Montreal–After the Anaheim Ducks selected center Peter Holland the draft returned to the ways of teams selecting puck-moving defenseman.
The Minnesota Wild took home-state high school defenseman Nick Leddy with the 16th pick and the St. Louis Blues went after David Rundblad, a Swedish defender with the next pick.
Leddy is expected to go to college next season and will be given plenty of time to adjust from high school hockey to university hockey before the Wild ask him to turn pro. Although there are always doubts about young high school players, no one questions Leddy’s skating abilities.
“He’s such an explosive skater. It’s pretty obvious he’s a target of every opposing team because he’s the engine that drives the train,” said Central Scouting’s Jack Barzee. “Really, though, he’s a world-class skater. I’d say he’s in the same class as John Moore (Central Scouting’s No. 8 ranked skater) and Josh Birkholz (No. 33) of this year’s class.”
Rundblad is an interesting choice because there are some who believe he will struggle to play in the NHL while others think he will star. The main question seems to focus on his physical play, but if he can move the puck sometimes physical play, or lack thereof, will be overlooked.
“He has a very good shot. He is a right-handed shot and he is used on the power play, even in the (Elite) League despite being a young player,” said Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb. “He is a very smart player. He could be a little more physical in his game, but that is something that he is learning.”
Meanwhile the Ducks seemed to have bucked a trend by selecting a forward in Peter Holland. Holland was productive in the OHL where he averaged nearly a point-per-game while playing for the Guelph Storm. The 6-2 center is noted for being able to play on all special teams units and can score. How well Holland turns out may depend on how much he wants to play in the NHL and is willing to put into it.
Peter Holland%2C courtesy of NHL
PHN analysis; Even after the trade with Philadelphia the Ducks need more scoring and if Holland can provide some or play a solid defensive game at center this pick will be worth it. It appears Minnesota reached a bit for Leddy, but they drafted smart, they dropped down four slots in the draft and picked up an extra pair of picks while doing so. St. Louis will be hit or miss with Rundblad and they need his type of skill, so they have to hope it is a hit for them. We thought the 17th pick or thereabouts would be right for him.
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