The wait is almost over!

In just two days time, the 2003 NHL Entry Draft will commence at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Featuring what is widely regarded to be one of the more talented, deeper crop of young players to hit the draft scene in quite some time, this year's version of the event will be packed with intrigue.

For the Philadelphia Flyers, owners of two first round selections (11th and 24th overall) and 15 total picks, the draft will provide the team with a chance to further replenish its organizational depth chart. The Orange and Black will be looking for help at forward in general, but will surely explore all options.

The following is a mock projection of Saturday's first round. Each drafting team is listed, along with their projected pick, his essential info, and a brief paragraph detailing the selection...

****************************

1. Florida Panthers – Eric Staal, C (Peterborough, OHL)
Panthers general manager Rick Dudley has made it no secret that the first overall pick in one of the deeper drafts in recent memory can be had... for the right price. Florida currently boasts a team full of talented young players, and is looking for quality veteran help. A number of teams have reportedly made offers, so consider this pick likely to be moved. In particular, both the Hurricanes and Penguins (drafting second and third overall, respectively) would love to jump up to the top spot to assure themselves a shot at white-hot goaltending phenom Marc-Andre Fleury. Should the Panthers hold on to the pick – also a strong possibility – expect "consensus" top-ranked prospect Eric Staal to be their man. In a draft that boasts no clear-cut "number one" pick, Staal nonetheless stands out. The 6-3, 182 lb. center has size, skill, speed and plenty of smarts. In short, he has the makeup of a future top-line/franchise player in the NHL. Staal's hockey instincts are top-notch. He does just about everything exceptionally well, from setting up teammates for prime scoring chances to killing penalties. A little more weight and muscle will eventually help him in his quest to become an NHL superstar, but those things are expected to come in time for the 18-year-old Thunder Bay, Ontario native. For now, he is regarded as the cream of a very strong forward crop.

2. Carolina Hurricanes – Marc-Andre Fleury, G (Cape Breton, QMJHL)
If Staal goes first overall to Florida (or any other team that might trade up to get him), this pick is a foregone conclusion. Fleury will go no later than second in this draft, and the team that winds up with him – regardless of whatever else happens over the weekend – will walk away a big winner. Many have suggested that Fleury is the second coming of Patrick Roy, the all-time NHL wins leader and four-time Stanley Cup champion who announced his retirement earlier this month. While that comparison may be a little unfair, it may also be dead on the money. Simply put, the Sorel, Quebec native is a franchise goaltender in the making, a truly special player who possesses lightning-quick reflexes, superior hockey sense and vision, and a truly vibrant personality. He performs exceptionally well under pressure (as he did for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships in December), and responds to adversity with added focus and attention. Without question, Fleury will be one of the main focal points not only of this year's draft, but of the NHL in general over the next dozen years or so.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins – Nikolai Zherdev, F (Central Army, RUS)
The Pens may very well miss out on Fleury, but could be rewarded with the chance to obtain a player often referred to as the most "dynamic" member of the class of 2003. Zherdev – a pure offensive weapon who has been compared to Pavel Bure and Ilya Kovalchuk in terms of both style and potential – could be a perfect fit for the struggling, small-market Pittsburgh team. Attendance at Mellon Arena has been dismal over the past few years, reflective of the team's on-ice woes and its inability to compete financially with the league's wealthier teams. Couple this with the fact that team owner/captain/soul Mario Lemieux is inching closer to retirement, and the situation becomes increasingly glum. What the Penguins need is a player like Zherdev, a flashy, entertaining forward who possesses loads of offensive potential. Yes, he is a rather one-dimensional player at this point. He must work on his defensive game, learn to use his teammates better and prepare himself for the physical game that is the hallmark of North American hockey if he wishes to succeed in the NHL. But, that is the tradeoff for the scoring talent and promise (not to mention the marketing opportunities) that he brings to the table.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Nathan Horton, C (Oshawa, OHL)
If Staal, Fleury and Zherdev go 1-2-3 in the draft as expected, the chance to select Horton might be too tempting for the Blue Jackets to pass up. After all, the 6-2, 200 lb. center has all the makings of an impact power forward with the ability to put up big numbers. Columbus could team him up with Rick Nash – the first overall selection in last year's entry draft – to create what could become an imposing offensive duo for years to come. Horton is not flashy like Zherdev, and not nearly as consistent as Staal. He is a smart player, however, who plays the game very well at both ends of the rink. He is a very good skater for a player his size, and possesses a deft touch with the puck in the slot area and around the front of the net. Most scouts would like to see Horton add more of a physical dimension to his game, as he is often accused of not using his large frame to the best of his advantage. A little more desire wouldn't hurt, but, then again, you can say the same for just about any amateur prospect. The bottom line is, Horton is raw, but he does have all the tools he needs to succeed in the NHL. Any team would be more than happy to add a player with his long-term potential to their organizational depth chart.

5. Buffalo Sabres – Thomas Vanek, LW (Minnesota, WCHA)
After Horton, the draft becomes a little more unpredictable. Talent and potential-wise, the gap between the players projected to be selected between the fifth and twentieth spots is very slim. In Vanek, the Sabres – who always scout the college ranks hard – may find a player who has the ability to be a major offensive contributor within a few years. The Graz, Austria native had a monster freshman season for the University of Minnesota, tallying 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) in 45 games, en route to guiding the team to the NCAA championship. Vanek is a virtual puck magnet, a player with great hands and an uncanny sense for the net. He has tremendous hockey sense and offensive awareness, always seeming to know exactly where the puck will wind up and the shortest route to get there. However, Vanek is also merely an average skater, is suspect defensively and has been accused of having a poor work ethic (ala Pavel Brendl). He will have to improve on his shortcomings, but there is no doubting his talent and the results he has already produced at the highest level of collegiate play.

6. San Jose Sharks – Ryan Suter, D (U.S. Under-18, USHL)
Ryan's uncle, Gary, played the final three seasons of his 17-year NHL career with the Sharks. Thus, it would be somewhat fitting to see the 6-1, 183 lb. rearguard end up in San Jose. An intriguing, all-around mix of skill and toughness, Suter (whose father, Bob, was a member of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic team) possesses terrific awareness and a quick and accurate shot. He is also a smooth, fast skater who covers a lot of ground in the defensive end and can jump into the offense on a transition play with ease. In short, as many scouts have noted, Suter is a "total package" of sorts. He has played the past two season in the U.S. junior national program, where he saw extensive minutes and was used in all game situations with regularity. As the top-rated defenseman in the draft, Suter may be selected ahead of the number six spot. But, if he is still around when the Sharks (a team entering a period of rebuilding) head to the podium, there will almost certainly be teal and silver in his future.

7. Nashville Predators – Milan Michalek, LW (Budejovice, CZE)
True to the European hockey stereotype, Michalek is basically a perimeter-based player who rarely ventures into traffic areas and always looks for the perfect pass before the perfect shot. But, really, as long as the results are there, who cares what style of game he plays? That is exactly the question the Predators may find themselves asking when their turn to pick comes up on Saturday. Michalek, a player who was briefly considered to be a candidate to go first overall during the 2002-03 season, is more of a playmaker than a natural scorer. He has great hands and is perfectly capable of putting the puck in the net, but his speed, excellent vision and tendency to play an outside game make him more suited to be a set-up man. And he is quite adept in that role. However, while some scouts simply gush over Michalek's natural ability, others often question his heart and inner-toughness. Despite his impressive size (6-2, 205 lbs.) he is not a physical player, and he must prepare himself for the eventual beating his body will take in the NHL.

8. Atlanta Thrashers – Braydon Coburn, D (Portland, WHL)
Like the Panthers, the Thrashers have let in be known that they'd be more than willing to trade their first round pick for a worthy combination of veteran players and additional draft selections. However, Atlanta's system is desperately short on quality defenseman, so the likes of a Coburn or even a Dion Phaneuf (see below) might be unwise to pass up. Coburn is a big rearguard (6-5, 205 lbs.) who, quite simply, does just about everything well and makes very few mistakes. He is far from dynamic, and, aside from his size, does not stand out at first glance like, say, Suter does. But he is very athletic, skates well, is durable and can log a ton of minutes per game. As with any player his size, scouts would like to see Coburn play a more physical game. However, he is at least adequate in that department, and does not shy away from contact. The Shaunavon, Saskatchewan native does not and never will put up big numbers, but he does possess decent offensive instincts. Coburn is also a natural leader, and will surely become a major contributor to the blueline of whichever team calls his name on Saturday.

9. Calgary Flames – Dion Phaneuf, D (Red Deer, WHL)
Being a Western Canadian team, the Flames relish the opportunity to draft high-quality WHL players when the opportunity arises. Couple this with Calgary's organizational need for added defensive depth and its hard to imagine the team not drafting Phaneuf if he is available at the nine-spot on Saturday. The Red Deer rearguard is a tremendous all-around talent who has the ability to become a franchise rearguard in the NHL. Phaneuf is big (6-2, 205 lbs.) and nasty. He throws vicious bodychecks with regularity, but rarely finds himself caught out of position, which is a tribute to his fine hockey sense, anticipation and ability to read a play. He is also a true "crease clearer," a player who protects his goaltender first and foremost. Phaneuf proved in 2002-03 that he is capable of logging huge amounts of icetime without tiring, and he generally played against the opposing team's top forward line/powerplay unit. He has also emerged as an offensive threat (he possesses a hard – and deadly accurate – slapshot from the point) and, thus, his game has drawn comparisons to that of Scott Stevens. Phaneuf does not appear to have a major flaw or weakness in his game. His game is mature, and he may require just one more season of junior hockey before he is ready for the NHL.

10. Montreal Canadiens – Zach Parise, C (North Dakota, WCHA)
The Habs are relatively thin in multiple areas of their organizational depth chart, but particularly so at forward. Thus, Parise – the top U.S. collegiate player in the draft – would seem to be a safe and practical pick. Like his father – former NHLer J.P. Parise – Zach is a feisty competitor with a strong will to win. Unlike his old man, however, Parise is a pure offensive talent. He is a magician with the puck, equally adept at finding the open man or the back of the net. The Faribault, Minnesota native has ultra-soft hands and superior creativity, and uses his linemates exceptionally well. When an opportunity fails to materialize, Parise has the smarts and ability to create one on his own. He also skates like the wind, and is very reliable in his own end of the rink. The one major knock on him is his size (5-11, 186 lbs.), but his competitiveness and determination should help him overcome that detail. Besides, he is still growing into his body, and he is not afraid to play a physical brand of hockey. Parise has the ability to become a major offensive force in the NHL within the next few years. Some have gone so far as to suggest that he is the best U.S. collegiate player to come along in a decade.

11. Philadelphia Flyers – Robert Nilsson, F (Leksands, SWE)
The Flyers would love to get their hands on Phaneuf with this pick, adding another mega-talented defenseman to a future blueline unit that already includes Joni Pitkanen and Jeff Woywitka (a Phaneuf teammate at Red Deer). If he is available here – regardless of Philadelphia's desperate need for forward depth – he will surely don an orange and black sweater on Saturday. If Phaneuf is gone, however, expect the Flyers to target a forward. Given the players available, the team may very well opt to make a splash by taking Swedish teenage sensation Robert Nilsson. The son of former NHLer, Kent Nilsson, Robert broke Marcus Naslund's Swedish Elite League record for points in a season by a 17-year old this year with 21 (8 goals, 13 assists) in 41 games. As you would expect from a second-generation player, he possesses tremendous hockey sense and a great mind for the game. Offensively, he is talented and creative, loves to throw "no look" passes, and has a great touch around the net. He is a bit immature and often plays the game with a confidence level that borders on cockiness. Nonetheless, Nilsson is very coachable, and scouts do admire his love for the game and determination to succeed. A player with enormous offensive talent, Nilsson is often compared favorably to Peter Forsberg at the same age.

12. New York Rangers – Dustin Brown, RW (Guelph, OHL)
The Rangers could certainly use an injection of "character" into their system, and Brown can give them just that. The Ithica, NY native is not expected to become a major offensive contributor in the pro ranks, but he is an all-around physical force who is a solid player at both ends of the rink. With Brown, you always know that you are going to get a solid effort every night, on every single shift. He is the type of player who opponents hate play against, because of his in-your-face-style and tireless pursuit of the puck. Offensively, Brown has been a good, yet streaky point-producer in the OHL. Some scouts question his overall consistency and decision-making ability. He plays with a great deal of heart and tenacity, but his lack of superior hockey sense is often evident. At times, Brown seems to be somewhat confused on the ice, unsure of how to respond in certain situations. Overall, however, he is a fundamentally sound player who simply needs more seasoning. Brown has shown a strong desire to improve in every facet of his game, a trait that scouts are always looking for.

13. Los Angeles Kings – Andrei Kastsitsyn, C (Central Army, RUS)
Kastsitsyn's battle with epilepsy has been well-documented. The talented Novopolotsk, Belarus native was checked out by doctors earlier this month and most scouts seem to be sold on the notion that he can overcome his condition and go on to forge a solid career in the NHL. Regardless, selecting a player with a medical condition such as his is a risky proposition. What team better to take that risk then than the Los Angeles Kings, owners of two other first round selections (26th and 27th overall)? The Kings can use their late-first round picks as back-ups should the selection of Kastsitsyn not pan out, a luxury that other teams simply do not have. If the 6-0, 189 lb. forward can defeat his epileptic condition and live up to the promise of his abilities, however, LA (or whatever team does indeed select him) may just hit the jackpot. Kastsitsyn is one of the more physically-gifted players in the draft. He is smart, fast and very heady, and the puck seems to dance off of his stick with ease. A little more bulk will do him well in the NHL, but, regardless, he has the talent to one day become a major offensive contributor in North America.

14. Chicago Blackhawks – Konstantin Glazachev, LW (Yaroslavl Jr., RUS)
Where the Blackhawks and the NHL draft are concerned, there is a simple rule of thumb that proves true every year: When all things are equal, general manager Mike Smith will select a Russian. Actually, at fourteenth overall, Glazachev may be the best player available anyway. The 6-0, 186 lb. forward is rather thin and sorely needs to add muscle, but he is a dangerous and highly-skilled offensive player nonetheless. He has good hands and vision, a terrific shot, and decent passing skills. Glazachev is not a terrific skater in open ice, but is dangerous from the blueline in. Like Zherdev, however, he is somewhat immature, and often seems to forget that he is playing a team game. Glazachev also is occasionally guilty of over-handling the puck, not because his stick control is poor, but because he simply tries to do too much with the disk. He tries to play a high-tempo game on every shift, but, while scouts love to see the effort he puts in, they also note that he has to learn to pace himself better and tone down his intensity at times in order to avoid burnout and carelessness.

15. New York Islanders – Marc-Antoine Pouliot, C (Rimouski, QMJHL)
Few prospects ever emerge from the offense-oriented QMJHL as polished all-around players. Marc-Antoine Pouliot is already there. The 6-1, 188 lb. Quebec City native is an effective player at both ends of the ice, a true credit to his dedication to and understanding of the game. He plays with a lot of emotion and intensity, protects the puck well and pursues the disk with dogged determination. Pouliot is not a terrific skater and has was often accused this past season of disappearing during a number of games. To be fair, however, he was above and away the best player on a very poor Rimouski Oceanic team this season, and he had to carry the team on his back most nights. Such a situation can be quite taxing on a young player, but, for the most part, Pouliot handled his most unfortunate role with class and increased effort. He has the makings of a second line center in the NHL, a player who can provide a fair amount of offense (he recorded 73 points in 65 games in 2002-03) and be relied upon to put forth a solid two-way effort every game. The Islanders can not go wrong in adding a player of this ilk onto their depth chart.

16. Boston Bruins – Anthony Stewart, F (Kingston, OHL)
A prime combination of size, strength and toughness, Stewart is the prototypical power forward in the making. What sets him aside from other such players, however, is his keen puck awareness and skating ability. Stewart did it all for Kingston in 2002-03. He was used in all game situations and, often, was viewed as the team's "go to" guy. Scouts would still like to see more consistency out of him, and a better overall work ethic. But, he is maturing, and shows plenty of desire and emotion, both on and off the ice. At 6-1, 239 lbs., Stewart is one of tougher players in Canadian junior hockey. He can hit and fight when necessary, and is quite adept at muscling the puck away from opposing players. Stewart added some extra bulk over the past year, which has seemingly slowed him down a little. However, he is still quite fast and very strong on his skates. He also protects the puck quite well and rarely commits turnovers. Aside from Joe Thornton, the Bruins' system sorely lacks players with size and talent. Thus, Stewart could fit right in up in Beantown.

17. Edmonton Oilers – Patrick O'Sullivan (Mississauga, OHL)
If there's a true wildcard in this draft, it is certainly O'Sullivan. Some scouts have gone as far as to call him the most talented player in the draft. His skills  are exceptional across the board, and only his size (5-11, 190 lbs.) has been called into question as far as his on-ice potential is concerned. What has worried observers all year, however, is O'Sullivan's off-ice issues. The Winston-Salem, South Carolina was sent home for a month by the Mississauga Ice Dogs during the past season to deal with his problems, much of which stem from what was later revealed to be an ongoing battle with an abusive father. When O'Sullivan returned to play, he was simply terrific. Night in and night out, he delivered for the IceDogs (in total, he put up 81 points in 56 games), but many scouts remain skeptical of his long-term outlook and mental makeup. Whoever drafts O'Sullivan will be taking a gamble, but it could pay off in a huge way. His style of play would fit right in with the run-and-gun Oilers, if nothing else.

18. Washington Capitals – Mark Stuart, D (Colorado College, WCHA)
The team that drafts Stuart will not be looking for a franchise defenseman, but rather a future second-pairing rearguard, an unspectacular-yet-solid player who makes all the right plays. The 6-1, 209 lb. Rochester, Minnesota native sounds like a perfect fit for the Capitals, a franchise that loves to collect these types of players. Stuart can do it all, though there is no one thing that he does tremendously well. He handles the puck well, makes strong and precise outlet passes, plays physical along the boards and in front of the net, and can even jump into the play in the offensive end from time to time. When he does so, his big shot from the point can become quite the weapon. But, overall, he is not projected to be much of an offensive threat in the NHL. What he is projected to be is a rock steady professional defenseman. Nothing more, nothing less.

19. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim – Ryan Getzlaf, C (Calgary, WHL)
The one knock on Getzlaf is his skating. If he were a step quicker, he might be a shoe-in to be selected in the top ten of this year's draft. Still, the 6-2 ½, 195 lb. pivot remains a valued commodity. He consistently earns high marks for his all-out, physical style of play and overall competitiveness. Getzlaf will rack up the penalty minutes along with the points. He plays with a great deal of intensity on every shift, and will do what he has to do make a play. He has good hands and offensive instincts, but his skating certainly keeps him from being an upper-echelon prospect. Regardless, Getzlaf brings a strong combination of skill and determination to the table. The Mighty Ducks love "character" forwards, so the Regina, Saskatchewan native could be a natural fit in Southern California.

20. Minnesota Wild – Hugh Jessiman, RW (Dartmouth, ECAC)
Jacques Lemaire and the Minnesota Wild love to hoard coachable players, and Jessiman certainly is that. The 6-4, 200 lb. forward is rather raw, and is considered to be a project pick of sorts. However, he is naturally gifted in a number of areas and – as he proved during his freshman season at Dartmouth – is ever-determined to learn and improve. Jessiman, a virtual unknown this time last year, emerged as a top-notch prospect quickly in the 2002-03 season. Upon watching his team play in the ECAC, scouts immediately fell in love with his combination of physical toughness and skill, not to mention the fact that he simply dominated games this season. Jessiman possesses great hockey sense, above average skating ability, soft hands around the net and a booming shot. Various aspects of his overall game still need work, but they are all things that can be taught and improved over time.

21. San Jose Sharks – Ryan Kesler, C (Ohio State, CCHA)
If the Sharks do indeed take Ryan Suter with their first selection, they are likely to target a forward with their second pick. Another Ryan, this one by the last name of Kesler, seems to fit the bill for this team. Though he is not projected to be a big offensive contributor in the NHL, Kesler is viewed as a highly-competent, reliable two-way player. At 6-1 ½, 195 lbs., he is a strong skater and a real thorn in his opponents' sides. The Livonia, Michigan native plays a physical game when necessary, but is also perfectly adept at using his stick (or body) to get the job done. Kesler is a very resourceful, in-your-face-type player who keeps mistakes to a minimum. As long as he continues to get stronger, he should have no problem eventually nailing down a job as a second or third liner in the NHL.

22. New Jersey Devils – Jeff Carter, C (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL)
The recently-crowned Stanley Cup champions exercised their right to flipflop first round picks with the St. Louis Blues this year (thanks to the infamous Scott Stevens tampering case from a few years back), and are now in position to add more quality young talent to their system. Carter would seem to fit right in with the Devils' overall philosophy and style of play, as he is a strong two-way player with excellent offensive instincts and very good puck skills. The only thing Carter needs now is to grow into his body. At 6-3, 182 lbs., he is going to have to add some muscle to his frame. Like many 18-year-old hockey players, however, that is something that will simply come with time. Carter was one of the lone bright spots on a poor Sault Ste. Marie team this season, and really impressed scouts with his ability and willingness to virtually carry the team on his own at times, not to mention his emerging leadership skills.

23. Vancouver Canucks – Jeff Tambellini, LW (Michigan, CCHA)
The first thing you notice when you watch Tambellini play is his flawless skating ability. He seems to be flying on the ice from the moment his legs start moving, and his tremendous acceleration allows him to hit a super-quick second gear in no time flat. For this reason alone, he is an effective player at both ends of the rink. Offensively, what separates Tambellini from many other great skaters is his ability to not only maintain control, but to remain creative with the puck even at top speed. His smallish size could be an issue in the NHL, but he is so quick and elusive that he should be able to make up for it. Besides, though he is not a physical player per se, he is not afraid to take a hit and get his nose dirty. Tambellini's father, Bob, is a former NHLer who is now vice-president of player personnel for the Canucks. Don't be surprised to see the two reunited in Vancouver on Saturday.

24. Philadelphia Flyers – Steve Bernier, RW (Moncton, QMJHL)
Fans ans observers who follow NHL prospects closely love to compare soon-to-be drafted players with established or all-time great starts. It seems that every time Steve Bernier's name comes up in a draft preview or prospect profile, it is accompanied by two words: Mike and Bossy. Of course, Bossy, the former New York Islanders great, was one of the greatest pure goal-scorers the NHL has ever seen. Bernier is still a few years away from even establishing himself as a regular in the league, but his immense talent is immediately evident. In many ways, the 6-2 ½, 233 lb. could be the big, point-producing winger the Flyers are looking for (he tallied 49 goals and 52 assists for 101 points in 71 games this past season). He is not the greatest skater or defensive player out there, but his hockey sense and offensive instincts can more than make up for his shortcomings. Bernier can dazzle the opposition with his puck skills, finesse play and creativity. If he is still available when the Flyers pick at 24, he may also be dazzling Philadelphia fans in the years to come.

25. Tampa Bay Lightning – Brent Seabrook, D (Lethbridge, WHL)
Fresh off of their best season ever, the Southern Division champion Lightning would love to add a big, mean, all-around defenseman to their prospect stable. Seabrook certainly has the size and the talent to fit that bill, but scouts often question his desire and consistency. The 6-2 ½, 220 lb. Delta, B.C. native got off to a slow start this past season for Lethbridge, but seemed to steadily improve. A very strong performance at the world under-18 championship did wonders for both his game and reputation. He finished the tournament at plus-11, and helped guide Canada to the gold medal. Subtract that effort from his season, however, and Seabrook would not be a projected first round pick. At best, he is a versatile rearguard who plays well positionally, is physical, gets the puck out of the defensive zone in a hurry, and boast a good shot. If he could work on his consistency and firm up the positive aspects of his game, he has the ability to be a second-tier rearguard in the NHL.

26. Los Angeles Kings – Dan Fritsche, C (Sarnia, OHL)
Fritsche has ample talent, but it is his competitive drive and work ethic that really makes his game go. A smart, heads-up player, the 6-1, 198 lb. Parma, Ohio native is an opportunist, always looking for the best out of every on-ice situation. He is equally effective with or without the puck, and possesses a keen hockey sense that allows him to anticipate and react quickly to whatever is happening. Fritsche has good hands and solid skating ability, and is generally viewed as a future second line, two-way forward-type in the NHL. He has three titanium screws in each of his shoulders as a result of past injuries, but they are not expected to effect his development and future outlook. The Kings can nab one of the draft's premier prospects with their first pick (13th overall), then select a solid, reliable player like Fritsche here. Mature on and off the ice, the Sarnia pivot would be a sound, safe choice.

27. Los Angeles Kings – Richard Stehlik, D (Sherbrooke, QMJHL)
With three first round picks, the Kings are sure to select at least one defenseman. However, most of the draft's premier rearguards will be gone by the time they pick at 13, and the "second wave" of talented d-men will probably be off the board by this point as well. Of course, LA is a prime candidate to trade up to get what it wants. If it does not, Stehlik is a strong option. The towering 6-4, 245 lb. defenseman is a physical force, often compared to Ottawa's Zdeno Chara. He is quite mature, very solid positionally and tough to play against in the corners. Stehlik has a good shot, but tends to be somewhat inaccurate with it. Scouts also worry because he is not a very strong backwards skater, a prerequisite for any defenseman. Overall, however, Stehlik is coachable and has time to improve on his shortcomings. He is projected to be a dependable third or fourth defenseman in the NHL.

28. Dallas Stars – Patrick Eaves, RW (Boston College, Hockey East)
The Stars always seem to have pretty good luck with their late-first round draft choices, a true credit to their scouting department and overall assessment of prospect talent. In Eaves, the team could select a real sleeper. Yet another second-generation player, his father, Mike Eaves, played in 324 NHL games and is the current head coach at the University of Wisconsin. A talented player with solid skills across the board, Patrick's best qualities are his competitiveness and refusal to back down. Unfortunately, at just 5-10 ½, 173 lb., he has also gained his fair share of detractors. Injuries are another factor to consider. Eaves was limited to just 14 games in 2002-03 after damaging two vertebrae in December and suffering a concussion in a violent collision with Merrimack goaltender Joe Exter (whose skull was fractured) in March. He played extremely well when he was in the lineup, but scouts still are skeptical of how he will hold up and how his skills will translate to the NHL game.

29. Ottawa Senators – Mike Richards, C (Kitchener, OHL)
The second line center for the Memorial Cup champion Kitchener Rangers, Richards received a great deal of praise this season for his solid two-way play and emerging playmaking ability. The feisty Kenora, Ontario native has been compared to perennial NHL pest Mike Ricci, though scouts have been quick to caution that Richards' junior scoring numbers (he registered 87 points in 67 games in 2002-03) are unlikely to translate into offensive success in the pro ranks. Still, those same scouts love the 5-11, 187 lb. pivot's competitiveness and work ethic, not to mention his tremendous vision and above-average skating ability. Richards has been referred to as a "coach's dream" because he is an ultra-reliable player who makes very few mistakes and pays close attention to the finer points of the game. Sounds like the prototypical Senator already.

30. St. Louis Blues – Corey Perry, RW (London, OHL)
Perry is a natural goal scorer at the major junior level, with good hands, playmaking ability and size (6-2, 184 lbs.). However, he also has a reputation for being a very streaky performer, as he can be an all-out offensive force in one game and a virtual non-factor in the next. Despite his point-producing ability, he also has to improve his skating and defensive zone play. With players like Eric Fehr and Kevin Klein knocking on the door, Perry is a candidate to fall to the second round. For St. Louis, it will be a matter of personal preference, and determining whether or not Perry's ups-and-downs can eventually be ironed out. If they can, then, no question, he has the ability to one day be a second line player in the NHL.

Discuss this in our Flyers Center Ice Forums