Visit NBC’s Draft Headquarters for our complete coverage of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
The Ducks are looking to retool a bit after a down season, and find themselves needing players at every position for their system. The Ducks have always been a bit of a defensive organization lately, highlighted with some supremely talented scoring forwards. Yet despite having an NHL team with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan, the Ducks are in dire need of some skilled forwards to compliment their defensive depth in the minors and juniors. The Ducks should have a good choice of such a forward in the first round, yet should also focus on filling needs at every position and skill set if possible.
2010 draft picks:
First round - 29th
Second round - 42nd
Fifth round - 132nd
Sixth round - 161st
Sixth round - 177th
Seventh round - 192nd
Top prospects (per Hockey’s Future):
1. Luca Sbisa, D
2. Jake Gardiner, D
3. Matt Beleskey, LW
4. Kyle Palmieri, RW
5. Mark Mitera, D
6. Peter Holland, C
7. Brendan Mikkelson, D
8. Dan Sexton, RW
9. Brandon McMillan, LW
10. Nicolas Deschamps, C
PHT’s Mock Draft results:
12. Jeff Skinner - RW - Kitchener (OHL)
He’s going to fall because of his size (5-10, 187) but he’s about as pure a scorer as you can find. 90 points last year in 64 with Kitchener (OHL), and with another year of putting on muscle is deadly close to becoming the next great, young sniper in the NHL.
29. Stanislav Galiev - RW - Saint John (QMJHL)
He’s more of a passer than a scorer, but he’s a Russian prospect who has is already having success in North America. He can get physical when needed, but should add some strength before make the jump to the next level.
What are the blogs saying?
I think it will ultimately come down to whether or not the Ducks like Etem. I’m convinced that “better” players will be on the board, but how many teams will consider if Jack Campbell is “better value” at their pick and ultimately decide they don’t need to draft a goaltender in the first round? The Ducks need a scorer in the cupboard, and Etem offers that, along with a great deal of speed.
It’s close though. It may come down to the interviews and the scouting staff’s sense of the players available versus Etem. The Long Beach native amounts to a safety school at this point. But don’t underestimate the importance of drafting the most valuable asset at 12th or the increased temptation to do so when you have two first round picks.