More talent after Crosby in draft class
Canadian Press
6/13/2005 5:00:33 PM
While everybody agrees that Sidney Crosby will be the No. 1 pick whenever the NHL gets around to holding its entry draft, Benoit Pouliot hasn't escaped attention in assessments of eligible hockey talent.
The six-foot-three Sudbury Wolves left-winger is No. 2 in rankings compiled by International Scouting Services which uses 25 scouts to check out teen talent in North America and Europe. One-third of NHL teams, about 15 major junior teams and numerous NHL agents use the independent service.
"He reminds us of Vincent Lecavalier in his draft year," says the latest ISS report. "His skating is exceptional and possesses a lot of creativity that he can use at high speeds.
"The impact of having Mike Foligno as his coach shouldn't be lost because his demand for work ethic will allow Benoit to leave junior hockey as prepared as any player. Once he adds more strength and size, we feel that he will be a high-skilled player in the NHL."
"He doesn't fear anyone and is more than willing to work along the boards," says ISS.
Jackson Johnson is the best all-around defenceman available, says ISS. The six-foot-one American, who'll play at the University of Michigan next winter, was with the U.S. under-18 team last season and is ranked No. 4 overall.
"Has supreme playmaking ability and plenty of two-way polish in his game, which makes him one of the most NHL-ready of all 2005 draft-eligible players," says ISS. "Ryan's real genius is his ability to carry guys to the net and, as well, he has hands that are exceptional for a kid his size.
"Ryan has become a player that ISS sees as a franchise player and that will become evident at the next draft."
It is believed that the next entry draft will be conducted so that records of the 30 teams dating a few years will be taken into account to determine the order in which teams get to select the teens. All 30 teams would be in contention to land the first pick, with the weaker teams having a greater percentage chance to be first to the mic.
Six-foot-two Slovenian centre Anze Kopitar is No. 6 in ISS rankings.
"Slovenia has yet to produce a notable hockey player but that is all set to change," says ISS, adding Kopitar has "huge upside potential."
"It wouldn't surprise ISS staff at all if this kid was selected second overall."
Rounding out the ISS top 10 are Erie Otters centre Ryan O'Marra, Lewiston Maineiacs centre Alex Bourret, Wolves defenceman Marc Staal and Chicoutimi Sagueneens centre Marek Zagrapan.
London Knights defenceman Danny Syvret, 20, wasn't selected in the last two drafts but "has made incredible strides in the last 12 months."
"His ice awareness, passing skills and defensive abilities have led him to make huge leaps. Consequently, ISS believes that the third time will be the charm" for Syvret.
He's 44th on the ISS list.
Carey Price of the Tri-City Americans is the top-ranked goalie. Other goalies projected as first-rounders are Tuukka Rask of Finland and Ondrej Pavelec of the Czech Republic.
The service's preliminary rankings for the 2006 entry draft have American centre Phil Kessel entrenched at No. 1 followed by Czech left-winger Michael Frolik, Kessel's U.S. junior teammate and fellow centre Peter Mueller, Peterborough Pets centre Jordan Staal and American high school forward Jonathan Toews.
The top-rated goalies are Dustin Butler of the Portland Winter Hawks and U.S. under-17 netminder Joe Palmer.
