Much attention has been focused on the first two rounds of this particular draft because of the apparent depth of this particular draft class. However the Stars have five of their current 9 picks after the end of the second round. Who could they be interested in?
Firstly I think it would be a good idea to look at this article I wrote on European Prospects because the vast majority of the players mentioned in here could go beyond the second round. I won’t go into details on those listed here but I’d say that the ones I’d pay the most attention to would be: Marko Dano, Peter Cehlarik, Bogdan Yakimov, Carl Dahlstrom, Viktor Crus Rydberg and Anton Cederholm. Another player likely to go beyond the second round, and one I’ve already written about, is Ryan Kujawinski.
As a heads up, and to briefly explain it, there will be goaltenders mentioned in these lists of players. Why? The Dallas Stars need goaltender prospects in the juniors in the pipeline. Its likely that Maxime Lagace will be turning pro, most likely to the ECHL, and therefore the Stars would only have a single goaltender in the juniors: Henri Kiviaho. Tyler Beskorowany’s future is currently unknown though it appears unlikely the Stars will resign him. Its better to have too many goaltender prospects than not enough. In the Stars case it will be better to wait until the later rounds to go after them however.
Eric Comrie, G, 6″1 175lbs, Tri City Americans, WHL
Comrie is an impressive all around goaltender who missed most of the season after requiring surgery in January to fix a hip injury. Before the injury Comrie was one of the most hyped goaltenders in North America but concerns over whether his injury could impact upon him in the long term. If he recovers fully he could be a steal in the mid rounds of the draft.
Teemu Kivihalme, LD, 6″0, 165lbs, Burnsville High, USHS (HS-MN)
Kivihalme is one of those prospects that very few people will have heard of and is likely going to go in the fourth to seventh rounds. Despite his name, he holds dual Finnish-American citizenship, he has suited up for America when he played for the USA U18 team. He is one of the most skilled skaters in the draft, his skating is probably NHL level already, but he is currently very slight. He needs to add a lot of weight and strength but he has some excellent offensive talent. He would be a project but Kivihalme has powerplay quarterback written all over him. He’s committed to Colorado College for 2014 and a few years in the NCAA could help refine him into an excellent defenseman.
Brett Pesce, RD, 6″3, 175lbs, University of New Hampshire, NCAA
Brett Pesce was one of the youngest defensemen playing in the NCAA this season but he managed to turn some heads with his solid defensive play. He’s not a player to expect much offensive production from but he works hard in his own zone and keeps the puck out of the net. He can be a reliable stay at home guy and minute muncher for a team.
Carter Verhague, LC, 6″2, 185lbs, Niagara IceDogs, OHL
Verhague is an intriguing forward that has been buried on a deep IceDogs team. He should have a chance to step up next season and do well. He’s got a lot of play making talent and could make an impression in a few years. He’ll be project but could turn into something good for a team that is willing to wait.
Ruslan Pedan, LD, 6″1, 174lbs, Janesville Jets, NAHL
Brother of Jets prospect, Andrey Pedan, Ruslan has been turning heads. He is a physical two way defenseman with a good shot and pretty good skating style. He has some issues with defensive position, he only recently converted to a defenseman from the forward. Whether he does go the NCAA route is questionable as there have been suggestions he might convert to the Major Juniors through the CHL Import Draft.
Spencer Harper, LW, 6″2, 200lbs, Erie Otters, OHL
Spencer Harper is one of those prospects that could do really well or could completely bust. He’s an interesting mix of strength and goalscoring ability. He is good along the boards and with his physicality. He looks lazy however and his skating style and speed is just about decent. He can get caught out watching the play instead of doing something about it. All of this raises questions over whether he could reach the pros. If he puts it together he could be pretty good, if he doesn’t it is a bust of a pick. But thats the risk that has to be taken.
Kayle Doetzel, RD, 6″3, 195lbs, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
Doetzel is a reasonably mobile physical defenseman. He is unlikely to put up a tonne of points but he is safe in his own end and shows some good hockey sense. Instead of dumping the puck off the glass and out he will look for a player to pass to, something that can be very helpful when leading to a rush. He has the potential to at least be a serviceable bottom pairing defenseman at the NHL level.
Evan Cowley, G, 6″4, 190lbs, Wichta Falls Wildcats, NAHL
Cowley is a talented but very raw goaltender. He’s a big goaltender and has the size that is generally liked by NHL teams. He has got the athleticism and the mentality but he has to refine his game and develop before he’s ready for the pros. He’s committed to the University of Denver for 2014.
Remi Elie, RW, 6″1, 203lbs, London Knights, OHL
Remi Elie has been playing fourth line minutes on a very deep London Knights side but has shown himself to be a workhorse. With graduations from the London Knights he will likely step up the lineup and will probably be on for a big production increase next season. He’s got good hockey sense and good offensive ability but he needs to become more confident in himself. His skating could also improve.