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Future Watch 2007
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.
Red Wings rely on late sleepers
In the past 10 years, the Red Wings have had only three first round picks and just four selections in the top 40. It has put pressure on the scouting staff to dig up mid- and late-round gems. And they’ve delivered. Past sleepers included Pavel Datsyuk (171st overall in 1998) and Henrik Zetterberg (210th in 1999). “We’re happy with the development of our prospects and the job the scouts have done, considering we haven’t had a lot of first round picks and not a lot of high picks,” said Wings assistant GM Jim Nill. “We have confidence in our staff that we can find these players.” 1 JAKUB KINDL, D, 19, Kitchener (OHL) 6-3, 200, 39-6-33-39-88 OVERALL 25 An impressive training camp nearly earned Kindl a spot on the Red Wings season-opening roster. Instead, this future…
Thrashers look for lost magic
The last four Thrashers drafts have so far produced just one NHL player, and defenseman Braydon Coburn has yet to fully establish himself despite being the eighth overall pick in 2003. The Thrashers, however, believe they have a couple of defensemen who will be ready for the NHL next season and feel better about their stockpile of prospects. “This is by far the most depth we’ve ever had on our reserve list,” said GM Don Waddell. Impact prospects, though, are scarce. The 2004 draft was a disappointment and this list ranks in the NHL’s bottom quarter. 1 BRYAN LITTLE, C, 19, Barrie (OHL) 5-10, 200, 41-29-47-76-48 OVERALL 31 With their shortage of skilled personnel at center, the Thrashers need Little to develop quickly. “He’s an important guy for us,” Waddell said. “In the future, it looks like…
‘Pronger-type’ heads ‘08 draft
The Regina Pats feel Colten Teubert has the makings of a superstar. He is already a supper star. That was evident when Teubert dined with Pats GM Brent Parker and director of scouting Todd Ripplinger shortly before they selected the strapping defenseman to open the Western League’s 2005 bantam draft. “Colten controlled that whole dinner,” Parker recalled. “That would be a very uncomfortable situation for a lot of (15-year-old) kids, yet he handled that meeting with maturity. With the way he spoke and asked good questions, it was very much his show.” That conversation reaffirmed the Pats’ decision to choose Teubert No. 1. So has Teubert’s smooth, albeit unspectacular, transition to major junior hockey this season. “We’re really happy with where he’s at in his development and in his maturity,” Parker said. “He’ll be…
2008 NHL DRAFT WATCH LIST
KYLE BEACH RW, 6-3, 180, Everett (WHL) 49-25-25-50-167 The big, mean power forward is piling up points on a line with Phoenix first-rounder Peter Mueller. “He’s got size and strength, but also great speed and finesse,” said a scout. MIKKEL BODKER LW, 5-10, 183, Frolunda Jr. (Swe.) 32-15-26-41-10 The sturdy Danish winger is a swift-skating sparkplug who has already made his Swedish Elite League debut. “He has a high skill level and plays with a big heart,” a scout said. MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO D, 6-0, 190, Oshawa (OHL) 47-9-40-49-52 The silky-smooth Del Zotto needs work defensively, but is an exceptional power-play quarterback. “He’s the kind of guy who really excels in today’s game,” one scout said. DREW DOUGHTY D, 6-0, 213, Guelph (OHL) 49-12-37-49-62 There’s a wow factor in Doughty, a big, dynamic puck-rusher with fantastic wheels.…
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