Chris Kreider is one of the most intriguing 1st round draft talents this year. He is by far the top high school prospect yet he is only a junior. What that means is the team picking Kreider with have to have patience and some guts.

There is no doubt about his dynamic skating ability and a big time shot but the questions start soon after that. How will a player that scored 33 goals and 56 points against inferior competition in 26 games translate? He also was not only the best skater on the ice every night but most nights was also the biggest and strongest at 6'2" and 200 pounds.

A good comparison of why GM Scott Howson might be scared to pull the trigger on this player is Kris Chucko who was selected 24th overall in the 2004 draft by the Calgary Flames. He was a 6'2", 190 pound stud that played in a lower level of the BCHL. Now Chucko might make it someday but it's been 5 years since he was drafted and he still has to get better before he will ever make the Flames on a regular basis. Can the Jackets wait 5,6,7 or more years for a pick that needs to fill a need that is glaring? I doubt it.

That being said, I think the kid has everything on paper to be a stud but he needs to go to a team that has time and patience for him to develop. He has already committed to Boston College, so a team could pick him and not have to deal with him for 5 years. Teams that have that luxury would be Pittsburgh for sure with all their young center talent, Detroit, Los Angeles or Philadelphia but certainly not the Blue Jackets. Look for Howson to pass on this prospect for a more sure bet.

Columbus NHLTweetup Draft Party

Be sure to join us for the Blue Jackets Official Draft Party at Nationwide Arena. The only way to get reserved seating for this is to reserve a spot with the Columbus NHLTweetup Draft Party. The Blue Jackets have been gracious enough to reserve us tables at the party. We will have give aways exclusive for the people with the NHLTweetup plus you will get to experience all the Locker Room tours, player experiences and the many things that the Blue Jackets will be putting on. You can reserve your spot at http://twtvite.com/lxc0ez Hope to see you there!

What Has #16 Overall Given Up?

I was wondering what the #16th selection in the 1st round has produced over the years. I did some research and wrote about it at FireTheCannon.com . Make sure and check it out, it surprised me a little.


Fire The Cannon!

Eric Smith
Eric.Smith@HockeyBuzz.com

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