Yesterday, the Canadian Hockey League held its annual Import Draft where CHL teams get the opportunity to add import talent to their teams. There is two rounds of the draft, and a team can pass on or trade their pick at any time. Just to remind you, CHL clubs are permitted to carry 2 import players on their team every year.
While the Import Draft can be a bit of a crap shoot, many of the players drafted do come over. Last year for example, of the first round selections made by OHL clubs, 17 came over, while 3 (one of which is coming over this year) did not. That's an 85% success rate for your pick coming over. Players chosen in the 2nd round tend to come over at a lower rate, with only 2 of the 6 selections coming over last year.
The rate of success achieved by your picks is a different story. Some players come over but fail to make the team (Maximillian Engelbrecht for Niagara), or are cut loose after a short time (Edgar Rybokov for Erie). While other players end up becoming star players in the league (see Evgeni Grachev and Andrei Loktionov last year).
Let's take a look at all the selections made by OHL clubs this year, as well as some notes and scouting reports I've compiled to help you gauge your expectations.
The Results3. Plymouth Whalers - Gabriel Landeskog - ForwardEverything I've read about Landeskog points to him being a potential star in the making. Because of a late 1992 birthdate, he's not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2011. At only 16, this winger managed to play a few games for Djurgarden in the Swedish Elite League this year. At the Under 18's, he was voted by coaches in the tourney as one of the top 3 players for Team Sweden. It's pretty easy to see why Plymouth traded up to try and secure this guys rights. It also appears he's pretty set on coming over next year.
Scouting Report: Here is what the guys at Eliteprospects.com had to say about him (
here): "An offensively skilled forward with good speed, technical skills and hockey sense. Landeskog likes to shoot the puck and finish plays himself. Scoring touch is pretty good, but he could pass the puck more often. Loves to throw his body around and play physical and is a very good penalty killer."
Stats: (Again thanks to Eliteprospects.com)
| 2008-2009 |  Stockholm/Vit | TV-Pucken | 8 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 8 |
| Djurgården J18 | J18 Elit | 5 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 39 |
| Djurgården J18 | J18 Allsvenskan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Djurgården J20 | SuperElit | 31 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 63 |
| Djurgården | Elitserien | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Team Sweden U17 (all) | International | 6 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Team Sweden U18 | WJC-18 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 24 |
| Team Sweden U18 (all) | International | 8 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 28 |
6. Kitchener Rangers - Tomas Tatar - ForwardTatar is the NHL 2nd rounder (60th) of the Detroit Red Wings. If you recognize the name, it's probably from the most recent World Junior Hockey Championships, where Tatar was the offensive catalyst for the surprising Slovakians. He finished the tournament among the top 5 in scoring and showcased his dynamite offensive skills. It remains to be seen whether he comes over or not. He played last year in the Slovakian men's league, so who knows whether his contractual situation allows him to come over. Judging by Kitchener trading up for this pick, you have to think they've got a pretty good shot at convincing him to come over and be a part of a team on the upswing.
Scouting Report: Here are a couple quotes from Red Wings management (thanks to the guys at
Red Wings Central):
"He's one of those guys the puck just follows," said Jim Nill, the Red Wings' assistant GM. "He's got the offensive instincts, the head and the hands. He can make those little plays and he has a nose for the net." "He's a little bit bigger than Jiri Hudler, but this guy can skate," said Hakan Andersson, the Red Wings' director of European scouting. "If there's one knock on Hudler, it's that he doesn't have that top speed. Tatar has good top speed. He has good offensive instincts, too. He can shoot the puck, he can make a play, he can beat a defenseman 1-on-1."
Stats: (Thanks to Eliteprospects)
| 2008-2009 | HKM Zvolen | Slovakia | 48 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 20 |
| Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 4 |
9. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - Robin Lehner - GoaltenderIt would appear the Hounds have found their starting goaltender for next season. And while you have to wonder what that means for Bryce O'Hagan, Lehner appears to be a very talented netminder. He was the 2nd round pick (46th) of the Ottawa Senators at the 2009 Entry Draft and started for Sweden at the most recent World Junior Championships. He has also already committed to coming over.
Scouting Report: Here is what the guys at
Eliteprospects had to say about him: "A butterfly goalie with excellent size and good overall skills. Uses his big frame to his advantage and challenges the shooters, although perhaps not with the desired consistency. Rebound control is somewhat suspicious, but overall mobility quite impressive for a big guy. Moves pretty well side to side and is tough to beat down low."
Stats: (
EliteProspects)
| 2008-2009 | Frölunda J18 | J18 Allsvenskan | 2 | 2.56 | .933 |
| Frölunda J20 | SuperElit | 22 | 3.05 | .903 |
| Team Sweden U18 | WJC-18 | 4 | 2.80 | .916 |
| Team Sweden U18 (all) | International | 9 | 2.25 | .899 |
12. Barrie Colts - Alexander Burmistrov - ForwardEverything I've read concerning this guy, points to the fact that he's considered one of the top Russian players available for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and a potential first round selection. He lit it up at the most recent Under 18's, with 11 points in 7 games for the Silver medal winning Russian team. I guess the mystery remains as to whether he comes over, considering the allure of the KHL. But maybe he's thinking the CHL did great for Dmitri Kulikov's draft stock this year and he has a motivation to be a high NHL draft selection.
Scouting Report: Hockeysfuture Russian hockey writer Alessandro Seren Rosso says that "Burmistrov is a center with great reading and a damn good shot as well. He has to do a little work on his frame & defensive play." At
The Hockey News, they had fellow players give scouting reports on Burmistrov following the Ivan Hlinka tournament. “Burmistrov was also someone to take note of,” Colinn Bowman of team U.S.A. said. “Not an overly big guy, but has tremendous puck skills and is a shifty center.” Added Taylor Hall: “This kid was unreal. I thought he was the best player on the ice for the Russians. He wasn’t really quick, but he had great hands and passed through sticks and skates with ease.”
Stats: (
Eliteprospects)
| 2008-2009 | Ak Bars-2 Kazan | Russia3 | 34 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 54 |
| Ak Bars Kazan | KHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Russia U18 | WJC-18 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 6 |
15. Owen Sound Attack - Roman Berdnikov - ForwardBerdnikov is a bit of an unknown. He's a Russian forward who's a 1992 birthdate and elgible for the 2010 NHL entry Draft. He's apparently a slick skating forward with skill, whom you'd have to imagine is coming over.
Scouting Report:
Attack General Manager Dale Degray describes Berdnikov as a "highly skilled, offensive right winger."
Stats: (the only ones I could find).
| 2008-2009 | Russia | WJC 17
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 10 |
| Russia | WJ A Challenge
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
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18. Peterborough Petes - Jiri Sekac - ForwardAnother guy who seems to be a bit of a mystery. A slightly undersized forward, Sekac played for HC Kladno's Under 18 team this year, putting up impressive stats. He's also a 1992 born, making him eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Outside of that I've got nothing.
Scouting Report: -
Stats: (thanks to
Elite Prospects)
| 2008-2009 | Czech Republic
| Under 17 4 Nations
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | - |
| 2008-2009 | HC Kladno U18 | Czech U18 | 46 | 38 | 49 | 87 | 48 |
21. Niagara IceDogs - Petteri Simila - GoaltenderSimila was Mr. Irrelevant this year the NHL Entry Draft. He was the last player chosen in the draft, by the Montreal Canadiens (211). With Jeremy Smith likely headed to play professional hockey, the Dogs are likely looking for someone to split time with youngster Mark Visentin. Simila is a giant goaltender (listed at 6'6) and he was the back-up for Karpat's (Finnish League) Under 20 team. Obviously this leads him to be a bit of a mystery as well.
Scouting Report: All I've got on Simila is that Trevor Timmins, Director of Montreal Player Development, states he's a gamble selection. He's been working with the goaltending coach of Pekka Rinne and that he believes he has a high projection curve. That could also mean that if he's working with goaltending coaches over there, he may not want to come over here. We'll see.
Stats: (
Elite Prospects)
| 2008-2009 | Kärpät U20 | Jr. A SM-Liiga | 17 | 3.61 | .897 |
24. Windsor Spitfires - Tom Kuhnhackl - ForwardKuhnhackl is a very talented German forward, apparently qquite possibly the best prospect to ever come out of Germany. He's a 1992 born, with good size at 6'2, who is supposed to be a first round talent for 2010. With Richard Panik (last year's pick) already committed to coming over this year, The Spits roll the dice on Kuhnhackl, who apparently already has a contract in the DEL (Top German League) for next season. That being said, don't be surprised if Windsor works their magic and gets him over here as well, especially since they are likely to have some holes in their line up next year. If not, he could pull a Panik and come over next year.
Scouting Report: According to translating a few German
articles, he compares to Marco Sturm at the same age. He also had very good speed and stickhandling ability. With his coach saying "he can do magical things with the puck."
Stats: (
Elite Prospects)
| 2008-2009 | EV Landshut | Germany2 | 42 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 34 |
2008-2009
| Germany U18 | WJC-18 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2008-2009 | Germany | World Under 17 HC
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2 |
27. Oshawa Generals - Alain Berger - ForwardBerger is a late 1990 born forward who was passed up in this year's NHL Entry Draft. He's a monster at 6'4, 200lbs and actually saw some time with Bern in the Swiss League this year. He played for the relegated Swiss team at the WJC's this year (in Division 1 because of 2008's relegation). He has already stated his intentions of coming over. Two years ago, he was named a top 3 player by coaches on the Under 18 Swiss team.
Scouting Report: Generals G.M. Chris DePiero
says. “Alain is a big strong kid and he’s more mature because of the experience he’s been able to obtain playing at home."
Stats:
| 2008-2009 | Bern | NLA | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Bern U20 | Elite Jr. A | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Young Sprinters | NLB | 22 | 9 | 9 | 18 | 32 |
| Schweiz U-20 | NLB | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 20 |
| Switzerland U20 | WJC-20 D1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
30. Ottawa 67's - Peter Mrazek - GoaltenderMrazek is a 1992 born goaltender who is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He's not the biggest goaltender, but he's put up impressive stats in the Czech Junior leagues. He was on the Czech Under 18 team, but was the 3rd goalie and didn't see any action. The 67's have to be hoping that he comes in and challenges Chris Perugini for the number one spot. A little healthy competition only makes everyone play to the best of their abilities.
Scouting Report: I can't find anything on the type of style he brings to the ice.
Stats: (
Elite Prospects)
| 2008-2009 | HC Vitkovice U18 | Czech U18 | 28 | 1.99 | .946 |
| HC Vitkovice U20 | Czech U20 | 13 | 2.49 | .924 |
| Czech Republic U18 | WJC-18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
33. Saginaw Spirit - Tadeas Galansky - GoaltenderGalansky is another Czech netminder, a late 92 birthdate, which makes him eligble for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He's already got good size at 6'1 and put up good stats in the Czech Under 18 league. Galansky has to be thought of as a potential back up goaltender for Edward Pasquale. Pasquale played a ton last year and perhaps this can explain his lackluster play in the playoffs, as he tired.
Scouting Report: "He brings good size to the position and he has a lot of upside," stated Spirit Director of Scouting
Jim Paliafito, "He had close to a .930 save percentage on a team that struggled in his home league."
Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2008-2009 | HC Kometa Brno U18 | Czech U18 | 5 | 2.17 | .935 |
| HC Havirov U18 | Czech U18 | 34 | 2.22 | .938 |
36. Erie Otters - Ramis Sadikov - GoaltenderSadikov is a behemoth goaltender from Russia, listed at 6'5, 220lbs. As an early 1991 birthdate, he was passed over in this years NHL Entry Draft. Not a whole lot is known about Sadikov since his stats from this year are nowhere to be found. He was drafted in the first round of the recent KHL draft, which tells you he must have some ability.
Scouting Report: -
Stats: -
39. Sudbury Wolves - Stefan Stepanov - DefenceStepanov is a young defender, a late 92 birthdate, whom isn't eligible for the NHL Draft until 2011. He is averagely sized at 6'0, 170lbs. Stepanov is highly regarded and considered one of the best defensive prospects among his age group. He was also a recent draftee in the KHL Draft, but has already committed to coming over and playing in Sudbury, where they could use a little defensive help.
Scouting Report: Here is a great and promising scouting report I've found.
Thanks to Ian Dunham at Even Strength. "He is primarily an offensive defenseman, using phenomenal skating ability and hockey sense to jump into the play for scoring chances. Instead of using bone crushing hits on opposing forwards, Stepanov uses sound positional play to stop attacking forwards. Stepanov is supremely confident with the puck, often tapping his stick on the ice and shouting for a pass. Although this can give away his position, it shows how much Stepanov wants to participate in the play. He scored a beautiful goal with a heavy wrist shot while pinching in from the point on the power play. Stepanov also has an array of tricks up his sleeve, often playing the puck off the boards to himself or his line mates. Stepanov also has the ability to rush the puck from one end of the ice to the other, somewhat like Sergei Fedorov did while playing defense in Detroit. Stepanov passes with great accuracy, and many of his passes were too strong for other players to handle. Stepanov still needs to grow and fill out, but once he does, he will be a integral part of any team he plays with. Stepanov is truly a special player." HF's Russian writer Alessandro Seren Rosso also calls Stepanov one of the top players available for Russia in 2011.
Stats: (
Elite Prospects)
| 2008-2009 | Krylia Sovetov | Russia2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
42. Saginaw Spirit - Ivan Telegin - ForwardTelegin is a big forward, at 6'3, 190lbs. As a 92 birthdate, he is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the Russian 3rd league this year, for which I can not find stats. However he did play for Russia at the Under 17's and another Under 17 4 Nations event, putting up solid stats in both.
Scouting Report:
Courtesy of Spirit Director of Scouting Jim Paliafito, ""Ivan plays hard and goes to the net with authority courtesy his big size. He has the potential to bring a lot to a team's offense." Also, take this for what it is worth, but here is a quote from a poster at HF who states he saw Telegin play at the Under 17's. "His center (#24 Ivan
Telegin) was also just as impressive, he is listed as 6ft but has clearly grown since. He was great on the PK and was an immovable force in front of the net on the PP."
Stats:
2009
| Russia
| World Under 17 HC | 5
| 2
| 2
| 4
| -
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| 5
| 2
| 2
| 4
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| 2008-2009 | Russia | Under 17 4 Nations
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | - |
45. Kitchener Rangers - Patrik Andersson - DefenceAndersson is a 1990 birthdate, whom has already gone through 2 NHL Drafts without being selected. He has good size at 6'2, 185lbs. His addition means the end of the Simon Gronvaldt experiment in Kitchener. The Rangers probably went with a little older of a player due to the fact that they are looking to make a run in the OHL this year and want some experience on the backend. Andersson's team in the Under 20 Swedish League won the league title last season, of which he was a big part of.
Scouting Report:
From the Kitchener Rangers website, "Scouts describe Andersson as a big puck moving defenseman who is strong at both ends of the ice."
Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2008-2009 | Brynäs J20 | SuperElit | 36 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 26 |
| Team Sweden U19 (all) | International | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
48. Ottawa 67's - Matias Sointu - ForwardSointu is an undersized Finnish forward who was a 7th round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As a 1990 born forward, he still isn't taking a regular shift in the SM-Liiga (Finnish top league), so it is likely he's looking to cross the pond in hopes of more playing time and an NHL contract.
Scouting Report:
From HF's Profile, "A forward with soft hands and natural goal scoring ability, Sointu would likely be ranked much higher amongst European prospects in his draft class if it were not for his slight frame. Sointu has fantastic hockey vision to go along with his soft hands and, if he can overcome his size, could be an impact offensive player."
Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2007-2008 | Ilves U18 | Jr. B SM-sarja | 10 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 6 |
| Ilves U20 | Jr. A SM-Liiga | 41 | 21 | 19 | 40 | 38 |
| Finland U18 | WJC-18 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
| 2008-2009 | Ilves U20 | Jr. A SM-Liiga | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
51. Brampton Battalion - Forward - Valeri KniazevKniasev is an average sized offensive forward who's 1992 birthdate makes him eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Interestingly enough, Kniazev is a bit of a mystery, but with a good reason. He's Russian born, but plays in the Czech Junior League due to a move to the Czech Republic when he was a child. He appears to be very motivated to make the jump to North America so that he can increase his draft stock for 2010. He's going to have big shoes to fill following the likely loss of Evgeni Grachev to professional hockey in the Rangers organization.
Scouting Report: Battalion Head Coach Stan Butler
describes him: "He plays hard and competes hard. I was told he’s a tremendous skater and an intense kid." While Kniazev himself says "“I think I’m a very good skater with a good shot. I can pass. I’m not a player who is always going to rush on his own.”
Stats:
| 2008-2009 | Sparta Prague U18
| Czech U18
| 21
| 5
| 3
| 8
| - |
| Sparta Prague U20
| Czech U20
| 24 | 19 | 21 | 40 | - |
54. Sudbury Wolves - Edijs Leitans - ForwardLeitans is a monsterous forward who was born and plays in Germany, but who holds a citizenship in both Germany and Latvia. Thus, he plays for Latvia internationally. With Stepanov and Leitans, you have to wonder if that means the end of Sergei Sheleg's time in Sudbury. At 6'5, 215lbs, it's pretty easy to guess what he'll bring to the table. And if it's not obvious, check out his penalty minute totals from this years Division 1 World Under 18's.
Scouting Report:
Wolves’ Coach/GM Mike Foligno says “Eddie is the big power forward we were looking to find in the Import draft. He loves to play physical but he has the hands to score big goals. Both players are here for at least two years and we are confident that they will be effective players for us.”Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2008-2009 | Iserlohner Junioren | DNL | 22 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 38 |
| Jungadler Mannheim | DNL | 5 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 8 |
| Latvia U18 | WJC-18 D1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 33 |
58. London Knights - Anton Klementyev - DefenceKlementyev, a 1990 born defenceman, was drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He's played the past two seasons in the Russian 3rd League, and is likely looking to get exposure in North America.
Scouting Report: A great scouting report supplied by the guys over at
Russianprospects.com (Alessandro Seren Russo also writes for them). "A reliable defensive defenseman…right stick, plays on right side…average-to-good skating…good speed and acceleration…hard to be knocked off the puck, he has very good stability and balance on skates…can work on his agility and mobility…average technical skills…he tries to play simple and isn’t creative with the puck…doesn’t have the skills for an opening pass…relies mostly on tape-to-tape passes…playing his simple way he rarely makes errors with the puck…can release a quick shot, but has to work on it…good mental game, plays hard…strong player along the boards…good physical presence, but he must put it on ice more constantly…good overall conditioning…good defensive hockey sense, knows when to step up and when to be patient not anticipating too much…rarely off position back in the zone…knows how shadow shots, isn’t scared by the puck while defending…mainly a stay-at-home defenseman who can occasionally showcase a not bad touch…a reliable player.."
Stats: Also supplied by
Russian Prospects| 2008-2009 | Russia | Tyumen Cup
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Lokomotiv | KHL
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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62. London Knights - Kalle Ekelund - DefenceThe Knights chose again at the beginning of the 2nd round and took another, what appears to be, stay at home defenceman. Ekelund is a 6'3, 190, 1990 born player who has been passed over in the last 2 NHL Entry Drafts. He's also played the past two seasons in the Swedish Second League, otherwise known as the Allsvenskan league. With the selection of Klementyev and Ekelund, I'm guessing this spells the end for Vladimir Roth in London.
Scouting Report: I've got nothing other than a very small quote from a Swedish poster on HF, "very solid 2-way d-man played two years against men with Nybro."
Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2008-2009 | Nybro IF | Allsvenskan | 42 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Team Sweden U19 (all) | International | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
68. Oshawa Generals - Jakub Strnad - ForwardStrnad is an undersized 92 born Czech forward who played this past season in both the Czech Under 18 and Under 20 leagues. With Robert Kousal, Alex Denezhkin, and now Alain Berger, the Gens have a bit of a logjam among Euro's. My guess is that Kousal leaves for home, Denezhkin and Berger take the spots, and Strnad doesn't come over, perhaps until next year.
Scouting Report: -
Stats:
Elite Prospects| 2008-2009 | HC Kladno U18 | Czech U18 | 14 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 6 |
| HC Kladno U20 | Czech U20 | 32 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
70. Barrie Colts - Denis Gladkov - ForwardThe Colts draft another 2010 eligible Russian forward, this time the average sized Gladkov. I can honestly say that I can't find anything on Gladkov. A complete mystery.
Scouting Report: -
Stats: -
72. Erie Otters - Victor Perezhogin - ForwardAgain a virtual unknown as of this time. All that is known is that he's a forward at 6'1, 190, whose 1992 birthdate makes him eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Scouting Report: -
Stats: -
73. Guelph Storm - Vadim Guskov - ForwardThe 2nd round of the Import draft sure can be difficult to track. Guskov is yet another guy I can't find anything on. He's a 6'0 forward who was passed over in the NHL Entry Draft this season.
Scouting Report: -
Stats: -
75. Sarnia Sting - Ted Brithen - ForwardA guy I could actually find some information on! Brithen is a late 90 born center who went undrafted in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He's of average size (6'0), and slight in build. He played this past season for Rogle's Under 20 team in the SuperElit league in Sweden. He did however get in to Elitserien games for the big club. Impressive for a player his age. With only one euro spot taken by Miroslav Preisinger, Brithen has to be a good bet to be one of those rare second rounders who comes over.
Scouting Report: Thanks to the guys at
Elite Prospects: "An allround center with good hockey sense. Brithén plays a smart two-way game and is valuable on the powerplay unit as well as in shorthanded situations. He has a good release, that he should use more often. Also a skilled playmaker."
Stats:
Elite Prospects| 2008-2009 | Rögle J20 | SuperElit | 40 | 16 | 30 | 46 | 18 |
| Rögle | Elitserien | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
That concludes this years CHL Import Draft, for the full draft list, click
here.
Let's not forget that Richard Panik, a selection in last year's Import Draft, will be suiting up for the Windsor Spitfires this season.
Richard Panik - ForwardPanik was a 2nd round selection (51) of the Tampa Bay Lightning at this year's NHL Entry Draft and brings good size to the forward position at 6'3, 200lbs. Like Tomas Tatar, Panik was a part of the surprising Slovak team at the 2009 WJC's. He had a mediocre tournament, which really dropped his draft stock from being a potential first round pick, to a mid-late 2nd. There have been questions about his work ethic and conditoning, something the Spitfires will correct quite early.
Scouting Report: THN ranked Panik 31st for this year's draft. Here is a small blurb on what they had to say. "There's no doubting his talent level, but commitment is another issue. He has the skills, but is he going to bring it every night?" From Bob Mackenzie's
Draft Preview, ISS had this to say, "After a strong performance at the 2008 U18 tournament in Kazan, Russia, he had a disappointing showing at this year's WJC. Then, a season ending injury in knocked him out of World U-18 in Fargo, Minn. Consistency and ability to play the North American style of game are the two biggest question marks that come with Panik, but his offensive upside is extremely high. He has good outside speed and quick hands. "
Stats:
Elite Prospects
| 2008-2009 | HC Trinec U20 | Czech U20 | 16 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 36 |
| HC Trinec | Czech | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| HC Havirov | Czech2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Slovakia U20 | WJC-20 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Also, pay close attention to the following scenario. It's purely speculation on my part, but I have to wonder why the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors traded their Import selection. Consider this. The Majors are hoping to make a run at the Eastern Conference this year, and they only have one Import spot filled up (by William Wallen) after Kaspers Daugavins graduates to the professional ranks. Owner Eugene Melnyk has always been a big player in the Import draft, so it strikes me odd that he wouldn't attempt to bring over more talent for that run. UNLESS, he's planning on saving a spot for Senators first round pick Erik Karlsson, whom was an import selection by the Majors last year. Karlsson is coming over to North America this year after signing with the Senators in May. If you are following me here, Melnyk also owns the Senators, and used that influence to get fellow Sens draftee Kaspers Daugavins on to the Majors. While Karlsson could play in the NHL, and appears to be quite talented, would Melnyk rather Karlsson play in the AHL or the OHL, should he fail to make the NHL? My hunch says the OHL, to give Melnyk's Majors a shot at a Memorial Cup title. First and foremost, I'm sure the plan is for Karlsson to be playing in the NHL, on a depleted Sens blueline. However, should they deem him not ready, I'd expect Melnyk is keeping that spot open in Mississauga for Karlsson. Just my two cents.
Also, just to give everyone a recap, there were a ton of trades leading up to and at the Import Draft. Some big names changing places. I've thrown in two big trades that happened a week or so before the draft too. This is taken right from the OHL website (
here).
To Mississauga: Greg Sutch
To Sarnia: Kale Kerbashian, Kyle Neuber, draft picks
To Kingston: Zach Harden, Kaine Geldart
To Peterborough and Plymouth: Draft pick
To London: Michael Hutchinson
To Barrie: Draft picks
To Sault Ste. Marie: T.J. Battani, Vern Cooper
To Plymouth and Kitchener: Draft picks
To Sarnia: Adam Courchaine
To Ottawa: Draft picks
To Guelph: Adam Comrie, Matt Hoyle
To Saginaw: Josh Shalla, Draft picks
To Barrie: Luke Pither
To Belleville: Draft picks
Just to let you know, the goaltender traded to Guelph, Matt Hoyle, was the starter for Harvard this past season as a freshman. A 1990 born, Hoyle was once a highly touted OHL prospect who went the NCAA route instead. However, judging by magnitude of the trade, I'd say you can expect him to leave Harvard to become Guelph's starter next season. Should be an interesting guy to keep an eye on.
After a season that surprised many outside of the Lambton County area, the Sting are once again predicted to become basement dwellers. They will be without the firepower or Arniel, Martin, DiBenedetto, Katic, and the stellar goaltending of Dan Spence. Some questions are still out there such as which OA's will Sarnia use? Will Adam Courchaine show up to steal a few games, or is he taking the AHL route? Although standings wise the Sting are less than 50/50 to so much as take the 8th spot in the Western Conference, there are some interesting prospects on the horizon. Sarnia could logically see anywhere from 2-5 players drafted in the 2010 NHL Entry draft. They already have 3 players to watch for the 2011 draft, as well as a potential 1st rounder in the 2012 NHL draft, that should all be in their line-up this season. This will be a trying season for Sting fans, but the future looks very, very bright.
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