NHL Mock Draft Pick #8: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Coulmbus Blue Jackets are in need of a shot of adrenaline.  They have to start making some noise in the Western Conference to appease their fans who have been understanding until now but patience is wearing thin.    In case you missed it, check out my overview of the Blue Jackets’ needs from yesterday.

Picking for the Blue Jackets is Mary, the Editor for Fire That Cannon.

"With the 8th pick in the NHL mock Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Fire That Cannon select defenseman Dougie Hamilton from Niagara of the OHL)"

Here is Hamilton’s prospect video from NHL.com

Jared’s Analysis –  The player who was ranked 5th by ISS hangs around until the Blue Jackets nab him with the 8th overall pick.  He was ranked as the 4th best North American prospect ahead of Ryan Strome, Sean Couturier and Ryan Murphy.  The Blue Jackets should be happy that they got a defensman with size, skill, and skating ability. This could be the steal of the draft, as I thought he would go as high as #4 when I made my own predictions.

Fire That Cannon’s editor Mary rationalizes her selction of Hamilton:

"Cohesion was a big issue with the Jackets this season, as well as needing defensemen.   I could go on about a goalie who freaked out too much and loads of untimely injuries, but you get it.  This pick brings the Jackets size and talent as well as physical play.  What’s not to like about him?"

Followers of the Blue Jackets should check out Fire That Cannon for a  Mary’s take on this selection and other Blue Jackets news.

Here are the Mock Draft results so far (click on the team name to go to the post about that pick):

So far the top 8 have been selected in the top 8 picks.  Now is where the draft gets interesting, as each team will have a different direction where they want to go.  The rest of the first round could go in any order as each player has a certain aspect the team is looking at, and for.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Now on the clock for the #9 selection, on behalf of the Boston Bruins, is Causeway Crowd.

PREVIEWING THE BRUINS

2010-2011 Record: 46-25-11  (7th Overall – Pick obtained from TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS in the Phil Kessel trade)

League Rankings:
Goals for:  5th

Goals Against: 2nd

Power Play: 20th

Penalty Kill:  9th

TOP 5 Prospects in the system: Jordan Caron (RW), Ryan Spooner (LW), Maxime Sauve (C),  Jared Knight (RW), Stephen Kampfer (D)

NEEDS: The Bruins are the first team in this draft that is picking far out of position.  As a final four club, they obviously have no glaring needs at the moment.  This could be a pick that is a project as the player they select will not be expected to step right in and contribute next season.  It would be a bonus, but not expected.  This could be a nice fit for Mika Zibanejad, who can stay in Sweden for another year to develop there before venturing to North America.  However, the Bruins are forward-heavy in terms of prospects and could attempt to bolster the future blue line with this pick.

TOP 5 PLAYERS ON THE BOARD (per ISS):

1.  Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SWE ELITE)

2.  Joel Armia, RW, Assat (FIN ELITE)

3. Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

4. Sven Bartshci, LW, Portland (WHL)

5. Nathan Beaulieu, D, Saint John (QMJHL)

Check back on TOO MANY MEN ON THE SITE  tomorrow evening to see who  “Causeway Crowd” chooses to take for the BOSTON BRUINS, as the Fansided mock draft continues!