The Minnesota Wild might take the first goalie in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday. Assistant general manager Tommy Thompson told a media gathering recently that the Wild, who have the 24th pick in the first round, will be able to choose from several players they will be “excited about,” including goalies.
Thompson said there are three goalies that interest the Wild but declined to identity them. He indicated the Wild will either choose a goalie, or take a defenseman. He said he’s never seen so many quality defensemen as there are in this year’s draft. Overall, he described the 2008 draft as “deep,” although not as extraordinary as the 2003 draft.
The top rated goalies in the draft, according to the NHL’s Central Scouting online rankings, are Jacob Markstrom of Sweden and Harri Sateri of Finland, and North Americans Thomas McCollum of Amherst, New York and Chet Pickard of Winnipeg. “What happens with the goalies (in the draft) is interesting,” Thompson said. “Unless there’s a goalie who is picked…in the top five, often there’s no goalies picked, no goalies picked, no goalies picked, and then when one goes, bang, bang. Three of the next five picks are goalies. …”
Thompson said he didn’t think any goalies will be chosen in the top five on Saturday, perhaps not the top 10. “…They could all be gone, or they could all be there when we’re picking,” he added.
The Wild’s pick at 24 is the lowest first round position in club history. With only four overall picks because of trades, the franchise has the fewest draft choices ever.
Team president Doug Risebrough said deals between NHL franchises that allow teams to move up or down in the draft typically aren’t made until draft day. He also said the Wild will bring their draft choices, along with other prospects in the organization, to town for a camp from July 8-14.
The top ranked player in the draft is Steven Stamkos, according to www.nhlentrydraft2008.com. He is a center from Markham, Ontario. Thompson said Tampa Bay is expected to take him No. 1 and said Stamkos is a player with skill and work ethic, someone he will “enjoy watching for the next 15 to 20 years.”