2008 NHL Draft

[ScriptOhio]

Anyone think that the Blue jackets can get someone in this year's draft that can actually help them next season?

Here's some mock drafts (they are speculating Columbus gets the 8th pick):

2008 NHL Mock Draft | 2008 NHL Draft | NHL Draft

NHLDraftSite-2008 NHL Mock Draft

Here's some information on the players:

McKeen's Hockey Prospects - 2008 NHL Draft: McKeen's Preliminary Rankings

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NHL Hockey stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from NHL Hockey columnists

[BayBuck]

Don't we get Colorado's 1st-pick too if the Avs make the playoffs?

[ScriptOhio]

Originally Posted by BayBuck

Don't we get Colorado's 1st-pick too if the Avs make the playoffs?

Only if Colorado makes the playoffs this year. If not we get their first round pick next year.


Re: Unable to sign Foote to a contract extension, the Blue Jackets dealt him to Colorado for conditional first-round draft choice in 2008 or 2009 and a conditional fourth-round choice in 2009. The Blue Jackets will receive Colorado's first round pick in the 2008 Entry Draft if the Avalanche advance to the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Avalanche do not qualify, Columbus will receive Colorado's first round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.

[jimotis4heisman]

if i get the time sometime closer to the draft ill try and put something together

[daveeb]

Stamkos has a good shootout move, from what I could find on YouTube.

Here it is.

As for who your Blue Jackets are predicted to pick on mynhldraft.com, he is the son of Carey Wilson, a solidly productive center. Also, Boston University is known for producing NHL players, such as Keith Tkachuk, Ryan Whitney, Tony Amonte, and Chris Drury. It should be noted that he will not be able to help the team immediately, as he will be at college (And, quite frankly, not ready). It is rare for a first round NHL draft pick to actually be able to do that, though.

Nikita Filatov is one of those crazy Russian scorers. He is the top rated Russian prospect for 2008, which counts for a lot. In 14 career WJC games, he has 8 goals, 10 assists, and is a +11. His stock is going up. He may not be available for the Jackets at the 8 spot. Keep in mind, however, how annoying it may be to actually get him to the States.

Here is some Filatov.

In reality, what do your Blue Jackets need? You seem set at goalie with LeClaire. Nash and Zherdev are great wingers, but there are only two of them on your team. Chimera and Vyborny are pretty good too. Grabbing Voracek was also a great draft pick last year.

What I think you guys are missing is some blue line depth, and some depth at center. Brassard and Brule clearly have not been able to force the coaching staff to give them ice time with their prowess, which is a minor worry at this stage. Trading Foote and Tarnstrom really hurt the teams depth at the blue line, but there is still some solid youth there.

If you want a top grade center, maybe three is the charm. It just has to be noted that, with all of those Top 10 picks the Jackets have had, they have never taken a defenseman. This draft is very blue line heavy. Perhaps the Jackets should take advantage of that.

[Bucky Katt]

Originally Posted by daveeb

Nikita Filatov is one of those crazy Russian scorers. He is the top rated Russian prospect for 2008, which counts for a lot. In 14 career WJC games, he has 8 goals, 10 assists, and is a +11. His stock is going up. He may not be available for the Jackets at the 8 spot. Keep in mind, however, how annoying it may be to actually get him to the States.

The CBJ went through that with Z. It doesn't sound like they made any friends over there when he bolted. Getting another Russian out of there may be prove even more difficult next time around.

In reality, what do your Blue Jackets need? You seem set at goalie with LeClaire. Nash and Zherdev are great wingers, but there are only two of them on your team. Chimera and Vyborny are pretty good too. Grabbing Voracek was also a great draft pick last year.

What I think you guys are missing is some blue line depth, and some depth at center. Brassard and Brule clearly have not been able to force the coaching staff to give them ice time with their prowess, which is a minor worry at this stage.

Agreed. There is some depth on the wings. Top-line center is priority 1. Unfortunately, you just don't come across NHL-ready guys very often. Brule is playing better of late, but still is unproven. Brassard is very young. Getting him a sniff up here was good, and it'll be interesting to see if he can make the team out of camp next season.

Trading Foote and Tarnstrom really hurt the teams depth at the blue line, but there is still some solid youth there.

Tarnstrom was actually an acquisition for the Jackets.

If you want a top grade center, maybe three is the charm. It just has to be noted that, with all of those Top 10 picks the Jackets have had, they have never taken a defenseman. This draft is very blue line heavy. Perhaps the Jackets should take advantage of that.

Klesla was the team's 1st first round pick. Outside of that, you are correct.

I would be okay with a "best available" type pick and find a passable center through free agent, although that hasn't really worked out so well to date.

[jimotis4heisman]

trivia: since it was brought up. who is the coach of bu and why is this a trivia question? aka how or why is he relevant to cbj fans...