San Jose GM Doug Wilson went into the 2007 NHL Entry Draft with no first round picks, and managed to swing a couple of days so that he walked away with Logan Couture and Nick Petrecki as first rounders. McKeen's notes that the 6-3, 215 pound Petrecki went into the 2006-2007 season pegged as a potential top 5 pick, only to nearly slip out of the 1st Round with his erratic play for Omaha of the USHL.
A first round pick in the OHL draft, Petrecki opted for the USHL so he could play with the Boston College Eagles. Some scouts dismissed his choice and suggested that it cost him a top 5 selection in the draft, but the feeling is that Petrecki will still be an NHL calibre defenseman based on his agility, meanness and shot.
Possessing some offensive upside, Petrecki strives to be a solid 2-way performer. He plays a solid physical game and aims to hurt people with his checks. One of the knocks on his game is that he fails to notice players out of his field of vision in the defensive zone, and is extremely error prone when off his game. McKeen's Forecaster was especially wary of these shortcomings, while most other scouting services and reports keyed in on his positive attributes, namely his size, mobility (especially skating) and physical game. Petrecki is also said to possess a booming shot, having won the Hardest Shot competition at the USHL All-Star Game.
An in-depth Q and A can be found here.
Some Apres-Supper News:
-Brian Lawton has left his sports agency firm to pursue full time work in the NHL.
-World Junior and Calder Cup phenom Carey Price looks to crack the Habs lineup this fall. I saw him the AHL playoffs and he was nearly unbeatable.
-Bruins and Islander swap prospects.
-Ducks officially suspend Niedermayer. Zzzzzzz, wake me up when this is over.
-Ovechkin "not surprised" at the outcome of the not so Superseries. Ouch, the comrades aren't going to like this.
-Ted Leonis predicts the playoffs for the Caps.
-The Canucks Aaron Miller to have abdominal surgery.
-The Sabres change their game-plan.
-Oilers to unveil new jerseys at the Joey Moss Cup.
-An interesting interview with the Kings prospect Jack Johnson.
-Some news from the Caps' camp.
-Who's still looking for work.
-A Q and A with the Hansons. Fuckin' machine took my quarter.
For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior
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