MONTREAL -- Coming away with six picks over two days, the Calgary Flames added to their stables at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
23. D TIM ERIXON, 6-foot-2, 190: Son of former NHLer Jan Erixon, he was born in Portchester, N.Y, but played minor hockey in Sweden. "A smart defenceman who can either lead a rush or support the rush from behind," said one scout. He was ranked fifth among European skaters playing for Skelleftea of the Swedish Elite League.
74. LW RYAN HOWSE, 5-foot-11, 195: A product of Prince George, B.C., he led the Chilliwack Bruins in scoring last season with 31 goals and 13 assist. "He's a finisher," said a scout.
111. RW HENRIK BJORKLUND, 6-foot-2, 202: Scored 21 goals in 38 games with Farjestad of Sweden's Division 1 and added 83 penalty minutes in 38 games. "Not a great skater, but he's good at protecting the puck. He has a good release," said a scout.
141. LW SPENCER BENNETT, 6-foot-3, 185: The big winger had 20 goals and 21 assists for Surrey of the BCHL. "He dropped in the rankings as the season went on. He's a project," said a scout. Bennett was ranked 93rd at midterm by CSB among North American skaters, but fell to 142 by the end of the season.
171. G JONI ORTIO, 6-foot-1, 181: He played for Turku's junior team last season and was the eighth-ranked European goaltender by CSB. "His stock fell in this draft," said a scout. "Sometimes, that happens to kids. You make your pick and there's always somebody you like at that spot a little better." He was the 19th of 21 goaltenders taken in the draft.
201. C GAELAN PATTERSON, 6-foot, 204: The La Ronge, Sask., product had 22 goals in 71 games playing for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL last season. "He's an older guy (19 in August). He lost a half a season a couple of years ago when he got his wrist slashed."
CHRIS.STEVENSON@SUNMEDIA.CA
