Draft Breakdown

I get back in from a late night and discover that... not much happened for the Canes yesterday. We needed forward depth in the system, which it appears we got. Here is an article from the local paper about the JR did yesterday - mostly contract stuff from the sound of it. Staal and Kaberle were in contract negotiations and talks opened with Matt Cullen and Aaron Ward. Raleigh's Kai Kantola went undrafted - it would be interesting to see if he gets a tryout at camp.

1. No first round pick
   


2. Jamie McBain - 63rd overall. U.S. Under-18 Team. D, 6-1, 190. Born Feb. 25, 1988, in Edina, Minn.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 81st among North American skaters): "Average skater but has good agility and balance. ... An adequate backward skater who has shown improvement over the course of the season. ... Is primarily a defensive player. ... Plays a sound positional game. ... Used in all game situations. ... Battles hard in front of the net and in the corners. ... Delivers solid body checks."
   What a great name. The Simpsons-style video clips for him would be worth it alone. Skating can be learned and improved, so I'm hoping he can sharpen up that part of his game.
   


3. Harrison Reed - 93rd overall. Sarnia (Ontario Hockey League). RW, 6-0, 178. Born Jan. 18, 1988 in Newmarket, Ontario.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 71st among North American skaters): "Good skater -- has deceptive speed once in full stride. ... His quick release and his good touch around the net add to his effectiveness on the power play. ... Passing skills and playmaking ability are good. ... Does not play a physical game. ... Shows aggressiveness in getting to the puck and well as the willingness to take a hit and quickly get back into the play. ... Plays a good transition game."
   


4. Bobby Hughes - 123rd overall. Kingston (OHL). C, 5-10, 170. Born Nov. 11, 1997 in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 123rd among North American skaters): "A skilled forward with creative playmaking ability. ... Very good skater combining speed, agility and balance. ... Can be a gritty competitor and has shown the ability to fight through checks. ... Will finish his checks and despite his size can hit hard. ... Missed several weeks throughout the season with various injuries."
   Other teams stayed away because of injuries, but the Canes seemed to think he would be fine. Could be a steal.
   


5. Stefan Chaput - 153rd overall. Lewiston (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League). C, 6-2, 190. Born March 11, 1988 in Montreal, Quebec.
   
   Ranked 113th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting Service. Chaput is full of energy on the ice, willing to hit regularly. He is a strong skater with a good nose for the net, and is willing to work hard in the trenches to create plays. A tenacious fore-checker as well as a responsible back-checker, Chaput is also a valuable defensive forward, giving fits to the opposition’s top players, and playing hard on the Lewiston penalty kill.
   


6. Nick Dodge - 183rd overall. Clarkson University. RW, 5-10, 175. Born May 1, 1986 in Oakville, Ontario.
   
   This season Dodge blossomed into a more complete and confident player. His confidence has allowed him to be more creative, assertive and make better decisions at both ends of the ice. Dodge is a smart, tireless worker who has the ability to make those around him better. He skates with good speed and possesses good quickness. Dodge is outstanding on draws and has become one of Clarkson’s faceoff specialists. He is very good around the net and along the boards. As good as Dodge is offensively, he is equally good defensively.
   
   Clarkson head coach George Roll’s comments on Dodge: “Nick has ability but what makes him so special is that he combines that ability with a great work ethic and competitiveness. He reminds me of a lot of Steve Dubinsky, who played here when I was an assistant. Nick is a special kid on and off the ice. He is an exceptional student and approaches everything else the same way that he approaches hockey. He’s one of those guys that’s a true student-athlete.”
   


7. Justin Krueger - 213th overall. Penticton (BCHL). D, 6-2, 205. Born October 6, 1986 in Switzerland Winnepeg, Manitoba.

Looks like he is going to Cornell. He also played on a German junior team? Also looks like he's trying to sell a 1992 Jeep Cherokee. You can email him or call his cell phone to get the details. *sigh* The things you find on the Internet. Update: He's the son of the coach of the Swiss national team, who is also a Hurricanes scout.