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ISS Top 15 prospects for the 2005 NHL Draft

Written by: Int'l Scouting Services on 07/18/2005

International Scouting Services presents their top 15 prospects for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held July 30^th in Ottawa, ON:

1. Sidney Crosby, Center

Team: Rimouski (QMJHL), Height: 5-11, Weight: 180

2. Benoit Pouliot, Left Wing

Team: Sudbury (OHL), Height: 6-3, Weight: 183

3. Jack Johnson, Defense

Team: NTDP Under-18 (USA), Height: 6-1, Weight: 197

4. Gilbert Brule, Center

Team: Vancouver (WHL), Height: 5-10, Weight: 187

5. Bobby Ryan, Right Wing

Team: Owen Sound (OHL), Height: 6-1, Weight: 213

6. Anze Kopitar, Center

Team: Sodertalje (SWE), Height: 6-2, Weight: 200

7. Marc Staal, Defense

Team: Sudbury (OHL), Height: 6-3, Weight: 197

8. Ryan O’Marra, Center

Team: Erie (OHL), Height: 6-2, Weight: 182

9. Marek Zagrapan, Center

Team: Chicoutimi (QMJHL), Height: 6-1, Weight: 195

10. Carey Price, Goaltender

Team: Tri-City (WHL), Height: 6-2, Weight: 222

11. Luc Bourdon, Defense

Team: Val d’Or (QMJHL), Height: 6-2, Weight: 205

12. Martin Hanzal, Center

Team: Ceske Budejovice (CZE), Height: 6-5, Weight: 199

13. Jack Skille, Right Wing

Team: USNTDP, Height: 6-0, Weight: 198

14. Alex Bourret, Center

Team: Lewiston (QMJHL), Height: 5-9, Weight: 209

15. Ryan Parent, Defenseman

Team: Guelph (OHL), Height: 6-2, Weight: 183

From ISS 2005 NHL Draft Guide, two of the most unheralded prospects to watch for:

Juraj Mikus

Position: Right Wing

Born: 2-22-87

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185

ISS Ranking: #32

ISS Oct. Ranking: #168

Report Card

Size/Strength B

Skating A-

Shot/Scoring B+

Puckhandling B+

Hockey Sense B+

Leadership B

Poise B

Defense C+

Skill: Plays with intensity at all times. Excellent skater with mobility and lateral movement. Has a good scoring touch

Scouting Report: Every year some unforeseen prospect jumps up out of the woodwork, grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, like Juraj Mikus. Here at ISS we believe Mikus is one of the more skilled and talented forwards available in the draft, and as a result, he has risen to 32^nd in our rankings. His game-breaking speed, balance, net drive, shot selection, and versatility leave all sorts of doors open for him. He could turn into a dynamic first-line scoring forward, or a two-way second-line forward if he works on his defensive-zone coverage. He adapted extremely well to playing in the Slovak Extraleague. He started the season alternating between Skalica’s first and junior team. With the first team he mostly played on third or fourth line. In November, shortly after a coaching change, Mikus took advantage of the increased ice-time to become a regular player.

NHL Potential: Huge potential and upside – lots to work with for a NHL team. Style compares to: Milan Hejduk.

Jeff May

Position: Defense

Born: 04.04.87

Height: 6-1.5

Weight: 186

ISS Ranking: #42

ISS Oct. Ranking: #189

Report Card

Size/Strength B+

Skating B+

Shot/Scoring B-

Puckhandling B+

Hockey Sense A-

Leadership B+

Poise A-

Defense B+

Skill: He has the tools to be a good pro prospect. He skates well, plays the body and is capable of making plays on a consistent basis. Can play in all situations.

Scouting Report: May is a player that is slowly blossoming into a difficult decision come draft day. He has the tools to be a good professional prospect. The Richmond, British Columbia native is a calm and composed rearguard who accomplishes many things in subtle ways. He was strong defensively all season long, said ISS scout Rick Jackson. "He's a very smooth skater with quick feet, he is smart with the puck, handles it very well, and makes a good first pass. He plays the game with the edge you must have to be successful at a higher level. He has progressed very quickly in his first full year in the WHL". With veterans Luke Fritshaw and Chris Schlenker finishing off their eligibility this year, next season will be a new chapter for May where he will have as much responsibility as he could possibly want.

NHL Potential: Must get stronger but has good physical upside. Father is 6-6 and uncles are 6-4 or 6-5, respectively. Should play with more confidence. Style compares to: Dave Ellett.

More information like the information included in this article can be found in International Scouting Service's 2005 NHL Draft Guide. Click here for more details

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