The 2009 NHL Mock Draft

Jared Cowen, a mammoth blueliner, is the second-best defenseman in the draft and would be a nice fit in a Dallas Stars sweater. Claus Andersen/Getty Images Allan Muir's Mailbag Submit a comment or question for Allan. Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

Maybe it was this week's roster announcements for the World Junior Championship. Maybe it was fans looking for the silver lining in their team's early struggles. Or maybe it was a concerted plot by a group of die-hard prospecting nerds. Whatever the case, my inbox was jammed with letters regarding next summer's NHL draft.

"Do you think the Stars would be better served drafting John Tavares or Victor Hedman?" asked John McFadden, Allen, TX.

"What kind of pro player will Jordan Schroeder be?" wondered L. McManamin of Minnesota.

And then there was Fadi Mansoor, who pondered what effect the drafting of Nazim Kadri would have on the popularity of hockey in Lebanon.

Seriously. I get mail like that all the time.

Clearly you guys are thinking draft, and since I'm all for giving you what you want, we've got our first 2009 mock draft.

Too early? Not all all. Teams have been mocking drafts since last summer. Sure, the desirability of certain players is sure to fluctuate, but this will give you a good idea of who is most likely to be on the radar when the first round goes down in Montreal on June 25.

Just to make things interesting, I've included a draft order based on the current standings as of Friday morning. Obviously, that order and much else will change continually as the season progresses, so team needs and drafting tendencies weren't taken into consideration. But if the draft were to be held today, this is what it might look like:

1. Atlanta Thrashers

Victor Hedman, D, Modo (Sweden Jrs)

The 6-7, 225-pound Hedman has done nothing since his breakthrough performance at last year's WJC to suggestthat he shouldn't be the first player selected. A recent shoulder injury may hamper him slightly at this year's tournament, but it shouldn't impact his standing. Picture a cross between Chris Pronger's physical style and Nick Lidstrom's calm puck movement and you have an idea of what Hedman brings to the table.

2. Tampa Bay Lightning

John Tavares, C, Oshawa Generals

It's the age-old story of the Canadian phenom: Tavares has been in the spotlight so long that scouts now spend all their time picking apart his flaws rather than celebrating his potential. Someone's going to get an elite scorer with this pick, but Tavares needs a strong season to maintain this draft position.

3. Dallas Stars

Jared Cowen, D, Spokane Chiefs

Another mammoth blueliner (6-5, 220), Cowen lacks the overtly physical element that defines Hedman's game. Still, he'll be a difference-maker in his own zone and a lock for someone's top pairing. His positioning and reads are second to none in the draft.

4. New York Islanders

Matt Duchene, C, Brampton Battalion

Duchene uses his superb speed to make an impact at both ends. Scouts love his slick hands, hockey sense and two-way commitment, and they slot him in as a No. 1 center.

5. Ottawa Senators

Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi. LW, Timra (Sweden)

Already a regular in the Elitserien at 17, he's drawing comparisons to Markus Naslund. "An elite playmaker," said one scout. "Has that gift of making those around him better."

6. St. Louis Blues

Jordan Schroeder, RW, University of Minnesota

The only NCAA player likely to be selected in the first three rounds, Schroeder is a dynamic, if undersized (5-8, 168), scoring threat. He'll be the offensive centerpiece for the Americans at the WJC.

7. Los Angeles Kings

Evander Kane, C, Vancouver Giants

The natural playmaker has become a more accomplished finisher this season. "He has more confidence in his shot and he's going to the net more consistently," one scout said.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs

Brayden Schenn, C, Brandon Wheat Kings

The reigning WHL Rookie of the Year lacks the size and nastiness of older brother Luke, but boasts enough grit and touch to become a solid second line center. Brian Burke has a thing for brother acts . . .

9. Colorado Avalanche

Nazem Kadri, C, London Knights

A smallish forward of Lebanese heritage (he was born in London, Ont.), Kadri makes up for his lack of size (6-0, 177) with dazzling puck skills and high-end foot speed. He can play all three forward positions.

10. Edmonton Oilers

Taylor Doherty, D, Kingston Frontenacs

At 6-8 and 225 pounds, Doherty is a Chara-size slab of defensive granite. He plays up to his size, too. He's a physical pounder who's not afraid to drop the mitts, and he's a surprisingly strong skater. His skills are still raw, though, making him the draft's most intriguing project.