Wings draft picks
I liveblogged the first round events. Detroit originally had the 29th overall pick but traded it (and their 152nd pick) to Phoenix in exchange for two second round picks, No. 41 and 47. They retained their original second round pick (No. 62) as well. So why did the Wings trade away their first round pick?
"We don't like having first-round picks," general manger Ken Holland said, laughing. "No, we had a couple of players we liked go just ahead of us."No. 41 - Cory Emmerton The 5'11.5" center weighing 177 pounds had 90 points in his 66 games played with Kingston (OHL). He was +37 and had 32 PIM in that season. Emmerton was ranked No. 5 in OHL skaters eligible for today's draft.The Wings had eyes for center Patrik Berglund, but the Blues took him with the 25th overall pick, and another of Detroit's desirables, goaltender Leland Irving, was snapped up by Calgary at 26.
The Wings got someone they consider similar to Berglund, though, with Swedish winger Dick Axelsson at 62nd overall.
Jim Nill says:
"The first two guys we got, we had them going late in the first round," assistant general manager Jim Nill said. "It worked out well."Emmerton's reaction to being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings:"He's a Cory Stillman-type player," Nill said. "Good skills, head for the game. Has to get stronger, but good feel for the game."
Emmerton was relieved to hear his name called after sitting through a nearly three-hour first round at GM Place, and said he's looking forward to meeting Steve Yzerman and the rest of the Detroit squad.Hockey's Future conducted an interview with Emmerton back in 2005."I just hope to learn as much as I can in the next couple of years from them, at camps," Emmerton said. "Hopefully soon I can jump in the lineup or something and learn from the players themselves...I'm more of an offensive playmaker, but I think I play well in my own end," Emmerton said. "I like to handle the puck a lot and set up guys. I think I've got good playmaking skills."
As the draft progressed, Emmerton sat watching in a suite, still wearing his Wings jersey. It turns out it wasn't so hard to give up his love for Toronto.
"I think," he said, "I just changed my mind after about 18 years. But that's OK with me."
Here are the various scouting reports on this player...
Scouting Report: Emmerton teamed with fellow 2006 draft-eligible prospect Chris Stewart to form a lethal combination with the Frontenacs in 2005-06. He finished first on the Frontenacs (and 11th in the OHL) with 90 points in 66 games... skates extremely well and is creative with the puck... also displays plenty of polish in the defensive zone (+37 rating in 2005-06)... needs to overcome a lack of ideal size in order to blossom in the pro game... should return for a third OHL campaign in Kingston in 2006-07, and may challenge for the scoring championship...Hockey's Future:Impact: The Red Wings currently have an embarassment of riches down the middle, and adding Emmerton certainly didn't make things worse. This year, they will hope for an Evan McGrath-like ascension up the OHL scoring race.
A talented playmaker with offensive flair and a nose for the net, Emmerton is the type of forward that makes those around him better. He has a knack for finding the open man, or hitting a teammate in full-stride for an offensive chance.Courtesy of TSN:He has elite playmaking and passing skills and is solid on his skates. He could benefit from some extra attention on the defensive side of the game, but he projects to challenge for the OHL scoring title should he remain in the league next season, and could be a solid point-producer for years to come no matter what level he plays at.
From NHL Central Scouting - Sees the puck well and moves the puck effectively through traffic...can be elusive but can also take the puck to the net while fighting through checks...plays point on the power play and is also very effective at handling the puck...an aggressive forechecker who finishes his check at every opportunity...has a hard, accurate shot. From ISS: A great two way forward coming into this year that can shut down the opponents top line while chipping in offensively. That assessment was partially correct in that he is very adept on the defensive side of the puck but he also went out and produced 90 points on a good but not great Kingston Frontenacs team that had other offensive catalysts. He seems to be a step ahead with his vision/decision making which gives him a good passing game. From TSN: Product of the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs AAA ...scored 35 goals with St. Thomas Jr. B in 2003/04...5th round pick (89th overall) by the Frontenacs...had 6 points at the U-17 tournament (3-3)...voted the smartest player in the OHL...was one of nine returning players on the U-18 that won gold at the Jr. World Cup last August...finished third in voting for the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player...played in the Top Prospects showcase, the ADT Canada-Russia challenge and, the OHL all-star game...plays point on PP...voted to 2004-05 OHL All Scholastic team.CBS Ranking:
In 2005-06, Emmerton led the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs with 90 points in 66 games (11th in OHL scoring), but his draft stock dropped after disappointing performances in Sweden and in the OHL playoffs... A skilled skater, Emmerton possess pro-level speed and is highly creative with the puck... Doesn't sacrafice on defense because of offensive skills (+37 last season)... Size could become an issue at the NHL level.McKeen's Hockey:
People do not realize how good of a shooter this guy is .. He generates a ton of assists from his slapper whether it is off the rush or playing the left point on the power play .. Defenders back off, as they know he has an extra top gear and his finishing skills are so effortless that he makes scoring appear more routine than it actually is.Red Wings Central:
Emmerton piled up 90 points and finished 11th in Ontario Hockey League scoring, nearly double the production of Evan McGrath at the same age. He was a consensus first-rounder by most scouting publications and is a member of Canada's under-18 team. The knocks on Emmerton are below-average size and the lack of a top skating gear. Skill and creativity are his assets. He was voted as the OHL's smartest player in a coaches poll, and should easily challenge for the league's scoring title this season.No. 47 - Shawn Matthias The Wings go with another OHL center. This 6'3", 211 pound center plays for Belleville where he had 34 points in 67 games played. He was -9 with 42 PIM. Matthias was ranked No. 24 in OHL skaters eligible for today's draft.
Jim Nill says:
"He's a real strong, aggressive, fore-checking kind of guy," Nill said. "And he can skate."Matthias' thoughts:"He started out the year not playing a lot and at the end of the year, his game started to take off," Nill said.
"I know I'm not ready to make the jump (to the NHL) yet," said Matthias, who hails from Mississauga, Ontario. "I still have to mature physically and develop as a player as well."The Hockey News:
Scouting Report: Matthias is a hulking figure for the center position. In his second OHL campaign, he finished tied for fifth on the Bulls with 34 points in 67 games... it may take him a little longer than most to fully hone his skills, but he's an intriguing long-term project...Hockey's Future:
Matthias was a late round pick in the 2004 OHL Priority Draft, as such it was surprising that he made the Belleville Bulls as an under-aged player. Used to being a top star with his Minor Midgets team (he had a 31-goal season with the Mississauga Senators Minor Midgets in 2003-04), in his freshman OHL season the big center only tallied two points (one goal) in 37 games. After a slow start last fall, Matthias really progressed as this season went along. With 34 points in 67 games, and a seven game scoring streak in January, Belleville counted on Matthias more and more as the season wore on.Courtesy of TSN:In April, Matthias played for Canada in the Under-18 World Junior Championships in Sweden, where he scored one goal in seven games. However, Matthias played his best hockey all season in the playoffs for the Bulls, leading the team with three goals in their first round series which was lost against the Brampton Battalion.
Matthias is used to being overlooked and then working hard to shine. As the 2005-06 season went along, he looked like he was getting more and more comfortable in an offensive role for the Bulls.
He can skate and handle the puck, but he still needs to work on his two-way play. Never one to shy away from hard work, Matthias is considered to have NHL potential.
From NHL Central Scouting - Long, fluid stride enables him to generate good top end speed...very good agility, balance and is solid on his skates...sees ice well and has good playmaking abilities...started the season as fourth line centre but made steady improvement over the season to become an offensive threat. From ISS: His size is intriguing, and he still has plenty of room to continue to fill out into his large frame. His improved foot speed, and increased acceleration with the puck helped bolster his offensive output in the second half of the season. He's not a flashy offensive player, but has shown increased confidence with the puck as the year went on. Matthias does the little things right, is strong defensively, tenacious on the fore-check and plays sound two-way hockey. From TSN: Played for U-18 in Sweden (1g and +2 in 7 games)...5th in team scoring in 2005-2006 and added 3g in 6 playoff games...Bulls 6th rounder 101st overall in 2004 OHL draft...won Bulls most improved player and most sportsmanlike player...last Bulls forward to go high in draft was Matt Stajan in 2002 (57th to TOR) and before that Jonathan Cheechoo (29th to SJ)...last Belleville forward to go in first round (Dan Cleary 13th in 1997).CBS Ranking:
A huge, hulking player for the center position... Finished fifth in scoring with the Belleville Bulls with 13 goals and 34 points in 67 games... Very much a raw talent that will require a few years to hone his skills.McKeen's Hockey:
Really elevated his game in the playoffs and the Under 18's .. Always making a play with the puck and is very smart and a gifted skater .. Worked hard to get up in the rankings and could provide an NHL team with a quality checking line player.Red Wings Central:
ISS had the big, strong Matthias ranked as a first-rounder at 27th overall and compared him to Chicago Blackhawks forward Mark Bell. Although not a bruiser, Matthias is a potential two-way center. He gained more responsibility as the season progressed and saw his rankings shoot up as a result. He also earned a spot on Canada's under-18 team in April. Matthias will need to bump up his production, but has plenty of raw tools.No. 62 - Dick Axelsson Axelsson is a 6'2", 198 pound Swedish wing who had 34 points and 157 PIM in 28 games for Huddinge in the Swedish junior elite league.
Wings scout Hakan Andersson says:
"He's a player with big potential," Swedish scout Hakan Andersson said. "Good skill, good hockey sense, good skating. The only thing he needs is to be a little more consistent. He's not lazy, but he has to learn to work every shift. Some shifts he'll go real hard and be a force on the ice, and he'll take some shifts off."Jim Nill says:
"He's got real good skills and good size, he just needs to be more consistent," Nill said.The Hockey News:
Scouting Report: Axelsson owns excellent size that projects very well for the NHL game... led Huddinge of the Swedish junior elite league in goals, points and penalty minutes in 2005-06... may be a future NHL power forward down the road... needs to work on his skating in order to make it...Elite Prospects:
Axelsson has great size and is an aggressive and physical player. He has good timing in his hits. His skating, the intensity he plays with and his forechecking is quite good. Axelsson's main asset is his hockey sense and he is good at finding passing openings. At the same time he is a good scorer. Technical skills and hands are good. There is room for improvement when it comes to his defensive game and his acceleration.CBS Ranking:
Axelsson split time in 2005-06 between the SuperElit and Division 1 for Huddridge in Sweden this past season... Combined stats from both leagues gave Axelsson 53 points in 51 games, with 34 of those in SuperElit along with 157 of his 167 penalty minutes... An aggressive, physical forward possessing good size... Good instincts and hockey sense, excellent at finding passing lanes... Needs to work on his speed and defensive responsibilities.Red Wings Central:
Axelsson didn't see time on the Swedish under-18 team, but he was one of the leaders in scoring and penalty minutes at the country's under-20 level. He also scored 17 goals in 23 games at the third-tier men's level. Axelsson, unranked by most scouting publications, has good size could evolve into a power forward if he finds consistency. He has signed with Djurgardens and hopes to play in the Swedish Elite League this season.No. 92 (3rd round) - Daniel Larsson A 6'0" goaltender weighing 170 pounds had a 2.67 GAA and a .916% in 28 games played with Hammarby in Sweden. I feel like I should start learning Sweden so I can read all these Swedish reports with all the Swedish players the Wings are collecting. Larsson played for the Swedish team in the World Junior Championship tournament.
Wings scout Hakan Andersson says:
"Did really well there," Wings' Swedish scout Hakan Andersson said. "They were one of the worst teams and he held them in that league." Set to play next season for Djurgardens of the Elite League.The Hockey News:
Scouting Report: Larsson improved his draft stock with a strong performance as the No. 1 goalie for Sweden at the 2006 WJC in Vancouver... spent a big chunk of 2005-06 in the Swedish Allsvenskan (second division), and put up solid numbers... as goaltenders go, he could be a draft-day sleeper...McKeen's Hockey:Impact: The Red Wings know Sweden better than virtually all other NHL organizations, so adding Larsson makes sense. They already have one Swedish netminder (Stefan Liv) ready to make his mark in the pros, so Larsson essentially replaces Liv as the overseas goalkeeping prospect.
Has improved both his poise and his positional game over the last couple of years. Boasts a sharp glove hand, good agility and most importantly for this tournament, strong nerves.Red Wings Central:
Larsson, unrated by most scouting publications, is already 20, but is coming off a strong year at Sweden's second level. He ranked among league leaders in goals-against average and save percentage, and was Sweden's starting goaltender at the world junior championship in Vancouver. Larsson is headed to Djurgarden and will look to take the next step in the Swedish Elite League. The Red Wings have terrific organizational depth in the crease, but teams can never have too many quality goaltenders.No. 182 (Round 6) - Jan Mursak This 5'11" left wing weighs 167 pounds and plays for Budejovice in the Czech junior league. He had 32 points and 34 PIM in 48 games played.
Wings scout says:
"Did really well there," Wings' Swedish scout Hakan Andersson said. "They were one of the worst teams and he held them in that league." Set to play next season for Djurgardens of the Elite League.Red Wings Central:
The undersized but talented winger is Slovenian-born -- a rarity -- and played in the Czech junior ranks last year. He was rated 22nd among Europeans by Central Scouting, which touts him as a fast skater with quick hands, ranking him near the top of the draft in both categories. Mursak played on a line with Anze Kopitar at the second-level world junior (under-20) championship this year and had five points in five games. He is one of those picks who could be Pavel Datsyuk. Or Dmitri Semenov.No. 191 (Round 7) - Nick Oslund A 6'3" right wing weighing 195 pounds. He earned 51 points in 25 games while playing for Burnsville (USHSW). He was one of the 10 finalists for the Mr. Hockey award [given to the best high school hockey player] in Minnesota. He will be playing for St. Cloud State next year.
Think potential role player. Oslund is a big, good-skating forward who likes to lay the body. His offensive upside remains to be seen. Oslund, who played for Minnesota-based Burnsville, is the first U.S. high school product drafted by the Red Wings in 13 years. He will play for the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League this coming season and has committed to St. Cloud State of the NCAA for 2007-08. The Red Wings have until 2011 to sign him, not 2008 like the team's six other draftees.No. 212 (Round 7) - Logan Pyett A 5'10" defenseman weighing 199 pounds. He had 45 points. -14, and 89 PIM in 71 games while playing for Regina in the WHL.
Scouting: right-shooting defenseman is an okay skater .. uses a smooth stride and shows solid balance as well as good lateral movement and agility .. still could use further upgrades to his backwards speed and first-step quickness .. works hard down low and shows solid reliability .. tough to beat in one-on-one situations .. demonstrates solid effectiveness when he keeps things simple .. decent defensive awareness .. doesn't join the rush too often yet nevertheless displays a regular offensive flair .. adequate puck distributor who prefers the safe plays .. plays a patient game and doesn't panic with the puck .. takes his man out of the play effectively .. good intensity and determination .. doesn't make glaring positional mistakes .. unleashes a hard shot from the point but could improve on his accuracy .. possesses solid defensive stickhandling.Hockey's Future:U18 Jr World Cup Review: Hardworking defenseman filled a steady role on the Canadian back rows .. often used as a powerplay pointman .. not very flashy in the round-robin game against Czech Republic however did impress with his determination and tenaciousness .. duplicated his gritty showing in the gold-medal contest against the Czechs .. didn't exactly turn heads with his performance at this event, however he also didn't disappoint with any off games (5-2-0-2).
Going about his business, Logan Pyett quietly having one of the best seasons among defensemen in the Western Hockey League.Red Wings Central:On a Regina Pats squad that sits third in the East Division, Pyett has accumulated little fanfare en route to posting impressive numbers in his third season in the league. He’s doing it at the right time, too.
Ranked 100th among North American skaters by the Central Scouting Service, Pyett is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, to be held in Vancouver this offseason. The rankings are something Pyett is trying to ignore, as is the draft.
Pyett has shades of Derek Meech -- an undersized Western Canadian-developed defenseman with good all-around skills. He has shown good potential at both ends of the rink, and his 45 points in 71 games are impressive for a blueliner in his draft year (Meech didn't scored more than 38 his entire career). Pyett also had four points and 25 shots in seven games for Canada at the world under-18 championship in April. The question will always be: Can Pyett overcome his lack of size?My Personal Reactions 1) I thought we would get some defenseman since we seem to be really strong offensively especially down the center when it comes to our prospects. All three of our second round picks were offensive players (2 centers, 1 wing).
2) I was surprised we passed on defenseman Chris Summers and gave up our first round pick even if it gave us two more second round picks. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how that plays out down the road...
3) We drafted another goaltender? Aren't we good with Stefan Liv and Jimmy Howard? Well, I guess it can never hurt to have a few solid goaltender prospects. What about bolstering our defense?
posted by Christy Hammond @ 6/24/2006 10:14:00 PM
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