To best understand what will be available when we get to the draft table we need to take a walk down memory lane. I have chosen to go back to the year 1998 to begin our analysis, I have concluded in the year 2006 because any later is way too close to get a read on the players. 06 is even pushing it.
We will be picking 16th, unless Anaheim somehow wins the cup. So I have included the 15th and 16th overall player in each draft. I have also listed notable players who were selected later in the first round.
1998
15. Mathieu Chouinard
16. Eric Chouinard
Later first rounder: Regehr (19), Gagne (22), Gomez (30)
1999
15. Scott Kelman
16. David Tanabe
Later first rounder: Jackman (17)
2000
15. Artie Kryukov
16. Marcel Hossa
Later first rounder: Orpik (18), Boyes (24), Kronwall (29)
2001
15. Igor Knyazev
16. RJ Umberger
Later first rounder: Gleason (23)
2002
15. Jesse Niinimaki
16. Jakub Klepis
Later first rounder: Steen (24)
2003
15. Robert Nillson
16. Steve Bernier
Later first rounder: Parise (17), Getzlaf(19), Burns (20), Richards (24), Perry (28)
2004
15. Alexander Radulov
16. Petteri Nokelainen
Later first rounder: Zajac (20), Wolski (21), Meszaros (23), Green (29)
2005
15. Ryan O’Marra
16. Alex Bourret
Later first rounder: Parent (18), Oshie (24)
2006
15. Riku Helenius
16. Ty Wishart
Later first rounder: Berglund (25)
My research was done at www.hockeydb.com a great site for information.
As you can see there has not been a lot of magic that has happened out of that number 16 draft spot. Our very own RJ Umberger would be the best among that list. It comes down to scouting. As it can be seen by the impressive first round list, there are plenty of great players that are picked in this range.
Parise – Getzlaf – Perry
Steen – Richards – Boyes
Wolski – Zajac – Oshie
Regehr – Green
Orpik – Kronwall
Gleason – Burns
Jackman – Meszaros
This would be a pretty impressive team with a free agent goalie. In recent years Boyd and his staff have done a pretty solid job of drafting. In a lot of the previous years Maclean had his hand in the first round picks, which may have twisted some otherwise good picks… Phaneuf for Zherdev anyone? Maclean trumped Boyd on that one.
Any magical feelings about picking in the sweet sixteen spot? Any targets you have on the radar? Fire Away.