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By Jack Porter… beefing up his fourth line and defense core GM Brian Burke addressed his major concern about the Leafs and their lack of toughness. Burke also took a leap on Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson in a hope he is able to be just as good in the NHL as in Sweden.
Burke, however, failed to add a top six forward to the mix prompting worries that the Leafs will not be able to score goals this coming season. All things considered, Burke did a good job for a first step in his rebuild of the Toronto Maple Leafs
General Manager
Brian Burke
Head Coach
Ron Wilson
Additions
Mike Komisarek D (FA, MON), Garnett Exelby D (Trade, ATL), Colten Orr F (FA, NYR), Jonas Gustavsson (FA, SWE), Francois Beauchemin (FA, ANA), Rickard Wallin F (FA, SWE), Wayne Primeau F (Trade, CAL), Joey Macdonald G (FA, NYI)
Subtractions
Pavel Kubina D (Trade, ATL), Tim Stapleton F (Trade, ATL), Anton Stralman D (Trade, CAL), Colin Stuart (Trade, CAL), Justin Pogge (Trade, ANA), Martin Gerber (FA, KHL),
Jamie Sifers D (FA, MIN), Jeremy Williams F (FA, DET), Kris Newbury F (FA, DET), Jamie Heward D (FA), Olaf Kozlig G (FA)
Top Goalie
Vesa Toskala
Top Forward(s)
Alexei Ponikarovsky, Jason Blake
Top Defenseman
Tomas Kaberle
Rookie To Watch
Tyler Bozak
Potential Training Camp Surprise(s)
Nazem Kadri, Mikhail Stefanovich
Projected Divisional Finish
Fifth Place
by Jack Porter… 
Despite all the speculation that the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in signing the offensively gifted Nikolai Zherdev, USA Today’s Kevin Allen is reporting that Toronto GM Brian Burke has told him that he has “no interest in signing Zherdev”.
Allen “tweeted” this at 8:44am on August 5th.
However, one team that has been rumoured to be interested is the Washington Capitals. The Caps are looking to make a move that would open up the necessary salary cap space to ink Zherdev.
One can see this as a very good opportunity for GM Brian Burke to convert his excess of defensemen into some picks and prospects and maybe a little offense.
Washington’s primary goal is to shed salary, but you’d have to think they would love to shed salary and pick up some much needed help on the backend.
This is where Burke comes in like a knight in shining armour.
If Burke could swing a deal to send one of Jonas Frogren or Garnett Exelby to Washington, The Caps would probably be more than willing to send a package consisting of a player like Brooks Laich and a prospect or pick. Laich, 26, scored 23 goals last season with 30 assists and could help the Leafs with some much needed offense.
The Capitals in turn get a defensively responsible defenseman and about $1 million in cap space to go towards signing Zherdev. Zherdev would virtually be an upgrade from Laich so in the Caps mind they traded Laich and a pick for Frogren/Exelby and Zherdev.
Just something to chew on.
What are your thoughts? Comment below with your ideas.
by Jack Porter… Every season the NHL welcomes a new crop of rookies, these rookies are the future superstars, shutdown defensemen and all-star goalies. With the season still agonisingly far from starting, lets take a look at some guys who could be leading the pack.
Matt Gilroy, NY Rangers
Considered by many to be the cream of the crop of the collegiate free agency pool, Gilroy will look to compete for a spot on a defense squad with only four returning parts. Gilroy, 24, could very well make the Rangers right out of camp and if he does he could establish himself as good puck moving defensemen in his freshman campaign.
Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
The second overall pick has big responsibility waiting for him in Tampa, but at 6′6″ he can fit in any big situation. Hedman will likely see big minutes along side fellow swede Mattias Ohlund, and will make a very strong case for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
As the Senators continue to improve their backend, they’ll be banking on Erik Karlsson as their future puck moving defenseman. Karlsson has massive potential and the calm swede will begin to live up to it this season. He’ll may not be a big minute guy right away, but he’ll show that he is indeed something special.
Thomas Hickey, LA Kings
Hickey is highly regarded in hockey circles, for his ability to contribute in the offensive zone and shutdown opponents in the defensive zone. Hickey moved up on the Kings depth charts when LA dealt defensemen Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing for forward Ryan Smyth.
Hickey will probably fit into the fifth or sixth spot on the backend, but should still impress.
Tyler Cuma, Minnesota Wild
Cuma has sneaked under the radar in a sense, but he should get some looks as he has a shot at making the Wild as a 19 year old. Cuma may get sometime on the powerplay where he could really show his skills and gain some well deserved attention.
Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals
Alzner has been waiting in the wings for a couple of years but should get a shot this season as the Caps try to address their defense. Alzner will help contain the offensive threats the Caps couldn’t last year.
Honourable Mentions
Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres
P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadians
Jakub Kindl, Detroit Red Wings
Dmitri Vorobiev, Toronto Maple Leafs
Nick Petrecki, San Jose Sharks
by Jack Porter…
With the striking of noon today, it appears as if the New York Rangers have decided to walk away from the one-year $3.9 million contract awarded to Nikolai Zherdev by an arbitrator.
This opens the door to a possibility that the Toronto Maple Leafs may take a shot at the young Russian. Zherdev will likely want a long-term deal worth at least $3.9 million per season.
Zherdev is seen has a dynamic offensive threat with the potential to be one of the best top line wingers in the game, but scouts say he doesn’t play defense that well and inconsistentcy is the biggest concern.
Zherdev would immediately upgrade Toronto’s offense, there is no doubt about that but the question becomes, does GM Brian Burke want to take a risk on a guy who is said to be almost “uncoachable?”
The answer should and will likely be yes.
Toronto’s coach Ron Wilson has taught many players to live up to their defensive responsibilities and stay consistent, most recently Mikhail Grabovski.
Any deal with Zherdev would make the Leafs tight in regards to the salary cap so another roster move would have to be made to accommodate this move.
It comes down to risk vs reward and in this case the reward is higher than the risk. What do you think? Should the Leafs sign Zherdev?
by
Jack Porter… Drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Jerry D’Amigo could be another great late round find for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
A native of Binghamton, New York, D’Amigo led Team USA to a U18 gold medal last season, scoring 13 points in seven games to finish third in tournament scoring.
D’Amigo also scored a healthy 43 points in 44 games for the US Development Program in Ann Arbor.
What D’Amigo Brings the Leafs
There is no doubt that D’Amigo knows how to play the offensive side of the game.
The thing that worries scouts is that D’Amigo is a very one-sided player. His scoring ability will likely convince the Leafs to put devote extra resources to help the New Yorker grow at the other aspects of the game.
D’Amigo Plays Like…
Zach Parise
D’Amigo Next Year
D’Amigo has committed to playing for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute next fall.
by Jack Porter… Drafted in the seventh round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Rau has turned into a nice find for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Once a USHL Rookie of the Year, Rau spent four years at Colorado College scoring 140 points in 159 games.
Chad could very well be a effective third or second line center for the Leafs, but he could also end up being a career AHL-er if his skills don’t transfer well work to the NHL like so many other college players before him.
What Rau Brings The Leafs
Chad is a natural goal scorer at the college level. He knows what to do in the offensive zone thanks to his great hockey sense. Rau’s a great leader and is a hard worker despite his 5-foot-11 frame. Chad’s biggest asset is his ability to win faceoffs, which could come in handy on any power play or penalty kill. One thing Rau needs to improve on is his explosiveness.
Rau Plays Like…
A combination of Dominic Moore and Mason Raymond
Rau Next Year
Rau could be playing for the Toronto Marlies next year and will one day be in the NHL.
by Jack Porter… Brian Burke has been a busy man in the last few weeks, so it’s no surprise he took a well-deserved fishing trip this week. The fishing won’t stop when he returns; instead of some trout, he’ll be hoping to reel in a top six forward to continue to reshape the Leafs.
With the surplus of defensemen, Burke has many bargaining chips at his disposal. These include Tomas Kaberle, Ian White, Mike Van Ryn, and Jeff Finger. So who are some possible assets that could come back to the Leafs as a return for a trade involving these players?
Jason Pominville
The Sabres are rumored to have a very high interest in Kaberle, and a deal structured around Pominville and a pick/prospect could get the trade done. The Sabres have depth at the forward position with Vanek,Stafford, Roy and Connolly and would like to open a spot for prospect Nathan Gerbe.
Pominville recorded 66 points last season after a 80 point campaign in 2007-08. He could fit in nicely on a line with Mikhail Grabovski and Niklas Hagman.
Brooks Laich
Laich is right now a second-line player at best, but still a potential top-six forward. Laich scored 53 points last year for the Caps and added another seven in 14 playoff games. The Capitals are in the market for a defenseman and a deal involving Jeff Finger could potentially reel in Laich.
David Backes
The Blues are another team believed to be pursuing Kaberle, and Backes could quite possibly be part of a package for Tomas. Backes scored 31 goals last season to finish with 54 points on the season. Backes is only 25, so he still has time to develop into an offensive force in the NHL, and like Pominville, Backes is a right winger who could fit well with Grabovski and Hagman.
Patrick Sharp
This deal seems a little far fetched, but according to Al Cimaglia of ESPN, the Blackhawks may be willing to part with Sharp due to the cap issues present in Chicago. His assessment on the return for Sharp is newly acquired Garnett Exelby along with a pick and prospect from the Leafs.
Phil Kessel
Kessel’s name has been thrown around with Kaberle’s a lot recently, and talks have been rumoured to be back on between the Leafs and Bruins. Kessel scored 60 points in just 70 games last season for the Bruins.
Tyler Kennedy
The Pens lost a key player in Rob Scudari this offseason, so they could be in the market for White or Van Ryn. Kennedy was a solid player for the Pens last season scoring 35 points in 67 games.
Kennedy’s only 22, so he could develop further into a top-six forward. Kennedy also plays with an edge which is what Burke is looking for in his young players.Toronto may have to include a mid-round pick along with White or Van Ryn to get a deal like this done.
Alex Tanguay
There is always the option of trading one of the assets for a pick or prospect to free up cap space and sign a top six forward. Tanguay is the best forward still available and could be a nice addition to the Leafs. Tanguay scored 41 points in 50 games for Montreal last season.
The sky seems to be the limit for the Leafs and Brian Burke this offseason, so expect a new forward to join the Leafs in the coming weeks. But right now lets just let Burkie enjoy reeling in the big one, fish that is.
By Jack Porter… Leo Komarov is maybe the perfect player to play in GM Brian Burke’s system.
He is small at 5′10″ but plays like he’s 6′6″. Leo is a pest; plain and simple, but he’s not a liability defensively or offensively on the ice. He’s virtually unknown among the Leaf faithful, but when he does come to North America he’s bound to be a fan favourite.
He’s sometimes refereed to as a dirty player but he certainly knows how to hit. He was drafted in 2006 but don’t expect him to come to the Leafs until he learns to control himself on the ice.
What Komarov Brings The Leafs
Leo gives the Leafs a third line forward who can draw penalties and pound other teams stars. He also likes to crash the net and his nice shot can help him put up goals when doing so. He’s not going to score 50 goals but he’ll be able to chip in 10-15 goals as a third line winger, plus he’ll give the Leafs powerplay opportunities to score every night with the amount of penalties he draws.
Komarov Plays Like
Sean Avery, Cal Clutterbuck and Patrick Kaleta.
Komarov Next Year
He’ll likely get an invite to camp because of the type of game Burke is trying to play. He could make the Marlies, and at 22 a season or two in the minors could have him ready to be a good third line winger for the Leafs.
By Jack Porter… The Toronto Maple Leafs currently have 10 able-bodied defensemen on their roster, only adding to the speculation that long-time Leaf Tomas Kaberle is on the way out via trade.
Based on the Bouwmeester and Pronger trades, I’ve come up with the mold of any trade for Kaberle—a top six forward, a prospect and a pick. Teams interested in Kaberle include Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Dallas, Pittsburgh, St.Louis, Minnesota and many more.
So with the teams for sure interested, I will give my opinions on some trades—then I want to hear yours.
* The set-up of the trades will change if another Leafs player is included.
Chicago
To Toronto:
Rights to Kris Versteeg
Kyle Beach
First round pick in 2010
To Chicago:
Tomas Kaberle
Toronto gets a top six forward in Versteeg, a top prospect in Beach, and a first round pick. Chicago does this trade because they have no cap room to sign Versteeg. And with Kane and Toews in line for paydays soon, Chicago needs to dump potential salary now.
You could even look for them to throw in another player as a salary dump. Don’t forget they also get a very good defenseman at a cheap price that could help them to a Stanley Cup next year.
Boston
To Toronto:
Rights to Phil Kessel
Brad Marchand
First round pick in 2010
To Boston:
Tomas Kaberle
Ryan Hamilton
Second round pick in 2011
Boston GM Peter Chiarelli believes strongly that Phil Kessel has as much trade value as Tomas Kaberle, so any deal will have to be a package-type deal for both teams. This trade puts faith in GM Brian Burke that he can convince Chiarelli that Kaberle has more value.
Toronto gives up a prospect and later pick for a better prospect and higher pick. Toronto also gets their desired top six forward in Kessel.
Los Angeles
To Toronto:
Brayden Schenn
Colten Teubert
Alexander Frolov
First round pick in 2010
To Los Angeles:
Thomas Kaberle
Jiri Tlusty
Burke gets his second Schenn, plus prospect Colten Teubert and a pick. He also gets a top six forward in Alexander Frolov to help now and in the future.
He gives up a lot in Tlusty, but it doesn’t look like he is going to be able to play the style coach Ron Wilson demands from his players. It’s a little bit of an overpayment, but Burke’s going to have to to get Schenn.
Vancouver
To Toronto:
Cory Schneider
Cody Hodgson
Second round pick in 2010
To Vancouver:
Tomas Kaberle
Justin Pogge
Vancouver doesn’t have any top six forward they’ll be willing to part with in this deal. But Cody Hodgson is good enough, that he makes up for it. By throwing in Pogge, the Leafs could pick up Cory Schneider, but it would downgrade the first round pick to a second. All and all, it would be a solid trade for Toronto.
Dallas
To Toronto:
James Neal
Ivan Vishnevskiy
First round pick in 2010
To Dallas:
Tomas Kaberle
The Stars get a great puck-moving defenseman to replace Sergei Zubov and the Leafs get everything they want. Neal can play the gritty type of game Burke likes and has the potential to put up some serious numbers. They get a prospect who could one day be a very similar player to Kaberle in Vishnevsky—and, of course, the all important first round pick.
Pittsburgh
To Toronto:
Jordan Staal
Eric Tangardi
Second Round Pick in 2010
To Pittsburgh:
Tomas Kaberle
Matt Stajan
The Penguins get a third-line center to replace Staal in Stajan, plus one of the best defenseman in the NHL. With the addition of Kaberle, the Pens could repeat their success.
The Leafs get a gritty scorer in Staal, and it gives Jordan the opportunity to finally step out of the shadows cast by Crosby and Malkin and become a No. 1 center in the NHL. They also get one of the best prospects in the game in Tangardi, and a second round pick in 2010, which is something they don’t currently have.
St.Louis
To Toronto:
David Perron
Ian Cole
First round draft pick
To St.Louis
Tomas Kaberle
Toronto gets a good young offensive weapon in Perron and a potential puck-moving defenseman in Cole. It gives St.Louis a veteran presences on their blueline and a great puck-moving defenseman. Also, giving up Cole doesn’t make the Blues weak in the future because their future powerplay QB is Alex Pietrangelo.
Minnesota
To Toronto:
Cal Clutterbuck
Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Josh Harding
Second round pick in 2010
To Minnesota:
Tomas Kaberle
Alexei Ponikarovsky
Toronto gets the definition of a Burke player in Clutterbuck, plus a top six forward in Bouchard. If they don’t sign Gustavsson, Harding is a very good replacement. Minnesota gets their puck-moving defenseman, and a big forward to replace Bouchard in Poni.
So What Are Your Ideas For A Trade?
By Jack Porter…
New York Islanders
1. Victor Hedman D Modo (Swe JE)
The Islanders haven’t said who they’ll select first overall but it seems like their leaning towards the big Swedish defenseman.The Islanders have some potential offensive threats up front with Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo, so the addition of Hedman could lift the Islanders out of the basement.
Tampa Bay
2. John Tavares C London (OHL)
If the Islanders select Hedman then I believe the Lightning would trade their pick away, but if they were to pick at this position they would take Tavares. They would have to take Tavares just because of his potential to become a franchise player but they may run into the same problem they did with their old triple threat if Stamkos, Tavares and Lecavalier are all still on the team in a few years. Also the financial condition in Tampa isn’t exactly ideal.
Colorado
3. Matt Duchene C Brampton (OHL)
The Avs will take Matt who could turn into the best player taken in the draft. With captain Joe Sakic set to retire in little while (maybe not this year but soon) the Avs need to put another high end center into their cupboards. Matt could turn into the reincarnation of Sakic in Colorado.
Atlanta
4. Evander Kane C Vancouver (WHL)
The Thrashers drafted a defenseman with their first pick last year (Zach Bogosian 3rd overall) so their likely to take a forward this year. The Thrasher will take Kane because of the looming possiblity that Ilya Kovalchuck will walk after next season. With Kane the Thrasher get a player they can fall back on if Kovalchuck leaves, and if Ilya decides to stay they have a lethal duo of a sniper and a power forward.
Los Angeles
5. Brayden Schenn C Brandon (WHL)
With Kane out of the picture the Kings will change their pick from one power forward to another, which may just turn out to be a better choice. Schenn is a gritty player who can also score.The Kings are set on the back end with the emergence of young players like Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty as well, they have top D prospects in Thomas Hickey and Colten Teubert, so look for them to stock pile on forwards.
Phoenix
6. Jared Cowen D Spokane (WHL)
The Coyotes have done a good job picking forwards in the draft the last few years. They’ve selected Mikkel Boedker, Peter Mueller, Kyle Turris and Viktor Tikhonov among others. So this year the Yotes will try to beef up their blueline by adding Cowen. Cowen stands a towering 6′5 and is 216lbs. Cowen could play for the Coyotes as soon as next year.
Toronto
7. Nazem Kadri C London (OHL)
The Leafs are in talks to trade up in the draft but if they were to pick at this position they would likely take Kadri. Kadri’s stock has raised after an impressive combine and the Leafs took notice. Kadri’s a great pick up but if they do pick here they may need to pick up another 1st round pick to have the impact they wanted to have in this draft.
Dallas
8. Dimitry Kulikov D Drummondville (QMJHL)
The Stars don’t usually have such a high draft pick but due to a disappointing season they have the chance to get a great young player. The Stars will take Kulikov to essentially replace Sergi Zubov. Zubov who is 38, is going to retire in the next couple of years so the Stars will need someone who is solid defensively but can also run the powerplay. They get exactly this in Kulikov.
Ottawa
9. Oliver Ekman-Larsson D Leksand (Swe. II)
For the second straight year the Sens will select a Swedish defenseman with their first pick. The Senators are in need of defense and they will now have created a duo of young good defenseman in Ekman-Larsson and last years pick Erik Karlsson.
Edmonton
10. Ryan Ellis D Windsor (OHL)
After watching their playoff hopes slip away when their defense core got injured, the Oilers will try to refresh their supply with the compact Ryan Ellis. Despite his size Ryan proved this years that he is a superstar who knows how to win. Ellis won a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship plus an OHL and Memorial cup title. Also new Oilers coach Pat Quinn coached Team Canada at the WJC and relied heavily on Ellis for the powerplay.
Nashville
11. Magnus Paajarvi Svensson LW Timra (Swe JE)
Paajarvi may not drop this far, but would due to to the fact the last three teams needed defense he may fall. The Oilers may select him to play with Ales Hemsky but it’s not likely. The Predators however would be more than happy to make Magnus their first pick. The Preds have plenty of defenseman and will look to upgrade their attack.
Minnesota
12. Jordan Schroeder RW University of Minnesota (NCAA)
The Wild are frightened of the thought of life without Marian Gaborik but it may just happen. So with that in mind they will pick Schroeder to help bring offense to a team known for their defense. With the rest of their picks the Wild will select more offensively minded players.
Buffalo
13. Scott Glennie C Brandon (WHL)
The Sabres have depth in virtually every position, but with their last three first round picks being defensemen watch for them to pick the best forward available. Scott gives them a top end offensive prospect who is a pure scorer. They have very good forwards and they will only get better with Glennie’s arrival.
Florida
14. David Rundblad D Skelleftea (Swe JE)
With Jay Bouwmeester set to leave the Panthers, Florida will try and replace him with the big Swede who can quarterback their powerplay. David has the size to step into the NHL. The Panthers will try to pick up some more defenseman and a forward or two this year.
Anaheim
15. Zack Kassian RW Peterborough (OHL)
The Ducks gave up a valuable forward in Chris Kunitz when they traded him Pittsburgh. At 6′3 Zack could shape up to be a dominating power forward in the NHL. The Ducks have a history of picking punishing forwards and will undoubtedly make Kassian one of many forwards picked in this draft.
Columbus
16. John Moore D Chicago (USHL)
The Blue Jackets have stockpiled an impressive amount of offensive forwards, but now are looking to upgrade their defense core. Moore is a good size at 6′2 but needs to fill out a bit more. Moore has the potential to turn into a powerplay quarterback. The Jackets should be focusing on mainly d-men with the amount of forwards they have and the emergence of Steve Mason in goal.
St.Louis
17. Jacob Josefson C Djurgarden (Swe JE)
The Blues are solid at all positions but could also improve at every position. With their forwards starting to grow older it’s the perfect opportunity to add a young speedster to their line-up.
Montreal
18. Simon Despres D Saint John (QMJHL)
The Canadians have a good core of young forwards so don’t expect them to pick a forward with their first pick. Instead their likely to pick a defenseman. The best still around should be Despres.The 6′ 3 d-man could replace Mike Komisarek if he decides to leave the Habs.
New York Rangers
19. Peter Holland C Guelph (OHL)
The Rangers have a built a solid defense through the last few drafts so look for them to try and restore their offense. Peter Holland is as good of a prospect as you would expect from a 19th pick. He possess some good skill but lacks some work ethic. With the Rangers strapped for money Peter could have a chance to make the team next season but will most likely return to the OHL for another year of seasoning.
Calgary
20. Carter Ashton LW Lethbridge (WHL)
The Flames have some forward prospect but most look like they’ll peak as third or fourth line players, they are also set on the back end so they’ll likely try to pick up a scoring forward with top six potential. Ashton does have the potential to one day become a top six forward but will need some more development first.
Philadelphia
21. Olivier Roy G Cape Breton (QMJHL)
The Flyers did sign goalie Ray Emery but he isn’t the long term answer. For years Philly has needed a goaltender, Olivier may just be the answer. He has the potential to become a starting goalie in the NHL. He possess a great butterfly style. Scouts also like him for his consistency.
Vancouver
22. Drew Shore C U18 (USDP)
The Canucks prospect situation is just plain bad. They have basically no potential players besides Cody Hodgson, Michael Grabner and even Patrick White who is drawing questions on his abilities. The Canucks will try to find the best prospect available at any position. Drew Shore offers them a potentially good player but they must be willing to but in the development time to allow him to blossom into the best player possible.
New Jersey
23. Jeremy Morin C U18 (USDP)
The Devils have become old. Plain and simple, most their forwards are going to be done their careers in the next couple of years. The Devils get a goal scorer who can replace John Madden or Bobby Holik or Brendan Shanahan in Morin. He could be NHL ready in a couple of years and looks to have the potential to become a prolific goal scorer. A prolific scorer at pick 23 shows the amazing depth in this years draft class
Washington
24. Calvin de Haan D Oshawa (OHL)
The Capitals are undoubtedly a powerful team but for them to jump to the next level they need to improve on the backend. They already have prospect Karl Alzner at the NHL level of play. So they should add another defenseman, likely de Haan. Calvin is an all around good defenseman and helped keep the Generals afloat after the departures of both John Tavares and Mike Del Zotto.
Boston
25. Stefan Elliott D Saskatoon (WHL)
The Bruins have one of the best teams in hockey. Their weakest point however is probably their defense, and it’s actually pretty good. The Bruins don’t have many young defensemen though so look for them to pick up Elliott to keep the back end youthful.
New York Islanders
*26. Landon Ferraro RW Red Deer (WHL)
The Islanders take a defenseman with their first pick so they’ll likely take a forward with their second. The son of former NHLer Ray Ferraro, Landon looks to have the potential to one day be a decent contributor in the NHL.
Carolina
27. Louis Leblanc C Omaha (USHL)
The Canes may be a few players away from being a force in the NHL. Louis Leblanc possess a good skill set but he dropped to 27th because teams who wanted a more immediate impact couldn’t wait on him to attend college at Harvard. He should be ready in a few years and will help contribute to the Canes’ success.
Chicago
28. Chris Kreider LW Andover Academy (HS)
The Blackhawks are a powerful young team and drafting Kreider will only add to that. Chris is a absolutley amazing skater, some question his offensive skills because of the lack of competition he gets at the high school level. Chicago would likely ask him to play in the QMJHL or the USHL.
Detroit
29. Carl Klingberg LW V.Frolunda (Swe)
The Red Wings will return to their Swedish well and pluck yet another steal out of it. Klingberg love’s playing a physical game and has the ability to contribute a bit to the offense.
Pittsburgh
30. Jordan Caron C Rimouski (QMJHL)
Caron is a big bodied player who looks to have the ability to become a good power forward. The Penguins have two of the best centers in the game, so if Caron evolves into a third line center he will have served his purpose.
* New York Islanders receive Ottawa’s (originally San Jose’s) 2009 1st Round Pick and Dean McAmmond from the Senators for C Mike Comrie and D Chris Campoli. Ottawa receives Tampa’s 2009 1st Round pick (from San Jose), along with Filip Kuba, and Alexander Picard from Tampa Bay for Andrej Meszaros. Tampa Bay receives San Jose’s 2009 1st Round pick, Matt Carle, Ty Wishart, and a 2010 4th Round pick from San Jose for Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich.
Round 2
New York Islanders
31. Edward Pasquale G Saginaw (OHL)
Tampa Bay
32. Dylan Olsen D Camrose (Jr.A)
Colorado
33.Kyle Palmieri C U18 (USDP)
Atlanta
34. Dmitri Orlov D Novokuznetsk (Rus)
Los Angeles
35. Ethan Werek C Kingston (OHL)
Phoenix
36. Richard Panik C Trinec (Cze)
New York Islanders
37. (via Tor) Tim Erixon D Skelleftea (Swe)
Dallas
38. Joonas Nattinen Espoo (Fin)
Ottawa
39. Ryan O’Reilly C Erie (OHL)
Edmonton
40. Zach Budish C Edina High (High School)
Nashville
41. Toni Rajala LW IIves (Fin)
Nashville
*42. (via Min) Thomas Tatar C HK Zvolen (Svk)
San Jose
*43. (via Buf) Josh Birkholz RW Fargo (USHL)
Florida
44. Cody Eakin C Swift Current (WHL)
Atlanta
*45. (via Ana) Anton Lander LW Timra (Swe)
Ottawa
*46. (via Columbus) Matt Clark D Brampton (OHL)
New York Rangers
47. Marcus Johansson C Farjestad (Swe)
St.Louis
48. Charles-Olivier Roussel D Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Colorado
49. Matthew Hackett G Plymouth (OHL)
Toronto
*50. (via NYR) Brayden McNabb Kootenay D (WHL)
Carolina
*51. (via Cal, via LA) Seth Helgeson D Sioux City (USHL)
Tampa Bay
*52. (via Phi) Eric Gelinas D Lewiston (QMJHL)
Vancouver
53. Gabriel Lemieux D Shawinigan (QMJHL)
New Jersey
54. Alex Chiasson RW Des Moines (USHL)
Washington
55. Mac Bennett D Hotchkiss H.S. (High School)
New York Islanders
*56. (via Bos) Alex Hutchings C Barrie (OHL)
San Jose
57. Jesse Blacker D Windsor (OHL)
Toronto
*58. (via Buf, via Car) Kenny Ryan RW U18 (USDP)
Chicago
59. Tyson Barrie D Kelowna (WHL)
Detroit
60. Taylor Beck LW Guelph (OHL)
Pittsburgh
61. William Wrenn D U18 (USDP)
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