Drafting a netminder

[John F]

Was doing a search on google news for some Lightning news and a story that ran earlier today in the Miami Herald piqued my interest...

They pointed to Jack Campbell, who has a commitment to play for the Spitfires next season. They said if the Islanders pass on Campbell in the draft, the Lightning or St. Louis Blues may select him...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/24/1645580/teams-on-the-clock-in-deep-nhl.html

Personally, I don't see it. But I'm not the guru here....

[Wrong Net Paulie]

Was doing a search on google news for some Lightning news and a story that ran earlier today in the Miami Herald piqued my interest...

They pointed to Jack Campbell, who has a commitment to play for the Spitfires next season. They said if the Islanders pass on Campbell in the draft, the Lightning or St. Louis Blues may select him...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/24/1645580/teams-on-the-clock-in-deep-nhl.html

Personally, I don't see it. But I'm not the guru here....

I'd imagine it depends on how sold they are on Tokarski/Janus, and who is left at the 6 spot, and perhaps if the guy they want is gone at 6, if someone wants to move up a few spots and we can slip down to take him.

Personally I really, really like the kid. Two gold medals in the world juniors in two different age brackets, and i'm just overall infatuated with his playstyle. Hes very calm and composed.

[cromag]

I think goalie is the position of prospect strength (if such a thing exists for the Lightning), so I don't take a goalie unless he is by far the best player available.

[CTLightning26]

I can certainly see St. Louis or Colorado moving up to take him..

St. Louis has got Jake Allen coming, so we'll see..

[John F]

I think goalie is the position of prospect strength (if such a thing exists for the Lightning), so I don't take a goalie unless he is by far the best player available.

Sort of my thoguht as well. Plus I want to see a sound scheme in front of the Lightning net. 2008-09 was horrible and 2009-10 was a disjointed effort. That doesn't help goaltending, when your defenseman moonlight as matadors.

[Avery86]

If he's BPA, go for it. An embarrassment of riches is definitely something nice to have in terms of trades.

I don't want the team to go out of their way to take him way too high, though.

[pete]

If you believe he's an elite goaltender in the making, sure. It's rare that guys come out and have that kind of clear ability at age 17-18, though.

[chad]

I don't really trust the Miami Herald for hockey news, but...

That'd be quite a jump for Campbell, who a month ago was thought to be a late first rounder.

As Pete said, if you think he's ELITE, then sure...

... but a lot will depend on how much Yzerman thinks of the current farm/organization. I'd say GT prospects are the strongest we've had right now, but... if an outsider like Yzerman sees that TB is weak in net and weak on defense - he drafts based on his perception of need. I can't imagine him being that "shallow" about it, though. You never know the respect level of what's been left for the new guy, though.

[John F]

Chris Botta has a post up, which grants a "sneak peak at a scout's draft board"

http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/06/21/an-insiders-view-of-one-nhl-chief-scouts-draft-board/

Campbell is listed ahead of Seguin to this guy...

[timothy]

Jack Campbell, G, U.S. Development Program -- "Might be a surprise for some, but I have no doubt. Right after Hall, Campbell (pictured) is the biggest high-end talent in the draft. A franchise goalie. A winner -- look at his international play. After one year in Windsor (OHL), he could step right into the NHL. I know he probably won't go in the top five. But in five years, it wouldn't surprise me if he was the biggest name from this draft."

Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL) -- "The hip injury doesn't bother me. Some team is going to get very lucky he dropped to them. Connolly will be a 35-goal scorer and he'll give you a lot of leadership."


I know we are deep in net, but no one has ever made statements about Janus or Tokarski being a franchise goalie. They're good. They'll probably play in the NHL. They may even do well. But if Campbell can be that good career-wise and he falls out of the Top 5, how can you really pass him up?

The scouts' comments on Connolly remind me of the same things that Marty St. Louis bring to the Lightning. He's (hopefully) getting ready to sign his final contract with Tampa, and if truly healthy, wouldn't Connolly be a good kid for Marty to pass on the mantle?


Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL) -- "Very smart, skilled defenseman. He'll play in the league a long time. I see him as a No. 2 defenseman who, with a big push and good coaching, has a chance to be something more."

Jeff Skinner, C, Kitchener (OHL) -- "You hope he fills out over the next couple of years. I just can't ignore 50 regular season goals and another 20 in 20 games in the playoffs. He has some flaws, but there are times when the stats say everything you need to know."


Interesting that Pete has remarked some of the same things this scout says about Gormley -- specifically, that he'd be a #2 to Victor Hedman at Tampa.

Love the comment about Skinner -- "there are times when the stats say everything you need to know"


---

I think I've finally decided to throw my lot in with the Jack Campbell camp. If Campbell's available at #6, I say you gotta take him. You might get a good trade offer for the pick, be able to fill a hole with a roster player or pick up some extra Top 60 picks, and still get a player like Skinner, Connolly, Johanson, or El Nino.

[WaiverWire]

The scouts that have watched him are saying the same thing. He is big, quick and has a great attitude when it come to learning the position and the game. All reports are that he is also great in the locker room.

Those that I know that personally know him say he is just one class act.

[Hoek]

I know we are deep in net, but no one has ever made statements about Janus or Tokarski being a franchise goalie. They're good. They'll probably play in the NHL. They may even do well. But if Campbell can be that good career-wise and he falls out of the Top 5, how can you really pass him up?

Agreed. We need a real stud in the pipeline (not just an overachiever) if we're serious long term. Outside of Helenius, who was more of a trendy pick because of recent form than a solid one, we haven't been serious about drafting goalies early where they're supposed to be cup caliber.

[CTLightning26]

Chris Botta has a post up, which grants a "sneak peak at a scout's draft board"

http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/06/21/an-insiders-view-of-one-nhl-chief-scouts-draft-board/

Campbell is listed ahead of Seguin to this guy...

nice list

I read somewhere though that many think Burmistrov would be broken in half in the nhl

love what he said about Nino

Nino or Gormley...dont think gudbranson or fowler will get to us

[CTLightning26]

--

I think I've finally decided to throw my lot in with the Jack Campbell camp. If Campbell's available at #6, I say you gotta take him. You might get a good trade offer for the pick, be able to fill a hole with a roster player or pick up some extra Top 60 picks, and still get a player like Skinner, Connolly, Johanson, or El Nino.


if so, i think you can try to drop to 8 or 9...atlanta is the only team in the top 11 i could see picking him, but teams might deal up to get him

[WaiverWire]

I have heard that the Islanders may be looking at Campbell at the #5 spot.

[timothy]

I have heard that the Islanders may be looking at Campbell at the #5 spot.

But they have a goalie locked up under contract for the next 12 years.

[CTLightning26]

But they have a goalie locked up under contract for the next 12 years.

but they need another...

the thing is, they drafted a goalie in the second and third rounds last year

[timothy]

but they need another...

the thing is, they drafted a goalie in the second and third rounds last year

I dunno. I don't think you pick Campbell to be a backup/injury-fill-in for DiPietro. Instead, you probably try to grab Pickard at the end of the 1st or early in the 2nd, and tag one of the top defensemen/forwards with the #5.

If the Isles are talking Campbell, then they are trying to maneuver the teams #6-10 to trade up. It's just poker talk IMO.

[CTLightning26]

I dunno. I don't think you pick Campbell to be a backup/injury-fill-in for DiPietro. Instead, you probably try to grab Pickard at the end of the 1st or early in the 2nd, and tag one of the top defensemen/forwards with the #5.

If the Isles are talking Campbell, then they are trying to maneuver the teams #6-10 to trade up. It's just poker talk IMO.

yeah, we are talking about Garth snow here..

he is unconventional....they are either going to pick one of those d, connolly or trade down..

[ChaseSpace]

I don't think Yzerman will want his first pick as a gm to be a goalie. Too much risk. He would most likely look to a player who will be able to produce much sooner than Campbell as he is already signed with Windsor for next year.
Nino, Gudbransson, Fowler, Gormley, Connolly(although his health scares me), Skinner, or Tarasenko(if you want to put the Russian Factor to the test) are much safer picks as they will be able to get into the farm sooner.

[timothy]

I'm reading that some think that Campbell is one-and-done in Windsor.

Since Campbell won't technically be drafted "out of" the CHL (he'll be drafted out of the USNDT), he shouldn't be restricted by the 20-year age limit imposed by a contract between the AHL and CHL. (I think he is subject to same rules as players drafted out of college or players drafted out of Europe that later play in the CHL).

So... this time next year, you can hand Campbell an ELC and he could be sitting in a Norfolk Admirals uniform by the start of the 2011-2012 season.

(Worse case scenario is that I'm wrong and he turns 20 on Jan 9, 2012 and you got him in Norfolk by just after mid-season).

[astro]

I'd rather pass on Campbell and pick up a forward. In the third round, Kent Simpson could be available.

[timothy]

I'd rather pass on Campbell and pick up a forward. In the third round, Kent Simpson could be available.

For the record, I'd rather find someone in love with Campbell that has two 1st round picks (like ATL, PHX, ANA) and trade the #6 for two 1st round picks. You can get a decent forward with the first pick, and then have an extra late 1st rounder. We don't have a 2nd rounder this year, so IMO getting back that Top 40 pick is important.

ATL: #8 and #24.
ANA: #12 and #29
PHX: #13 and #22

Regardless of all that... Yzerman has said numerous times that he's taking the BPA with the #6 and the player will likely be several years out from the roster. That smells so much like Jack Campbell to me. Could be talking about Johansen, but he won't be the BPA at #6 (now Johansen could be the BPA at #8/12/13 if Yzerman trades down!)

[WaiverWire]

Tim, the same people that told me a year and a half ago about Campbell are also telling me he will only be with the Sting for one year. They did not say why, but maybe you are onto what I was not told.

[timothy]

Tim, the same people that told me a year and a half ago about Campbell are also telling me he will only be with the Sting for one year. They did not say why, but maybe you are onto what I was not told.

I'm just putting myself into Rick Dudley's hairpiece... I'm looking at the wasteland of goalie prospects in my system... Because Campbell's not subject to the 20 year old AHL/CHL rule, and I can have Jack in a Chicago Wolves uniform a year from now, and in a Thrashers uniform 2 years from now? And, seeing as how I love to trade my picks on draft day and Yzerman spouting about how he's taking the BPA with the #6...

... what's the chances of Dudley offering Steve Y the #8 overall and the #24 overall? Pretty good IMO.

Stevie Y then can select some safe like Johansen (or Nino or Granlund) with the #8 and then swing for the fences with a guy like Kabanov with the #24. And then he has two 3rd rounders in case he wants to move up into the 2nd round.

[WaiverWire]

That could be a good move. I know his aunt, who lives in Atlanta, would be happy.

[pete]

Dudley would have to be pretty stupid to do that deal with a division rival...

Throw Koshechkin in and maybe it's a deal :D

If I was picking at 24, I'd be hoping to get Justin Faulk. He's committed to go to Minnesota-Duluth, so I'd imagine he gets good IT there, but Tri-City of the WHL owns his draft rights. He's a smallish, mobile, righty shot, with arguably biggest slapshot in this draft.

I'm imagining a guy who fits nicely in the 1-3-1 AND gives you a replacement for Foster as your righty point shot down the road. Perfect fit. He'd be really nice to get, and RLR called him one of the nicest things you can call a player, calling him a "competitive bastard." They also said he "plays angry." Some of that reminds me of Dan Boyle. He played with a huge chip on his shoulder when he was here. That chip is missed in Tampa Bay. When the Lightning thought it was them against the world, they were unbeatable.

[timothy]

Dudley would have to be pretty stupid to do that deal with a division rival...

Throw Koshechkin in and maybe it's a deal :D

If I was picking at 24, I'd be hoping to get Justin Faulk. He's committed to go to Minnesota-Duluth, so I'd imagine he gets good IT there, but Tri-City of the WHL owns his draft rights. He's a smallish, mobile, righty shot, with arguably biggest slapshot in this draft.

Problem is if Dudley wants to move up, he's got a 50-50 shot of having to do it with a division rival: FLA, TAM, CAR all sit above him. Beside, he'll get tons of press about what a smooth draft day guru he is snagging Jack Campbell.

I'd be damn giddy happy logging off Friday night having added Ryan Johansen + Justin Faulk to the site's prospects list. Justin Faulk would be a fine pick with Dudley's #24.

[pete]

Or, how about the dream scenario: Tarasenko drops like a rock because, OMG he's Russian, and falls into your lap at #24? I don't think he gets past Pittsburgh, though.

[ChaseSpace]

Or, how about the dream scenario: Tarasenko drops like a rock because, OMG he's Russian, and falls into your lap at #24? I don't think he gets past Pittsburgh, though.

Nino/Skinner and Tarasenko at #8 and #24 respectively?
I smell draft dream come true.

[Randy]

I don't take any issue with the abilities of Campbell. No doubt the best goalie prospect in the draft.

But, let's face it. There are a number of holes the Bolts need to fill. Right handed dman, puck moving dman, potential top 6 forward, 3rd and 4th line players.

Right now for goaltenders you have Smith, Tokarski, Janus, Ramo, Helenius, Koscehkin and Zador. Smith as noted on other threads here should be on the trading block and the Bruins seem to be the best dance partner there. But most contemplated deals have Tim Thomas coming back. So the most immediate goaltender need is either for a backup or a 1A/1B goalie like Nittymaki was for us last season. And it's not beyond the realm of reason he could not be resigned.

I would rather see them use that 6th pick to address one of those areas other than goaltending. Tokarski and Janus have very good potential and played well in Norfolk last season and if that development continues be the starting goalies of the future for the Bolts.

[timothy]

I would rather see them use that 6th pick to address one of those areas other than goaltending. Tokarski and Janus have very good potential and played well in Norfolk last season and if that development continues be the starting goalies of the future for the Bolts.

Me too. But, I don't think you understand the recent talk about Campbell. It's not about actually drafting him, but using him as a bargaining chip to get an extra Top 40 pick.

Here's what I thinking if I'm Bolts head-scout:

(1) If Gormley slips to #6, you probably got to take him.
(2) Else if Campbell is still on the board, will ATL, PHX, or ANA trade their 2 1st round picks for the #6 overall? If so, then trade the pick
(3) Pick the BPA from forwards Granlund, Nino, Connolly, Skinner, or Johansen
(4) If (2) = TRUE, the pick BPA with your second 1st round pick -- hopefully a guy like Faulk, Tarasenko, Kabanov, etc.
(5) If (2) = TRUE, go back to the team suite and pop a cold one and celebrate a successful opening draft night.

I just gotta believe there's someone out there jonesing for Campbell if he drops out of the Top 5, and you can make a savvy deal to pick up an extra pick. IMO that's a no-brainer.

Now, the quandry IMO is if no one wants to give up enough to trade for the #6. If you are drafting by BPA (like Yzerman is on record saying), then you might just select Campbell anyway. If you want one of the forwards, there will be several good ones to choose from at #8 - #11. Do you trade back anyway? Or do you take a kid like Fowler that might have slipped to #6 instead of Campbell. Taking Johansen (or Skinner/Connolly/Tarasenko/Nino/Granlund) ahead of Campbell at #6 is probably the wrong move IMO.

[CTLightning26]

Me too. But, I don't think you understand the recent talk about Campbell. It's not about actually drafting him, but using him as a bargaining chip to get an extra Top 40 pick.

Here's what I thinking if I'm Bolts head-scout:

(1) If Gormley slips to #6, you probably got to take him.
(2) Else if Campbell is still on the board, will ATL, PHX, or ANA trade their 2 1st round picks for the #6 overall? If so, then trade the pick
(3) Pick the BPA from forwards Granlund, Nino, Connolly, Skinner, or Johansen
(4) If (2) = TRUE, the pick BPA with your second 1st round pick -- hopefully a guy like Faulk, Tarasenko, Kabanov, etc.
(5) If (2) = TRUE, go back to the team suite and pop a cold one and celebrate a successful opening draft night.

I just gotta believe there's someone out there jonesing for Campbell if he drops out of the Top 5, and you can make a savvy deal to pick up an extra pick. IMO that's a no-brainer.

Now, the quandry IMO is if no one wants to give up enough to trade for the #6. If you are drafting by BPA (like Yzerman is on record saying), then you might just select Campbell anyway. If you want one of the forwards, there will be several good ones to choose from at #8 - #11. Do you trade back anyway? Or do you take a kid like Fowler that might have slipped to #6 instead of Campbell. Taking Johansen (or Skinner/Connolly/Tarasenko/Nino/Granlund) ahead of Campbell at #6 is probably the wrong move IMO.

I just don't want to drop out of the top 11 or so...Rather not do that..

But they may have a couple good ones in mind

[bassassin]

I don't think Yzerman will want his first pick as a gm to be a goalie. Too much risk. He would most likely look to a player who will be able to produce much sooner than Campbell as he is already signed with Windsor for next year.
Nino, Gudbransson, Fowler, Gormley, Connolly(although his health scares me), Skinner, or Tarasenko(if you want to put the Russian Factor to the test) are much safer picks as they will be able to get into the farm sooner.

If you are looking at a pick that makes the farm asap go with Granlund as he can play in the AHL next season cant he?

Not that I would recommend that necessarily as historically euros develop best in europe before moving to the NHL with minimum time spent in the AHL.

[timothy]

Campbell can be on the farm as early as next season.

[ChaseSpace]

Campbell can be on the farm as early as next season.

I thought he has to sit out a season because of age?
Is it if they're underage when a season begins they have to sit out or can they join in when they are the right age during the season?
I never figured out.

[timothy]

I thought he has to sit out a season because of age?
Is it if they're underage when a season begins they have to sit out or can they join in when they are the right age during the season?
I never figured out.

The AHL says you must be 18 to play in the league. However, they have a non-poaching agreement with Canadian juniors in that players drafted out of the CHL must be 20 before they can play in the AHL.

College, Euro's, and US junior players can play in the AHL as long as they are at least 18. Campbell will be drafted out of the US National Development Team. He has a minimum one year commitment to Windsor, but after that if he gets an NHL contract, a GM can assign him to their AHL affiliate as a 19 year old.

[ChaseSpace]

The AHL says you must be 18 to play in the league. However, they have a non-poaching agreement with Canadian juniors in that players drafted out of the CHL must be 20 before they can play in the AHL.

College, Euro's, and US junior players can play in the AHL as long as they are at least 18. Campbell will be drafted out of the US National Development Team. He has a minimum one year commitment to Windsor, but after that if he gets an NHL contract, a GM can assign him to their AHL affiliate as a 19 year old.

So if Campbell is drafted he will miss next season to play in Windsor correct?

[timothy]

So if Campbell is drafted he will miss next season to play in Windsor correct?

Miss who's season?

[ChaseSpace]

Miss who's season?

If Campbell is drafted he would miss the NHL/AHL season correct?
Seeing as he has to play in Windsor.

[timothy]

If Campbell is drafted he would miss the NHL/AHL season correct?
Seeing as he has to play in Windsor.

The upcoming one, yes.

[pete]

The soonest you would realistically see Campbell is three seasons from now after he had 1 year in Windsor and 1 in Norfolk.

[timothy]

The soonest you would realistically see Campbell is three seasons from now after he had 1 year in Windsor and 1 in Norfolk.

Exactly.

[Donnie D]

The soonest you would realistically see Campbell is three seasons from now after he had 1 year in Windsor and 1 in Norfolk.

And that is probably too optimistic.

[WaiverWire]

And that is probably too optimistic.


But on a timeline of Yzerman to rebuild from within.

[pete]

And that is probably too optimistic.

Yes, one year in junior and two in the AHL is probably a more likely scenario, and even then when he makes the NHL there's probably one season as a backup/understudy before he becomes the starter.

[Donnie D]

But on a timeline of Yzerman to rebuild from within.

I don't have a problem drafting a goaltender and waiting the 4 years. That wasn't my point.

Drafting is a crapshoot and I have to trust the scouting staff that appears to have done a good job the last couple of years. In my mind you draft the bpa because of the time to develop in the NHL. If they believe that Campbell is the bpa, i'm fine with it.

[bc_bolts]

Posted in another thread (and on HF :rolleyes:)

6th and some later pick to Minn for Harding and the 9th overall? Nino might still be around then...

[chad]

I'd strongly consider that - and take Johansen if he's there or Skinner.

That "later" pick may have to be a 3rd though.

[Alex]

Since Harding is an RFA, I'd only give Minn a 3rd if he resigned with us. I would definitely consider that deal though. If the later pick was something 4th or beyond, I'd go for it.

[chad]

Puck Daddy, who is in LA, just tweeted that Campbell said Dallas and Phoenix have shown the most interest.

They just happen to have a lot of early picks, too. Go ahead and have a bidding war for the No.6. Phoenix has 2 firsts, but is 2 spots behind Dallas at 13. If Campbell is there at 6, I wonder if they'd consider moving up and moving the two firsts and getting one of our thirds back. They'd probably like a 2nd back, which we don't have. Hmm....

Dallas just has their first and the No.41 in the second.

[timothy]

Puck Daddy, who is in LA, just tweeted that Campbell said Dallas and Phoenix have shown the most interest.

They just happen to have a lot of early picks, too. Go ahead and have a bidding war for the No.6. Phoenix has 2 firsts, but is 2 spots behind Dallas at 13. If Campbell is there at 6, I wonder if they'd consider moving up and moving the two firsts and getting one of our thirds back. They'd probably like a 2nd back, which we don't have. Hmm....

I had identified ATL, ANA, and PHX as potential trade partners for the #6 assuming Campbell was there. Those were the three teams behind us that had two picks.

+ ATL is off the radar after the Byfuglien trade since they don't have the #24 anymore.

+ ANA probably isn't interested in Campbell, though I would ask.

+ I figured PHX would be VERY interested in Campbell, but I don't like trading back to the #13. There might be *one* of Granlund, Skinner, Nino, Johansen left at 13, but more likely we'd be looking at a Forbert, Burmistrov, Tarasenko, or even reaching for a Justin Faulk at that spot. The PHX 2nd pick of the 1st round was the *highest* extra pick at the #22. There you are looking at a Kabanov or Pysyk or maybe Kuznetsov.

[chad]

I don't think it'd be like Yzerman to do this, but you could move back to the 13 with conversations already in place with, say, Dallas at 11 to give up a 4th to move up 2 spots and get one.

Again though... most likely to happen, IMO, is we stay at 6 and pick the remaining dman or Connolly. That's the Occam's Razor theory.

At one time recently it really looked like Connolly was dropping, now it seems he's a lock for the top 6.

I'm not saying I agree with it, just what it may be.

[ChaseSpace]

Why is everyone interested in Campbell though? I understand he is good but he's not even the highest rated goalie in the draft. Calvin Pickard is highest on the Central Scouting list but everyone that wants a goalie wants Campbell.

[Wrong Net Paulie]

Why is everyone interested in Campbell though? I understand he is good but he's not even the highest rated goalie in the draft. Calvin Pickard is highest on the Central Scouting list but everyone that wants a goalie wants Campbell.

Campbell is bigger, and put up outlandish numbers in international play so far. That and for someone who is a mediocre armchair scout, he has a quality that I can't quite seem to put my finger on, but the kid is just cool and composed at all times, it seems.

[astro]

Why is everyone interested in Campbell though? I understand he is good but he's not even the highest rated goalie in the draft. Calvin Pickard is highest on the Central Scouting list but everyone that wants a goalie wants Campbell.

I've been "jealous" with all the talk about Campbell and like you said, he's rated number 2 behind Pickard. Pickard hasn't seen much International play and the bit he did see was horrible, but the whole team was horrible. Pickard has already shown that he can handle a heavy workload. He plays a lot of games and sees a ton of rubber.... His team is downright atrocious. Campbell hasn't even played that many games in a season.... yet.

I will have the opportunity to see Pickard play for two more seasons. :happydance:

[chad]

Another tweet from a different reporter says Campbell told him Dallas, Phoenix, and Chicago have shown the most interest.

Chase...

The final CSS rankings were in early April, before Campbell, who was already rising, thoroughly dominated at the U18s and Pickard played so poorly. Since then, when combining together Campbell's full body of work, he's now considered a good bet to jump from the mid-first to the Carey Price range in the top-6. (Price mentioned because he was supposed to go later, but as happens, a team that desperately wants a goalie will jump up and grab him rather than take the chance).

[SmittyFan1]

FWIW department......Scott Cullen has the Bolts taking Campbell with the 6th overall pick tomorrow.

[WaiverWire]

Why is everyone interested in Campbell though? I understand he is good but he's not even the highest rated goalie in the draft. Calvin Pickard is highest on the Central Scouting list but everyone that wants a goalie wants Campbell.

I first mentioned Campbell just over 1 1/2 years ago. He was brought to my attention by some friends I still keep in contact with in Jack's hometown, which is where I grew up. I went to school with his aunt and father. His dad and I learned to skate together and his aunt was in a garage band I played in. So these friends of mine told me about him because of my connection.

Jack wanted to play for Michigan and his game took a huge leap forward. In 10Th grade he committed to Michigan. He then went to high school about 60 miles from home which has one of the best hockey programs going. Several scouts that live in his home town took note and started watching this kid, who had been flying under the radar. Soon the word spread about his play and other scouts from the Winsor and Sarnia area took note. Those that what it takes to play his position talked to him and convinced him that going to Michigan was not the best choice for him. Soon came the tournaments and he shined and his hard work paid off with by being drafted by the Spitfire. He than de-committed from Michigan as he wants to play in the NHL and felt this was the fastest way to get there. I have been told this kid has the right attitude, listens and will do anything in order to become the next best American goalie.

Those that have had a chance to be around Jack feel this and along with his play has brought him up the ladder to today.

As stated he is big, is willing to learn and is a good leader. Now knowing his family, and the hard workers they all are, I just can't see how this kid can fail.

The only knock I know of is that Jason scored a goal on him in roller hockey ;)

As the ones that i rely on for good info have said, if the "D" is gone when we pick this may be the BPA when it comes our turn at #6.

[pete]

If the report about Florida taking Gudbranson is true, I'm guessing the three d-men will be gone. That makes this very interesting. All of the forwards have knocks. Some of them are athletic or holes in their games. Others (Tarasenko) are simply because of their country of origin. Campbell doesn't have any knocks on him. RLR compares him to Ryan Miller. If you had the chance to draft Ryan Miller or 7 maybes, what would you take. Therein lies the rub.

IMO, a trade down is probably in order. Dallas can offer the 11 and 41 picks. Phoenix can offer 13, 22, and 52. I wonder if the Lightning would consider moving the 6 and the 63 or 66 picks to try to get 13 and 22, and if the Coyotes would do it.

[jason_haas]

The only knock I know of is that Jason scored a goal on him in roller hockey ;)

My claim to fame!

I won't be upset if Yzerman goes Campbell at #6, but I think it'd be great to trade down and still get a guy like Skinner as well.

[aapbolt]

After reading all the discussions, I was under the impression that Nino might be our best choice at 6. I understand the importance of trading down to get more picks but are we going to get players that will offer, if not immediate help to us, help to Norfolk? From reading I had thought that most of the first ten, except Campbell, might be ready to jump in at the NHL level and that many of the later picks would probably go back to their junior teams or the AHL. If we were to move down what players do you think should be targeted? i am also inclined to agree with Chad that we will probably not see any real trading gong on this year. SY is probably looking at taking it slow and doing his homework before he starts making deals.

[WaiverWire]

Yzerman also said that he is going to build from within. I think the days of us seeing a drafted rookie in the NHL the 1st year will only happen if the kid knocks our socks off. Other wise they are going to be in the minors. for a few years.

[Alex]

One thing of note, I understand that Dallas only has four picks in the draft this year. I'm not sure they trade two of theirs to get one back, even if it means drafting Campbell. They're hurtin' in the prospects dept so I see them wanting more than three picks for the whole draft.

[aapbolt]

You're right WW but he also talked about the need to draft skilled players, that you have to have skilled players on your team. I just thought that he would go after the best skilled player available and go from there. trading back adds draft choices and gives us more players but quantity is not as good as quality.

[pete]

In this draft, there's not a big difference between 6 and 11. 6 and Phoenix's pick would be a bit bigger drop (unless you were ready to snag a falling Tarasenko).

[WaiverWire]

From today's Times Herald. If he does go in the top five than a defenseman should fall to us.


"I've heard some good things," Campbell said. "I'd rather not give a number, but I have an idea. My goal would be a top-10 pick, hopefully top five."


http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20100625/SPORTS/6250302/Campbell++Archibald+ready+for+draft+today