David Musil
photo courtesy of WHL/Vancouver Giants

 

Position: Defense
Age: 18
Date of Birth: April 9, 1993
Place of Birth: Delta, BC
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 198
Shoots: Left

 

 

20010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
62	6	19	25	+0	83

 

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Position: Center
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 1, 1993
Place of Birth: Leksand, Sweden
Ht: 6-02 Wt: 194
Shoots: Left

Victor Rask is one of those guys who has the skills to be a top-rated player in this draft. His biggest issue has been the inconsistency with which he's played. Central Scouting has him ranked as the 12th European skater heading into the draft, which was a drop from 9th at the midterm point. Why the fall? It certainly isn't his puck skills, which as are good as anyone in the draft. He doesn't skate tremendously well. He makes solid plays with the puck to set up teammates, but he too often holds on to the puck for himself. His defense won't win him any awards, and though he has size he will have to work very hard once he comes to North America if he wants to become a solid NHL two-way guy, and part of that will be answering questions about his attitude.

2010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

"What was previously a year under the radar quickly developed into a year to forget for this former 'can’t-miss' prospect. Rask had issues with ice-time, attitude, and on-ice performance; factors that have certainly changed a once favourable opinion of him. While there are a lot of negatives about Rask, he does still have an intriguing skill-set which should be enough to secure him a spot in the Top 50. Rask’s great shot and combination of size and vision indicate a lot of potential, but he’s going to need to show more drive and passion if he ever wants to realize any of it."

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

I will go on record as saying I don't think he'd be a good fit in Columbus. To my eyes, his ceiling is a slightly bigger Kristian Huselius with the addition of attitude questions. I can't see a scenario in which that's something that the Jackets need, or that would be a good fit. Certainly, Rask has puck skills, which is something the team and organization is lacking. But attitude questions? Drops in the scouting ranks because of questions about his commitment and work ethic? A non-willingness to play defense? No thanks.

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Position: Center
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 9, 1993
Place of Birth: Richmond Hill, Ontario
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 183
Shoots: Left

Daniel Catenacci was the #1 selection in the 2009 OHL Priority Selection, going to the Soo Greyhounds. His first year was a bit of a struggle and some unrealized hype, but he followed that up this past season by doubling his scoring numbers and finishes as Central Scouting's 37th-ranked North Americana skater heading into the draft. Catenacci isn't a big kid, but what he lacks in size he makes up for on the ice with speed and agility. He's strong and weathers contact well despite his size. He's quick to get to top speed, shifty on the ice, and difficult to man up one-on-one. At this point, he projects as a bit of a 'tweener between a top-6 and an energy/physical third or fourth liner. He can create for himself and others, can handle himself defensively, and can handle contact. Whether he can develop into a top-six scorer, however, remains to be seen.

2010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

"Catenacci’s fall in our rankings is more a symptom of other players moving ahead of him rather than faults of his own. After a bit of a disappointing first year in the OHL, Catenacci took a more offensive role with the Greyhounds this season and showed more of an ability to create opportunities when he’s on the ice. Catenacci’s issue for us comes down to defining what type of a role he can have at the next level. He’s a good defensive player and tenacious center at this level, but how much will that translate to the NHL given his size? We’re not sure he has enough offense to be a Top 6 guy, which makes him a bit of a tweener in our eyes."

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

In a word, speed. Catenacci might instantly become the fastest most agile skater in the Jackets' system if they pick him, and given what I think is a dearth of speed, you can't argue with that. That said, it remains to be seen if Catenacci can "put it together" and become consistent enough to make an impact at the NHL level as a top-six guy. Columbus needs top-shelf talent; they have enough 'tweeners and energy guys right now. Catenacci has the potential, however, to develop into a faster and more offensive Matt Calvert, with an absolute ceiling in the Martin St. Louis area if everything breaks right for him. But, it's going to take some growth and the right situation to allow him to blossom. He doesn't project as a complete "hit or miss" kind of prospect, though, which would make him a safe second-round pick depending on who's on the board.

Seriously, Watch this Kid Skate:

Christopher Gibson - Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Photo Courtesy of QMJHL

Position: Goaltender
Age: 18
Date of Birth: Dec. 27, 1992
Place of Birth: Karkkila, FIN
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 198
Catches: Left

20010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

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Position: Right Wing
Age: 18
Date of Birth: March 9, 1993
Place of Birth: Raahe, Finland
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 195
Shoots: Left

Miika Salomäki isn't going to remind anyone of a prolific scorer, but he plays a decent two-way game at a young age. He made the jump to FInland's SM-liiga at just 17, and put up respectable numbers for his age. Central Scouting has him ranked as the 7th European skater heading into the draft. Salomäki isn't a big kid, and will need some seasoning both back in Finland and in the AHL before he's considered an NHL prospect, but he's a solid skater who plays hard each and every shift. He's drawn comparisons to our own Samuel Pahlsson for his ability to match up with other top-line players.

2010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

"Salomäki spent the majority of the season in the SM-Liiga and wasn’t out of place playing in Finland’s top men’s hockey league. He also had an impressive showing at the World Juniors as a 17-year-old and quickly established himself as a gritty player who was willing to sacrifice his body despite being a little undersized. Salomäki is a solid offensive contributor but when you factor in his grit and willingness to compete, he can certainly find a role at the next level with that combination."

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

It's hard to say whether Salomäki would be a good fit in Columbus or not. He doesn't yet possess much of an offensive game, and with Scott Arniel's desire to move to a three-scoring/one-checking lineup, it's hard to see where Salomäki would fit into that system. Down the road, he could be a decent energy/checking winger who will occasionally pot you a goal, perhaps a more polished Derek Dorsett who doesn't fight and take as many penalties. Unlike Dorsett, however, he's young enough to have some offensive potential to develop at the next levels. He will need some seasoning both in his home land and in North America, so any projections of Salomaki will be for several years down the road.

Miika Salomäki Season Highlights:

Photo by Tom Sorensen, courtesy of USA Hockey

Position:  Centre
Age: 18
Date of Birth:  February 8, 1993
Place of Birth:  Rossmoor, California
Ht: 5'6"    Wt: 161
Shoots: Right

Arguably one of the most skilled forwards in the draft, Rocco Grimaldi has been an offensive powerhouse for the US NTDP, and will be taking his talents to the University of North Dakota this fall. An explosive skater with lightning quick speed and great hands, he has exceptional vision, but his size is a real concern. A lot of people compare him to Brian Gionta and Martin St. Louis, and he'll need to play with that level of game breaking skill and energy if he hopes to make it into the NHL. 

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