Dan Sallows

I was going to wait before dropping a new Top 50 prospects list on my site, as I will be taking in the CHL’s Top Prospect Game in Kelowna, BC in the coming weeks. Actually, I wasn’t even planning on doing a draft eligible list, but didn’t want to disappoint my loyal fan. Being that I have been busy with the Indiana Ice, most my weekends have been spent catching Major Midget games out West, but I have still found time for the occasional junior games as well. And, despite not really working on my site anymore, I still like to keep in tune with the upcoming prospects for the NHL Entry Draft.

If the 2012 version of the NHL Entry Draft was a movie, than the working title may just be “Year of the D-Man” as there are an abundance of stud defenseman who could all be worthy Top 10 selections. That being said, this years installment of the Draft is also about the great Russian debate, in who will go first…Mikhail or Nail? So without further adieu, here are my favourite 50 so far.

1. C, Mikhail Grigorenko, 6-2, 185 lbs. Québec Remparts, QMJHL. 36 GP, 25 G, 33 A, 58 PTS

I have had the opportunity to watch Grigorenko play live numerous times over the past two seasons, and have been impressed each and every time by his play. The lanky Remparts centre has had a tremendous season in the QMJHL thus far, and has quickly adapted to the North American game. He is a mixture of Joe Thornton and Evgeni Malkin, as he has excellent vison and hockey sense, a nice shot, and is a great skater all wrapped into a 6-foot-2, 185-pound body. Despite his defensive shortcomings, to me Grigorenko has the makings of a big, number one centre that NHL teams crave, and I don’t see a team looking to rebuild passing on him unless they’re already loaded down the middle.

2. D, Ryan Murray, 6-1, 195 lbs. Everett Silvertips, WHL. 18 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 PTS

The smooth-skating, strong puck-moving rearguard is a Scott Niedermayer clone, and despite being injured for the better part of the season, having a tough game against the Russian’s at the World Juniors, and currently being a -9 in Everett, I still love what Murray is all about. In my eye’s he is the most mature, NHL ready defenseman in a 2012 Draft crop that has a ton of studs on the back end. The club that nabs him is getting an all-round talent that is destined to be an NHL captain in the not too distant future.

3. RW, Nail Yakupov, 5-11, 183 lbs. Sarnia Sting, OHL. 26 GP, 21 G, 32 A, 53 PTS

Despite most rankings listing the dynamic Russian winger as the number one prospect for the upcoming 2012 NHL Draft, I think his performance at the recent 2012 IIHF World Juniors could hurt his status a little. Not that 9 assists in 7 games is anything to shake your head at, but Yakupov is more known for his ability to be a goal scoring game changer night in and night out, not an assist man. And, those totals were helped by the fact the speedy winger was playing on Russia’s top line. Still, his resemblance to Pavel Bure is uncanny, and he can get fans out of the seats when the puck is on his stick as his plethora of offensive weaponary is off the charts. There is no doubt he is a Top 3 pick, but first overall is no guarantee.

4. RW, Filip Forsberg, 6-2, 191 lbs. Leksands, SWE. 28 GP, 5 G, 5 A, 10 PTS

The winger failed to register a goal during Team Sweden’s run to the 2012 World Junior gold medal, but he still is an intriguing force. He has good size at 6-foot-2, 191-pounds, to go with tremendous hands, excellent vision and hockey IQ, a strong, powerful stride, an NHL calibre shot, and is defensively responsible as well. Plays the game a little like his idol Peter Forsberg, and has some big time potential. Hasn’t looked out of place playing with men in the Swedish Elite League thus far, with 10 points (5G,5A) in 28 games for Leksands.

5. D, Mathew Dumba, 6-0, 175 lbs. Red Deer Rebels, WHL. 42 GP, 12 G, 16 A, 28 PTS

High risk, high reward, sums up Red Deer Rebels defenseman Mathew Dumba, who may even do a better Dion Phaneuf impersonation than the real Leafs captain with his combination of grit and skill. The bruising blueliner can change the tempo of a game with a big hit, or a booming shot from the point, and is truly fun to watch on any given night. He is a rare breed of player, and will all but likely will be a fan favourite in which ever NHL city he ends up. Along with all the intangibles he brings to the ice, the 6-foot, 175-pound Dumba has tremendous leadership qualities, and the willingness to improve his game at any cost.

6. D, Cody Ceci, 6-3, 210 lbs. Ottawa 67’s, OHL. 41 GP, 8 G, 30 A, 38 PTS.

There may not be a better all-round defenseman available in this years draft when it comes to overall size and ability. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Ceci is 2012’s answer to Dougie Hamilton. He is smooth-skating, and very agile for his size, has a big shot, makes smart decisions with the puck, never panics, uses his long reach and big body to perfection when defending, and has the hockey IQ of a seasoned veteran. He may be the safest pick on the back end aside from Murray.

7. D, Jacob Trouba, 6-2, 194 lbs. USNTDP (USHL). 10 GP, 3 G, 6 A, 9 PTS.

The offensive-minded defenseman tore up the 2011 World Under-17’s with a brilliant performance that saw him score 2 goals and 9 points in 5 games, en route to leading the US to the silver medal. He was also one bright spot on an otherwise tough tourney for the US at the 2012 WJC’s. Trouba is a nice skater that sees the ice extremely well, has a good shot, doesn’t shy away from the physical play, and has Phil Housley-like ability when the puck is on his stick. That, combined with his size at 6-foot-2, 194-pounds, has shot the blueliner up the rankings in most NHL scouts opinions. He is a powerplay specialist, but he can also defend well, as he plays the game smart and efficient.

8. C, Brendan Gaunce, 6-2, 215 lbs. Belleville Bulls, OHL. 42 GP, 21 G, 23 A, 44 PTS

The 17-year-old centre is mature beyond his years, and can get it done at both ends of the ice with his physical play and scoring touch. He is dedicated on improving all aspects of his game, focussing on every little detail, and is very well-spoken. He may just be hockey’s answer to Tim Tebow with a heckuva lot more talent. Gaunce could very well be the most complete forward available in the Draft as he plays a 200-foot game, and should easily be a Top 10 selection once all is said and done.

9. C, Alex Galchenyuk, 6-1, 198 lbs. Sarnia Sting, OHL. 0 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PTS

It’s easy to forget about the big pivot due to the fact a knee injury has sidelined him this season, but the talented Galchenyuk could very well pull a Brett Connolly at the 2012 Draft and be a Top 10 selection despite his off ice troubles. His 83 points (31G,52A) in 68 games as an OHL rookie last year was no fluke, and he has the bloodlines. Alex is a great skater, who is strong on the puck, has a hard, very accurate shot, isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice, is responsible in his own end, and has tremendous hockey IQ and vision.

10. D, Griffin Reinhart, 6-4, 210 lbs. Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL. 34 GP, 9 G, 14 A, 23 PTS

The hulking defenseman has been a huge part of the Oil Kings success this season, and can simply do it all. He moves incredibly well for a big guy, has a cannon-like shot, makes clean, crisp first passes, never panics with the puck, and loves getting physically engaged. He has the same make-up of Nashville’s Shea Weber, and the bloodlines as well, as his father is former NHL great Paul Reinhart.

11. D, Morgan Rielly, 6-0, 197 lbs. Moose Jaw, WHL. 18 GP, 3 G, 15 A, 18 PTS

Rielly is an exceptional skater that has unreal hockey sense and vision, to go with a great shot. He never panics, and makes those around him better with his ability to create offense off the rush. The 6-foot, 197-pound defenseman is built from the same make-up as the Chicago Blackhawks Duncan Keith, and wouldn’t surprise me if he made the transition from juniors to pro as early as next season.

12. RW, Sebastian Collberg, 5-11, 174 lbs. Frölunda J20. 14 GP, 4 G, 5 A, 9 PTS

The Swedish winger had a tremendous showing at the 2012 WJC’s with 7 points (4G,3A) in 6 games en route to helping his club capture gold. He is highly skilled, has a nice, accurate shot, with a quick release, goes to the dirty areas of the ice in order to get rewarded, has excellent wheels and is very elusive. He reminds me a little of the Lightnings Martin St. Louis.

13. D, Matt Finn, 6-0, 197 lbs. Guelph Storm, OHL. 35 GP, 6 G, 23 A, 29 PTS

Finn is a calm and composed player, that utilizes his skating, mobility and puckhandling skills all over the ice. He is mature beyond his years, and has excellent hockey IQ, as well as an outstanding work ethic. He reminds me a little of the Bruins Andrew Ference with the intangibles he brings to the Guelph lineup.

14. D, Derrick Pouliot, 6-0, 181 lbs. Portland Winterhawks, WHL. 45 GP, 6 G, 26 A, 32 PTS

Pouliot isn’t great in his own end, though he is no slouch either, for any defensive liabilities he may have he more than makes up for it with his offensive flare, ability to rush the puck, and jump into the play. When he is on the ice, he is a big part of the Winterhawks game plan with his tremendous vision and hockey IQ. The 6-foot, 181-pound defenseman plays hard each and every shift, and works just as hard off the ice as well.

15. LW, Andreas Athanasiou, 6-1, 174 lbs. London Knights, OHL. 42 GP, 16 G, 12 A, 28 PTS

Athanasiou has been compared to Taylor Hall in the way he skates, and for his offensive creativity. Obviously he doesn’t have the star power that Hall brings, but the gifted winger has a ton of upside in his game. He has excellent wheels, great puck handling ability, a nice shot, decent vision and hockey sense, and has that special ability to bring fans to the edge of their seats. If he gets more consistent during the last stretch he could definitely move up the rankings. He’ll be a 50-goal man for London next season, just wait.

16. D, Olli Määttä, 6-2, 198 lbs. London Knights, OHL. 35 GP, 2 G, 16 A, 18 PTS

The London Knights knew what they were getting when the selected the big Finnish defenseman first overall in the 2011 CHL Import Draft. Athanasiou’s teammate is very Adam Larsson-like, as he is can absolutely dominate all over the ice physically, and has some untapped offensive potential as well. If he performs like he is capable of the rest of the season, he could easily be a top-10 guy come the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

17. D, Slater Koekkoek, 6-3, 190 lbs. Peterborough Petes, OHL. 26 GP, 5 G, 13 A, 18 PTS

The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Koekkoek is an offensive-minded, great skating blueliner, that can also take care of his own end as well. He played in all situations at the World Under-17’s, and potted a goal and 3 assists in 6 games for the gold medal-winning Team Ontario. In the year of the defensemen he is another that brings with him a tremendous amount of size and upside.

18. RW, Colton Sissons, 6-1, 189 lbs. Kelowna Rockets, WHL. 46 GP, 23 G, 10 A, 33 PTS

I’ve seen a ton of Colton Sissons over the past few seasons with both the Kelowna Rockets and BCHL’s Westside Warriors, and I can tell you that the 18-year-old North Vancouver, BC native is getting better and better with each passing day. He is so smart, does all the little things well, is mature beyond his years on the ice, has decent vision, is a nice skater, plays the game at a high tempo each and every shift, has an underrated shot, is defensively responsible and models his game after guys like Ryan Kesler and Mike Richards. The kid is a true hockey player.

19. C, Jarrod Maidens, 6-1, 180 lbs. Owen Sound Attack, OHL. 28 GP, 12 G, 11 A, 23 PTS

I knew how good Maidens was, but where he really impressed me was in the games I saw play at the 2011 Memorial Cup. He just seemed in on every play, whether it was getting engaged physically, or trying to create on offense. The big centre has the potential to be an explosive offensive force in the OHL in the next few seasons with his pro calibre shot, great hands and reach, and has all the tools to be a high pick in 2012.

20. LW, Pontus Åberg, 5-11, 190 lbs. Djurgården (SWE). 30 GP, 7 G, 7 A, 14 PTS

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound winger was lights out at the 2010 Ivan Hlinka, racking up 5 goals and 8 points in 5 games. He is lightning quick, with great hands, a good shot, good hockey sense, great vision, and he works incredibly hard each and every shift. Picture a Swedish version of Sergei Samsonov, with more work ethic. He has had a decent year in the Swedish Elite League playing with Djurgården thus far with 14 points (7G,7A) in 30 games.

21. LW, Radek Faksa, 6-3, 202 lbs. Kitchener Rangers, OHL. 35 GP, 18 G, 19 A, 37 PTS

Faksa is a talented forward that has very good vision and hockey sense, to go with a heavy shot, and the ability to get to the front of the net and wreak havoc for opposing goalies. He moves incredibly well for his size, and his attention to detail on the ice is excellent for a player of his calibre. The big 6-foot-3, 202-pound winger was the OHL’s Rookie of the Month in November, and has had an impressive first season thus far in Kitchener. He reminds me a lot of Marian Hossa with his ability to play on all situations, and with his overall skill set.

22. LW, Tomas Hertl, 6-2, 198 lbs. Slavia Praha (Czech). 25 GP, 9 G, 7 A, 16 PTS

Hertl is following in the footsteps of numerous Czech players before him with his skill set, as the big winger uses his power and finesse all over the ice. He can beat you 1-on-1, or overpower defenders along the boards. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Hertl is a nice skater, with great hands and offensive anticipation, a nice shot, and can dish the puck incredibly well.

23. C/LW, Gemel Smith, 5-11, 165 lbs. Owen Sound, OHL. 43 GP, 18 G, 25 A, 43 PTS

I am a big fan of what the Owen Sound forward brings to the ice, as I fell in love with his effort at the 2011 Memorial Cup. I mean what’s not to like, the kid is a point a game player, yet he isn’t garnering that much attention from the scouts. Smith’s best assets are his tremendous wheels, and shifty, very elusive skating, which seems to give him an opportunity to create something almost every time he is on the ice. He has good vision and hockey sense, plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 165-pound frame, is dependable at both ends of the rink, has a high compete level, and outstanding offensive instincts. Reminds me a lot of the Bruins Brad Marchand in the way he plays the game.

24. D, Michael Matheson, 6-2, 180 lbs. Dubuque, USHL. 30 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS

Heralded for his unbelievable work ethic and leadership, Matheson combines smart, efficient defensive play with some offensive upside as well. He makes crisp first passes, is a great skater, has a solid frame, defends against the opposition incredibly well, and plays a similar style to that of his idol Nicklas Lidstrom. The sky is the limit for the talented blueliner, who won’t be sitting around after 30 at the Draft.

25. RW, Tom Wilson, 6-4, 200 lbs. Plymouth, OHL. 37 GP, 6 G, 14 A, 20 PTS.

Wilson could very well be the best true power forward in the group, as he loves to get physically engaged, works hard along the boards, will drop the gloves, drive the net and go into the dirty areas of the ice in order to get rewarded. He has a good stick, is good in close, skates well for his size, and has really yet to hit his full offensive potential. The team that drafts him could be pleasantly surprised, as he definitely seems to have the size and skill set to be a dominant force at the next level.

26. C/LW, Nicolas Kerdiles, 6-1, 185 lbs. USNTDP (USHL). 30 GP, 12 G, 9 A, 21 PTS.

He is your prototypical power forward, with excellent hands, good wheels, a better than average shot, great vision and hockey IQ, and a work ethic that will push him to succeed at the next level and beyond. He was lights out at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring 2 goals (including the semi final game winner in overtime against Team Pacific) and 4 points in 6 games, en route to helping his USA team capture a silver medal. Kerdiles molds himself after the Pens Evgeni Malkin, nuff said.

27. C, Zemgus Girgensons, 6-1, 197 lbs. Dubuque, USHL. 24 GP, 13 G, 14 A, 27 PTS

Girgensons is described as a great two-way forward, that is the hardest working player on the ice most nights. He has great hockey sense and vision, good hands, decent size, is strong on the puck, a solid skater, and has unlimited potential. The big center reminds me a little of Mats Sundin, with more of a physical edge, as he has been known to pick his spots. Was very solid for Latvia at the 2012 WJC’s, with 2 of the teams 8 goals.

28. G, Malcolm Subban, 6-1, 188 lbs. Belleville, OHL. 19 GP, 13 W, 6 L, 1.93 GAA, .938 SV%

After a few down years, great goaltending is once again required in the NHL to be an elite team pushing for a Stanley Cup. Gone are the years of the Detroit Red Wings winning it in front of Chris Osgood (no disrespect Ozzy). Few prospects have been better than 18-year-old Malcolm Subban, who’s best quality may be his pure athletic ability. His reflexes are simply off the charts, he never quits on a puck, and the big, butterfly-style netminder has been compared to the New York Rangers’ all-star Henrik Lundqvist. Not a bad comparison by any means.

29. D, Ludvig Byström, 6-0, 187 lbs. MODOJ20 (SWE). 26 GP, 5 G, 15 A, 20 PTS

The talented Swedish defenseman is smooth-skating, has tremendous vision and hockey sense, is excellent at leading the rush, and jumping into the play, and plays hard each and every shift. He has already spent 14 games with MODO in the Swedish Elite League this season, and has held his own, and was the youngest player to ever suit up for the club last year. There are good things to come from this offensive minded blueliner.

30. LW, Daniil Zharkov, 6-3, 200 lbs. Belleville, OHL. 26 GP, 15 G, 7 A, 22 PTS

If Zharkov hadn’t of been injured he may have been on more scouts radars, as when he was first inserted into the Bulls lineup he lit it up at a torrid pace. He has slowed down however, but the big Russian winger still has tremendous offensive abilities. He has good wheels, an accurate shot, seems to have a knack to knowing where the puck is going to end up, is very dangerous in the scoring areas, and has an edge to his game as well. May be a bit of a dark horse, but could be a stallion at the next level.

31. RW, Teuvo Teräväinen, 5-10, 150 lbs. Jokerit (FIN). 35 GP, 17 G, 10 A, 27 PTS

Teräväinen has exceptional vision and hockey sense, very good puck skills, has good wheels with a quick first step, has a knack for finding the open ice, a decent and very accurate shot, and is very elusive. His ability to step up in big games, hockey know-how, and the way he can dish the puck and make his teammates better are all off the charts. Teräväinen reminds me a little of fellow countryman Saku Koivi with his skill set.

32. F, Stefan Matteau, 6-2, 207 lbs. USNTDP (USHL). 9 GP, 3 G, 1 A, 4 PTS

You can`t deny his impressive size at 6-foot-2, 207-pounds, as well as his hockey IQ and skill set. The son of former NHLer Stephane Matteau, so he has the bloodlines, and he has been well coached going from the Notre Dame Hounds program into the USNDT. Was impressive at the U-17`s with 2 goals and 6 points in 6 games for Team USA. The younger Matteau is your prototypical power forward, that as a high compete level, and a bit of a scoring touch as well.

33. C, Scott Laughton, 6-1, 178 lbs. Oshawa, OHL. 39 GP, 9 G, 21 A, 30 PTS

There is no doubt I’m a big Scott Laughton fan, as the gritty two-way forward plays the game like the ultimate Canadian, and does absolutely anything and everything in order to help his team win. While his offensive numbers have yet to come, the 17-year-old did score 55 goals his last year with the Minor Midget Toronto Marlboros. He makes smart decisions with the puck, has great leadership qualities on and off the ice, and possesses little to no weaknesses at both ends of the ice. You really can’t say enough about the kid that likens his game to that of Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards. He is so reliable, that there is no doubt he will be a very solid pro someday.

34. LW, Coda Gordon, 6-1, 180 lbs. Swift Current, WHL. 41 GP, 18 G, 20 A, 38 PTS.

The 17-year-old Gordon has been one of the most consistent Bronc’s all season, and is gaining some attention. He is a strong skater, that uses his size, vision, and hockey smarts all over the ice. What is maybe the most impressive is that this is the wingers first season in the WHL, and he has been able to be incredibly efficient. Yes, he is getting top line minutes which has benefitted his stats, but the best players play with the best players. He has all the tools to be a very strong pro.

35. LW, Anton Slepyshev, 6-1, 181 lbs. Metallurg Novokuznetsk, KHL. 33 GP, 4 G, 2 A, 6 PTS

Russian forward has Ovechkin-like release, excellent wheels, tremendous hands, is creative, loves to score, plays a high energy game, and has good size as well. Not very known, but has had his moments in the KHL this season, and has dominated when playing against his own age group. Could be a steal for the team that selects him as he probably won’t go in the top 20.

36. D, Brady Skjei, 6-2, 203 lbs. USNTDP (USHL). 12 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 PTS

Skjei combines a ton of size at 6-foot-2, 203-pounds, to go with an elite skating ability that the pro scouts marvel at. He is a late ‘94-born prospect, so despite being raw at times, he has a lot of room to grow his game. The 17-year-old uses his size to his advantage when along the boards, and defending, and has moments of brilliance when the puck is on his stick and he comes flying through the neutral zone.

37. G, Oscar Dansk, 6-2, 187 lbs. Brynäs J20 (SWE). 14 GP, 2.82 GAA, .906 SV%

He has good size, at 6-foot-2, 187-pounds, and is positionally sound, has excellent rebound control, never gives up on a puck, is athletic and has the ability to make highlight reel saves, is mentally strong and has a tremendous work ethic. Dansk has been well-groomed in the nets thus far, and like Subban has a striking resemblance to Henrik Lundqvist at times.

38. RW, Martin Frk, 6-0, 198 lbs. Halifax, QMJHL. 12 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 PTS

The pure goal scorer has good size and uses it all over the ice, he is a good skater that has an NHL calibre shot, great hockey sense and vision, and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice in order to be rewarded. The Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell compared the talented Czech power forward to a Cam Neely-type player. Injuries have derailed him this season, but still too much talent for scouts to pass on for very long.

39. LW, Phillip Di Giuseppe, 5-11, 176 lbs. Michigan (CCHA). 23 GP, 8 G, 7 A, 15 PTS

Di Giuseppe is a speedster that is having an outstanding freshman year for the Wolverines thus far. Along with his great wheels, he has an excellent shot, tremendous hands, good vision and hockey sense, protects the puck well, has a knack for scoring big goals, and mature beyond his years when it comes to the game. Reminds me a little of a young Andrew Cogliano, a former Michigan grad as well.

40. D, Damon Severson, 6-1, 188 lbs. Kelowna, WHL. 32 GP, 4 G, 16 A, 20 PTS

Severson is another in a long list of talented blueliners to come out the Kelowna Rockets program. He won’t jump out at you because he keeps it simple, and does just about everything well. The 6-foot-1, 188-pound defenseman has very good vision and hockey sense, is a nice skater, defends exceptionally well, plays a very composed game, and is mature beyond his years on the ice.

41. LW, Charles Hudon, 5-10, 171 lbs, Chicoutimi, QMJHL. 41 GP, 20 G, 31 A, 51 PTS

If the 17-year-old sniper was over 6-foot, there would probably be talk of him going first overall, as the he is an exceptional talent. Last season’s QMJHL Rookie of the Year is a nice skater, with ultra-quick hands, a great wrist shot, and can score spectacular goals almost at will. His low center of gravity seems to help him when it comes to protecting the puck, and his skills are just plain sick. Hudon is cut from the same cloth as Martin St. Louis with his scoring prowess, his ability to create openings and cash in on his opportunities, and his ability to make his teammates better.

42. D, Jordan Schmaltz, 6-2, 175 lbs. Green Bay Gamblers, USHL. 29 GP, 9 G, 14 A, 23 PTS

Schmaltz is a highly touted power-play specialist, that uses his tremendous vision, shot and poise to create all over the ice, but he is also very savvy defensively and recently was named CCM Defensive Player of the Week in the USHL. He skates well, has a good shot, and makes those around him instantly better, his long reach allows him to defend with ease, and he has unbelievable hockey IQ. He was outstanding in the games I saw him play at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge in Penticton, B.C., helping his USA squad to the gold medal.

43. G, Jon Gillies, 6-4, 210 lbs. Indiana, USHL. 28 GP, 18 W, 5 L, 4 OTL, 2.29 GAA, .927 SV%

I’ve seen Gillies a ton this season, and obvioulsy may be a little bias as the big netminder is the backstop for the club I do some scouting work for. That being said, there is no taking away from his size and ability. His lateral movement is incredible, he is very calm and composed in nets, reads and anticipates the play exceptionally well, works very hard at perfecting his game, and won’t give up on a puck. Whenever there is a breakdown on defense in Indy, they can rely that Gillies will be there to bail them out. He definitely has the poise and overall makeup of a potential NHL netminder.

44. D, Hampus Lindholm, 6-2, 185 lbs. Rögle BK J20 (SWE). 26 GP, 4 G, 11 A, 15 PTS

Big, smooth-skating defenseman that is very mobile for his size. He sees the ice extremely well, makes exceptional first passes, can be useful on the powerplay and on the penalty kill, uses his big frame to get engaged when needed, and is a is a special blend of size and skill. Could definitely be a higher pick once all is said and done.

45. D, Adam Pelech, 6-1, 200 lbs. Erie, OHL. 19 GP, 1 G, 9 A, 10 PTS

He has a huge frame which makes him a very intimidating player to the opposition, he can rush the puck, makes accurate, quick, crisp passes out of the zone, has a long stick that gives him great range, and is a strong skater. There isn’t much not to like about the young thoroughbred, who’s older brother Matt Pelech was a first round pick of the Calgary Flames in 2005, and their middle brother Mike was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings. It doesn’t hurt they are nephews of Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis either, as the bloodlines run deep in the Pelech family.

46. C, Mike Winther, 5-11, 170 lbs. Prince Albert, WHL. 45 GP, 22 G, 17 A, 39 PTS

Winther plays a lot bigger than his size, and is absolutely fearless when it comes to going to the dirty areas of the ice. He has tremendous foot-speed, a good shot, incredible work ethic, good vision and hockey IQ, and makes his teammates better each and every time he steps on the ice. Winther is an absolute dynamo, and brings it each and every shift.

47. D, Dalton Thrower, 6-0, 185 lbs. Saskatoon, WHL. 45 GP, 9 G, 25 A, 34 PTS

Very versatile defenseman that can play in all situations. Thrower is physical and smart when it comes to defending against opponents, he competes hard every shift, and he also has a tremendous offensive upside to his game. Already in his 3rd year in the WHL so he is well-seasoned, and has the potential to be a top 4 defenseman at the NHL level.

48. LW, Raphaël Bussières, 6-1, 195 lbs. Baie-Comeau, QMJHL. 37 GP, 16 G, 21 A, 37 PTS

The speedy left winger, is a pure high-octane offensive threat each time he has the puck. He is a good skater, has great vision, sick hands in close, competes hard, isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and skate in the dirty areas of the ice, and has the potential of being a very productive pro player. He will need to work on his two-way game though, however his offensive skill set and size is enough to overlook any shortcomings in his game.

49. LW, Tanner Pearson, 6-0, 192 lbs. Barrie, OHL. 34 GP, 26 G, 41 A, 67 PTS

The late bloomer won’t go unselected for a third draft thanks to his dominance this season with the Colts. Pearson also had a good showing at the 2012 WJC’s as well, which didn’t hurt his status. His hockey smarts and work ethic may be his best assets, but he also can dish the puck as well as shoot it, has decent wheels, good size, and is dependable in all three areas of the ice.

50. G, Andrei Vasilevski, 6-3, 190 lbs. Tolpar UFA (MHL). 14 GP, 2.52 GAA, .920 SV%

Vasilevski starred at this years WJC’S for Russia, putting up an impressive 2.01 goals against average, and .953 save percentage. He has tremendous size, and uses the butterfly style very efficiently, showed a high compete level, good reflexes, and is very positionally sound. Russian goaltending has definitely come a long way, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a club take a shot at the talented netminder in the second round.

    

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