NHL Draft Profiles: Incoming Defensemen/Goaltenders

Wisconsin recruit Turris, UNH's van Riemsdyk lead the way

June 22, 2007

Compiled by CSTV.com Staff

Below are the top 10 defensemen and goaltenders in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft - as ranked by Hockey's Future - who will play college hockey as freshmen in the 2007-08 season. All defenseman rankings are among North American skaters, while goaltenders are ranked separately.

Ryan McDonagh, Wisconsin (Cretin-Derham Hall, Minnesota H.S.)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 200 pounds

2006-07 Stats:  33 points (10g, 23a) in 23 games

Leslie Treff, Hockey's Future: "Ryan McDonagh, a big, physically solid, offensive defenseman, was recently named Minnesota's `Mr. Hockey.' It was at the Under 18s that he emerged from under the radar screen. With three assists in the tournament, McDonagh was solid on both offense and defense, and impressive in confidence and quickness on the ice. In the buzz leading up to the NHL Combine, McDonagh was one of the NHL teams' most anticipated interviewees."

Nick Petrecki, Boston College (Omaha Lancers, USHL)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 213 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 21

2006-07 Stats: 25 points (11g, 14a) in 54 games

Sean Ruck, Hockey's Future: "Petrecki is a classic American defenseman.  He has good size, he hits very hard, and he has a very heavy shot."

Dave Starman, CSTV: "I first saw Nick when he was a 15- or 16-year-old, and he was playing for the Capital District Selects. Big, strong, and dominated the game. He was their best player. He was really physical, he was pretty smart for his age, and he played within his limits, which I thought was admirable for a kid who had so much upside potential. He didn't try to do too much, which made him much better at what he did, and that was being big and mean. I think he'll be a pretty good college player. He's been well-coached his whole career, he has a pretty good head on his shoulders, and he's going to be a great player."

Colby Cohen, Boston University (Lincoln Stars, USHL)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 25

2006-07 Stats: 60 points (13g, 47a) in 53 games

Ted Ruth, Notre Dame (U.S. National Team Development Program)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 199 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 32

2006-07 Stats: 16 points (5g, 11a) in 39 games

Sean Ruck, Hockey's Future: "Ruth, who stands at 6'1", is a tremendous competitor.  He is a stay-at-home defenseman who has worked to improve his offensive skills."

Kevin Shattenkirk, Boston University (U.S. National Team Development Program)

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 193 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 34

2006-07 Stats: 34 points (12 g, 22a), in 48 games

Sean Ruck, Hockey's Future: "Shattenkirk is an excellent leader who is very talented offensively.  He has a deceptively strong shot, and has very good ice vision."

Brendan Smith, Wisconsin (St. Michael's Buzzers, OPJHL)

Height: 6'1¼"

Weight: 170 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 68

2006-07 Stats: 36 points (12g, 24a) in 39 games

Ian Cole, Notre Dame (U.S. National Team Development Program)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 211 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 81

2006-07 Stats: 20 points (4g, 16a) in 49 games

Sean Ruck, Hockey's Future: "Cole will not amaze people with his speed or skill, but he brings a lot of physicality to the table, and can develop into a shutdown defender. "

Joe Stejskal, Dartmouth (Grand Rapids H.S, Minnesota)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 186 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 95

2006-07 Stats: 28 points (11g, 17a) in 24 games

GOALTENDERS

Brad Phillips, Notre Dame (U.S. National Team Development Program)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 163 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 9

2006-07 Stats: 15-5-0-2, 2.33 GAA, .913 SV%

Scott Darling, Maine (Capital District Selects, EJHL)

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 190 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 11

2006-07 Stats: 9-9-3-1, 3.38 GAA, .924 SV%