Hockey’s Future 2013 Staff Mock Draft Photo: Top 2013 NHL Draft prospects Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Drouin, Nathan MacKinnon, and Seth Jones will learn where they begin their professional careers at this month’s draft (courtesy of Graig Abel/NHLI via Getty Images) The Stanley Cup Finals are still underway between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks, but much of the attention around the NHL has turned to the 2013 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 30th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Los Angeles Kings 2013 draft preview Photo: The Los Angeles Kings 15th overall pick in 2011, Derek Forbort signed a pro contract in April and finished the season in AHL Manchester (courtesy of Fred Kfoury/Icon SMI) After 2012 saw a first ever Stanley Cup for the Los Angeles Kings franchise, 2013 brought forth a noble defense of the title but elimination in the Conference Finals by the Chicago Blackhawks. In what is considered the most difficult of tasks, the Kings came just three wins from reaching a second consecutive final and a chance at repeating as champions. Calgary Flames 2013 draft preview Photo: Sven Baertschi, Calgary’s 13th overall pick in 2011, finished 2012-13 on a seven-game point streak, scoring three goals and six assists (courtesy of Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images) The Calgary Flames head into the 2013 NHL Draft four years removed from the playoffs. General Manager Jay Feaster has come to terms that the team is in a “rebuilding” mode rather than a “retooling” one. Gone is former captain Jarome Iginla and assistant captain Jay Bouwmeester, and in return are two first round picks acquired via both players waiving their no-trade clauses at trade deadline. The status of goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff is in the balance and his decision could also change the dynamics of the team next year should he decide to retire. The Flames find themselves at an interesting junction with a lot of questions to be answered. The upcoming draft could be the most important one in the team’s history. Beyond Tomorrow: Several future stars make their mark at the U18 tournament Photo: Russian forward Ivan Barbashev had a strong rookie season in the QMJHL, a performance that landed him on that league’s All-Rookie Team (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt/HF)
While most of the world’s best 16- and 17-year-old hockey players gathered in Sochi, Russia to play in the Under-18 World Junior Championship in late April, it was 15-year-old Connor McDavid who stole the show. Numerous Boston Bruins prospects enjoying extensive post-season success Photo: Defenseman Torey Krug has been fantastic during the Boston Bruins playoff run, posting four goals and two assists through 11 games. (courtesy of Robin Alam/Icon SMI) The Boston Bruins had several players step up and have big post-seasons, but none have made a greater impact than Torey Krug. With multiple injuries to the Boston Blue line, the Bruins called upon the likes of Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski, and Krug to fill the void. When Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference returned however, Krug remained. Andrey Vasilevskiy remains top prospect for Tampa Bay Lightning Photo: Goaltender Andrey Vasilevskiy remains the top prospect for the Tampa Bay Lightning. (Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images) The 2012-13 season saw many of the Tampa Bay Lightning's top prospects work their way onto the NHL roster. Radko Gudas and Alex Killorn both saw substantial time and made significant contributions with the big club while Tyler Johnson, Richard Panik, Ondrej Palat, and Mark Barberio also made their NHL debuts at various points throughout the lockout shortened season. Yakupov, Schultz among recipients of Edmonton Oilers prospect awards Photo: The first overall pick in 2012, Nail Yakupov finished his first NHL season with the most goals (17) and tied for the most points (31) among rookies (courtesy of Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI) Video: 2013 NHL Combine – Frederik Gauthier, QMJHL Photo: Rimouski Oceanic forward Frederik Gauthier has watched his NHL Draft stock increase steadily over the course of the 2012-13 season (courtesy of Ken McKenna/HF)
While the thought of drafting a solid two-way forward may not be appealing to the average hockey fan, judging by his steady rise in the 2013 NHL Draft rankings, it looks like hockey scouts are excited about the potential of Rimouski Oceanic center, Frederik Gauthier. Czech prospect Vrana adapting well to Swedish hockey Photo: Czech forward Jakub Vrana currently plays hockey in Sweden, but could receive attention at the 2013 CHL Import Draft (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt/HF)
Adler, a small, rather nameless coastal resort just south of Sochi that is receiving worldwide attention as one of the hosting places of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, recently was packed with hockey scouts, journalists and the top players born in 1995 or later for the IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Montreal Canadiens 2013 draft preview Photo: Defenseman Nathan Beaulieu was selected 17th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. Beaulieu made his NHL debut in 2012-13, appearing in six games and recording two assists. (courtesy of Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) The Montreal Canadiens surprised everyone by jumping from 15th place in the Eastern Conference in 2011-12 to second in the conference and winning their division in the lockout shortened 2012-13 season. The quick first round exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Canadiens against the Ottawa Senators only confirmed to General Manager Marc Bergevin that his team is not built yet to be a yearly playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. |
