Sunday, June 15, 2008

2008 Wrap - Brandon

Time for a team-by-team review of draft eligible prospects in the WHL and some ideas as to what fans might expect come draft time.

Brandon Wheat Kings

Brandon has two certain drafts in Calvert and Robak.

Matt Calvert: Several NHL scouts I respect are quite high on him. Second round is not out of the question. I'll be surprised if he goes later than the 3rd.

Colby Robak: After a great Top Prospects Game performance, he slipped a little bit in the last couple months, as teams began to question his toughness. My guess is he'll go in the first half of the 2nd round.

Matt Lowry: Third year '88 had a breakout season. Good production plus the okay size means he's probably the Wheaties best shot at having a third player taken in this draft. Good bet for at least a camp invite.

Andrew Clark: Was on my list last year, and sort of surprised he was a no draft. If he didn't go last year, I don't see how he does this year. Went to St. Louis' camp last fall. Could get another invite.

Andrew Hayes: A bit hard to see for NHL scouts, so he'll probably have to wait until next year. Slight possibility for a camp invite.

Sanfred King: Has good speed for his size, so it's not out of the question that he could get grabbed late.

Others: Jordan Hale and Alex Grill-Donovan are the only other first year eligibles and aren't likely to drafted.

Looking Ahead to 2009: Brandon will be a hot team to see next year, with likely top five talent Brayden Schenn. It's a close call, but Schenn barely edges out Spokane's Jared Cowen for best WHL prospect for '09 on my list at this point. Scott Glennie is knocking on the door of the '09 first round on my list already. And big blueliner Brodie Melynchuck is definitely on the watch list and looks like a middle rounder as of today.

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