First Round – 5th Overall Stanislav Chistov (Omsk/Russia) – Right Wing (18) 5’9″ 169lbs Shoots: Right
Central Scouting Report
“An excellent skater with impressive speed and agility … and outstanding offensive-minded player who is a scoring threat every time he is on the ice … a creative playmaker with very strong puck handling skills … has the ability to control the puck and maneuver very well at top speed … has good vision and strong hockey instincts … a very good competitor and a hard worker who plays with a lot of intensity.”
The best available player at #5 and arguably the most skilled player in the draft, Chistov is expected to return to Russia next season but commented that he would attend the Ducks camp this season if invited. He has also played center. Compared to both Kariya and Sergei Samsonov, though it’s been said his skating isn’t as powerful as Kariya’s.
Second Round – 35th Overall Mark Popovic (St. Michael’s/OHL/Canada) – Defense (18) 6’1″ 194lbs Shoots: Left
Central Scouting Report
“Mark has very good speed and agility and is very strong on his skates … possesses excellent hockey sense and strong hockey puck handling skills … plays a very sound defensive game and consistently makes the right decisions … has a very strong and accurate point shot … quarterbacks the power play … although he is primarily defensive-minded, he is not afraid to join the offensive attack … not an overly physical player who effectively takes his man and is a solid checker … a very dedicated player who works hard all the time … a very reliable player who logs a lot of ice time … possesses very strong leadership qualities both on and off the ice.”
A solid defenseman who is very quick. Popovic has no glaring weaknesses and will be ready to play with the Ducks club in a year or two. He is a steal at 35 as he was predicted to go in the mid first round. Popovic is expected to attend camp this September and then return to St. Michaels of the Ontario Hockey League.
Third Round – 66th Overall Joel Stepp (Red Deer/WHL/Canada) – Center (18) 6’0″ 185lbs Shoots: Left
Central Scouting Report
“A very strong skater with good acceleration, agility and quickness … one of the better fore checkers in the WHL … effectively forces turnovers and aggressively pursues the puck … is strong in the face-off circle and is an excellent penalty killer … a very competitive player who works hard every shift … will sacrifice himself to make the play … a solid two-way player who is very aware of his defensive responsibilities.”
An excellent selection in the third round, Stepp should be able to step into a third line in a year or two and be solid. He has the potential to someday center a second line if he continues to improve his offensive skills. Stepp is also expected to attend camp this September and then return to Red Deer of the Western League. Pierre Gauthier has commented that Stepp plays with a lot of speed, grit and intensity.
Fourth Round – 102nd Overall Timo Parssinen (HPK/Finland) – Left Wing (24) 5’10″ 176lbs Shoots: Left
At age 24, Parssinen might make an immediate impact as he will be fighting for a spot on the club this year. Pierre spoke with Timo and will be having discussions with his agent shortly. He is a highly intense player who isn’t afraid of the high traffic areas in front of the net. He faced NHL defensemen at the World Championships and impressed Pierre Gauthier. He had two goals and eight points in nine games, earning second-team, all-star status in Germany. Gauthier mentioned that he is going to be a NHL player who might need some time to get adjusted but if he goes to camp he will bother a lot of people who are fighting for jobs.Fourth Round – 105 Overall Vladimir Korsunov (Spartak/Russia) – Defense (18) 6’2″ 202lbs
Tough defensemen who is not afraid to get physical. Decent skater, and works well with the puck. Will most likely return to Russia. Korsunov adds a lot of much needed depth at defense in the Ducks organization.Fourth Round – 118th Overall Brandon Rogers (Hotchkiss/USHSE/United States) – Defense (19) 6’1″ 190lbs Shoots: Right
Central Scouting Report
“A very agile and mobile skater with good lateral movement … a good decision maker with strong passing skills … very effective in one-on-one situations … has excellent anticipation of the play and plays a sound positional game in the defensive zone … has an accurate shot from the point … very adept at blocking shots and forcing turnovers … enjoys the physical aspect of the game.”
Now the Ducks and Angels both have a Brandon Rogers in there farm system. The Angels have a catcher playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. The Ducks drafted the 19-year-old Rogers who will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. Four years of college hockey is just what Brandon needs and in a few years might be ready to play for either the Cincinnati or Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Regardless of his timeline he adds some much needed depth to the Ducks defensive troupe.
