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IIHF Comments On Malkin To Russia Talk - Third Annual Metzer Mock Draft |
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The following press release was just issued by Rene Fasel of the International Ice Hockey Federation in regard to the Toronto Star's claims that Evgeni Malkin was set to receive a $12.5 Million contract offer from a Russian team.
Zurich, Switzerland, June 20, 2008
IIHF News: IIHF statement, René Fasel
IIHF statement on media report on Evgeni Malkin
Although the International Ice Hockey Federation does not usually issue statements following unsubstantiated media reports, the IIHF finds it principally important to address the newspaper story (Toronto Star, June 20) that reports about the Russian league allegedly preparing an offer to Pittsburgh Penguin player Evgeni Malkin, who is under contract with the NHL-club.
“Although there will be no imminent Player Transfer Agreement between the IIHF and the NHL, all involved parties are in principal agreement to honour each other’s contracts,” says IIHF President René Fasel. “The NHL has informed the IIHF that this will be the policy of the league during the period without a PTA, and conversely, the IIHF has obligated its member national federations and leagues to do the same in its relations with the NHL.”
“We would view any signing, from either side, of a player under a valid contract, who does not have any legally valid out-clause, to be a clear violation of the mutual understanding and existing principle. It would potentially be punishable with suspended national team eligibility and suspension from all competition or activity organized by the IIHF or any IIHF member national association. This would include events like the Olympic Winter Games, the IIHF World Championship or international club competitions like the Champions Hockey League."
"Given this, we are confident that the report is not substantiated."
There has been a ton of Malkin movement hullabaloo and it seems to be speculative at best. Though the Penguins may have to make some tough decisions over the next few years, one regarding Evgeni Malkin does not seem to be imminent, unless you are speaking of a contract extension that is expected to be signed soon after July 1st.
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It is that time of year again...the eve before the NHL drafts it’s future superstars and with that I take a break from the rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins to bring you the Third Annual Metzer Mock Draft.
Obviously, nothing can be completely accurate when it comes to drafting 17 and 18 year old kids, especially once you get out of the top 10, but I look forward to my yearly jaunt into the unknown that is Draft prognostication. I love researching the prospects, reading scouting reports and trying to determine which direction a team may go. Please post your comments and opinions...I hope that this will stimulate some good hockey talk as we anxiously await those trades and picks that most surely will make for an exciting weekend!
I will be running through the first round of the draft. Each team’s selection will contain the top five prospects in their organization.
With that...a drafting we will go!!
1. Tampa Bay Lightning – Steven Stamkos
NHL ready...head and shoulders above his peers in this draft. Stamkos possesses great hockey sense, great speed with a smooth stride, and unbelievable skill. Many scouts were impressed by the way he continued to raise his game as the season went on.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Riku Helenius G 2. Karri Ramo G 3. Vladimir Mihalik D 4. Matt Smaby 5. Dana Tyrell LW
2. Los Angeles – Zach Bogosian
Bogosian has the ability to play in all situations including special teams. He was used this past season against the opposition’s top line and has shown a willingness to play a physical game when necessary. Rebuilding defensive depth in the organization has is a goal and this is a step in the right direction. Will compliment Double J.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Jonathan Bernier G 2. Teddy Purcell RW 3. Thomas Hickey D 4. Brian Boyle C 5. Trevor Lewis C
3. Atlanta Thrashers - Drew Doughty
This may be the most NHL ready d-man in the draft...Atlanta might not get to pick him, as the Kings just might snap him up. He plays a two way game and is able to play a ton of minutes. Will be a great asset for the Thrash...
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Bryan Little C 2. Ondrej Pavelec G 3. Angelo Esposito C/LW 4. Riley Holzapfel C 5. Brett Sterling LW
4. St. Louis Blues – Luke Schenn
This leader of men has a well rounded game, but is more of a stay at home defenseman. He thrives on making the opposition work for every inch of ice. His style will compliment former number 1 overall Erik Johnson’s overall two-way game.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Patrick Berglund C 2. T.J. Oshie C 3. Lars Eller C 4. Ben Bishop G 5. Ian Cole D
5. New York Islanders – Nikita Filatov
Filatov is a top tier playmaker and he has great offensive instincts. An amazing talent that will add huge offense to an Islander team that can really use it. His overall offensive game challenges Stamkos for best in the draft.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Kyle Okposo RW 2. Blake Comeau LW 3. Jeff Tambellini LW 4. Jesse Joensuu LW 5. Ben Walter C
6. Columbus Blue Jackets – Alex Pietrangelo
A big boy who has great passing ability. Needs to improve his physical game, but will be a great offensive player who can QB the PP.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Jakub Voracek RW 2. Derick Brassard C 3. Steve Mason G 4. Gilbert Brule RW 5. Joakim Lindstrom LW
7. Toronto Maple Leafs – Mikkel Beodker
The Leafs covet one of the big defenseman, but will do well with this pick. Beodker is a native of Denmark who came joined Kitchener this past season. He picked up the North American game very well, is a great playmaker and is one of the best skaters available. He has improved his game throughout the season.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Nikolai Kulemin LW 2. Justin Pogge G 3. Robbie Earl LW 4. Alex Foster LW 5. Darryl Boyce C
8. Phoenix Coyotes – Tyler Myers
This big man is a great skater who sees the ice very well. Is a bit of a reach here, but his upside and skating ability is intriguing. The ‘Yotes have a great nucleus of young skilled forwards...time to work on the back end.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Kyle Turris C 2. Brett Maclean LW 3. Al Montoya G 4. Kevin Porter LW 5. Chris Summers D
9. Nashville Predators (Florida) – Kyle Beach
Beach is a risky pick, but he is a great talent and is following in the steps of Everett Silvertips past Mueller and Hamill. Needs to improve his skating, but has great offensive instincts. If he can reign in his emotions, he can be one of the stud picks in this draft.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Cody Franson D 2. Jonathan Blum D 3. Pekka Rinne G 4. Alexander Sulzer D 5. Patric Hornqvist C
10. Vancouver Canucks – Colin Wilson
Is a great two way center that can play any style. He is in great shape and was a stand out at the combine. A power forward who isn’t afraid of traffic, can get to the tough spots and isn’t afraid to mix it up.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Mason Raymond LW 2. Cory Schneider G 3. Michael Grabner RW 4. Jannik Hansen RW 5. Patrick White C
11. Chicago Blackhawks – Joshua Bailey
It comes down to a big forward or a puck moving d-man. I think the Hawks go with Bailey. He is a very skilled forward who can play in both ends of the rink with ease. He possesses very good puck skills and playmaking ability.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Jack Skille D 2. Corey Crawford G 3. Niklas Hjalmarsson D 4. Evan Brophey C 5. Akim Aliu C
12. Anaheim Ducks – Cody Hodgson
Dangerous offensive player who creates opportunities for himself and his line-mates. He is proficient in the circle and sound defensively. Should provide secondary scoring that the Ducks need.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Bobby Ryan RW 2. Brian Salcido D 3. Brendan Mikkelson D 4. J-P Levasseur G 5. Petteri Wirtanen C
13. Buffalo Sabres – Luca Sbisa
This big defenseman may not be as highly touted as the guys at the top of the draft, but he plays a good two way game. He can man the power play and kill penalties. He is a mobile guy who can move the puck.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Andrej Sekera D 2. Jhonas Enroth G 3. Nathan Gerbe C 4. Chris Butler D 5. Tim Kennedy
14. Carolina Hurricanes – Zac Boychuk
A highly skilled goal scorer who has all the offensive tools: great touch, very good hockey sense, a quick release and great hands. Best remaining player on the board at this point. This MVP of the Top Prospects game has been a point per game over the past two years.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Brandon Sutter C 2. Drayson Bowman LW 3. Jamie Mcbain D 4. Justin Peters G 5. Chris Terry LW
15. Nashville Predators – Mattias Tedenby
One of the most skilled players in the draft. Brings speed and consistency...has a knack for scoring goals. Tremendous offensive upside, but needs some work defensively.
Top 5 Prospects: See Pick # 9
16. Boston Bruins – John Carlson
B’s were hoping for a big d-man and that is what they will get with Carlson. He has great size, skates well for a big man, has a great shot and can play both ways.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Tuukka Rask G 2. Matt Lashoff D 3. Zach Hamill C 4. Brad Marchand C 5. Carl Soderberg C
17. Calgary Flames – Joe Colbourne
A very strong skater who possesses excellent hockey sense and puck skills. He has great offensive upside.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Mikael Backlund C 2. Leland Irving G 3. Andrei Taratukhin C 4. Brandon Prust LW 5. Dan Ryder C
18. Ottawa Senators – Colten Teubert
A huge d-man with who possesses great mobility. Is a shut down defenseman who plays a mean, hard edged style.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Nick Foligno LW 2. Brian Lee D 3. Brian Elliott G 4. Alexander Nikulin C 5. Jim O’Brien
19. Columbus (Colorado) – Erik Karlsson
Great shot, great hands, great hockey instincts, vision and defensive instincts. Also is a big hitter. Some have called him one of the most improved players in Europe this past season.
Top 5 Prospects: See pick # 6 above
20. New York Rangers – Kirill Petrov
Very difficult to defend this big power forward will become a solid secondary scorer to the primary offense provided by last year’s number one, Alexei Cherepanov. An intimidating player who brings an aggressive style every shift.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Alexei Cherepanov RW 2. Bobby Sanguinetti D 3. Ivan Baranka D 4. Artem Anisimov C 5. Alex Bourret, RW
21. New Jersey Devils – Colby Robak
A big mobile defenseman that possesses a great shot, great on ice vision and has the ability to play special teams. His defensive game is a work in progress, but has greatly improved coming into this draft. (The Devils may be tempted to take one of the goaltenders here – Pickard or Markstrom)
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Nicklas Bergfors RW 2. Matthew Corrente D 3. Jeff Frazee G 4. Mike Hoeffel LW 5. Petr Virana C
22. Edmonton Oilers – Michael Del Zotto
This offensive defenseman has great speed and loves to rush the puck. He possesses a great shot from the point and will be a compliment to the great young forwards that the Oilers already have in the staple. Defensive game has been improving.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Riley Nash C 2. Taylor Chorney D 3. Rob Schremp C 4. Jeff Petry D 5. Jeff Deslauriers G
23. Washington Capitals – Zac Dalpe
Great speed, has the ability to beat defenders one on one. Good puck handling skills and is able to create scoring chances for his teammates without sacrificing his defensive responsibility. Sets the Caps up down the middle behind Backstrom.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Karl Alzner D 2. Eric Fehr RW 3. Simeon Varlamov G 4. Michal Neuvirth G 5. Chris Bourque LW
24. Minnesota Wild – Aaron Ness
The hometown Mr. Hockey Winner moves on to the pro team in his back yard. Very skilled at moving the puck and is more physical than you would think for his size. Very much suited to the NHL as currently constituted. Is slated to attend the University of Minnesota in the fall.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Colton Gillies C 2. Benoit Pouliot LW 3. Petr Kalus RW 4. Cal Clutterbuck RW 5. Ryan Jones RW
25. Montreal Canadiens – David Toews
He is a bit underrated based on great a player his brother is...this Toews brings some great tools to the table too. Great stick handling ability with an accurate shot. A very hard worker who possesses the leadership ability to be a captain some day. Needs to use his accurate shot more often.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Ryan Mcdonagh D 2. Max Pacioretty LW 3. P.K. Subban D 4. David Fischer D 5. Mikhail Grabovsky C
26. Buffalo Sabres (San Jose) – Evgeny Grachev
Possesses great size, strength and skill. Word was that the Sabres were in search of skill and size... Possesses a great shot and is dangerous one on one. Huge offensive upside for this power forward.
Top 5 Prospects: See pick # 13 above.
27. Philadelphia Flyers – Jake Gardener
Another Minnesota high school standout. He was a finalist for the Mr. Hockey Award. Great acceleration uses his size very well and has a very accurate point shot. Will attend the University of Wisconsin next year.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. James Van Riemsdyk LW 2. Claude Giroux RW 3. Ryan Parent D 4. Andreas Nodl RW 5. Michael Ratchuk D
28. Los Angeles Kings – Nicolas Deschamps
This forward is dangerous one on one and can do whatever is asked of him on the ice. He possesses good puck skills and vision. He will be a nice addition to the Kings stable of young forwards.
Top 5 Prospects: See pick # 2 above
29. Atlanta Thrashers (Pittsburgh) – Corey Trivino
This could be the guy that Atlanta has been looking for since losing Marc Savard...he is a dynamic playmaker who consistently creates opportunities for his teammates. Sees the ice very well.
Top 5 Prospects: See pick # 3 above
30. Detroit Red Wings – Anton Gustafsson
The Stanley Cup Champs go back to the well and draft this big Swedish power forward. He is very strong on the puck and is hard to move. He could follow in the foot steps of those big bodies that currently reside in front of the net for D-town such as Franzen and Holmstrom.
Top 5 Prospects: 1. Jakub Kindl D 2. Jonathan Ericsson D 3. Jimmy Howard G 4. Brendan Smith D 5. Darren Helm C
That does it for this year’s Metzer Mock...please leave you comments and thoughts. This could turn upside down if teams such as the Kings, Thrashers and Blue Jackets decide to move one of their picks.
Will follow up this weekend with coverage of the Penguins draft...stay tuned
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