Each week we’ll take a look around the hockey blogosphere and find some articles to get ready for this year’s NHL Draft in Los Angeles. If there’s a post about NHL teams, what they need in the draft, prospect profiles, or previews/predictions, we’ll do our best to share it. After all—for 29 teams, there’s always next year.
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“Still the situation begs the question – after a disappointing first round playoff exit, will GM Darcy Regier look to move some assets in exchange for better picks or top club additions?”
–Sabres Prospects: The Buffalo Sabres 2010 Draft Preview
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“So let’s take a look at three rumors that probably won’t go away until the draft or July 1, and whether there could be any validity to them.”
–NESN.com: Bruins The Subject of Many Trade Rumors as Draft and Free Agency Approach
(via Litter Box Cats)
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“Overall, the Thrashers might want to look into plugging a hole at wing. We have capable defensive players and goaltenders, and a bit of a logjam at center happening. If Connolly is still available at 9th, he would be a solid pick – the reason he dropped in skater rankings was due to a hip problem, that should be healed by now. Whoever the best winger is, right or left, that is available at 9th, the Thrash probably should hop on.”
–Thrashing The Blues : A Look-See At What The Thrashers Need At The 2010 NHL Entry Draft
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“Someone said ‘Would you trade the pick?’ I said ‘Honestly, I can’t imagine what it would take for me to actually say this makes sense for the Edmonton Oilers organization that I move this pick,’” Tambellini said. “I guess I always have to be open to suggestions, but I can’t really think of what that is right now.”
–The Grinder Blog: Bruins Open Dialogue With Oilers Over No. 1 Pick (Sporting News)
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“Finnish magician Mikael Granlund is supremely skilled with the puck and likely the smartest player in the entire draft at any position. This brilliantly imaginative center makes sublime set-ups with touch off both sides of the blade, can create and finish his own chances around net, and plays just as hard in the defensive end as he does on offence.”
–Redline Report: Top four forward draft prospects have real marquee value (USA Today)
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“Gudbranson’s real value will be in his toughness and tenacity, provided he can stay healthy. If he develops his offensive game given the physical tools at his disposal, he could end up being the best defender in the class.”
–Bruins 2010 Draft Watch: First Round Draft Spotlight: Erik Gudbranson
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“This year, you always take a look at some of these publications, and I’ve never seen such a variety, so much difference of opinion on players. Again, there’s a lot after that first, initial group. That doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some stars in the secondary group.”
–LA Kings Insider: Futa Talks Combine
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“Both pretty much blew me away with their professionalism and poise. Best of all, they spoke from the heart and I didn’t get the feel that it was all cliche or lip service.”
–Bruins 2010 Draft Watch: Jack Campbell and Jason Zucker Knock It Out Of The Park
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“There’s guys in the NHL that play the same style that I do. Nick Lidstrom, Scott Niedermayer. These guys aren’t going to dominate you physically, but they are great at what they do. I like to think my skills translate well to the NHL. Got to continue to develop physically in the workout room. I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to hold me back.”
–Buzzing The Net : Top Prospects Get Face Time On Hockey Night
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“Scouts say he could be one of the best players ever to come out of Finland, and for good reason. Granlund dazzles the crowd every time he has the puck. He is one of the fastest skaters in his league, has a powerful and accurate shot, and can increase the stats of the players around him.”
–Resurfacing The Ice: NHL 2010 Top Draft Prospects: Mikael Granlund
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“The reach of hockey in the United States continues to grow, as evidenced by kids like (Emerson) Etem, who hails from Long Beach, Calif.”
–NHL Fanhouse: Emerson Etem: 2010 NHL Draft Profile and Scouting Report
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Matt Reitz is the Editor-In-Chief here at ViewFromMySeats.com and former NHL Writer for ProHockeyTalk on NBCSports. When he’s not shoving a mic in the face of NHLers or explaining why home teams should wear white, he’s usually trying to figure out what song to play next on his iPod. It’s a never-ending job.
