Steals of the GDHL 07 Draft

Calgary (CP) The Entry Draft, by and far the most important date that is circled on GMs calendars and is the time where the hurt of trading draft picks is fully realised. Each team had some needs to address and only throughout the season will they find out whether they made the right choice for the near term and future. Without going into the boring details and huge analysis (save for another article) here are my picks of the biggest steals of the draft for each team:

Note: "Steal" is referring to good value for the place they were drafted in and impact to drafted team.
Legend:
G - Goals
A - Assists
Pts - Season Points
PPP - Power Play Points
PPts - GDHL Pool Points

Adam: Mike Cammalleri (#1) - Ok, how can a guy going at #1 be a steal? Its because he should've never been available in the first place! A rare miscalculation which made GGopher GM Jordan lead with his heart (thus breaking cardinal sin #1), Kreuger picked O'Sullivan over the proven Cammalleri. A slam-dunk keeper for the next 4 years for Adam. Predicting Cammalleri will score 35G and 105 PPts.

Ihor: Chris Higgins (#105) - Tough to pick a steal from Team Unibrow but if I had to, it would be the first line winger going with the #105 pick. Maybe he fell under the radar due to missing 20+ games last season, but if he plays all 82 this year watch for 30+ goals and 80+ PPts.

Jordan: Rod Brind'Amour (#11) - A player that gets better with age, Rod shows no signs of slowing down thanks to being the most fit player in the league. This 100+ PPts player could be a keeper for the next 2-3 years for Jordan. Believe that he will be good for at least 90+ PPts.

JW: Jochen Hecht (#87) - It still remains to be seen how the Sabres will do without Drury and Briere, but this will allow more time on the PP for Hecht. If he gels with Roy then he should score 20 goals and 70 PPts.

Ken: Jason Blake (#39) - Using his back to back picks to complete the top line of TOR, the 40 goal scorer now has Sundin feeding him passes so watch out. I don't expect him to repeat the 40 goals but 35 is realistic with more coming on the PP. Predicting 30-35 goals and 80+ PPts.

Kevin: Tim Connolly (#84) - Another one that might have fallen under the radar because of injuries which could have a huge return for Kevin. There wasn't room for him at Center while Drury and Briere was there, so now being able to return to his natural position he will put up the points. If he stay's healthy, look for 45 assists and 75+ PPts.

Mark: Mikko Koivu (#103) - Despite being overshadowed by his older brother, this kid can play. An almost guaranteed shootout goal is what ups his fantasy value and he'll only continue to improve. Predicting 25G and 70+ PPts.

Mike: Cory Stillman (#95) - Another veteran scoring prescence that should have a rebound year. When healthy, Stillman can have an impact with any team. I'm looking for 20+ G and 75+ PPts.

Paul: Ryan Suter (#104) - A solid defencemen that has had the limelight taken away a bit due to the development of Shea Weber. Suter has almost the same amount of upside and landing him in Round 9 was great value. A possible keeper for Paul by year's end. Predicting 10G and 50 PPts.

Ryan: Drew Stafford (#64) - Coming off a strong rookie campaign where he spent between the minors and the big club, Drew will be a full time NHL'er this season. He'll be counted on as one of the young guns to contribute to the offence. Predicting 20+ G and 70+ PPts.

Trevor: Steve Reinprecht (#101) - A No.1 center in Round 9 usually means high-risk, high-reward since Steve has never played a full season. I look for that to continue but in the meantime, expecting 15+ G and 65+ PPts.

Fur Engee (CP)