2nd Round:
38th overall: Alex Chiasson, RW - Des Moines (USHL)
Good skill level and good value for the Stars in the early second round. He has great potential to be a top six forward but needs some time to develop and build muscle and strength. He has a big frame and should be able to bulk up enough to build upon his skills as a power forward.
I was really impressed by his attitude. He knows that he has a lot of work to do to make before he makes it to the NHL, but he also realizes there's more than just hockey to focus on. He's excited about going to Boston University so that he can get a great education along with playing in one of the best hockey programs in North America.
You can read my interview with Alex Chiasson here.
3rd Round:
69th overall: Reilly Smith, RW - St. Michaels (OHL)
2008 stats: 49 GP, 27G, 48A, 75Pts
I talked with a couple of scouts about Smith, who all said he's a very impressive and skilled forward. When he has the puck, he's a dominating force who can score from pretty much anywhere on the ice. He's fast, has a great shot, great skater and is an excellent passer. He's a pure playmaker who has great potential.
Some say that he disappears when he doesn't have the puck, but the scout I talked to said this is mostly because he's so skilled he gets bored. It wasn't that big of an issue, especially since he wasn't without the puck very often. He's a coachable player who should have no trouble improving at the next level.
5th Round:
129th overall: Tomas Vincour, C - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
2008 stats: 49GP, 17G, 19A, 36pts
Vincour is an interesting pick. He's a skilled player with a good shot, but he just doesn't have that great of skating ability and it's holding him back a bit from progressing like he should. Yet his offensive skill is so high it's hoped that he can eventually develop his skating to catch up to the rest of his game.
6th Round:
159th overall: Curtis McKenzie, LW - Penticton Vees (BCHL)
2008 stats: 53GP, 30G, 34A, 64Pts
The Dallas Stars best value pick of the draft. McKenzie is an extremely versatile player with tremendous potential to develop into a solid player in the NHL. He is physical and loves to drop the gloves, but also has the skill and finesse to be a top scorer wherever he plays. Loves to get physical along the boards and make things happen with big hits and high energy plays. He's more than decent in the defensive zone and can play in any situation on the ice.
The scout I talked to about McKenzie raved about his intangibles and his potential. He's a complete player who embraces challenges on both ends of the ice. He's got great work ethic should develop into a top prospect for the Stars very soon.
7th Round:
The Stars traded their 7th round pick to San Jose for the Sharks' 6th round pick in the 2010 draft.