TSN Draft predictions

Obviously these are not based on team preferences yet, so you can expect some of these players to move substantially from their current rankings.

The only given is that Crosby is #1 on everybody's list.

I won't predict that he will go higher than his current ranking, but if I had the 2nd pick overall I'd be instructing my scouts to take Gilbert Brule over Benoit Pouliot or Jack Johnson.

So far the big wild card of the draft looks like Anze Kopitar. He's got the classic wild-card bio, high skill, speed, offensive ability, etc., that reminds me of Marian Hossa in his draft year.

I recieved a request from Richard B (a GM from the defunct SuperLeague) to discuss the potential of Crosby skipping the NHL (and it's sure to be rookie salary cap) for more lucrative offers overseas. So here is my best guess;

1. Crosby doesn't want to play overseas - he wants to be in the NHL period. So far that's the consistent vibe from him, his family, and his agent.

2. It might depend on who drafts him. If it's Montreal, he'll stay for sure. If it's Nashville, maybe not so sure.

3. There is a cap exception possibility for 'franchise players' (once again the FUNHL is 7 years AHEAD of the curve), and whoever selects Crosby might decide it's worth it to give him the 'Franchise' tag so they can give him enough bucks to stick around. Given his salary wouldn't count against the cap, this may be the way all future mega-stars in waiting are addressed.

I also think it highly likely that if he isn't franchised out of the draft, he will be once his first deal runs its course.