The Chicago Blackhawks could have been the kings of the draft. One week ago sitting with 4 of the top 11 picks and a group of youngsters that rival most other BRHL2 groups, the Hawks decided to make a big shake up in the mentality of the organization.
Trading away the 1st, 6th, and 11th overall in three separate deals to acquire Vincent Lecavalier, Patrick Marleau and Andrei Markov wasn't an easy choice but something the long suffering Hawks fans would strongly endorse.
With that, the Hawks set up and drafted another young group hoping to replenish their prospect cupboard.
First round 4th OV Nicklas Backstrom Brynäs IF (Elitserien/SWE) Bäckström has constantly been compared to fellow Sweden Peter Forsberg. While Bäckström lacks the same aggressiveness and edge that Forsberg has to his game, there are some obvious similarities. Both have excellent hockey sense and both are very skilled playmakers. Bäckström sees openings that few other can and his slick flip passes have become a trademark of his. The Hawks were pleased to see Backstrom fall to 4th, he could end up being the best player in the draft.
Second Round 45th OV
Sergei Shirokov CSKA, Russia
Shirokovs talents may have been underestimated due to his relatively small 510 176 lbs frame and his tendency to undergo occasional slumps when his productivity considerably declines.
He spent the past season with CSKA and posted good enough numbers with seven goals and six assists in 39 regular season games. Shirokovs draft value went up after the World Juniors. He got off to a good start but slowed down in playoffs. Shirokovs skating skills and passing ability helped him develop an effective duo with speedy forward Nikolai Lemtyugov.
The Hawks reacted to several other possible steals getting selected in the picks ahead of them. Deciding not to wait, they picked Shirokov earlier than they would have liked.
Third Round 74th OV Alexander Vasyunov, LW (Lokomotiv-2, Russia-2)
Vasyunov was a difficult choice without a transfer agreement but the Hawks still made him their second Russian drfaft pick. He made the squad for the U18 championship and delivered a decent performance scoring twice in four games. Vasyunov is blessed with a great scoring touch, above average hockey sense and very good skating ability. His aggressive style could benefit any power play unit and can be even more impressive if he works on his skating.
Hawks decided skill was the way to go and picked Vasyunov over the two goalies they had on the board.
Third Round 76th OV Joe Palmer, G USNTDP
Another product of the very successful U.S. National Development Team program, Joe Palmer was another highly rated player who fell to the Hawks in the fourth round, 96th overall. Born February 19, 1988, the 61 205 lb left catching Palmer had a sparkling GAA of 2.57 last season. In 47 games, recording 29 wins against 14 losses with a save percentage of .906 last season.
Palmer is an athletic, competitive, quick goalie who never gives up on the play. He made his debut for the NTDP in 2004-05, playing 25 games for the U.S. National Under-17 team and two games for the U.S. National Under-18 team. He finished the campaign with a 3.22 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. Palmer helped lead Team USA to a first-place finish at the Four Nations Cup in Rochester, N.Y.
The Hawks wanted to pick at least one goalie in the third round and made Palmer one of their goalies of the future.
Fourth Round 110 OV Vladimir Zharkov CSKA 2
The Hawks made it three Russian-born players in the draft, when they selected swift and skilled right winger, Vladimir Zharkov. Zharkov spent the majority of the season with CSKA 2, a step below the senior squad and scored 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 48 games. During the World Junior Championships this past December, Zharkov suited up for four games and saw limited action with CSKAs senior team. For a player of his age Zharkov fared quite well. He also played at the U18 Championships for Russia, though his ice time was quite restricted.
Much like countryman Alexander Vasyunov, Zharkov is blessed with a tremendous amount of overall skill and offensive talent. One of the best skaters in the draft class, the 60 187 lb. Zharkov has an explosive first step and terrific top end speed. He is able to handle the puck well while in top gear, and shows great on ice vision and awareness while in the offensive zone. He uses his linemates well and is a solid playmaker who does not panic when the puck is on his stick.
Unlike most Russians, Zharkov has no problem driving to the net. He plays without fear and does not shy away from traffic and contact in the corners and in front of the net. Zharkov has a quick release on his wrist shot and while his slap shot is only average, his shot accuracy is well above average. Zharkov sometimes fails to convert on all his scoring opportunities created by team-mates or by himself, but he is fairly adept at finishing around the net.
This is a pick the Hawks made at the request of their scouting staff. They said that he was the BPA and managment took their advice.
Fifth Round 125th OV
Ryan Flynn USNTDP
Born March 22, 1988, Flynn is a native of Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The 63, 212-pound forward attended Ann Arbor Pioneers High School and is a graduate of the USA U17 and U18 programs. In 59 games with the U18 team, Flynn scored 16 goals and 17 assists while compiling 77 penalty minutes.
A power forward, Flynn brings toughness to the ice and impressed with his physical play and discipline. Unlike teammate Geoffrion, Flynn will be required to significantly improve his skating and foot speed. Ultimately, his size and determination are attributes the Hawks can use up front.
For next season, Flynn plans to stick close to home, attending the University of Minnesota.
Fifth Round 134 OV
Tomas Zaborsky Dukla Trencin SVK
Last season Zaborksy finished with 76 points, 49 of them goals (10 of them in the seven playoff games), and a +74 in 49 games. Good numbers, but accomplished only in the Slovak junior league. He also played four games for the senior squad, and five in the second league, but without much success (just one point in the second league). The potential to be a great goalscorer is here, he had a quick hands and a good movement. But he must give better effort.
Sixth Round 161 OV
Alexander Bumagin Lada Togliatti Russia
Lets clear one thing up right away: its pronounced Boo-MAH-Gin, and not BUM-Again which might be more fitting to the hordes of failed Russian draft picks the Hawks made in years gone by. Bumagin was simply by far the best player on their list at the time.
"Our scouts saw him play in a couple international tournaments and we think hes highly skilled, said Bachul. Hes your typical Russian in that he plays when he wants to, but when he wants to play hes one of those guys that can really bury the puck because hes got great hands, great acceleration and great offensive talents.
Sixth Round 164 OV
Cody Wild Providence NCAA
Its not very common for a freshman to lead his NCAA squad in scoring amongst blueliners, but that is something that Cody Wild did last year in Providence. His 21 points was fifth highest on the entire team and six better than the next closest rearguard. For his efforts this year, Wild was named to Hockey Easts All-Rookie Team.
The Hawks are pleased with the results considering they still have some decent talent left over after their earlier dealings.
Very nice write up George. Kudos on Backstrom as well- I think I could put up 40 assists next to AO and Semin:D jk.
Ps. Is one of you or Dave Russian or something?
Actually I am a Ukrainian....but honest to god...we just took BPA...whatever was on the board. I don't like taking Russians in general...and historically Hawks drafting Russians is a recipe for disaster....but we could afford to roll the dice...our roster is going to be set for several years soon, so we can wait on some Rooooooskies.
