Pens Draft Preview - 3rd Round Prediction/Outlook

Part of a week-long special heading up to the draft where we preview players that should be available when the Penguins draft in the first three rounds.

Once you get into the 4th round, everything becomes a crap shoot and the Penguins have two picks there, one at #111 and one at #118. I’ll skip right over those and start at #80 in round three. I’ll do round two later this week and my final, in-depth look at Round 1 on Thursday. These looks tell who I think the three most likley prospects might be.

With the 80th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the Penguins (might) Select:

Olivier Fortier – C – Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) – May 5, 1989 - 5’11 – 170lbs – Shoots L

Fortier had a breakout year in 2007 when he exploded on the scene offensively. The nature of these types of centers is that the success they have at the CHL level with scoring doesn’t necessarily translate over to the NHL or even the AHL for that matter. However, if we draft Olivier it won’t be because of a scoring pedigree. Fortier reminds me of Max Talbot in many ways and you can never have too many of these solid two-way guys on your roster. I think his offensive instincts are better than Mad Max’s but he lacks that physical aspect, however his two-way game is there and I’ve always been impressed with the way he kills penalties and survey’s the ice. Plays with a great work ethic.

2006/07 Statistics: 69GP – 28G – 36A – 64P – 28PIM

OR

Riley Nash – F – Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) – May 9, 1989 – 6’1 – 175lbs – Shoots R

Nash is a carbon-copy of a Fortier-like player. Strong two way game. Broke out this year offensively. Was named most valuable player for the Silverbacks. Recently committed to play hockey at Cornell in the Fall. Was ROY for the Interior Conference in the BCHL. Another guy that is a two-way high energy player. Success will need to translate to the next level. Good conditioning has impressed coaches throughout his career. Size and versatility at offense will make him attractive to scouts.

2006/07 Statistics: 55GP – 38G – 46A – 84Pts – 87PIM

OR

Jens Hellgren – D - Västra Frölunda HC Indians – March 6, 1989, 6’3 – 192lbs – Shoots L

Sticking with Ray Shero’s mid-round Euro picks. Hellgren has the size and mobility that make him attractive to scouts. However, his smarts are often questioned and his game has been described as “complicated” by several scouts. He is good enough in both zones that he could come to the AHL and begin to hone the simple parts of his game that will make him a better player.

2006/07 Statistics: 40GP – 4G -6A – 10Pts - -7 – 26PIM

Stay tuned for a Round 2 Preview!


Previous Third-Round Choices for the Penguins:

2006 - #65 Overall - D Brian Strait
2005 - #62 Overall - D Kristopher Letang
2004 - #61 Overall - D Alex Goligoski
2003 - #70 Overall - RW Jonathan Filewich
2002 - #69 Overall - C Erik Christensen
2001 - #86 Overall - D Drew Fata
2000 - #80 Overall - G Peter Hamerlik
1999 - #86 Overall - G Sebastien Caron