Here is International Scouting Services’ March preliminary identification list of the top draft-eligible prospects for the NHL’s 2004 Entry Draft in Raleigh, N.C., next June 26-27.

 

 

1. ALEXANDRE OVECHKIN, LW

6-2/205

R

9-17-85

Dynamo Moscow

 

2. EVGENI MALKIN, C

6-3/185

L

7-31-86

Magnitogorsk

 

3. ROBBIE SCHREMP, C

6-0/ 200

L

07-01-86

London

 

4. CAM BARKER, D

6-3/206

L

4-4-86

Medicine Hat

 

5. WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW

6-3/188

L

2-24-86

Brampton

 

6. ROSTISLAV OLESZ, C

6-2/200

L

10-10-85

Vitkovice

 

7.ALVARO MONTOYA, G

6-1.5/193

L

02.13.85

Univ. Michigan

 

8. LAURI TUKONEN, RW

6-2/ 198

R

09-01-86

Espoo Blues

 

9.ANDREW LADD, LW

6-2/200

L

12-12-85

Calgary

 

10. DREW STAFFORD, RW

6-2/200

R

10-30-85

Univ. of North Dakota

 

RISING

 

Roman Tomanek / Povazaka Bystrica, HK 95

Position: Left Wing      Height: 6’0”   Weight:  172      

 

Somewhat unheralded before last month’s Four Nations tournament in Piestany, Slovakia, Tomanek opened a lot of scouts’ eyes with his play in this tournament. An electrifying player to watch.                                    

 

Kevin Coughlin / Quebec (QMJHL) 

Position: Right Wing   Height: 6’1.5”   Weight:  224

 

Emerging into a potential mid-to-late round selection for the upcoming 2004 NHL Draft, Coughlin’s skating and skills are better than first thought.  He is solid two-way forward, reads the play well, keeps his feet moving, works hard, and creates opportunities with both good forechecking and hard work. Could develop into a good defensive forward at the next level.

 

Nick Johnson / Saint Albert Saints

Position: Right Wing     Height: 6’2”   Weight:  175

 

Nick Johnson has really come out of nowhere in the ISS March rankings. Besides his excellent skills, Johnson already has great size at 6’2” and a vigorous work ethic, two intangibles you can’t teach. Projected to be a solid two-way winger at the NHL level, he’s heading to Dartmouth University of the NCAA next season.                           

 

Justin Pogge / Prince George Cougars 

Position: Goal   Height: 6’3”   Weight:  183

 

Pogge has made huge strides since the beginning of the season. He’s very poised for a 17-year-old, a solid goalie who has a passion for the game. Pogge takes up a lot of the net and plays the butterfly style. He recovers well after being scored on.                                                      

 

Julien Sprunger / Fribourg-Gotterson SA, HC

Position: Right Wing       Height: 6’3”    Weight: 178

 

Sprunger has seen his draft ranking on the rise since the start of the season. He is big and uses his size very well. He is a good forechecker and finishes all his checks. Using his wide range, Sprunger can win pucks along the boards and in the corners. Can control the puck at high speed.   

                                                            

Liam Reddox / Peterborough   (OHL)

Position: Left Wing     Height: 5’11”   Weight:  185

 

Starting to get scouts’ attention, Reddox is quickly establishing himself as one of the most dangerous 1986-born players in the OHL.  His puck skills make him dangerous in the offensive zone, and he has a nose for the net.  Worth a risk in the later rounds.  

 

 

FALLING

 

Ryan Garlock / Windsor (OHL)

Position: Center      Height: 6.01        Weight:  204

 

Two factors have Garlock falling in ISS’s March rankings: the strong play of other 1986 prospects, and injuries. After battling back from a wrist injury, Garlock now finds himself sidelined again, possibly for the rest of the season, with a separated shoulder.  He was just starting to settle in with his new team, as well as familiarizing himself with his new linemates, when the injury occurred.                                             

 

Jason Churchill / Halifax   (QMJHL)

Position: Goal           Height: 6’3.5”           Weight:  184

 

Churchill is probably one of the most improved goalies in the QMJHL this year, however, he still has a few areas that need improvement. He has played a ton of minutes this season and consequently fatigue has become an issue.                                               

 

Peter Pohl / Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Position: Right Wing   Height: 5’11”         Weight:  185

 

At first glance, Pohl seemed to adjust quickly to the North American game, at least offensively.  But he has slowed down since our last report on him in January.  His offensive numbers have fallen drastically.  It’s becoming more apparent that his lack of size and strength will be a major concern on GM’s minds come draft day.    

 

Evan McGrath / Kitchener  (OHL)

Position: Center      Height: 6’0”          Weight: 180

 

McGrath is not playing the way a guy with this much talent should be.  Where is the rookie 90-point Tier II Junior A All-Star?  It’s surprising the way he has played this season, as it was that thought he would be dominant.  McGrath shies away from physical contact, and doesn’t have the confidence at this level to control and move with the puck as he did in playing Tier II Junior A.