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Habsguy26 Future Watch Part 3: The Central


habsguy26

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Habsguy26 Future Watch Poll  

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  1. 1. Do you agree with my rankings?

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    • Kinda, missing 1 or 2 kids
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    • I have no idea but I enjoyed the blog :D (Just for you hf101)
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blog-0243449001344628082.jpgHey guys, sorry for the long hiatus of Future Watch... here we go again with the central. Please don't forget to leave a vote and comment, it really gives me the idea of how many people are actually reading these things through and whether I should even continue to do these because doing all the research and writing these puppies takes quite a bit of time (last one took me about 4-5 hours) so if you like the series show some support please! Also if you're on twitter don't forget to leave a follow @allanrayer!

10) Petr Mrazek - Detroit Red Wings

drafted by DET 5(141) in 2010

Not the largest goaltender, standing 6’0 and weighing 184lbs. He possesses a great deal of athleticism and does not give up on shots. Mrazek has been touted as a great competitor, who also has great vision, which makes up for his lack of size. Couldn't dig up much about Mrazek but based off of my own knowledge I know he's going to be a great goalie one day in the NHL and will someday tend the goal for the Red Wings for 60 games a year. He is an incredible athlete who never gives up on a shot. He has Dominick Hasek written all over him. He may not lead such a brilliant career (who knows, he might) but he plays almost identically to the Dominator. Look for him in the Soo next year and look for him to be the starting goalie for the Czech's this world junior.

9) Oscar Dansk - Columbus Blue Jackets

drafted by CBJ 2(32) in 2012

Even with the addition of Bobrovsky, the Blue Jackets needed to stock up on goaltending, particularly after choosing not to sign Mathieu Corbeil. Dansk was considered the third best goaltender in the draft, and while it would have been a steal to land Malcolm Subban or Andrei Vasilevski at 32, the Jackets picked up a very talented netminder in Dansk. At 6’2 and growing he already possesses quite a large frame, and is agile and quick enough to stop shots when he finds himself out of position.

Perhaps helping his stock rise were the rumours that he is looking to play in the CHL next year, rumours that have proven to be true with his selection by the OHL's Erie Otters. The Blue Jackets would have to be thrilled about the prospect of Dansk playing in North America, getting the opportunity to see him play live a lot more frequently than would otherwise be the case. He plays a similar style to Canadiens superstar Carey Price, using his big frame and quick glove hand to keep pucks out of the net.

8) Teemu Pulkkinen - Detroit Red Wings

drafted by DET 4(111) in 2010

Has first-class, high end talent. Pulkkinen possesses a very dangerous shot, as it is both heavy and accurate. He also has a very quick release. He also has some playmaking skills. Not the best skater in the world, but makes up for it with his ability to hang onto the puck. He looks a lot like Dany Heatley combined with Steve Downie on the ice, using his 5'11'' frame to stir up some trouble. He is projected to be a second line scorer on an NHL team some day, but for now he will suit up for the Red Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids for 12-13.

7) Tim Erixon - Columbus Blue Jackets

drafted by CGY 1(23) in 2009

Acquired by Columbus from New York in the Rick Nash trade, but the expectations for Tim Erixon were quite high in New York after he essentially forced a trade from the Calgary Flames organization last summer. He started the season in the NHL with the Rangers, but, aside from a few re-calls, Erixon wasn’t quite ready for the jump to the NHL as he ended up spending the majority of the season in the AHL where he scored 33 points in 52 games. A jack-of-all-trades but master of none, Erixon possesses great hockey sense and plays a sound two-way game. He has the potential to be an elite, second-pairing defenseman in the not too distant future.

6) Ty Rattie - St. Louis Blues

drafted by STL 2(32) in 2011

Ty Rattie took a big step forward in his development after slipping to the top of the second round at last year's NHL draft, where the Blues gladly scooped him up. He lit up the WHL in the 2011 season to the tune of 57 goals and an eye-popping 121 points, with Rattie continuing to score at that clip in the playoffs for the Portland Winterhawks. Though he’s not the best skater, he uses his on-ice smarts to find soft spots in the offensive zone and uses his silky smooth hands to either set up a teammate or bury the puck in the back of the net. It’s still early, but it looks like the Blues have a legitimate top-six scorer in the making.

5) Teuvu Teravainen - Chicago Blackhawks

drafted by CHI 1(18) in 2012

Teravainen eluded many radars at the start of the season in Finland's junior level. Injuries with Jokerit's top club opened a spot for the 17-year-old forward and by the end of the season he had worked his way up the depth chart into a top six and power play role, finishing his rookie season with 11 goals and 18 points in 40 games and winning the Jarmo Wasama Trophy as the top rookie in the SM-liiga. He averaged over 15 minutes of ice time in the playoffs and scored two goals, six points in nine playoff games on Jokerit's bronze medal run. He was a key producer for Finland in international play as well with both the U18 and U20 teams. He was ranked 8th overall by ISS and 2nd overall European, but slipped to 18th because of the number of defensemen taken.

The comparisons to Patrick Kane, who Teravainen lists among his favorite players, are quickly apparent. Between his slim build, blazing speed, and preternatural creativity, the Finn plays a similar style of explosive offensive game. He has proven to be a hard worker after the major strides he took in his draft year as well as a strong team player – Jokerit's second-half improvements largely coincided with his increased role. The rookie made an especially big splash on the power play, where he could not only distribute from the half-boards but also unleash a wicked one-timer. Still just 17 years old, Teravainen will continue developing overseas with Jokerit in Finland's top pro league for the 2012-13 season. Expected to play center for the team next season, the 'Hawks will give him some time before nailing him down a specific position. He has the potential to develop into a productive, top-six forward in the NHL and should get his first taste of the North American style at this year's training camp in Chicago.

4) Brendan Smith - Detroit Red Wings

drafted by DET 1(27) in 2007

Smith, who is regarded as a high-end offensive defenseman, is a silky smooth skater who moves effortlessly. He also has very good vision and soft hands, which complement his overall mobility very well. He compares well to James Wisniewski except a bit taller and a bit more talented offensively. Smith projects as a top pairing, offensive defenseman. He will look to crack the Wings' line up this season after the departure of Stuart and the retirement of Lidstrom, but the young defender will have a long way to go if he wants to fill Lidstrom's shoes. Look for him to be a great rookie this season and I'd definitely take him late in your FHL draft as one of your rookie options.

3) Jaden Schwartz - St. Louis Blues

drafted by STL 1(14) in 2010

Schwartz is a very smooth passer who can thread the needle to just about any one of his team mates, wherever their position on the ice. He often goes behind the net and passes to the front, or enters the zone with the puck, pulls up and then passes to an open man. He is a talented, blazing skater that can fly amongst the league's fastest skaters. He could improve a lot on his shooting and could be more willing to get punished in the corners. As of now, Schwartz plans to finish out his 4th year of NCAA hockey at Colorado College where he will serve as the team's captain. Schwartz looks like he could be a top line, play making centre similar to Derek Roy.

2) Ryan Murray - Columbus Blue Jackets

drafted by CBJ 1(2) in 2012

Murray will likely never lead the league in scoring by a defenseman, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he rounds into one of the most complete defenders to come out of the past few drafts. The Saskatchewan native has the ability to slow the game down, controlling it at his own pace. He plays tremendous man-to-man coverage for an 18-year-old, and his skating is already above average by NHL standards. And while his offensive abilities aren’t world-class, he did post 104 points in 168 games as a member of the Everett Silvertips.

He was brought overseas in May to represent Canada at the World Championships, and it was there that he really proved he belonged, playing against a higher level of competition. Murray is also a natural-born leader. He’s captained almost every team he’s played for, most recently being named captain of the Silvertips as an 18-year-old. It would not be a surprise if he dons the ‘C’ for the Blue Jackets before his career is finished.

1) Vladimir Tarasenko - St. Louis Blues

drafted by STL 1(16) in 2010

Considered the top Russian-born talent in the 2010 draft, Tarasenko slipped into the mid-first round due to concerns about his contract status in the KHL with Sibir Novosibirsk, the team coached by his father.

Tarasenko has frequently expressed his wish to play in the NHL and the Blues are confident they added a future first line winger to their organization. Tarasenko's strongest asset is his goal scoring ability with his quick hands and sudden release. His explosive acceleration allows him to create space, where he can score or use his strong playmaking ability. A fiery competitor, he plays with grit and tenacity. He is solidly built at 5'11 202 pounds, and has been playing against men in the KHL since the age of 16, making him one of the more pro ready prospects of the 2010 class.

Okay guys so there you have it... sorry the analysis' were kinda short, I've been real busy at work and haven't really had a lot of time for research and blogging lately. Don't forget to comment and leave a vote! Thanks!

Habsguy26

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Well the Central isn't my strong point with talent and all but as always Habs, you did a thorough and enjoyable blog. Sometimes you can read a blog and come out of it more stupid than when you started. Yours though are good... I always learn something...

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Thanks Idaho, you consistently leave positive comments and it lets me know atleast someone enjoys these! I am always learning stuff too, especially by doing these Future Watch blogs!

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