For those NHL teams with no hope of seeing playoff hockey this spring, attention now turns to the which player they will call on the stage this summer as their selection at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Of course, depending on how the balls fall in the draft lottery, no one can really foresee how it is all going to play out on draft day. If a team is looking for a shut-down defenseman, odds are a playmaking center won't even be on the radar.
With that in mind, it is time to see whose stock is on the rise and what prospects have taken a nosedive with our late-season preview of the top available players for this summer's draft:
1. STEVEN STAMKOS, C, Sarnia Sting, OHL
Probably the no-brainer pick of 2008, Stamkos has franchise forward written all over him. The native of Unionville, Ont. has evolved into a fast, smart player who is the complete package. Unless the team that wins the NHL lottery is looking to make a splash on the blueline, Stamkos' name will be the first called at the draft.
2. DREW DOUGHTY, D, Guelph Storm, OHL
Even surrounded by some impressive names, Doughty stands out as the best overall defenseman available. His smarts and ability to jump into the rush is what separates him from his peers. Should the stars align, Doughty could go first overall.
3. NIKITA FILATOV, LW, Moscow CSKA
For those on this side of the Atlantic, Filatov may be a bit of a surprise as my third pick, but the young Russian is the top winger available in the draft and should progress into a first-line, star flanker. Had it not been for the uncertainty surrounding the NHL transfer agreement overseas, I would have ranked Filatov ahead of Doughty.
4. ALEX PIETRANGELO, D, Niagara IceDogs, OHL
Depending on who you talk to, Pietrangelo has done enough to overtake Doughty as the top defensive prospect in 2008. Despite his 6'4 frame, Pietrangelo, who is a plus-69 in the past two seasons, was at times criticized for not being physical enough and is now throwing his weight around.
5. CODY HODGSON, C, Brampton Battalion, OHL
An extremely smart player with explosive speed, Hodgson has moved up a few pegs on the prospect ladder with an outstanding season for the Brampton Battalion (68 GP, 40 G, 85 Pts.)
6. LUKE SCHENN, D, Kelowna Rockets, WHL
Won't put up the offensive numbers like Doughty or Pietrangelo, but Schenn is the strong, shutdown blueliner that most teams crave. Holds the zone well and possesses a great shot, meaning Schenn may also be gone in the top five.
7. ZACH BOGOSIAN, D, Peterborough Petes, OHL
Bogosian is a strong skater with a bit of an edge and doesn't look out of place when mentioned in the same sentence as Doughty, Pietrangelo or Schenn. Despite playing seven fewer games this season, put up 28 more points than in 2007.
8. COLIN WILSON, C, Boston University, NCAA
A member of the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2006 World Under-18 Championship, Wilson is pretty well a lock to be selected in the top ten. A solid skater who brings a complete game, Wilson is the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson.
9. MIKKEL BOEDKER, LW, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
An extremely skilled forward, Boedker came over from his native Denmark to put up 73 points in 62 games in his rookie season with the Kitchener Rangers. Possessing tremendous foot speed, one knock against Boedker is his tendency to pass instead of shooting.
10. KYLE BEACH, C, Everett Silvertips, WHL
Beach is nothing short of an enigma. His temper and attitude have caused some to grow tired of his act in Everett, but there is no debate when discussing his talent. With over 400 minutes in penalties over the past two seasons, Beach's reckless style may cause him to fall out of the top ten.