Bruins, Flyers get high marks; Pens are big winners

	With the fifth pick, the Bruins wasted no time snagging Phil Kessel, who might turn out to be the best forward in the draft. Harry How/Getty Images
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With the 2006 NHL draft in the rear-view mirror, it's time to hand out grades for all Eastern Conference teams. Click here to view Western Conference grades.

Atlanta Thrashers

Bryan Little (12th) projects as a two-way, second-line center. He makes up for his lack of size (5-foot-10, 194 pounds), with good speed, excellent hands and a tremendous work ethic. He's at least two years away. They might have nabbed a gem in Michael Forney (80th), a player who was considered a potential first rounder leading up to the draft. His size draws attention, (6-2, 185), but this left winger is very, very raw. Goalie Alex Kangas (135th) could make the U.S. National Junior Team in 2007.
Grade: B

Boston Bruins

A year ago, some scouts would have selected Phil Kessel over Sidney Crosby. This year Kessel fell into the Bruins' laps (5th), and while there are questions, there's also a real chance they got the best forward in the draft. Yuri Alexandrov (37th) captained the Russian Under-18 Team and could become a top-four defender. Brad Marchand (71st) has a chance to become a Steve Sullivan-type center.
Grade: A-

Buffalo Sabres

Dennis Persson was a bit of a reach at 24. He has the potential to become a good No. 3 defender, but they blew the chance to take goalie Leland Irving and address a glaring need. Instead, they settled for Jhonas Enroth, a skilled, but very small netminder (46th). German center Felix Schutz (117th) caught the eye of a number of draftniks who considered him to be the ultimate sleeper pick of 2006. He's drawn comparisons to Derek Roy.
Grade: B-

Carolina Hurricanes

Don't expect too much out of this draft. With no first rounder (gone to St. Louis in the Doug Weight deal), the 'Canes were silent until taking steady defender Jamie McBain (63rd). The might have unearthed a gem in Bobby Hughes (123rd), who centered the top line in Kingston last season. He plays much bigger than his size (5-10, 170) and reads the game exceptionally well. He wouldn't have lasted this long if not for an injury-plagued season.
Grade: C-

Florida Panthers

They desperately needed to build on the blueline, but at the 10 spot, they felt they couldn't pass on Michael Frolik, the ultimate boom-or-bust player of the draft. Might have been smarter to trade down to where the best defenders were and pick up another asset along the way. With no second rounder, they didn't pick again until 103, where they got 18-year-old Brady Calla. The low-scoring winger was ranked 28th in North America by CSB, but wasn't as highly regarded by NHL teams. Defender Derrick Lapoint (116th) was a late value pick.
Grade: C

Montreal Canadiens

Surprised many observers by taking defenseman David Fischer so early (20th), but the Habs needed to restock on the blueline. He's a smooth skater, and a rare right-handed shot. He'll probably be in college at least two years before Montreal gets a look at him. Ryan White (66th) was a great value pick in the third round.
Grade: C+