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How did the Canadian teams stack up at the NHL draft? According to Mark Seidel, the North American Central Scouting Service's chief scout, the Maple Leafs were the big winners. Here's what Seidel, an independent scout, thought:
Montreal
The Habs selected hometown C Louis Leblanc at No. 18. "Leblanc is an offensive player, but needs a lot of work and time before he can compete for a spot," said Seidel. "A couple of later picks in Dustin Walsh and Micheal Cichy were solid value, but the overall result was underwhelming."
GRADE: C-
Ottawa
Since the Senators missed out on Nazem Kadri, they had to switch their thinking at No. 9. "Jared Cowen fall right into their laps," said Seidel. "The Senators added one of the top goaltenders in Robin Lehner and local boy Corey Cowick to round out a successful weekend aimed at rebuilding the suddenly empty prospect depth in the organization."
GRADE: A-
Toronto
"The (scouting staff's) work this weekend (was a) phenomenal performance that will net the Leafs some significant prospects as they move forward with the rebuilding plan. They started things off with Nazem Kadri, a surefire NHLer that will make them very hard to play against."
GRADE: A+
Calgary
If the Flames are able to sign D Jay Bouwmeester, this will be a great weekend. They may have gotten a steal in the third round with Ryan Howse. "Howse was good value, but after him, they just were OK in their selections."
GRADE: B+
Edmonton
Oilers GM Steve Tambellini had a good draft. "(They) seem to have good players fall to them and that trend started with Magnus Svennson-Paajarvi at No. 10. Anton Lander, Cameron Abney and Tony Rajala were all rated higher than their selection spots.
GRADE: B
Vancouver
The Canucks may have been surprised to see Jordan Schroeder available at No. 22. "The staff practically ran to the stage to select," said Seidel. "They took some chances on a few picks, including Anton Rodin, Jeremy Price and Steven Anthony, who all have abilities but size may be a factor."
GRADE: B
