Take Your Pick

The 2001 NHL Entry Draft could end up being much deeper than anyone originally anticipated, especially since Bruins GM Mike O’Connell helped by being a contributor. After failing to agree on contracts with prospects Kyle Wanvig, Seamus Kotyk, Martin Grenier and Donald Choukalos on June 1st, the depth in the Bruins organization appears quite shallow. Because of their 1980 birth dates, rugged defenseman Martin Grenier and goalie Seamus Kotyk have been lost to free agency. The Phoenix Coyote’s pounced very early signing Grenier while the San Jose Sharks agreed to terms with Kotyk. The future still remains a mystery for power forward Kyle Wanvig and goalie Donald Choukalos as both will return to Sunrise Florida as draft re-entrees.

Last year at this time, the Bruins were coming off their second losing season since 1968. Unlike last season, the Bruins do not have a high draft pick to merit their consecutive poor performance. The Bruins are currently slotted for the 13^th pick, but don’t hold your breath because the Bruins sent the right to swap places in the 1st round and a 2^nd round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for winger Billy Guerin last November.

Since the departure of Ray Bourque, the Bruins defense has been under attack. Notable draft prospects Mike Komisarek, Dan Hamhuis, and Lukas Krajicek will not be available when the Bruins announce their 1st selection at 13 or 19. The 2001 draft class is considered a deep draft, stockpiled with talented scorers and bone crunching defenseman. The Bruins are fortunate and remain in position to acquire one of the following considered quality prospects entering the draft:

CARLO COLAIACOVO
Erie Otters (OHL)
6’1″, 185 lbs.
Defense, Shoots Left
Born: Jan 27, 1983 in Toronto, Ontario

A very good skater who is hard to knock off the puck, Colaiacovo is a two-way defenseman who dominates the defensive zone. Solid in the corners and in front of the net, he flattens everyone and anyone who crosses his path. He loves to join the offensive rush and is a good decision maker. He is excellent on the power play with a hard, accurate shot and has amazing puck handling skills. He won the Puck Control event at the CHL Top Prospects Skills Evaluation with a time of 16.766 seconds.

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JEFF WOYWITKA

Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
6’2″, 198 lbs.
Defense, Shoots Left
Born: September 1, 1983 in Vermillion, Alberta

A mobile defenseman with good size, Jeff Woywitka is an excellent decision maker with good hockey sense. Woywitka is a meat and potato’s defensive defenseman. His style of game is physical; playing strong in the corners and in front of the net. He is not the greatest of puck handlers, but has shown that he can start the break out and clear the zone when needed.

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JAY HARRISON

Brampton Battalion (OHL)
6’3″, 207 lbs.
Defense, Shoots Left
Born: November 3, 1982 in Oshawa, Ontario

Jay Harrison is a strong skater who is solid on is feet. He plays a very physical game and takes advantage of every opportunity to flatten an opponent. He possesses a great work ethic and comes to play every night. He makes very good outlet passes to his teammates and is quick to join the offensive rush.  Harrison unfortunately is the falling star of the draft. His performance at the CHL Prospects Game and his overall play during the second half of the season has many questioning his decision-making and hockey sense.

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IGOR KNYAZEV

Spartak (Russia)
6’0″, 191 lbs.
Defense, Shoots Left
Born: January 27, 1983 in Elektrostal, Russia

A strong skater with good mobility, Knyazev is an offensive-minded defenseman with the ability to lead the attack.  He has good puckhandling skills and has great passing skills. He plays a solid positional game in the defensive zone, and has good hockey sense. He anticipates the play very well and plays with poise in tough situations. He’s a typical Russian player with finesse but will not back down from anyone. He’s a very coachable player with a great attitude and is a team player with leadership qualities both on and off the ice.  He captained the Gold Medal-winning Russian team at the 2001 Under-18 World Championship in Finland and led the tournament with a +/- rating of +13.

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COLBY ARMSTRONG

Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

6’1″, 180 lbs.
Right Wing, Shoots Right

Born: November 23, 1982 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

Colby Armstrong is a very smooth skater who sees the ice very well and is an excellent playmaker. He knows how to position himself to create goal-scoring opportunities and will park in front of the net or play in heavy traffic. He protects the puck very well and has an awareness of where his teammates are on the ice. His passes are tape-to-tape and is a big threat short handed. Armstrong will not be a super star player but should develop into a 2^nd line two-way winger.

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CHUCK KOBASEW
Boston College (HE)
5’11”, 195 lbs.

Right Wing, Shoots Right

Born: April 17, 1982 in Osoyoos, British Columbia

A great skater with good agility who works hard all over the ice, Kobasew has a full arsenal of shots. He has an excellent wrist shot with a very quick release and a backhand that’s caught many a goaltender off guard. He has strong offensive instincts and overall skills and is a very good passer and playmaker. He goes hard to the net and is aggressive in his pursuit of the puck. He will pay the price in front of the net and will maintain excellent body positioning. He could be the steal of the draft.