2009 NHL draft thread

[caps05]

Picks will be tracked in the first post, to make it easy for everyone to find.

[Skorka85]

It took barely 5 minutes for the bombshell to be dropped that Chris Pronger will likely be traded to the Flyers. I can't wait till this develops.

[UKRedWing]

I had a free bet with my bookie to use this month (about $17) and I put it on Tavares being drafter first...if he isnt I'll be pissed...

[mike56]

Originally Posted by tie domi28

Here's a rundown on some of the OHL scrappers that are draft eligible:

Zack Kassian - He's one of the toughest players out of the OHL in this years draft. Not only can he drop the mitts with the best of them, but he can also put the puck in the net, and set up his fair share of goals along the way. The kid also throws one mean body check, when he's on his game look the F out. Zack is pretty much solid at all aspects of the game and would be a welcomed addition to any team. He should go high in the first round.

Kyle Clifford - Very tough individual. Next to Kyle Neuber he's probably the best OHL fighter in the draft. Not known so much for his offense, Kyle tends to let his fists and physical play do the talking. That's his bread and butter. He had a decent year fight wise in 08/09, although I wouldn't say it was a top 10 year for him, he was definitely among the top 25 best pugilists in the OHL.

Paul Bezzo - I think Bezzo is underrated in the fighting department. You don't here his name a lot, maybe it's because he plays in Owen Sound, but it's clear after this past season that he can handle himself. He dropped the gloves with some tough customers in 08/09 and proved he can go with just about anyone. Went punch for punch with Ryan Baldwin, Mike Mascioli, & Peter Stevens and didn't look out of place. I have a feeling Bezzo will continue to progress the more he fights. He's one to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Luke Judson - Luke is a scrappy middleweight that loves to play a physical brand of hockey. He's a heart and soul type of player that grinds it out shift after shift. Should be a late 6th or 7th round pick.

Cody Sol - Sol is a big physical D man. Not the greatest fighter but he shows a willingness night in and night out to drop the gloves whenever the situation calls for it. He does use that size (6'5 215 to be exact) to his advantage and is known as the main physical presence on Saginaw's back end. He's more of a defensive D man than anything else. Definitely not known for his scoring prowess thats for sure.

Kyle Neuber - Well what can you say about Mr. Neuber. Even those of you out there who don't follow junior hockey have probably heard something about this kid. He's tough as they come and one of the more entertaining fighters I've seen in recent years. He's got an uppercut that makes people fold like a lawn chair. And a chin as strong as iron. Neuber is the best fighter in the OHL, and dare I say the best in all of junior hockey. Whatever team ends up drafting him they'll certainly be getting their moneys worth with Neuber.

Matt Clark - Clark doesn't fight alot but he's not afraid to step up to the plate when called upon. When the gloves do come off, he usually does alright for himself. He's a good stay at home D man. Nothing flashy to his game, he just quietly gets the job done. Always reliable at both ends of the ice. A good pickup for any team.

Andrew Shaw - Now this kid is a pitbull. Although small in stature Shaw plays the game like he a guy twice his size. He is very tough for a little guy, and has no problem going with the heavyweights. Even if he takes a beating, you almost have to shoot him to put him away. Probably wont get drafted though, but it would nice to see.

Chris DeSousa - Again, like his teammate Andrew Shaw, DeSousa is a smaller player with a ton of grit. Great crash and bang type of player who doesn't shy away from the rough stuff. He'll fight at the drop of a hat. And if someone runs over one of his teammates DeSousa is usually first on the scene looking for retribution. Not only can he mix it up but he can also put the puck in the net. Had 51 points last year with 33 goals. It doesn't appear that he is ranked by central scouting, but he could get scooped up in one of the later rounds.

Anthony Luciani - Here's another little tough guy that probably wont get drafted. Great scrapper. Luc is always fun to watch. No defence in his style, loves to let his hands go.

Michael Latta - Doesn't win many fights but he'll show up to the dance. One thing he's good at is getting under the opposing teams skin. He knows how to stir the pot and he does it well.

Tyler Randell - Randell doesn't go often but when he does his fights are usually fun for the whole family. Average middleweight, as a fighter he's ok.

Brian Shaw - Shaw can toss 'em. Tough as nails light heavyweight. Doesn't take on the big name enforcers, but you get the feeling from watching him scrap that if he did he'd probably do alright. Doubtful that he will be drafted though.

what about peter stevens?

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Originally Posted by mike56

what about peter stevens?

Good question. He can't return to the OHL this year, since he's already 20.

[antonio106]

No surprise there. Tavares is an Islander, I guess!

[NJDevils17]

And the Isles select... John Tavares!

Even the Isles knew it was the right move!

[caps05]

Originally Posted by antonio106

No surprise there. Tavares is an Islander, I guess!

Big shocker.

[NJDevils17]

The season hasn't started yet and I'm already sick of hearing Pierre MacGuire.

[Cat Smasher]

Well let the bitch slaps begin.

[mike56]

how long do teams get to make/announce a choice?

[caps05]

Originally Posted by mike56

how long do teams get to make/announce a choice?

Way too long.

My goodness, the Isles guys just kept on talking.

Geez, just make the **** pick already.

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by caps05

Way too long.

At least they are not doing english and french.

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

Well let the bitch slaps begin.

Wait, who was slapping who?

I think I seen my name attached to that post...

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

At least they are not doing english and french.

I wouldn't have put it past them.