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June 1, 2003
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.
Muckler’s time to stamp Sens
There’s yet another new sheriff in town as the Ottawa Senators prepare for the 2003 NHL entry draft June 21-22. This time it will be John Muckier who will lead the Senators on draft day. He is the latest in a long line of GMs in Canada’s capital, following Mel Bridgman, Randy Sexton, Pierre Gauthier, Rick Dudley and Marshall Johnston. Unlike his predecessors, though, Muckier brings a winning past with the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres to the table. He also represents a change in direction because the Senators are determined to remain a Stanley Cup contender. “I know the importance of having a good draft,” Muckier said. “You have to make sure that with your No. 1 pick you at least get somebody who is going to play in the league. If…
GM thrilled by draft crop
That Columbus once again finished near the bottom of the NHL standings holds a silver lining for the Blue Jackets. Though the team harbored dreams of qualifying for the playoffs in only their third NHL season, what the organization really needs is young talent for the future, not a flash-in-the pan, miracle playoff run. So it’s good news for the Blue Jackets they will pick fourth overall. “In years past, there has been one or two or three guys who really stood out,” said GM Doug MacLean, “but this year it goes five or six guys, maybe more. We’re going to get a very good player, so I’m excited.” The Blue Jackets traded up to get the No. 1 overall pick last season, drafting Calder Trophycandidate Rick Nash. Don’t look for similar fireworks this…
Phenom Crosby early favorite from 2005 class
The spotlight on the 2005 NHL entry draft, thus far, has focused almost exclusively on 15-year-old wunderkind Sidney Crosby. Widely considered the draft’s top prospect, Crosby is expected to play major junior next season in the Quebec League. There are also several other North American prospects who may emerge as first round candidates in 2005. Daniel Bertram, set to join Vancouver of the Western League next season, is a talented center with breakaway speed. “He is a Mike Comrie-type player,” said a WHL scout. Gilbert Brule, who made his WHL debut with Vancouver this season, is blessed with exceptional scoring instincts and pure finishing ability. “He’s the real deal,” said a scout. “This guy’s going to be a goal-scorer.” Devereaux Heshmatpour, a 6-foot-5,230-pound defenseman, could develop into a two-way, take-charge blueliner. “He can bring a lot to…
DRAFT WATCHDOG
Here are Carolina’s best and worst picks in the past 10 drafts. Astute selections are players delivering above and beyond expected from that spot in the draft. Disappointing picks are players performing exceedingly below expectations. ASTUTE SELECTIONS Sami Kapanen, 87th overall, 1995 We all know his penchant for going missing in the playoffs, but until this season he was a lock for 20 goals and 50-plus points. He’s sure to bounce back. Manny Legace, 188th overall, 1993 Jaroslav Svoboda, 208th overall, 1998 Erik Cole, 71st overall, 1998 Marek Malik, 72nd overall, 1993 Craig Adams, 223rd overall, 1996 Josef Vasicek, 91st overall, 1998 Niclas Wallin, 97th overall, 2000 J-S Giguere, 13th overall, 1995 DISAPPOINTING PICKS Nikos Tselios, 22nd overall, 1997 Jeff Heerema, 11th overall, 1998 Trevor Wasyluk, 34th overall, 1996 Sergei Fedotov, 35th overall, 1995 Brad DeFauw, 28th overall, 1997 PROGRESS REPORT 2002 Chosen: 25th overall 40-14-3, 2.14 GAA, .919…
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