Wide Open: The 2007-08 Entry Draft lacks consensus

With our FUNHL season rapping up (with kudos, congratulations, etc. ever more likely owed to Doug) our eyes turn towards the next big NHL event of mega-importance.

No, not the playoffs (cuz really, who cares?), no I'm talking about the NHL Entry Draft!

This draft has long been suggested to lack a 'franchise' talent (more on that later), but that it does have some very talented players available.

But just how lacking in obvious talent is this draft? I reviewed the following sources;

TSN (International Scouting Services)

1. Cherepanov
2. Kane
3. Turris
4. Van Riemsdyk
5. Voracek
6. Alzner
7. Couture
8. Gagner
9. Ellerby
10. Mayorov

The Hockey News has it;

1. Kane
2. Van Riemsdyk
3. Alzner
4. Turris
5. Gagner
6. Esposito
7. Cherepanov
8. Voracek
9. Sutter
10. Ellerby

(turns out the Hockey Prospects list is currently the same as ISS)

As you probably know, the Great Whites currently hold the contract rights for Angelo Esposito, and the Severed Heads currently have the rights to Logan Couture.

Let me add that not only has no player risen to the top to be the clear talent, but the words used by scouts everywhere were 'uninspiring'.

The Cameron Theory of Franchise Players Alert!

Under my theory, the first forward taken in any given NHL ED year will be 'Franchise Player' calibre 75% of the time (there are two corollaries, avoid the first forward chosen in any draft where the first two players picked are defensemen, or goaltenders, and use caution in drafts scouts consider 'weak').

This is now officially a 'weak' draft. You've been warned.

My FUNHL bets are;

1. Cherepanov
2. Esposito
3. Kane
4. Van Riemsdyk
5. Couture