Top 30 Draft Prospects

ERIK JOHNSON, D, USA NTDP
Born: 3/21/88 Ht: 6-4 Wt: 222 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - A powerful skater with a long, smooth stride who has tremendous acceleration in open ice...strong on his feet and has excellent agility...an offensive minded defenseman who has very good peripheral vision – makes the transition from defense to offense quickly...very dangerous with the one-timer...seldom caught out of position.
From ISS - His tremendous physical skills combined with his great frame and his ability to understand the game make him the best prospect available for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He has excellent feet that he can use in both offensive and defensive capacities and is nearly impossible to beat in 1 on 1 situations.
From TSN - Looking to become first Minnesotan ever taken No. 1 overall in the NHL amateur draft (just four Americans have been chosen with the first overall pick in the NHL amateur draft. Lawton, Modano, Berard and DiPietro)...Will play for the Golden Gophers next season...Part of first back-to-back, U-18 gold medal teams in USA Hockey history...At 2006 World U-18s he led all d-men with 4 goals, finished 2nd in d-men scoring with 10 points and at +6 was not on the ice for an even strength or shorthanded goal against...tested an impressive 9.1% body fat at NHL combines.

JONATHAN TOEWS, C, North Dakota
Born: 4/29/88 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 195 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Possesses excellent acceleration, agility, quickness and is an extremely smart player who is versitile and has played both wing and centre equally well this season...possesses a dangerous shot with quick release, can make big plays and finish...unselfish and willing to take a hit to make a play.
From ISS - He is a strong skater blessed with incredible skill and gifted with brilliant on-ice vision. He has the highest hockey IQ in his draft class and has great leadership abilities. As the season progressed it became obvious his competitiveness & desire are second to none. He's a highly skilled kid that has the ability to make the players around him better. Versatile and has played both wing and center equally well.
From TSN - In 2004-05 he had 110 points (48-62) in 64 games with Shattuck St. Mary's in winning the US national midget championship...Captain for Team Western that won gold medal at 2005 World Under-17 championships, was the tournament's leading scorer with 12 points (8-4) in six games, and was named tournament MVP.

PHIL KESSEL, C, Minnesota
Born: 10/2/87 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 189 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - Is a very fast and quick skater who often surprises opponents with an extra gear...with breakaway speed, he can carry the puck and separate himself from pursuers in an instant and can turn an opponent inside out one-on-one...has accurate shot and very quick hands...can go end-to-end and bring the fans to the edge of their seats.
From ISS - He creates so much offense by using his tremendous skating but will need more at the next level. Offensive capabilities were very impressive including a great shot and a quick stick but he stayed on the perimeter in physical games and needs to become more complete as a player. However you can't deny his offensive gifts when you consider he has the highest offensive upside of anyone in this draft.
From TSN - First native of Wisconsin to letter at Minnesota since Kenneth Byerly (hockey) in 1929-30...His father played professional football with Calgary Stampeders in 1982 and was drafted by the NFL's Washington Redskins...Earned the IIHF Directorate Award as the most outstanding forward with a tournament-best 16 points (9-7) in six games at the 2005 World U-18s...Had 5 goals and 12 assists in 14 career World Junior games...Led all NCAA freshman in scoring this year...Below average performance with physical elements at NHL combine and measured 11.1% body fat.

JORDAN STAAL, C, Peterborough
Born: 9/10/88 Ht: 6-4 Wt: 209 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Premier forward who is an excellent skater with a wide base style that makes him solid on skates...has long fluid stride with very good agility and speed...powerful shot that he gets off quickly and accurately...able to move the puck through traffic with hard or soft passes on the forehand and backhand...excellent face-off man.
From ISS - Although he may never become as offensively productive as Eric, he is a tremendous 2-way player that plays his position well and is excellent in all 3 zones. Other assets he and his brothers have that help them become exceptional players are their understanding of the game and a hard work ethic that was instilled in them by their parents.
From TSN - Was a 2005-06 OHL All-Star...Played in 2006 CHL Prospects game and scored a PP goal...Played on 2005 U-17 for Team Ontario...Will try to be the first Petes player selected first overall...Will be the third Staal brother drafted - second most next to the Sutters who had four.

NICKLAS BACKSTROM, C, Byrnas
Born: 11/23/87 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 183 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - A good mobile skater with acceleration, speed and balance...incredible hockey sense and hands...a solid all-around player with terrific overall skill level...good offensive talent...excellent playmaker and passer...smooth hands, effective at faceoffs...a creative offensive talent with excellent work ethic.
From ISS - Is a sound two-way player with excellent playmaking instincts. He boasts tremendous heart, and leadership qualities. He is compared to Peter Forsberg when it comes to his passing game. He has a uniquely high hockey IQ.
From TSN - Was one of the youngest to ever play in the Swedish Elite League and won its rookie of the year award...Won 2006 World Championships with Sweden and had some time on top line with Zetterberg and Franzen...Became the youngest Swede to ever play at World Championships...Was also junior hockey player of the year in Sweden...Had 19 goals and 42 points in 50 career games with Brynas IF Jr. Club; in comparison, Forsberg had 38 goals, 102 points in 39 games in one season with Modo Jr.

DERICK BRASSARD, C, Drummondville
Born: 9/22/87 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 174 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Is a very good skater with speed and mobility who is strong on his feet with good accelertation...changes direction quickly in tight quarters and can carry the puck from end to end...playing at a very high skill level he is a great playmaker that can score as well...can beat defenders one-on-one and has very accurate wrist and slap shots.
From ISS -One of the best skaters of his draft class, does everything at top speed and can really put defenders on their heels. With all his offensive ability he still displays good defensive awareness and the willingness to help out in the defensive zone.
From TSN - His 116 points this season were the most in CHL among draft eligible players...Won the Michel Bossy award for best prospect in the QMJHL, despite breaking an arm in November...Was 1st team All-Star...his father, Pierre, was drafted in the sixth round of the 1976 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens (108) and sister Janie Brassard plays for the Corcordia Stingers.

PETER MUELLER, C, Everett
Born: 4/14/87 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 200 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - His speed is deceptive...his pace picks up when in possession of the puck...has the uncanny ability to be in the right spot at the right time...has good acceleration to loose pucks...is good at creating space for his teammates and has the ability to make teammates play at a higher level.
From ISS - Does not have top end speed, but with his high level of intelligence it does not play a factor in his game. Plays well in traffic, an intelligent player who is able to create plays like weaving a tapestry. One area Peter must improve upon is his play along the boards. Although he is willing to play along the boards he need work in this area so as to become proficient in this important part of the game.
From TSN - Committed to the University of Minnesota as a 15-year-old high school freshman...Was youngest member of the 2006 World Junior team...Ranks 4th all-time in points at the US NDTP (55-67 in 124 games)...Captain for Team Cherry at the 2006 Prospects Game...Was 2005-06 WHL Rookie Of the Year...Finished 3rd in rookie scoring in WHL and was only rookie to average over a point a game...Measured 9.2% body fat at combines.

KYLE OKPOSO, RW, Des Moines
Born: 4/16/88 Ht: 6-0 Wt: 195 Shoots: RW
From NHL Central Scouting - Strong, powerful skater with a very good burst of speed who comes off the boards and out of the corners using his balance and strength to hold off opponents...reads the play extremely well, makes the players around him better by doing smart things without the puck...capable of dominating when he has the puck.
From ISS - The completeness of his game is impressive; to name one is his ability to score while physically overpowering older opponents. His strength often allows him to hold off opponents so as to get off his tremendous shot to either score or create offensive opportunities for his teammates.
From TSN - Selected first overall in the USHL draft in 2005 and finished 6th in league scoring this season...Helped Des Moines go from worst to first and win USHL's Clark Cup title, earning MVP in final...Sat out entire 7th grade year to play basketball, but says skating on outdoor rinks in Minnesota drew him back to hockey...Will be first African-American to play hockey for the Golden Gophers...Looking to become earliest selection for a player directly out of USHL (Landon Wilson, Toronto, 19th overall in 1993)...measured 7.76% body fat at combines.

JIRI TLUSTY, LW, Kladno
Born: 3/16/88 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Excellent, fast, mobile skater...strong on his skates...outstanding acceleration speed...excellent overall skill level...has soft, good hands...a very good puck-handler...sniper who can score in many ways...hard working player who does not shy away from the physical part of the game.
From ISS - He had an impressive second half this season. He is a well-rounded player who hits, makes plays and scores goals. He sees the ice well and contributes defensively. Tlusty gained a ton of valuable experience playing senior hockey with Kladno in the Czech league.
From TSN - Captain of the 2006 World U-18 CZE team...Had 46 points in 99 career games with Kladno Jr. (29-17)...Had a below average performance at the NHL combine with his aerobic and anaerobic performance.

BRYAN LITTLE, C, Barrie
Born: 11/12/87 Ht: 5-10 Wt: 194 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - Is a very good skater with excellent acceleration and speed who is solid on his skates...a highly skilled playmaker who sees the ice very well...possesses a good shot that he gets away quickly...elusive and handles the puck well in traffic...although not a physical presence, will not be intimidated and has been a consistent competitor.
From ISS - His size is a slight issue but he works so hard that he makes up for it with tenacity and effort on every shift. His low centre of gravity actually assists him because he is difficult to move off the puck and has the skills to get it to a teammate in a great location. He also has great leadership traits that should translate very well at the next level.
From TSN - Won OHL Rookie of Year in 2003-04...Played in Top Prospects game and scored 2 goals...Registered an OHL high 21-game points streak...His 10 GWG this season were second in OHL and 3rd in CHL...Had 33 multi-point games, including four-4 point games...Named the Eastern Conference's hardest worker, best playmaker, most dangerous man in goal area and best on face-offs in the 2005-06 Annual OHL Coaches Poll.

JAMES SHEPPARD, LW, Cape Breton
Born: 4/25/88 Ht: 6-2 Wt: 201 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Good skater with a long, fluid stride and agility who is strong on his feet and attains good speed when under way...strong along the boards and in the corners and has very good hands...has very good on-ice vision with a combination of size, hockey sense and puck skills that make him hard to defend against.
From ISS -Sheppard reminds us of a young Joe Thornton. Still not the quickest player, but strong, powerful and skilled. Perhaps his greatest asset is his vision and playmaking skills. He will never be a speedster but his skating will be more than adequate. Has imposing size and a physical dimension most scouts look for.
From TSN - First overall selection the 2004 QMJHL draft...Battled a shoulder injury early on this season...Trains with Andy O'Brien, the strength and conditioning coach for FLA and same trainer Sidney Crosby used to improve on his quickness...Had 27 multi-point games this season including 3 games with 4 points.

MICHAEL FROLIK, RW, Kladno
Born: 2/17/88 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 187 Shoots: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Excellent skater with exceptional acceleration, speed and good balance and is hard to knock off his skates...loaded with skills...a finesse player with all the moves needed...has excellent hands, hockey sense and is a very good playmaker and passer...reads the game extremely well...needs to improve physical game and strength.
From ISS - Has the speed/quickness to gain separation and back defenders off. Amazingly quick, soft hands and hockey sense. He is thick through the trunk and blessed with tremendous vision. Protects the puck and drives to the net. A finesse player with all the moves needed to succeed at the next level.
From TSN - Won the International Quebec City Pee Wee Tournament...Began to play in the Czech Extraliga at the age of 15...Played in 2004, 2005 and 2006 World U-18s...Played in 2005 WJHC as a 16 year old and had 3 goals in 13 tournament games...Older brother Martin played in QMJHL from 2000 to 2002 with Drummondville and Moncton...Has reportedly agreed to play for Rimouski next season...Had 67 points in 71 career games with Kladno Jr. (31-36).

BOB SANGUINETTI, D, Owen Sound
Born: 2/29/88 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 182 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - An offensive type of defenceman who moves the puck well and is able to move the puck through traffic...can make hard, accurate outlet passes...has the ability to go end-to-end and will jump to support the rush having the confidence to pinch, and has the mobility to recover quickly...will be more successful when he learns to use his size more.
From ISS - His trademark is his offensive sense and he has mastered the art of getting his shots through in both 5 on 5 situations as well as power play opportunities. Some have questioned his toughness and although he will never be the most physical player, he certainly proved that he would play through pain and compete against the biggest and the toughest in the OHL.
From TSN - Was a 4th round pick in the OHL draft...Fourth in regular season points for the Attack (14-51) in 68 games...Ranked 4th in league scoring for defencemen...Tied for second in OHL for playoff points by a defenceman with 15...Had 2 assists in 2006 CHL prospects game...Strange split - his plus/minus at home was +8; and -14 on the road.

JONATHAN BERNIER, G, Lewiston
Born: 8/7/88 Ht: 5-11 Wt: 180 Catches: L
From NHL Central Scouting - Has both quick reflexes and mobility...very good angles and net coverage...challenges at the top of the crease and is square to the shooter...good rebound control with his stick and blocker...uses paddle down technique on wrap around attempts...goes behind the net well to stop the puck and is smart at moving it.
From ISS - Has tremendous upside and displays the ability to steal games for his team. He is technically sound and more than often stops quality shots with his athleticism. Sees the puck well through traffic. Good puck skills, moves the puck effectively and communicates well with his d-men.
From TSN - Won Gold for Team Canada at 2005 U-18 Junior World Cup...Brother, Marc-Andre, was drafted by Vancouver in 2003 (60th overall)...Had a 1-5 record allowing 11 goals against in 27 shootout attempts...Led the 2006 World U-18 in minutes (420:32) and finished 2nd in GAA (1.71) among all starters...Allowed 2 or fewer goals 35 of his 77 career QMJHL games played.

CHRIS STEWART, RW, Kingston
Born: 10/30/87 Ht: 6-1 Wt: 227 Shoots: R
From NHL Central Scouting - A power forward who possesses a long, powerful stride...is solid on his skates with good agility, has good balance...good acceleration and speed and drives hard to the net...is tough to move in front of the slot and is used on the power play with good success...a physical presence who is strong and is able to separate opponents from puck.
From ISS - The ultimate result may be that Chris turns into a better NHL player then his highly touted brother Anthony. He is like a freight train coming down the wing and he has shown some offensive sense that will translate decently into the NHL because he is willing to go into traffic and pay the price.
From TSN - Brother is Anthony of Florida Panthers...Passed over in the OHL Junior draft so he left hockey in 03-04 season to play football...Walked-on for a tryout with Kingston after brother called in a favor to get him a tryout...Has better offensive numbers in his first two season in Kingston (117 points in 126 games) than his brother (113 points in 133 games)...Had 26 multi-point games including 6 games with 4 points or more...Among players with at least 115 PIM, had the 4th highest amount of points in CHL...Was visibly overweight at the NHL combine and tested below average in the physical portion.