An Insider's View of One NHL Chief Scout's Draft Board
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/06/21/an-i ... aft-board/6/21/2010 10:49 AM ET By Christopher Botta
Christopher Botta
Senior NHL Writer
On the condition of providing anonymity, NHL FanHouse has received an insider's look at the top 10 selections on the draft board of a chief amateur scout of one NHL team. As you will see from some of his surprises -- one in particular -- no one can predict what will happen on Friday night in Los Angeles. Keep in mind this is not a mock draft, but purely one man's view of the top 10 players in the 2010 NHL Draft. His comments follow each listing.
1. Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor (OHL) -- "The player with the best chance of being a 'superstar.' There were things about him a year ago that raised flags for me, mostly about attitude and defense. But I was really impressed by his all-around game this year. He was on the better team, but you have to acknowledge he was far better than (Tyler) Seguin head-to-head in the playoffs."
2. Jack Campbell, G, U.S. Development Program -- "Might be a surprise for some, but I have no doubt. Right after Hall, Campbell (pictured) is the biggest high-end talent in the draft. A franchise goalie. A winner -- look at his international play. After one year in Windsor (OHL), he could step right into the NHL. I know he probably won't go in the top five. But in five years, it wouldn't surprise me if he was the biggest name from this draft."
3. Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL) -- "He's this year's Matt Duchene. Well-rounded, with a phenomenal attitude. He proved this season that he could finish."
4. Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL) -- "Really more like 3-B right with Seguin. Sees the game beautifully. Good enough to have an impact in the NHL this season. All of the kids in my top four, in my view, can be perennial all-stars."
5. Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL) -- "The hip injury doesn't bother me. Some team is going to get very lucky he dropped to them. Connolly will be a 35-goal scorer and he'll give you a lot of leadership."
6. Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL) -- "Love that kid. Great size and work habits and defense. He will add offense to his game because he's a good student and has some ability. Gudbranson's a player you can put in your lineup for the next 15 years and know he'll help you win."
7. Alex Burmistrov, C, Barrie (OHL) -- "Never thought he'd be in my top 10 at the beginning of last season, but he showed so much in Barrie. Teams tried to mug him, but he always battled back. Tremendous skill. Really impressive in his workout and meeting at the Draft Combine."
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8. Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL) -- "Very smart, skilled defenseman. He'll play in the league a long time. I see him as a No. 2 defenseman who, with a big push and good coaching, has a chance to be something more."
9. Jeff Skinner, C, Kitchener (OHL) -- "You hope he fills out over the next couple of years. I just can't ignore 50 regular season goals and another 20 in 20 games in the playoffs. He has some flaws, but there are times when the stats say everything you need to know."
10. Nino Niederreiter, RW, Portland, (WHL) -- "I like his spirit and that he plays with power. To make it at this level, he's still going to need to go on a strength and conditioning program. With time, he should be a 30-goal scorer and the kind of player you can count on in the postseason. He seems like a kid who loves the challenge."
another interesting article