Wings select Torquato in sixth round
Center Zack Torquato (pick #178 in the sixth round) played in 65 games this season with the Erie Otters (OHL). In that time span, he had 30 goals and 39 assists with 93 PIM.
Torquato was ranked as high as 36th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting (at mid-season). His final ranking was 61st. He was the Saginaw Spirit’s rookie of the year in 2005-06 before being traded to Erie, where he had 30 goals and 39 assists in 65 games last season.
“Big goal-scorer in the OHL, he’s been a highly rated guy,” Nill said. “He needs to work on his skating. He’s got real good hockey sense and real good hands.”
After producing 10 goals and 23 points in 22 games with the Saginaw Spirit as a sophomore in the OHL, he was traded to the Otters in 2006-07. There, he wound up leading the team in scoring by totaling 30 goals and 69 points in 65 games… owns a wealth of offensive skill and hockey sense… leads by example and displays sound work ethic… has a questionable skating stride, which should keep him out of the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft… needs to put on muscle to fill out his 6-0, 195-pound frame…
The Hockey News reports on the agony Torquato faced as he was projected to go in the second round and ended up being drafted in the sixth round.
The Quebec Remparts’ Angelo Esposito and the Omsk’s Alexei Cherepanov both watched in mute agony as their stocks plummeted on live television Friday night, but that was nothing — nothing — compared to a radar player like Zach Torquato of Sault Ste Marie.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers scooped up Esposito and Cherepanov like good little tyrants to return all lost bearings and dignity to the touted prospects.
But Torquato, whom I (and certain others) had going in the late first round, finally came off the board late in the sixth with two men on and one out and nobody paying attention anymore.
The Detroit Red Wings grabbed Torquato with the 178th pick, a slot that seems particularly risk-free.
Unlike the objective of poker, the draft is a cruel game of reverse attrition. Nobody wants to be the last man standing here.
Torquato has a deft stick for the Erie Otters of the OHL, but big league scouts have a way of seeing taboos in the good aims of heaven. A lazy hooking penalty, coasting into the zone here, reluctance to join a scrum there, all add up to collectively cooled enthusiasm. At least so one scout — whose team was this close to selecting Torquato a round earlier — told me.
Wings select Cameron in fifth round
Randy Cameron was the Wings’ fifth round pick (#148 overall). This past season, he played for Moncton in the QMJHL where he played in 70 games finishing with 39 points (17 goals and 22 assists) and 44 PIM. He can play both the center and right wing positions.
Nill described Cameron as a solid two-way player, comparing him to Ottawa’s Mike Fisher. “He does everything well, strong on the puck, good skater,” Nill said.
Wings believe first two picks make NHL
The Detroit Red Wings believe their first two picks, Brendan Smith and Joakim Andersson, have a good shot at making the NHL. They obviously are not ruling out their other three picks making the NHL. The Wings only had five picks in the 2007 NHL Draft, the lowest for the franchise since 1969.
Red Wings Central has a brief summary of each pick:
1 (27). Brendan Smith, D, 6-1, 170, Toronto (Ont. Jr. A), 39-12-24-36-90. Nill likened the mobile Smith to Niklas Kronwall and projects him as a top-four defenseman who can quarterback a power play. They have until 2011 to sign him as he will play NCAA hockey at Wisconsin.
3 (88). Joakim Andersson, LW, 6-2, 198, Frolunda (Swe-J20), 41-20-26-46-60. Nill compared him to a cross between Red Wings forward Johan Franzen and Dallas Stars forward Joel Lundqvist. Skating is a concern, but Andersson projects as a third-liner who can contribute offensively.
5 (148). Randy Cameron, C, 5-11, 175, Moncton (QMJHL), 70-17-22-39-44. The versatile Cameron was the third-highest scoring forward for the young Wildcats this season. The Red Wings love his all-around game and compare him to Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher.
6 (178). Zack Torquato, C, 6-0, 195, Erie (OHL), 65-30-39-69-93. When Torquato dropped from pre-draft rankings, the Red Wings couldn’t resist. They love his touch around the net and figure if his skating improves, he could be a player similar to Colorado Avalanche forward Andrew Brunette.
7 (208). Bryan Rufenach, D, 5-11, 184, Lindsay (Ont. Jr. A), 31-11-21-32-28. Rufenach will play NCAA hockey at Clarkson next season, meaning the Red Wings have until 2011 to sign him. He is a long-term project who could evolve into a No. 3-5 defenseman who can skate and move the puck.
It sounds like the Wings are pleased with this year’s draft. Their only disappointment? The Wings had hoped to draft a goaltender this year, which didn’t happen for them.
Wings select Andersson in third round
The Detroit Red Wings made their second draft pick in the third round (#88 overall) on a Swedish center Joakim Andersson. Can’t say I’m surprised that the Wings drafted a Swedish prospect.
Wings director of European scouting Hakan Andersson likened him to Keith Primeau. The Wings didn’t expect him to be available this low, they thought he’d get taken in the top half of the second round, if not late in the first round.
“I’m not saying he’s going to be like him, but he’s a Keith Primeau kind of player,” Hakan Andersson said. “He’s a big guy who works both ways and is good enough to make a play. Obviously, the odds of him becoming Keith Primeau are very small, but that’s the type of player he is. He thinks the game well, works both ways, has good size but needs to fill out a little more and work on his foot speed.
“He did not play so well in April, in the under-18 world championships. He’s a real competitive guy, works hard and I think he just ran out of gas at the end of the season.”
Joakim Andersson said Detroit is his favorite team and Henrik Zetterberg his favorite player.
“We are a bit the same,” Andersson said. “I think he’s a bit faster than me, that’s what I need to work on, the first step, skating.”
Source: Getty Images
Wings select Smith with first pick
The Detroit Red Wings selected defenseman Brendan Smith with their first pick in the 2007 NHL Draft (27th overall). Aside from the obvious joy of being selected in the first round much to his surprise, he really enjoyed hearing Steve Yzerman call his name.
“I was in awe,” Smith said. “You grow up just thinking about how good he is and then you’re up on the podium with him. There are no words to describe it. I was just a huge smile.”
Smith said he was surprised to go that high. “I was getting a little antsy, I guess,” he said. “I had no expectations to go that high. I was so surprised; I can’t even get the words out, just being drafted to Detroit.”
Smith said his mom was in tears, and that brother Reilly, 16, who stayed in Toronto, would be thrilled. “It’s my little brother’s favorite team,” Smith said.
Source: Getty Images
Smith played for St. Michael’s in the OPJRA where he scored 12 goals, notched 24 assists, had 90 PIM.
Analysis: A smooth-skating offensive defenseman who thrives on power plays and who loves to join the rush and make plays. “He’s a great skater, a good puck-mover, and we’re happy to get him,” Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. “His skating ability is very good. He’s our type of player.” Needs to add bulk and grow into his frame and improve his overall physical play.
Smith will play at the University of Wisconsin next year as a freshman giving him four years of possible development before the Wings have to sign him. However, Nill doubts it will take four years before he’s ready.
Scouting Report: In his second season with the St. Michael’s College (tier II) program in Ontario, he placed seventh in team scoring with 36 points in 2006-07. He also ranked fourth on the team in penalty minutes (90) and tied for first with three short-handed goals… skates well and enjoys the physical aspects of the game of hockey… moves the puck well out of the defensive zone, but needs to work on his play without it. Also needs more discipline in order to maximize potential… will attend the University of Wisconsin in 2007-08…
Source: Getty Images
“I like to be gritty,” Smith said. “You have to be chippy in the corners and I’m not the biggest guy. I have to use that little extra and sometimes the referees catch on.” …
Smith grew up in Toronto and was raised near Mimco, where former Red Wing Brendan Shanahan was born and raised. Smith wears No. 14, after Shanahan.
“I’m shocked, it’s a dream come true,” Smith said.
Yzerman announced Wings’ first pick
Steve Yzerman announced the Detroit Red Wings’ first round pick (#27 overall) in his new role as vice president. As the entourage of Wings’ management walked up to the stage, the Columbus crowd first booed and then started to chant “Red Wings Suck.” Once they realized Yzerman was making the announcement, the crowd applauded. I know some newspapers have reported that the crowd booed Yzerman, but that’s not true. They definitely booed the Red Wings, but applauded Yzerman when he stepped up to the podium to announce the pick.
Source: Getty Images
St. Louis drafts Trevor Nill
Wings’ assistant GM Jim Nill’s son, Trevor, (and my brother’s friend) was eligible this year and ended up being drafted #190 overall by the St. Louis Blues. Interestingly enough, Jim Nill was himself drafted by the Blues in 1978.
“I didn’t even know, I was getting ready for our next pick, and someone told me,” said Nill, who as coincidence would have it, was also drafted by the Blues at the start of his playing career. “I’ve told him drafted or not, it’s a lot of work so just keep working hard and go from there.”
Jim Nill had told the Red Wings staff that they would not be drafting his son because it can only complicate matters when family gets involved.
Nill’s son, Trevor, was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the seventh round (190th). He’s a 6-3, 185-pound center/right wing who played midget hockey for Compuware. Nill said he never considered drafting his own son due to a conflict of interest.
“I told our staff we weren’t going to draft him. I don’t like to get families involved,” Nill said. “It’s great for him. He’s a solid two-way player, works hard up and down the ice, responsible player, good size.”
Nill will play Tier II junior hockey in Penticton, British Columbia next season before heading to Michigan State on a full scholarship in the fall of 2008.
Nill told his son not to come to the draft. After the Blues called his name, Nill walked over to the St. Louis table to pick up a cap and jersey that teams give to all their picks.
When I had talked to Jim Nill on Tuesday afternoon at the Joe, he told me it didn’t really matter if Trevor was drafted or not this year or the next because when you’re drafted in the later rounds, you’re definitely not going to make a jump to the NHL real quick. He was going to need time to work hard and develop his game whether he was drafted or not. Obviously, he’s proud that his son was drafted especially when it was by the team that drafted him.
“It’s a great feeling,†said Nill, who didn’t even notice his son’s name on the board until someone pointed it out. “It’s my original team, so it’s a nice touch that way. My wife is from there, and we still have family there.â€
Congrats Trevor!
Three Whalers selected on Saturday
On the second day of the 2007 NHL Draft, three Plymouth Whalers’ players were selected.
Goaltender Jeremy Smith, the number one ranked North American goaltender, surprisingly did not go until #54 overall (2nd round). He apparently wanted to go to Colorado because he felt his situation would be best there so he was obviously disappointed when the Avs selected the #2 ranked goalie, Trevor Cann of the Peterborough Petes. He ended up going to Nashville, who traded away goaltender Tomas Vokoun yesterday.
Source: Getty Images
Both forward Chris Terry and defenseman Brett Bellemore were selected by the Carolina Hurricanes (#132 and #162 respectively). Peter Karmanos owns both the Whalers and Hurricanes.
As for the next two picks, the Hurricanes kept it in the family by drafting the two players from the Whalers. Terry, a 5’10†left wing, was able to score 66 points in 68 games despite a slow start to the year caused by off-season knee surgery. Bellemore, a big 6’4†defenseman, led the entire Canadian Hockey League with a +48 plus/minus rating.
Terry, who besides Sutter was the only Hurricanes choice to attend the draft, said he was hoping to be selected by the Hurricanes.
“I’m pretty familiar [with the Hurricanes], being that Mr. Karmanos owns the Hurricanes and also the Whalers, which I play on,†he said. We have a lot of banners and pictures around our building and our head coach is always talking about them.”
Chris Terry in the Canes’ jersey
Source: CarolinaHurricanes.com
2007 NHL Draft
I will be attending the NHL Draft in Columbus this year and will be staying overnight so I can watch the first round on Friday and then the second and third rounds on Saturday before heading back to Michigan.
Michael @ Army of Ohio and Drew @ End of the Bench have arranged a hockey blogger get together and it sounds like quite a few bloggers will be there and do a podcast as well (I believe).
What? 2007 Draft blogger gathering
Where? Bud Light Arena Pub Nationwide Arena
When? 4:30pm EST
I am going to the draft with a good friend of mine and she wants to check out the festivities prior to the start of the draft so I think I’m only going to be able to stop by and say hi to the bloggers before 6:15. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch up with some of them between the time we’re allowed to find our seats and the start of the draft. I hope to meet as many hockey bloggers there as possible!
What will my friend and I be doing before 6:15? Well, Rick Nash is doing an autograph signing from 4:30-5pm at the Nationwide Kiosk with free photos so it doesn’t cost you anything whatsoever for an autograph. We’ll then head out to the plaza for the free Yellowcard concert and free food (college students really like free food) that goes from 5-6pm.
With my bad knee, I don’t want to carry my laptop around all evening so I will not be liveblogging during the draft. I do plan on taking notes and will post those later that evening when I get back to the hotel or the following day after the third round of the draft.
Update: Since I won’t be updating BTJ until after the first round (and possibly not until after the second and third rounds), here are some websites you should check out for up to the moment information regarding the NHL Draft.
NHL Connect Official Entry Draft Headquarters
TSN
Hockey’s Future
And for decisions that affect the Red Wings, be sure to check out Red Wings Central.
Whalers in the NHL Draft
Aside from seeing who the Wings pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, my biggest focus will be seeing who drafts the two Plymouth Whalers’ players who become eligible this year (Jeremy Smith and Chris Terry). I know I’ll see Smith get drafted and hopefully I’ll catch Terry get drafted (I’ll be there for the first three rounds before heading back to Michigan).
Jeremy Smith is the number one ranked North American goaltender in what has been considered a weak draft year for goaltenders.
The weakest area of this year’s draft class is goaltending. Jeremy Smith of the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers and Trevor Cann of the OHL’s Peterborough Petes are the top two ranked North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting.
“We’re not as keen on goalies this year, it’s not a great goalie class,” said Kekalainen. “Unless we feel somewhere in the draft there’s a steal of a goaltender there, we’re not going to be focusing too much on that position.”
Added McGuire: “How many goalies will be taken in the first round? If my snooping around is to be believed, don’t look for more than two or three out of 30 picks.”