“If we were submitting rosters tomorrow, yeah, (Pyorala, JVR and Betts) would probably would be on it,” said Holmgren.

The news comes as somewhat surprising considering Betts and van Riemsdyk will not be healthy scratches.  Betts will take over fourth-line center and special teams duties, while JVR will become a top-9 scoring winger.  And with just one roster spot vacant heading into the regular season, logic says that someone on the current Flyers roster will need to be a scratch.

Some point to enforcer Riley Cote as the scapegoat, whiles others believe Arron Asham or Darroll Powe will be the odd-man out.  Either way, it appears that the early offseason conundrum of who the Flyers were going to covet — a shut down center or scoring winger — has been answered.

They chose both.

“Roy wanted me to improve on my leadership,” said Marshall, who was given the captaincy of the Ramparts right away in 2008-09.  “He taught me that being a captain is all about work ethic and always being enthusiastic. He gave me some good tips that helped me really improve in that aspect.”

Although Marshall is a skilled defender with good size at 6-1, 210 lbs., it’s his work ethic and character that set him apart.

“I am a natural leader,” he said. “Some have it and some don’t.  I have the ability to lead.”

But when it comes to being a team captain, Marshall knows that words are cheap in getting his squad to follow his lead.

“I can be a vocal leader, but I also work my balls off on the ice during practice and games,” he said. “I modeled myself after the captains I saw growing up, the ones that were constantly working and never took a day off.  So when one of my teammates doesn’t’ feel good one day, they will see Marshall working and follow.”

Entering his first pro season, Marshall is one of just a few prospects that may see NHL time this season.  And even though there are a handful of defenders ahead of him on the depth chart, the Flyers know that their prized blue liner won’t need much time developing in the AHL.

“This year I have a chance to play with the Phantoms,” said Marshall.  “They want me to be aggressive, good in the defensive zone and make a clean first pass.  That’s what I’m working on in camp and we’ll see what happens. So far camp has been good.   I’m feeling great, my cardio felt great on the ice.”

A big part of Marshall’s physical maturity is due to working every summer with famed hockey trainer Paul Gagne.

“I trained all summer with Paul Gagne in Montreal and he really knows what he’s doing,” said Marshall.  “I worked with him and Marty Havlat, Ian Laperriere, Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Milan Michalek, and so far I feel great.  My body feels great right now and it’s because of him.”

With the aggressive offseason acquisition of Laperriere, Chris Pronger and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, the Flyers are clearly putting a high value on character.  And for Marshall, that’s good sign for the future

VOORHEES –Three-year rookie camp veteran and former third-round pick Jonathan Matsumoto is in organizational suspended animation.

The once mid-level center prospect, who just three years ago showed promise as a depth player, has quickly stagnated in the Flyers’ system, getting passed on the depth chart by centers Darroll Powe, Jared Ross and Jon Kalinski.  And although the soon-to-be 23-year old put up 107 points in 156 games with the Phantoms, he hasn’t seen one minute of NHL ice time.

“If I knew what was holding me back I would have worked on it already,” said smiley and soft spoken Matsumoto.  “They told me to come to camp in shape and I’m feeling good now. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  Hopefully I just get a chance to show what I can do this year.”

After two full years at the AHL level and an ever-growing herd of new recruits challenging his spot on the team’s forward depth list, Matsumoto, who is in the final year of his three-year, entry-level contract, needs to make himself known almost immediately, before he loses his prospect status and starts gaining the reputation as an AHL-regular.

“I didn’t have that in mind but I do now,” Matsumoto joked.  “I think I just go in and play my game.  I’d obviously like to avoid getting the label (of AHLer), but hopefully I get the chance to show what I can do.”

What makes Matsumoto’s situation even odder is that he has impressed in camp, showing decent hands and skating ability, while also often centering top prospects like James vanRiemsdyk, Patrick Maroon and Andreas Nodl.  And even though he continues to join the youngsters in rookie camp, the former Bowling Green State Falcon has kept a good mindset and taken a leadership role.

“I didn’t have captaincy in my mind,” said Matsumoto, who led the camp in stretching. “But I’m one of the more veteran guys here so I just took it into my hands.  I remember my first camp, I was a little nervous and now that I’ve had a chance to be here for a little bit, I’ve been trying to take more of a leadership role.”

With the Flyers currently log jammed at forward, it does not look like Matsumoto will see NHL ice anytime soon.  But with a good mindset and decent skills, it wouldn’t cost the Flyers to try.

Hockeysfuture.com has ranked the Flyers’ top 20 prospects for the 2009-10 season, with Claude Giroux leading off the group followed by James vanRiemsdyk, Ryan Parent, Kevin Marshall and Patrick Maroon.  However, after Marc-Andre Bourdon at six, the list gets somewhat erratic.

Hockeys Future List

1. Claude Giroux
2. James vanRiemsdyk
3. Ryan Parent
4. Kevin Marshall
5. Patrick Maroon
6. Marc-Andre Bourdon
7. Andreas Nodl
8. Denis Bodrov
9. Joonas Lehtivuori
10. Joacim Eriksson
11. Jonathan Matsumoto
12. Michael Ratchuk
13. Adam Morrison
14. Simon Bertilsson
15. Oskars Bartulis
16. Nicola Riopel
17. Dave Labrecque
18. Jon Kalinski
19. David Laliberte
20. Jacob Deserres

Andreas Nodl and Denis Bodrov seem accurately placed at seven and eight, but Joonas Lehtivuori and goaltender Joacim Eriksson are not, sitting at nine and 10.  The rules of the rankings are judged on progression and potential for the upcoming season only, meaning  Eriksson may have better top-end potential but as of now Nicola Riopel is the top goaltender in the Flyers’ system.

Despite being overlooked at the 2009 draft and falling into the third round, Swedish defenseman Simon Bertilsson is seen by many to be a possible steal.  Lehtivuori, although talented, is an undersized blue liner who’s career may never extend the AHL.  So why is one ranked ninth and the other 14th?  They should be switched.

Below is the Philabright top 20 prospect ranking

1. Claude Giroux
2. James vanRiemsdyk
3. Ryan Parent
4. Kevin Marshall
5. Patrick Maroon
6. Marc-Andre Bourdon
7. Andreas Nodl
8. Denis Bodrov
9. Simon Bertilsson
10. Nicola Riopel
11. Michael Ratchuk
12. Joacim Eriksson
13. Jonathan Matsumoto
14. Adam Morrison
15. Joonas Lehtivuori
16. Jon Kalinski
17. Oskars Bartulis
18. David Laliberte
19. Jacob Deserres
20. David Lebrecque

During prospect camp in late July, fifth-round draft pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft, Nicola Riopel, looked like the most mature goaltender of the bunch.  And it seems the Flyers noticed that too.

According to The Times &Transcript, the Flyers have inked Riopel to an entry-level deal.  The 20-year is expected to start the season with the Adirondack Phantoms.

“I knew when Philadelphia stepped up to draft him that they had definite plans for him this season,” Moncton Wildcat and Riopel’s head coach Danny Flynn told the T&T.

Riopel has always been an intriguing story.  Undrafted in 2008, the 6’0, 175 lbs., backstop tried out for the Montreal Canadiens, but was not picked up.

Motivated, the confident tender put together an unbelievable 2009 season in the QMJHL, earning himself the league MVP with a 2.01 goals against average, in what is known as a very offensive league.

Riopel has a strong glove and good reflexes.  However, his lack of size has been an issue.  Nicola works in the offseason with multiple French Canadian NHLers, most notably Penguins’ forward Maxime Talbot.

Just one year after drafting 2008 QMJHL Defenseman of the Year Marc-Andre Bourdon, 67th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the two-way blue liner is going pro.  On Friday, the Flyers inked Bourdon to an entry-level deal, in which terms were not disclosed.

“Marc-Andre turns pro after an outstanding 2008-09 season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he was honored for his play during the regular season and in the playoffs,” said Flyers’ General Manager Paul Holmgren. “We believe Marc-Andre has tremendous potential to develop into a solid defenseman at the next level.”

The 19-year old rear guard was drafted in the third round, but many believed he had first-round talent.  There were rumors of him dropping to the third round due to questionable skating and that his team, Rouyn-Noranda, was difficult to scout because of location.

“I think a lot of it had to do with my skating and mobility, things I’m still working on,” Bourdon told hockey writer Al Alven, back in February.  “I think I’ve made a lot of improvements in those areas, but I still have some work to do.”

At 6’0, 206 lbs., Bourdon has excellent vision and a great first pass, making him a solid offensive catalyst.  But just because he has some finesse, doesn’t mean he shy’s away from the physical aspect.  He isn’t the biggest player on the ice, but he plays like it.  Bourdon plays what only can be described as a tough game with a tough attitude.

“That’s not why I play the game,” Bourdon said. “Hockey is a team sport. You play for your teammates and coaches, for the fans and the town you represent. Winning is all that matters.”

The downside of Bourdon has always been his skating.  He isn’t the best skater, or the fastest, but after a phenomenal year with Rimouski Oceanic/Rouyn-Noranda, in which he had a combined 18 goals and 42 assists in 54 games, it seems as if even his skating has improved enough to impress the Flyers.

Bourdon will attend rookie camp and training camp, and despite injury or extremely impressive play, will start on the blue line of the Adirondack Phantoms.

From what I have gathered from the murky situation involving Kempe, the Flyers still own the Swedish speedster’s NHL rights.  However, according to a source, Kempe has selected to play in Europe over playing in the AHL.  This situation is something the Flyers’ organization didn’t really want, but will have to deal with, due to the lack of an international transfer agreement.

As far as defenseman Bodrov goes, the Russian blue liner still has a year on his KHL contract and will not sign a contract with the Flyers until he is an official free agent.  Flyers’ General Manager Paul Holmgren said the team had a deal with Bodrov last season, but due to his contract with the KHL, the deal with the Flyers went south.  As rumor has it, Bodrov is making decent tax-free money in the KHL and won’t want to come to the NHL unless he is fast-tracked to the Flyers’ roster.  That would make for a tricky situation for Holmgren, who has yet to see Bodrov play the North American game.  But according to some players who have played against Bodrov in Russia, he may be close to NHL-ready.

On Monday, the greenest Flyers gather in Voorhees, N.J., to begin another week-long conditioning camp.  And although camp this year is less exciting than its recent predecessors, it still makes for some interesting story lines.

The headliner to watch is former second-overall selection, James van Riemsdyk.  JVR has performed admirably at prospect camp the past two summers,  but with the organizations top prospect facing a full season at the pro level, many look at him to impress the Flyers’ brass through out and be the most dominant player on the ice.

Another player that has the eye of the brass is one of many interesting defensemen, Kevin Marshall.  Marshall is quickly driving up the organization’s depth chart due to his mature play and leadership skills.  Marshall may be the top defenseman in the Flyers’ system and it will be interesting to see how he performs.

Defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon was injured last camp and was unable to play in the scrimmages.  Now healthy, Bourdon is coming off a very successful season with Rimouski of the QMJHL and will be watched by many, who want to see if he is truly making the progress that the scouts praise him for.

Seeing his first prospect camp is third-round selection in the 2009 draft, Simon Bertisson out of Sweden.  Bertisson has been touted with having a very mature game and not being far from the NHL.  A camp against North American skaters on North American-style ice will reveal how ready he really is.

Another interesting blueliner is Joonas Lehtivuori.  The smallish Finn was not involved in last year’s camp due to obligations with his Finnish club Ilves Tampere.  Now heading into the season with the Phantoms of the AHL, Lehtivuori is one of those wild cards that could stand out.

As far as goalies are concerned, Nicola Riopel may be the most interesting of all.  Drafted in the fifth round of the 2009 draft, Riopel was past over twice in the 2007 and 2008 draft without being taken.  But coming off a record-breaking year in the QMJHL, it will be curious to see if he is the real deal, or just another ordinary back stop

The notable absences from the camp are Russian prospect Denis Bodrov and Mario Kempe.

Last year, General Manager Paul Holmgren said that Bodrov may be the most “NHL ready” defenseman in the system, which begged the question, when will we see him?  That question may never be answered.  Bodrov is making excellent (guaranteed) money in the KHL.  And although Holmgren and Bodrov’s agent are trying to work a deal to get the Russian to North America, Bodrov’s camp wants a one-way contract, meaning him cannot be send to the AHL at any time.  He also wants equal money to what he’s making in the KHL.  Doing so would be risking a lot on a blue liner that has not proven he can hack a higher level of play.  Don’t expect to see him in Philadelphia any time soon.

As for Kempe, the situation is still a little murky.  The Swedish speedster dazzled in prospect camp the past two seasons and seemed to be high on the Flyers’ list.  so much so, that the Flyers signed Kempe to an entry-level deal with the Phantoms last season and was expected to come over from Sweden permanently.  However, something went wrong and the Flyers lost his rights, prompting a return to Sweden, where Kempe will play for the 2009-10 season.

Below is the camp roster, provided by the Flyers’ Kevin Kurz and @flyersonthefly.  The Schedule of dates and times can be found here.

Forwards

Defensemen:

Goaltenders:

The 2009 NHL entry draft will take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal on June 26 -27 and it is set to be an active one.  With many teams in the top-10 holding multiple picks in the first and second round, it is almost unpredictable as to which teams will deal to move up or down.

The top-end talent in the 2009 draft is one of the best in years, so many teams are hungry to get in the race.

The list below is a preliminary and is subject to change as the draft approaches and teams narrow down their choices.

1. New York Islanders – John Tavares, C — London Knights (OHL)

Despite the talk of the Islanders trading down, New York will not do it. The Isles desperately need a new rink and the best way to do that is to grab a marquee player, similar to what Sidney Crosby did for the Penguins.

John Tavares may not be the best pick for the Islanders, but one thing is for sure — he will bring in the fans.  Tavares is an offensive dynamo that is almost guaranteed to be a star. However, he plays a one-dimensional game and has struggled to produce for the Knights when it counts.

As Kyle Woodlief of the scouting service Red Line Report said, “Tavares may score 40 or 50 goals a season, but he’s one-dimensional. If he’s not scoring, he’s not helping.”  And many teams would take that trade off.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning – Victor Hedman, D — Modo (Swe.)

The Lightning have made some curious moves in the last year, making their selection hard to predict. However silly a move may seem, don’t put it past Tampa. But the Lightning ownership and management, who have proved to be a laughing stock for the majority of the season, shoot for a “sure thing” in the draft and select 6-foot-6, 220 lbs. defenseman Victor Hedman.

The Lightning ranked 27th in team goals against with 3.28 and Hedman would be a legitimate shutdown blue liner, who can log a lot of minutes and play the point on the power play.  Armed with Martin St. Louis, Vinnie Lecavalier and Steven Stamkos, offense isn’t a desperate need. Look for the Phoenix Coyotes to try and package the #6,#21 and a player, to move up to the #2 spot to grab Hedman.

3. Colorado Avalanche – Matt Duchene, C — Brampton (OHL)

Matt Duchene is the perfect player for a team that has an array of problems. Equivalent to baseball’s five-tool player, the Brampton center is not only one of the top speedsters in the draft, but can score and shut down the opposition’s scorers. He has unbelievable skating ability and possesses a great shot. Has captain potential written all over him.

The Avs may be doing some internal rebuilding, and Duchene is the perfect foundation to build on.  Not to mention, Duchene was a fan of the Avs when he was growing up.

4. Atlanta Thrashers – Evander Kane, C — Vancouver (WHL)

If the Thrashers pass on Evander Kane, the Los Angeles Kings will pick him up. The kid is a marketing dream. Named after boxer Evander Holyfield, who was raised in Atlanta, Kane is a rough and tough power forward with good wheels and excellent hockey sense. He is a pure goal scorer and loves to be physical.  Kane could turn out to be the most dangerous player taken in 2009.

“I like to bring an offensive part to the game,” Kane said. “I’m on the team to score goals and contribute offensively. I like to bring a physical element and you can’t be afraid to go into the corners and battle and I like to go hard.”

The Thrashers have needed a legitimate center for Ilya Kovalchuk for years and Kane could be just what the doctor ordered. Not to mention he might focus some much-needed attention to hockey in Georgia.

5. Los Angeles Kings — Brayden Schenn, C/LW — Brandon (WHL)

The Kings are loaded with young, defensive talent, so look for them to go forward. And with coach Terry Murray and assistant General Manager Ron Hextall in the organization, expect them to go for a tough forward. The toss up will be between Swedish power forward Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson or Brayden Schenn. Both players can play the left wing and both are prolific goal scorers. However, Schenn can play the rough game that the Kings love and will be less of a gamble than MSP, who battles inconsistency.

“I try to put pucks to the net, stay strong defensively and throw my weight around when I get the chance,” Schenn said, talking about his game.

Schenn, younger brother of Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is adept at finishing, while also playing a very physical, gritty game and doesn’t shy away from a fight to stick up for teammates.  He compares his game to Flyers’ captain Mike Richards and is similar in his leadership capabilities, while also being able to work the power player and man the penalty kill. Very complete, although not overpowering.

6. Phoenix Coyotes — Jared Cowen, D — Spokane (WHL)

If 6-foot-5, 226 lbs. Jared Cowen did not have injury questions, he would be a top five pick.  But the rangy blue liner is coming off of major knee surgery, and it will drop him to sixth.  He is expected to fully recover from the injury, however, it is a red flag in his draft file.  The Coyotes have drafted a multitude of young fowards like Peter Mueller, Viktor Tikhonov, Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedker, in the past couple drafts.  With the addition of Scottie Upshall and Matthew Lombardi at the deadline, the last thing the ‘Yotes need is a green forward.

With Ed Jovanovski coming into the twilight of his career, the Coyotes need young size on the blue line, along with someone who can man the power play.  Cowen uses his size extremely well and will play the body.  He plays a defensive style, but has potential to be a serious point contributor.  Cowen could be the steal of the draft if he can stay healthy.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs –Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW — Timra (Swe.)

If General Manager Brian Burke doesn’t move up to grab Taveres or Hedman.  And Kane, Schenn and Cowen are all taken, he may trade down and try to grab gutsy power forwards Zack Kassian or Carter Ashton.  Burke is quoted as saying he was sick of seeing his forwards being pushed around and a big, gritty forward would do the trick.  But since this is a mock draft, the Leafs select the best player still available in Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson.

The 6-foot-1, 190 lbs. forward, is an offensive power house and may be in the top-3  as most offensively gifted player taken in 2009.  Not as physical as Burke would probably like, MPS is an above-average passer and possesses a goal-scorer’s touch.  One scouting service compared him to Markus Naslund in his prime, however MPS has suffered some consistency problems, but could easily be a huge steal at seven.

8. Dallas Stars — Jordan Schroeder, RW — USA U-18

The Stars are in a tricky position. With no glaring needs, but close to reaching the post season, they could trade down and still manage to snag the player of their choosing.  But that is no guarantee.  With Schroeder still on the board, the Stars feel like they have a steal in the crafty American and let him learn from fellow American, Mike Modano.

Although he is just 5-foot-8, many scouts believe he has the smarts and skills to not only beat bigger and stronger opposition, but absolutely undress them.  Compared to New Jersey’s Zach Parise and Chicago’s Patrick Kane, Schroeder is projected to be a very good top-six forward and could provide Dallas the right winger they need for the future.

9. Ottawa Senators –Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D — Leksand (Swe.)

Another team with a ton of second round picks, the Sens may try and move up.  However, if they don’t, the Sens could use some potency from the defense and General Manager Bryan Murray does not shy away from Swedes.  Larsson has skyrocketed up many scout’s lists because more people are noticing that he is the total package.  He owns very good passing ability and has an accurate shot, while being a very fluid skater.  He could be an excellent power play contributor, considering his skills, mixed with his smarts with the puck.

Some scouts have said he has the potential to be a Nicklas Lidstrom-type.  At 6-foot-2, 170 lbs., OEL will need to put on some muscle and learn the North American style before it will truly be known if his high ceiling can be reached.

10. Edmonton Oilers — Scott Glennie, C/RW — Brandon (WHL)

The Oilers need some size and scoring down the middle and they get exactly that in 6-foot-1, Scott Glennie.  Consistent and very speedy, Glennie can keep up with the young, fast Oilers, while also being able to finish and play comfortably in his own zone.  Not the toughest of the tough like he linemate Schenn, Glennie will do what it takes to compete, but may need to put on some weight.

He’s extremely teachable and projects to be a consistent producer and good complimentary player, but may not be a hands-down game breaker.  Glennie gets the nod over Nazem Kadri simply because he is bigger and more of a sure thing.  The Oilers may also target talented defenseman Dmitry Kullikov.

11. Nashville Predators — Nazem Kadri, C — London (OHL)

The Preds are set on defense for years to come.  But with an aging captain in center Jason Arnott, Nashville looks to solidify the middle with Nazem Kadri.  With center Colin Wilson ready to enter the NHL, Kadri could take his time and develop, while giving the Preds a nasty one-two punch for the future.  Kadri is an offensive force and a highlight reel type of player.  He has above average puck control and good  speed. With a competitive streak and good skills,  he does have the tendency to try to do too much.  But that’s what coaching is for.

12. Minnesota Wild — Carter Ashton, RW — Lethbridge (WHL)

With a plethora of smallish  playmakers, the Wild could use a big, physical goal scorer.  Ashton is a character guy with grit, great work ethic and a knack for scoring goals.  Son of former NHLer Brent Ashton, Carter has a good shot and is very versatile.  Not a particularly good skater, he could be a good complimentary player aside a small playmaker, to which the Wild have many options.  The Wild’s new General Manager Chuck Fletcher, stated that he wanted to make the team more aggressive with a more upbeat style.  And Ashton can bring just that.

13. Buffalo Sabres — Zack Kassian, RW — Peterborough (OHL)

The Sabres have a boatload of young defenseman in the system and not a lot of size at forward.  Thus, enter 6-foot-3, 210 lbs. and mean as hell, Zack Kassian.  The big forward has raw offensive skills, but throws his body around and creates a ton of room.  He brings that taste of blood-style hockey that Buffalo lacked all last season. Kassian has similar numbers in juniors to Boston forward Milan Lucic and plays a similar style of game.  Kassian will take some time to develop, but if done right, he could become a very nasty power forward, of Lucic’s similar ilk.

14. Florida Panthers  — Simon Despres, D — Saint John (QMJHL)

Defenseman Ryan Ellis is a consideration, but after losing big, rangy defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to free agency, the Panthers select the closest possible replacement.  Despres is 6-foot-3, 210 lbs., can skate, can man the power play and is strong in his own zone.  Not a physical player, Despres is very steady and may fly under the radar for some, but could pan out to be a really good pickup.

15. Anaheim Ducks — Dmitry Kulikov, D — Drummondville (QMJHL)

Although the Ducks may have their eye on a speedy winger, they can not pass  up QMJHL Rookie of the Year Kulikov. With an aging blue line, the Ducks get an offensive, power play quarterback in the making.  Kulikov is smooth on his skates and is an adept passer.  Unlike many Russians, Kulikov left his home country to play the North American game at the age of 17. And he has excelled, shrinking the potential time it would normally take to season a Russian defender for the NHL.  Kulikov may be NHL ready without a couple years and has the potential to be a real powerhouse on the Duck’s blue line.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets — Ryan Ellis, D — Windsor (OHL)

The Blue Jackets have a desperate need for a power play quarterback and if Ellis can do one thing better than most, it’s man the special teams.  Despite being just 5’11, he is a smart player, making up for lack of size with skill and cunning.  One report states that if Ellis was three inches taller, he would be a top-10 pick.

17. St. Louis Blues — Chris Kreider, C — Andover, MA (H.S.)

The Blues need a big force at center and Kreider is just that.  He is also blessed with phenomenal skating ability and good puck sense around the net.  The downside is his commitment to college, which will keep him out of the NHL for years.  However, the NCAA training regiment is not a bad thing for players who will rely on size at a higher level.

18. Montreal Canadiens — Louis Leblanc, C — Omaha (USHL)

The Habs go with a francophone, but that’s not all the brainy Leblanc brings to the table.  He is a hardworking, two-way player with decent speed and good hands.  He planned on going to college and majoring in economics, but he may stay in juniors, depending on his decision.  Smart, defensively sound and from Quebec, just up Montreal and Jacques Martin’s alley isn’t it?  Anyone selecting Leblanc is hoping to get a player in the similar mold of Flyers’ forward Simon Gagne, who was drafted 22nd overall in 1998.

19.  New York Rangers — Kyle Palmieri, C — USA U-18

The Rangers need a forward with character and talent and Palmieri is just that.  He’s also a North Jersey kid, who grew up a Rangers’ fan.  Palmieri is small in stature (5’11), but is a bulldog around the net and loves to crash.  He’s very quick on his skates and has an A+ personality.  He has captain potential written all over him.  Many reports compare him with Chris Drury.

20. Calgary Flames –John Moore, D –Chicago (USHL)

At 6’2, 190 lbs., Moore has a great frame for defense, matched with an unrivaled skating ability.  He is a two-way defender with a knack for scoring goals and racking up points from the blue line.  Moore idolizes Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermeyer, but according to the head of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire, Moore may play more like Jay Bouwmeester.  Moore is headed to college in Colorado.

21. Philadelphia Flyers — David Rundblad, D — Skelleftea (Swe JE)

The Flyers are indoubtadly  going to select a puck-moving defenseman if they keep their position.  General Manager Paul Holmgren can’t get enough of defenseman that can move the puck quickly out of the zone and has mentioned it on more than one occasion that the team needs defense and goalie depth.  If Palmieri or Ashton falls, the Flyers may take a hard look.  But with both players taken, the Flyers select Swedish defender David Rundblad.  Rundblad is a right-handed, offensive defenseman that patterns his game after Capitals’ defenseman Mike Green.  He  has a good shot, is very capable of carrying the puck into the opposing zone.  Rundblad has incredible passing skills and can move the puck out of his own zone quickly and with accuracy.  On the downside,  he’s got size at 6’2, 195 lbs., but he doesn’t use it to his advantage.  Rundblad’s defensive game is also a work in progress, but with his offensive skill and potential deadly right-handed shot on the power play, faults can be overlooked.

22. Vancouver Canucks –Stefan Elliot, D — Saskatoon (WHL)

The Canucks need a power play quarterback of the future and Elliot can fill just that role.  The offensive blueliner with a rare right-handed shot, was also selected WHL scholastic player of the year, an accolade that will endear himself to General Manager Mike Gillis.  Born in North Vancouver, Elliot has all the offensive skills needed to be a successful pro, but his best asset may be his smarts with the puck.  His downside is his lack of physicality and play in his own end.

23. New Jersey Devils –Jacob Josefson, C — Djurgarden (Swe JE)

Josefson is an adept passer and a very strong skater with a mature game and high aspirations to play in the NHL.  He plays a solid two-way game and will fit right into place in the Atlantic Division with his  tough, physical game.  The Devils are the oldest team in the league and will need some strong-willed talent to eventually replace the departing forward corp.

24. Washington Capitals –Drew Shore, C — USA U-18

Washington owner Ted Leonsis expressed the team’s need for youth and size down the middle, particularly, a future second-line center.  Although defense is also a concern for the Caps, there are simply more big centers at this point than stay-at-home defensemen, and Shore is the perfect pickup at this stage.  At 6’2, Shore has the build to be a power forward, but his game is actually somewhat finesse.  He has impeccable hands and vision to match.  Shore will take time to develop in college, but it will just make him a stronger player in the long run.  He’s good on the boards and finds the open man, wherever he may be.  The perfect set up man for the Caps’ skilled wingers.

25. Boston Bruins — Zach Budish, C — Edina H.S (Minn.)

Zach Budish is a monster.  at 6’4, 225 lbs., the power forward is built like a rock with a knack for scoring goals.  Playing linebacker in high school, Budish tore his ACL, which, along with some raw ability, has dropped him to the end of the first round.  However, doctors say Budish’s knee is fine.   The Bruins want to bulk up front and Budish will help them do just that in 2-4 years.  Budish will go to college to refine his game, but he is the typical medium risk, high reward selection.

26. New York Islanders — Calvin De Haan, D — Oshawa (OHL)

After taking a high-powered forward with their first pick, the Isles take a legit puck-moving defenseman with their second.  De Haan is a very good puck handling defenseman.  He is decent in his own end, but is known more for his puck moving and carrying skills.  He lacks the physicality needed out of the gate, but a higher level of aggression is something he’s working on.

27. Carolina Hurricanes — Landon Ferraro, RW — Red Deer (WHL)

The Hurricanes select Ferraro for his natural gifts, two-way play and great speed.  But his biggest asset may be his relationship in Raleigh. Landon’s dad, former NHL star Ray Ferraro, played 442 games with Carolina’s former team, the Hartford Whalers.  There, Ray played alongside current Carolina assistant coach Ron Francis.  Landon also played at Red Deer with current Hurricanes’ center Brandon Sutter.

28. Chicago Blackhawks — Brayden McNabb, D — Kootenay (WHL)

The Hawks are loaded with young, talented defenseman, but they lack that true monster presence on the back end that  won’t also be a liability.  McNabb is just that.  At 6’3, 200 lbs., he is a straight-up defensive defenseman.  He has a physical edge and a mean streak that causes him to drop his gloves when needed.  He can move the puck, but at the NHL level, he will never be mistaken for a two-way guy.  McNabb is not a great skater, but his reach and positioning make up for it, along with his consuming defensive play down low.   Dylan Olsen is an option here, but his commitment to college means he won’t be available for 2-3 years.

29. Detroit Red Wings  — Tim Erixon, D – Skelleftea (Swe.)

The devastating defeat at the hands of the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals proved that the Wings will need some new blood on defense in the near future.  Son of former NHLer Jan Erixon, Tim was coached at a young age and that maturity and smarts is the calling card of his game.   He has excellent hockey sense and makes very smart, safe plays.  Aside from his strong defensive play, Erixon has an offensive game.  He has a good shot from the point and the ability to carry the puck.  Erixon gives up some potency from the back line in exchange for reliability and consistency.

30. Pittsburgh Penguins — Peter Holland, F — Guelph (OHL)

Holland has mid first-round talent but has dropped in the eyes of many scouts who question his passion.  But that flaw does not change the opinion of the Penguins, who were the same team that drafted Angelo Esposito, 20th overall in 2007, because he was the best available talent, ignoring a similar reputation. Holland is a big body at 6’2, 195 lbs., and is known for his two-way play.  He’s a good skater with topside offensive ability and is very smooth with the puck.  However, Holland lacks can lack intensity at times and is seen as somewhat inconsistent.

Anyone watching the Flyers – Penguins opening round playoff series, would be hard pressed to say that Philly rookie Claude Giroux, the kid the rest of the players simply call “G”,  has not been the Flyers’ best player.

He is second on the team with two playoff goals and is tied for first on the team in playoff points with four in five games.    As much as the league has been focused on rookie Bobby Ryan, Jerome Iginla and Alex Ovechkin, Giroux has matched all of them in points while getting much less ice time.

The most creative  and confident passer to wear orange and black since Peter Forsberg, Giroux has been a godsend for the Flyers and has powered them to victory on more than one occasion.

Which begs the question: Why isn’t he on the power play?

Giroux averages just 15:33 of ice time per game.  That tops only four forwards on the team, Daniel Carcillo (8:20), Darroll Powe (13:59), Arron Asham (8:13) and Jared Ross (4:35).

It is understandable that coach John Stevens wants a viable third line, that can challenge the Penguins’ third defensive pairing.  Those things happen in the chess match that is playoff hockey.

But why keep your most prolific passer and puck handler off the power play?  It doesn’t make sense.

Giroux roughly receives an average of 1:20 of ice time on the man-advantage per game.  That’s a minute less than Joffrey Lupul, who has just one assist this series and receives 2:22.  Giroux sees less power play time than seven other forwards, when he is potentially the most dangerous and is undoubtedly the hottest.

And a change in personnel is warranted.

The Flyers are 3-for-27 on the power play in the series, including going 0-for-8 in a 3-1 loss in game four.  The man-advantage has been impotent,  making for  no excuse for Stevens not to make a slight change.

Giroux proven during the regular season that he can handle the power play time.  He’s strong on the puck, doesn’t force bad passes and scored two goals and four assists on the pp in the regular season.

He has also been the Flyers most effective face off man, with a percentage of 44.2. This compares to Mike Richards’ 42.2 and Jeff Carter’s 43.4.

The Penguins have been aggressive on the penalty kill, charging the Flyers’ forwards, trying to get them to turn the puck over.  And it has worked.  But to counter that tactic, a team must move the puck quickly and confidently.

And there is no one better than Giroux to complete that task.