the season at Providence of the AHL.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Andrew Alberts, D, 25; Patrice Bergeron, C, 20; Brad Boyes, RW, 24; Nick Boynton, D, 27; Milan Jurcina, D, 23; Josh Langfeld, RW, 28; Pat Leahy, RW, 26; Andrew Raycroft, G, 26; Nathan Robinson, LW, 24; David Tanabe, D, 25.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Mariusz Czerkawski, RW, 34; Tom Fitzgerald, RW, 37; Hal Gill, D, 31; Eric Healey, LW, 31; Brad Isbister, LW, 29; Dan LaCouture, LW, 29; Brian Leetch, D, 38; Ian Moran, D, 33; Eric Nickulas, RW, 31; Marty Reasoner, C, 29; Jiri Slegr, D, 35.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Boston&rsquo;s system:1. Mark Stuart, D, Providence (AHL)2. Petr Kalus, LW, Regina (WHL)3. Matt Lashoff, D, Kitchener (OHL)4. Lars Jonsson, D, HV-71 (Swe.)5. Ben Walter, C, Providence (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>The Bruins have chosen 138 players since 1991. Europeans account for 56 (41%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-03741/10060176-1-eng-US/f0032-032.jpg" title="f0032-03" width="448" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">56European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Sergei SamsonovWas often most exciting player2. P.J. AxelssonUnheralded third-line dynamo3. Jozef StumpelIsn&rsquo;t it time for trade to L.A.?4. Mariusz CzerkawskiNice finish around net &ndash; at times5. Hannu ToivonenMany believe he&rsquo;s goalie of future &#9632;

f0032-02

Move forward requires goals

<div class="byline">BY TIM GRAHAM</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-02929/10060228-1-eng-US/f0033-022.jpg" title="f0033-02" width="733" height="985"><figcaption class="caption-body">Chris Drury72nd overall, 1994 (EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011334/10060235-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg" title="f0033-01" width="170" height="143"></div>Maybe this will be the year the Sabres draft a defenseman in the first round. For the past few summers they&rsquo;ve talked about bolstering their blueline depth, but when the time comes they&rsquo;ve taken a forward three years in a row.The Sabres haven&rsquo;t chosen a defenseman in the first round since they tabbed Keith Ballard in 2002 (and then they traded him in the deal for center Chris Drury). In fact, the Sabres didn&rsquo;t have a defenseman on their roster or in AHL Rochester that they had drafted higher than the seventh round after 1999.SCOUTS HONOR The Sabres&rsquo; scouting department has undergone considerable changes. The size of the staff has shrunk as the team relies more on video scouting.The men at the top have stayed the same, with GM Darcy Regier calling the shots on draft day and the most input coming from eight-year director of amateur scouting Jim Benning. Additional insight is provided by director of player development Don Luce, who is in 19th season in the front office.IMMEDIATE NEED The Sabres are awfully thin on the blueline. Forget next season, they could use help in the playoffs.The team has only seven NHL defensemen with whom they&rsquo;re comfortable (although No. 7 Rory Fitzpatrick has been shaky at times) and just three good options in Rochester: Doug Janik, Jeff Jillson and Nathan Paetsch.Free agency could ravage the blueline even more. Contracts are up for vets Jay McKee and Teppo Numminen, as well as Fitzpatrick.LONG-TERM NEED As strange as it might sound, the Sabres might need another goalie a few years down the road.The Sabres began 2005-06 with a logjam of Ryan Miller, Martin Biron and Mika Noronen, but only one might be back next season. Noronen went to Vancouver at the trade deadline, and Biron is a restricted free agent who made $2.13 million this year as a backup.In 2005, the Sabres drafted top OHL goalie Adam Dennis in the sixth round and he could be a steal.READY TO STEP IN Rugged left winger Daniel Paille is the sort of energy player Sabres coach Lindy Ruff loves to have around. Paille played 14 games with the parent squad this season as a fill-in, recording one goal and three points.Even though he eventually found his scoring touch with Rochester, Paille&rsquo;s offensive numbers weren&rsquo;t eye-popping. The rest of his game, though, can be bone-jarring.2005 TOP PICK Marek Zagrapan, C, Chicoutimi, 13th over-all. 59-35-52-87-63. Slick center had a 16-game point streak and two five-point games. He was ranked No. 41 in Future Watch 2006.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Maxim Afinogenov, RW, 26; Martin Biron, G, 28; Daniel Briere, C, 28; Brian Campbell, D, 27; Tim Connolly, C, 25; J-P Dumont, RW, 28; Paul Gaustad, C, 24; Dmitri Kalinin, D, 25; Ales Kotalik, LW, 27; Toni Lydman, D, 28; Adam Mair, RW, 27; Ryan Miller, G, 25; Jason Pominville, RW, 23; Andrew Peters, LW, 26; Taylor Pyatt, LW, 24; Derek Roy, C, 23; Henrik Tallinder, D, 27.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Rory Fitzpatrick, D, 31; Mike Grier, RW, 31; Jay McKee, D, 28; Teppo Numminen, D, 37.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Buffalo&rsquo;s system:1. Drew Stafford, RW, N. Dakota (WCHA)2. M. Zagrapan, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)3. Andrej Sekera, D, Owen Sound (OHL)4. Dan Paille, LW, Rochester (AHL)5. Philip Gogulla, RW, Cologne (Ger.)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Buffalo has chosen 152 players since 1991. Europeans account for 44 (29%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-03718/10060221-1-eng-US/f0033-032.jpg" title="f0033-03" width="450" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">44European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Maxim AfinogenovEnigmatic winger can score2. Ales KotalikRising star in organization3. Henrik TallinderQuietly an effective defender4. Thomas VanekSolid NHL rookie campaign5. Dmitri KalininDefenseman has slid a bit &#9632;

f0033-02

Sabres weak on back end

<div class="byline">BY RANDY SPORTAK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-021072/10060273-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg" title="f0034-02" width="751" height="1014"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jarome Iginla11th overall, 1995 FUTURE WATCH (NOAH GRAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011527/10060280-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="158" height="135"></div>It wasn&rsquo;t draft success that made the Flames a Cup finalist in 2004 and a playoff team again in 2005-06. Only three regulars &ndash; Dion Phaneuf, Matthew Lombardi and Chuck Kobasew &ndash; are Calgary draft picks.However, if they can&rsquo;t do a better job at the table, the Flames will soon be back where they were before: a regular non-playoff team.Because of poor drafts from the mid-1990s through 2000, Calgary remains short on home-developed players and organizational depth.GM Darryl Sutter &ndash; and predecessor Craig Button &ndash; often traded down picks to accumulate more second- and third-rounders to stock more players into the system.SCOUTS HONOR For six years, the Flames have increased the size of their scouting department. After gutting it in the mid-1990s, they have made the draft a bigger focus.In fact, during the lockout, the team refused to cut its scouting department to save money, opting to stay the course. Under scouting director Tod Button, who joined the staff in 1997, there are eight full-time scouts plus five part-timers.IMMEDIATE NEED Scoring is sorely lacking. As impressive as Calgary&rsquo;s season was, the Flames remain among the lowest scoring teams. Many players had sub-par offensive seasons &ndash; notably Jarome Iginla, Tony Amonte and Jordan Leopold &ndash; and few prospects can be considered future forces in that department.The team has recently drafted players for their grit or defensive ability, which will leave it a low-scoring team for years to come. The development of Kobasew and Lombardi may alleviate some of the need, but a team can&rsquo;t have too much offense in the new NHL.LONG-TERM NEED Scanning Calgary&rsquo;s list of prospects, you see no shortage of depth players, big defensemen and goalies. Lacking are legitimate front-liners capable of scoring 30 goals.Dustin Boyd provides hope the Flames found one in the third round of 2004, but the shortage of players capable of being on the top two lines is easily seen.Calgary also needs a No. 1 goalie down the road. There are a few candidates, but the Flames haven&rsquo;t drafted and developed a goalie into a starter since Trevor Kidd.READY TO STEP IN Left winger Eric Nystrom had a two-game NHL audition early in the season before returning to Omaha of the AHL for his rookie pro year.A strong defensive forward, Nystrom had a decent season with the Knights, but had to be prodded to push himself offensively. The son of former NHLer Bobby Nystrom is a solid two-way player. Ideally, he would play alongside Stephane Yelle to learn what it takes to succeed at the NHL level.2005 TOP PICK Matt Pelech, D, London, 26th overall. 52-1-9-10-139. A couple of injuries shortened his season &ndash; again. A solid, defensive defenseman, he does an unheralded job keeping his own end tidy.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Matthew Lombardi, C, 24; Chuck Kobasew, 24; Kristian Huselius, LW, 27; Jamie Lundmark, C, 25;UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Bryan Marchment, D, 37; Stephane Yelle, C, 32; Shean Donovan, RW, 31; Chris Simon, LW, 34; Cale Hulse, D, 32; Brian Boucher, G, 29; Mike Leclerc, LW, 29.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Calgary&rsquo;s system1. Eric Nystrom, LW Omaha (AHL)2. Brent Krahn, G, Omaha (AHL)2. Andrei Taratukhin, C, Yaroslavl (Rus.)4. Kris Chucko, LW, Minnesota (WCHA)5. Dustin Boyd, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Calgary has chosen 156 players since 1991. Europeans account for 54 (35%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-03843/10060266-1-eng-US/f0034-032.jpg" title="f0034-03" width="449" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">54European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Robert SvehlaSkilled defender recently retired2. Nils EkmanHaving success in San Jose3. Toni LydmanLong-time Flame now in Buffalo4. German TitovPlayed eight NHL so-so seasons5. Jonas HoglundBecame a whipping boy in Toronto &#9632;

f0034-02

Stocking shelf major concern

<div class="byline">BY LUKE DeCOCK</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-02980/10060325-1-eng-US/f0036-022.jpg" title="f0036-02" width="736" height="988"><figcaption class="caption-body">Eric Staal2nd overall, 2003 (SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011428/10060332-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="200" height="123"></div>The Hurricanes have made the most of their first round picks the past four years, selecting NHLers Cam Ward, Eric Staal and Andrew Ladd.Blueliner Jack Johnson, drafted in 2005, could be on that list too, but turned down two contract offers from the team.Barring a trade, that trend will end this year. The Canes sent away their first round pick in the Doug Weight trade on the assumption it would be in the final few selections. Core players Erik Cole, Josef Vasicek and Niclas Wallin have been mid-round gems.SCOUTS HONOR The Hurricanes beefed up their pro scouting department after the lockout, adding Marshall Johnston to oversee the operation, but their amateur scouting staff remains one of the smallest in the NHL, with only four full-time scouts and none in Europe aside from Swiss national coach Ralph Krueger, a part-time amateur and pro scout.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m very comfortable with our scouting staff,&rdquo; said amateur scouting director Sheldon Ferguson. &ldquo;Sometimes quantity doesn&rsquo;t always make it better. We&rsquo;re addressing Europe and Ralph Krueger is a hell of a man, so that&rsquo;s a start.&rdquo;IMMEDIATE NEED With four unrestricted free agents on defense, the Hurricanes will need to bring back at least part of that group or bring in reinforcements. Mike Commodore, Andrew Hutchinson and Anton Babchuk will be asked to assume bigger roles next season and the Canes assume Johnson will be part of that group down the road.Goalie Martin Gerber is an unrestricted free agent, so there could be some uncertainty in net, but the Canes are set at forward, barring any salary-cap casualties.LONG-TERM NEED While Staal, Ladd, Johnson and Ward form the backbone of the Carolina roster for years to come, there aren&rsquo;t any top prospects in the system other than junior goalie Justin Peters &ndash; one reason the Canes have shared an AHL affiliate the past three years.A general upgrade in depth across the organization is needed, particularly on the blueline, where the Hurricanes have a number of middle-tier prospects and a number of over-30 NHLers who soon will need replacing.READY TO STEP IN When Johnson does leave Michigan and sign with Carolina, the Canes think he can impact the blueline the way Staal spurred the offense.&ldquo;His strength as a 19-year-old is tremendous,&rdquo; Ferguson said. &ldquo;His skating is so good, he shoots the puck so well and he&rsquo;s so strong he should be able to handle it physically. The sky is the limit.&rdquo;2005 TOP PICK Jack Johnson, D, Michigan, third overall, 38-10-22-32-147. He had an incredible impact as a freshman blueliner. Many observers believe he has nothing left to prove in college and will surely turn pro.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Erik Cole, RW, 27; Mike Commodore, D, 26; Andrew Hutchinson, D, 26; Chad LaRose, RW, 24; Eric Staal, C, 21; Justin Williams, RW, 24.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Craig Adams, RW, 29; Matt Cullen, C, 29; Martin Gerber, G, 31; Frantisek Kaberle, D, 32; Mark Recchi, RW, 38; Niclas Wallin, D, 31; Aaron Ward, D, 33; Doug Weight, C, 35; Glen Wesley, D, 37.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Carolina&rsquo;s system:1. Jack Johnson, D, Michigan (CCHA)2. Justin Peters, G, Plymouth (OHL)3. Nathan Hagemo, D, Minnesota (WCHA)4. Joe Barnes, C, Saskatoon (WHL)5. Casey Borer, D, St. Cloud State (WCHA)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Carolina has chosen 133 players since 1991. Europeans account for 33 (25%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-03809/10060318-1-eng-US/f0036-032.jpg" title="f0036-03" width="449" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">33European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Michael NylanderBenefitting from Jagr in New York2. Sami KapanenStrong defensive forward in Philly3. Josef VasicekBig body, big future with Canes4. Marek MalikSolid performer for NY Rangers5. Andrei NikolishinStayed in Europe after lockout<h2>Little value in late round picks</h2>The NHL reduced the number of rounds in the draft from nine to seven in 2005. There were as many as 22 rounds in 1978 and 12 through the 1980s and part of the &lsquo;90s.Backtesting shows just seven per cent of players drafted in the eighth round and later made the NHL. In fact, more undrafted players became NHLers (131) than late-rounders (126).<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-04648/10060311-1-eng-US/f0036-042.jpg" title="f0036-04" width="1541" height="672"></div> &#9632;

f0036-02

After Johnson, list gets thin

<div class="byline">BY TIM SASSONE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-02905/10060370-1-eng-US/f0037-022.jpg" title="f0037-02" width="675" height="1026"><figcaption class="caption-body">Kyle Calder130th overall, 1997 (TIM SMITH/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011271/10060377-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="159" height="141"></div>After a decade as a league doormat, the Blackhawks want to believe their fortunes are turning.If there was a bright spot in another disappointing season, it was the development of 2003 first round pick Brent Seabrook and 2002 second-rounder Duncan Keith into dependable, everyday NHL defensemen.GM Dale Tallon thinks even more kids could crack the lineup next fall, including 2004 first pick Cam Barker on defense or 2005 second-rounder Michael Blunden on the wing.&ldquo;Our kids are starting to come, and if we can do a couple other things this summer we think we&rsquo;ll have a competitive team,&rdquo; said Tallon, who has up to $12 million to spend on free agents. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to get this thing turned around.&rdquo;SCOUTS HONOR Tallon has increased the size of his scouting staff since becoming GM. Director of personnel Rick Dudley has become a key member of the front office and is somebody who Tallon relies on for input in all matters.Director of operations Stan Bowman is Tallon&rsquo;s right-hand man, an up-and-coming executive who is on the road to become a GM himself someday.Michel Dumas remains the chief amateur scout and is in his 29th year with the team. Tallon rarely makes a decision without consulting Dumas.Tallon, a former personnel guy, still does a lot of the scouting himself, particularly in Europe.IMMEDIATE NEED It&rsquo;s obvious what the Hawks need most is scoring, especially with center Tuomo Ruutu&rsquo;s injury history and winger Eric Daze&rsquo;s likely retirement.While Tallon likes what he has coming at forward out of the last two drafts in Jack Skille, Michael Blunden, Dan Bertram, David Bolland, Bryan Bickell and Troy Brouwer, those prospects are still at least a year or two away from being regular contributors.The Hawks lack a true quarterback at the point, although Barker has the tools to fill the role.LONG-TERM NEED Corey Crawford is considered Nikolai Khabibulin&rsquo;s heir apparent in goal, but there is not a lot of depth at the position after Crawford.With the team&rsquo;s best &lsquo;D&rsquo; prospects either already playing in Chicago or ready to do so next season, there&rsquo;s a need to restock the blueline in coming drafts.READY TO STEP IN Tallon would be disappointed if Barker failed to make the team next year. Taken behind only Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in the 2004 draft, Barker was one of the last players cut in training camp.Barker&rsquo;s skill level speaks for itself, but he needs to go to camp and show better quickness.2005 TOP PICK Jack Skille, RW, seventh overall, Wisconsin, 37-12-7-19-33. Skille&rsquo;s speed and nose for the net are impressive, but he&rsquo;s likely to spend one or two more seasons in college.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Craig Anderson, G, 25; Milan Bartovic, RW, 24; Mark Bell, C, 25; Brandon Bochenski, RW, 24; Rene Bourque, LW, 24; Kyle Calder, LW, 27; Mark Cullen, LW, 27; Michael Holmqvist, LW, 27; Duncan Keith, D, 22; Tuomo Ruutu, C, 23; Patrick Sharp, C, 24; Jim Vandermeer, D, 26; Radim Vrbata, RW, 25.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Eric Daze, LW, 30.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Chicago&rsquo;s system:1. Cam Barker, D, Medicine Hat (WHL)2. Jack Skille, RW, Wisconsin (WCHA)3. David Bolland, C, London (OHL)4. Michael Blunden, RW, Erie (OHL)5. Corey Crawford, G, Norfolk (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Chicago has chosen 168 players since 1991. Europeans account for 51 (30%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-03729/10060363-1-eng-US/f0037-032.jpg" title="f0037-03" width="446" height="289"><figcaption class="caption-body">51European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Tuomo RuutuGold&hellip;if he could stay healthy2. Igor KravchukReliable two-way man for decade3. Sergei KrivokrasovQuirky scorer fizzled at end4. Pavel VorobievHad great rookie start in October5. Igor RadulovShowed promise, returned home &#9632;

f0037-02

Winds of hope hit Chicago

<div class="byline">BY ADRIAN DATER</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02970/10060422-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="801" height="991"><figcaption class="caption-body">Joe Sakic15th overall, 1987</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011386/10060429-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="162" height="135"></div>Since the Avalanche moved to Denver in 1995, the highest the team has drafted was taking Alex Tanguay 12th overall in 1998.The Avs won&rsquo;t beat that this year, but probably will get a higher pick than usual. That alone has chief scout Jim Hammett excited. Hammett remains a member of the most exclusive frequent-flier clubs and likes what he has seen of this year&rsquo;s available talent.&ldquo;I see a lot of similarities to last year&rsquo;s draft,&rdquo; Hammett said. &ldquo;The top 10 guys are going to be your marquee guys and after that there&rsquo;s some depth.&rdquo;Colorado&rsquo;s philosophy, partly dictated by its first round position, is to take the best player available. But look for the Avs to add a forward as they need more size and skill up front.SCOUTS HONOR The Avs have 10 full-time scouts, along with a few part-timers &ndash; including one added in Moscow, which Hammett said has been a &ldquo;big boost.&rdquo;Hammett remains the alpha dog at the draft table. He makes the final decision. His top lieutenant is chief European scout Joni Lehto, who has been with the organization for seven years. The Avs have discovered some hidden European gems during that time, including Milan Hejduk, Marek Svatos and David Aebischer.IMMEDIATE NEED What the Avs need more than anything is some size up front. Hejduk, Tanguay, Svatos and Joe Sakic are not physical players, so a power forward is a potential target. Wojtek Wolski is in the pipeline and will help in that department, and a healthy Steve Konowalchuk wouldn&rsquo;t hurt, either.Defense is always an issue for any NHL team and Colorado may tab a blueliner, especially if management believes Rob Blake will leave via free agency.Everything is set in goal for now, with Jose Theodore, Peter Budaj and Vitaly Kolesnik all under 30.LONG-TERM NEED Talent at center is crucial. Sakic will be 37 in July and Pierre Turgeon likely won&rsquo;t be around more than one more year.Rookie Brad Richardson looks like a regular and T.J. Hensick is a solid prospect, but the Avs must address the position soon.Colorado must also replenish at defense. Blake will soon be 37 and Patrice Brisebois is nearing the end. Karlis Skrastins is an unrestricted free agent this summer.READY TO STEP IN Wolski had six points in nine games with Colorado before being sent back to junior, where he shone with Brampton (OHL).The left winger can play a physical game, but excels coming down the boards and creating plays. Colorado had concerns about his defensive play, however. Wolski has another year of junior eligibility remaining, but surely won&rsquo;t use it.2005 TOP PICK Ryan Stoa, C, Minnesota, 34th overall, 41-10-15-25-43. Hammett said the Golden Gophers freshman progressed nicely, especially with his physical play along the boards.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Brett Clark, D, 29; Dan Hinote, RW, 29; Brett McLean, 27; Kurt Sauer, D, 25; Alex Tanguay, LW, 26.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Rob Blake, D, 36; Bob Boughner, D, 35; Jim Dowd, C, 37; Joe Sakic, C, 36; Karlis Skrastins, D, 31.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Colorado&rsquo;s system:1. Wojtek Wolski, LW, Brampton (OHL)2. Paul Stastny, C, Denver (WCHA)3. Ryan Stoa, C, Minnesota (WCHA)4. T.J. Hensick, C, Michigan (CCHA)5. Brandon Yip, RW, Boston U. (HE)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Colorado has chosen 164 players since 1991. Europeans account for 39 (24%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-03782/10060415-1-eng-US/f0038-032.jpg" title="f0038-03" width="448" height="289"><figcaption class="caption-body">39European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Milan HejdukSniper had sub-par season2. Marek SvatosSensational until shoulder injury3. David AebischerBackup to Huet in Montreal4. Ville NieminenFeisty Finn skating for San Jose5. Samuel PahlssonPlays checking role in Anaheim<h2>First round crucial to securing superstar power</h2>Success at the draft table is achieved by getting results from first round picks.Of 4,623 prospects drafted from 1979 to 1997, 93 evolved into superstars, 52 of which were taken in the first round. Backtesting reveals one of eight first-rounders becomes a superstar. By round two, that drops to one in 36 picks.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-04638/10060408-1-eng-US/f0038-042.jpg" title="f0038-04" width="1886" height="755"><figcaption class="caption-body">One in 8 first-rounders develop into superstarsJoe Thornton - 1st overall, 1997 (ELSA/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0038-02

Avs’ supplies running thin

<div class="byline">BY AARON PORTZLINE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-02866/10060474-1-eng-US/f0039-022.jpg" title="f0039-02" width="754" height="1069"><figcaption class="caption-body">Nikolai Zherdev4th overall, 2003</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011270/10060481-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="175" height="137"></div>In the past four seasons, the Blue Jackets finished 29th, 28th, 27th and, this season, 26th overall. At that rate, they&rsquo;ll make the playoffs in 2014, when left winger Rick Nash is 30.OK, enough sarcasm. The Blue Jackets will have another high draft pick this summer. They&rsquo;ve done well on their previous No. 1s &ndash; especially Nash, winger Nikolai Zherdev and goalie Pascal Leclaire &ndash; and they need to keep it up.The Jackets haven&rsquo;t hit home runs after the first round and would love to land a late-round wizard, like Detroit did with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.SCOUTS HONOR The Blue Jackets place major emphasis on the draft, so GM Doug MacLean still plays a heavy role in the scouting and drafting of talent, making at least one trip to Europe every season and many more to junior and college games.But Don Boyd is the guru &ndash; the go-to guy on draft day. Boyd joined the Jackets as director of amateur scouting before the team existed. Last fall, he was promoted to director of player personnel. The top scouts &ndash; Sam McMaster, Wayne Smith and John Williams &ndash; have all been with the team from the start.IMMEDIATE NEED The Jackets need more firepower to compete in the new NHL, meaning one or two top-six free agent forwards need to be signed. (And that&rsquo;s assuming they re-sign David Vyborny, an under-appreciated two-way player.)Relying too heavily on Nash&rsquo;s offense was a mistake. When he was out of the lineup with injuries, Columbus couldn&rsquo;t score.The Jackets could also use help on the blueline, especially if steady Radoslav Suchy walks away as a free agent. An insurance policy for Bryan Berard would be well advised, too. Berard&rsquo;s season ended after 44 games when he had surgery to repair a herniated disc.LONG-TERM NEED Center Gilbert Brule is on the way, but the Jackets need to to get stronger down the middle to compete with the powerhouses in the West.Sergei Fedorov has two years left on his contract, but is 36 and his days as the No. 1 center on a contender are done. Other than Brule, the Jackets have drafted only one center who has sniffed the NHL &ndash; Dan Fritsche, who&rsquo;s projected to be an energy grinder.READY TO STEP IN Brule will be counted on to center the No. 2 line next season. But he could get the No. 1 job next to Nash, while Fedorov centers the second unit.Brule started in the NHL this season, but he sustained two serious injuries, including a broken leg, and was shipped back to junior.2005 TOP PICK Gilbert Brule, C, Vancouver, sixth overall. 27-23-15-38-40. Injuries wiped out what would have been his rookie season in the NHL, but Brule thrived once back in junior.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jaroslav Balastik, LW, 26; Jason Chimera, LW, 26; Marc Denis, G, 28; Dan Fritsche, C, 20; Ron Hainsey, D, 25; Rostislav Klesla, D, 24; Pascal Leclaire, G, 23; Mike Rupp, C, 26; Jody Shelley, LW, 30; Nikolai Zherdev, RW, 21.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jan Hrdina, C, 30; Trevor Letowski, RW, 29; Manny Malhotra, C, 25; Martin Prusek, G, 30; Radoslav Suchy, D, 29; David Vyborny, RW, 31.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Columbus&rsquo;s system:1. Gilbert Brule, C, Vancouver (WHL)2. Alexandre Picard, LW, Syracuse (AHL)3. O-K Tollefsen, D, Syracuse (AHL)4. Kris Russel, D, Medicine Hat (AHL)5. Adam McQuaid, D, Sudbury (OHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Columbus has chosen 65 players since 2000. Europeans account for 25 (38%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-03682/10060467-1-eng-US/f0039-032.jpg" title="f0039-03" width="450" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">25European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Nikolai ZherdevSublime skill, sometimes a pill2. Rostislav KleslaDealt with injuries, inconsistency3. Jaroslav BalastikStreaky, older rookie scorer4. Lasse PirjetaVeteran skated for Pittsburgh5. Andrej NedorostPlayed in Europe this season<h2>To maximize service, start your rookies at 20</h2>With NHLers set to hit unrestricted free agency (in 2008) at 27 or after seven years of service, drafting prospects who can enter the league by age 20 will be crucial in order to maximize years of service before he becomes an UFA.The average rookie age from 1992 to &rsquo;96 was 22.6. First-rounders played their rookie year at 20.8 on average; second-rounders at 22.9.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-04574/10060460-1-eng-US/f0039-042.jpg" title="f0039-04" width="1892" height="433"><figcaption class="caption-body">The average of an NHL rookie from 1992 to 1996 (JEFF VINNICK/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0039-02

Pivotal time for forwards

<div class="byline">BY MIKE HEIKA</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02650/10060526-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="715" height="999"><figcaption class="caption-body">Mike Modano1st overall, 1988</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01982/10060533-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="179" height="137"></div>Forced to finally use some of their prospects due to the new NHL salary cap, the Dallas Stars are finding out they actually have done a pretty good job drafting over the past few years.This season, Dallas relied on home-grown talent such as Trevor Daley, Jussi Jokinen, Antti Miettinen, Niko Kapanen and Steve Ott. What&rsquo;s more, the Stars have a solid group of prospects in Iowa (AHL) with Loui Eriksson, Junior Lessard, Mike Smith, Dan Ellis and Niklas Grossman.&ldquo;People keep telling us (the draft) is more important than it&rsquo;s been in the past, but we&rsquo;ve treated it as pretty important for years,&rdquo; said assistant GM Les Jackson. &ldquo;We put a lot of time and effort into this, so it&rsquo;s nice to see some of the players playing for this team.&rdquo;SCOUTS HONOR The Stars added two names in the past two seasons because they felt they had the opportunity to acquire rare scouting talents.Former Star Shane Churla has been added to the amateur staff and will have a strong voice at the draft. He honed his craft with the Coyotes and has a great grasp of North American talent.John Weisbrod was added to the pro staff. GM Doug Armstrong credited owner Tom Hicks for the foresight to allow the additions.&ldquo;When we knew we were going to have to cut the payroll, Mr. Hicks was very much on board with the hirings,&rdquo; Armstrong said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s been very proactive in making sure we utilize all of our resources to get an advantage.&rdquo;One person to watch at the table is director of European scouting Kari Takko, a Finnish specialist.IMMEDIATE NEED The Stars continue to do a good job on the free agent market, so they have no real immediate needs.The defense is set, yet there are five potential rearguards playing in college, the minors or Europe. The NHL forwards could see a shakeup in the summer, and Eriksson and Lessard are hoping for a promotion next season.Goalies Mike Smith and Dan Ellis are champing at the bit for their NHL chance. The Stars might have to make room for a couple of players in the system.LONG-TERM NEED Lifelong Star Mike Modano is starting to see retirement in the not-so-distant future and Jason Arnott is an unrestricted free agent who may not be re-signed. The Stars soon will need some legitimate offensive centers to replace them.READY TO STEP IN Both Smith, 24, and Ellis, 25, are talented and ready to step in as a backup to Marty Turco next season. The Stars really like Johan Hedberg, though, so the two might toil back in Iowa.Eriksson is behind both Jussi Jokinen and Brenden Morrow.2005 TOP PICK Matt Niskanen, D, Minneso4ta-Duluth, 28th overall. 38-1-13-14-40. An all-sports star in high school, Niskanen was allowed to spend the entire season concentrating on hockey.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Trevor Daley, D, 23; Niklas Hagman, LW, 27; Niko Kapanen, C, 28; Steve Ott, C, 25; Jaroslav Svoboda, LW, 25; Mathias Tjarnqvist, RW, 27.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jason Arnott, C, 31; Johan Hedberg, G, 33; Willie Mitchell, D, 29; Nathan Perrott, LW, 32; Jeremy Stevenson, RW, 31; Patrick Traverse, D, 32.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Dallas&rsquo;s system:1. Matt Niskanen, D, Minn-Duluth (WCHA)2. Loui Eriksson, RW, Iowa (AHL)3. Johan Fransson, D, Lulea, (Swe.)4. Niklas Grossman, D, Iowa (AHL)5. Vojtech Polak, LW, Iowa (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Dallas has chosen 141 players since 1991. Europeans account for 55 (39%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-03504/10060519-1-eng-US/f0040-032.jpg" title="f0040-03" width="448" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">55European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Jussi JokinenInstant NHL shootout legend2. Niko KapanenA steal, drafted 173rd overall3. Antti MiettinenAnother stellar Finnish Star4. Juha LindPlayed parts of two years in Dallas5. Mathias TjarnqvistUp and down from Iowa<h2>Flames excel in snooze rounds of entry draft</h2>The Calgary Flames have a shoddy draft record from the late 1980s and the 1990s, but they&rsquo;ve done well in the late rounds and after the draft.From 1979 to 1997, the Flames secured 21 NHLers drafted in the eighth round and later or signed as undrafted prospects. The chart shows the leading teams in finding late-round talent.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-04401/10060512-1-eng-US/f0040-042.jpg" title="f0040-04" width="1789" height="685"><figcaption class="caption-body">(DONALD MIRALLE/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0040-02

Dallas goalies create logjam

<div class="byline">BY ANSAR KHAN</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02576/10060571-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="673" height="1018"><figcaption class="caption-body">Pavel Datsyuk171st overall, 1998 (JEFF VINNICK/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01859/10060578-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="163" height="126"></div>No organization has had a more difficult task accumulating talent through the draft than Detroit. It&rsquo;s the price of success.The Wings have traded away six of their past nine first-rounders for Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios, Mathieu Schneider and Robert Lang.They&rsquo;ve had only one pick in the top 20 in the past 14 years and 1990 was the last time they had a selection higher than 10th. Their top pick in the last seven drafts, on average, has been 61st overall.Still, they&rsquo;ve managed to get the likes of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg late in the draft and have stockpiled a decent core of prospects.&ldquo;We think we have some players coming,&rdquo; said GM Ken Holland. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re not all going to make it, but we have enough kids that have had good years that we feel we have some future Red Wings.&rdquo;SCOUTS HONOR Assistant GM Jim Nill calls the shots on draft day and oversees an amateur scouting staff that has, for the most part, remained the same for 10 years. Holland said continuity is key.&ldquo;They have good chemistry,&rdquo; Holland said. &ldquo;When Jim Nill talks to somebody out in the field and gets a report, he feels he knows that player.&rdquo;IMMEDIATE NEED It&rsquo;s unlikely both Chris Osgood and Manny Legace will be re-signed, as top prospect Jimmy Howard will be ready to assume at least a backup role next season. If the team does not re-sign either veteran, it will seek an experienced goalie through free agency or a trade.Since Jiri Fischer could be forced into retirement due to his heart condition, finding a big, physical defenseman is a priority.LONG-TERM NEED It&rsquo;s possible Niklas Kronwall will be the only blueliner currently on the roster who will still be with the team in three years. There&rsquo;s no guarantee Nicklas Lidstrom will play that long and Schneider has one year remaining on his contract. The Wings will need to fill holes with prospects such as Jakub Kindl, Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech and Brett Lebda.READY TO STEP IN Jiri Hudler was near the top of the AHL scoring race with Grand Rapids all season. He made no impact during a four-game stint with the Wings in December, but will get a better opportunity next season, when he isn&rsquo;t exempt from waivers.Hudler frustrated the Wings with inconsistency during camp, which prompted coach Mike Babcock to question why he didn&rsquo;t play hard all the time. But Hudler made huge strides, displaying maturity and confidence.2005 TOP PICK Jakub Kindl, D, Kitchener, 19th overall. 60-12-46-58-112. Kindl made huge offensive improvement during his second junior season, becoming more comfortable with the North American style.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Dan Cleary, C, 27; Johan Franzen, RW, 26; Brett Lebda, D, 24; Jason Williams, RW, 25.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Chris Chelios, D, 44; Cory Cross, D, 35; Manny Legace, G, 33; Nicklas Lidstrom, D, 36; Andreas Lilja, D, 30; Mark Mowers, C, 32; Chris Osgood, G, 33; Brendan Shanahan, RW, 37; Jason Woolley, D, 36; Steve Yzerman, LW, 41.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Detroit&rsquo;s system:1. Jiri Hudler, LW, Grand Rapids (AHL)2. Jimmy Howard, G, G. Rapids (AHL3. Valtteri Filppula, C, G. Rapids (AHL)4. I. Grigorenko, RW, Cherepovets (Rus.)5. Jakub Kindl, D, Kitchener (OHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Detroit has chosen 140 players since 1991. Europeans account for 64 (46%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-03471/10060564-1-eng-US/f0041-032.jpg" title="f0041-03" width="447" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">64European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Sergei FedorovCareer winding down in Columbus2. Pavel DatsyukPut up great numbers before injury3. Henrik ZetterbergRapidly developing into superstar4. Tomas HolmstromCareer Wing key playoff performer5. Jiri FischerRugged, reliable before setback &#9632;

f0041-02

Net gains on horizon

<div class="byline">BY ROB TYCHKOWSKI</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-02604/10060623-1-eng-US/f0042-022.jpg" title="f0042-02" width="760" height="999"><figcaption class="caption-body">Shawn Horcoff99th overall, 1998</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01913/10060630-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg" title="f0042-01" width="126" height="126"></div>When the Edmonton Oilers&rsquo; hands were tied by budget constraints, they couldn&rsquo;t draft to save their lives.After the Oilers won their last Stanley Cup in 1989-90, only two of their next 11 first round picks lasted 80 games with the team. Now that the playing field is level and they can trade for Chris Pronger, more prospects are looking like players.In addition to Jarret Stoll, Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff, defenseman Matt Greene has proven himself an NHLer, Marc-Antoine Pouliot didn&rsquo;t look out of place in his NHL debut and OHL scoring machine Robbie Schremp might soon play in the show. The future looks brighter than it has in quite some time.SCOUTS HONOR The 13-man scouting squad covers all of the bases, from long-timer Lorne Davis to his son Brad, skilled Kent Nilsson in Europe and former blue collar types in Frank Musil and Dave Semenko.Vice-president of operations Kevin Prendergast joined the Oilers 16 years ago after seven years as assistant director of scouting with NHL Central Scouting. He visits every tributary league in the world.It&rsquo;s a crew that has taken knocks in the past, all well-deserved, but they&rsquo;ve picked it up lately.IMMEDIATE NEED If the Oilers can&rsquo;t sign Sergei Samsonov, they&rsquo;ll need to shore up their offense via trade or free agency. They get contributions from second liners Stoll and Raffi Torres, but they can&rsquo;t afford to lose the high-end punch Samsonov brought the team.They&rsquo;re in the same situation in goal. The Oilers must decide if they want to keep Dwayne Roloson after his questionable play down the stretch. If not, it&rsquo;s back to the open market to fill the void.LONG-TERM NEED Pronger, Jason Smith and Steve Staios will all be in their mid-to-late 30s a few years from now. Igor Ulanov will be gone by then. Dick Tarnstrom and Jaroslav Spacek aren&rsquo;t kids, either.Greene and Marc-Andre Bergeron are young, but there aren&rsquo;t any other young defenders the Oilers are willing to bank the future on just yet. Defense is an area where they used to think they were flush, but players once considered bluechippers &ndash; Doug Lynch, Jeff Woywitka and Alex Semenov &ndash; were not, and all were all traded.READY TO STEP IN Pouliot has all the offensive gifts and the Oilers got a good look at his determination down the stretch.That&rsquo;s never an easy time for a rookie to make his NHL debut, especially during a playoff race. But Pouliot didn&rsquo;t shy away in a huge, physical game with Calgary and opened the scoring a few nights later in another crucial tilt.2005 TOP PICK Andrew Cogliano, C, Michigan, 25th overall. 39-12-16-28-38. Lightning fast and brimming with skill. Numbers tailed off in freshman NCAA season, but he&rsquo;s in a great program.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Ales Hemsky, RW, 22, Shawn Horcoff, C, 27, Jarret Stoll, C, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Radek Dvorak, RW, 29; Georges Laraque, RW, 29; Mike Peca, C, 32; Fernando Pisani, RW, 29; Dwayne Roloson, G, 36; Sergei Samsonov, LW, 27; Jaroslav Spacek, D, 32; Dick Tarnstrom, D, 31; Igor Ulanov, D, 36.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Edmonton&rsquo;s system:1. Rob Schremp, C, London (OHL)2. M-A Pouliot, C, Hamilton (AHL)3. Andrew Cogliano, C, Michigan (CCHA)4. Devan Dubnyk, G, Kamloops (WHL)5. J-F Jacques, LW, Hamilton (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Edmonton has chosen 162 players since 1991. Europeans account for 53 (33%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-03477/10060616-1-eng-US/f0042-032.jpg" title="f0042-03" width="448" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">53European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Miroslav SatanLed Islanders in goal-scoring2. Ales HemskyEnjoyed breakout season3. Martin RucinskySolid season on Broadway4. David VybornyPoints leader in Columbus5. Jussi MarkkanenBackup to Roloson in Edmonton<h2>No surprise: North Americans dominate 2006 class</h2>The traditional trend of North Americans out-numbering Europeans in the draft isn&rsquo;t about to change.Forty of The Hockey News&rsquo; top 60 prospects for the 2006 draft are North American-born, including the top four and eight of the top 10. Three of the 20 Europeans in the top 60 play major junior in North America.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-04386/10060609-1-eng-US/f0042-042.jpg" title="f0042-04" width="1814" height="672"><figcaption class="caption-body">(DAVID SHERMAN/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0042-02

Making up for past errors

<div class="byline">BY BRIAN BIGGANE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-02624/10060682-1-eng-US/f0043-022.jpg" title="f0043-02" width="816" height="977"><figcaption class="caption-body">Olli Jokinen3rd overall, 1997</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-01887/10060689-1-eng-US/f0043-012.jpg" title="f0043-01" width="154" height="153"></div>After years of high-end selections supplied them with young talent such as Jay Bouwmeester, Nathan Horton, Stephen Weiss and Rostislav Olesz, the Panthers have made the draft less of a priority as they look toward ending a lengthy playoff drought in 2006-07.Florida used top 10 picks every year from 2001 to 2004 to draft the aforementioned quartet and they have become the team&rsquo;s promising young nucleus.The Panthers didn&rsquo;t do so well in previous drafts: They have nothing to show for any draft prior to 2001, which had a lot to do with GM Mike Keenan signing a number of key veterans the past two summers.SCOUTS HONOR The Panthers&rsquo; scouting staff hasn&rsquo;t changed a lot in recent years, with director of scouting Scott Luce serving four years and former coach Duane Sutter serving three years as director of player development.Florida&rsquo;s staff has 11 members, but plans to add one more by next season, with a need to upgrade its coverage of both junior and college hockey in New England.Luce&rsquo;s job has changed over the years. Once strictly in charge of amateur scouting, he now contributes5. David at the pro level. But his efforts turn back to the junior ranks come March and he makes the call for the top pick on draft day.IMMEDIATE NEED The Panthers have identified a high-end defenseman as their top priority and have their eyes on candidates ranging from Ed Jovanovski of Vancouver to Zdeno Chara of Ottawa.Team ownership has pledged to increase the payroll by as much as $10 million next season, to about $38 million, which should cover a new contract for Roberto Luongo as well as one or two defensemen.LONG-TERM NEED The upside to signing Joe Nieuwendyk, Gary Roberts and Sean Hill is leadership and experience. But they&rsquo;ll have to be replaced eventually.The need is greater up front than on the blueline, with Roberts and Nieuwendyk both 39, Martin Gelinas 35 and Jozef Stumpel turning 34 this summer.Anthony Stewart, Kamil Kreps, Rob Globke and Kenndal McArdle could fill in, but Keenan figures to sprinkle in a few more complementary vets each year.READY TO STEP IN Stewart was a star in his last junior year and adapted quickly to the AHL. He had two goals and three points in 10 games with Florida and had a shot at sticking when he got hurt.At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, he&rsquo;s got the physique to play even a fourth-line role if it comes to that. But he&rsquo;s also fearless around the net and has decent enough hands to be a second-liner.2005 TOP PICK Kenndal McArdle, LW, Moose Jaw, 20th overall. 72-28-43-71-135. Third in scoring on the top offensive team in the WHL with a plus-25, but his stats slipped from his draft year.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jay Bouwmeester, D, 22; Gregory Campbell, LW, 22; Nathan Horton, RW, 20; Ric Jackman, D, 27; Juraj Kolnik, RW, 25; Lukas Krajicek, D, 23; Roberto Luongo, G, 27; Branislav Mezei, D, 25; Steve Montador, D, 26; Serge Payer, C, 25; Jon Sim, RW, 28; Mike Van Ryn, D, 26; Stephen Weiss, C, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jamie Allison, D, 30; Alexander Karpovtsev, D, 36.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Florida&rsquo;s system:1. Anthony Stewart, RW, Roch. (AHL)2. Kenndal McArdle, LW, M. Jaw (WHL)3. Kamil Kreps, C, Rochester (AHL)4. Stefan Meyer, C, Rochester (AHL)5. David Shantz, G, Peterborough (OHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Florida has chosen 127 players since 1993. Europeans account for 34 (27%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-03520/10060675-1-eng-US/f0043-032.jpg" title="f0043-03" width="448" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">34European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Jaroslav SpacekPronger loves new &lsquo;D&rsquo; partner2. Filip KubaLogs heavy minutes in Minnesota3. Kristian HuseliusPlaying well after trade to Calgary4. Radek DvorakHas struggled to score consistently5. Oleg KvashaHasn&rsquo;t lived up to promise<h2>International draft percentages re-tracing its rise</h2>New CBA rules requiring European prospects to be signed within two years of getting drafted led to the number of Europeans selected in 2005 taking a fall.Forty-two per cent of draftees in 2000 were European, compared to half that &ndash; 21.7 per cent &ndash; last year. THN lists 20 Europeans in the top 60 for 2006.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-04398/10060668-1-eng-US/f0043-042.jpg" title="f0043-04" width="399" height="353"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-05349/10060661-1-eng-US/f0043-052.jpg" title="f0043-05" width="718" height="645"><figcaption class="caption-body">(MITCHELL LAYTON/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0043-02

Young talent to get boost

<div class="byline">BY RICH HAMMOND</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-02523/10060741-1-eng-US/f0044-022.jpg" title="f0044-02" width="703" height="971"><figcaption class="caption-body">Lubomir Visnovsky118th overall, 2000</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01793/10060748-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg" title="f0044-01" width="146" height="126"></div>It was hollow, albeit accurate, to note the future looked bright in Los Angeles as the Kings slid out of a playoff spot.So while the Kings have not made the playoffs since 2002, they have succeeded in recent years in stockpiling young talent that they hope will pay off for years to come.Anze Kopitar, the Kings&rsquo; 2005 first-rounder, spent last season in Sweden, but will contend for a roster spot this fall at 19. Lauri Tukonen, who had a solid first professional season in the AHL, could also make his NHL debut. He&rsquo;s also just 19.With NCAA standouts Brian Boyle and Scott Parse also in the system, the challenge for the Kings is to duplicate their recent strong efforts in the draft.SCOUTS HONOR New president-GM Dean Lombardi inherits a staff of 15 amateur scouts, with Al Murray having completed his 12th season as director of amateur scouting in 2005-06.Murray&rsquo;s top deputy in North America is Grant Sonier, a former IHL and ECHL coach and Florida Panthers scout, while Rob Laird is the point man on European scouting.Murray, a coach at the University of Regina in the mid-1980s, has survived several of the Kings&rsquo; regime changes.IMMEDIATE NEED The Kings should have significant cap room this summer, even if, as expected, they lock up some young forwards &ndash; most notably 2005-06 leading goal-scorer Michael Cammalleri.The Kings can stand to get better at forward, defense and in goal, but what&rsquo;s most important is the skaters they acquire can boost their special teams, since both the power play and penalty kill finished in the bottom five in the NHL this season.The Kings must also decide whether they want to continue their investment in goalies Mathieu Garon and Jason LaBarbera, or invest in an experienced No. 1. Both were inconsistent in their first full NHL seasons.LONG-TERM NEED The state of the blueline is a pressing concern. Aaron Miller turns 35 in August and is entering the final year of his contract.Captain Mattias Norstrom signed a two-year contract extension, but he is 34 and has dealt with nagging injuries.The Kings can build around Lubomir Visnovsky and Tim Gleason, but will need to improve their blueline depth in the future.READY TO STEP IN It&rsquo;s scary for any team to put so much stock in a 19-year-old center, but the Kings believe Kopitar is a keeper. He will get a long look in training camp. The Kings believe he is their big scorer of the future.2005 TOP PICK Anze Kopitar, C, Sodertalje, 11th overall. 47-8-12-20-n/a. Kings wanted him to play in the AHL after a strong camp, but were pleased with his development in the Swedish Elite League.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Sean Avery, C, 26; Eric Belanger, C, 28; Dustin Brown, RW, 21; Michael Cammalleri, C, 24; Tim Gleason, D, 23; Mathieu Garon, G, 28; Mike Weaver, D, 28.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Derek Armstrong, C, 33; Valeri Bure, RW, 32; Joe Corvo, D, 29; Jeff Cowan, LW, 29; Nathan Dempsey, D, 32; Mark Parrish, RW, 29; Jeremy Roenick, C, 36.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Los Angeles&rsquo; system:1. Anze Kopitar, C, Sodertalje (Swe.)2. Lauri Tukonen, RW, Manchester (AHL)3. K. Pushkarev, C, Manchester (AHL)4. Brian Boyle, C, Boston College (ECAC)5. Richard Petiot, D, Manchester (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Los Angeles has chosen 146 players since 1991. Europeans account for 52 (37%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-03397/10060734-1-eng-US/f0044-032.jpg" title="f0044-03" width="448" height="304"><figcaption class="caption-body">52European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Olli JokinenAnother fine season with Florida2. Kimmo TimonenBlueliner is captain in Nashville3. Lubomir VisnovskyPut up stellar numbers in &rsquo;05-064. Alexander FrolovExpected to develop into a star5. Alexei ZhitnikStruggled on Long Island<h2>Major junior losing ground to rest of the world</h2>The three major junior leagues don&rsquo;t dominate draft day the way they once did, despite adding American- and European-born talent.A whopping 74.7 per cent of 115 draftees in 1970 were CHLers, compared to only 47.4 per cent of 230 prospects in 2005. The Hockey News listed 30 CHLers in the top 60 for this year&rsquo;s draft.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-04315/10060727-1-eng-US/f0044-042.jpg" title="f0044-04" width="620" height="331"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-05264/10060720-1-eng-US/f0044-052.jpg" title="f0044-05" width="982" height="645"><figcaption class="caption-body">(NOAH GRAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0044-02

Kings anxious for Anze time

<div class="byline">BY BRIAN MURPHY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-02476/10060800-1-eng-US/f0045-022.jpg" title="f0045-02" width="815" height="1009"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brian Rolston11th overall, 1991</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-01698/10060807-1-eng-US/f0045-012.jpg" title="f0045-01" width="182" height="118"></div>The contracts of 16 Minnesota Wild players expire this summer, including Marian Gaborik and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Those core wingers will be retained, but there are few guarantees among the remaining job seekers.For the first time, the Wild have two first round picks, including Edmonton&rsquo;s from the Dwayne Roloson trade. There&rsquo;s a chance GM Doug Risebrough will move one of those picks for a player.The off-season&rsquo;s most intriguing storyline revolves around Gaborik, who is arbitration eligible and due to become an unrestricted free agent in 2007. Gaborik is demanding more ice time and a better surrounding cast or he might take a one-year arbitrated settlement and hit the open market next year.SCOUTS HONOR The mid-season hiring of former Team Canada executive Blair Mackasey to coordinate the four-man pro scouting staff brings another set of eyes to the staff. The role had become cumbersome for Risebrough, who wanted an experienced scout to run the department. Mackasey also scouted for Canadian Olympic team GM Wayne Gretzky and was with the Coyotes from 1996-2002.Assistant GM Tom Thompson has been with the Wild since 1999 after working for Risebrough in Calgary. Thompson coordinates the 13-man amateur scouting staff and is Risebrough&rsquo;s closest advisor at the draft table.IMMEDIATE NEED More goals. The Wild finished in the bottom third in scoring a fifth straight season. Five players (Bouchard, Gaborik, Wes Walz, Brian Rolston, and Todd White) scored more than 50 per cent of the team&rsquo;s goals. Acquiring an offensive blueliner is imperative. The Wild also lacks a true No. 1 center with playmaking and faceoff acumen.LONG-TERM NEED Goaltending has been a beacon of strength because of the tandem of Roloson and Manny Fernandez. But that dynamic changed when Fernandez won the No. 1 job and a three-year contract extension and Roloson was dealt to the Oilers.Coveted prospect Josh Harding bagged a shootout victory and a shutout in his two NHL starts before being returned to the AHL for a playoff run. The back-up job is his next year so the Wild will draft another stopper for the system.READY TO STEP IN Patrick O&rsquo;Sullivan only had a week to impress the brass last September before a shoulder injury put his NHL dreams in a sling. That merely delayed his coming-out party.The Houston Aeros rookie has taken a wrecking ball to AHL opponents. &lsquo;Hat Trick&rsquo; O&rsquo;Sullivan, as he is known among Aeros fans, threatened the 50-goal barrier.2005 TOP PICK Benoit Pouliot, C, Sudbury, fourth overall, 51-35-30-65-141. Brilliant most games, coasted others, he dominated in the playoffs (eight goals, 10 games). He&rsquo;ll need two years pro seasoning.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Derek Boogaard, LW, 24; P-M Bouchard, LW, 22; Brent Burns, D, 21; Pascal Dupuis, LW, 27; Kurtis Foster, D, 24; Marian Gaborik, RW, 24; Josh Harding, G, 22; Alex Henry, LW, 26; Mikko Koivu, C, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Marc Chouinard, C, 29; Filip Kuba, D, 29; Randy Robitaille, C, 30; Daniel Tjarnqvist, D, 29; Kyle Wanvig, RW, 25; Andrei Zyuzin, D, 28.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Minnesota&rsquo;s system:1. Benoit Pouliot, C, Sudbury (OHL)2. Josh Harding, G, Houston (AHL)3. Roman Voloshenko, LW, Hou. (AHL)4. Danny Irmen, C, Minnesota (WCHA)5. Patrick O&rsquo;Sullivan, C, Hou. (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Minnesota has chosen 54 players since 2000. Europeans account for 20 (37%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-03402/10060793-1-eng-US/f0045-032.jpg" title="f0045-03" width="446" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">20European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Marian GaborikMost dangerous in Wild history2. Mikko KoivuStepping out of Saku&rsquo;s shadow3. Maxim SushinskyPlaying very well back in Russia4. Lubomir SekerasBouncing around Europe5. Tony VirtaBack in Finland after cup of coffee<h2>Prospects getting drafted before college career</h2>The number of U.S. college draftees is slipping, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean there aren&rsquo;t future NHLers pounding NCAA campuses.Just 5.6 per cent of 2005 draftees played in the NCAA, a big drop from 1975. However, many prospects drafted from high school or USA Hockey&rsquo;s development program are off to college after getting drafted.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-04342/10060786-1-eng-US/f0045-042.jpg" title="f0045-04" width="354" height="353"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-05294/10060779-1-eng-US/f0045-052.jpg" title="f0045-05" width="568" height="644"><figcaption class="caption-body">(DAVID SHERMAN/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0045-02

Wild search for offense

<div class="byline">BY HERB ZURKOWSKY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02476/10060845-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="719" height="1020"><figcaption class="caption-body">Alex Kovalev15th overall, 1991 (DALE MACMILLAN/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01707/10060852-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg" title="f0046-01" width="155" height="106"></div>The Montreal Canadiens may have entered the playoffs as Stanley Cup longshots, but the organization is bullish over young players who were making significant contributions.GM Bob Gainey, after firing coach Claude Julien in mid-January and replacing him behind the bench, wanted to give younger players more ice time.The biggest beneficiary was rookie left winger Chris Higgins, who played on the Habs&rsquo; top line with Saku Koivu and Michael Ryder. Higgins responded with 20-plus goals, fuelling optimism for the future.&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got a good crop of young players,&rdquo; said director of player personnel Trevor Timmins. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t reiterate how important patience is. You have to give them a chance to show what they can do.&rdquo;SCOUTS HONOR Timmins, in his fourth season with the organization and only 38, heads a group of a dozen amateur scouts. He&rsquo;s one of eight who scour North America, with another four patrolling Europe. Assistant GM Andre Savard provides invaluable experience and is a mentor.IMMEDIATE NEED It&rsquo;s no secret the Canadiens lack depth on defense. Montreal&rsquo;s defensemen aren&rsquo;t big or physical, so the team traded for Todd Simpson from Chicago at the deadline.There isn&rsquo;t an over-abundance of defensemen in the system and they aren&rsquo;t highly recognizable, with most playing in Europe or at the U.S. collegiate level.That could force the organization into signing a free agent defender or trading for one who could make a bigger impact. Trading goalie Jose Theodore created cap room.LONG-TERM NEED The Canadiens aren&rsquo;t the NHL&rsquo;s youngest team, but are far from old, with an average age of 28.4.Although nine of their players are 30 or older, all could still be playing in three years, perhaps in diminished roles.There&rsquo;s an abundance of youth playing for Montreal or waiting in the wings &ndash; from future goalies Yann Danis and Carey Price, to Mike Komisarek and Andrei Markov on defense, to forwards Higgins, Tomas Plekanec, Ryder and Alexander Perezhogin.READY TO STEP IN Many fans haven&rsquo;t heard of Russian defenseman Alexei Yemelin, but the Habs&rsquo; brass believes they will soon.He&rsquo;s not big, at 6-feet and 187 pounds, but the Canadiens thought highly enough of Yemelin to draft him 84th overall in 2004.Not only was Yemelin Russia&rsquo;s captain and best defender at the 2006 WJC, this was his third season competing against older players in Russia&rsquo;s top league. At 20, he&rsquo;s tenacious, poised, and skilled.2005 TOP PICK Carey Price, G, Tri-City, fifth overall. 21-25-3, 2.87, .906. He had a slow start, but finished strong. His team played well in the second half and Price deserves much credit for it.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS David Aebischer, G, 28; Chris Higgins, LW, 22; Mike Komisarek, D; 24; Garth Murray, LW, 23; Alexander Perezhogin, RW, 22; Mike Ribeiro, C, 26; Michael Ryder, RW, 26; Mark Streit, D, 28.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Francis Bouillon, D, 30; Jan Bulis, LW, 28; Cristobal Huet, G, 30; Niklas Sundstrom, RW, 30.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Montreal&rsquo;s system:1. Carey Price, G, Tri-City (WHL)2. G. Latendresse, RW, Dru. (QMJHL)3. A. Kostitsyn, RW, Hamilton (AHL)4. Kyle Chipchura, C, P. Albert (WHL)5. Yann Danis, G, Hamilton (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Montreal has chosen 159 players since 1991. Europeans account for 38 (29%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-03326/10060838-1-eng-US/f0046-032.jpg" title="f0046-03" width="450" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">38European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Saku KoivuUnquestioned leader in Montreal2. Tomas VokounBecame a star goalie in Nashville3. Andrei MarkovDefender enjoyed career season4. Valeri BureDidn&rsquo;t play in 05-06 due to injury5. Oleg PetrovWinger playing in Swiss league &#9632;

f0046-02

Seeking help for the defense

<div class="byline">BY DAVID BOCLAIR</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-02418/10060897-1-eng-US/f0047-022.jpg" title="f0047-02" width="697" height="1007"><figcaption class="caption-body">Paul Kariya4th overall, 1993</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-01637/10060904-1-eng-US/f0047-012.jpg" title="f0047-01" width="167" height="100"></div>The 2006 draft will be something completely different for the Predators, as they will not have a first round pick for the first time in franchise history.Nashville GM David Poile dealt away this year&rsquo;s top selection at the March trade deadline to acquire defenseman Brendan Witt. Other deals left the Predators without a third round choice and a previously acquired fourth-rounder.Combine that with the fact the Predators moved into the upper echelon of the Western Conference in 2005-06 and they&rsquo;ll be hard-pressed to land an impact player.SCOUTS HONOR The Preds have maintained a sizable and far-reaching scouting staff, which currently includes eight full-time amateur scouts (five in North America, three in Europe) and director of player personnel Paul Fenton, who has made the final call in each of the past three drafts.Rick Knickle is an original Predator scout and maintains a strong presence, particularly concerning goalies, a position addressed in five of the past seven drafts. Lucas Bergman makes his case for Swedish and Finnish prospects, but the number of European players drafted has decreased under Fenton.IMMEDIATE NEED The trade deadline addition of defenseman Brendan Witt showed just what Nashville had been lacking in terms of size and toughness at the blueline. Re-signing Witt, an unrestricted free agent, will be a priority, but adding another player with similar qualities would help.The Predators also need someone with speed and creativity to complement Paul Kariya. Too many times this season, Kariya&rsquo;s pinpoint passes went off a teammate&rsquo;s stick or he went unseen while in scoring position.LONG-TERM NEED The Predators are going to have to find more players who can put the puck in the net, particularly at center. Three of their top four pivots &ndash; Yanic Perreault, Mike Sillinger and Greg Johnson &ndash; are well into their 30s. The one who isn&rsquo;t, 25-year-old David Legwand, never has scored more than 18 goals in a season and has had injury problems.READY TO STEP IN Right winger Alexander Radulov, a first-rounder in 2004, produced an overwhelming offensive season for Quebec, which included the second-longest point streak in QMJHL history (50 games).Even if he starts next season in the AHL, he will make his way to Nashville. Radulov combines highend skill with speed and enthusiasm, like Rick Nash in Columbus or Alexander Ovechkin in Washington.2005 TOP PICK Ryan Parent, D, Guelph, 18th overall. 60-4-17-21-122. Parent&rsquo;s combination of skill and toughness has management convinced he&rsquo;ll follow in the footsteps of Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Kevin Klein.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Martin Erat, LW, 24; Vern Fiddler, C, 25; Adam Hall, RW, 25; Dan Hamhuis, D, 23; Scott Hartnell, LW, 23; David Legwand, C, 25; Jerred Smithson, C, 27; Jordin Tootoo, RW, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Mark Eaton, D, 28; Greg Johnson, C, 35; Danny Markov, D, 29; Chris Mason, G, 29; Yanic Perreault, C, 35; Mike Sillinger, C, 34; Brendan Witt, D, 31; Marek Zidlicky, D, 29.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Nashville&rsquo;s system:1. Alex Radulov, RW, Quebec (QMJHL)2. Ryan Parent, D, Guelph (OHL)3. Brian Finley, G, Milwaukee (AHL)4. Kevin Klein, D, Milwaukee (AHL)5. Kon Glazachev, LW, Yaroslavl (Rus.)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Nashville has chosen 83 players since 1998. Europeans account for 43 (52%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-03331/10060890-1-eng-US/f0047-032.jpg" title="f0047-03" width="451" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">43European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Karlis SkrastinsNHL ironman now in Colorado2. Martin EratSolid second-line left winger3. Denis ArkhipovBack in Russia after four seasons4. Timofei ShishkanovPicked up by St. Louis in trade5. Jan LasakGot surprise start at Olympics<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-04251/10060883-1-eng-US/f0047-042.jpg" title="f0047-04" width="2175" height="694"><figcaption class="caption-body">(NOAH GRAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0047-02

Preds ready for Radulov

<div class="byline">BY RICH CHERE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-02324/10060949-1-eng-US/f0048-022.jpg" title="f0048-02" width="734" height="1034"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brian Gionta82nd overall, 1998</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01502/10060956-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="126" height="130"></div>Lou Lamoriello has never gone into a draft expecting his scouts to fill a hole immediately. It has been that way in 19 years of operating the Devils. This year will be no different.But there definitely will be a different atmosphere at the Devils&rsquo; draft table this time around. It will be the first time the team participates in the draft since the departures of Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer.&ldquo;There are holes,&rdquo; said director of scouting David Conte of the organization&rsquo;s overall depth, &ldquo;but if I look around the league, other teams have holes, too.&ldquo;No one replaces those types of players, but there is a natural metamorphosis. It would be counter-productive to talk about it. I&rsquo;m thrilled to have had those guys. They won&rsquo;t be forgotten, but we have to go forward.&rdquo;SCOUTS HONOR Stability has been the trademark of the Devils&rsquo; scouting department. Lamoriello has the final word on all decisions, but he has full confidence in Conte and his staff.The addition of former NHLer Pierre Mondou was a key move. Mondou has brought a positive attitude to a front office stressed in recent years by having lower picks.&ldquo;This is the same group we&rsquo;ve had forever,&rdquo; Conte said. &ldquo;I get far too much credit.&rdquo;IMMEDIATE NEED Lamoriello&rsquo;s off-season duties include resigning Patrik Elias and inking Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta to long-term deals. But he will also be looking to make trades or sign free agents who will improve the blueline.The Devils believe this is a strong enough draft to find quality prospects, but they do not expect to see any 2006 picks make their roster out of camp. Their history has been to draft the best player available rather than by position.LONG-TERM NEED Conte believes there are quality prospects who will be available and they are likely to look ahead and draft some middle-class defensemen. That is an area in which the team could be thin for several years.&ldquo;Our view changes overnight,&rdquo; Conte suggested. &ldquo;We might have to replace an &lsquo;A&rsquo; player with three &lsquo;B&rsquo; players for the long term. You don&rsquo;t know if injuries or free agency will become factors.&rdquo;READY TO STEP IN Right winger Barry Tallackson, the team&rsquo;s second selection in 2002, played 10 games for the Devils and did not look out of place. On a team that relies heavily on smaller forwards, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Tallackson is likely to make the team next fall and would add much-needed size.He and left winger Jason Ryznar are attractive to other teams in trade talks, so either could be moved for veteran help.2005 TOP PICK Nicklas Bergfors, RW, Albany, 23rd overall, 61-17-18-35-10. The young Swede learned fast and may be ready to take the next step. &ldquo;I think he&rsquo;ll be a good NHLer,&rdquo; Conte predicted.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Brian Gionta, RW, 27; Scott Gomez, C, 26; David Hale, D, 25; Paul Martin, D, 25; Colin White, D, 28.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Tommy Albelin, D, 42; Patrik Elias, LW, 30; Ken Klee, D, 35; Viktor Kozlov, LW, 31; Jamie Langenbrunner, RW, 30; Erik Rasmussen, C, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in New Jersey&rsquo;s system:1. Travis Zajac, C, North Dakota (WCHA)2. Nicklas Bergfors, C, Albany (AHL)3. Jeff Frazee, G, Minnesota (WCHA)4. Ari Ahonen, G, Albany (AHL)5. Petr Vrana, C, Albany (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>New Jersey has chosen 154 players since 1991. Europeans account for 46 (30%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-03227/10060942-1-eng-US/f0048-032.jpg" title="f0048-03" width="450" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">46European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Patrik EliasDevils&rsquo; most dangerous sniper2. Petr SykoraReviving career on Broadway3. Sergei BrylinCareer Devil a defensive whiz4. Krzysztof OliwaTough guy victim of new NHL5. Ari AhonenFinnish goalie hasn&rsquo;t panned out yet<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-04184/10060935-1-eng-US/f0048-042.jpg" title="f0048-04" width="2176" height="700"><figcaption class="caption-body">(MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0048-02

Devils target only the best

<div class="byline">BY PETER BOTTE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-02387/10061001-1-eng-US/f0049-022.jpg" title="f0049-02" width="947" height="988"><figcaption class="caption-body">Alexei Yashin2nd overall, 1992</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-01497/10061008-1-eng-US/f0049-012.jpg" title="f0049-01" width="119" height="115"></div>The Islanders developed a habit under former GM Mike Milbury to draft talent out of Europe. Time will tell if that changes under new leadership.Until Ryan O&rsquo;Marra&rsquo;s selection in the first round a year ago, the Isles drafted a European in the first round four consecutive years from 2001 through 2004. Some of those selections have been heavily criticized, such as Milbury taking Robert Nilsson 15th overall in 2003 ahead of Zach Parise and Mike Richards, but the future is looking bright for the European crop.Milbury departed just as he cut back on his habit of drafting stars and dispersing them around the NHL. Four of the Isles&rsquo; recent top picks &ndash; goalie Rick DiPietro and forwards Sean Bergenheim, Robert Nilsson and Petteri Nokelainen &ndash; were on the roster.SCOUTS HONOR In addition to the assembled first round talent, the Isles, led by chief amateur scout Tony Feltrin, also have unearthed several everyday players in the later rounds.Feltrin relies heavily on a deep scouting staff &ndash; three blanketing U.S. college and high school hockey, three covering the Canadian Hockey League and three in Europe, including former Islanders&rsquo; winger Anders Kallur.IMMEDIATE NEED There are no No. 1-caliber blueliners on the horizon. The Isles lost Adrian Aucoin, Roman Hamrlik and Kenny Jonsson to free agency and traded unproductive veterans Janne Niinimaa, Brent Sopel and Brad Lukowich.Usually dependable Alexei Zhitnik remains in the fold and the Isles also are high on recently acquired Denis Grebeshkov, but look for the organization to sign, trade for or draft a marquee defensemen this summer.LONG-TERM NEED Experience is suddenly in short supply. The already young Islanders got even younger when several veterans were jettisoned at the trade deadline. The team dressed up to 13 players aged 26 or under in the final games of the season.The Isles have a good crop of young forwards and DiPietro, 24, is just reaching his prime. The Isles are stuck with Alexei Yashin for the final five years of his contract.READY TO STEP IN He didn&rsquo;t initially agree, but it looks like sending Bergenheim to Bridgeport paid dividends. A spunky forward in the Jason Blake pinball mode, Bergenheim moped in the weeks following his training-camp demotion, but eventually found his scoring touch and two-way game. He thrived late in the season and found chemistry with Yashin and Nilsson.2005 TOP PICK Ryan O&rsquo;Marra, C, Erie, 15th overall, 61-27-50-77-134. The 19-year-old pivot finished second on his team in scoring and buried two goals in his AHL debut after signing a three-year contract.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Arron Asham, RW, 28; Sean Bergenheim, LW, 22; Chris Campoli, D, 21; Rick DiPietro, G, 24; John Erskine, D, 26; Eric Godard, RW, 26; Denis Grebeshkov, D, 22; Trent Hunter, RW, 25; Justin Papineau, C, 26; Steve Regier, LW, 21; Mike York, C, 28.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Joel Bouchard, D, 32; Wade Dubielewicz, G, 27; Jeff Hamilton, C, 28; Tomi Pettinen, D, 29; Wyatt Smith, C, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in the Islanders&rsquo; system:1. Ryan O&rsquo;Marra, C, Erie (OHL)2. Blake Comeau, C, Kelowna (WHL)3. Jeremy Colliton, C, Bridgeport (AHL)4. Bruno Gervais, D, Bridgeport (AHL)5. Dustin Kohn, D, Calgary (WHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>New York has chosen 148 players since 1991. Europeans account for 54 (36%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-03308/10060994-1-eng-US/f0049-032.jpg" title="f0049-03" width="448" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">54European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Zdeno CharaBecame top blueliner after trade2. Ziggy PalffyNagging injuries led to retirement3. Darius KasparaitisPatrols blueline of other N.Y. team4. Tommy SaloRetired during lockout5. Dick TarnstromEnjoying success in Edmonton<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-04285/10060987-1-eng-US/f0049-042.jpg" title="f0049-04" width="2189" height="688"><figcaption class="caption-body">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0049-02

Blueline depth thin on Island

<div class="byline">BY LARRY BROOKS</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-02371/10061046-1-eng-US/f0050-022.jpg" title="f0050-02" width="712" height="1011"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jaromir Jagr5th overall, 1990 (GREGORY SHAMUS/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01486/10061053-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg" title="f0050-01" width="124" height="118"></div>The bridge to the 21st century took longer than expected for the Rangers to cross. But now that they have arrived, the organization is operating like a credible, professional hockey hierarchy.In other words, the Rangers are dedicated to developing prospects from within rather than cobbling together a team of mismatched marquee names.The kids are not only pretty good, but also recognize that if they prove themselves worthy, they will get the chance to play. The last generation of Ranger farmhands understood they were merely disposable commodities and the best route to the NHL was via a trade.The modernization process was accelerated at the 2004 trade deadline. GM Glen Sather traded away nine veterans in return for 10 players aged 25-or-younger and seven first or second round picks.SCOUTS HONOR Sather has built a personnel and development department from the ground up since taking over for Neil Smith in 2000, dramatically increasing the size and scope of the scouting operation.While former Islanders player-personnel director Gordie Clark is the new man at the top of amateur scouting, vice-president Don Maloney also has significant input in the team&rsquo;s direction. Long-time European scout Christer Rockstrom, now the director of player personnel for Europe, is assisted by Jan Gajdosik (the man who uncovered gem Petr Prucha).IMMEDIATE NEEDS The Rangers are seeking power forwards &ndash; both up the middle and on the wings &ndash; and a playmaking second line center would help, too.Expect the Rangers to also pursue a top defenseman from the free agent pool and an upgrade in talent on the third and fourth lines, which produced a single-digit goal total after the Olympics.LONG-TERM NEEDS Franchise player Jaromir Jagr will turn 35 next season and has only two years remaining on his contract. In other words, the Rangers will have to invest in a blue chip free agent forward as at some point during the next couple of summers, most likely 2007 rather than this year.But the other key forwards are getting older as well. Four of the top six are 33 or older, so top-flight scoring will need to be addressed in coming years.READY TO STEP IN Center Jarkko Immonen, who impressed in a late-season cameo, will compete for a spot next fall after a fine AHL freshman year with Hartford.Checking pivot Dwight Helminen, winger Nigel Dawes and defenseman Thomas Pock also appear to be on the verge of earning spots. And the Rangers believe 19-year-old defenseman Marc Staal is ready to make the jump.2005 TOP PICK Marc Staal, D, Sudbury, 12th overall. 57-11-38-49-60. Staal had a fine offensive campaign with the Wolves and the Rangers want him on their pro roster soon as possible.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Marcel Hossa, LW, 24; Dominic Moore, C, 25; Jed Ortmeyer, RW, 27; Michal Rozsival, D, 27; Fedor Tyutin, D, 22.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Tom Poti, D, 29; Steve Rucchin, C, 34; Martin Rucinsky, LW, 35; Martin Straka, LW, 33; Jason Strudwick, D, 30; Petr Sykora, RW, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in New York&rsquo;s system:1. Marc Staal, D, Sudbury (OHL)2. Al Montoya, G, Hartford (AHL)3. Lauri Korpikoski, LW, Turku (Fin.)4. Ivan Baranka, D, Hartford (AHL)5. Jarkko Immonen, C, Hartford (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>New York has chosen 159 players since 1991. Europeans account for 60 (38%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-03187/10061039-1-eng-US/f0050-032.jpg" title="f0050-03" width="448" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">60European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Henrik LundqvistRookie one of NHL&rsquo;s best goalies2. Mattias NorstromRock-steady captain in L.A.3. Alex KovalevSniper inconsistent in Montreal4. Kim JohnssonFlyers&rsquo; key blueliner when healthy5. Marek ZidlickyPoint man on Nashville power play &#9632;

f0050-02

Rangers learn to modernize

<div class="byline">BY WAYNE FISH</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-02239/10061136-1-eng-US/f0052-022.jpg" title="f0052-02" width="747" height="1031"><figcaption class="caption-body">Peter Forsberg6th overall, 1991 (SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01370/10061143-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg" title="f0052-01" width="141" height="103"></div>When the salary cap chainsaw roared in and chopped down the highest payroll in the NHL forest &ndash; a free agent-bloated $66 million &ndash; the Flyers knew where to go for cheaper lumber.Down on the farm, where else?The Flyers used 13 rookies in 2005-06, six of whom came off their own draft rolls. This is a departure from previous years, when a liberal budget allowed for unlimited free agent signings.Now the draft has suddenly taken on a much greater importance. The Flyers&rsquo; nucleus of the future &ndash; Joni Pitkanen, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Antero Niittymaki and Ryan Potulny &ndash; is home grown.In an age of salary certainty, commitment to player development makes better business sense.SCOUTS HONOR The Flyers&rsquo; staff, which loosely consists of four North American scouts and three Europeans, has been together for more than a decade.Assistant GM Paul Holmgren coordinates the information and on draft day helps GM Bob Clarke, who no longer does much field work, make the final decision.Inge Hammarstrom is the most influential scout in Europe; veteransDennis Patterson and Simon Nolet (responsible for the key Simon Gagne pick in &rsquo;98) have a big say in North American matters along with John Chapman.IMMEDIATE NEED Defense is something the Flyers must address soon. Eric Desjardins is 37 and Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje are in their mid-30s. Aside from prospects Randy Jones and Wade Skolney, there&rsquo;s little help coming.The Flyers added Denis Gauthier, 29, at the trade deadline without giving up a roster player. They could go the same route during the off-season if they choose not to re-sign Kim Johnsson and/or Chris Therien, both expected to finish this season on the injured list.LONG-TERM NEED While the Flyers are in good shape at center, the wings need to be restocked.Simon Gagne is the only proven scorer on the flanks still in his 20s. Rookie R.J. Umberger, a converted center, looks like a keeper. Otherwise, the Flyers have many players in their 30s.Although there are promising youngsters such as Ben Eager and Stefan Ruzicka in the system, the Flyers will likely turn to outside veteran help for young centers Carter, Richards and Potulny.READY TO STEP IN Few players make the jump from college to pro in the same season, but Potulny accomplished that feat. Teammates have been impressed with his skill and hockey sense.Keith Primeau&rsquo;s uncertain future (post-concussion syndrome), and the unlikelihood of Petr Nedved getting a new contract will leave the door open for Potulny.2005 TOP PICK Steve Downie, RW, Peterborough, 29th overall, 35-19-34-53-113. Despite many off-ice issues, he made amazing strides as a player and earned many plaudits as an NHL-style winger.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Simon Gagne, LW, 26; Antero Niittymaki, G, 25; Joni Pitkanen, D, 22; Branko Radivojevic, RW, 25; R.J. Umberger, LW, 24.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Donald Brashear, LW, 34; Eric Desjardins, D, 37; Kim Johnsson, D, 30; Brian Savage, RW, 35; Chris Therien, D, 34.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Philadelphia&rsquo;s system:1. Steve Downie, RW, Peterborough (OHL)2. Stefan Ruzicka, RW, Philadelphia (AHL)3. Ryan Potulny, C, Minnesota (WCHA)4. Alex Picard, D, Philadelphia (AHL)5. R. Beauchemin, G, Trenton (ECHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Philadelphia has chosen 136 players since 1991. Europeans account for 54 (40%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-03169/10061129-1-eng-US/f0052-032.jpg" title="f0052-03" width="448" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">54European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Peter ForsbergFinally back in Philly as free agent2. Vaclav ProspalProspered since return to Tampa3. Joni PitkanenThe future of Flyers&rsquo; defense4. Dimitri YushkevichEx-NHLer playing in Switzerland5. Janne NiinimaaEscaped Long Island to Dallas &#9632;

f0052-02

Tending farm top priority

<div class="byline">BY DAVID VEST</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0053-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-02241/10061188-1-eng-US/f0053-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Shane Doan7th overall, 1995</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-01346/10061195-1-eng-US/f0053-012.jpg" title="f0053-01" width="122" height="126"></div>Wayne Gretzky failed to transform the Coyotes from an also-ran into a playoff team in his first season as coach. His roster at the end of the year looked little like the one on opening night.Gretzky lost faith in many veterans &ndash; Brett Hull, Petr Nedved, Sean O&rsquo;Donnell and Brian Boucher to name just a few &ndash; and they&rsquo;re long gone. What remains is a group of mostly younger players with only a few playoff-savvy veterans.Though pleased with the team&rsquo;s improvement from its dreadful showing in 2003-04, Gretzky knows he needs a lot more talent, especially up front, to make the playoffs. Mindful there&rsquo;s little immediate help coming from the lower levels, the Coyotes have set themselves up to spend about $20 million on free agents this summer.SCOUTS HONOR Director of player personnel Tom Kurvers heads a 13-man scouting staff comprised of nine in North America and four in Europe.Because of the cap, the Coyotes are looking to develop more players from within. Thus, the scouting staff may increase once the new fiscal year begins July 1.Kurvers took over for Dave Draper during the lockout and he&rsquo;s the go-to man on draft day, with Keith Gretzky, Greg Royce, Steve Lyons, Blair Reed and Willy Lindstrom serving as lieutenants.IMMEDIATE NEED The Coyotes lost gifted scorer Ladislav Nagy to injuries the past two seasons and have struggled offensively without him both times. There is little depth up front and at least one or two top-six forwards are needed for a serious run at the playoffs.Gretzky has vowed to bring in impact players via free agency and/or trades this off-season. A playmaking center tops his shopping list, but Phoenix will also try to lure a veteran defender with toughness and playoff experience.LONG-TERM NEED The Coyotes are one of the younger teams in the league, with only six players over 30. At one point, five of six defenders were under 25.Most of those players, especially rookie standouts Zbynek Michalek and Keith Ballard, will likely remain with the team for some time.So will David LeNeveu, the consensus goalie of the future. But the Coyotes may be in trouble if LeNeveu doesn&rsquo;t produce, especially if Curtis Joseph bolts.READY TO STEP IN LeNeveu has been groomed to be the No. 1 goalie and will be given the job if the Coyotes and Joseph part ways. LeNeveu may get the job even if Joseph stays; Gretzky said another American League season would hurt LeNeveu more than help.LeNeveu&rsquo;s confidence and maturity are high and his skills sound.2005 TOP PICK Martin Hanzal, C, Omaha, 17th overall, 22-4-15-19-34. He played much of the season in a defensive role in the Czech Republic, but responded to greater offensive expectations with Omaha.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Mike Comrie, C, 25; Josh Gratton, LW, 23; Paul Mara, D, 26; Zbynek Michalek, D, 23; Ladislav Nagy, LW, 26; Oleg Saprykin, LW, 25; Phil Sauve, G, 26; Dennis Seidenberg, D, 24; Fredrik Sjostrom, LW, 22.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Boyd Devereaux, C, 27; Curtis Joseph, G, 38; Oleg Kvasha, LW, 27; Jamie Rivers, D, 31; Geoff Sanderson, C, 34.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Phoenix&rsquo;s system:1. Blake Wheeler, RW, Minnesota (WCHA)2. Martin Hanzal, C, Omaha (USHL)3. Enver Lisin, RW, Kazan (Rus.)4. Matt Jones, D, San Antonio (AHL)5. Matt Spiller, D, San Antonio (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Phoenix has chosen 141 players since 1991. Europeans account for 57 (40%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-03175/10061181-1-eng-US/f0053-032.jpg" title="f0053-03" width="447" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">57European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Nikolai KhabibulinStruggled in Chicago after Cup2. Teppo NumminenStill skating at high level in Buffalo3. Boris MironovD-man played 13 NHL seasons4. Ossi VaananenBroken ankle mars year with Avs5. Igor UlanovVeteran patrols Edmonton blueline<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-04145/10061174-1-eng-US/f0053-042.jpg" title="f0053-04" width="2173" height="690"><figcaption class="caption-body">(RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0053-02

Desert Dogs look for oasis

<div class="byline">BY JOE STARKEY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-02218/10061233-1-eng-US/f0054-022.jpg" title="f0054-02" width="666" height="992"><figcaption class="caption-body">Sidney Crosby1st overall, 2005 (JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01361/10061240-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg" title="f0054-01" width="129" height="122"></div>A sense of uncertainty pervaded the Pittsburgh Penguins as they prepared for the draft. Will the Penguins finish higher in the standings next season? Will the team still be in Pittsburgh?What is certain is that the Penguins have acquired some tantalizing talent at the past three drafts and not much to speak of in the years before that.From 1993-1999, the Pens have only defensemen Josef Melichar and Rob Scuderi, backup goalie Sebastien Caron and wingers Konstantin Koltsov and Ryan Malone, the latter being the closest thing to an impact player.More recently, the team is hopeful it has added some late round talent to its first round gems.SCOUTS HONOR The Penguins have made only rare alterations to their scouting staff over the years. The head lieutenant is Greg Malone, a former Penguins player and father of second-year winger Ryan.Malone has been in his position for 16 years and Mark Kelley has been the team&rsquo;s European scout for 13.The other main scouts are Gilles Meloche, Chuck Grillo and Neil Shea. Malone is entrusted to make the final calls at the draft table and mediate any disputes.IMMEDIATE NEED Scoring, a physical defenseman and a veteran faceoff man are pressing needs.The Penguins need a sniper or two to play on the wings with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin &ndash; assuming Malkin arrives next season. They are hoping Malone bounces back from a lukewarm sophomore season and Tomas Surovy and Michel Ouellet will develop as scorers. More likely, they will wade into free agency.LONG-TERM NEED The Penguins&rsquo; biggest long-term need is a new arena. That is what will enable them to stay in Pittsburgh and keep their core of talented, young players on the payroll.Aside from that, they simply need to develop their youngsters and produce some more scoring talent throughout their organization.There is promise on defense, too. Noah Welch, Alex Goligoski, Kristopher Letang and Ryan Lannon are among the talented and promising blueliners who could one day suit up for the Penguins.READY TO STEP IN Malkin, by all accounts, will be a star the instant he hits the ice. That&rsquo;s assuming he is in Pittsburgh and not back with his Russian team Metallurg Magnitogorsk, with whom he has a multi-year contract.Without an agreement between the Russian federation and the NHL, this will be a tricky and expensive proposition, though Malkin has made it clear he wants to join Sidney Crosby & Co. And he&rsquo;s clearly ready.2005 TOP PICK Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh, first overall. 81-39-63-102-110. Crosby met all expectations. He&rsquo;s quick, crafty and has amazing sense. His rookie year was bested only by Alex Ovechkin.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Colby Armstrong, RW, 22; Marc-Andre Fleury, G, 21; Andy Hilbert, LW, 25; Konstantin Koltsov, RW, 25; Ryan Malone, RW, 25; Niklas Nordgren, LW, 27; Brooks Orpik, D, 24; Tomas Surovy, LW, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Eric Boguniecki, RW, 31; Lyle Odelein, D, 38; Ryan VandenBussche, LW, 33.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Pittsburgh&rsquo;s system:1. Evgeni Malkin, C, Metallurg Mag. (Rus.)2. Noah Welch, D, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)3. Ryan Stone, C, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)4. Daniel Carcillo, LW, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)5. Ben Eaves, C, Wilkes-Barre (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Pittsburgh has chosen 153 players since 1991. Europeans account for 46 (30%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-03147/10061226-1-eng-US/f0054-032.jpg" title="f0054-03" width="448" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">46European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Markus NaslundStar struggled by his standards2. Martin StrakaHad revival year with Rangers3. Michal RozsivalSolid year on Rangers&rsquo; blueline4. Jan HrdinaVeteran skating for Columbus5. Aleksey MorozovSkilled winger scoring in Russia &#9632;

f0054-02

Making room for Malkin

<div class="byline">BY TOM TIMMERMANN</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0055-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-02206/10061285-1-eng-US/f0055-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Scott Young11th overall, 1986</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-01316/10061292-1-eng-US/f0055-012.jpg" title="f0055-01" width="137" height="109"></div>Here&rsquo;s the good news for the Blues: It can&rsquo;t possibly get worse. Just about everything that could have gone wrong in2005-06 did. The team was for sale, so it didn&rsquo;t sign free agents (and other free agents wanted no part of the team). Key players either got hurt (Keith Tkachuk) or didn&rsquo;t perform (Patrick Lalime). Just about every one-goal game went the wrong way. After making the playoffs for 25 straight seasons, everything fell apart at once.The Blues now have a chance to re-invent themselves. With only a handful of players signed for next season, the Blues have a blank slate and the new CBA will require them to spend on free agents.The Blues, for once, have the chance to grab a top-notch talent in the draft, with two first round picks and an early second-rounder.SCOUTS HONOR Though the Blues cut back in other parts of the organization when the team went up for sale, the scouting department is the same size.Jarmo Kekalainen holds the titles of assistant GM and director of amateur scouting, and the draft belongs to him. He makes all the calls on draft day. Most recently, the team has added part-time scouts in Boston and Sweden, bringing the size of the scouting staff, including Kekalainen, to 13.IMMEDIATE NEED The Blues need scorers. The team tried almost every forward prospect in the system and while Lee Stempniak is NHL ready, he doesn&rsquo;t have the look of a top-line forward. The Blues have to acquire a proven scorer to play with Keith Tkachuk and Petr Cajanek.The Blues have a lot of young goalies, but they&rsquo;ll have to decide whether Curtis Sanford is ready to play 60 games and be a No. 1. If they don&rsquo;t think he can handle it, they&rsquo;ll need to look for a veteran.LONG-TERM NEED If the Blues do their job properly this summer, they should be able to plug any holes that could pop up in the future. Though they are light at forward, the free agents they sign this off-season should be to multi-year deals that keep them in good shape for the next three years. On defense, Barret Jackman, Christian Backman and Dennis Wideman form a good building nucleus.READY TO STEP IN The Blues have already graduated most of their young prospects, but one who got a brief look who figures prominently in the team&rsquo;s future is defenseman Jeff Woywitka.He is a good, mobile skater who can get back quickly to defend in a transition situation. Once he has the puck, he can get it out of trouble quickly.2005 TOP PICK T.J. Oshie, C, North Dakota, 24th overall, 43-24-21-45-33. A skilled center, Oshie was second on his team in scoring as a freshman. He needs to bulk up for the pro game.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Christian Backman, D, 25; Jason Bacashihua, G, 23; Eric Brewer, D, 26; Jay McClement, C, 23; Timofei Shishkanov, RW, 22; Matt Walker, D, 26; Jeff Woywitka, D, 22.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Petr Cajanek, C, 30; Kevin Dallman, D, 25; Reinhard Divis, G, 30; Dallas Drake, RW, 37; Jeff Hoggan, RW, 28; Ryan Johnson, C, 29; Patrick Lalime, G, 31; Dean McAmmond, LW, 32; Steve Poapst, D, 37; Scott Young, 38, RW.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in St. Louis&rsquo;s system:1. T.J. Oshie, C, North Dakota (WCHA)2. Marek Schwarz, G, Sparta (Czech)3. Jeff Woywitka, D, Peoria (AHL)4. David Backes, C, Peoria (AHL)5. Roman Polak, D, Vitkovice (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>St. Louis has chosen 140 players since 1991. Europeans account for 54 (39%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-03154/10061278-1-eng-US/f0055-032.jpg" title="f0055-03" width="449" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">54European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Ladislav NagySlovak sparks offense in Phoenix2. Michal HandzusTwo-way forward in Philadelphia3. Jochen HechtSolid in Buffalo before injury4. Petr CajanekNo. 1 center after Weight trade5. Igor KorolevStayed in Europe after lockout<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-04114/10061271-1-eng-US/f0055-042.jpg" title="f0055-04" width="2191" height="685"><figcaption class="caption-body">(ROBERT LABERGE/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0055-02

Dreadful Blues need scorers

<div class="byline">BY ROSS McKEON</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-02190/10061337-1-eng-US/f0056-022.jpg" title="f0056-02" width="776" height="1089"><figcaption class="caption-body">Joe Thornton1st overall, 1997</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-01290/10061344-1-eng-US/f0056-012.jpg" title="f0056-01" width="158" height="154"></div>The importance of drafting and developing young talent has never been lost on the Sharks, a 15-year-old franchise enjoying the fruits of its patience. No team had a larger percentage of players drafted by their organization appearing in the opening night lineup: 67 per cent.The Sharks had 18 players they either drafted or signed as free agents out of junior or college.The list includes goalies Evgeni Nabokov and Vesa Toskala; blueliners Scott Hannan, Tom Preissing, Christian Ehrhoff, Josh Gorges, Doug Murray, Rob Davison, Matt Carle and Jim Fahey; and, forwards Jonathan Cheechoo, Patrick Marleau, Steve Bernier, Milan Michalek, Marcel Goc, Mark Smith, Grant Stevenson and Patrick Rissmiller.SCOUTS HONOR Director of scouting Tim Burke and director of operations Joe Will oversee a staff of nine scouts. A member of the team&rsquo;s scouting staff since 1992, Burke has held his current title and presided over every draft day since 1996. Will is the resident CBA and salary cap expert. He is an original member of the team&rsquo;s scouting staff, which started assessing talent for the Sharks in 1990.IMMEDIATE HELP With so many players coming up at the same time, especially on defense, the Sharks will be looking to weed out rather than add pieces.The emergence of youngsters Carle, Ehrhoff, Gorges and Murray, combined with young vets Hannan, Kyle McLaren and Preissing, leaves Davison and Fahey fighting for ice time. Most impressive is Carle, the Hobey Baker Award winner who jumped right into the NHL lineup after his college season.In goal, both Nabokov and Toskala are signed to multi-year deals, and Nolan Schaefer showed he is ready for promotion. Up front, there was a need for more skill on the wings, but the emergence of Bernier and Michalek means the Sharks won&rsquo;t be looking elsewhere.LONG-TERM NEED The Sharks are looking as good as anyone in the league at center with Joe Thornton and Marleau. And, although both will still be in their primes three years down the road, the team could be in trouble if either opts to leave via unrestricted free agency. A top pivot may be as hard to find as anything in the draft. Marleau is the closest the Sharks have come to drafting and developing one.READY TO STEP IN Carle is a smooth-skating defenseman who rarely made the wrong decision with the puck during his three years at Denver, which won NCAA titles his first two seasons. He is smart, skilled, dependable and mature. His offensive skills complement defense-minded Hannan, McLaren, Gorges and Murray.2005 TOP PICK Devin Setoguchi, RW, Saskatoon, eighth overall. 64-35-47-82-69. He was left off Canada&rsquo;s national junior team, but used that as motivation to work on his consistency.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Matt Carkner, D, 25; Rob Davison, D, 26; Christian Ehrhoff, D, 23; Jim Fahey, D, 27; Marcel Goc, C, 22; Doug Murray, D, 26; Scott Parker, RW, 28; Patrick Rissmiller, RW, 27; Mark Smith, C, 28; Grant Stevenson, RW, 24; Nolan Schaefer, G, 26.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT Alyn McCauley, C, 29.<h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in San Jose&rsquo;s system:1. Devin Setoguchi, RW, Saskatoon (WHL)2. Matt Carle, D, Denver (WCHA)3. Lukas Kaspar, LW, Cleveland (AHL)4. Dimitri Patzold, G, Cleveland (AHL)5. Josh Hennessy, C, Cleveland (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>San Jose has chosen 131 players since 1991. Europeans account for 54 (41%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-03121/10061330-1-eng-US/f0056-032.jpg" title="f0056-03" width="447" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">54European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Miikka KiprusoffFranchise goalie in Calgary2. Evgeni NabokovSplitting time with Toskala3. Sandis OzolinshRangers are his fifth NHL team4. Marco SturmSolid scorer in Boston5. Vesa ToskalaChallenging for starter&rsquo;s job<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-0492/10061323-1-eng-US/f0056-042.jpg" title="f0056-04" width="2179" height="675"><figcaption class="caption-body">(RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0056-02

Building up from within

<div class="byline">BY TOM JONES</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-02195/10061389-1-eng-US/f0057-022.jpg" title="f0057-02" width="767" height="1030"><figcaption class="caption-body">Brad Richards64th overall, 1998</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-01270/10061396-1-eng-US/f0057-012.jpg" title="f0057-01" width="135" height="132"></div>For several years, the Lightning went about business the way a responsible club should. It built from within with strong drafts and using key trades and free agents to plug holes, all the while maintaining a reasonable payroll.Tampa also managed to put together a Stanley Cup winner in 2004 and was poised to be a contender for years to come. But then the very salary cap that was intended to help small-market teams such as Tampa in the long run began to take its toll.The team lost goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to free agency and will have to get creative to re-sign Brad Richards, Pavel Kubina, Ruslan Fedotenko and others this summer.The cap put the Lightning in a bind. The team&rsquo;s core players are in their primes, but the Lightning can&rsquo;t re-sign everyone and top prospects are still green. Tampa is caught between the old NHL and the new.SCOUTS HONOR Under former GM Rick Dudley, the Lightning put scouts in practically every country that could make ice. At one point, the scouting staff had grown to nearly 25.Current GM Jay Feaster is a big believer in the draft, but he has scaled back Dudley&rsquo;s emphasis. While Dudley spent as much time watching prospects as he did the NHL, Feaster prefers to keep with the NHL team and delegate the draft to scouts. The first round pick is a decision made by the entire staff, with Feaster having a loud voice.IMMEDIATE NEED Goaltending has become a major concern. The No. 1 reigns were turned over to John Grahame, with veteran Sean Burke as his backup. The results were mixed and there&rsquo;s a good chance the Lightning will continue to search for upgrades.The Lightning played virtually all season with six defenseman. Beyond that there are no defensemen in the system with much NHL experience. The lack of depth became apparent when Dan Boyle, Pavel Kubina and Darryl Sydor went down with injuries.LONG-TERM NEED Tampa needs a No. 1 goaltender. The Lightning have high hopes for Gerald Coleman, but he has only one season of pro experience and needs more time in the minors so the franchise can get a better idea of his NHL future.The Lightning also likes 19-year-old Finnish goalie Karri Ramo. But, like Coleman, Ramo is not a can&rsquo;t miss prospect and it&rsquo;s too early to tell whether he will pan out.READY TO STEP IN The two best prospects are defensemen Timo Helbling and Doug O&rsquo;Brien. Both were called up for brief spells in 2005-06. Helbling is more seasoned while O&rsquo;Brien may have a bigger upside. O&rsquo;Brien could be a regular next season.2005 TOP PICK Vladimir Mihalik, D, Red Deer, 30th overall, 62-3-9-12-86. At 6-foot-7, Mihalik is a long-range prospect still growing into his body. Tampa loves that he&rsquo;s playing for Brent Sutter.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Dmitry Afanasenkov, LW, 26; Evgeni Artyukhin, RW, 23; Ryan Craig, LW, 24; Chris Dingman, Ruslan Fedotenko, LW, 27; Brad Richards, C, 26; Cory Sarich, D, 27.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Chris Dingman, RW, 29; John Grahame, 30; Pavel Kubina, D, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Tampa Bay&rsquo;s system:1. Vladimir Mihalik, D, Red Deer (WHL)2. Andy Rogers, D, Prince George (WHL)3. Matt Smaby, D, North Dakota (WCHA)4. Mike Egener, D, Springfield (AHL)5. Doug O&rsquo;Brien, D, Springfield (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Tampa Bay has chosen 145 players since 1992. Europeans account for 55 (38%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-03149/10061382-1-eng-US/f0057-032.jpg" title="f0057-03" width="447" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">55European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Pavel KubinaTampa&rsquo;s franchise defenseman2. Roman HamrlikContributor to Calgary&rsquo;s deep blue3. Dmitry AfanasenkovKey checker has speed, skill4. Evgeni ArtyukhinRookie big man shows promise5. Martin CibakFourth-line role in Tampa Bay<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (international skaters)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-04123/10061375-1-eng-US/f0057-042.jpg" title="f0057-04" width="2177" height="692"><figcaption class="caption-body">(MITCHELL LAYTON/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0057-02

Salary cap era takes its toll

<div class="byline">BY KEN CAMPBELL</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-02199/10061434-1-eng-US/f0058-022.jpg" title="f0058-02" width="659" height="1063"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bryan McCabe40th overall, 1993 (SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01294/10061441-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="126" height="132"></div>If the Maple Leafs&rsquo; miserable, injury-filled season has taught them anything, it&rsquo;s that they do, indeed, have some kids who can play.Toronto will miss the playoffs for the first time since 1998, but it does so knowing the future may not look as bad as it once did.A slew of injuries, especially on defense, pressed a number of young prospects into pressure-filled service and, for the most part, they responded splendidly. None of them will be all-stars, but there&rsquo;s a foundation to build a contender.The Leafs might even have their highest draft pick since selecting Nik Antropov 10th overall in 1998. They enter with a beefed-up amateur scouting staff and a front office more focused on the future than the past generation.SCOUTS HONOR The salary cap took away the Leafs&rsquo; advantage, but GM John Ferguson has poured more resources into scouting and the organization now has 11 full- and part-time scouts in North America and Europe, the largest contingent it has ever had.Ferguson has emphasized his scouting background and it has resulted in a more thorough job performance in those areas.Even though Barry Trapp is the team&rsquo;s chief amateur scout, assistant GM Mike Penny, who has spent most of this season scouting, will have the final say on draft day. He&rsquo;ll rely heavily on Trapp, soon-to-be chief scout and newcomer Dave Morrison and head European scout Thommie Bergman.IMMEDIATE NEED There are serious holes in the depth chart at all positions, with the biggest on the blueline. After a top-notch 1-2 punch of Tomas Kaberle and Bryan McCabe, the Leafs had a bunch of guys who would be hard-pressed to be No. 7 on the depth chart of most contending teams.There&rsquo;s a very good chance McCabe will depart via unrestricted free agency, but Ferguson will have about $20 million to spend and will have to devote much of that to stabilizing the blueline. Reliable secondary offense to complement Mats Sundin would help, too.LONG-TERM NEED The Leafs have a number of prospects with the ability to play at the NHL level, but none of them is considered a future impact player.Given that they&rsquo;re not drafting in the top five &ndash; and that this year&rsquo;s draft is not considered deep in talent &ndash; it&rsquo;s unlikely they&rsquo;ll be able to find that player this year.READY TO STEP IN Blueliner Staffan Kronwall played 34 NHL games before a knee injury in the minors derailed his season. But of the bevy of minor league rear-guards the Leafs pressed into duty, he was the best of the bunch.Kronwall&rsquo;s defensive instincts are very good and his poise allows him to play in pressure situations without getting rattled. Depending on what acquisitions the Leafs make in free agency, Kronwall will have every chance to make the team in training camp.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Nik Antropov, RW, 26; Matt Stajan, C, 22; Kyle Wellwood, C, 23.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jason Allison, C, 31; Ed Belfour, G, 41 (team option likely won&rsquo;t be exercised); Aki Berg, D, 28; Alexander Khavanov, D, 34; Chad Kilger, LW, 29; Eric Lindros, C, 33; Bryan McCabe, D, 31; Luke Richardson, D, 37; Clarke Wilm, C, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Toronto&rsquo;s system:1. Tuukka Rask, G, Ilves (Fin.)2. Carlo Colaiacovo, D, Toronto (AHL)3. Justin Pogge, G, Calgary (WHL)4. Alexander Suglobov, C, Toronto (AHL)5. Robbie Earl, RW, Wisconsin (WCHA)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Toronto has chosen 139 players since 1991. Europeans account for 56 (40%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-03118/10061427-1-eng-US/f0058-032.jpg" title="f0058-03" width="448" height="291"><figcaption class="caption-body">56European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Fredrik Modin30 goals with Tampa this year2. Tomas KaberleLeafs&rsquo; most consistent defender3. Danny MarkovSteady blueliner now in Nashville4. Kenny JonssonRemained in Europe after lockout5. Sergei BerezinVanished from NHL after 2003 &#9632;

f0058-02

Young Buds ready to bloom

<div class="byline">BY ELLIOTT PAP</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0059-02155/10061479-1-eng-US/f0059-022.jpg" title="f0059-02" width="740" height="1001"><figcaption class="caption-body">Markus Naslund16th overall, 1991 (JEFF VINNICK/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0059-01234/10061486-1-eng-US/f0059-012.jpg" title="f0059-01" width="127" height="123"></div>The Vancouver Canucks were no longer a young team in 2005-06. Center Ryan Kesler, 21, was their only regular under 24. Both rookies &ndash; call-ups Alexandre Burrows and Kevin Bieksa &ndash; were 24.The Canucks don&rsquo;t have many blue-chip prospects, either. Boston College goalie Cory Schneider and Moncton defenseman Luc Bourdon are considered the elite of a thin crop. In short, Vancouver is a team that could be in need of an over-haul in the next year or two unless GM Dave Nonis can deal some veterans for youth and unearth a few diamonds in the rough.SCOUTS HONOR The Canucks have eight full-time scouts on staff plus three part-timers working under chief amateur scout Ron Delorme. The 11-man crew is up by one over the lockout season, adding a part-timer in the Czech Republic.Delorme is in his sixth season heading the amateur scouting department, with U.S.-based Jack McCartan and Swede Thomas Gradin as his most experienced lieutenants. More recent additions to the staff are ex-Canuck players Harold Snepsts and Gary Lupul. Nonis intends to put more resources into scouting, recognizing the importance of the draft in the salary cap world.IMMEDIATE NEED The Canucks clearly lack young, skilled forwards, especially at center. Twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin finally enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2005-06, but they were drafted in 1999 and took six years to develop.Vancouver doesn&rsquo;t have any more like them coming up, so Nonis will have to dip into free agency and/or swing a deal to snap up some youth in exchange for more experienced assets.LONG-TERM NEED The Canucks&rsquo; immediate need is also their long-term need. Henrik Sedin was their only consistent center, as Brendan Morrison struggled and Ryan Kesler was unable to put up significant numbers skating on the third and fourth lines.Kesler, who had 58 points in the American League in 2004-05, may be a solid second-liner down the road, but he would have to take a giant leap in his playmaking ability.READY TO STEP IN Blueliner Luc Bourdon had an outstanding camp after being drafted 10th overall in July.He was close to making the team, but Nonis and his staff decided another year of junior would be best for his development. A great skater with a mean streak, Bourdon was a key figure in Moncton&rsquo;s quest for a Memorial Cup.With Ed Jovanovski possibly moving on through unrestricted free agency, Bourdon is the candidate to step in and fill the role.2005 TOP PICK Luc Bourdon, D, Moncton, 10th overall. 30-3-25-28-64. A broken ankle put the kibosh on Bourdon&rsquo;s second half, but he was a standout for Canada at the World Junior Championship.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Alex Auld, G, 25; Bryan Allen, 25; Tyler Bouck, LW, 26; Wade Brookbank, D, 28; Ryan Kesler, C, 21; Mika Noronen, G, 27; Henrik Sedin, C, 25; Daniel Sedin, LW, 25.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Sean Brown, D, 29; Keith Carney, D, 36; Anson Carter, RW, 32; Ed Jovanovski, D, 30; Trevor Linden, C, 36; Richard Park, RW, 30; Jarkko Ruutu, LW, 30; Eric Weinrich, D, 39.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Vancouver&rsquo;s system:1. Luc Bourdon, D, Moncton (QMJHL)2. Cory Schneider, G, Bos. College (HE)3. Kirill Koltsov, D, Avangard (Russia)4. Julien Ellis, G, Shawinigan (QMJHL)5. Alexander Edler, D, Kelowna (WHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Vancouver has chosen 139 players since 1991. Europeans account for 29 (21%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0059-03115/10061472-1-eng-US/f0059-032.jpg" title="f0059-03" width="447" height="290"><figcaption class="caption-body">29European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Mattias OhlundBackbone of Canucks&rsquo; defense2. Henrik SedinFifth NHL season truly breakout3. Daniel SedinSee Henrik Sedin4. Jarkko RuutuSuperpest a fixture on fourth line5. Artem ChubarovStayed in Europe after lockout &#9632;

f0059-02

Seeking help on the attack

<div class="byline">BY DAVE FAY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-02149/10061531-1-eng-US/f0060-022.jpg" title="f0060-02" width="688" height="986"><figcaption class="caption-body">Alex Ovechkin1st overall, 2004</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01241/10061538-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg" title="f0060-01" width="141" height="131"></div>The Capitals said their rebuilding program would not be a quick, shot-in-the-arm endeavor. They were right. For this team to return to yearly playoff contention, it requires a massive, long-term commitment where the strong are pushed ahead and the weak are pushed aside.The first year of the program has seen some first-rounders back up their draft status, while others have withered. Meantime, some later picks and free agents have moved up the ranks.But what this year has exposed are holes in the system that have to be plugged before the Caps can be considered a playoff contender.SCOUTS HONOR It is believed the scouting department has grown beyond the dozen or so individuals it has employed for years, but the team would not discuss those or any other details. It is thought more interest is being shown in Russia and also on the U.S. college scene.As always, chief amateur scout Ross Mahoney calls the shots, but does so democratically. He confers with his staff and relies on his own judgment, as he usually has seen the top prospects play in person.IMMEDIATE NEED Defense has got to be the team&rsquo;s top priority. Mike Green will graduate from Hershey of the AHL, but at least two other top performers must be found. Another priority is adding a player who will offer instant physical respect, like Dallas&rsquo;s Brenden Morrow or Ottawa&rsquo;s Zdeno Chara.Add to the mix a quick, offensive right winger and a right-handed center. Filling all those slots will require going the free agent route, but if there&rsquo;s one thing the Caps have, it&rsquo;s salary cap space.LONG-TERM NEED Olie Kolzig is 36, in remarkable shape and is playing five years younger than his age. But it is time to start searching for his replacement. With a few exceptions, every member of the team is up for free agency within three seasons, so the possibility exists to revamp the entire lineup.However, long-term needs don&rsquo;t appear to be something the team is addressing at present. Management believes that, as free agency refines itself under the new CBA, there will be a large, adequate and reasonably priced pool of players available every season.READY TO STEP Green was arguably the best defenseman in camp last fall. But after a dozen games it was obvious a season in Hershey wouldn&rsquo;t hurt him. He has excelled, even being named to the AHL&rsquo;s all-rookie team, the first Caps prospect ever to earn that laurel.Two things set Green apart: He can get the puck out of the zone quickly with one pass, and he is a fast thinker who can size up a situation and make the right play.2005 TOP PICK Sasha Pokulok, D, Cornell, 14th overall. 27-4-9-13-49. At 6-foot-5, 220, he&rsquo;s hard to miss, but Caps would like to leave him with the Big Red for two more years development time.RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Mathieu Biron, D, 25; Matt Bradley, RW, 27; Ben Clymer, LW, 27; Steve Eminger, D, 22; Rico Fata, LW, 26; Brooks Laich, C, 22; Shaone Morrisonn, D, 23; Matt Pettinger, LW, 25; Brian Sutherby, C, 24; Brian Willsie, RW, 28.UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS Jeff Halpern, C, 29; Brent Johnson, G, 29; Ivan Majesky, D, 29.</div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2>FUTURE WATCH 2006</h2>The Hockey News&rsquo; Future Watch ranking of the top five prospects in Washington&rsquo;s system:1. Eric Fehr, RW, Hershey (AHL)2. Chris Bourque, LW, Hershey (AHL)3. Mike Green, D, Hershey (AHL)4. Tomas Fleischmann, LW, Hershey5. Jakub Klepis, C, Hershey (AHL)<h2>Eye on Europe</h2>Washington has chosen 161 players since 1991. Europeans account for 39 (24%) of them.<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-03106/10061524-1-eng-US/f0060-032.jpg" title="f0060-03" width="447" height="289"><figcaption class="caption-body">39European picks</figcaption></div><h3>TOP 5 EUROPEAN PICKS</h3>1. Alexander OvechkinWashington&rsquo;s franchise player2. Sergei GoncharInconsistent with Pittsburgh3. Richard ZednikStreaky scorer for Montreal4. Jan BulisPlays checking role for Canadiens5. Alexander SeminHigh hopes await no-show<h2>Central Scouting Final Rankings (domestic/international goalies)</h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-0477/10061517-1-eng-US/f0060-042.jpg" title="f0060-04" width="2169" height="683"><figcaption class="caption-body">(TIM HEITMAN/GETTY IMAGES)</figcaption></div> &#9632;

f0060-02

Capital plan will take time

<div class="byline">BY ALAN ADAMS</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0062-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-01237/10061576-1-eng-US/f0062-012.jpg"></div>There&rsquo;s no off-season when it comes to evaluating prospects. They&rsquo;re constantly growing, both physically and with their on-ice play.In compiling our Hot 100 list of prospects for the 2006 draft, The Hockey News is in consultation with 15 scouts in March and April. Those scouts spent the year crossing North America, Europe and Russia getting a handle on the best 1987 and 1988-born players.They file reports with their NHL teams and because we have cultivated a partnership with them, they share that knowledge with us. In turn, we offer anonymity. When we blend the results culled from these evaluators, we come up with a list that is a little different from each of theirs and truly our own.We are also grateful for our working relationship with International Scouting Services, a highly regarded group of professional scouts who make it their mission to rank draft prospects. They, and the NHL&rsquo;s Central Scouting Services, provide us with a working list of candidates.<div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0063-01180/10061569-1-eng-US/f0063-012.jpg" title="f0063-01" width="2228" height="2970"><figcaption class="caption-body">ERIK JOHNSON</figcaption></div> &#9632;

Search for your favorite player or team

Draft Preview 2006

OPENING FACEOFF

Slugger Erik batting leadoff

Can’t hold on to everybody

Smooth Toews can do it all