Assuming the Hurricanes keep the 14th overall pick — instead of trading up, down or out of the first round entirely — here are a few players likely to be under consideration in that spot:
• Josh Bailey, C, Windsor (OHL), 6-1, 180 — Hard-working, two-way center may not have a ton of scoring upside, but would be a safe pick and could emerge as an NHL playmaker.
• Zac Dalpe, RW, Penticton (BCHL), 6-1, 170 — This Ohio State-bound scoring winger saw his stock skyrocket after a six-inch growth spurt. Scouts like his hustle and work ethic.
• Colby Robak, D, Brandon (WHL), 6-3, 193 — Canes tend to stay away from defensemen early, but Robak has the skating ability and offensive instincts they’re seeking. Lacks a physical edge.
• Kyle Beach, C, Everett (WHL), 6-3, 203 — A mean and angry agitator, Beach also has some skill. But scouts wonder whether he can control his aggression and worry about his concussions.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
Jared Staal won't go first
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:27 — Shawn (not verified)Jared Staal won't go first round, no need to waste that pick when JR may be able to pick him up in the second round.
draft picks
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:16 — CanesCountry (not verified)I think Boychuk is a good possibility as well as a defenseman by the name of Colton Teubert.
Could we be so lucky to have Staal fall in our laps in the 2nd round?
expert picks...
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:06 — Will (not verified)I've only seen Boychuk in so-called "experts" mock drafts because they couldn't slot him in other teams. This isn't the kind of player Rutheford likes. Bailey is our man if we are still at 14th and if he's still available, me thinks. This is probably if a d-man like Teubert is already off the board, because I can see our scouting staff liking that guy.
My picks...
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 09:44 — penaltykiller74 (not verified)I'm hoping for Michael Del Zotto, Mattias Tedenby, or Jordan Eberle.
Michael Del Zotto - D - An Offensive Defenseman for the Oshuwa Generals of the OHL, he was the Number 2 pick in the 2006 OHL Draft. In 06-07 he had 57 points in 64 games, and 63 points in 64 games last season. I think a couple years in Albany, the influence of Glenn Wesley in house, and eventually playing with Joe Corvo, could really strengthen the blue line.
Mattias Tedenby - LW - Plays for HV-71 of the Swedish League, he is a skilled forward with plenty of speed. Though being a little small at 5'9" and 165lbs, he is slightly smaller than Chad LaRose, but a couple years with the River Rats, and he could gain some mass, to compliment his quickness. Being a super speedy player, he has been compared to Paul Kariya, Saku Koivu, Martin St. Louis, and Mats Naslund. He could definitely blossom into a great asset in the future.
Jordan Eberle - C - A goal scoring center for the Regina Pats of the WHL, he netted 42 goals and 75 points in 70 games last season. Though on the small side like Tedenby, he has a wicked wrist shot and knows where to score the goals from seeing as he scored nearly 20% of the teams goals. Also being only 17, he could still gain some height and weight before he sees time on the Canes.
Those are my picks for the first pick, but anything can happen. All we can do is just watch and see what happens on Friday.
Potential Picks
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 09:16 — Chris (not verified)I am surprised you don't have Zach Boychuk in your 4 potential picks
What about Jared Staal?? If
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 08:54 — Anthony (not verified)What about Jared Staal?? If he's still available, do we take him??
Staal Brothers Combo
Fri, 06/20/2008 - 10:10 — penaltykiller74 (not verified)I think it would be awesome if Jared and Eric could be on the same team. But I'm not sure he will be available for the Canes to pick. Here's why...
Unfortunately, he's not ranked high enough to justify taking with the 14th pick. I've seen him ranked around 30. Which means he might not be around when we pickat 45. With the success of the other three brothers, he most likely will go at around 26 - 30. My guess.