If Don Waddell ends up walking to the podium for either pick #14 or #20, he should pick the best available player. With that said, it’s certainly possible the “best available” list could be a bit biased towards a big need, defensemen.
This year’s draft isn’t perceived to be as strong as recent years. Additionally, there is little consensus among the various websites that publish rankings. For this article, I’ll attempt to rank the top available defensemen in order.
#1 Matthew Shaefer – Erie Otters (OHL)
DOB: September 5, 2007
Birthplace: Hamilton, ON
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Left
Shaefer is likely to go first overall, though some rankings have him at second. The Hamilton native is an elite skater and is considered a two-way player. If there’s a concern, it’s that he only played 17 games in Erie last season, having suffered from both mononucleosis and a broken collarbone. What are the chances the Blue Jackets pick Shaefer? 0.01%.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 1
Smaht Scouting: 2
Dobber Prospects: 1
#2 Jackson Smith – Penn State (NCAA)
DOB: May 13, 2007
Birthplace: Calgary, AB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Left
It could end up being the wild west for defensemen after Shaefer is off the board. Jackson Smith is widely considered the next best defenseman available, but as you can see below, there’s little agreement as to where that might be. Smith is a physical player with a ton of raw talent, but he’s often considered just that – raw.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 7
Smaht Scouting: 13
Dobber Prospects: 17
#3 Radim Mrtka – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
DOB: June 9, 2007
Birthplace: Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 218 lbs
Shoots: Right
Mrtka is a mobile, puck-moving, and possession-driving defenseman. There’s a lot to like in a 6’6″ righty that had 35 points in 43 games in his first North American season. Smaht Scouting has him at 18th. If my opinion were to matter, what do I think the chances are that a big RHD with good skating ability falls to 18? 0.0%.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 9
Smaht Scouting: 18
Dobber Prospects: 12
#4 Logan Hensler – Wisconsin (NCAA)
DOB: October 14, 2006
Birthplace: Woodbury, MN
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 196 lbs
Shoots: Right
Another righty, Hensler is another high-end skater with a nose for offense. He’s projected as a second-pair offensive-defenseman.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 25
Smaht Scouting: 22
Dobber Prospects: 16
#5 Blake Fiddler – Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
DOB: July 9, 2007
Birthplace: Nashville, TN
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 209 lbs
Shoots: Right
Fiddler is a right-handed, defense-first blue-liner. He’s a strong skater, but hasn’t shown much high-end offensive skill yet. It’s too bad the Blue Jackets don’t have a second-round pick, because Fiddler could be worth trading up for if he’s available later in the first round.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 22
Smaht Scouting: 24
Dobber Prospects: 30
#6 Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie Colts (OHL)
DOB: September 21, 2006
Birthplace: Toronto, ON
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: Left
Check out the ranking spread on Aitcheson. I’ve seen a number of mock drafts with the Blue Jackets selecting Aitcheson at #14, but I’m not buying it. He’s known as a physical player, but there are obvious questions about how well his game and frame (6’1″) will translate to the NHL. From the scouting reports I read, there are questions about whether or not he’s an early riser who has taken advantage of his maturity in junior hockey.
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 15
Smaht Scouting: 53
Dobber Prospects: 31
#7 Sascha Boumedienne – Boston (NCAA)
DOB: January 17, 2007
Birthplace: Oulu, Finland
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Boumedienne was projected by many to be a day two pick in this year’s draft. Then came the World Junior Championship. Though born in Finland, Sascha grew up in the Blue Jackets AAA program and plays for Team Sweden internationally. In the seven-game tournament, he broke the record for most points by a defenseman. Local kid, great story. What’s not to like?
Overall Ranking
McKeen’s Hockey: 18
Smaht Scouting: 26
Dobber Prospects: 37