Should American prospect Colin Wilson (20) drop out of the top ten at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, it won’t be that far of a fall. (Photo: Melissa Wade, uscho.com)
OK, so the top ten are long gone and now we get set for the middle-of-the-pack teams to make a statement as the Hockey.com 2008 NHL Mock Draft kicks into its second phase.
Some interesting questions as we take a peek at selections 11-20 — the most notable being what will Brian Burke do with his pick from the Oilers in the Dustin Penner drama last summer? Although most of the proverbial "big names" will be off the board, there remains some serious talent for Burke to blow a big fat kiss to the city of Edmonton or, in particular, Kevin Lowe.
Already blessed with two of the top young prospects in the game in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, what will the ‘Hawks do with the 11th pick? Will the Sabres look for defensive help to help cushion the blow of losing Brian Campbell? And can the Senators finally make progress in drafting a true bona-fide number-one goaltender?
You're about to find out.
Hot on the hells of yesterday's elite ten, this is how we see things unfolding for selections 11-20 in the NHL Entry Draft next month:
11. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
TYLER MYERS , D, Kelowna Rockets
OK, so Myers probably won't drop this far but you never know with the number of elite defensemen up for grabs. If Myers slips, look for the Hawks to add a solid defensive prospect to the stable. Should he last this long, the Hawks have their answer and another key ingredient for what is sure to become a powerhouse squad in the Windy City.
12. ANAHEIM DUCKS (from Edmonton)
COLIN WILSON, C, Boston University
What would the Ducks need another centerman for, you ask? Well, this kid brings the complete package and would be an ideal fit in the Ducks' arsenal if he falls this far. Brian Burke may be looking to upgrade the blueline, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Scott Niedermayer, but Wilson looks like he could step right into an NHL roster. Whether or not he slips this far is another story, as Wilson could easily be gone in the top ten. If not, Burke may put in a thank you call to Kevin Lowe. Then again, maybe not.
13. BUFFALO SABRES
LUCA SBISA, D, Lethbridge Hurricanes
With the loss of Brian Campbell, the Sabres may be looking to shore up the defense corps. Sbisa won't put up the offensive numbers like Campbell, but his rugged, in-your face demeanor could be just want the Sabres need, playing in the same division as the up-tempo Canadiens and Senators.
14. CAROLINA HURRICANES
JOSHUA BAILEY, C, Windsor Spitfires
Showed leadership skills with sudden passing of Spitfires' captain Mickey Renaud, Bailey is a creative forward who would add some extra punch to the ‘Canes attack and eventually could slip into the number-two center spot behind Eric Staal. One of those players who won't blow you away by taking over a game, but is your prototypical smart, two-way hockey player.
15. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
MICHAEL DEL ZOTTO, D, Oshawa Generals
Was ranked in the top five in most pre-season polls, but Del Zotto's stock dropped as the result of some erratic play in his own zone. His offensive prowess may be too much to pass up at this stage of the draft, and Del Zotto shouldn't fall further than this. The Preds may be leaning towards adding a forward, but a potential PP quarterback in a defensive-minded Western Conference may help change their minds.
16. BOSTON BRUINS
EVGENY GRACHEV, C, Russia
A bit of a surprise pick here as the Bruins take a pass on a defenseman such as Colten Teubert, but quite simply go with one the best forwards still on the board. As with other players on the far side of the Atlantic, the IIHF transfer agreement - or lack thereof - may scare a few teams off. It's a chance the Bruins should take.
17. CALGARY FLAMES
MATTIAS TEDENBY, LW, HV71 (Sweden)
One scouting report on the Swedish speedster boasts "Mattias Tedenby has possibly the best combination of speed, technical skills and balance that Swedish junior hockey has ever seen." If even half-right, the Flames will be all over Tendenby at this spot.
18. OTTAWA SENATORS
TOM MCCOLLUM, G, Guelph Storm
If the Senators don't use their first pick on a goalie, well, they may want to check the Rideau Canal for high levels of something. This is as close to a no-brainer as you can get. While they may be looking at Chet Pickard from Tri-City of the WHL, we're betting the Sens go with McCollum.
19. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (from Colorado)
COLTEN TEUBERT, D, Regina Pats
A hard-hitting, solid blueliner, the Jackets can only hope Teubert is available here as he was ranked comfortably inside the top ten at the beginning of the year. If someone else is looking for a rock-solid stay-at-home defenseman, Teubert could easily go 10-15.
20. NEW YORK RANGERS
JOHN CARLSON, D, Indiana (USHL)
The Rangers probably wouldn't mind a shot at Teubert but if he isn't there, Carlson isn't a bad consolation prize, if at all. With Drury and Gomez locked up until the turn of the century - well, it only seems that way - Carlson may be a welcome addition to Manhattan.
2008 NHL Mock Draft Picks 1-10
2008 NHL Mock Draft Picks 21-30