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NHL Entry Draft Profile: Darnell Nurse

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(Editor's Note: Please welcome new contributor Jonathan Stout, who submitted this article. Jon is a senior at NC State, majoring in journalism and is a senior writer at The Technician. He will be joining our staff this season.)

In a draft class with coveted skill players like Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, and Aleksander Barkov, and top defensive prospect, Seth Jones, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman Darnell Nurse's potential cannot be overlooked.

Nurse is currently ranked as the No. 4 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, a five spot improvement from his midterm No.9 ranking.

As a top defenseman, and alternate captain for the Greyhounds, Nurse racked up 41 points, 12 goals and 29 assists in 68 games during the 2012-13 season.

Compared to Jones, who's a two-way defenseman, Nurse is categorized as "defensive-defenseman," taking care of his own end first. He's proved he can score goals but his physicality will be the aspect of his game coveted by NHL teams.

His 6-4, 185 lbs frame allows him to play a more physical game, and he doesn't hesitate to drop the gloves either, tallying 116 penalty minutes last season.

In addition to his skills on the ice, Nurse's bloodline is filled with athleticism. His father is a former wider receiver for the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His mother and two sisters all have played basketball on some level. Also, Nurse's uncle is former NFL star Donovan McNabb.

The Hamilton, Ontario native has drawn comparisons to Shea Weber, 6-4, 234 lbs, Dion Phaneuf, 6-3, 218 lbs and Chris Pronger, 6-6, 220 lbs.

Nurse was able to throw his weight around in the OHL, but in the NHL he'll have to add a few pounds to be affective at the next level.

A big, strong, responsible in his own end defenseman prospect is what the Carolina Hurricanes are in much need, especially after the departure of former 51st overall selection Brian Dumoulin, who was involved in last year's draft day deal to acquire Jordan Staal.

Defensemen Ryan Murphy, taken 12th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, listed at 5-11, 176, and Danny Biega, selected 67th overall in the 2010 draft, listed at 6-0, 200 lbs, are solid prospects who have both seen professional playing time in either the NHL or AHL. But, as much upside as both Murphy and Beiga possess, neither are viewed as a "shut down" defenseman—Nurse could fill that void.

For a team that struggled keeping the puck out of the its zone, and net, defense will be addressed this off-season but drafting a defenseman is no sure-fire decision. That we know of. Whether it comes via free agency, or trade, the Canes will improve on their lackluster defense from last year, but Nurse may be too promising to pass up.

Nurse's quickness and solid "hockey sense," along with a physical game could be just what the doctor ordered for the 'Canes.


Arctic Ice Hockey's 2013 NHL Mock Draft: Pick #29

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Hey all! Welcome to another instalment of Arctic Ice Hockey's annual NHL Mock Draft.

Over the next thirty days, we will attempt to telepathically channel the minds of NHL General Managers as they complete their final rankings in preparation for the 2013 NHL Draft being held June 30, 2012 in Newark, NJ.

Without further adieu, we present our loyal readers with the twenty-ninth overall pick of Arctic Ice Hockey's 2013 Mock Draft.

Jim Nill: With the twenty-ninth overall selection in this years draft, the Dallas Stars' are pleased to select...


Adam Erne

Left Wing / Québec Remparts (QMJHL)

6-0

210

April 20, 1995

Hometown: New Haven, CT

Shoots: Left


Rankings: CSS (26 NA), ISS (NA), TSN (20), Hockey Prospectus (18)

Hockey Prospectus:

"Erne features the ideal power forward style that NHL teams love, as his high-end north/south game is coupled with good skill. His best attribute is his skating; he frequently bursts through the neutral zone, drawing penalties, creating chances, and downright embarrassing defensemen with his speed and acceleration. His willingness to drive to the net combined with his strength are deadly when combined with his speed. One scout described him as a "horse" in terms of his raw physical attributes."

AIH Draft Board


PickTeamPlayerPosNationalityAmateur Club
1Colorado AvalancheSeth JonesDUSAPortland Winterhawks (WHL)
2Florida Panthers
Jonathan DrouinLWCANHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
3Tampa Bay Lightning
Nathan MacKinnonCCANHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
4Nashville PredatorsAleksander BarkovCFINTappara (SM-liiga)
5Carolina HurricanesSean MonahanCCANOttawa 67's (OHL)
6Calgary FlamesHunter ShinkarukLWCANMedicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
7Edmonton OilersElias LindholmCSWEBrynas (Elitserien)
8Buffalo SabresDarnell NurseDCANSault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
9New Jersey DevilsBo HorvatCCAN London Knights (OHL)
10Dallas StarsValeri NichushkinRWRUSChelyabinsk 2 (MHL)
11Philadelphia FlyersRasmus RistolainenDFINTPS (SM-liiga)
12Phoenix CoyotesAnthony ManthaRWCANVal d'Or Forreaurs (QMJHL)
13Winnipeg JetsKerby RychelLWCANWindsor Spitfires (OHL)
14Columbus Blue JacketsMax DomiCCANLondon Knights (OHL)
15New York IslandersAlexander WennbergCSWEDjurgaden (Allsvenskan)
16Buffalo SabresFrederik GauthierLWCANRimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
17Ottawa SenatorsNikita ZadorovDRUSLondon Knights (OHL)
18Detroit Red WingsMirco MuellerDSUIEverett Silvertips (WHL)
19Columbus Blue JacketsRyan PulockDCANBrandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
20San Jose SharksCurtis LazarRWCANEdmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
21Toronto Maple LeafsAndre BurakowskyLWAUTMalmö (Allsvenskan)
22Calgary FlamesShea TheodoreDCANSeattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
23Washington CapitalsJimmy LodgeLWUSASaginaw Spirit (OHL)
24Vancouver CanucksRyan HartmanRWUSAPlymouth Whalers (OHL)
25Montreal CanadiensJT CompherCUSAUSNTDP (USA U-18)
26Anaheim DucksRobert HäggDSWEModo (Elitserien)
27Columbus Blue JacketsValentin ZykovLWRUSBaie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
28Calgary FlamesZach FucaleGCANHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
29Dallas StarsAdam ErneLWUSAQuébec Remparts (QMJHL)

Community Draft Board

PickTeamPlayerPosNationalityAmateur Club
1Colorado AvalancheSeth JonesDUSAPortland Winterhawks (WHL)

2Florida Panthers
Nathan MacKinnonCCANHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
3Tampa Bay Lightning
Jonathan DrouinLWCANHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
4Nashville PredatorsAleksander BarkovCFINTappara (SM-liiga)
5Carolina HurricanesValeri NichushkinRWRUSChelyabinsk 2 (MHL)
6Calgary FlamesSean MonahanCCANOttawa 67's (OHL)
7Edmonton OilersDarnell NurseDCANSault Ste. Marie Grehyounds (OHL)
8Buffalo SabresElias LindholmCSWEBrynas (Elitserien)
9New Jersey DevilsHunter ShinkarukLWCANMedicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
10Dallas StarsBo HorvatCCANLondon Kinghts (OHL)
11Philadelphia FlyersRasmum RistolainenDFINTPS (SM-liiga)
12Phoenix CoyotesMax DomiCCANLondon Knights (OHL)
13Winnipeg JetsAnthony ManthaRWCANVal d'Or Forreurs (QMJHL)
14Columbus Blue JacketsRyan PulockDCANBrandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
15New York IslandersNikita ZadorovDRUSLondon Knights (OHL)
16Buffalo SabresAlexander WennbergCSWEDjurgarden (Allsvenskan)
17Ottawa SenatorsFrederik GauthierLWCANRimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
18Detroit Red WingsCurtis LazarRWCANEdmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
19Columbus Blue JacketsKerby RychelLWCANWindsor Spitfires (OHL)
20San Jose SharksSamuel MorinDCANRimouski Océanic (QMJHL)
21Toronto Maple LeafsMirco MuellerDSUIEverett Silvertips (WHL)
22Calgary FlamesAndré BurakowskyRWAUTMalmö (Allsvenskan)
23Washington CapitalsShea ThéodoreDCANSeattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
24Vancouver CanucksRyan HartmanRWUSAPlymouth Whalers (OHL)
25Montreal CanadiensAdam ErneLWUSAQuebec Remparts (QMJHL)
26Anaheim DucksValentin ZykovLWRUSBaie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
27Columbus Blue JacketsRobert HaggDSWEModö (Elitserien)
28Calgary FlamesJosh MorrisseyDCANPrince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Poll
Who will the Dallas Stars' select with the twenty-ninth pick in the 2013 NHL Draft?
Madison Bowey
1 votes
William Carrier
0 votes
JT Compher
1 votes
Zach Fucale
2 votes
Nicolas Petan
3 votes
Steve Santini
1 votes

8 votes | Poll has closed

Dark Horse of the Draft: Elias Lindholm

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(Editor's note: Please welcome new contributor Andrew Ward. Andrew has also written for Dobber Hockey and Sunbelt Hockey and will help us with prospect news as well as other projects.)

Elias Lindholm

If you follow the draft you’ve probably already read his draft report and heard his name. Elias Lindholm is the third ranked European forward in this year’s NHL Entry Draft and is ranked 6th overall by many scouts. As a Carolina fan you know this young Swedish forward will almost certainly be available if the Canes select 5th overall. A playmaker, Lindholm might provide that offensive charge the Canes so desperately needed in the second half of 2012-2013. The Hurricanes faced injuries and adversity and realized some depth at forward was lacking especially on the second and third lines. Some of The Hurricanes top six are at or nearing their thirties, adding depth for the future is obviously something every team needs to take into consideration. Adding quality depth that could eventually fill a top six role is a big step in the right direction.

This past season was somewhat of an enigma, nothing seemed to go right and when it did it didn’t last long, this was only magnified past the midpoint. What the Hurricanes needed was a spark from the front lines and consistency from their bottom six. In taking a risk on a player like Alexander Semin, many of us believed this was sure to be a year of good fortune for the extremely talented Canes. What the Hurricanes are missing is a total package sort of player, a combination of speed, physicality, great shot and vision, and responsibility with the puck all wrapped into one forward. Hard to find but not impossible, Elias Lindholm happens to posses that very combination coveted by many in the league. Lindholm creates along the boards and in the future allow players like Jeff Skinnerand Jiri Tlusty to do what they do best… Get open, be open, and finish. This team is full of finishers and prolific scorers but that just didn’t translate on the ice the way it should have in the second half of last season, and the forward depth really didn’t dazzle like it should on the second and third lines. Injuries played a large role, but injuries aside, scoring chances and quality of those chances declined steadily over the course of the last 20 games or so. A guy like Lindholm opens up space on the ice and sees the ice so well he creates chances out of nowhere.

A true two-way forward and playmaker, Elias Lindholm, is just what the Hurricanes need. At six feet and 181 pounds and lots of room to grow, Lindholm’s speed up the ice is deceptive and perfectly complements his buttery soft hands, almost as if they belong to two different skaters. When it comes to making passes his vision is something to behold, positioning the puck perfectly with very little effort. Lindholm skates hard every shift, which is something The Hurricanes can use more of, especially with the inconsistency they faced to close out the second half of the shortened season. Comfortable at both center and wing Elias Lindholm adds versatility and forward depth to an aging Hurricanes team and should be able to contribute almost immediately if called upon.

The Carolina Hurricanes would benefit from the specific skill set Lindholm brings to the table, which has drawn some vague comparison to none other than Peter "The Great" (Peter Forsberg) by some of his peers. Obviously this is probably draft buzz and should be taken cautiously, but the comparison does excite the imagination. The possibility of a player of this caliber falling to Carolina with a very high potential ceiling could be one too good for the Carolina Hurricanes to pass up.

Second and Third Round Possibilities

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It's very difficult to have either fans or experts agree on who will be selected with the first five choices of this coming NHL Entry Draft. Obviously, it's much more difficult to determine who will be available at pick 35 or later.

The good news is that most scouts and pundits agree that this is a very deep draft and highly regarded players will be selected even into the third round.

Let's take a quick look at a few players who might be available for the Canes.

Forwards:

Ryan Hartman - RW 5'11 185 lbs. Plymouth Whalers 56GP 23G 37A 120PIM

I have seen Hartman's name listed in many top 30 drafts and ratings, but as a projected third line player, I left him out of my first round. He does possess many attributes wanted by any team. Some quotes: "never takes a shift off""smart player, has hockey sense""hockey IQ is through the roof""can play center or wing". We all know, the Hurricanes love the Whalers, so if Hartman is still available at 35 it should not shock anyone to hear his name called. Still, the Canes might be better served to look for more size here. (Will he be the next Chad LaRose in Carolina?)

Michael McCarron - RW 6'5 227 lbs. NTDB-18 59GP 16G 21A 182PIM

Speaking of size, this dude has it and is not afraid to use it. He had a great juniors tournament scoring 3G and 2A in seven games for Team USA U18. He's not the greatest skater nor is he oozing skill, but he is showing improvement. He's committed to Western Michigan next season.

Pavel Buchnevich - LW 6'0 170 lbs. KHL 12GP 1G 1A 0PIM

Some scouts say that Buchnevich is the second best player available out of Russia this year, behind only Valeri Nichushkin. He out-scored Nichushkin in Russian Juniors, 24GP 8G 15A 36PIM. He has tons of skill but the Russian factor comes into play as he is under contract with his KHL team for two more years. (Calling Mark Gandler, calling Mark Gandler.)

Jacob De La Rose - C/W 6'2 185 lbs. Leksand Sweden 38GP 6G 6A 31PIM

Here's another player in many top 30 lists. If he is still available at 35, he could be a steal. He plays all three forward positions, is solid in his own end, and plays with a physical edge. He also has an explosive first step. There are conflicting reports about his offensive upside. Some project him as a solid third liner.

Nicolas Petan - C 5'9 165 lbs. Portland Winterhawks 71GP 46G 74A 43PIM

Yet another player in many top 30 lists but most teams are going to be concerned about his size. Still, if he is available in the second round, he might be worth a long look. He has tons of skill and eyes in the back of his head. Not only did he average over an assist a game during the regular season in the WHL, he had nine assists in five Memorial Cup games.

Bogdan Yakimov - LW 6'5 200 lbs. MHL (Russian Juniors) 11GP 6G 7A 2PIM

Here is another Russian youngster that is going to be a project, but if he is available in the third round or later he is worth a look. He has great hands and skill, but is not yet physical. He does use his size well in protecting the puck.

Defensemen: (many of these guys are in the top 30 of some mock drafts and rankings, but they all cannot make it)

Shea Theodore - D 6'2 160 lbs Seattle Thunderbirds 71GP 19G 31A 32PIM

Considered an excellent puck mover and is "trustworthy" in his own end.

Madison Bowey - D 6'1 194 lbs. Kelowna Rockets 69GP 12G 18A 75PIM

Not in my top 30 but in many others. Big, strong, and responsible in own end. Likes to risk big hits in the open ice. His overall game has improved a lot during the course of the season.

Chris Bigras - D 6'0 190 lbs. Owen Sound Attack 66GP 8G 30A 34PIM

He is called a "rock" defensively, is a "well rounded" defenseman, and takes pride in covering his own end. He is also good at the outlet pass but is not a star on offense.

Ian McCoshan - D 6'3 205 Waterloo Black Hawks USHL 53GP 11G 33A 48PIM

Does everything well and plays important, "big" minutes for his team. He is not very physical for his size, but is positionally sound.

Goalies: (If either of these guys are available in the third round or later, they might be a real bargain. Picking them at number 35 though could be a reach.)

Eric Comrie - G 6'0 175 lbs. Tri City Americans 37GP 20-14-1 2SO GAA 2.62 SV% .915

Second rated goalie in draft and many have him going in the second round.

Tristan Jarry - G 6'2 180 lbs Edmonton Oil Kings 27GP 18-7-0 6SO GAA1.61 SV% .936

This kid posted unbelievable numbers as a second stringer for his team. He is rated as the third best goalie prospect in North America.

NHL Mock Draft 2013: Columbus Blue Jackets select Ryan Hartman with No.27 Pick

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Going into the 2013 SBNation Mock Draft, we were excited to have three first round picks at our disposal. In most cases, the safe play would be to not choose all three players from the same position, instead choosing say, a pair of forwards and a defenseman; or maybe one forward, a lone defender and a goaltender.

Nah, we didn't go that route.

The Jackets have the NHL's top goaltender in Sergei Bobrovsky. Last year, they drafted two very good goaltenders in the second and third rounds in Oscar Dansk and Joonas Korpisalo. Not to mention prospect Anton Forsberg looks like a serious contender for a job with the Jackets down the line.

Thanks to trades and the draft the Jackets are well-stocked with great young defenders, led by last year's second-overall pick Ryan Murray. Dalton Prout had a breakout campaign in 2013, while Tim Erixon, David Savard, Mike Reilly, Will Weber and Cody Goloubef are the future on the back end.

Outside of Boone Jenner, who is the organization's top forward prospect, the future isn't as bright up front. Michael Chaput, Lukas Sedlak, Daniel Zaar, T.J. Tynan and Josh Anderson each offer different levels of promise, but none are elite prospects.

With this in mind, we decided to bring the talent and depth of the forward prospects at least up to par with the goalies and blueliners, using all three 2013 first round picks on forwards.

With the 14th overall pick, we drafted Max Domi, an offensive dynamo with NHL bloodlines. At 19, we went with Valentin Zykov, a Russian power forward who's already in North America playing junior. With the 27th overall pick, we wanted to add a player who could bring serious toughness, competitiveness, a winning attitude, and some offensive ability.

Ryan Hartman, ladies and gentlemen.

Check out his numbers:

For more info and scouting reports, check out his draft prospect profile.

The draft, thus far:

PICKTEAMPLAYER
1Colorado AvalancheNathan MacKinnon
2Florida PanthersJonathan Drouin
3Tampa Bay LightningSeth Jones
4Nashville PredatorsAleksander Barkov
5Carolina HurricanesValeri Nichushkin
6Calgary FlamesSean Monahan
7Edmonton OilersElias Lindholm
8Buffalo SabresDarnell Nurse
9New Jersey DevilsHunter Shinkaruk
10Dallas StarsRasmus Ristolainen
11Philadelphia FlyersMirco Mueller
12Phoenix CoyotesBo Horvat
13Winnipeg JetsKerby Rychel
14Columbus Blue JacketsMax Domi
15New York IslandersAlexander Wennberg
16Buffalo SabresFrederik Gauthier
17Ottawa SenatorsRyan Pulock
18Detroit Red WingsAnthony Mantha
19Columbus Blue JacketsValentin Zykov
20San Jose SharksAndre Burakowsky
21Toronto Maple LeafsNikita Zadorov
22Calgary FlamesShea Theodore
23Washington CapitalsJ.T. Compher
24Vancouver CanucksAdam Erne
25Montreal CanadiensJosh Morrissey
26Anaheim DucksRobert Hagg
27Columbus Blue JacketsRyan Hartman



That concludes the 2013 SBNation NHL Mock Draft for the Jackets. To add to the strong group of defense and goaltending prospects, we added Domi, Zykov and Hartman. Each player brings something different to the table, and the addition of this trio will do nothing but add to an already budding core of players on the verge of being contenders.

Poll
What do you think of our picks of Domi, Zykov and Hartman?

  41 votes |Results

Expect The Unexpected On Sunday

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The Colorado Avalanche are in dire need of defense, are already loaded at the center position, but will choose the highest rated center in Sunday's draft? The Nashville Predators already have a franchise defenseman locked up for life with Shea Weber and are in desperate need of offense, but claim that they will choose the highest ranked defenseman if he falls to them at number four?

Welcome to bizarro world, the NHL Entry Draft, where anything can and will happen.

Last year the Hurricanes traded their first round pick, but the year before that they selected Ryan Murphy at number 12, someone who was slated to go in the top 10. Presumably because of his size, Murphy slipped a few places and the Canes felt like they had to choose him, since he was on top of their list at the time.

The year before that in 2010, the Canes went off the board a bit and chose Jeff Skinner at number seven, someone the ISS had ranked at 20. Skinner went on the win the Calder Trophy.

All scouts have their own opinions of players, and they do not always agree. That's what happens when you try to determine the future value of an 18-year-old. It's not a science and it's not easy.

In the year that Skinner was drafted, two defensemen, Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley had been rated in the top 10 by everyone. Fowler was in most experts' top five. But teams started drafting forwards and both players fell out of the top tier and ended up being chosen at 12th and 13th respectively.

That is not a huge drop, but it doesn't take much for a player to fall a couple of slots because some teams are set on a certain player, no matter what happens before they pick. And that could certainly happen on Sunday because despite all the posturing, no one knows for sure how the first few teams really feel about their preferences.

Jonathan Drouin is not the biggest player in the world, could he fall a couple of slots because of his size? He would not be the first to do so. (A couple of scouts did mention that NHL physicality was a concern.)

With so many top-rated forwards to choose from, could Seth Jones drop a few places?

If Colorado does pick MacKinnon, Florida could very well take Barkov, and that leaves Tampa Bay with a key pick. With the news released yesterday that they will buy out Vinny Lecavalier, they could very well go for offense here, despite their previous need at defense.

Tampa Bay director of amateur scouting, Al Murray, has gone on record with much Valeri Nichushkin gushing, for instance saying that he had never seen anyone take over an under-18 tournament like this kid. It would not be too surprising to see them take the Russian. Also, take note that since they have been in the league, the Lightning have drafted more Russians than any other NHL team.

Drafting Trends

That would leave Drouin and Jones for Nashville, and the Preds would almost seem foolish not to go after some high end offense here.

Seth Jones could very well drop to number five, and according to the most one-sided poll in the history of polls, we all know what the Hurricanes should do if that happens.

It's going to be good come Sunday, who knows what might happen? The Hurricanes might even trade for another guy by the name of Staal. (Marc Staal is a top four defenseman and the Rangers have nothing in the first round.)

What kind of player can the Coyotes draft at #12?

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This year the Phoenix Coyotes will be drafting 12th overall, and while they will be looking for the next Marian Hossa, recently voted best No. 12 first round pick by NHL.com's Dream Draft panel, they will hopefully be able to draft a good player who in a few years will be able to contribute at the NHL level. Today we are going to break down the last five 12th overall picks and see what value has been had just outside of the top-10.

2012
Mikhail Grigorenko (Center/Right Wing - Buffalo Sabres)

Last year's 12th overall pick actually saw NHL ice time right away with the Sabres after initially starting out the shortened season with the QMJHL Quebec Remparts during the lock out. He ended up scoring a goal and five points in 22 games before being sent back to the Remparts in March. After being sent down, he lead the Remparts in scoring with 14 points in 11 games.

2011
Ryan Murphy (Defenseman - Carolina Hurricanes)

Murphy has seen a little ice time with the Hurricanes, playing only four games last season. He has spent the majority of his time with his OHL team the Kitchener Rangers; including being made captain in September of last year. He has an impressive resume that includes being named Defenceman of the Tournament at the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championship. However, he did suffer a severe concussion in 2011 which may end up limiting his professional career.

2010
Cam Fowler (Defenseman - Anaheim Ducks)

Fowler has been playing with the Ducks since he was drafted. He played 76 games his first season where he finished 10-30-40 and was selected for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game for the rookie team. The next year he played all 82 games, however his production did decrease slightly as his goal total halved (5) and his point total dropped to 29. Fowler was originally rated as the fifth best North American prospect in his draft year but he managed to drop to 12th overall. A highly regarded prospect dropping (a la Brandon Gormley), would be a great addition for the Coyotes.

2009
Calvin de Haan (Defenseman - New York Islanders)

So far, de Haan has played one game with the New York Islanders (during the 2011-12 season) and injury problems cut his 2012-13 season with the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers short. He is still a highly touted defensive prospect who, if he can get over his shoulder problems, can probably see NHL ice on a regular basis.

2008
Tyler Myers (Defenseman - Buffalo Sabres)

Tyler Myers is probably the best 12th overall pick since Hossa. He spent the year following his draft playing in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets before moving up to the Sabres in 2009. He played all 82 games his first year, leading the Sabres in time on ice.He scored 11 goals and 48 points as a rookie en route to winning the Calder Trophy. He eventually signed a 7-year deal with the Sabres in September 2011.

As you can see, the 12th overall pick can be very advantageous for the Coyotes. In the past five years, every 12th pick has played at least one NHL game and there have been some big success stories like Tyler Myers' Calder Cup win. If the trend continues, we can expect to see this year's 12th overall pick on the team sometime in the next two years. , knowing General Manager Don Maloney and Head Coach Dave Tippett, they probably will not rush the prospect through the system.

Hurricanes Re-sign Brett Bellemore To One-Year, Two-Way Contract

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If one good thing came of Carolina's blueline injuries last season, it was the opportunity to get a closer look at some of the team’s defensive prospects and determine if they had a future in the NHL. No one arguably made more of an impression than 25-year-old Brett Bellemore, who used his eight-game audition in Raleigh to surprise many by holding his own in the NHL.

Bellemore was rewarded for his performance Friday, signing a one-year, two-way contract that will pay him $600,000 in the NHL and $150,000 in the AHL. Bellemore, who was a pending unrestricted free agent, is guaranteed to earn at least $250,000. Bellemore registered two assists while with the Hurricanes, and led the Charlotte Checkers defense with a plus-11 and 87 penalty minutes.

Here's the release from the Hurricanes.

‘CANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH BRETT BELLEMORE
Defenseman made NHL debut in 2012-13

RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Brett Bellemore (BREHT BEHL-mohr) on a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay Bellemore $600,000 on the NHL level or $150,000 on the American Hockey League (AHL) level, with a guarantee of at least $250,000.

Bellemore, 25, made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes on March 21, and registered two assists and seven penalty minutes in eight NHL games during the 2012-13 season. The Windsor, Ont., native also scored two goals and earned 11 assists (13 points) in 68 AHL games with the Charlotte Checkers in 2012-13. He led all Checkers defenseman with a plus-11 plus/minus rating, and his 87 penalty minutes also led team blueliners.

The Hurricanes drafted Bellemore (6’4", 210 lbs.) in the sixth round, 162nd overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In four full professional seasons with Carolina’s AHL affiliates in Albany and Charlotte, he has notched six goals, earned 32 assists and accumulated 312 penalty minutes.


Hurricanes Re-Sign Brett Sutter To One-Year, (Two-Way) Deal

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The Carolina Hurricanes re-signed Brett Sutter to a one year, two-way contract this week. Sutter served as captain for the Charlotte Checkers for the past two seasons. The forward achieved career highs in goals, (19), assists, (29), and points, (48) this past season.

Sutter will earn $600,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 at the AHL level, with a guaranteed minimum of $250,000.

The team's press release follows:

HURRICANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH BRETT SUTTER

Forward agrees to one-year contract

RALEIGH, NCJim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Brett Sutter on a one-year contract. The deal will pay Sutter $600,000 on the NHLlevel or $150,000 on the American Hockey League (AHL) level, with a guarantee of at least $250,000.

Sutter, 26, ranked second among Charlotte Checkers (AHL) skaters in scoring for the 2012-13 season, totaling 48 points (19g, 29a) in 70 games played. The Viking, Alb, native established AHL career highs in goals (19), assists (29) and points (48), serving as Charlotte’s team captain for the second consecutive year. Sutter (6’0", 200 lbs.) led the Checkers with 17 even-strength goals and was tied for the team lead in shorthanded points (3). He also appeared in three games on the NHLlevel with the Hurricanes, totaling four penalty minutes.

Originally selected by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 2007 NHLEntry Draft, Sutter has totaled one goal and four assists (5 points) in 37 career NHLgames with the Flames and the Hurricanes. Carolinaacquired Sutter on Nov. 17, 2010, along with Ian White in exchange for Tom Kostopoulos and Anton Babchuk. Sutter has tallied 64 goals and 73 assists (157 points) in 405 career AHL games with QuadCity, Abbotsford and Charlotte.

The Mock Draft 2013 - Second Round Picks

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Here you will find part two of Robert Rice and my 60 pick mock of the 2013 NHL Draft. You can see part one (picks 1-30) here. The Canadiens select 34th, 36th, and 55th. There is obviously also the possibility to trade up, but we will not cover that. Without further ado, here are picks 31-61 (including Winnipeg's compensatory pick for not signing Daulton Leveille). I had the odd picks, Robert had the evens.

31. Florida Panthers: LW Kerby Rychel, Windsor Spirfires (OHL) - see profile

6'1", 205 lbs, shoots left. 68 GP, 40 G, 47 A, 87 PTS, 94 PIM

"A first round pick on most draft boards, the Panthers are ecstatic when the Spitfires power forward falls to them here. Rychel struggled at times when linemate Alex Khokhlachev went down to injury, but still projects to be a solid top-9 winger." - Arik

32. Colorado Avalanche: G Zach Fucale, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) - see profile

6'1", 175 lbs, catches left. 55 GP, 2.35 GAA, .909 sv%, 2 shutouts.

"The top-ranked goalie for the 2013 Draft slips into the 2nd round, the QMJHL and Memorial Cup Champion goaltender is picked up by Colorado, who are quite familiar with his pedigree thanks to insight from new Head Coach and Hockey Operations VP Patrick Roy." - Robert

33. Tampa Bay Lightning: D Shea Theodore, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

6'2", 175 lbs, shoots left. 71 GP, 19 G, 31 A, 50 PTS, 32 PIM.

"The offensive defenseman from Seattle of the WHL has flown under the radar despite solid offensive numbers the past two years. It's no secret the Lightning need defensive help so following the pick of Nichushkin that's what they'll attempt to add." - Arik

34. Montreal Canadiens: LW Emile Poirier, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) - see profile

6'1", 185 lbs, shoots left. 65 GP, 32 G, 38 A, 70 PTS, 101 PIM.

"The Canadiens find it fortuitious once again to dip into the local talent pool with the speedy and skilled Poirier. He led a weak Gatineau Olympiques in scoring this past season and fits well into the Canadiens philosophy of playing a speed-based game." - Robert

35. Carolina Hurricanes: D Ian McCoshen, Waterloo BlackHawks (USHL)

6'3", 205 lbs, shoots left. 53 GP, 11 G, 33 A, 44 PTS, 48 PIM.

"GM Jim Rutherford gets the forward he wants early in Barkov, and now drafts a shutdown defenseman for the future. McCoshen becomes the first player in 2013 selected out of the growing USHL, and will be in good hands at Boston College in the fall." - Arik

36. Montreal Canadiens: RW Jacob De La Rose, Leksand (Allsvenskan)

6'2", 190 lbs, shoots left. 38 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 PTS, 31 PIM.

"The Canadiens have shown a renewed interest in Sweden and decide to dip into the talent pool once more, picking up the two-way power forward whose complete profile at a young age is of great interest." - Robert

37. Edmonton Oilers: C Nic Petan, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

5'9", 165 lbs, shoots left. 71 GP, 46 G, 74 A, 120 PTS, 43 PIM.

"While defense is a major concern at the NHL level, the Oilers like their secondary defensive prospects enough to take a risk here with Portland's extremely undersized centre. Petan tied for the WHL lead in scoring, but he'll have to overcome his frame to succeed at the top level." - Arik

38. Buffalo Sabres: RW Michael McCarron, Under-18 (US NTDP)

6'5", 225 lbs, shoots right. 56 GP, 14 G, 20 A, 34 PTS, 176 PIM.

"Buffalo's Darcy Regier decides to invest in a potential power forward option in McCarron that as the giant winger matures into his body his offensive upside will catch up and will become a reliable power forward for the organization." - Robert

39. New Jersey Devils: RW Artturi Lehkonen, KalPa (SM-liiga)

5'10", 160 lbs, shoots left. 45 GP, 14 G, 16 A, 30 PTS, 12 PIM.

"Lou Lamouriello selects the skilled winger out of Finland, who has struggled with concussions recently but has all the tools to be a top-6 forward if he can recover, as his numbers in the SM-Liiga aren't far off what top-five pick Barkov has managed to produce." - Arik

40. Dallas Stars: C J.T. Compher, Under-18 (US NTDP)

5'11, 175 lbs, shoots right. 47 GP, 15 G, 27 A, 42 PTS, 45 PIM.

"The Stars pick up a minor slider in Compher out of the US National Team Development Program, who brings a solid two-way game with him and a respectable skill set. A high-character player who was named the captain of his team this past season." - Robert

41. Philadelphia Flyers: G Eric Comrie, Tri-City Americans (WHL) - see profile

6'1", 175 lbs, catches left. 37 GP, 2.62 GAA, .915 sv%, 2 shutouts.

"Continuing their look for stability in goal for the future, the Flyers add some depth by selecting the Tri-City keeper (and brother of Mr. Hillary Duff) who put up impressive numbers in the WHL after being handed the starting job in mid-season." - Arik

42. Phoenix Coyotes: C Laurent Dauphin, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

6'0", 170 lbs, shoots left. 62 GP, 25 G, 32 A, 57 PTS, 50 PIM.

Coming up short on promising offensive talent in the system, it is a fortuitous opportunity for the Coyotes to land a player such as Dauphin. The shifty scoring centre was a leading source of offence for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and a contributing member of Canada's IIHF Under-18 Gold Medal team.

43. Winnipeg Jets: D Dillon Heatherington, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

6'4", 200 lbs, shoots left. 71 GP, 4 G, 23 A, 27 PTS, 80 PIM.

"The Jets add a solid defensive prospect in Heatherington who brings a strong work ethic and an all-around game that features strong penalty killing, above-average physical play, and the ability to chip in offense." - Arik

44. Columbus Blue Jackets: LW Jason Dickinson, Guelph Storm (OHL)

6'1", 175 lbs, shoots left. 66 GP, 18 G, 29 A, 47 PTS, 31 PIM.

"Columbus adds on to their skill quotient even further in this draft by picking up the skilled centre out of Guelph, his agility and talents as a finisher fit with the Columbus GM Kekalainen's preference for the best skill you can find in a draft." - Robert

45. Anaheim Ducks: RW Justin Bailey, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

6'3", 185 lbs, shoots right. 57 GP, 17 G, 19 A, 36 PTS, 34 PIM.

"The Ducks select the son of former NFL linebacker Carlton Bailey, a high upside pick with a significant injury history. If he progresses as hoped, Bailey could become a potent power forward at the NHL level, but he is very much a project pick." - Arik

46. Minnesota Wild: D Tommy Vannelli, Minnetonka HS (USHS)

6'2", 175 lbs, shoots right. 27 GP, 10 G, 25 A, 35 PTS, 14 PIM.

"The Wild decide to invest in the local crop in Vanelli who has just finished his time in the Minnesota High School circuit, the two-way defencemen is set to start with the University of Minnesota next season, where he will bring a very smart game that is blended with good hands and fluid skating ability." - Robert

47. Detroit Red Wings: C Marko Dano, HC Slovan Bratislava (KHL)

5'11", 185 lbs, shoots left. 37 GP, 3 G, 4 A, 7 PTS, 26 PIM.

"GM Ken Holland dips back into the European pool, selecting World Juniors standout (with 9 points in 6 games) Dano, a Slovakian centre playing in the KHL. Dano is another project pick, as he will need to bulk up to be successful, but Detroit is willing to wait." - Arik

48. St. Louis Blues: RW Pavel Buchnevich, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

6'1", 170 lbs, shoots left. 12 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS, 0 PIM.

"Confident with their abiity to recruit European talent, the Blues decide to pick up the quick and crafty Russian sniper with appealing upside who falls this far in the draft order mostly to do with concerns about his possibly not coming over to North America." - Robert

49. San Jose Sharks: G Tristan Jarry, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) - see profile

6'2", 180 lbs, catches left. 27 GP, 1.61 GAA, .936 sv%, 6 shutouts.

"Armed with the first of two consecutive picks, GM Doug Wilson selects one of the consensus top goalies in the draft to reenforce a pool that has seen guys like Thomas Greiss and most recently Alex Stalock graduate from prospect status." - Arik

50. San Jose Sharks: C Jimmy Lodge, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

6'2", 170 lbs, shoots right. 64 GP, 28 G, 39 A, 67 PTS, 28 PIM.

"With the 2nd of his consecutive picks, Doug Wilson selects a potential scoring centre in Lodge. The two-way centre is a creative playmaker and possesses a hard shot and brings a welcome depth addition to a team looking to get it's prospect core reinforced." - Robert

51. Toronto Maple Leafs: D Jordan Subban, Belleville Bulls (OHL) - see profile

5'9", 175 lbs, shoots right. 68 GP, 15 G, 36 A, 51 PTS, 47 PIM.

"The Leafs complete the tri-fecta of rival Subbans as they grab the Ontario native and high-flying offensive defenseman from the OHL. The youngest Subban lacks the physicality of his eldest sibling and there are serious questions about his size and defensive awareness, but he has the potential to be a star." - Arik

52. Buffalo Sabres: C Connor Hurley, Edina (USHS)

6'0", 180 lbs, shoots left. 31 GP, 20 G, 32 A, 52 PTS, 10 PIM.

"The thought you can never have too many centres is a bit appropriate here as the Sabres add to their depth at the position with the industrious two-way playmaking centre who was well-travelled this past season playing in Minnesota High School Hockey, the US National Team Development Program and the USHL. He is committed to the University of Notre Dame." - Robert

53. Washington Capitals: LW William Carrier, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

6'1", 205 lbs, shoots left. 34 GP, 16 G, 26 A, 42 PTS, 41 PIM.

"The Caps pounce on the Cape Breton winger who has produced at more than a point-per-game pace two years in a row on an awful team. Unfortunately, he got injured early on this past season and therefore it's been tough to predict whether he can keep up the same pace, as his shooting percentage was unsustainably high." - Arik

54. Dallas Stars: RW Oliver Bjorkstrand, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

5'11", 165 lbs, shoots right. 65 GP, 31 G, 32 A, 63 PTS, 10 PIM.

"One of the most proficient snipers in the draft, the Dallas Stars look to further build up their offensive pipeline with the agile skater with excellent snap and wrist shots and plays stronger than his 5'10" frame would suggest. He also shows some defensive awareness." - Robert

55. Montreal Canadiens: G Philippe Desrosiers, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) - see profile

6'1", 185 lbs, catches left. 43 GP, 3.07 GAA, .900 sv%, 0 shutouts.

"The Canadiens take another player out of Rimouski; this time it's their goalie, who models his game after Carey Price. The local boy put up decent stats and showed good consistent athletic ability in his first full year in the QMJHL, and performed very well in winning the U-18 championships. Desrosiers is a project pick, like all goalies, but seems to have the mental makeup to have a shot at the NHL." - Arik

56. Edmonton Oilers: RW Nick Baptiste, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

6'1", 195 lbs, shoots right. 66 GP, 21 G, 27 A, 48 PTS, 44 PIM.

"Edmonton chooses to muscle up with the power forward frame of Baptiste who does his best work within 10 feet of the net and is a relentless forechecker with a solid physical frame. He shows decent hands and has shown some growing defensive ability." - Robert

57. Los Angeles Kings: RW Marc-Olivier Roy, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

6'1", 180 lbs, shoots left. 65 GP, 29 G, 38 A, 67 PTS, 68 PIM.

"GM Dean Lombardi selects the talented right winger out of Blainville-Boisbriand who capped a breakout season with a sizzling 16 points in 9 playoff games. Works well within his limitations as a complete player without top grade consistent offensive skills." - Arik

58. San Jose Sharks: D Gustav Olofsson, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

6'2", 190 lbs, shoots left. 63 GP, 2 G, 21 A, 23 PTS, 59 PIM.

"Doug Wilson makes judicious use of another of his acquired draft picks to build up a San Jose system that needs fresh blood with Olofsson. The Green Bay Gamblers product brings solid two-way ability to a team backed by good skating, good hockey sense and a sound positional game." - Robert

59. Winnipeg Jets: RW Zach Nastasiuk, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

6'1", 190 lbs, shoots right. 62 GP, 20 G, 20 A, 40 PTS, 32 PIM.

"Nastasiuk, son of former CFLer Paul Nastasiuk, was set back by a shoulder injury this past season, but still put up decent numbers and is projected as a potential third-line gritty forward with the ability to chip in secondary offense while providing energy." - Arik

60. Boston Bruins: RW Nick Sorensen, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

6'1", 175 lbs, shoots right. 46 GP, 20 G, 27 A, 47 PTS, 18 PIM.

"Boston forfeits Pick No. 60 out of guilt over being such jerks.

Really though...

Boston looks to add some speed to their system with the selection of Sorensen. The quick-footed winger mixes his skating abilities with good hands that allow him to get off a very good shot or execute on passing plays." - Robert

61. Winnipeg Jets: RW Hudson Fasching, Under-18 (US NTDP)

6'3", 215 lbs, shoots right. 65 GP, 11 G, 23 A, 34 PTS, 58 PIM.

"With this compensation pick, the Jets go with the big bodied forward out of the US NTDP. He's an inconsistent forward with below average skating but his size, shot, and ability to drive the net yield a tempting package and he performed well for his country at the U-18s." - Arik


2013 SB Nation NHL mock draft: Final Results

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Conducted between June 5th and June 25th (hey, we had to wait until the playoffs ended to get the draft order all set), the hockey blogs of SB Nation have completed our NHL mock draft for the season.

Below you'll find all 30 picks for the 1st round of the draft. I think the most noteworthy selection is the #1 pick. Mile High Hockey had a better idea of the Colorado Avalanche's intentions than the general press up until Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy let it be known they wanted to select Nathan Mackinnon #1 overall.

Along with the list of 30 picks, we link to each and every post for the selections. You'll also see a listing of the team-blog name - those blogs were responsile for their teams pick).

1. Colorado (Mile High Hockey): Nathan MacKinnon
2. Florida (Litter Box Cats): Jonathan Drouin
3. Tampa Bay (Raw Charge): Seth Jones
4. Nashville (On the Forecheck): Aleksander Barkov
5. Carolina (Canes Country): Valeri Nichushkin
6. Calgary (Matchsticks and Gasoline): Sean Monahan
7. Edmonton (Copper and Blue): Elias Lindholm
8. Buffalo (Die by the Blade): Darnell Nurse
9. New Jersey (In Lou we Trust): Hunter Shinkaruk
10. Dallas (Defending Big D): Rasmus Ristolainen
11. Philadelphia (Broad Street Hockey): Mirco Mueller
12. Phoenix (Five for Howling): Bo Horvat
13. Winnipeg (Arctic Ice Hockey): Kerby Rychel
14. Columbus (Jackets Cannon): Max Domi
15. NY Islanders (Lighthouse Hockey): Alexander Wennberg
16. Buffalo: Frederik Gauthier
17. Ottawa (Silver Seven Sens): Ryan Pulock
18: Detroit (Winging it in Motown): Anthony Mantha
19. Columbus: Valentin Zykov
20. San Jose (Fear the Fin): Andre Burakowsky
21. Toronto (Pension Plan Puppets): Nikita Zadorov
22. Calgary: Shea Theodore
23. Washington (Japers' Rink): J.T. Compher
24. Vancouver (Nucks Misconduct): Adam Erne
25. Montreal (Eyes on the Prize): Josh Morrissey
26. Anaheim (Anaheim Calling): Robert Hagg
27. Columbus: Ryan Hartman
28. Calgary: Artturi Lehkonen
29. Dallas: Nicolas Petan
30. Chicago (Second City Hockey): Morgan Klimchuk

(note: any player that is not hyperlinked, I could not locate the story that the blog in question was supposed to publish regarding their pick)

Live From The 2013 NHL Draft: Here We Go

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- As you guys have probably heard, we've been credentialed for tonight's draft. I'll be posting updates from there here, of course, but also make sure you're following us on Twitter for the most up to date news.

- There has been reports of the New York Rangers keeping all three picks and picking for need rather than the best player on the board. You all might remember the Rangers doing this in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft when they selected Dylan McIlrath 10th overall.

- The second part of the above note? The Rangers are going to be taking some defenseman, with Gordie Clark highlighting the fact that the defensive pipeline is thin thanks to guys being promoted to the big club. He also said the organization will be looking for an heir to Henrik Lundqvist as well. It's about time the Rangers look for a goaltender in the draft.

- I still think the Rangers should take a long, hard look at some of the more offensive players who might fall because of their size. This is a deep draft, and the Rangers have three picks in the third round, they should probably take a risk with at least one of them.

- Expect a lot of trade talk from every team. The Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes have already confirmed they're willing to move their first round picks. A few big name players are on the trading block. Teams are still making decisions about whether or not they are going to use their compliance buyouts. Things are interesting right now, that's for sure.

We'll have more on this throughout the day, but for now use this as your open thread.

Draft Day Coverage - Rumors Abound

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As always, rumors dominated the internet on the day before the NHL Entry Draft.

Word is that Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn is available to the highest bidder. The Boston Bruins are shopping Tyler Seguin. Nathan Horton will be testing the free agency market and most likely will not return to Boston.

Buyouts, Danny Briere and Vincent Lecavalier are interviewing with numerous suitors. Could the Hurricanes be interested?

In the meantime, Jim Rutherford's cell phone has been ringing like never before because of teams interested in that coveted fifth overall pick. Will he trade it or select a new potential superstar?

I will not be on the draft floor as in previous years but Canes Country will be all over the draft as always. Cory and Brian will be with the local media and the Hurricanes staff at the PNC and will be able to speak with any new draft choices via phone, as well as Tony MacDonald and Jim Rutherford.

We will have our draft day open thread up and ready at 2 p.m. so come and join us to discuss the happenings of the draft as they occur.

No one knows for sure what is going to happen, but one thing is certain. The Hurricanes will be a better team after the draft than they were before.

NHL Draft rumors: Hurricanes have offers for No. 5 pick

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The Carolina Hurricanes have been shopping the No. 5 pick in the NHL Draft and according to Darren Dreger, they have two firm offers from teams for the selection. Dreger is also reporting that they are talking with a third team about a trade for the selection as the Hurricanes look to bring in a big haul for the draft pick.

With so many teams in the mix to trade up for No. 5, the Hurricanes will likely wait until just before the selection comes up to pull the trigger on a deal. With Seth Jones plummeting down draft boards and possibly available at No. 5, the Hurricanes can wait to see if he is there and drum up even more interest in the pick.

With nobody in the top four shopping their picks, Carolina is in an enviable place. Anyone who wants to trade up into the top five has to make a deal with the Hurricanes so the offers are piling up and Carolina can use it to find a monster package for the pick.

More in the NHL:

Full 2013 Draft coverage

The complete draft order

Photos: Chicago’s Stanley Cup parade

The best of our hockey network

NHL Draft - Open Thread

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If you want to follow the draft and don't have TSN or NBC Sports stations you can listen it live on NHL.com's feed (they're streaming it including interviews etc.).

Bleacher Report has a solid mock draft list.

I fully expect the NHL draft to A) be less exciting than this year's NBA draft and B) to garner fewer comments than our NBA draft thread did. Prove me wrong.

Even though I live in the Hockey State (

From the BR link above (mock draft):

1. Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon, C, Halifax (QMJHL)

2. Florida Panthers: Seth Jones, D, Portland (WHL)

3. Tampa Bay Lightning: Jonathan Drouin, LW, Halifax (QMJHL)

4. Nashville Predators: Aleksander Barkov, C, Tappara (SML)

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

6. Calgary Flames: Sean Monahan, C, Ottawa (OHL)

7. Edmonton Oilers: Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS (SML)

8. Buffalo Sabres: Elias Lindholm, C, Brynas (SEL)

9. New Jersey Devils: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL)

10. Dallas Stars: Max Domi, C, London (OHL)

11. Philadelphia Flyers: Darnell Nurse, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

12. Phoenix Coyotes: Bo Horvat, C, London (OHL)

13. Winnipeg Jets: Nikita Zadorov, D, London (OHL)

14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Hartman, RW, Plymouth (OHL)

15. New York Islanders: Alexander Wennberg, C, Djurgardens (SEL)

16. Buffalo Sabres (via MIN): Adam Erne, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)

17. Ottawa Senators: Ryan Pulock, D, Brandon (WHL)

18. Detroit Red Wings: Josh Morrissey, D, Prince Albert (WHL)

19. Columbus Blue Jackets (via NYR): Mirco Mueller, D, Everett (WHL)

20. San Jose Sharks: Curtis Lazar, C, Edmonton (WHL)

21. Toronto Maple Leafs: Kerby Rychel, LW, Windsor (OHL)

22. Calgary Flames (via STL): Zach Fucale, G, Halifax (QMJHL)

23. Washington Capitals: Samuel Morin, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

24. Vancouver Canucks: Valentin Zykov, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

25. Montreal Canadiens: Andre Burakovsky, LW, Malmo (SEL)

26. Anaheim Ducks: Steve Santini, D, U.S. (NTDP)

27. Columbus Blue Jackets (via LAK): Frederik Gauthier, C, Rimouski (QMJHL)

28. Calgary Flames (via PIT): Anthony Mantha, LW, Val-d'Or (QMJHL)

29. Dallas Stars (via BOS): Nicolas Petan, C, Portland (WHL)

30. Chicago Blackhawks: Morgan Klimchuk, C, Regina (WHL)

The Actual Picks:

RndPickOverallTeamPlayerPosCountryHeightWeightAmateur LeagueAmateur Team
111COLNATHAN MACKINNONCCAN6' 0"182QMJHLHALIFAX
122FLAALEKSANDER BARKOVCFIN6' 3"209FINLANDTAPPARA
133TBLJONATHAN DROUINLWCAN5' 10"186QMJHLHALIFAX
144NSHSETH JONESDUSA6' 3"205WHLPORTLAND
155CARELIAS LINDHOLMCSWE6' 0"192SWEDENBRYNAS
166CGYSEAN MONAHANCCAN6' 2"187OHLOTTAWA
177EDMDARNELL NURSEDCAN6' 3"185OHLSAULT STE. MARIE
188BUFRASMUS RISTOLAINENDFIN6' 4"207FINLANDTPS
199VANBO HORVATCCAN6' 0"206OHLLONDON
11010DALVALERI NICHUSHKINRWRUS6' 4"202KHLCHELYABINSK
11111PHISAMUEL MORINDCAN6' 6"202QMJHLRIMOUSKI
11212PHXMAX DOMIC LWCAN5' 9"197OHLLONDON
11313WPGJOSHUA MORRISSEYDCAN5' 11"186WHLPRINCE ALBERT
11414CBJALEXANDER WENNBERGCSWE6' 1"190SWEDEN-2DJURGARDEN
11515NYIRYAN PULOCKDCAN6' 0"211WHLBRANDON
11616BUFNIKITA ZADOROVDRUS6' 5"221OHLLONDON
11717OTTCURTIS LAZARC RWCAN5' 11"190WHLEDMONTON
11818SJSMIRCO MUELLERDCHE6' 3"184WHLEVERETT
11919CBJKERBY RYCHELLWUSA6' 0"205OHLWINDSOR
12020DETANTHONY MANTHARWCAN6' 3"190QMJHLVAL-D'OR
12121TORFREDERIK GAUTHIERCCAN6' 4"214QMJHLRIMOUSKI
12222CGYEMILE POIRIERLWCAN6' 0"183QMJHLGATINEAU
12323WSHANDRE BURAKOVSKYLWAUT6' 1"178SWEDEN-2MALMO
12424VANHUNTER SHINKARUKC LWCAN5' 10"181WHLMEDICINE HAT
12525MTLMICHAEL MCCARRONRWUSA6' 5"228USHLUSA U-18
12626ANASHEA THEODOREDCAN6' 1"178WHLSEATTLE
12727CBJMARKO DANOCAUT5' 11"183KHLBRATISLAVA
12828CGYMORGAN KLIMCHUKLWCAN5' 11"180WHLREGINA
12929DALJASON DICKINSONCCAN6' 1"179OHLGUELPH
13030CHIRYAN HARTMANRWUSA5' 11"181OHLPLYMOUTH

Hurricanes Select Swedish Forward Elias Lindholm With Fifth Pick In NHL Draft

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The Carolina Hurricanes spent a lot time on the phone on and leading up to Sunday’s NHL Draft, but in the end the Canes used their selection on Swedish forward Elias Lindholm with the fifth overall pick.

The Lindholm selection is somewhat reminiscent of 2007, when Carolina took well-rounded Brandon Sutter with their first round pick. Lindholm, according to International Scouting Services, is a complete player without holes in his game. Here's their breakdown of the No. 5 pick:

Skill: A gritty and hard-working two-way player who makes his entire team better every shift he takes.

Scouting Report: There is very little, if anything at all not to like about Elias Lindholm. He can do a bit of everything and he can do it all very well. While perhaps not an elite offensive producer (yet) he has the desire and drive, and talent, to create lot of offensive opportunities. He excels off transition and is a master at creating turnovers and forcing opponents to make mistakes. He has great hands, especially around the net, is a dynamite faceoff presence and is always engaging opponents in battles. Lindholm has future captain written all over him. He brings it every single shift and can be dominant in all situations. He has some surprising power for his size.

NHL Potential: 2nd line player who can be relied on in the most crucial situations.

Lindholm has one year left on his contract with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League, so he is unlikely to join Carolina in 2013-14.

We'll have more on the pick and the draft as the day progresses.

Update: Click here for Lindholm's media availability via Skype with the assembled media at PNC Arena.

Poll
How do you grade the Canes' selection of Elias Lindholm in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft?

  453 votes |Results

Sabres Trade Andrej Sekera To Carolina for Pick #35, Jamie McBain

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With a draft day surprise, Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier traded Andrej Sekera to the Carolina Hurricanes or the 35th pick in this year's NHL draft and defenseman Jamie McBain.

Sekera has always been a polarizing player, with some fans liking his steady play but some fans hating the fact that he doesn't do anything exceptionally well. He was the type of European defenseman who simply did everything at a B level, with no A or A+ attributes. However, he played well for Buffalo last season and had two years remaining on a cap-friendly contract.

In return the Sabres get Jamie McBain. McBain is a bigger defenseman who has good offensive instincts. He's shown some inconsistency in his own end, but has been used in all situations by Carolina and still has the potential to be a top-4 guy. He had some trouble living up to expectations in Carolina, but he'll get a fresh start in Buffalo, and the Sabres obviously hope that will lead to more success for their newest defenseman.

The 25-year old right-hander has one more year left on a salary that counts $1.8 million against the cap, freeing up a tiny bit of extra cap space for Buffalo over Sekera's contract.


Jamie McBain

#4 / Defenseman / Carolina Hurricanes

6-2

200

Feb 25, 1988


GPGAP+/-PIMPPGSHGGWGGTGSOGPCT
2012 - Jamie McBain4017801200046


What do you think, Sabres fans?

Hurricanes Select Defenseman Brett Pesce With 66th Overall Pick

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The Hurricanes have made a habit of selecting raw, rangy defensemen and hoping they develop into top-flight talent. The latest is University of New Hampshire rising sophomore Brett Pesce, Carolina's third-round pick — 66th overall — in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Pesce (6'3, 190 pounds) played a significant role as a freshman at New Hampshire and will likely spend at least two more years, if not three, at UNH in order to fill out his frame. Here's what ISS had to say about Pesce, who they ranked 90th.

Scouting Report: At the moment Pesce is very much a raw talent but the potential he shows through his composure and lanky frame is intriguing. Poised defenseman who has the size and grit to be a physical, shutdown presence in his own end. He played with Team USA at the under-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament and played well. Has a positive attitude and well liked by his teammates. He needs to get bigger (more weight) and stronger to compete at the next level. Will need to improve his shot.

The Wall Street Journal profiled him leading up to the draft. You can read that here.

Here's some short audio with Pesce, plus almost 10 minutes with director of amateur scouting Tony MacDonald.

Hurricanes Pick D Tyler Ganly With Sixth-Round Pick

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The Carolina Hurricanes used their final pick of the 2013 NHL Draft on defenseman Tyler Ganly of the Soo Greyhounds. Ganly, a 6'2, 197-pound blueliner from Milton, Ont.

Ganly is regarded as a defensive defenseman who is willing to fight and stand up for his teammates. He was often on the Greyhounds second pairing — a defense anchored by Edmonton first-round pick Darnell Nurse.

Curiously enough, a Google search of Ganly popped up a fight between Ganly and Brent Pedersen — the player Carolina selected the round before with the 126th overall pick.

Tyler Ganly vs Brent Pedersen (via JimKorn20)


Sabres Links: Draft recap, Regier talks, lots of draft day trades

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