55 replies to this topic

[SoxScout]

Blues likely to take defenseman Johnson No. 1

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Barring a trade or some other unexpected development, St. Louis Blues general manager Larry Pleau said the team will take 18-year-old defenseman Erik Johnson with the first overall pick in Saturday's NHL entry draft in Vancouver.

"As we sit right now, it sure looks like the defenseman," Pleau said of Johnson, a Bloomington, Minn., native, who played for the U.S. National Team Development Program the past two seasons. "But you never know what somebody's going to throw at you over the next 48 hours," Pleau told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in Friday's edition.

Penguins to deal pick?

VANCOUVER -- The talk is the Pittsburgh Penguins are getting ready to wheel and deal before tomorrow's draft.

The word is the Nashville Predators, trying to get into the first round, have offered prospect defenceman Shea Weber to the Penguins exchange for the No. 2 selection.

The Penguins have also had conversations with the Carolina Hurricanes about defenceman Jack Johnson. Carolina would use the pick to take Peterborough prospect Jordan Staal, the brother of Canes winger Eric Staal.

B's Draft Prospects Appear Strong

That would leave the B's with one of four top-rated forwards in the draft - Phil Kessel, Jonathan Toews, Jordan Staal or Nicklas Backstrom.

The most interesting is Kessel, simply because that for so long it appeared the University of Minnesota player was going to be the top pick overall but his stock has dropped in several rankings to No. 5. Kessel's reputation took a hit in last winter's World Junior Championships, even though he had 11 points in five games.

But he has perhaps the best speed in the draft, a sizzling commodity in today's NHL.

"There are a lot of rumors that he'd slip to five and, if he does, we'd think very strongly of taking him," Bruins director of amateur scouting Scott Bradley said yesterday.

Kessel's the 2006 Draft wild card

VANCOUVER -- Phil Kessel Jr. is the enigma in this year's Entry Draft. He is one of the most highly regarded American prospects in years, but could be taken anywhere from first through seventh, depending on the needs of the various NHL teams that lead the draft.

Kessel is the highest-scoring player ever to go through the American National Team Development Program, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association rookie of the year, the leading American scorer at the 2006 World Junior Championship and the driving force behind the gold-medal-winning Team USA two years ago at the World Under-18 Championship.

He may be the best skater in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, he can shoot and score and sets up linemates like a seasoned pro.

What's not to like? Two words: Holy Cross. The previously unheralded Central Massachusetts college upset Kessel's University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, 4-3, in overtime in the NCAA West Regional back in March, the biggest victory in Crusaders' hockey history.

CNNSI Mock Draft

5  RW  Kyle Okposo  Des Moines (USHL)  6-0  195

With Backstrom off the board, it wouldn't surprise me if the Bruins traded down to get the player they want. But if they keep the pick, expect the unexpected from a team that has marched to its own beat -- not always successfully, I might add -- in the last few drafts. A mini power forward like Brenden Morrow, Okposo's stock has risen steadily, thanks to his undeniable gifts around the net and his character -- a trait prized by incoming GM Peter Chiarelli.

Google News Search that searches for the any of the top 5 players names [hit 'search news' for the latest]

Edited by SoxScout, 23 June 2006 - 01:55 PM.

[SoxScout]

Phil Kessel

Forward

Born Oct 2 1987  -- Madison, WI 

Height 6.00 -- Weight 190 -- Shoots R



                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----

Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005-06  U. of Minnesota             NCAA   39   18   33   51   28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonathan Toews

Forward

Born Apr 29 1988  -- Winnipeg, MAN 

Height 6.01 -- Weight 180 -- Shoots L



                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----

Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005-06  U. of North Dakota          NCAA   41   21   17   38   22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jordan Staal

Center

Born Sep 10 1988  -- Thunder Bay, ONT 

Height 6.03 -- Weight 200 -- Shoots L



                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----

Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2004-05  Peterborough Petes          OHL    66    9   19   28   29  14   5   5  10  16

2005-06  Peterborough Petes          OHL    68   28   40   68   69

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicklas Backstrom

Center

Born Nov 23 1987  

Height 5.11 -- Weight 183 -- Shoots L



                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----

Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2004-05  Brynas IF Gavle             SEL    19    0    0    0    2  --  --  --  --  --

2005-06  Brynas IF Gavle             SEL    46   10   16   26   30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kyle Okposo

Forward

Born Apr 16 1988  -- St. Paul, MN 

Height 6.01 -- Weight 205



                                            --- Regular Season ---  ---- Playoffs ----

Season   Team                        Lge    GP    G    A  Pts  PIM  GP   G   A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005-06  Des Moines Buccaneers       USHL   50   27   31   58   56

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edited by SoxScout, 23 June 2006 - 01:57 PM.

[erfus]

I don't see the Bs taking Okposo at 5. I know they like him, but at the same time Gorton has alluded to the big difference between 5 and 6. Now maybe they like him that much, but I tend to doubt it given that he's playing in the USHL. Perhaps they'll end up trading down to get him.

If they stay at 5, I think I'd be happy with any of the 3 forwards other than Toews. Kessel, Backstrom, and Staal in that order for my taste. Toews just seems to do everything well, but doesn't have the superstar ceiling of a guy like Kessel. In my very small personal-scouting sample size (perhaps 3 games on TV), he didn't really blow me away.

I think they end up w/ Backstrom.

[John Dopson]

I don't really understand the shot at the B's for marching to their own beat. Doing so has netted them guys like Morisson and Bergeron as well as highly rated prospects like Stuart and Lashoff. The B's can be a punching bag for almost anything but I'm not sure amateur scouting should be one of them.

[NHsoxfan4]

If they stay at 5, I think I'd be happy with any of the 3 forwards other than Toews.  Kessel, Backstrom, and Staal in that order for my taste.  Toews just seems to do everything well, but doesn't have the superstar ceiling of a guy like Kessel.  In my very small personal-scouting sample size (perhaps 3 games on TV), he didn't really blow me away. 

I think they end up w/ Backstrom.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think for me it would be Kessel, Backstrom, and Toews. I don't understand all the fuss about Staal, how the Pens are supposedly drooling over him, and the Blues contemplating moving down to #2 to get him. He seems to me based on a lot of projection, with appealing bloodline and a good two-way game, but his offense is kinda suspect and he hasn't really produced that much in his time for a high pick.

Toews did very well in a tough league while at a very young age, he's got a great 2-way game with better offense than Staal, he can play the wing and he's a goal-scorer. He's got great character, leadership, and hockey sense (unlike his little bro...), something the Bruins really value. He's got an equally skilled package as Staal does, but I like him more. Obviously there's Kessel and Backstrom around there too, but if Toews was the guy left for us I'd be ecstatic as well. I watched Toews too when he came to UNH at the beginning of the season, and even when he had only played for two weeks, he had a goal and assist and was everywhere on bids. That said, it was early in the season and I was watching the progress of the 'Cats mostly, but Toews was the guy that made the right plays, was the toughest to defend. He was 17 for the entire season, and really came on down the stretch, he was unstoppable vs the best teams in the NCAA. So I hope for our sake it's either Kessel, Backstrom, or Toews that drops to us, whichever one is fine. But there are rumors today that the Pens are hot for Kessel or Toews at #2, and it seems it would be very unlikely that the Hawks let Toews get past them at #3. So I think we could be looking at Backstrom, unless the Caps get him at 4.

Edited by NHsoxfan4, 24 June 2006 - 01:34 PM.

[BoSox24]

I think for me it would be Kessel, Backstrom, and Toews. I don't understand all the fuss about Staal, how the Pens are supposedly drooling over him, and the Blues contemplating moving down to #2 to get him. He seems to me based on a lot of projection, with appealing bloodline and a good two-way game, but his offense is kinda suspect and he hasn't really produced that much in his time for a high pick.

Toews did very well in a tough league while at a very young age, he's got a great 2-way game with better offense than Staal, he can play the wing and he's a goal-scorer. He's got great character, leadership, and hockey sense (unlike his little bro...), something the Bruins really value. He's got an equally skilled package as Staal does, but I like him more. Obviously there's Kessel and Backstrom around there too, but if Toews was the guy left for us I'd be ecstatic as well. I watched Toews too when he came to UNH at the beginning of the season, and even when he had only played for two weeks, he had a goal and assist and was everywhere on bids. That said, it was early in the season and I was watching the progress of the 'Cats mostly, but Toews was the guy that made the right plays, was the toughest to defend. He was 17 for the entire season, and really came on down the stretch, he was unstoppable vs the best teams in the NCAA. So I hope for our sake it's either Kessel, Backstrom, or Toews that drops to us, whichever one is fine. But there are rumors today that the Pens are hot for Kessel or Toews at #2, and it seems it would be very unlikely that the Hawks let Toews get past them at #3. So I think we could be looking at Backstrom, unless the Caps get him at 4.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I honestly think Staal, Backstrom, Toews and Kessel are all solid choices. Staal is very young for his draft year and has the best size of the top forwards in the draft. He also has nearly identical #'s as his brother did in his draft year.

I think that the Bruins should take whoever is left because I do think it drops off a bit after #5. Unless a real sweetheart deal comes along I expect them to make the pick and not deal down.

[Nuf Ced]

Kessel has dropped....he's there at 5 for the Bruins to take.

Kessel it is.

Edited by Nuf Ced, 24 June 2006 - 05:45 PM.

[Quintana Daydream]

Kessel has dropped....he's there at 5 for the Bruins to take.

Kessel it is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Beautiful...

[FelixMantilla]

Kessel

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Kessel has dropped....he's there at 5 for the Bruins to take.

Kessel it is.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Praise the Lord.

Great pick. I'm actually excited about the Bruins for the first time in months.

[Nuf Ced]

1. Johnson D StL
2. Staal C PIT
3. Toews C/W CHI
4. Backstrom C WASH
5. Kessel C BOS
6. Brassard C COL
7. Okposo RW NYI
8. Mueller C PHX
9. Sheppard C MIN
10. Frolik C/W FLA

Edited by Nuf Ced, 24 June 2006 - 06:52 PM.

[NHsoxfan4]

Wow, what else can you do but pick up Kessel? He should be fantastic in the new NHL, I wonder if he stays a Gopher much longer.

http://www.hockeyjou...DraftKessel.htm

[Nuf Ced]

11. Bernier G LA
12. Little C ATL
13. Tlusty C/W TOR
14. Grabner RW VAN
15. Helenius G TB
16. Wishart SJ D (from MTL)
17. Lewis C LA + Patrick O'Sullivan (From MIN for Pavol Demitra)
18. Stewart RW COL
19. Mitera D ANA
20. Fischer D MTL

[Nuf Ced]

Trade announcement from Vancouver: Andrew Raycroft to the Leafs for Toronto's former first-round pick Tukka Rask.

Edited by Nuf Ced, 24 June 2006 - 07:23 PM.

[BigMike]

Rumor from Vancouver: Andrew Raycroft to the Leafs?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Trade is official. Straight up for Tuukko Rask. Former Toronto #1 pick

Rask was the #21 pick in the 2005 draft

Some Rask links

http://hockeysfuture...ct.php?pid=4357

http://www.nhl.com/f...rask122805.html

http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/rask.html

[NHsoxfan4]

Rask had a great WJC, he was named the top goaltender, shut out the Swedes and beat the US as well.

He really improved in the top Finnish League this year, got better as the year went on. If Toronto really thinks Raycroft is a cinch to return to previous levels, I'm glad the B's ripped off this great prospect off the Leafs. Another good Finnish goaltender in the system, I wonder if Chiarelli had anything to do with this.

[mabrowndog]

Trade is official. Straight up for Tuukko Rask. Former Toronto #1 pick

Not exactly -- it's the RIGHTS to Tuukko Rask.

[NHsoxfan4]

It's probably time for him to come to the AHL for two years anyway, and the B's may have some room in the budget since they didn't sign Jonsson. Why would they trade away Rayzor for a guy they questioned whether they would even sign him?

BTW, Tuukka was the Leafs' number 1 prospect according to hockey's future, maybe there is a signing issue, who knew Raycroft could fetch another Hannu-level prospect?

Edited by NHsoxfan4, 24 June 2006 - 07:34 PM.

[SoxScout]

What a great day in Bruins history. Love the pick, love the trade. Raycroft for one fo the top prospects in hockey is excellent.

[NHsoxfan4]

If this is what we have to look forward to with the new front office, I'm psyched. Chiarelli still has his hands tied with the Sens, but it's something to dump a big question mark for a top prospect, and a Hannu clone (though he's not proven vs. NA hockey).

[mabrowndog]

Nick Foligno, son of ex-Red Wings legend Mike Foligno, goes to Ottawa at #28.

EDIT - Chris Pronger's demanding a trade from Edmonton, per GM Kevin Lowe. "A huge disappointment. I can't imagine a more coveted player in the NHL right now."

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 07:55 PM.

[Nuf Ced]

TSN's draft coverage reports that another Bruins deal may be in the works. They are said to be talking with Phoenix.

[NHsoxfan4]

My friend played with Foligno a couple years ago, said he was a force, but couldn't believe he was that high up the draft board.

Anyway, the draft show on OLN just mentioned there's some rumor about Phoenix and Boston mulling around.

[NHsoxfan4]

Phoenix just traded with Detroit, they get 29 and 152, if that's the deal they were talking about for the Coyotes.

[mabrowndog]

The trade was Phoenix getting #29 and #152 from Detroit for #41 & 47

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 07:56 PM.

[NHsoxfan4]

Looks good in black and gold.

[Nuf Ced]

21. Sanguinetti D NYR
22. Giroux RW PHILA
23. Varmalov G WASH
24. Perrson D BUFFALO
25. Traded from NJ to STL for picks #30 and #77
StL picks Berglund C
26. Irving G CAL
27. Vishnevski D DAL
28. Foligno FW OTT
29. Summers D PHX Traded from DET To PHX (their first and a fifth round pick for 2 second round picks)
30. Corrente, D NJ (Carolina's pick from StL)

End of round 1

OLN just signed off their coverage for the ****ing rodeo.

[Nuf Ced]

ESPN second round draft tracker. Expect more trades.

http://sports.espn.g...&draftyear=2006

[mabrowndog]

NHL.com started a live video feed at 9 PM EDT.

Link

Bruins (2nd round, #37) take Yuri Alexandrov, DEF, Russia, 6-0, 185, shoots L

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 08:26 PM.

[NHsoxfan4]

B's get Russian D-man Yuri Alexandrov.

http://hockeysfuture...yuri_alexandrov

[NHsoxfan4]

Alexandrov has a great package of skills for a defenseman, he achieved an extremely rare accomplishment of playing in the Russian Super League as a 17-year-old defensemen, and played well internationally. He's capable of quarterbacking the powerplay, while he is still a solid two-way defenseman. He's a bit small at 6'1", 174, but he can bulk up and get stronger to build up his physical game, which he is not shy to use. He's a great leader, and went in the 1st round in many mock drafts, and the B's took a somewhat different course from years past by going with a Russian player. Yuri's the best one out of Russia, so Chiarelli, Gorton, and the rest of the guys apparently grew the stones no one else had to take a risk and go for the best talent.

Edited by NHsoxfan4, 24 June 2006 - 08:37 PM.

[mabrowndog]

B's pick #50: Milan Lucic, LW - Vancover, BC, 6-2, 205, shoots L, just turned 18.

Last season: 62 games, 9 goals, 10 assists, 149 PIM for Vancouver in the WHL.

About time we had an enforcer again...

“He really sets the tone on our team with his work ethic,” said Giants coach Don Hay of Lucic at the MasterCard Memorial Cup this week. “[He] finishes his checks and when he hits people he hits them hard. He’s not afraid to change the game with dropping his gloves or going to the net and making things happen.”

Lucic was named the Giants’ Most Improved Player this season and is a valued role player on one of the team’s checking lines.

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 08:43 PM.

[Cha Cha the first DH]

I'm not sold on the Raycroft trade. You trade from strength to shore up a weakness. I would have thought they could have gotten an established NHL scorer for Razor. If they believe Toivenen is their number 1 goalie for many more years, wouldn't it have made more sense to get someone who can help them win games now?

That being said, I love the Kessell pick. I was really surprised he didn't go top three.

[SoxScout]

Ahhhhhhhhhh...

NHL Network: "He might only be an offensive player, so what? His offense is as dynamic as Ovechkin and Kovalchuk, he is that good."

[NHsoxfan4]

I think it was Bob Mackenzie who said of Kessel, "Think Pat LaFontaine's skating with Brett Hull's shot."

And it kinda sounds like he may be willing and ready to come over already from the Gophers.

Edited by NHsoxfan4, 24 June 2006 - 08:52 PM.

[SoxScout]

Kessel, Kalus, Krejci, Karsums.

Killer K's, baby.

[mabrowndog]

B's 3rd round #71: Brad Marchand, Center - Halifax NS, 5-9, 183, 18 yo, shoots L

Marchand is a little spitfire who doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. An agitator in the corners, he likes to get his nose dirty and battles for the puck. He has some solid moves in the offensive zone, but occasionally gets himself into trouble by trying to get too fancy when a safe and simple play would do. A quick skater, he'll have to continue to overcome his slight stature for the rest of his career.

Hmmmm.... PJ Axelsson? Stan Jonathan? Steve Kasper?

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 09:13 PM.

[mabrowndog]

BTW, the first New Englander taken was Joe Ryan of Winchester MA and Quebec of the QMJHL, a 6-1/190 defenseman. He went to LA at #48 in the 2nd round.

Bruins traded their 4th round pick (#98) to San Jose

[Cha Cha the first DH]

Doug Rogers from Watertown and St. Sebastian's goes to NYI at 119.

[BigMike]

B's 3rd round #71: , Center - Halifax NS, 5-9, 183, 18 yo, shoots L
Hmmmm.... PJ Axelsson? Stan Jonathan? Steve Kasper?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I assume the Bruins got a great look at Marchand during the memorial cup when he was playing against Martin Karsums. Every review I saw from people who saw those game LOVE Marchand.

Sounds like a good draft.

Kessel wasn't my favorite, and he scares me some, but he can skate, and he can score and those are 2 extremely valuable skills to have in today's NHL

Alexandrov sure sounds like a pretty decent prospect. In some ways I would have prefered Nigel Williams, but I guess the buzz on Williams is that his athletic skills are off the charts, but he is a lousy defenseman.

I know next to nothing about Milan Lucic. Maybe he is the elusive 3rd line winger who hits like a mack truck, and can play the game. I guess it remains to be seen. He did knock Peter Mueller out of a game with a concussion last season.

In terms of Rask, the Bruins needed a young goalie in the system. They have Sigalet, but with the MS he really isn't a prospect. They've got the kid at UNH who had a really tough year. So now they get someone who will have a chance to be ready to take the backup spot when Thomas is done.


Anyone here anything about the rumored Mara for Boynton deal. Wow, I would love that. I assume the B's would have to add more

[mabrowndog]

WTF??? Bruins just traded their #126 pick to the Islanders. No info on this deal, nor on the one with San Jose on the earlier pick.

At #128 they take defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk - Drumheller, Alberta, Canada ...Grew up in Nova Scotia ... 5-10/172, shoots L .... Played for Halifax of the QMJHL

History

Bodnarchuk was originally selected by the Moncton Wildcats in the 2004 QMJHL Midget Draft in the fifth round, but was unwilling to give up his NCAA eligibility, and did not suit up for the Wildcats. Saint John selected him in the expansion draft, before being traded to Halifax, who enticed him to play in the QMJHL. Still only 17, he was expected to be a valuable contributor on the relatively inexperienced Halifax blue line. Though he ran into occasional difficulties in regards to consistency and discipline, his willingness to get his nose dirty in his own end despite his size deficiency, and his offensive awareness when on the rush were benefits. Bodnarchuk played in all situations on the rebuilding Mooseheads squad, appearing more at home on the power play than elsewhere, though he did not embarrass himself in his own end either. He finished his rookie campaign with 6 goals and 23 points, fourth in the league among rookie. He was a member of Team Quebec in the 2005 Canada-Russia Challenge and also played on Team Canada at the 2005 Under-18s. In 2004, he was a member of Team Atlantic at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.

A puck moving defenseman, Bodnarchuk is a very good skater and sees the ice well. He has a hard point shot and distributes the puck smoothly. He sometimes has problems handling physical pressure and needs to fill out and add some strength, but he does not mind getting in the face of the opposition from time to time in his own end. He also needs further polishing in his own zone, and needs to remedy his occasional discipline problems that saw him take a few inopportune penalties last season.

Bodnarchuk’s size could be a liability at the next level, and he will have to work hard when he gets an opportunity, but he has the talent and the two-way ability to be a good second-pairing defenseman with plenty of power play time. He will be an integral part of Halifax’s blue line next season.

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 10:17 PM.

[jacklamabe65]

Think Pat LaFontaine's skating with Brett Hull's shot."

Well, there's some hype he has to live up to in the end.

[BigMike]

WTF??? Bruins just traded their #126 pick to the Islanders. No info on this deal, nor on the one with San Jose on the earlier pick.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Apparently the deal was The Bruins traded their 4th (98) and 5th (126) round picks to the Islanders for the 3rd round pick (71)

71 was originally a Phoenix pick, and sounds like the Isles traded 98 to SJ

Bruins say they had Alexandrov as a top 12 guy on their list

http://www.bostonbru...ses.asp?ID=1710

[SoxScout]

Kessel indicated that he can and wants to play in the NHL next season, and Gorton concurs when asked if Boston’s new prospect could make an immediate impact.

“Yeah, I do,” he said. “I think he’s one of the guys we felt could step into the league.”

Link

[mabrowndog]

B's 6th round pick #158



Levi Nelson, Center - Calgary, Alberta
5-11, 167, shoots L
2006 team: Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
62 Games: 21 G, 17 A, 63 PIM
Ranked #136 in North America by Central Scouting Bureau

Swift Current Player Profile

Edited by mabrowndog, 24 June 2006 - 11:14 PM.

[mabrowndog]

You know what's a great sign?

When the first few matches in a Google search of "Milan Lucic" are from "HockeyFights.com"

I love this guy already.

Milan Lucic vs Garth Collins:

Lucic hits Collins against the side boards and the two decide to drop the gloves. Both guys grab a hold of each other and Collins starts off quickly throwing lefts. Lucic's helmet gets knocked off and they tie up for a couple of seconds. Lucic gets his right arm free and hits Collins with 5 or 6 punches. Collins tries to respond with a left that misses and Lucic throws a right as Collins falls to the ice. Lucic threw another punch or two while Collins was down. Win Lucic.

Milan Lucic vs Michael Funk:

These two tie up during the Franson and Bubnick fight. The ref was right between the two trying to pry them apart. At first it didn't appear as though they were going to fight but after a couple of gloved punches and some chatting between the two they decide to scrap. Lucic gets Funk's helmet off and throws a couple of rights, the first one appeared to land with the other two coming up short. Funk responds with two rights that hit Lucic's helmet. The two grapple for a couple of seconds and Funk throws another right which is countered by a right from Lucic. Lucic was able to lock out Funk and he throws a couple more rights which connect. Funk tries a couple of short left and right hand jabs which don't do any damage and Lucic lands another right. Lucic comes back with an uppercut which just misses, followed by a right by Funk and another right by Lucic. Both punches didn't appear to land. Funk throws a right which comes up short followed by two rights by Lucic which also don't connect. At this point the two are tired and start to grab onto one another and the linesmen step in the seperate the two. The fight was pretty even and I wouldn't argue with somebody calling the fight a draw, however Lucic did land the better punches during the fight. So I would give the edge to Lucic.

Apparently he loves to dole out heavy hits:

Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay doesn't think workhorse winger Milan Lucic will be suspended for the thunderous check that's sidelined Everett star Peter Mueller.

Lucic didn't receive a penalty on the play, which happened along the boards directly in front of referee Pat Smith, but the Silvertips feel that it was a charge and are expected to send a videotape to the WHL office for review.

Mueller, a member of the U.S. world junior team and a projected top-five pick in this summer's NHL draft, suffered a concussion on the play Saturday night in Everett and is out indefinitely.

"I didn't see a charge," Hay said Sunday after checking out the tape. "He kind of turned just as Milan went to hit him. I thought it was a clean hit. He hit him solid. I think his head hit the glass. Milan hits hard, but he hits clean. It wasn't like the ref didn't see it."

From the Vancouver Giants web site:

Vancouver Giants forward MILAN LUCIC saw a childhood dream come true Saturday afternoon at the National Hockey League Entry Draft in Vancouver. Lucic was taken in 2nd round by the Boston Bruins, 50th overall.

Lucic is coming off a solid rookie season in the Western Hockey League. The 6’2” left winger had 9 goals, 10 assists, and 149 penalty minutes in 62 games.

“It’s just such an exciting feeling,” said Lucic after putting on a Bruins jersey for the first time. “I can’t describe it. It’s one big step in my hockey career and I’m looking forward to taking full advantage of this situation.”

Bruins Head Scout Scott Bradley, who lives in the lower mainland, saw Lucic play a lot this year in Vancouver and was happy to see him still available at the 50th pick.

“He’s a unique player that I think does a lot of the little things right,” said Bradley from the draft floor. “His hockey sense is a lot better than a lot of people think and he’s the type of player that’s going to go through the wall for you.”

Giants General Manager Scott Bonner, on hand at General Motors Place, was very happy for Lucic to be drafted in his hometown family and fans.

“I think Milan’s selection shows if you work real hard and stick to the plan, good things can happen,” says Bonner. “He’ll play a huge part for our club next season when we host the Memorial Cup and hopefully he plays a huge part in the Bruins future as well.”

[mabrowndog]

Here's a cool sequence:









Kick some ass, score a goal, become a folk hero. Something tells me this guy's going to remind us a lot of Cam Neely.

Edited by mabrowndog, 25 June 2006 - 06:28 PM.

[PedroSpecialK]

Superb draft. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect somebody like Kessel, who could have easily gone #1 overall just a month ago, to be there at #5. I really do like the Raycroft trade too - we just traded a 2nd-3rd string goalie on our depth charts for one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey who will be ready around the time that Toivonen becomes expensive. I'm already loving the Peter Chiarelli era.

[mabrowndog]

NMB on the draft:

"We spent a lot of time with Phil," said [Interim GM Jeff] Gorton. "We've interviewed twice now and we grilled him pretty good. We've spent a lot of time talking to his coaches and the people around him and getting a sense of what's true and what's not true. We're really comfortable with him as a player, his ability, his upside, and we feel the people in our organization can help him develop into a real good hockey player. I think he's one of the guys who we felt could step into the league."

KPD on Kessel:

A very important note to remember about the Golden Brett: He required a one-year tuneup with Moncton in the American Hockey League before he went on to become every bit Bobby's boy. Most, most, most (are we making this clear?) of these kids need time, and the percentages should remind everyone that Kessel probably will not be the exception to the rule. Emotion aside, the dream of a quick franchise turnaround aside, the odds favor him going back to the University of Minnesota in the fall. There is a chance he will skate with some of Boston's youngest prospects in sort of a young guns camp in August (plans yet to be finalized).

[Quintana Daydream]

If this is what we have to look forward to with the new front office, I'm psyched. Chiarelli still has his hands tied with the Sens, but it's something to dump a big question mark for a top prospect, and a Hannu clone (though he's not proven vs. NA hockey).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Toronto papers/blogs are highly skeptical of this trade for the Leafs. Globe and Mail blog claim this could be an embarassment for the Leafs....

Hannu is more talented than Raycroft IMO, so this is a no lose situation. Tim Thomas is a perfectly capable NHL backup. Great day....