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| Tuesday, June 18 Updated: June 20, 5:40 PM ET 2002 NHL entry draft prospects: Skaters SportsTicker |
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The following are capsule summaries of the top prospective forwards and defensemen for the 2002 NHL entry draft at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, June 22-23. Players are listed in alphabetical order with posistion, height, weight, date of birth, 2001-02 team and statsitics:
Sergei Anshakov LW 6-2 183 1/13/84 CSKA (Russia) 39 GP, 17 G, 12 A, 29 PTS, 10 PIMJumped from 32nd at midseason to eighth in final ranking of European players by NHL Central Scouting. Confident offensively with above-average stickhandling ability, he won a silver medal with Russia at the 2002 World Under-18 Championships. Takes advantage of his size and works well along the boards and in the corners. Also difficult to clear out from in front of the net.
Anton Babchuk D 6-4 194 5/6/84 Elektrostal (Russia) 40 GP, 7 G, 8 A, 15 PTS, 90 PIMDropped five spots to seventh among European players as ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Aggressive defenseman is not afraid to use his size. Possesses a solid shot from the point and is used in all game situations. Was sixth among defensemen in scoring at the World Under-18 Championship. Highly skilled player skates well and has a temperament that belies a fiery competitiveness.
Keith Ballard D 5-11 196 11/26/82 Minnesota (WCHA) 34 GP, 6 G, 12 A, 18 PTS, 28 PIMRanked 19th among North American prospects at midseason and the end of the season by NHL Central Scouting. As a freshman, helped Minnesota capture the NCAA championship and represented the United States at the World Junior Championship, picking up a goal and an assist in seven games. Spent the 2000-01 season with Omaha of the U.S. Hockey League and led all defenseman in scoring with 22 goals and 29 assists in 56 games. Adroit skater who likes to join the rush, he has a quick wrist shot and a heavy slap shot. Gritty player dispenses solid checks and is willing to sacrifice himself to make a play. Good shot blocker who sees plenty of ice time on special teams.
Michael Banika D 6-3 200 6/12/84 Budejovice (Czech) 29 GP, 4 G, 13 A, 17 PTS, 77 PIMJumped 19 spots from midseason and was fifth-ranked European prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting. Was fifth among defenseman in scoring at the World Under-18 Championship, helping the Czech Republic to the bronze medal. Recruited for the top Czech junior league as a 15-year-old. Was a junior teammate of Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Novotny. Strong skater who does his best work in his own zone. Uses impressive size to his advantage. Strong in one-on-one situations as well as in tight spaces and in front of the net.
Sean Bergenheim W 5-11 194 2/8/84 Jokerit (Finland) 28 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 PTS, 4 PIMSlipped eight spots from midseason to finish as NHL Central Scouting's 15th-ranked European prospect. Started the season with Vantaa, a junior team, before joining Jokerit and winning the Finnish Elite League championship. Also captured a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, where he had one assist in seven games. Led Finland in scoring at the World Under-18 Championship with eight goals and four assists in eight games. Is a junior teammate of top goaltending prospect Kari Lehtonen. Excellent skater with an above-average shot, he is dangerous around the net. Sees time on both the power-play and penalty-killing units. Scouts like his attitude and competitive streak.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard C 5-9 155 4/27/84 Chicoutimi (QMJHL) 69 GP, 46 G, 94 A, 140 PTS, 54 PIMQuebec junior league scoring champion rose 10 spots to 10th among North American prospects as ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Had two hat tricks and recorded a 22-game points streak from October 29-January 2. Represented Canada at the World Under-18 Championship and led the team in scoring with four goals and eight assists in eight games. Named Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, outpolling NHL prospects Dan Hamhuis of the Nashville Predators and Brad Boyes of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Intelligent player and adept playmaker, he is considered a scoring threat every team he is on the ice. Sees time on both the power-play and penalty-killing units. Lacks size but refuses to back down against a physical opponent.
Jay Bouwmeester D 6-3 206 9/27/83 Medicine Hat (WHL) 61 GP, 12 G, 49 A, 61 PTS, 42 PIMConsensus selection to go first overall, he was NHL Central Scouting's top-ranked North American prospect at both midseason and the end of the season. Described by former NHLer Brent Sutter as "a jewel," he was named an All-Star at the World Junior Championship after helping Canada capture the silver medal. Had a goal and an assist at the Top Prospects Game, where he was named his team's best player. Had points streaks of six and eight games and was third in scoring among WHL defensemen. In 2000, joined Wayne Gretzky, Eric Lindros and Jason Spezza as the only 16-year-olds to play for Canada at the World Junior Championships. Was a member of the CHL's All-Rookie Team in 1999-2000, a unit that included Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla and New York Rangers goaltender Dan Blackburn. One of the fastest skaters in major junior hockey, he has quick acceleration and possesses the ability to control the flow of the game. Confident puckhandler and solid decision-maker on the ice. Already has the size to make it in the NHL, although he does not play an overtly physical style. Logs a lot of ice time and boasts a lethal one-timer. His junior coach, Bob Loucks, called him "a man among boys," adding, "He's one of those players who comes down the road once in a lifetime for most people. ... He's not going to be just another NHL player. He'll be exceptional because he wants to be as good as he can be."
Tim Brent C 6-0 175 3/10/84 St. Michael's (OHL) 61 GP, 19 G, 40 A, 59 PTS, 52 PIMRose eight spots to 28th among North American prospects, according to NHL Central Scouting. Selected for the Top Prospects Game but did not play due to injury. Was fourth on his junior team in scoring after compiling a seven-game points streak from November 11-29. Also recorded a five-point game with a goal and four assists on September 30. Taken second overall in the 2000 Ontario junoir league draft. Above-average playmaker, scouts note his keen hockey sense and anticipation. Has a quick, accurate shot and excels on faceoffs. While he does his best work in the offensive zone, he recognizes his defensive responsibilities.
Gregory Campbell C/LW 6-0 191 12/17/83 Plymouth (OHL) 65 GP, 17 G, 36 A, 53 PTS, 105 PIMSon of former NHL defenseman and current NHL executive vice president Colin Campbell. Climbed four spots from midseason and was NHL Central Scouting's 21st-ranked North American prospects. Described by his junior coach as a "physical fitness nut," he plays well at both ends of the ice. Ranked fifth on his team in scoring, increasing his production by 39 points from his first junior season. Scored a goal at the Top Prospects Game. A good shot-blocker who is willing to sacrifice himself to make the play. Intelligent player with good passing skills who plays hard on every shift.
Erik Christensen C 6-1 178 12/17/83 Kamloops (WHL) 70 GP, 22 G, 36 A, 58 PTS, 68 PIMStock plummeted during the season as he fell from 21st to 46th among North American prospects. Logged a lot of time on the power play and is described as a finesse player. Possesses breakaway speed and strong puck-handling skills, which make him effective in one-on-one situations. Was his junior team's most valuable player in the 2001 playoffs.
Ben Eager LW 6-2 210 1/22/84 Oshawa (OHL) 63 GP, 14 G, 23 A, 37 PTS, 255 PIMStatistics tell only part of the story for this big winger. While he was third in the Ontario junior league in penalty minutes, he also recorded the fastest times in the 60-foot and 150-foot dashes in the skills competition at the Top Prospects Game. His time in the 150-foot event was the fastest ever. Slipped from 10th to 15th among North American prospects as ranked by NHL Central Scouting. In addition to his prodigious skating, his size makes him difficult to knock off the puck. He also excels in the corners and along the boards and delivers punishing checks. Played for Canada at the World Under-18 Championship.
Steve Eminger D 6-1 196 10/31/83 Kitchener (OHL) 64 GP, 19 G, 39 A, 58 PTS, 93 PIMRanked sixth among North American prospects and third among defensemen by NHL Central Scouting. Was fifth among defensemen in scoring in the Ontario junior league, where he was runner-up for best skater in the Western Conference. Recorded the fastest time in the puck control relay at the skills competition at the Top Prospects game. Superior offensive-minded defenseman who quarterbacks the power play and sees extensive time in penalty-killing situations. Strong skater with good lateral movement, he can control the flow of the game. Played for Canada at the Four Nations tournament and was invited to training camp for the National Junior team.
Lee Falardeau
Matt Foy RW 6-2 190 5/18/83 Merrimack (HE) 29 GP, 4 G, 9 A, 13 PTS, 22 PIMJumped from 57th at midseason to 34th among North American prospects, according to NHL Central Scouting. Was sixth on his team in scoring as a freshman, posting a six-game points streak from December 15-January 14. Ontario native spent the 2000-01 season with Wexford, a Junior A team. Strong skater with good balance and quick acceleration. Possesses a heavy shot and solid stickhandling and passing skills. Scouts believe he has the potential to be a power forward. Aggressive in the corners and in front of the net. Described by one scout as "abrasive."
Jeff Genovy C 6-3 191 12/4/82 Des Moines (USHL) 52 GP, 23 G, 23 A, 46 PTS, 86 PIMSoared 55 spots to 38th in NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American prospects. In his first season in the U.S. Hockey League, compiled one of the longest goal-scoring streaks with nine goals in seven games. Was second on his team in scoring and played in the USHL Top Prospects/All-Star Game. Expected to attend Clarkson University next season. His father, Alan, played minor league hockey in the Detroit Red Wings' system. Good skater with above average stickhandling and passing skills. Intelligent player who anticipates the action and covers for out-of-position teammates. Has a solid physical presence and is used often on special teams. Good on faceoffs.
Rob Globke C/RW 6-2 200 10/24/82 Notre Dame (CCHA) 29 GP, 11 G, 11 A, 22 PTS, 73 PIMSlid six spots to 14th among NHL Central Scouting's top North American prospects. Went from 17 goals as a freshman at Notre Dame to 11 as a sophomore but was the youngest member of the U.S. team at the World Junior Championship. Decided not to opt in to last year's NHL draft after he was ranked 21st at midseason. Needed only three years to graduate from Michigan's Southfield Christian High School. Powerful skater boasts natural scoring instincts. Has a quick, accurate shot and is particularly effective on the power play. Also excels in one-on-one situations and can use his size to control the play. His college coach, former NHLer Dave Poulin, said Globke has improved his play away from the puck. "With Rob, you get an excellent combination of speed and skill," Poulin added.
Denis Grebeshkov D 6-0 189 10/11/83 Yaroslavl (Russia) 26 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS, 11 PIMFourth-ranked European prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting. Completed his second season in the Russian senior league, helping his team win the championship. Represented Russia at the World Junior Championship and was seventh among defensemen in scoring with a goal and two assists in seven games. Stay-at-home defenseman displays a basic understanding of the game but usually opts for the safe play. Solid hitter will not avoid the physical side of the game. Scouts describe him as "steady."
Denis Grot D 6-1 180 1/6/84 Elektrostal (Russia) 33 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 42 PIMRose 10 spots to 11th among NHL Central Scouting's top European prospects. Although he is a member of the Yaroslavl organization, he spent most of last season with Elektrostal and is expected to play for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the Russian senior league in 2002-03. Smooth skater plays with an aggressive edge. Enjoys the physical aspect of the game and is strong in the corners and in front of his own net. Does his best work in his own zone. Possesses good hockey sense and sees the ice well.
Adam Henrich LW 6-4 230 1/19/84 Brampton (OHL) 66 GP, 33 G, 30 A, 63 PTS, 92 PIMFell 11 spots from midseason to 23rd among North American prospects, although his production increased by 700 percent in his second year of major junior hockey. Participated in the Top Prospects Game and shared the title in the hardest shot competition at 96.0 miles per hour. Recorded a pair of hat tricks and led his junior team in goals and points. Older brother, Michael, was selected 13th overall by Edmonton in the 1998 draft. Smooth skater and puckhandler with strong passing skills. Likes to take advantage of his size and is effective in front of the net on deflections and rebounds. Scouts describe him as a "natural goal-scorer with a hard shot and a quick release." Does not always come to play a physical game. "He has all the tools to be a player," said Brent Loney, his junior team assistant coach.
Christopher Higgins C 5-11 192 6/2/83 Yale (ECAC) 25 GP, 13 G, 16 A, 29 PTS, 32 PIMJumped eight spots to ninth among North American prospects after leading the U.S. team in scoring at the World Junior Championships with four goals and two assists in seven games. Led Yale in all major offensive categories as a freshman. Named ECAC Rookie of the Year and was the only freshman selected to the New England Hockey Writers' Association All-Star team. Like 2001 first-round pick Mike Komisarek, is a native of Long Island, New York. Spent three years at hockey power Avon Old Farms High School. Decided not to opt in to last year's NHL draft as the 118th-ranked prospect. Smooth skater with impressive acceleration, he has been described by scouts as an intelligent player and creative playmaker. Confident and patient player who excels in pressure situations. While he is not the biggest player, he can deliver a big check and is willing to sacrifice to make a play.
Jiri Hudler C 5-9 176 1/4/84 Vsetin (Czech) 46 GP, 15 G, 31 A, 46 PTS, 54 PIMThird-ranked European prospect completed his second season in the Czech senior league, where he averaged a point a game. Scouts say he plays at an exceptionally high skill level and can make the pinpoint pass. But some teams may shy away from him because of his lack of size. He also suffered a serious neck injury during the 2000-01 season. But he has been a prospect since the age of 13 and almost always has played among older players. One scout described him as "an offensive threat every time he is on the ice." Was sixth on the Czech team in scoring at the World Junior Championships. Was a teammate of prospect Petr Taticek at the Under-17 Challenge in 2000.
Matt Jones D 6-0 214 8/8/83 North Dakota (WCHA) 35 GP, 2 G, 5 A, 7 PTS, 20 PIMRose 10 spots to 25th among NHL Central Scouting's North American prospects. Stay-at-home defenseman completed his freshman season at North Dakota after spent 2000-01 with Green Bay of the U.S. Hockey League. Decided to play college hockey after he was selected 288th overall by Toronto-St. Michael's in the 2000 Ontario Hockey League draft. Was ranked 66th by Central Scouting last season but did not opt in to the NHL draft. Powerful skater has shown flashes of offensive ability but can dominate in the defensive zone. Plays a physical brand of hockey and can punish opponents in the corners and in front of his own net.
Alexei Kaigorodov C 6-1 183 7/29/83 Magnitogorsk (Russia) 44 GP, 4 G, 12 A, 16 PTS, 24 PIMMade a remarkable surge from midseason, rising 41 spots to finish as the ninth-ranked European prospect. Was ranked 62nd last year but decided to skip the NHL draft. Completed his first season in the Russian senior league. Speedy skater with impressive agility and good lateral movement. Works well in traffic and also is strong in 1-on-1 situations. Will not shy away from physical aspect of the game.
Petr Kanko RW 5-9 195 2/7/84 Kitchener (OHL) 61 GP, 28 G, 32 A, 60 PTS, 54 PIMCzech native made the jump to major junior hockey this past season after he was selected second overall in the 2001 junior import draft. The 26th-ranked North American prospect participated in the Top Prospects Game. Had a four-goal game on January 25 and had a six-game points streak from February 24-March 9. Led the Czech team in scoring at the 2001 World Under-18 Championship. Solid skater has great quickness and breakaway speed. Possesses strong offensive instincts and a quick, accurate shot. His assistant coach in juniors, Steve Spott, likened him to a North American player in terms of grit and toughness. Sees time on the power-play and penalty-killing units and tied for the team lead with four shorthanded goals.
Jakub Klepis C 6-0 200 6/5/84 Portland (WHL) 70 GP, 14 G, 50 A, 64 PTS, 111 PIMCzech native made the jump to major junior hockey and finished the season ranked 16th among North American prospects. Appeared in the Top Prospects Game and won the accuracy shooting event in his junior team's skills competition. Had points streaks of nine and five games during the season and was fourth among Western Hockey League rookies in scoring. Fluid skater is an unselfish playmaker with strong stickhandling skills. Possesses an above-average wrist shot and a hard slap shot. While he has been described as a finesse player, he has shown signs of a mean streak. Portland coach Mike Williams described him as "very coachable and unselfish." Faceoff specialist often was assigned to special teams.
Kirill Koltsov D 5-11 183 2/1/83 Avangard Omsk (Russia) 70 GP, 14 G, 50 A, 64 PTS, 111 PIMRanked sixth among European prospects, same spot he occupied last year when he decided to opt out of the NHL draft. Completed his second season in the Russian senior league, where he was teammates with 2001 first-round picks Alexander Svitov and Stanislav Chistov. Was Rookie of the Year in the senior league in 2000-01, then led all defensemen in scoring at the 2001 World Under-18 Championships. Stayed in Europe after he was taken with the 40th pick in the 2000 Canadian junior import draft. Excellent skater had strong puckhandling and playmaking skills. Offensive-minded defenseman will not shy away from physical play. Needs to improve his discipline and positional play.
Jakub Koreis C 6-3 205 6/26/84 Plzen (Czech) 20 GP, 12 G, 13 A, 25 PTS, 36 PIMTenth-ranked European prospect split the 2001-02 season between Plzen's junior and senior teams in the Czech league. Wears uniform No. 18 to honor his father, who starred for Plzen in the Czech Elite League. Won a bronze medal at the 2002 World Under-18 Championship. Played in the top Czech midget league in 1999-00 at the age of 14. Boasts impressive speed and good stickhandling and passing skills. Creative playmaker can control the flow int he offensive zone. Uses size to his advantage in the corners and along the boards. Tenacious forechecker who throws his body around as part of an aggressive style. Mature for his age, he is used in all situations.
Brian Lee D 6-2 187 7/5/84 Erie (OHL) 66 GP, 5 G, 14 A, 19 PTS, 115 PIMJumped 20 spots to 30th among North American prospects after helping Erie win the Ontario Hockey League championship and earn a spot in the Memorial Cup tournament. Greatly improved his offensive production from his first junior season to his second. Strong skater plays well positionally in the defensive zone. Is able to remain cool under pressure and displays solid decision-making. Good puckhandler with a hard point shot, he has the potential to develop his offensive game. Excels in aggressive, physical situations. Like to throw hip checks and is strong in the corners and in front of his own net.
Joakim Lindstrom W 6-0 187 12/5/83 MoDo (Sweden) 42 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 PTS, 20 PIMRanked 13th among European prospects by NHL Central Scouting, up nine spots from midseason. Split the 2001-02 season between MoDo's junior and Elite League teams. Was 19th among rookies in scoring in the Elite League. Finished second on the Swedish team in scoring at the 2001 World Under-18 Championship with two goals and five assists in six games. Excellent skater has natural scoring instincts and is described by scouts as an "offensive threat every shift." Good competitor prefers a finesse game. Solid stickhandler boasts a quick wrist shot.
Joffrey Lupul C/RW 6-1 194 9/23/83 Medicine Hat (WHL) 72 GP, 56 G, 51 A, 107 PTS, 95 PIMRanked fourth among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting, he scored twice and was named his team's player at the Top Prospects Game. Had a pair of four-goal games during the season and compiled a 12-game points streak from December 1-January 1. Led the Western Hockey League in goals and was second in scoring. Success at the junior level came after he was bypassed in the WHL bantam draft. Deceptive skater, he can accelerate quickly. Excellent stickhandler works well in tight situations. Scouts like his hockey sense and vision and describe him as an unselfish playmaker. A natural goal-scorer, he possesses an accurate wrist shot and can play all three forward positions. He led the WHL with eight shorthanded goals and tied for fifth with 19 on the power play. "Joffrey possesses great skill, fast hands and can score in a great variety of ways -- wrist shot, snap, slap shot, backhand or deke," junior coach Bob Loucks said.
Lance Monych RW 6-1 199 6/25/84 Brandon (WHL) 71 GP, 18 G, 30 A, 48 PTS, 96 PIMFell 11 spots from midseason to 27th among NHL Central Scouting's North American prospects. Scored a goal at the Top Prospects Game. Was fourth on his junior team in scoring and helped it reach the WHL Eastern Conference championship. Played three games of major junior hockey in 1999-2000 as a 15-year-old. Agile skater has good stickhandling skills, which help him play well in heavy traffic. Anticipates the play well and possesses creative play-making ability. An aggressive forechecker and rugged competitor, he is used on both the power-play and penalty-killing units. Can play all three forward positions.
Rick Nash LW 6-3 188 6/16/84 London (OHL) 54 GP, 32 G, 40 A, 72 PTS, 88 PIMSecond-ranked North American prospect proved dangerous on the power play, amassing more than half his point on the man advantage. Participated in the Top Prospects Game and won a silver medal with Canada at the World Junior Championships. Was an alternate captain on his junior team and amassed a 12-game points streak from November 22-January 18. Was a finalist as the player "most dangerous in the goal area" in the Western Conference in a poll of Ontario Hockey League coaches. Was second on his team in scoring and third in goals despite playing just 54 games. Had a hat trick in the gold medal game of the 2001 Six Nations tournament. "I've never seen a player step in at such a young age and be able to dominate a game the way he is," said Stan Butler, coach of the Canadian National Junior team. Good skater combines speed, power and lateral movement. Despite lacking bulk, is strong along the boards and in the corners. Excellent stickhandler and playmaker, he possesses solid stamina and is on the ice in most key situations. "When a 16-year-old is as dominant as he was last year, you know he's the real thing," said Sherry Bassin, general manager of the rival Erie Otters.
Eric Nystrom RW 6-1 195 2/14/83 Michigan (CCHA) 32 GP, 15 G, 9 A, 24 PTS, 32 PIMSon of New York Islanders Stanley Cup hero Bobby Nystrom, he is NHL Central Scouting's 13th-ranked North American prospect. "He is always giving me grief about how I am a better skater and have better hands than he had, but I'm not as tough as he was," he said of his famous father. Became just the second Michigan freshman to record a four-point game, joining Edmonton Oilers star Mike Comrie. Was second among CCHA rookies in goals and helped the Wolverines reach the NCAA Frozen Four. Was ranked 32nd by Central Scouting last year but decided not to opt in to the draft. Powerful yet smooth skater is hard to knock off his skates. Boasts a good scoring touch but knows his defensive responsibilities and plays a solid two-way game. Was used on the power play and in penalty-killing situations. Like his father, plays aggressively along the boards and in the corners. Will sacrifice himself in front of the net to make a play.
Dan Paille LW 6-0 200 4/15/84 Guelph (OHL) 62 GP, 27 G, 30 A, 57 PTS, 54 PIMMoved up three spots to 12th among North American prospects, according to NHL Central Scouting. Was runner-up as best body checker in the Western Conference in a poll of OHL coaches. Participated in the Top Prospects Game and had points streaks of four and five games in his second season of major junior hockey. Junior coach Jeff Jackson likened him to Boston Bruins prospect Andy Hilbert. "He's one of those guys you want on the ice in crucial situations," Jackson said. "He's extremely strong on his skates and I just love his intensity." Smooth skater has a good head for the game and natural offensive instincts. Also aware of his defensive responsibilities, making him a solid two-way player. Tenacious forechecker plays a physical game.
Joni Pitkanen D 6-3 202 9/19/83 Karpat (Finland) 49 GP, 4 G, 15 A, 19 PTS, 65 PIMTop-ranked European prospect, his position did not change from midseason. Completed his second season in the Finnish Elite League and won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, where he ranked third among defensemen in scoring with a goal and three assists in seven games. Strong skater with good acceleration, he is an intelligent player who anticipates the flow of the game. Good puck-carrier and passer also is reliable in his own zone. While primarily a finesse player, he can be extremely physical in the corners and in front of his own net.
Aaron Rome D 6-1 203 9/27/83 Swift Current (WHL) 70 GP, 7 G, 24 A, 31 PTS, 168 PIMRanked 24th among North American prospects, he completed his third season of major junior hockey and participated in the Top Prospects Game. Was traded at midseason as part of a five-player swap involving Montreal Canadiens prospect Duncan Milroy. Strong skater and adroit passer will join the rush in key situations. Logged a lot of time on the power play and also was used in penalty-killing situations. Possesses a hard shot from the point and also can make a good outlet pass. Not tremendously physical but will make his presence felt in the neutral zone. "He is a good playmaker, he skates well, he's very responsible with the puck and can be an offensive defenseman," junior coach Bob McEwen said.
Alexander Semin LW 6-0 174 3/3/84 Chelyabinsk (Russia) 46 GP, 13 G, 8 A, 21 PTS, 52 PIMMoved up seven spots and finished the season as the second-ranked European prospect. Won a silver medal with Russia at the 2001 World Under-18 Championship, where he was second in the tournament in scoring with eight goals and seven assists in eight games. Also was second with an impressive plus-13 rating. Named best forward at the 2002 Five Nations Cup. Swift skater with impressive acceleration also works well in traffic. Scouts think he has a "high overall skill level" and label him as "a dynamic offensive talent with a good combination of speed and scoring ability." Plays well at both ends of the rink and has a solid understanding of the game. Not particularly big but is strong in front of the net and will deliver the occasional big check.
Brett Skinner D 6-1 170 6/28/83 Des Moines (USHL) 44 GP, 9 G, 38 A, 47 PTS, 25 PIMManitoba native spent last season in the U.S. Hockey League, where he ranked second among defensemen in scoring despite missing 15 games with a broken ankle. Rose seven spots to 22nd among North American prospects as ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Named Top Defenseman in the USHL. Is expected to attend the University of Denver next season. Effortless skater with impressive acceleration and balance. Described by scouts as an "exceptional passer" and intelligent player. Very effective on the power play and occasionally was used as a forward. Effective stickchecker due to a long reach. Considered a finesse player, he needs to add a physical component to his game.
Jim Slater C 6-0 190 12/9/82 Michigan State (CCHA) 32 GP, 9 G, 18 A, 27 PTS, 48 PIMFell four spots to 11th among North American prospects, according to NHL Central Scouting. Was fourth among CCHA rookies in scoring as a Michigan State freshman. Made his college debut in the "Cold War" outdoor game against Michigan before a record crowd of 74,554. Had an assist and scored the tying goal in that contest. Was fifth on the United States team in scoring at the World Junior Championships with a goal and four assists. Son of Bill Slater, a defensive lineman with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. Bypassed the NHL draft last year as the 76th-ranked prospect. Outstanding skater with tremendous acceleration and breakaway speed. Hard to knock off the puck and possesses a powerful, accurate shot. Has a knack of scoring big goals. Effective two-way player who likes to dispense punishing checks. Described by scouts as "abrasive," he is extremely aggressive around the opponent's net and thrives in a physical setting.
Matt Stajan C 6-1 178 12/19/83 Belleville (OHL) 68 GP, 33 G, 52 A, 85 PTS, 50 PIMMoved up five spots to 18th among North American prospects, according to NHL Central Scouting. Was sixth in the Ontario junior league with a plus-36 rating. Recorded a league season-high 12-game assists streak, totaling 18 from January 5-February 9. Named most underrated player in the Eastern Conference in a poll of OHL coaches and was a finalist for top defensive forward honors. Was a midget teammate of fellow prospect Matt Foy. Fluid skater possesses deceptive outside speed. Creative playmaker with good hockey sense. Solid forechecker likes to drive to the net. Used often in key faceoff situations. Tireless worker who will sacrifice himself to make a play.
Alexander Steen C 5-11 183 3/1/84 Frolunda (Sweden) 26 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS, 14 PIMSon of former NHLer Thomas Steen is the 12th-ranked European prospect. Captained Sweden at the World Under-18 Championship and led the team in scoring with two goals and six assists in eight games. Split the season between Frolunda's junior and Elite League teams, ranking seventh in scoring in the junior league. Smooth skater with good quickness. Talented all-around player with strong stickhandling and passing skills. Described by scouts as a creative playmaker with a good shot. Like his father, he is effective in penalty-killing situations and is primarily a finesse player. Refuses to be intimidated in a physical game and displays natural leadership abilities.
Barry Tallackson RW 6-4 196 4/14/83 Minnesota (WCHA) 37 GP, 12 G, 6 A, 18 PTS, 36 PIMMoved up 10 spots to 17th among North American prospects. North Dakota native helped Minnesota capture the NCAA Championship as a freshman, finishing third among WCHA rookies in goals and ninth in scoring. Bypassed last year's NHL draft after he was ranked 35th by Central Scouting. Attended evaluation camp last August for the U.S. National Junior team. Strong skater with good speed and agility for a player his size. Has a quick, hard wrist shot and possesses good scoring instincts. Tough player who is particularly effective in the corners and in front of the net. Was used on the power play and in penalty-killing situations but needs to work on his consistency.
Petr Taticek C 6-2 188 9/22/83 Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) 60 GP, 21 G, 42 A, 63 PTS, 32 PIMCzech native completed his first season of major junior hockey and moved up two spots to seventh among North American prospects. Scored the winning goal on a penalty shot at the Top Prospects Game. Finished fourth among rookies in scoring in the Ontario junior league. After spending the 2000-01 season with Kladno of the Czech junior league, he was the eighth overall pick in the Canadian junior import draft. His father, Petr, played professionally in Germany and currently coaches Kladno. Strong skater with deceptive speed. A savvy playmaker, he uses his reach to excel in heavy traffic. Scouts like his decision-making ability around the net. Used for most key faceoffs and on the point on the power play. An excellent finesse player who has not trouble adapting to a physical game. "It took him 25 minutes in his first practice to fit in," said junior coach Craig Hartsburg, a former NHL defenseman and coach. "Right away, we could all tell that he had the skills and the hockey sense to be a strong player."
Scottie Upshall RW 5-11 176 10/7/83 Kamloops (WHL) 61 GP, 32 G, 51 A, 83 PTS, 139 PIMFifth-ranked North American prospect, he won a silver medal with Canada at the World Junior Championships. Registered an assist in the Top Prospects Game and recorded points streaks of 11 and nine games during his second season of major junior hockey. Was 10th in the Western Hockey League in assists and second on his team in scoring. Led all WHL rookies in goals and scoring in 2000-01 after he was not selected in the league's bantam draft. Good skater with quick acceleration is not easy to knock off the puck. Highly skilled player who displays solid decision-making ability. Scouts like the way he uses his teammates. Strong stickhandler who can score in many different ways. Coaches and opponents like his grit. "He has a fierceness in his game that elevates him among the best in his age group in all of junior hockey," said Mike Moore, the general manager of his junior team. Tenacious forechecker is used in all game situations.
Martin Vagner D 6-1 214 3/16/84 Hull (QMJHL) 64 GP, 6 G, 28 A, 34 PTS, 81 PIMMoved up six spots to finish the season as NHL Central Scouting's eighth-ranked prospect. Czech native was the third overall pick in the Canadian junior import draft. Participated in the Top Prospects Game and was second among rookie defensemen in scoring in the Quebec junior league. Came to North America after spending the 2000-01 season with HC Pardubice in the Czech junior league. Agile skater is hard to knock off the puck. He sees the ice well and has excellent anticipation. Confident puck-carrier can lead the offensive attack. Boasts an accurate wrist shot and makes good use of his defense partner. Plays sound positionally in the defensive zone and delivers punishing checks. Already fluent in English, he was a junior teammate of Edmonton Oilers prospect Ales Hemsky.
Ryan Whitney D 6-3 202 2/19/83 Boston U. (HE) 31 GP, 4 G, 15 A, 19 PTS, 44 PIMMoved up one spot to become the third-ranked North American prospect after his freshman season at Boston University. Boston native played for the United States at the World Junior Championships and led American defensemen in scoring with a goal and two assists in seven games. Was second on his college team with a plus-16 rating. Named to the Hockey East All-Rookie squad. Was ranked sixth by NHL Central Scouting last year but decided to bypass the draft. Attended Thayer Academy before joining the U.S. National Team development program. Strong, smooth skater who is confident with the puck and has shown he can lead the rush. Possesses a low, hard point shot. Anticipates the play well and can control the tempo. Uses his long reach to be an effective stickchecker and uses his size to play strong along the boards and in front of his own net. "He has great size, is an excellent puckhandler. He is also a great passer, which makes him a good offensive defenseman," college coach Jack Parker said. "He has also gotten stronger since he's been here and he has been playing much better defensively. It is easy to see why he is a top prospect."
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