Adam French: Mock Draft Part One: One-Five

I get the whole draft a russian thing, I think the Sens are on that train as well, but at the same time, I don't think the Leafs would select Dumba. I think they'd trade down if this was the case in order for another team to draft the big Grig. I just dont see passing on him at this point in favor of Dumba as the hockey move to be made. Nothing against Dumba, but the value isn't there for this team at 5.

Last years blog was epic. I read most of your mock drafts and was very impressed with your prospect knowledge.

You should do a sheet with all your predictions from last year and where they actually went. I realize that after pick 10 it was a real crap shoot but hopefully you were able to get a lot right.

Heres hoping Burke stays away from anymore Red Deer Rebels.

Last years blog was epic. I read most of your mock drafts and was very impressed with your prospect knowledge.

You should do a sheet with all your predictions from last year and where they actually went. I realize that after pick 10 it was a real crap shoot but hopefully you were able to get a lot right.
- riceroni

French is a prospect heavyweight here in my opinion.

I get the whole draft a russian thing, I think the Sens are on that train as well, but at the same time, I don't think the Leafs would select Dumba. I think they'd trade down if this was the case in order for another team to draft the big Grig. I just dont see passing on him at this point in favor of Dumba as the hockey move to be made. Nothing against Dumba, but the value isn't there for this team at 5.
- Lohaus

That's why I think they trade down if this is how it went. As for value in the top-5, maybe it is early for him but the raw skill is just too nasty on him to ignore because he plays an erratic game.

Now before you crucify me hear me out. Brian Burke has never, I repeat never, drafted a Russian with his first round pick.

Is there an example where Burke did not draft a Russian when it was the consensus pick?

Is there an example where Burke did not draft a Russian when it was the consensus pick?
- senstroll

Not really he never had that choice as yet, though Kulikov vs Kadri was the only one that could be considered.

Wow, that Dumba write up sounds an awful lot like a defenceman we already have.

Not really he never had that choice as yet, though Kulikov vs Kadri was the only one that could be considered.
- AdamFrench

If you go through his history, he hasn't drafted a Russian since... he was in Vancouver, I believe.

If you go through his history, he hasn't drafted a Russian since... he was in Vancouver, I believe.
- Brian Huddle

yup

Not really he never had that choice as yet, though Kulikov vs Kadri was the only one that could be considered.
- AdamFrench

Burke only drafted Kadri because of his obsession with Ontario players.

so pass on Grigorenko?

Burke only drafted Kadri because of his obsession with Ontario players.
- Lohaus

Don Cherry has something to say to you. It's not really intelligible because he's frothing at the mouth but it sounds like Yo cluckyousef

If you go through his history, he hasn't drafted a Russian since... he was in Vancouver, I believe.
- Brian Huddle

But we dont know that he purposely did not draft a Russian.

Especially in the top 5. I have a hard time believing he would take a dman when there is a higher rated Center still available just because he does not want a Russian player.

I could see him trading the pick to move down a few posts though

Burke only drafted Kadri because of his obsession with Ontario players.
- Lohaus

It's funny because the way Toronto drafts it's almost solely OHL and USNTDP with the odd WHL and SEL kid.

They don't touch the Q for any reason.

Good stuff! Tend to agree with previous comments that Burke would likely be more proactive and deal the pick to someone below him who might cherish the big Russian. I think the selection of Dumba at #5 might be pretty painful to a lot of Leaf faithful. Even though he might prove out to be a great choice the immediate backlash would likely be pretty strong.

Good stuff! Tend to agree with previous comments that Burke would likely be more proactive and deal the pick to someone below him who might cherish the big Russian. I think the selection of Dumba at #5 might be pretty painful to a lot of Leaf faithful. Even though he might prove out to be a great choice the immediate backlash would likely be pretty strong.
- spatso

I was tempted to put Teravainen

Burke only drafted Kadri because of his obsession with Ontario players.
- Lohaus

The story I keep hearing is that Brian Murray suckered Burke into taking Kadri. Ottawa wanted Cowen and feared Burke was going to scoop up the big kid so he floated the idea that Ottawa wanted Kadri. We all know that Cowen is a Burke kind of player. Big, mean and handles the puck pretty well.

I was tempted to put Teravainen
- AdamFrench

Teravainen is Jeff Skinner young. He is a full year younger than Yakupov. At his age and size he has to be a pretty substantial talent to be in the top 10 of most scouting lists.

Good write up frenchie

The story I keep hearing is that Brian Murray suckered Burke into taking Kadri. Ottawa wanted Cowen and feared Burke was going to scoop up the big kid so he floated the idea that Ottawa wanted Kadri. We all know that Cowen is a Burke kind of player. Big, mean and handles the puck pretty well.
- spatso

Seriosuly though. Did Burke just over-think himself that day? The pick was clearly Cowen, who was pretty much considered a top 3 pick for most of the year until he hurt his knee, then he slipped... and that far? If I could draw a player that I think suits what Burke is trying to do with a team, he'd look awfully similar to Cowen.

I hate when picks seems ot make themselves and GMs get creative. The year Muckler took Brian Lee when Marc Staal was right there will forever burn my nuts. I get we needed a D, so I'll eliminate the kopitar talk right away, but if you were going to pick a D, why Lee over Staal? If he drove 20 minutes down the road, he could have seen the Wolves/67s playoff battle where it was obvious to anyone who has seen even one hockey game before that Staal was a legit player.

I'll never understand some of these deicisions.... sometimes the obvious choice is obvious for a reason.

I was tempted to put Teravainen
- AdamFrench

You know what bugs me about Tervainen? Seems there are always these Finns that get touted as awesome offensive dyanamos who will put up sick points and then nothing. I remember the big trio of awesome that Finland had and Maguire humped all tourney long... remember? Nokelainen/Korpikoski/Tukonen. Oh that trio was ridiculously skilled, all are legit top 10 talents right Maguire? Yeah, look at 'em now. Maybe Granlund bucks the trend, but I'd still be nervous about an offensively gifted Finnish forward's celing. I won't lie. Then again, I see none of them outside of the world juniors so in that regard, its often hard to judge.

Last years blog was epic. I read most of your mock drafts and was very impressed with your prospect knowledge.

You should do a sheet with all your predictions from last year and where they actually went. I realize that after pick 10 it was a real crap shoot but hopefully you were able to get a lot right.
- riceroni

Thanks, I'll look into it. You'll tell how embarrassing it is if I don't post one.

Nice 2011 draft Photo Frenchie Brings back some memories.

PS. Your an A hole for having the Leafs not draft a center. I didn't say you were wrong thought, just an a hole.

Good blog man