2007 Mock Draft - Still With Colory Goodness

1chicagoBLACKHAWKSpatKANE

RW, London, OHL


The most people seem to believe that Kane is the best player in the
draft, and the potential of he plus Johnathan Toews in a few years might not even be fair.


2philadelphiaFLYERSkyleTURRIS

C, Burnaby, BCHL --> Wisconsin (NCAA)


Turris has had interviews with the Flyers more than any other draft prospect, and while not a complete shock when talking about the Flyers, they've tipped their hand for once.


3phoenixCOYOTESjakubVORACEK

RW, Halifax, QMJHL


The Coyotes go to the Q for one of the more creative players in the draft, and should fit well down the line with touted centers such as Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal


4los angelesKINGSkarlALZNER

D, Calgary, WHL


I'd look for the Kings to trade down here, but I think this is Dean Lombardi's target. With established and improving forwards, Deano looks to build out from the net after drafting Johnathan Bernier last year. The prospect of a pair featuring JMFJ and K-TBA-A is very intriguing.

5washingtonCAPITALSjamesVAN RIEMSDYK

LW, USNTDP --> New Hampshire (NCAA)


JVR is #2 on a lot of draft boards (including mine), it may be bewildering to some. Hopefully for the Capitals, JVR can team up with Eric Fehr for a nice 2nd line in a few years.


6edmontonOILERSsamGAGNER

C, London, OHL


A guy who will look to shed the moniker of being Pat Kane's teammate should have the opportunity next season to grow into his own game. Big things shouldn't be expected for a right away.


7columbusBLUE JACKETSkeatonELLERBY

D, Kamloops, WHL


A lot of people, including me, have Ellerby as the 2nd best defenseman in the draft. I think if the Kings move down, the Jackets could move up, in a trade reminiscent of a draft day trade with Carolina a few years ago - a team looking to move up in a draft held in its own building.


8bostonBRUINSangeloESPOSITO

C, Quebec, QMJHL

The year after playing with Alex Radulov didn't work out as well. The Bruins showed last year they are willing to work with prospects who were not as advertised the previous year, and they seem to really be thrilled with Esposito.


9st. louisBLUESloganCOUTURE

C, Ottawa, OHL

I think the Blues may add yet another center to their lineup with Oshie and Berglund, with the possibility of moving one to the wing.

10floridaPANTHERSalexeiCHERAPANOV

RW, Omsk, Russia

The highly touted Russian sniper finally comes off the board, with various questions surrounding development and viability, the Panthers seem like a team always willing to take a chance.

11carolinaHURRICANESnickPETRECKI

D, USNTDP --> Boston College

After a trying Cup defense, and a depleted pipeline, the Canes may try to restock by trying to replace the traded Jack Johnson. For a team that will still be built to contend next year, the team may allow time for Petrecki to attend college.

12montrealCANADIENSryanMCDONAGH

D, Minnesota (HS) --> Wisconsin (NCAA)

Les Habitants could look to continue a trend of taking American defensemen who are going to college. With solid defensemen around, they should fit well with emerging blue chip goalie Carey Price.

13torontoMAPLE LEAFSlarsELLER

LW, Frolunda Sweden

The Maple Leafs only other color is white. We can't read white.


Lars Eller seems to be all over everyone's board. Recently, I've seen him as high as 9, he seems to be going in the mid-teens, and the Leafs could use someone with such natural abilities. His Danish heritage is of no concern because just like Slovenian-born-and-raised Anze Kopitar, he played in Sweden


14coloradoAVALANCHEkevinSHATTENKIRK

D, USNTDP --> Boston U (NCAA)


The Avalanche haven't had the best of luck drafting defensemen. With this pick, if they choose, they can let him play in college for 4 years and be a patient as they want to be.


15edmontonOILERSzachHAMILL

C, Everett, WHL


He may be another center, but you can't have enough centers, and if you can move a center to a wing they become a very versatile player. Personally, I think they're moving the pick.