Continuing on with the Red Wings draft
I’ll update this periodically as their draft picks are announced:
91. Max Nicastro - Defense, 6′2″ 189 lbs
Photo: the Terrier Hockey Fan blog
Bio page on THN
Scouting report on NHL 2008 Entry draft
USHL Player Profile page
Nicastro gets time on the power play and has scored nearly half his points there. The scouting report indicates he has a good shot from the point, plays a physical game and he’s a decent skater. He’s a right-handed shot and will play for Boston University, which gives the Red Wings four years to sign him.
121. Gustav Nyquist - Center, 5′10″ 169 lbs
Despite the jersey he isn’t going to Miami (OH)
Bio Page on THN
Elite Prospects Profile page
He’s so far off the radar the NHL 2008 entry draft doesn’t have any information on him. From what is written about him it sounds like he’s a highly skilled offensive player in the Jan Mursak mold. I don’t know that he has Tyler Ennis’ goal-scoring prowess but it sounds like he’s similar in stature and style. After playing for Malmo in the Swedish Jr. Superelit he’s another player slated for college as he’ll play for Jimmy Howard’s college team at the University of Maine. You can definitely see a trend with some of the middle round prospects: guys who you hope are the “best player available” but are going the college route which will extend their development window.
151. Julien Cayer - Center, 6′4″ 186 lbs
Don’t look at that logo if you’re tripping…
Bio Page on THN
Player Profile at NHL 2008 Entry Draft
He’ll join Red Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach this upcoming fall at Clarkson to play for the Golden Knights. He’s a big boy so he might be the guy Detroit is hoping can eventually replace Shawn Matthias in the pipeline. Since big, rangy forwards are tough to develop it probably makes sense to take a flyer on some guys later in the draft who will - all together now - develop for a couple years in college.
He didn’t put up huge numbers either in High School or the QAAAJHL, and add in the fact he’s going to Clarkson [no disrespect intended] and I’d guess he doesn’t project to be a big point producer.
181. Stephen Johnston - LW, 6′1″ 175 lbs
His stats scream checking line
Player Bio on THN
Scouting Report on NHL 2008 Entry Draft
Kirk Maltby, version 2.2.1 Previous updates: Justin Abdelkader [2.1.1], Nick Oslund [2.1.2]. That means he’s rugged and he can skate. That’s fine as he’s a 6th round pick and you need those kind of guys on your roster. If he develops into that role he’s a good pick; if he produces beyond that and adds offense to his game then it’s a great pick.
211. Jepser Samuelsson - C, 5′11″ 178 lbs
Profile Page on Elite Prospects
Last but - because this is the Red Wings - probably not least. With Jonathan Ericsson knocking on the door for top 4 NHL minutes, the selection of Samuelsson can’t be termed “Mr. Irrelevant” as is the moniker given to the final player drafted in the NFL. Samuelsson has been over a point a game player for Vita Hasten so he could have some pretty legit offensive skills. It looks like he’s slated to play for Timra in the Elitserien. Time will tell if this is another Hakan Andersson special.
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[…] Dave at Gorilla Crouch wrote two great posts on the Wings’ picks at this year’s draft. […]