Post by jets on Jul 10, 2008 17:58:02 GMT -5
Having recently completed the Prospect and Entry Drafts, the Winnipeg Jets scouting staff sat down to compile the team's top 10 prospect list. To qualify, prospects must not be on the team's pro or farm roster or have played in an NHL game:
1. Nikita Filatov - 8.5B
- having recently signed to play in the NHL, it is clear that Filatov has the urge to succeed in North America. Filatov brings great speed and scoring ability from the wing. Unlike many Russians, he has the passion to succeed across the pond, something the Jets are banking on.
2. Luke Schenn - 8B
- the Jets were ecstatic to see Schenn available at the 8th spot in the draft. Schenn is a no nonsense player that uses his size to his advantage. Strong defensively with some offensive ability, Schenn projects as a top pairing blueliner in the mold of Adam Foote.
3. Logan Couture - 8C
- acquired from New York as part of the deal for JP Dumont, Couture's only hurdle to big time NHL success is his health. Couture has all the makings of a top line 2 way centre. His hockey sense and all around ability assure him of a lengthy NHL career. It is just a matter of how that career will pan out.
4. Kirill Petrov - 8.5C
- Petrov is the enigma of the Jets 2008 draft class. Clearly he has the skill level to be a 1st round pick and future NHL star, but there is concern over his interest to come to North America. A big, strong, skilled forward, Petrov possesses all the tools necessary to be a top liner down the road.
5. Jordan Eberle - 7.5C
- the pick of Eberle was made for one reason, scoring. Although small in stature, Eberle can flat out score. Tremendous goal scoring instincts have allowed him to overcome his size. That trend should continue this season in the WHL as he matures.
6. Tyler Ennis - 7.5C
- Ennis is not unlike Eberle. Small in stature but possesses high end speed and offensive ability. Reminds many of Derek Roy in the way he plays. It is not believed his size will be an issue as he has overcome that size thus far in his WHL career.
7. Josh Godfrey - 7B
- based on his shot alone, Godfrey will have an NHL career. A good skating dman with a cannon of a shot and sound offensive instincts, Godfrey will never be confused for a defensive stalwart. He will carve out his niche as a PP quarterback in the mold of Sergei Gonchar.
8. Jake Allen - 8C
- Allen was an unknown before the World Under 18. After putting in an all star and top goaltender performance, Allen appeared on the radar of alot of teams. Sound positioning allow Allen to succeed. Playing for a weak team in the QMJHL led to many teams having mixed views on Allen. Has all the makings of a future #1 goalie.
9. Brett MacLean - 7B
- yet another player with tremendous goal scoring ability. Many believed MacLean was a product of playing with John Tavares in Oshawa but he showed during the WJC that he can play on his own and play well. MacLean possesses a great release to accompany his goal scoring ability. Projects as a top 6 winger down the road.
10. Eric Tangradi - 7.5C
- prior to the 2007 OHL playoffs, few teams knew of Tangradi. Playing for a veteran laden Belleville Bulls team did not allow Tangradi to showcase his talents. Tangradi was given a chance to play in the playoffs and showed what he could do. His development continued this past season as Tangradi was relied on more offensively. Tangradi should see a spike in his development this year as he is relied upon as a 1st liner with the Bulls.
Others of Note:
Gustav Nyquist - when the pick was made many in the league didn't have a clue who Nyquist was. Many still do not. A player with tremendous skill but maybe not the drive that teams would like to see. Believed to be a sleeper from the 2008 draft with top 6 upside.
Will attend the University of Maine this coming season.
Jimmy Hayes - once considered a top 5 pick for the 08 draft. Hayes was believed to be ahead of James Van Riemsdyk when it came to being NHL ready but has seen his stock drop. A definite shot in the dark by the Jets with hopes that he develops back to his once high level. Will attend Boston College this season.
Andre Petersson - small in stature but not in skill. Possesses tremendous offensive upside, simply a matter of if the drive matches the ability. A player to watch in the future.
Teemu Hartikainen - believed by many to be the Finnish version of Tomas Holmstrom. Plays hard and has offensive ability.
Sean Collins - a relative unknown leading up to the draft. Collins reminds many of Dustin Penner in his rise. The 6'3 centre has filling out to do as he stands only 193lbs but will be given all kinds of time to develop as he attends Cornell University. One to keep an eye on.
1. Nikita Filatov - 8.5B
- having recently signed to play in the NHL, it is clear that Filatov has the urge to succeed in North America. Filatov brings great speed and scoring ability from the wing. Unlike many Russians, he has the passion to succeed across the pond, something the Jets are banking on.
2. Luke Schenn - 8B
- the Jets were ecstatic to see Schenn available at the 8th spot in the draft. Schenn is a no nonsense player that uses his size to his advantage. Strong defensively with some offensive ability, Schenn projects as a top pairing blueliner in the mold of Adam Foote.
3. Logan Couture - 8C
- acquired from New York as part of the deal for JP Dumont, Couture's only hurdle to big time NHL success is his health. Couture has all the makings of a top line 2 way centre. His hockey sense and all around ability assure him of a lengthy NHL career. It is just a matter of how that career will pan out.
4. Kirill Petrov - 8.5C
- Petrov is the enigma of the Jets 2008 draft class. Clearly he has the skill level to be a 1st round pick and future NHL star, but there is concern over his interest to come to North America. A big, strong, skilled forward, Petrov possesses all the tools necessary to be a top liner down the road.
5. Jordan Eberle - 7.5C
- the pick of Eberle was made for one reason, scoring. Although small in stature, Eberle can flat out score. Tremendous goal scoring instincts have allowed him to overcome his size. That trend should continue this season in the WHL as he matures.
6. Tyler Ennis - 7.5C
- Ennis is not unlike Eberle. Small in stature but possesses high end speed and offensive ability. Reminds many of Derek Roy in the way he plays. It is not believed his size will be an issue as he has overcome that size thus far in his WHL career.
7. Josh Godfrey - 7B
- based on his shot alone, Godfrey will have an NHL career. A good skating dman with a cannon of a shot and sound offensive instincts, Godfrey will never be confused for a defensive stalwart. He will carve out his niche as a PP quarterback in the mold of Sergei Gonchar.
8. Jake Allen - 8C
- Allen was an unknown before the World Under 18. After putting in an all star and top goaltender performance, Allen appeared on the radar of alot of teams. Sound positioning allow Allen to succeed. Playing for a weak team in the QMJHL led to many teams having mixed views on Allen. Has all the makings of a future #1 goalie.
9. Brett MacLean - 7B
- yet another player with tremendous goal scoring ability. Many believed MacLean was a product of playing with John Tavares in Oshawa but he showed during the WJC that he can play on his own and play well. MacLean possesses a great release to accompany his goal scoring ability. Projects as a top 6 winger down the road.
10. Eric Tangradi - 7.5C
- prior to the 2007 OHL playoffs, few teams knew of Tangradi. Playing for a veteran laden Belleville Bulls team did not allow Tangradi to showcase his talents. Tangradi was given a chance to play in the playoffs and showed what he could do. His development continued this past season as Tangradi was relied on more offensively. Tangradi should see a spike in his development this year as he is relied upon as a 1st liner with the Bulls.
Others of Note:
Gustav Nyquist - when the pick was made many in the league didn't have a clue who Nyquist was. Many still do not. A player with tremendous skill but maybe not the drive that teams would like to see. Believed to be a sleeper from the 2008 draft with top 6 upside.
Will attend the University of Maine this coming season.
Jimmy Hayes - once considered a top 5 pick for the 08 draft. Hayes was believed to be ahead of James Van Riemsdyk when it came to being NHL ready but has seen his stock drop. A definite shot in the dark by the Jets with hopes that he develops back to his once high level. Will attend Boston College this season.
Andre Petersson - small in stature but not in skill. Possesses tremendous offensive upside, simply a matter of if the drive matches the ability. A player to watch in the future.
Teemu Hartikainen - believed by many to be the Finnish version of Tomas Holmstrom. Plays hard and has offensive ability.
Sean Collins - a relative unknown leading up to the draft. Collins reminds many of Dustin Penner in his rise. The 6'3 centre has filling out to do as he stands only 193lbs but will be given all kinds of time to develop as he attends Cornell University. One to keep an eye on.