In the next installment of our Mock Draft series, I take a look at NHLDraftsite, and its mock draft. This is the most interesting mock draft I’ve seen, because it includes some players that I have never heard of. In particular, the player coming to the Rangers at #19, Richard Panik, of Slovakia (or Czech Republic, depending on which website you read), currently playing for Trinec. There’s not much available on Panik from credible sources, but as per HockeysFuture:
2007-08: He spent the majority of the season with HC Trinec’s U20 squad, netting 35 goals and 62 points in 39 games. He also suited up for Solvakia’s U18 team at the WJC, where he recorded four goals and ten points in six games.
2008-09: This Slovak played for Trinec in the Czech leagues. He spent 16 games with the U20 squad, registering 19 points, before heading up to the senior team for another 15 games. He represented his country at the U20 WJC, netting two goals and five points in seven games.
The HF Boards has a thread about him. I read through it, and there appears to be only good things said about the kid. He’s 6’1, 200 lbs, incredibly strong on his skates with some great offensive instincts. Some have compared him to Marian Hossa, but I think that’s a little far fetched.
Other interesting bits from this mock draft:
- Scott Glennie fell to the Devils at #23 in this mock draft.
- Drew Shore went right after him to Washington at #24.
- Landon Ferraro got drafted ahead of both of these guys at #17 to St. Louis.
- Carter Ashton fell all the way to #25 and the Bruins.
I don’t exactly agree with some of the picks here. There’s no way Ferraro goes before all of Glennie, Shore and Ashton. But hey, everyone has their own opinions. That’s why I love these mock drafts.
This is the only mock draft I’ve come across that goes through more than just the first round. It’s worth taking a look at.
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