Top 10 NHL Draft Prospects

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 19, 2008

Top 10 NHL Draft Prospects

Steven Stamkos, center, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "The team that takes Stamkos is going to get one of the fastest skaters in all of the draft. Steven goes to the net fearlessly with that speed and brings a bit of an edge and a bit of an aggressive attitude that every team wants ... [he is projected to play on] a top line in the NHL."

Nikita Filatov, left wing, CSKA-2 (Russia)

Central Scouting says: "Nikita is a leader, has a great attitude, excellent work ethic and tons of talent. He has matured during the season and leads by example. He is an excellent skater who can change pace, even at top speed. Despite his size, he still plays aggressive, taking and giving hits."

Drew Doughty, defense, Guelph Storm (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "A team is going to build its [blue line around him for the] next 10 years. A lot of his hockey experience translates into on ice intelligence; it's hard to find that in a young defenseman. Drew probably is one of the guys, most able to step into the NHL next year."

Zach Bogosian, defense, Peterborough Petes (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "Zach's combination of skating ability and size are what set him apart. There are some bigger, taller defensemen who have to grow into their body, but Zach is right there, fully proportioned and ready to make that step into the NHL very quickly."

Luke Schenn, defense, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Central Scouting says: "A big strong defenseman [like Ed] Jovanovski. Luke can play a mean game and he plays a tough NHL-style defense."

Alex Pietrangelo, defense, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He might have the best top-end [potential] ... in the entire 2008 draft. He has Pronger-like size and vision. A lot of scouts say that he might be playing better now than Pronger played in his last year of junior."

Mikkel Boedker, left wing, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He's come a long way. He was skilled at the start of the season, but he's fine-tuned his game to the North American style. Playing the point on the power play hasn't hurt his statistics either."

Tyler Myers, defense, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Central Scouting says: "Tyler is the tallest player among the top-rated players. As a defenseman, that height translates into a great poke-check and great stick work. At 6-foot-7, he still has a little bit of growing into his body to do. Obviously, comparisons are made to Zdeno Chara."

Colin Wilson, center, Boston University (NCAA)

Central Scouting says: "Colin is a combination of skilled and power forward. He is very strong, has excellent hands and is a very good passer and playmaker. He is very reliable defensively, has incredibly quick feet and he can turn quickly while maintaining puck control."

Cody Hodgson, center, Brampton Battalion (OHL)

Central Scouting says: "He is a very skilled centerman whose hockey sense has him quarterbacking the power play from down at the half boards. He knows when to shoot and when to pass. He's also a good face-off guy. Quite an all-around asset to any team that drafts him."