Future Considerations’ scout Dan Sallows gives his thoughts on who from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft class left him impressed, who disappointed and who his sleeper is on draft day.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Jon Gillies
In more than a few minds, Indiana Ice goaltender Jon Gillies is one of the best puck stopper available for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Kristoffer Lauridsen
Kristoffer Lauridsen may not have appeared anywhere on Future Considerations’ charts, but after his performance at the 2012 IIHF World Under-18’s, NHL scouts may want to kick his tires a little.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Denis Kamaev
He isn’t considered to be an early pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, but Denis Kamaev could very well be a steal on draft day.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Anthony Stolarz
Standing 6-foot-5, weighing 200-pounds, and having the acrobatic abilities of a goalie half his size, it’s easy to see why NHL scouts are salivating at the thought of drafting Anthony Stolarz.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Matt Tompkins
Matt Tomkins was an AJHL rookie this season that was supposed to be a backup, but somebody must have failed to give him the memo.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Brett Welychka
It’s easy to get lost in the mix on a team in London that is stacked with some exceptional young talent, but that hasn’t bothered centre Brett Welychka, who just comes to the rink night in and night out ready to do whatever it takes in order to help the Knights succeed.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Carter Rigby
The Kelowna Rockets are a team on the rise that features a stunning young nucleus of up and coming players on the verge of breaking out, not the least of which is left winger Carter Rigby.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Tanner Richard
What do you get when you cross the diligent hockey schoolings of a Swiss player with the bloodlines of a Canadian? The answer…Tanner Richard of the Guelph Storm.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Alex Kerfoot
After seeing Alexander Kerfoot light up the BC Major Midget League last season, there was no doubt he was going to propel into stardom in the BCHL.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Robert Pelletier
NHL scouts probably heard little of dynamic winger Robert Pelletier at the beginning of the season, but chances are they have him on their radar now.
Sallows Draft Tracks: Aleksander Barkov
There has never been a Finnish-born player taken first overall in the NHL Draft, but that could all change come 2013 as Aleksander Barkov is an elite talent that has been garnering attention from scouts and fans alike over the past few months.
Sallows Draft Tracks: Ryan Pulock
There is little doubt Ryan Pulock will be a first round selection come 2013.
Sallow’s draft track: Steven Hodges
While the first year Victoria Royals have struggled this season, there have still been plenty of bright spots, not the least of which is talented centre Steven Hodges.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Nathan Pancel
Without doubt, Nathan Pancel has a bright future in the Ontario Hockey League.
Sallows’ draft track: Oscar Dansk
If I was a GM looking for a goalie heading into the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, there is no doubt the name Oscar Dansk will be called from the podium.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Raphaël Bussières
It doesn’t take long to see how diverse of a player Raphaël Bussières is.
Sallows Draft Tracks: Anthony Duclair
In the QMJHL, 16-year-olds aren’t supposed to step in and make an immediate impact, but Anthony Duclair must not have got that memo.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Chris Driedger
Chris Driedger‘s performance in the nets for Team Orr at the CHL’s Top Prospect Game may not have been as flashy as that of goaltender Matt Murray on Team Cherry, but that isn’t to say it wasn’t impressive.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Tom Wilson
At the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, Tom Wilson had the perfect opportunity to introduce himself to those outside of the Ontario Hockey League.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Jake McCabe
It’s easy to see why NHL scouts would be intrigued by the 18-year-old Jake McCabe.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Tomáš Hertl
For scouts who caught Tomas Hertl at the World Junior Championship, they had to be impressed by what he brought to the Czech Republic lineup that played with a ton of emotion, passion and pugnacity.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Filip Forsberg
The name Forsberg is synonymous with winning and greatness in hockey as Swedish centre Peter Forsberg terrified opponents for the better part of 20 pro seasons.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Nail Yakupov
By all accounts, Nail Yakupov‘s rookie season in the OHL this year was a huge success.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Mathew Dumba
For anyone who has seen him play, it was no surprise that the Red Deer Rebels selected Mathew Dumba with their first round pick, fourth overall, of the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
Sallows’ draft tracks: Stefan Matteau
Stefan Matteau may just have the make-up of the ultimate hockey player with his size and skill set.