With the Western Hockey League season just kicking into gear, fans from all over the NHL are focused on junior hockey and the upcoming NHL Entry Draft due to the lockout. The Western Hockey League is still producing top end talent for the NHL draft, and this year is no exception. Last year, it was the year of the fab five, five defenseman who were all drafted with the first eight picks on the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, that consisting of Ryan Murray of the Everett Silvertips, who went 2nd overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Griffin Reinhart of the Edmonton Oil Kings, who went to the Islanders at 4th. The Toronto Maple Leafs picked up Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Morgan Rielly at number five. Mathew Dumba went number 7 to the Wild, and Winterhawks d-man Derrick Pouliot went 8th overall to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the pick was acquired in the Jordan Staal trade to Carolina.
But enough of last year, this year's draft is a much different story. It is considered to be the deepest draft since 2008, with solid depth from every position from all over the world. Mind you this Top 50 was extremely difficult for me to pick and choose, but I have seen the majority of these guys play and I feel that these rankings are fairly accurate.
1. Seth Jones - RD - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - 6'04" - 206 lbs
The obvious choice for the best draft eligible player in the WHL. His choice to head to Portland instead of taking the NCAA route is the best choice. This big defenseman can take over a hockey game at any time he feels the needs to. Smooth skating defenseman with great awareness in both the defensive and offensive sides of the game. Not to mention his size, I feel that Seth Jones has potential to be a franchise defenseman in the NHL, and a game changer at the next level.
2. Hunter Shinkaruk - LW - Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) - 5'10" - 175 lbs
An offensive threat, Hunter Shinkaruk is a pure sniper. A nose for the net and a very crafty player, Hunter has a passion for the game that you notice when he is celebrating one of his many goals. Great hands in front of the net and a great wrist shot to boot. Look for him to score 50 goals in the Western Hockey League and be a top 10 pick in the NHL draft, comparisons with Phil Kessel aren't far off.
3. Curtis Lazar - RC - Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) - 6'00" - 198 lbs
You talk about passion, skill and grit. Curtis Lazar is the total package. Lazar plays on an excellent Edmonton Oil Kings squad, which won the league championship. An excellent two-way game with great vision and a knack for the net. Has a bit of a mean streak and is willing to throw his body around, which just adds to his value.
4. Ryan Pulock - RD - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 6'01" - 213 lbs
A late 1994, Ryan Pulock is someone who I think would be a top 10 draft pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, but due to this year's top end talent. Pulock is looking like a mid-first rounder. An excellent d-man with great vision of the ice and a wicked shot from the point. Look for Pulock to be a valuable piece to a NHL team's franchise in the upcoming years.
5. Josh Morrissey - LD - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) - 6'00" - 184 lbs
A probable last first rounder. Morrissey is the Derrick Pouliot of this year's WHL crop. Excellent skater and puck moving defenseman. But Morrissey is willing to throw the body around and looks for those big open ice hits and isn't afraid to stand up for it. A defenseman who can run the powerplay and an interesting player to watch.
6. Morgan Klimchuk - LW - Regina Pats (WHL) - 5'11" - 180 lbs
Klimchuk shows an excellent skillset that can move him up in the rankings as the season goes on. Excellent skating, very explosive. Tenacious on the puck and great vision, great offensive instincts that go unnoticed.
7. Eric Roy - LD - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - 6'3" - 190 lbs
Playing under the light of Ryan Pulock, Eric Roy also has great NHL potential, a big mean defenseman who can also provide offense to the Brandon Wheat Kings, paired with Ryan Pulock, Roy has a mean streak and and an excellent first pass out of the zone.
8. Madison Bowey - RD - Kelowna Rockets (WHL) - 6'1" - 194 lbs
Another product of a great WHL franchise who throws out excellent defenseman like candy, the Kelowna Rockets have built a prototypical two-way defenseman with excellent puck skills and a high hockey IQ, add on the size and you've got a Kelowna Rockets type of defenseman, only thing Bowey needs to work on is his physical play.
9. Eric Comrie - GK - Tri-City Americans (WHL) - 6'1" - 170 lbs
Competing for the #1 rated goalie in this year's draft with Zachary Fucale of Halifax in the QMJHL. Eric Comrie is a great technical goalie with great lateral movement. Add size and a great team in front of him, look for Comrie to slip into the first round of this year's draft.
10. Oliver Bjorkstrand - RW - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - 5'11" - 164 lbs
An Import Draft selection from Denmark who's name came out of no where in draft rankings, Oliver Bjorkstrand is proving that he can compete with the best of them in North America, a players with excellent offensive flare. Work on his strength and defensive game is needed but the potential is definitely there to be a scorer in the NHL.
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