Posts Tagged ‘2008 NHL Draft
San Jose Sharks 2008 Draft Picks
My heart sank the first time I noticed San Jose sitting at pick #117 in the NHL Draft. I figured they were going to grab whoever they could and focus on McLellan’s skills to sharpen the great team they already have. Plus, with the rumors of the Columbus Blue Jackets kicking Patrick Marleau’s tires, there is a good chance the Sharks can use that equity to A) keep Brian Campbell, B) get rid of Marleau and C) attract a stronger, more consistent player. Well – Doug Wilson worked his magic this past weekend and was able to wiggle the Sharks from 117th pick (overall) up to 62nd pick (overall). Here are the players the Sharks picked up during the draft this year …
62nd Pick – Justin Daniels (Kent High School, Connecticut). Justin, at six-foot-one and 156 lbs, was ranked 100th overall in North American Skaters. While at Kent High School he racked up 47 points (12 goals and 35 assists) in 25 games. Justin and his brother Drew (see below) were both in the list of “highest-rated prep school players” by Central Scouting Services. Drew will be playing in the USHL for Sioux City this season while attending Northeastern next year.
92ndPick – Samuel Grouix (Quebec – QMJHL). Samuel was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team in ‘07/’08 and sat in the 76th spot in North American skaters by Central Scouting Services. He was ranked First among defensemen on his team with 25 points (5 goals, 20 Assists, 100 PIM) in 70 games (he was 7th overall on his team).
106thPick – Harri Sateri (Tappara – Finnish Jr. League). Harri was listed as the second highest rated goalie by Central Scouting Services. In ‘06/’07 Harri had a 2.63 GAA, .924 SV% and 2 shutouts in 23 games. He was the backup goalie for Finland in the 2008 World Junior Championship.
146thPick – Julien Demers (Ottawa 67’s). Julien skated for the Eastern Conference in the 08 OHL All-Star Classic. He was #1 on the team for Defense and 5thon the team overall … with 33 points (5 goals, 28 assists and 94 PIM’s) in 65 games is was listed 83rd overall among North American Skaters bye Central Scouting Services. San Jose seems to like the Ottawa 67’s since Julien is the 3rd player they have picked up from them in the past 3 years. Jamie McGinn (2nd round, 36th overall in 2006) and Logan Couture (1st round, 9th overall in 2007). Ottawa’s coach Biran Kelrea had great things to say about Julien, when asked he said “Quietly, Julien has become a top player in our league and is underrated by many. He is what every NHL team wants, a big, strong defensive defenseman who can move the puck. He is strong in the corners and in front of the net and can back up any challenge.”
177thPick – Tommy Wingels (Miami University [Ohio] – CCHA). With 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) in 42 games and a +10, he was one of the 10 players on his team to play in all 42 games. The Red Hawks fell to the Boston College Eagles in the 2008 NCAA Northeast Regional Finals.
186thPick – Jason Demers (Victoriaville – QMJHL). No relation to Julien, picked in the 5thround, Jason had 64 points (9 goals, 55 assists and 91 PIM’s) in 67 games. He was the #1 defensemen in the QMJHL in scoring and #2 on his team. Jason is no stranger to the Sharks organization since he played as a member of San Jose’s rookie tournament prior to the 07/08 season.
194th Pick – Drew Daniels (Kent High School, Connecticut). Drew is Justins twin brother (62nd pick) and was #109 in North American skaters by Central Scouting Services. Drew had 47 points (12 goals, 35 assists) in 25 games flanked by his twin brother in Center they skated on the same line. Drew will join Justin at Northeastern next year.