2009 NHL Entry Draft GDT

[sureWhyNot 19]

I'm not saying McKenzie is bad at all! I actually like him and respect his opinions. I'm saying that Nill is better.

I'm sure that the Wings are better informed than McKenzie in these intimate details. Know why? Because the Wings hire a team of individuals full time to scout these kids 365 days a year. The Wings pay big bucks to these guys- they have a huge, well funded and diverse scouting network.

McKenzie is very good at his job, but the Wings are the best in the world at theirs. McKenzie's coverage of the NHL Draft is but one small part of his job requirements. Today and tomorrow are the culmination of everything the Wings' scouts are paid for. This is it. This is their D-day.

Yup, yup - you are right. But when you think about it, Nill would never, regardless of its validity say that the draft was "weak", lacked depth, etc - especially since they have the 29th pick and a statement like that wouldn't send the best "welcome to the team" message to whomever they chose.

[P. Marlowe 748]

I literally smiled every single time they did it.

Did anyone else notice the ticks and displeasure in his stupid little trollish face when he said the Wings' name during the trade announcement?

He was shaking a lot when he announced that trade. Other than that he seemed quite happy being there tonight.

[P. Marlowe 748]

I just realized that I live in the same city as Rajala. Too bad he's propably in Montreal now. I could do some scouting for you tomorrow. Maybe check his weight and height and take a wrestling match with him.

Edited June 27, 2009 by P. Marlowe

[titanium2 867]

Any chance the Wings can get Klingberg and Rajala in the second round tomorrow?

I like the reports on this Klingberg guy. Seems like he'd go good with Joakim Andersson on the future 3rd/4th line.

TBH, I can't wait for the later round picks. They will pick someone that nobody here knows anything about and I can't wait to read up on it.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Yup, yup - you are right. But when you think about it, Nill would never, regardless of its validity say that the draft was "weak", lacked depth, etc - especially since they have the 29th pick and a statement like that wouldn't send the best "welcome to the team" message to whomever they chose.

Oh I agree with you there. He's not going to say "man, there's s*** all after pick 15!' then look a kid in the face that he picked after pick 15 and say 'we wanted to get you sooooo bad'.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Any chance the Wings can get Klingberg and Rajala in the second round tomorrow?

I like the reports on this Klingberg guy. Seems like he'd go good with Joakim Andersson on the future 3rd/4th line.

TBH, I can't wait for the later round picks. They will pick someone that nobody here knows anything about and I can't wait to read up on it.

Honestly, I don't see the point of drafting 3rd/4th line guys. 3rd/4th line guys are a dime a dozen compared to 1st liners. I say swing for the fences and pick your 3rd/4th line guys from the washouts that never managed to score at the NHL level.

Heh, well I say that now because the Wings farm teams are awash in 3rd/4th liners but are starving for high end scorers.

[BlakKy 58]

Honestly, I don't see the point of drafting 3rd/4th line guys. 3rd/4th line guys are a dime a dozen compared to 1st liners. I say swing for the fences and pick your 3rd/4th line guys from the washouts that never managed to score at the NHL level.

Heh, well I say that now because the Wings farm teams are awash in 3rd/4th liners but are starving for high end scorers.

As I said in the other thread:

' Little Patty Kane was great his first year in the league. Honestly... if the Wings want sand paper there is free agency. The draft should be a chance to nab a star and if it doesn't work out we have minor leaguers.

Ashton could turn out to be a Wade Belak for all we know (just smaller).

Heres to Rajala! '

[titanium2 867]

Being Canadian automatically grants you extra spots in the NHL draft.

Being big at the age of drafting automatically grants you extra spots in the NHL draft.

Has anyone noticed that lots and lots of big Canadian kids with skill get picked in the first two rounds but end up being a wash? Does that hint at anything to you? Perhaps that size and nationality artificially inflated their standing in the collective eyes of the scouts?

What's worse? Picking the next Joe Thornton or picking a complete bust in general? A part of me wants to say Joe Thornton because players like that are just a big tease who don't perform in the playoffs. But he's still got time to prove everybody wrong.

But you're right, being a part of the Red Wings is also being a part of a certain culture. Everybody fits well with each other because everybody has a moderate ego. They want humble, honest and hard-working people and have no room for big dumb kids who just coast off their size and skill.

[titanium2 867]

Heh, well I say that now because the Wings farm teams are awash in 3rd/4th liners but are starving for high end scorers.

GR will have Axelsson and Ryno next year. Despite all the talk about their personal issues off the ice I'm more than excited to see how they perform.

Also, Ricola, that's right I'm using it, still has a small chance of being a legit top-6 player. Very small chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Edited June 27, 2009 by titanium2

[BlakKy 58]

Rajala's draft card:

FAVOURITES

NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

NHL Player: Henrik Zetterberg

Movie: Slap Shot 2

TV Show: CSI

Video Game: NHL

Actress: Jessica Alba

Music Group: Nickelback

Website: Facebook.com

Pump-up Song: Rock or heavy music

Pre-game meal: Spaghetti Bolognese

His most memorable hockey moment was participating in the 2008 Under-18 World Championships. He was named the Top Forward for the tournament after leading all players in scoring with 19 points (10-9-19) and a plus-10 rating in six games.

• He was six years old when he first started playing hockey. He credits his parents on the success of his career thus far for having driven him to games and practices, an hour each way, for seven years.

• When asked which style he patterns his game after, Rajala says that he tries not to copy anyone in particular, but he likes the way Henrik Zetterberg plays.

The worst thing about this guy is that he likes Nickelback... but so many players do...

[P. Marlowe 748]

Toni Rajala @ Facebook

[skacore 2]

Rajala's draft card:

FAVOURITES

NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

NHL Player: Henrik Zetterberg

Movie: Slap Shot 2

TV Show: CSI

Video Game: NHL

Actress: Jessica Alba

Music Group: Nickelback

Website: Facebook.com

Pump-up Song: Rock or heavy music

Pre-game meal: Spaghetti Bolognese

His most memorable hockey moment was participating in the 2008 Under-18 World Championships. He was named the Top Forward for the tournament after leading all players in scoring with 19 points (10-9-19) and a plus-10 rating in six games.

• He was six years old when he first started playing hockey. He credits his parents on the success of his career thus far for having driven him to games and practices, an hour each way, for seven years.

• When asked which style he patterns his game after, Rajala says that he tries not to copy anyone in particular, but he likes the way Henrik Zetterberg plays.

The worst thing about this guy is that he likes Nickelback... but so many players do...

i'm honestly surprised his favourite game isn't pokemon for gameboy

[matemate 34]

Carl Klingberg:

"A great personal favorite. "Calle" is a very large plant rightarforward (190, 93) with excellent skating and topspeed of its size. It looks not so nice all the times ... but you can really escape. Klingberg is a really tough and gritty guy who hits anything that moves - with fantastic nice checking. He must indeed have been the Super Elite absolutely annoying most forward to meet in the corners, then he is so strong, so big, so tough, and so SWINGING, in hes style of play. In addition to Klingberg is a great two-way forward as a consequence, the work home in a fantastic way - and can kill BP in an excellent manner - he is of course right skilled offensively. His wrist shot is hard - and he has a really nice object inside - but the fact is that his hands and the game inside is at least as good. If not better. Calle is intense around the bag and big and heavy to move in front of goal. He is often important goals and has an incredible vinnarskalle, and are strong mentally. I think the well-trained Gothenburg should fit well for the game on small rink. And has the potential to have a very nice future in North America. Above all, I think he will be a rough solid third-liner, which certainly makes some points, but above all, is an excellent team player that draws on blåstället every night. I think that Klingberg should be the end of the first round or early second round, otherwise I am disappointed."

http://www.hockeymagasinet.com/hockeynyhet...hms-topp50-10-6

Edited June 27, 2009 by matemate

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Rajala's draft card:

FAVOURITES

NHL Team: Detroit Red Wings

NHL Player: Henrik Zetterberg

Movie: Slap Shot 2

TV Show: CSI

Video Game: NHL

Actress: Jessica Alba

Music Group: Nickelback

Website: Facebook.com

Pump-up Song: Rock or heavy music

Pre-game meal: Spaghetti Bolognese

The worst thing about this guy is that he likes Nickelback... but so many players do...

f***. Nickelback?

Spaghetti Bolognese is my favourite post workout meal. CSI is a pathetically poorly written show. Jessica Alba is someone I'd cut a toe or finger off of to bang.

Zetterberg is like a solid gold statue of Darth Vader- f***in' sweet and totally worth killing that kid next door for.

[Swayze 81]

i'm honestly surprised his favourite game isn't pokemon for gameboy

That's from when he was 14, he looks like this now:

[Drake_Marcus 890]

i'm honestly surprised his favourite game isn't pokemon for gameboy

Yeah man- he'll look like that as an adult. Because some people just skip puberty and apparently this is one of them.

That should tell you he'll be bigger when the Wings need him. I'd rather he look like that than a full grown man that happens to be short as f***.

[P. Marlowe 748]

Better photos of Rajala:

[Drake_Marcus 890]

GR will have Axelsson and Ryno next year. Despite all the talk about their personal issues off the ice I'm more than excited to see how they perform.

Also, Ricola, that's right I'm using it, still has a small chance of being a legit top-6 player. Very small chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Yeah man, but look at the list of grinders and PKers we have... there's three of four million of them and about 4 legit scorers.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Better photos of Rajala:

Is that last photo after he broke Ovechkin's record for WJU18 scoring?

[P. Marlowe 748]

Is that last photo after he broke Ovechkin's record for WJU18 scoring?

Possibly... I found a website that says he's 178 cm which is about 5'11. Speculation, speculation.

[Snazzy 0]

Carl Klingberg:

"A great personal favorite. "Calle" is a very large plant rightarforward (190, 93) with excellent skating and topspeed of its size. It looks not so nice all the times ... but you can really escape. Klingberg is a really tough and gritty guy who hits anything that moves - with fantastic nice checking. He must indeed have been the Super Elite absolutely annoying most forward to meet in the corners, then he is so strong, so big, so tough, and so SWINGING, in hes style of play. In addition to Klingberg is a great two-way forward as a consequence, the work home in a fantastic way - and can kill BP in an excellent manner - he is of course right skilled offensively. His wrist shot is hard - and he has a really nice object inside - but the fact is that his hands and the game inside is at least as good. If not better. Calle is intense around the bag and big and heavy to move in front of goal. He is often important goals and has an incredible vinnarskalle, and are strong mentally. I think the well-trained Gothenburg should fit well for the game on small rink. And has the potential to have a very nice future in North America. Above all, I think he will be a rough solid third-liner, which certainly makes some points, but above all, is an excellent team player that draws on blåstället every night. I think that Klingberg should be the end of the first round or early second round, otherwise I am disappointed."

http://www.hockeymagasinet.com/hockeynyhet...hms-topp50-10-6

Get it done Kenny!

[Probie 7]

Get it done Kenny!

He seems like a good pick doesnt he?

Has any wing scoped this guy out?:

CHARLES-OLIVIER ROUSSEL

"NHL Central Scouting's Gary Eggleston: Roussel is vastly improved from last year; and elevated his game to another level during the playoffs. He has grown, his skating and passing game has improved. Showed good maturity with puck, doesn't panic, smart accurate passing game. Does a good job on PP; good hockey sense, moves puck well, moves to center will puck to open shooting lanes, creates offensive chances. Head up, good mobility with puck, and is willing to carry. Plays a solid game in all three zones; reads play well and anticipates well, body positioning. Keeps it simple in DZ and on PK, moves well, closes gap quickly but could have been more active with stick in passing lanes."

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?fid=11895

Hes already nearly 200Pounds and hes 6foot1. By the time he enters the league hell be 210-215 or so. Likens himself after Dion Phaneuf, he is known for his crushing hits. I know Nil said Detroit is leaning towards taking a defensemen over all other positions, so, I figured he could be what we are missing. Hes a righty too! Im just picturing our blueline in a few years, it could be big and tough...

-Kindl 6foot3 already 205, maybe 215 someday. Physical, Offensive D

-Erricson 6foot5 will be like 220 someday Semi Offensive D, plays Defensively and physical

-Kolosov is 6foot4 210 already, will be 220-225 some day (Kolosov might not make it to the nhl), defensive D man, strong physical player

-Stuart is 6foot2 213 and is a crushing hitter

-Kronwall is only 6feet 190, but he plays bigger and crushes people already

-Brendan smith is 6foot2, and about 185 now, he could be 200pounds by the time he enters the leauge. More of a offensive Dman thats not overly physical oh well.

-We could Add Roussel to the mix, a 6foot1 215(in the future) pound bone jarring hitter with all around good skills.

I like that Defense. Plenty of offense with some good defensive talent, with lots of size, and lots of physicality. There are no slow players on that D, maybe Kolosov would be the slowest but hes not known for having a huge speed weakness. I really like that D. If i was Cindy Crosby in a few years I would not want to face that s***. That goes for any player. Maybe if we dont pick Roussel with our first 2nd rounder, we could grab him with our second one. Just a thought....

Edited June 27, 2009 by Probie

[Drake_Marcus 890]

-Erricson 6foot5 will be like 220 someday Semi Offensive D, plays Defensively and physical

Fixed it. There's no semi about it- Ericsson is an offensive Dman- that's what made him an AHL allstar, that's what he's best at- shooting 100mph slapshots at the enemy on the PP. He also happens to be a fantastic defensive player.

We'll see Ericsson's offensive skills show up more as he gets more time on ice and more PP time. It's just that the way he's been used so far has been in a defensive role. Well... aside from the times he was used offensively, in which case I'd like to point to his excellent (for a rookie) offensive stats when paired with Norris Nick

Edit:

Good pick Probie- that kid does sound like he could be a stud. Assuming he made the NHL, at worst we'd have a strong, large physical d-man that can lay people out. That's not bad at all.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Drake_Marcus

[Probie 7]

Fixed it. There's no semi about it- Ericsson is an offensive Dman- that's what made him an AHL allstar, that's what he's best at- shooting 100mph slapshots at the enemy on the PP. He also happens to be a fantastic defensive player.

We'll see Ericsson's offensive skills show up more as he gets more time on ice and more PP time. It's just that the way he's been used so far has been in a defensive role. Well... aside from the times he was used offensively, in which case I'd like to point to his excellent (for a rookie) offensive stats when paired with Norris Nick

Edit:

Good pick Probie- that kid does sound like he could be a stud. Assuming he made the NHL, at worst we'd have a strong, large physical d-man that can lay people out. That's not bad at all.

Yeah I know about Erricsons killer slapper, and i watch the games i see him do his thing and his offensive flair, but by me saying hes semi offensive, i should have said it differently. Perhaps what I mean is to some degree less offensive then Say a Rafalski and Lidstrom in terms of production, but still productive and offensive. I can see Erricson being a 45 point guy, but Lidstrom was or is, a 60-70point defensemen. In other words he will be a good offensive guy but not an elite powerplay quarterback, or elite rushing Dman like Nick,Rafs, Green, etc. Maybe like a Bowmeister who gets his 45-50 points with time spent on the powerplay. I guess you know what Im talking about. I do realize BigE has offensive skills.

Yeah Roussel to me looks like a good pick, but will they take him with their first 2nd rounder, i think no, but he might not be around with their 2nd 2nd rounder. RedLine report has him ranked High, like 14th overall. I just thought if we were going to pick another Dman in the first, or second round like Nil said, i figured he would fit the mold of what we need and could use. We have enough skilled puck moving offensive Dmen. Roussel helps us round out that skill with some toughness, size and grit with the skills of what SOUND LIKE a fairly talented well rounded defensemen. That is if the description is any indication. I would love a more defensively responsible version of Phaneuph.

I love looking at this stuff and being a keyboard GM....lol

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Yeah I know about Erricsons killer slapper, and i watch the games i see him do his thing and his offensive flair, but by me saying hes semi offensive, i should have said it differently. Perhaps what I mean is to some degree less offensive then Say a Rafalski and Lidstrom in terms of production, but still productive and offensive. I can see Erricson being a 45 point guy, but Lidstrom was or is, a 60-70point defensemen. In other words he will be a good offensive guy but not an elite powerplay quarterback, or elite rushing Dman like Nick,Rafs, Green, etc. Maybe like a Bowmeister who gets his 45-50 points with time spent on the powerplay. I guess you know what Im talking about. I do realize BigE has offensive skills.

Ahh I gotcha. Yeah, he's got a bright future ahead of him. Maybe he'll be able to work 20 goals in there like Chara did this year! That'd make my year if he could

Yeah Roussel to me looks like a good pick, but will they take him with their first 2nd rounder, i think no, but he might not be around with their 2nd 2nd rounder. RedLine report has him ranked High, like 14th overall. I just thought if we were going to pick another Dman in the first, or second round like Nil said, i figured he would fit the mold of what we need and could use. We have enough skilled puck moving offensive Dmen. Roussel helps us round out that skill with some toughness, size and grit with the skills of what SOUND LIKE a fairly talented well rounded defensemen. That is if the description is any indication. I would love a more defensively responsible version of Phaneuph.

I love looking at this stuff and being a keyboard GM....lol

I agree- we need more hitty guys to back up all the speedy, offense first kids we've got stocked up. Well rounded is definitely a very useful type of defenseman (as Ericsson proved by stepping in and filling Lilja's roll in the playoffs).

And as far as the keyboard GM stuff goes... I'm as guilty as you are. It's definitely the best part of the offseason.