By Alexander Monaghan
President

Two days ago, ESPN’s Alvin Chang released his ‘Biggest draft busts since 1990′. To no one’s surprise, the Ottawa Senators have a notorious draft selection by the name of Alexandre Daigle featured within it’s contents. Surprisingly, he’s only listed at number three while blue-line stalwart Chris Phillips is currently listed at number five.

Chang developed this list using a metric called Goals Versus Threshold (GVT). Developed by Tom Awad of Hockey Prospectus, GVT is an objective player evaluation method that combines all of a player’s statistics and calculates his contribution in 4 categories: offensive, defensive, goaltending and shootout. Awad’s metric determined that Daigle, and to a lesser degree Phillips, turned out to be busts based on a combination of their statistics and subsequent performance on the ice. What it tells us is that the Sens are simply not afraid to take risks throughout the entirety of their regime. Those risks made this organization make the playoffs for 11 consecutive seasons and 12 out of their last 13 before missing last year’s postseason.

A similar type of decision making has been used over the last year as GM Bryan Murray tries to not only restock his cupboards but do so with high-end players.

In June, Murray took highly-skilled forward Mika Zibanejad with his first pick, taking a forward who was a relative unknown two months before the draft. The center burst his way into the top-10 mix after making Djurgardens IF Stockholm of the SEL before turning 18. With only nine points in his professional career, the Sens rolled the dice and took what they believed to be the player with the highest ceiling. Zibanejad would play nine games with the Sens before returning to the SEL for more seasoning.

The Sens then took Plymouth Whalers right wing Stefan Noesen, who enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in the OHL. However, coming into last season, the Plano, TX was a relative unknown, scoring three goals and eight points through 33 games on a stacked Whalers team. His pedigree was not as high as others still on the board like Brandon Saad, Ty Rattie or Zack Phillips but Murray felt Noesen would be a player at the next level. According to Hockey’s Future, Murray went so far as to compare Noesen to reigning MVP Corey Perry.

Three picks later, Murray took another gamble in selecting former OHL Rookie of the Year Matt Puempel. The Essex, Ont., native was not only a risky pick, he defines risk. After breaking out during his rookie year, Puempel regressed due to injury and inconsistency, only posting five more points in four less games — hardly meeting expectations of the Peterborough Petes. Instead of letting the left wing fall further down the ladder, Murray took the gamble by trading two second round picks — 35th overall (Tomas Jurco) and 48th overall (Xavier Ouellet) — for the 18-year-old.

The first round yielded a forward at each position. The center that projects to be a franchise player in Zibanejad. A right wing that could hurt you physically and in the box score. The wild card sniper who could turn out the best of the three. Zibanejad signed almost immediately while Noesen and Puempel inked entry-level deals this afternoon according to Chris Johnston of The Canadian Press, via Twitter.

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Filatov would once again prove to be a bust in North America, becoming a healthy scratch on many occasions before leaving for Russia. During this stint he only mustered an assist over nine games but Murray did not think the risk was a poor decision. Instead, he explained that the winger needed to get stronger in order to compete in North America and that his demotion was just a hitch in his development. The Senators still believe that he will return to the NHL and be a player; the onus is now on Filatov to prove he wants to play in America opposed to his birthplace.

Letting Filatov leave was a luxury that the team can afford due to their influx of homegrown talent in the NHL and in the minors.

In fact, while much of the focus remained on Filatov and his travels around the globe, the organization went out and acquired another fallen talent in center Kyle Turris. Turris was the 3rd overall pick back in 2007 and also made his way onto Chang’s bust list. However, the Sens were banking on the New Westminster, British Columbia native to thrive under a less taxing coach as he finally gets his chance in an offensive system. Unsurprisingly, Turris has done just that with three assists in his first four games.

More importantly, he has filled the hole vacated by Zibanejad after his nine-game stint passed. The hole that was covered up with a piece of scotch tape when the team tried out centers Peter Regin and Stefan Da Costa and even winger Nick Foligno. In trading for a legitimate pivot, and one with talent oozing out of his pores, they reinforce one of their most consistent strengths in the center position.

Ringo Calamity / Flickr

Former 2nd overall pick Jason Spezza has been the team’s top line center since 2002-2003. The slick, playmaking pivot from Mississauga, Ontario is one of the brightest stars in team history after eclipsing the 85-point barrier three times in his career. He, along with team captain Daniel Alfredsson, have led the Senators by example while showing young players how they can adapt to the big leagues.

That quality has been important during this season — one that was defined as a rebuilding year. Not including Spezza and Alfredsson, 10 of the Sens draftees are regulars in the lineup from All-Star defender Erik Karlsson to fourth line grinders Kaspars Daugavins and Erik Condra. Five other homegrown players have been in the lineup as well.

Instead of actually rebuilding, however, the Sens have stayed in the big picture, sitting in the 9th seed with one more game played than 8th seed Winnipeg. If they continue their feisty play, they could just wind up in the playoff picture and gain some extra revenue in what was supposed to be a lost season. Nevertheless, their identity, or proclivity, in making risky moves has helped them earn everything they now possess.

Since the beginning of the franchise, they have not been afraid to make big moves and a big splash. Because of that they have busts like Daigle (who was projected to be the lovechild of Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux). Similarly, they have 12 homegrown players on their roster because of their drafting strategy in addition to several others who can step right into the lineup when healthy.

We could be seeing yet another incarnation of a Senators dynasty within the upcoming years. We may see a team that blows away its predecessors due to Murray and company staying true to the organization’s history and finding the best talent they possibly could.

By Alexander Monaghan
President

A year ago today, Daron Richardson, daughter of Ottawa Senators assistant coach Luke Richardson, tragically took her life. A talented hockey player, Daron, age 14, played for the Team Canada women’s national ice hockey team. She was loved by many and remembered by even more.

We ask our readership to take the time out of their day to remember this tragedy. Her friends and family created an excellent program entitled ‘Do It For Daren’ in order to raise awareness and hopefully prevent young people from taking their life due to mental illness.

If you wish to donate to this inspiring story, click here.

Bruce Garrioch at Slam Sports (who happens to actually cover the Ottawa Senators) has recently suggested that the Flames are willing to move Olli Jokinen, Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and David Moss. According to the article, this news was made privy to QMI agency by ‘league sources’.

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By Resolute (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/3.0)

In the final two months of last season, and early into this season Jokinen has been one of Calgary’s best players. He seems to have found, and adapted to his role on the second line. With five points in 6 games this season (and 54 points last season), the center is certainly earning his place on the team. Lately, the Finish forward has been working hard, playing well in his zone, and creating excellent scoring chances. His value to this team is much higher than his value off this team. For that reason it hardly seems reasonable that Feaster would consider trading the forward. So while many outside of hockey may consider that Jokinen is “struggling”, that is last year’s news. The new-look Jokinen has been a revelation to the Flames, and a valuable asset this season.

Lets move on; Stajan is on the trading block. To be entirely honest, I’m surprised that is even news. It is well known that Calgary fans are disappointed with Stajan’s play over the last year. They are particularly upset about the $14 million/4 year salary he has been getting. But hey – that was in the past. It was both well known, and assumed that GM Jay Feaster would love to unload Matt’s contract. A better question is: Who is going to take it? There seemed to be little interest in Stajan last year, and I think the same holds for this year. If Feaster is able to unload this contract, he will be regarded as a hero in Calgary.  But for now, it is likely Stajan stays.

Hagman is another that the Flames were obviously shopping last year; but there were no takers, and so the Flames had to keep the winger. This season, however, Hagman seems like he has something to prove. Regardless of how he is playing, he works hard, he battles for pucks and tries to create opportunities. This season, already, that has translated into three points in six games, and a plus-2 rating. Not bad for a player that most considered were done. Credit is deserved for the 31 year old, who is battling hard for his spot on this team. The next month or two will really dictate how his season goes, but it is unlikely that there would be many takers for this UFA unless he begins to have a breakout season.

Moss tends to have his name pop up in rumors every year. It is certainly feasible that the Flames would move Moss, particularly as part of a bigger deal. Currently he is playing on the first line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay while Mikael Backlund is injured, and has to show any real magic. Known more as a winger, he typically plays on the third-line. His market value would be limited, so don’t expect him to be the focal point of a trade.

By Resolute (Own work)

There seems to be lots of interest for Curtis Glencross around the league, similar to the trade deadline last year. At that time, Feaster said he had many offers for Glencross – but none made the team any better. The 28-year-old had a career year last season with 24 goals, and already has three this season. He plays well in his zone, kills penalty, and provides a great spark. Further to that – this off season he took the ‘home team discount’ at $10.2 million/4 season. At that price, it is unlikely the Flames are going to get another player to make the team better – unless something highly rewarding is sent back the other way. So while the interest is there it would have to take a fairly significant deal to make Feaster think about it.Another hot-topic name coming up in trade rumors has been Rene Bourque. The streaky winger has three goals in six games this season, and put up 27 goals in the two previous seasons. He has the potential to have a 30-goal season, but inconsistency tends to plague the forward. His plus/minus has reflected his poor defensive play in his zone. That being said, he is a big, strong player, with an excellent shot – and a knack for the net. It is quite possible that the Flames would entertain trading the winger if the right deal were to present itself. You can certainly expect him to put up more than 20 goals this season, and asset that some teams may be searching for now, or down the stretch.

Finally – lets talk about Jay Bouwmeester. The fast-skating defenseman has been receiving much criticism lately from fans and the media. At $6.6 million per season, one would expect a greater offensive numbers in his 2 seasons in Calgary. However, playing over 25 minutes a night – he still maintains an excellent plus/minus, continues to move the puck well, and plays well in his zone (most of the time). This season, he has demonstrated flashes of old – jumping up into the play more, and attempting to contribute offensively. Many teams around the league would love to have a solid puck moving defenseman who can play more than 25 minutes a night. Sure he isn’t putting up the offensive numbers he was previously, but he is also playing a more defensively minded game in Calgary. Other than a fatal mistake in the New York game on Thursday – his play this year has been stellar. Having already lost Robyn Regehr, the Flames would certainly be a worse team without Bouwmeester in the lineup. So therefore, it would take a fairly significant deal to force Feaster to play his hand.

Feaster certainly wants his club to be excellent on the ice, but it is a little bit premature to be pulling the trigger – especially with the recent return of Brendan Morrison, and the anticipated return of Backlund in November.

The Flames have been playing improved hockey in the last few days, hopefully the trend can continue. Remember – that this is essentially the same team that went on a tear in the later half of last season. If they are to find that magic again – don’t expect Feaster to act rashly.

Shahbaz Syed
Twitter – DDxDino

Johan Franzen is known to his Detroit Red Wings teammates and fans as The Mule. It was a name bestowed upon him by Steve Yzerman because the captain saw Franzen’s on-ice strength and how he used it so he wasn’t pushed around easily by opponents.

In the book The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Detroit Red Wings: Heart-Pounding, Jaw-Dropping, and Gut-Wrenching Moments from Detroit Red Wings History by Ted Kulfan, there’s a wonderful quote from Franzen about his nickname:

“‘It’s different,’ said Franzen of the tag, which isn’t exactly the most common nickname around. …’I like it. I was a little surprised at first, though. I wasn’t sure what a mule was.‘”

Obviously, a comic needed to be drawn to show what his train of thought probably was. (Yes, I sometimes draw hockey comics for fun. There will be more in the future, though they will be on the computer and not scanned in. And not as crummy, but still pretty crummy.)

It’s a fun nickname, especially when you hear the national announcers call him “The Mule.” And it’s fairly fitting, too.

Red Wings fans have come to hope every season that Franzen will perform to his full potential – or what we assume can be his full potential. But every season, he seems to go down with an  injury two weeks into the season…usually during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. (It happened two seasons in a row…)

Just take a look at how many games he’s played each season. The most was back in 2005-2006 when he played 80 of the 82 games in his rookie season with the Red Wings. The seasons after that, he was only in 69, 72, 71, 27, and 76 games. Yes, he was only out for six games last season, but he was so streaky, it didn’t really matter. He scored five goals in one game against the Ottawa Senators, and proceeded to not score for another twenty-some games.

Talk about not showing up…

So, four games into the season, with a healthy, physical, rearing-to-go Franzen on the second line, he already has two goals – both of them game-winners at that.

Do Red Wings fans dare get their hopes up that this will be the season Franzen hits sixty, seventy points and/or thirty/forty goals? Right now, he has two goals and two assists, putting him on pace for 82 points this season, which would be a career high. But when are the “on pace for…” predictions even remotely close to what actually happens?

And Franzen hasn’t played a game against Chicago yet. There’s always room for concern.

With every Detroit sports team doing pretty dang well (the Tigers made it to the Conference Finals, and the Lions are 5-1 for this first time in pretty much forever), is it smart to get our hopes up for a terrific year from Franzen? Everything has been looking up sports-wise for this city…do we dare believe Franzen will stay healthy for all 82 games and be one of the offensive leaders on our team?

And what if he does stay healthy? Red Wings fans wait with bated breath, wondering if The Mule will be able to hit sixty points, thirty goals, (forty goals?!), or end up petering out over the course of the season and only hitting twenty goals, maybe fifty points. There are so many questions that it can end up driving you crazy with how often you run around in circles trying to figure it out.

If Franzen does stay consistent and hit career-high numbers this season, you can bet it will take a lot of pressure off of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. That’s not to say that any less will be expected of them, but more of the fact that opponents will have another offensive player to keep in check. Most teams in the Western Conference know to keep an eye on Franzen, but he’s been so streaky and/or injured that it hasn’t mattered much. But if he does stay consistent, you can be sure that the Red Wings opponents will always have a man or two on him every game, and maybe slack a little on Datsyuk and Zetterberg (Red Wings fans can only hope…)

But then we need to dial it back and remember that it’s hockey. Anything can happen.

For now, we sit and wait to see what each game will bring. Will Franzen be the player the organization (and fans) know he can be? Or will he fall to another early-season injury? As the band Asia would say, “Only time will tell.”

Christina Roberts
NHLHS Detroit Red Wings Correspondent
Twitter: @franzenmuth
Email: christina.roberts@nhlhotstove.com

By Alexander Monaghan
President

By kaatiya (DSC_0049) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0)

Playing in a hockey city like Ottawa can be taxing on a player — they are recognized everywhere they go, praised when they do well and berated when they don’t. Couple that with his deteriorating relationship with then head coach Cory Clouston and the two sides simply agreed to disagree.

GM Bryan Murray admitted at the time that replacing a player the calibre of Heater would be much easier said than done. From ESPN.com news services:

“It’s hard to give up 50 goals,” Murray told reporters. “He didn’t get it last year — a lot of people underachieved — but Dany Heatley is that caliber of goal scorer. To be better than that is going to be difficult, there’s no question.”

While his goals decreased from back-t0-back 50 goals seasons into seasons of 41 and 39 goals, he still led the team in goal scoring in both seasons while his other counterparts in the C.A.S.H. line saw their numbers sputter. The team went from a dominant first line with a excellent supporting cast, into a one-trick pony in need of shaking some things up.

Even with Heatley, the team fell out of contention, finishing the year 11th in the Eastern Conference with 83 points. They weren’t close, and while his demands came at the wrong time, the feeling was probably more mutual than Clouston, Murray and the team’s brass ever let on.

They painted Heatley as a villian. A selfish player who could not sacrifice himself for the good of the organization. When they made awful personnel moves like trading speedy forward Antoine Vermette for the injury prone Pascal Leclaire or letting Zdeno Chara go in favor of Wade Redden, they could now blame Heatley.

By Dan4th (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dan4th /4354880364/) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/2.0)

His regression came full circle. Coming from a team like San Jose that was previously filled with “playoff chokers”, he was singled out and traded for an question mark and former-Senator Martin Havlat. To put this trade into perspective, Havlat already went under the knife with offseason shoulder surgery and produced less than Heatley last season. He, along with Devin Setoguchi, were deemed expendable as the Sharks continue their quest for their first Stanley Cup.

To reiterate: the Senators felt spurned, cheated, hurt, etc by Heatley’s trade demands. He likely felt the same way with San Jose, when he was shipped out of town due to his postseason disappearing act — three goals and nine points through 18 games.

When Heatley and his now-fourth organization the Minnesota Wild come to town tonight, How will the Sens fans react? When questioned by James Gordon of Senators Extra, a resounding 65 percent of voters claimed “he betrayed this team and this city”. Every time he touches the puck in Scotiabank Place, he should expect to hear the boos.

After leaving, the Sens actually managed to make the playoffs in the 2009-2010 campaign, falling six points shy of the Northeast Division lead. While the team lost 17 goals by essentially swapping Milan Michalek with Heatley, the short-term damage was minimal. Last season, the difference was only eight tallies, which probably would not have been the difference maker in a season where they finished 29th in goals scored. If healthy this season, Michalek could score in excess of 25 goals, which should make Sens fans feel slightly better about the ‘lopsided’ trade.

Yet, they still feel spurned. A good Canadian boy who should have led them to a championship felt the need to leave for greener pastures and deny this franchise a legitimate chance at the Cup. The city of Ottawa seems poised to never forget this tragedy, and probably won’t forgive even after he retires.

The moral of this story: Don’t F*ck with Ottawa.

Sometimes ‘Kess” is more.

Phil Kessel was a one-man wrecking crew, recording his first ever hat trick as a member of the Maple Leafs, including the eventual game winner, as the Leafs hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre Saturday night.

Kessel finished with four points (3 G, 1 A) on the night, helping the Leafs improve to 2-0 on the young season.  But it wouldn’t be easy for Toronto, who led 4-0 after two periods and 5-1 midway through the 3rd period.  After the Sens rallied to cut the lead to 5-4 with 3:16 to go, it was Kessel who stepped up big late in the game, burying his 3rd of the night with 2:19 left to give the Leafs a little breathing room at 6-4, then later playing a key defensive role late to help the Leafs ultimately hang on for the win after the Sens had cut the lead to 6-5 with just under 2 minutes to go.

“I’m happy for sure,” Kessel said of his scoring outburst. “But the main thing is we got the two points. I’m excited.”

For Kessel and the Leafs, Saturday’s performance is hopefully a sign of things to come, if the team is genuinely going to compete for a playoff spot in 2011-12.  Prior to the start of the season, Leafs’ Head Coach Ron Wilson told the Toronto media that he hoped his first line sniper could net 40 goals this season, after two straight 30+ goal campaigns in Toronto.  Following their win over Ottawa, Wilson had nothing but praise for Kessel’s overall performance.  ”He did an outstanding job,”  Wilson said during the postgame press conference. ”He showed a lot of determination and worked hard all night.  It was great for Phil and great for his confidence.”

The game also featured a bone-crushing – and clean – open ice hit by Leafs’ destroyer Dion Phaneuf on the Sens’ Stephane Da Costa, who made the rookie mistake of keeping his head down while coming across the Leafs’ blueline in the 2nd period.  Da Costa was fine, and later during the broadcast could be seen on the Sens’ bench mouthing the words, “it was my fault.”  Sounds like he learned his lesson.

Leafs’ tough guy Colton Orr also added a goal in his first game back in the NHL after suffering a season-ending concussion in January of last year, while Joffrey Lupul chipped in with 3 points (1 G, 2 A) playing alongside Kessel.

There are still a few questions that were raised from the Leafs near collapse in the 3rd period. Goaltender James Reimer let in 5 goals in the final frame, after not allowing a single goal in the Leafs first 5 periods of hockey, while defencemen Mike Komisarek and Jake Gardiner both looked shaky in the third, combining for a minus-4 in limited minutes.

The Leafs now have a week off to build off their early success, as they leave Monday on a 3-day team-bonding trip to CFB Trenton, a military base in Trenton, ON, before playing their next regular season game Saturday Oct. 15 at home vs. Calgary.

You can follow Dan following the Leafs all season long on Twitter: @Dan_Berlin

It has been quite some time since I’ve sat down at a computer, any computer for that matter, and typed about the National Hockey League.

In that time, the team I consider the reason for breathing some nights, the Philadelphia Flyers, were embarrassed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the (hat tip) eventual Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, the salary cap took yet another raise into Christmas in July (Free Agent Frenzy). The aforementioned Flyers completely dismantled its core from head to toe — though the news of the departure of Jeff Carter was music to these ears — and the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild made a trade that will be soon put on a list with the rest of lopsided trades in the history of the NHL.

Ok, maybe not that exaggerated, however, let’s be real here.  How does anyone get away with trading a player with a statistical history such as Dany Heatley. Wait, wait what was that? Oh, Heatley has only five playoff goals in 32 playoff games with the Sharks where Havlat has 12 playoff goals in his last 26 playoff games; guessing that’s the logic behind Mr. Wilson and his madness.

Or maybe that Shark crest is simply haunted to anyone who plays for it? Who am I to say?

Taking a deeper look into the issues the Sharks have had this off-season will give GM Doug Wilson his walking papers in due time.

Dany Heatley (Dan4th/Flickr)

Was it not the same man, and the same team, to ship Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo to the Ottawa Senators for Heater in the first place?  Then you decide to move, prior to yesterday’s debacle, Devin Setoguchi and now you take the man that you paid a decent price for, and ship him out for a fragile, flash in the pan player making only $2.5 million  less?

Heatley has one season (not counting ’03-’04) where he was unable to reach the 30 goals or more plateau. That was this prior season. So let’s throw away a perennial 30 goal man for a player who has had one……..YES you read that correctly, ONE entire season with 30 goals or better (Havlat ended the ’03-’04 campaign with 31 goals).

Considering the nature of the beast, known as the business side of Hockey Operations, players will come and go with the blink of an eye. Christian Ehrhoff saw, similar to the situation with Dan Hamhuis last year, that you can be part of three teams in one twenty four hour period. He also remembers getting traded from the Sharks for essentially cap space. But when your team is cursed, if you believe in that sort of thing, and you go through previous coaching and player changes, why ship out one of the better players from your roster for one who hasn’t proven anything more then said player?

There really is only one answer: You DON’T (unless you are Wilson).

I’d love to know what’s in your smoke pipe in your office Mr. Wilson because what I have seen take place over the course of the last few days has me pondering how close of friends you and Paul Holmgren truly are. And kudos to Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, acquiring two injury-prone centers totally spells out “playoff potential”. Sheesh…that’s another one for another time.

At least Mikko Koivu has some goal scorers to finish off his passes on his line now.

By Jeff Quirin
NHL Hot Stove Associate Editor

Shortly after another important retention was announced, the St. Louis Blues went outside the organization for the first time this summer to address a need. Signing goalie Brian Elliot to a one year, two way contract. The deal is will pay out $600,000 in the NHL and  $105,000 in the AHL.

Briant Elliot (Cycleorama/Flickr)

The Newmarket, Ontario native split time last season between the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche. Posting a 15-27-9 record over 55 games with three shutouts, a 3.34 GAA and .893 save percentage. For his career Elliot is 61-53-16 with nine shutouts, a 2.90 GAA and .901 save percentage.

General Manager Doug Armstrong explained the rationale behind the signing Friday.

“We [the Blues] were looking for a goaltender to come in and compete with Ben Bishop for the second spot behind Jaroslav Halak. This move strengthens our goaltending position in the organization.”

Bishop’s continued presence within the organization has never really been in doubt. His inclusion on the qualify offer list Monday speaks to that end. However,  there are concerns within the coaching staff and management that he is not ready to ascend up the depth chart.

The addition of Elliot not only provides a puck stopper with NHL experience, but someone able to test Big Ben in training camp. That is not to say Jake Allen cannot. His fate puts him on a crash course with Halak in three years. Not with Bishop this September. A more immediate threat to his security will either bring out the best he has to offer or prove his lack of readiness.

Assuming Bishop comes back for less than Elliot’s salary, which he will, the Blues will have no more than $4.1 million invested in goaltending. Roughly 3% of the total estimated $49 million budget. Given Halak’s style of play and the Blues general lack of NHL quality depth, the additional funds to be spent on the five skaters in front of the net will be welcome.

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For more info on Elliot, check out this audio clip from the Goalie Guild.

Photo Credit: Bridget Samuels

In a somewhat shocking move, the Columbus Blue Jackets and GM Scott Howson sent former highly-touted winger Nikita Filatov to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for their third round pick — selection number 66. Considering Filatov brings the pedigree of a 6th overall pick, the trade looks like a landslide win for the Sens should their young Russian reach his potential as an offensive weapon at the NHL level.

Numerous outlets from The Score to the Ottawa Citizen commended the risk from a Senators perspective as the team acquires a potential top-6 forward. His international accolades deserve a mention, as Daniel Slater of Score Ottawa breaks down the news. “Filatov won 2 bronze medals at the World Junior Championships with Team Russia, as well as being named to the Tournament All-Star team in 2009.  A gamble that is well worth the risk.” Yes, the gamble was worth the risk; but the gamble does not necessarily require Filatov to dominate.

Even Howson noted that this trade was not a win for the Blue Jackets, according to Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch. ”It’s not a great move,” Howson said. “It’s not something you want to do. But I’m also a believer that we all make mistakes in this business. We move on from our mistakes.” Filatov wanted out of Columbus and the general manager obliged at a price he could live with. Sometimes players do not work out in certain organizations and Howson acknowledged that as a white flag of defeat.

For the Sens to win this trade outright, Filatov simply needs to become a NHL regular and fill in accordingly on the second or even third line. While we understand he holds the potential of a superstar player, he simply needs to serve his purpose. Even Howson noted that Filatov could become an impact player. ”I’m not in any way shape or form saying Nikita’s not going to play in the NHL. It just didn’t work for Columbus.” Sounds like next season will be a career-breaking year for the 21-year-old.

According to a study by TSN’s Scott Cullen, the average sixth overall pick winds up somewhere between an NHL regular and a top-nine forward. By comparison, the value of pick number 66 holds a 32 percent chance of even making the NHL as a regular, which is telling as to what the Sens can expect to happen with their pick. In theory, the third rounder in a decidedly weak draft is less valuable than a developing player with a high-end ceiling.

To become this NHL regular Filatov simply needs to improve certain aspects of his game. For one, both of his NHL coaches thought his defensive game held him out of the lineup. We understand the Ken Hitchcock criticism as he was known to destroy young careers but Scott Arniel deploys a different system in which he emphasizes accountability and hard work and Filatov’s work ethic simply was not there.

Furthermore, last year his production at both the NHL and AHL level was simply brutal. He was demoted following 23 goal-less NHL games and then followed those up with nine goals and 20 points through 36 injury-plagued AHL games.

Not only has his production slipped, his confidence waned as well which put emphasis on his struggles even more. Considering the Sens went out of their way to claim Marek Svatos off waivers last season, we imagine Filatov would fit nicely on the second line possibly next to sixth overall Mika Zibanejad. In fact, if he heats up he might even get a chance next to Jason Spezza. A healthy, confident and improved Filatov holds no limitations. The player we saw last year is the definition of limited. It is now up to him to decide what player he wants to be.

Did the Sens win this trade? According to sheer odds, yes but time will tell what Thomas Tynan will do at the NHL level.

#1: Edmonton Oilers select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer Rebels (WHL) by Kathryn Uggerholt

The center from Red Deer will fit in nicely with the young squad. Through 69 games in his second full season on the Rebels, Nugent-Hopkins surpassed 100 points (106 total) with 31 goals and 75 assists. A self proclaimed “two-way” player, he is never going to be a big player but his speed and stick handling will make up for it. Whatever line he is on, Nugent-Hopkins could up the amount of goals scored by his line mates with his on-ice awareness and vision. Previously a first-overall in the Bantam draft, Nugent-Hopkins is ready for the pressure.

#2: Colorado Avalanche select Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL) by J. Scott Moore of Real Denver Sports

The Avs most pressing issue besides a net-minder is defense.  Larsson is the big man on the blue line that this team needs to be competitive.  With newly acquired Erik Johnson and veteran John-Michael Liles, Larsson will complete a core of defense that should last for years.  Larsson’s highly rated skating for a 6-3, 200 pound blueliner is just what the team needs.  Also noted is his poise and patience with the puck, a good quality to see this early.  Will he be NHL-ready?  If not the wait will be worth it.

#3: Florida Panthers select Gabriel Landeskog, RW, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) by Bill Whitehead

The gritty Swedish winger brings good size (6-0, 207) and plenty of intangibles to the Panthers, who have been offensively challenged the past few seasons. While he may not have the high-scoring offensive upside as some of the forwards in the draft, he is the safe pick of the quality forwards and likely most NHL ready. His character, physical play and work ethic are off the charts, and a player must be doing something right when he’s often compared to Mike Richards and Jarome Iginla. Also, with Landeskog and Erik Gudbranson potentially on the roster, the Panthers are through being pushed around.

#4: New Jersey Devils select Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) by Chris Wassel of The Program

The Devils proudly add to their young, offensive core by taking the best player available in this scenario. Huberdeau led his Junior team to the Memorial Cup, dominating at his level. We feel that passing over a player of this caliber would have been foolish as he very well could have been the first overall selection.

#5: New York Islanders select Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) by Christian Arnold

The Ice Dogs defensemen contains a major asset that the Islanders have been lacking and thats size. Hamilton is  6’4″ and is a very physical player his own zone. While the Islanders do have several highly touted defensive prospects, Hamilton Brings the size they don’t  necessarily have and he is able to use that size to work around opponents and muscle players off the puck. Hamilton also brings a great “two-way” game to the table. He is said to be a good puck mover and make good smart passes. For his size he has great mobility and is a major asset on the power play. If nothing else, the Isles will select him because the puns on his name are endless…”Teach Me How To Dougie.”

#6: Ottawa Senators select Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) by Shane Malloy

He possesses a high level of hockey sense and can process information quickly. His size will be a tremendous asset once he continues to fill out his 6’4″ 190 frame. He displays the puck skills and shooting ability to play on the top two lines in the NHL. What sets him apart is his willingness to learn and play defence and his blossoming skill in the face-off circle. The difficulty in finding a skilled 6 foot 4 center with skill is too hard to pass on and he will be a fine complement to Jason Spezza in the future.

#7: Winnipeg selects Mika Zibanejad, LW, Djurgarden (SEL) by Laura Astorian

Zibanejad, has a name that the franchise’s new PA announcer will be sure to hate, because it seems like it’ll be called a lot. A good addition to the young center Patrice Cormier in the prospect pool, Zibanejad is a power-forward that scored 23 points in 19 games (13G 10A) for the Swedish U18 team this past season. Anyone willing to go into high traffic and bang about is a solid addition to the team, because aside from Cormier, the former Thrashers really don’t have anyone who does or will fit the power forward mold.

#8: Philadelphia Flyers select Ryan Strome, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) by David Strehle

The 6′ 0″, 183-pound Niagara IceDogs centerman saw a dramatic increase in production during the 2010-11 season, jumping from 27 points the year prior to a 33-goal, 106-point campaign this past season.  Strome has great hockey sense, NHL-caliber hands, the inate ability to find open spaces, and a quick release.  He isn’t the most physical of players, but as is the case with many his age, Strome is still developing.  What he lacks in physicality at the present time he more than makes up for with his pure offensive abilities.

#9: Boston Bruins select Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) by Cassie Villa

The 5’10” 166 lb. defenseman may be just what they need on the blue  line, and with Tomas Kaberle possibly walking away as a free agent, it is crucial that the Bruins add a similar player into the defensive mix. Although Murphy is small in size compared to some of the other current blueliners, the rookie lead the OHL defenseman with 26 goals and 53 assists in just 63 games. In addition, he added 2 goals and 11 assists in seven playoff games. Murphy also made his Team Canada debut in April during the 2011 Under-18 World Championships, leading the team with 13 points, and was ultimately named top defenseman of the tournament.

#10: Minnesota Wild select Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon Blades (WHL) by Brandon Macdonald

Considering the Wild are somewhat weaker in their defensive pool, they take the best defenseman on the board. As a defender with size, Siemens is surprisingly mobile. In addition, the team gets one of the youngest prospects in the pool. After years of questionable draft picks, the Wild go the safe route here as you can rarely go wrong with a defenseman from the dub!

#11: Colorado Avalanche select Joel Armia, RW, Asaat (SM liiga) by J. Scott Moore of Real Denver Sports

Armia brings size and grit to the team with his 6-3, 191 lbs frame, he’s not afraid to go to the “dirty” places on the ice and yet he’s a sniper.  With the trade of Chris Stewart the Avs could use a power forward in the system again.

#12: Carolina Hurricanes select Nathan Beaulieu, D, St. John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) by Alexander Monaghan

Nathan brings another puck-moving defenseman to the blue line with a winning attitude as his team is fresh of a Memorial Cup victory. With the subtraction of Joni Pitkanen, we feel this player brings size and skill to a blue line that continues to rebuild. The Hurricanes are pleased to add a player of this caliber to our core of young players as we prepare for another season.

#13: Calgary Flames select Zach Phillips, C, St. John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) by Shahbaz Syed

Zack has a skill set that the Flames desperately need. He has quick hands, spectacular vision, the will to drive hard to the net and a spectacular shot. Racking up 38 goals and 95 points in 67 games he has the offensive talent that the Flames desperately need from a center. Playing in the Memorial Cup with an injured shoulder he showed his true grit and determination, characteristics that go a long way to success in the NHL. We look forward to the possible offensive boost Zack may give us in the future.

#14: Dallas Stars select Mark McNeill, C,  Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) by Kevin Navarre

The stars are in desperate need of a  scoring center with the loss of Brad Richards and the depletion of centers in their system over the years. while it won’t be expected that McNeill makes the team this season, he would have a good chance. He’s a good two-way player that scores goals (81 pts in 70 games last season) and uses his size (6’2″ 210lbs) well, yet has underrated skating ability. Mark is said to model his game after Ryan Getzlaf which if he can attain half of that form, the Stars would be very happy.

#15: New York Rangers select Alexander Khakhlachev, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL) by Alexander Monaghan

Khakhlachev, born in Moscow, Russia, decided to forgo fame and fortune in his homeland to defect to the Canadian Junior ranks. Playing on a winning organization like Windsor, he displayed his skillset with good vision, plus speed, a heavy shot and two-way play. Khakhlachev idolized former Detroit Red Wing great Sergei Fedorov and we would be more than happy if he becomes half of that player.

#16: Buffalo Sabres select Sven Bärtschi, LW, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) by Marty Vance aka Bangin Panger

The initial inclination is to draft a center, the obvious glaring need when it comes to Buffalo’s overall organizational depth.  But in a draft widely considered to be among the weakest in years, taking the best available player on the board is the way to go.  So with that, the Buffalo Sabres select Sven Bärtschi, LW, of the Portland Winterhawks.  Bärtschi was the leading rookie point getter of the WHL regular (34 Gs and 51 As in 66 games) and postseasons (10 Gs and 17 As in 21 games), excelling in his 1st year of North American hockey.

#17: Montreal Canadiens select Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP by Jared Book

It’s no secret that the Canadiens need size and toughness up front, and there is no one better at bringing that than the fittingly-named Biggs. Already 6’2, 210lbs, he defines the prototypical power forward and while he might not have the skill to become a top scorer, but he won’t be out of place on a scoring line and would be the perfect person to compliment and stand up for Montreal’s small, skilled forwards.

#18: Chicago Blackhawks select Vladislav Namestnikov, C, London Knights (OHL) by Ryan Hackett

Namestnikov has all the speed and skill of a Russian/European forward with a special blend of finishing prowess and playmaking abilities and a knack for finding open ice. At 6’0″ and under 170 lbs he will need to utilize his strong work ethic to increase his strength and get used to the more physical style of the NHL, but he has loads of promise to be a prolific forward and a top second or third line center for the Blackhawks.

#19: Edmonton Oilers select Jamie Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University (Hockey East) by Kathryn Uggerholt

The tallest player in Hockey East, the 6’7″ defenseman will add size to the Oilers blue line. Oleksiak played in 38 games this season for NU, notching 4 goals and 9 assists; he finished the season a +13. He describes himself as a “defensive defenseman” who stays in position and controls the blue line well. Oleksiak’s biggest weakness is his lack of physical play as someone of his size could deliver huge hits and add to his defense.

#20: Phoenix Coyotes select Joseph Morrow, D, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) by Katlyn Gambill

Morrow led all Winter Hawks’defensemen last season with 49 points in 60 games. He emerged during the playoffs to surprise many scouts when he was second in points for defensemen. With Ed Jovanovski as an unrestricted free agent this season, the Coyotes need to begin building up their blueline. Although his shot and skating are great, Morrow needs to develop the defensive side of his game more before seeing time in the NHL.

#21: Ottawa Senators select Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL) by Shane Malloy

Boone Jenner:  The first thing that stood for me was his work ethic in all situations and willingness to pay a price to make a play offensively or defensively. I am a believer that the will of a person can offset any talent they may lack especially under duress. One of the aspects I appreciated is that when he was stymied offensively and trying to make a play he would not continue to repeat the same thing and he would go at the ice from a direction and angle. To me it shows he has a mind that is adaptable and the continued growth of that aspect is a valuable commodity.

#22: Anaheim Ducks select Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie Colts (OHL) by Brandon Macdonald

In Scheifele, the organization brings in a skilled player, capable of producing against good competition. We feel Mark is an excellent all around player and could be one of the steals of this draft. His ability to keep the puck will bode well as he blends in with our other young, offensive talent.

#23: Pittsburgh Penguins select  Nicklas Jensen, LW, Oshawa Generals by Robbie Naugle

Originally from Denmark, Nicklas adapted to the North American game very quickly. Following a solid season on the ice (61 GP, 29 G, 29 A, +14) with Oshawa, Nicklas became a valued prospect for the late first round. Outside of last year’s first round selection Beau Bennett, the Pens prospect pool doesn’t feature many dangerous offensive talents. Jensen helps fill that void. He is versatile enough to play on either wing and has shown his explosiveness by scoring some of the nicest goals in the OHL this past season. With the addition of Bennett last year and with Jensen this year, the Pens have added two dangerous snipers to the prospect pool that will help the team in the future.

#24: Detroit Red Wings select Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestads BK (SEL) by Christina Roberts

Everyone knows the Red Wings love their Swedish players, and Brodin easily caught their attention. His style of play is what caught their eye; Brodin seems to always be calm on the ice, even in intense pressure situations, and takes time with the puck to make the smart plays – it shows he has vision. His playing is reminiscent of Nicklas Lidstrom, but with the puck-moving ability of Brian Rafalski. With Lidstrom retiring within the next year or two (or three), the Wings need a good prospect who will be ready to take his place. While he may not be a scoring force quite yet (just four assists in 42 games played), the Red Wings hope they will be able to shape him into the best player possible that will meld with the team.

#25: Toronto Maple Leafs select Tomas Jurco, RW, St. John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) by Dan Berlin

Leafs GM Brian Burke has made no secret that he is looking for immediate help in bolstering his front end, and the offensively gifted Jurco could certainly fit the bill.  The native of Slovakia is blessed with supreme stick-handling skills, excellent speed and a deft touch around the net, most recently shown during the 2011 Memorial Cup, when he finished tied for the tournament’s lead with 4 goals in 4 games.  Plus, with his above-average size and strength, he has just the right amount of ‘truculence’ to make him Burke’s kind of guy.   Added bonus – he’s amazing on shootouts.

#26: Washington Capitals select Ty Rattie, RW, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) by Empty Maybe of On Frozen Blog

In an interview after selecting Evgeney Kuznetsov in the 2010 draft,Caps GM George McPhee indicated that when he’s picking late in the 1stround, he’s looking to swing for the fences. The Caps also value hockey sense above all else, believing that bottom six forwards and lower-pairing defensemen can be found in later rounds. Rattie, who has plenty of hockey sense but as many questions about size and two-wayplay, certainly seems to fit into that philosophy. Somewhat less heralded than his Winterhawk teammates Sven Bartschi and Joe Morrow, there does seem to be a concern that he may not perform as well as a showcase player. There’s lots to work with here, but a lot to work on, but the Caps take the gamble. This also continues with their pattern of going what they consider to be the BPA, and letting them developover a few seasons, especially among the forward ranks. Rattie’s not asure thing, but has excellent offensive upside if developed properly.

#27: Tampa Bay Lightning select Stuart Percy, D, Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors (OHL) by Danny DiNicolantonio

Percy has been known for his poise in the defensive zone and should eventually add another solid defenseman to our top-6. Coming from a strong program in Mississauga we felt confident going off the board to take our guy.

#28: San Jose Sharks select Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) by Stephanie Lee

After the success of taking Charlie Coyle last season, we followed the same trend in selecting Mayfield out of the amateur American ranks. His strong, all-around play and his likelihood to develop into a top-4 defender at the University of Denver are a big plus as well. He brings a great deal of size to our blue line and should continue to hone his booming shot from the point as he matures. We feel he brings a strong player to our core of prospects and should eventually make his way to California.

#29: Vancouver Canucks select Rocco Grimaldi, C, US NTDP by Alexander Monaghan

Despite possessing a similar player in Jordan Schroeder, we felt our organization took the best player available. If not for his size, Grimaldi likely could have gone in the top 10 as he displays an excellent amount of agility, top speed and overall skill. In addition, we find Rocco to be a hard-working, determined individual who can eventually play in our top two lines. Picking at number 29, we are quite pleased to select a player of his stature.

#30: Toronto Maple Leafs select Shane Prince, C, Ottawa 67s (OHL) by Dan Berlin

Toronto hopes the 5’10″, 185-pounder can help bolster a roster which is clearly lacking size and depth at the Center position.  Prince, from Rochester, NY, was second among draft-eligible players in the Ontario Hockey League with 88 points in 59 games before his season was cut short due to injury. He made great strides last season, being voted the 2nd most improved player in the OHL by the league’s coaches, and the Leafs hope he can continue to be a prince amongst thieves down the road.