HF Draft Preview reviewed

Hockey's Future released their Leafs Draft Preview yesterday, and as usual it is an excellent resource. However I have a few observations that might add some context to their summations.

The acquisition of Suglobov is praised for displaying the team's willingness to be a 'seller', but tempered by

The fact that the Devils, a team with a history of building through youth, was so willing to give up on the enigmatic winger should raise some flags about his long-term projections.

Now, there is nothing factually wrong about this presumption. However, when Alexsander was acquired he mentioned how he was excited to come to a team with more of a focus on offense. I take this to imply he didn't enjoy his time in the Devils' system and its rigid defensive scheme. And yet he still was scoring at almost a point-per-game pace. So, although I remain cautious on Suglobov, I can definitely see an upside that might surprise most doubters. He is a project, but almost certainly not a lost cause, especially with the youth/development-oriented Maurice manning the helm. (Suglobov's Marlie play-off goal/fight performance is definitely encouraging.)

Next, the defense is addressed with this less-than-flattering comment

On defense, other than Carlo Colaiacovo, the organization's defensemen are more impressive in quantity rather than quality.

Now, that doesn't sound like a comment that saw Harrison play like a young Jason Smith at times. Nor does it sound like much credit is being given to Ian White who proved to be good puck-mover and point producer at the NHL level, as well as a blooming powerplay quarter back.

HF also takes issue with the rooks who played most of the season up with the big buds.

While players like Kyle Wellwood and Alexander Steen performed well last year, they don't project to be the top-line players to replace the Mats Sundins of the organization.

I agree Steen isn't a scoring-line type of player (he is as fundamentally sound as they come, but I'm not sold on this offensive instincts yet), but I disagree with the take on Wellwood. Kyle can flat out play the game. Remember, he did beat out Spezza for the scoring title in 04-05. Give him some time and he'll be scoring more than his share for the team.

HF predicts James Sheppard of the Q to be selected with the 13th pick(#10 on sportsnet.ca top 60). T.M.L 1967's mock draft has the Leafs selecting 6'3" Patrik Berglund (#19 on sportsnet.ca top 60) or Ryan White (#18) or Kyle Okposo (#11)

UPDATE - Thirteenth overall picks from the past 20 years. Notables - Dustin Brown, Ales Hemsky, J.S. Giguere, Matthias Ohlund, Phillipe Boucher.

UPDATE 2 - David Johnson of HockeyAnalysis has a great Off-season Preview up.