| 26 June 2010
Joey Hishon - 1st round, 17th overall
Position: Center
From: Ontario, Canada
Wears: #18
Playing with: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Hishon is a very skilled center lacking ideal size. He has a good compete level which may help him overcome his lack of stature, but he'll also have to show that he can handle the bigger competition he'll face in the pro game.
My take: Its pretty clear that the Avs feel Hishon projects to an elite player who's stock fell because he was banged up last year -- so much so that they weren't willing to trade down and hope he was still there. Sure, it's a bit of a gamble, but isn't the whole draft in the first place?
Calvin Pickard - 2nd round, 47th overall
Position: Goaltender
From: Manitoba, Canada
Wears: #1
Playing with: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Pickard is fundamentally sound with very quick reflexes. He handles the puck efficiently and covers the net very well due to excellent balance.
My take: It will be fun to watch a highly talented prospect in goal develop, however, goaltenders take forever. Even the goalies who are talented enough to play in the NHL early and have success (Steve Mason, Carey Price) seem to go through extended periods of lackluster play.
Michael Bournival - 3rd round, 71th overall
Position: Center / Left Wing
From: Quebec, Canada
Wears: #78
Playing with: Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Possesses the ability to play in all three zones and a no-quit, win at any cost attitude. Bournival might not be the most talented player available, but his work ethic and dedication will help ensure that he becomes a viable NHL prospect.
My take: Sounds like he's got the right attitude - hopefully he can continue to develop his skills. If he can make it with the big club, he shouldn't have any trouble getting #78.
Stephen Silas - 4th round, 95th overall
Position: Defenseman
From: Ontario, Canada
Wears: #26
Playing with: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: (Not Available)
My take: The Avs must be fairly high on Silas, high enough to move into a high 4th round slot with the Islanders for next year's 3rd round pick in order to take him. Not much out there on Silas, but he does have a profile on hockeyfights.com.
Sami Aittokallio - 4th round, 107th overall
Position: Goaltender
From: Tampere, Finland
Wears: #1
Playing with: Ilves (Finland - Jr)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Scout #1: "Aittokallio was circled on most teams' sheets because they wanted to know more about him but since he got hurt most teams are blind to his abilities so he will likely fall in the draft," said the scout. "My opinion is that he's the better goalie [than Iilahti] ...but his development seems to have slowed slightly where as Iilahti is really developing quickly. Aittokallio's biggest strength is his intelligence. He has really good reflexes and athleticism but just seems to really be able to slow the play down and control it when he has to."
My take: Finland has become a goalie factory: Backstrom, Kipprusoff, Renne, Toskala, Niittymaki, Rask, Niemi, etc. I'm glad the Avs seriously upgraded their goaltending prospects with this draft. Last year - they drafted Milan and Maxwell in late rounds and both did very little to convince anyone they were serious NHL prospects. I'll go out on a limb and say that either Aittokallio or Pickard will wear the #1 for the Avs (it might take 10 years, though...).
Troy Rutkowski - 5th round, 137th overall
Position: Defenseman
From: Alberta, Canada
Wears: #2
Playing with: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Rutkowski is solid on his skates and protects the puck well. He continues to build confidence in his defensive game, although he always appears to have the green light to jump into the play when opportunities arise.
My take: Sounds like your typical late round project.
Luke Walker - 5th round, 139th overall
Position: Right Wing
From: BC, Canada
Wears: #14
Playing with: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: (Not Available)
My take: Helped Team USA win goal in the World Juniors last January. Cool.
Luke Moffatt - 7th round, 197th overall
Position: Center
From: California, USA
Wears: #7
Playing with: Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)
Hockey's Future Talent Analysis: Does all the little things right and the puck seems to find him. Strong on puck, especially given his average size. Has offensive skills, may just need some more confidence to really shine.
My take: He's another project - but what do you expect with in the 7th round? Good luck at Ann Arbor, Luke!
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