Quote:
Originally Posted by starseed
That makes me feel better. Do you know what were they saying of the 2007 draft class prior to the draft?
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"The 2007 draft has a wide open feel and while it lacks the sexy top end prospects, it is loaded with solid depth. Plenty of players from this class will fill roles in the NHL, but very few will be stars.
[...]
Top Goal Scorers
1. C Kyle Turris, BCHL – Joe Sakic like release and can release it at full speed.
2. RW Patrick Kane, OHL – No one can shoot the puck more accurately through traffic than Kane.
3. RW Alexei Cherepanov, RUS – No one finds the open nice near the net better than Cherepanov.
4. C Oscar Moller, WHL – Possesses innate ability to find the puck in heavy traffic and owns a heavy shot.
5. RW Aaron Palushaj, USHL – Thomas Vanek like ability to bear down in front and finish.
Best Play Makers
1. RW Jakub Voracek, QMJHL – Vision, creativity, and ability to pass the puck with the opposition all over him are unmatched in this draft. Might not have the most assist of this class as a junior, but his play making ability translates better than the others to the NHL.
2. C Sam Gagner, OHL – Power play quarterback extraordinaire from the half wall.
3. C Zach Hamil, WHL – Future power play dynamo.
4. RW Simon Hjalmarsson, SWE – Creativity and instincts are through the roof.
5. RW Max Pacioretty, USHL – Patient with the puck and exploits the open creases in the defense with a deft passing game."
http://www.sharkspage.com/2007_nhl_draftpreview.html
Definitely not big 1st round names you'd hope to see in a draft class.
Also to highlight the sparcity of talent in the 2007 draft:
"High Risk High Reward
2. RW Akim Aliu, OHL – Has already been traded twice in his brief OHL career for attitude problems. First round talent but has some real character issues."