[A] Draft Notes: Three Articles To Read Before The Draft

[Ton]

With the 2012 NHL Entry Draft right around the corner, there has been a growing interest around the media with the Blackhawks picking 18th overall. Here are some of the top stories to take a look at:



Drafting at 18: A year-by-year breakdown

CHICAGOBLACKHAWKS.COM



Most notable standouts recently include a list of one player: Chris Stewart. Otherwise, any remotely productive players selected date all the way back to 2000, when the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Brooks Orpik 18th overall. Meanwhile the next best pick was in 1995, where the New Jersey Devils selected Petr Sykora. Jason Smith (1992) and Glen Murray (1991) complete the list of 18th overall picks that actually had a good career -- otherwise, the list is full of less-than-stellar players to downright failures. Regardless of the low success rate, it's fun to see all the 20-26 picks that actually turned out to be great.



Hockey’s Future Organizational Rankings, Spring 2012: 1-10

HOCKEYSFUTURE.COM



Of course everyone knows Hockey's Future is notorious for their organizational rankings. Once again the Blackhawks rank in their top 10, pegged at #6 heading into a deep 2012 draft. They stated that there isn't much flaw within the organization although, other than Saad, there may be a lack of elite potential upfront and a lack of blue-chip goaltenders although the depth is fantastic. All-in-all, they really are stretching to find a weakness.



2012 NHL Draft Preview

COMMITTEDINDIANS.COM



Good content on players like Brendan Gaunce (errmmm, yes it's Gaunce), Tom Wilson, Steffan Matteau, Brady Skjei, and Ludvig Bystrom. Interestingly enough, Tab goes all over the board with a center, left wing, right wing, and two defenseman. Even going as far to say that the Blackhawks may even consider selecting a goaltender despite signing Kent Simpson and Mac Carruth -- although it would be risky business. With the spread of positions to be considered, it just speaks volumes in the Blackhawks prospect depth.



Click here to view the article

 

[winos5]

Pundits (that I have read) have the Blackhawks picking a defenseman. Finn from Guelph or a Euro (don't recall who). Not sure Finn will still be on the board, he put up some good offensive stats.

 

[MassHavoc]

I just want them to pick the best available regardless of need or position.

 

[winos5]

I just want them to pick the best available regardless of need or position.

Agree. Just fill the farm with the best talent available.

 

[Ton]

Pundits (that I have read) have the Blackhawks picking a defenseman. Finn from Guelph or a Euro (don't recall who). Not sure Finn will still be on the board, he put up some good offensive stats.

Do you mind sharing a link?

 

[Ton]

I just want them to pick the best available regardless of need or position.

I think at this point, with the depth within the organization it is clear that they can afford to do that. They really have no reason to go "off the board" to make a pick and fill a need. They just need to stick with the best player available.



A lot of people are saying Brendan Gaunce (another big, strong center) but realistically that guy is going to be long gone before he gets to us.

 

[MassHavoc]

I expect to see day of trades... I can't imagine we have anything that would push us higher in the first round, so I guess we'll have m ore 2,3,4 round picks? How's the depth this year?

 

[winos5]

Do you mind sharing a link?

One was hockeybuzz, although not Craplund, the other a TSN mockdraft I believe.



http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Adam-French/Mock-Draft-Complete-First-Round/155/44907 (One of the mock drafts I saw, can't find the other one)



http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649 Rankings from TSN, all skaters

 

[Shantz My Pants]

I expect to see day of trades... I can't imagine we have anything that would push us higher in the first round, so I guess we'll have m ore 2,3,4 round picks? How's the depth this year?

Good depth, just not star quality.



I agree with the previous mentions of going with the best available player. Wouldn't mind Dalton Thrower if he's there.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

The Hockey Futures article is so hit or miss. Some info is spot on while others comments are quite dumb.



They mention our depth at RW is lacking, probably because we have Kane and Hossa both on the top team, so there isn't a huge need to be bringing in top end RW's. Plus, wing is much easier to play than center, and many players get drafted at center but move to the wing throughout their career.



Gaunce has a chance to be in the running. Craig Button had him out of the top 20 in his final rankings (interesting).

 

[Ton]

The Hockey Futures article is so hit or miss. Some info is spot on while others comments are quite dumb.



They mention our depth at RW is lacking, probably because we have Kane and Hossa both on the top team, so there isn't a huge need to be bringing in top end RW's. Plus, wing is much easier to play than center, and many players get drafted at center but move to the wing throughout their career.



Gaunce has a chance to be in the running. Craig Button had him out of the top 20 in his final rankings (interesting).

Craig Button is the biggest moron out there right now. There's a reason he is no longer a GM or any position within an organization, much like Milbury.

 

[winos5]

I've looked at about a dozen mock drafts and they are all over the place. We are drafting every position in at least one mock draft. Just tells me the pundits have no clue.



Subban

Gaunce

Samuelsson



Some of the other names I saw in no specific order.

 

[MassHavoc]

I've looked at about a dozen mock drafts and they are all over the place. We are drafting every position in at least one mock draft. Just tells me the pundits have no clue.



Subban

Gaunce

Samuelsson



Some of the other names I saw in no specific order.

It tells me that the pundits have about as much of a clue as the front office does.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

Craig Button is the biggest moron out there right now. There's a reason he is no longer a GM or any position within an organization, much like Milbury.

Milbury is a terrible judge of talent.



Button's biggest mistake was releasing Marty St.Louis, but he wasn't the only one to not give him a shot. Button was never fired, his contract just wasn't renewed and like Tallon, the flames went to the finals the year after (lost to Tampa) but he was given high praise for his development of prospects and players (he was the Star's Director of Scouting and player development for 8 years. Drafted Langenbrunner, Turco, Iginla, Morrow). I've read some scouting books with him in there and he's actually a pretty bright guy.

 

[CLWolf81]

Speaking of the Draft... The Hawks site has not mentioned anything about a Watch Party this year. What gives?



If they're not doing one, then I should probably host one, LOL!!!!

 

[Shantz My Pants]

Speaking of the Draft... The Hawks site has not mentioned anything about a Watch Party this year. What gives?



If they're not doing one, then I should probably host one, LOL!!!!

I never had an interest to a "draft party".



I guess if my team sucked (Oilers) it would probably be the only thing I would have to look forward too.

 

[R K]

I never had an interest to a "draft party".



I guess if my team sucked (Oilers) it would probably be the only thing I would have to look forward too.

We had a blast at the UC when Kaner was drafted.

 

[Shantz My Pants]

We had a blast at the UC when Kaner was drafted.

...and that was pretty much the only highlight of the year.

 

[CLWolf81]

I never had an interest to a "draft party".

The Hawks have done them at random locations for those interested, and trust me, there's followers.... I go typically to see who we draft along with the finding out about the trades that arise. Its fun to be a part of.

We had a blast at the UC when Kaner was drafted.

Can't forget it either. Was totally fun too.



I might have been the only one with a Duck jersey ever to visit the locker room. Then again, I just recently moved to Chicago at that time, so I had no choice, LOL....

 

[CLWolf81]

A name to watch as a potential steal ---- Max Iafrate... The name is familiar, isn't it? That's Al's kid...



He's projected to go low 2nd-high 3rd round.... I'd love to take him if we get a chance. I'd love to have a kid like that, especially for the name alone. Loved Al back as a Capital....