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21 Tyler Myers - D - Buffalo Sabres
Height: 6-6, Weight: 211

Potentially the next Zdeno Chara? It’s not completely out of the question in the future for the 6’7, 220 lb Myers, who had a breakthrough third season in the WHL for the league champion Kelowna Rockets. He was dominating at times, especially during the post-season, often controlling the game and both end of the rink. While not spectacular offensively, Myers progressed exponentially in that regard this past season, and appears to be gaining more confidence in that aspect of his game. Combine that with his size, physical play, skating ability and defensive prowess, you can see why the Sabres are so excited about having Myers in the organization. On another team, the 19-year-old might not be rushed to the next level so quickly, but it won’t be a surprise to see Myers stick with Buffalo this year.

22 Jonathan Bernier - G - Los Angeles Kings
Height: 5-11, Weight: 177

Disappointed after being passed over by Jonathan Quick for a promotion to Los Angeles midseason, Bernier took some time to find his game again with Manchester of the AHL, reminiscent of the funk he experienced after being sent back to major junior hockey early in the 2007-08 season. As in 2007, Bernier eventually found his head and finished the season as one of the best goaltenders in the AHL. The organization is confident in Bernier’s ability to be a top netminder in the NHL. With a year of professional hockey already under his belt, this may be the coming-out season for Bernier to prove his worth at the top level.

23 Cory Schneider - G - Vancouver Canucks
Height: 6-2, Weight: 195

Schneider excelled in his pro debut in the AHL last year, earning goaltender of the year honors, while leading the league in goals against average and save percentage. With good size, composure, positioning and sound butterfly technique, there aren’t many weaknesses to Schneider’s game. The only thing currently stopping Schneider from starting right now at the NHL level is Roberto Luongo. And with Luongo locked up long term in Vancouver, Schneider’s best bet to start in the future will probably end up being with another organization. He’s got a good shot to be Luongo’s backup at worst this season, but don’t be shocked to see him used as trade bait for a team in need of a No. 1 netminder this year.

24 Ondrej Pavelec - G - Atlanta Thrashers
Height: 6-2, Weight: 180

Pavelec has a good size, strong athleticism and flexibility. The 22-year-old displays solid focus and mental toughness, and challenges the shooter well. Pavelec does sometimes over-commit to shots and still needs to work on is his consistency. Pavelec spent most of the last two seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers’ AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, as their starting goaltender, and saw action in 12 of the Thrashers’ 2008-09 games when Atlanta starter Kari Lehtonen was injured. Pavelec is expected to challenge for a starting NHL spot this season, and if Lehtonen is traded, could take that position.

25 Evgeny Grachev - C - New York Rangers
Height: 6-3, Weight: 202

Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who was drafted in 2008 as a center, but spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing for the OHL Brampton Battalion. At 6’3, 212 lbs, he can occupy whatever space he chooses and has the ability to make things happen in front of the net. Grachev is expected to play the wing in the NHL. At 19, Grachev may not play with the New York Rangers the entire 2009-10 season, however, even if he starts the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, he is expected to become a mid-season call-up to the NHL team.

26 Brayden Schenn - C - Los Angeles Kings
Height: 6-0, Weight: 196

With a brother the caliber of Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman Luke Schenn, it can be assured that Brayden Schenn grew up having to earn everything he had. He has applied this mentality towards his hockey career and has become one of the grittiest and most competitive forwards taken in the 2009 Entry Draft. But the story with Schenn does not stop at his work ethic, as the Kings first-rounder has the offensive game to go along with it. While he may not be a superstar on offense, Schenn makes an excellent second-line forward able to play on both ends of the ice and in any situation.

27 Kevin Shattenkirk - D - Colorado Avalanche
Height: 5-11, Weight: 193

Shattenkirk continues to excel at Boston University. The heady offensive-minded defenseman is much stronger than his 5’11 frame would indicate. Shattenkirk has proven his worth in the clutch at both the collegiate level with a national championship already under his belt as a sophomore, and the international level as a premier member of the United States U20 World Junior Championships team. The smooth skater returns to BU where he will continue to refine the defensive side of his game. With the Avalanche going through a rebuild, the 19-year-old Shattenkirk may get a contract sooner rather than later.

28 Evander Kane - LW - Atlanta Thrashers
Height: 5-11, Weight: 160

Kane came away from the 2008-09 season looking like the prize for any team seeking out a future power forward. While he still has a lot of filling out to do, Kane's high-octane blend of hockey helped him to a 48-goal season with the Vancouver Giants. The fourth overall pick in 2009, Kane has a natural scoring ability and is a strong presence in front of the net. Additionally, he has great vision on the ice as a playmaker. Kane plays a very punishing physical game. He seems to love dishing out a big hit and dropping the gloves for his team when needed. Kane is getting a long look with Atlanta in the pre-season and has a chance of cracking the opening night roster.

29 Erik Karlsson - D - Ottawa Senators
Height: 5-11, Weight: 165

With the premium on offensively gifted blue-liners, there is no questioning why Ottawa’s top prospect lands on this list. Karlsson is a very smooth and skater and has great mobility. His passing skills are impressive whether it be a long stretch pass or a short and snappy one. He also has a strong and accurate shot from the point. The above qualities combined make Karlsson an excellent power-play quarterback. In order to effectively use his talents at the NHL level, the 19-year-old Karlsson will have to work on his defensive game and add some size . He can at times be somewhat of a liability while under pressure. But he is expected to make the squad out of camp this year, his first in North America.

30 Joe Colborne - C - Boston Bruins
Height: 6-5, Weight: 190

As the biggest future offensive threat in the Bruins' prospect pool, there is quite a bit of pressure on Colborne's shoulders. While with the University of Denver, he went through a growth spurt, making him one of Boston's tallest prospects as well at 6'5. Once the 19-year-old gets the full grasp of his size advantage in the middle, he could be deadly. He has all the ability to become a gifted play-making center in the NHL, and if he ever gets a hold of the physical edge his size gives him, he could be elite. For now he will continue to mature in college as a sophomore.

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