Odds say even expected top NHL pick Steven Stamkos is no sure thing
The best odds say Steven Stamkos will be the top NHL pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, going to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 5'11” forward had a brilliant career with the OHL's Sarnia Sting, racking up 197 points in two seasons, making him an easy favorite to go first overall on Friday, June 20. He is blessed with excellent vision and a wealth of talent, but plenty of other high hockey picks have earned similar praise before flopping.
Predicting the NHL futures of rookie's is as tough a wager as any, and Stamkos is certainly not in Sidney Crosby's category. However, if he lives up to the hype, his presence will help the franchise turn from big dogs to a favorite to make the playoffs. Tampa Bay was handcuffed by the massive salaries of Vincent Lecavlier, Martin St. Louis and Brad Richards. With Richards gone, the team's relieved bankroll can be used to shore up depth, while Stamkos could replace Richards' points.
The Kings, Thrashers, Blues and Islanders round out the top five, where the draft picture grows muddled after Stamkos. A slew of skilled players are clustered together, including defensemen Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian, Luke Schenn and Alex Peitrangelo. Schenn has the best size of the group, measuring in at 6'2 and 210 pounds. Doughty is the shortest of this defense crew, but he'll produce lots of points to earn his salary. Regardless, analysts expect bright hockey futures for all of them.
Nikita Filatov is one of the more intriguing players in this year's draft.. The young Russian forward is regarded by many as the second best prospect after Stamkos, but his playing status is uncertain because the Russian Hockey Federation and NHL have been unable to agree on a transfer agreement. Picking the fast and talented Filatov is a huge gamble, but he could be a coup if he slips in the draft.
After an NHL draft, a betting man's biggest question is which players can help a team immediately. Stamkos has the most juice to make the biggest first-year impact. If Tampa Bay can add a few pieces elsewhere, he could help the Lightning find its way back to the postseason. Of the top five teams selecting, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and St. Louis have the best odds of improving in '09. The Kings are loaded with young talent and are only a goalie and some experience away from playoff action. The Blues, meanwhile, strides last season and are building a solid core. Another young player could mean the different between a spot in the postseason or another lottery pick.
Few things are certain on draft day—not even future top NHL pick Steven Stamkos is a lock for success. But when Tampa Bay kicks off the 2008 NHL draft by selecting the nifty forward first overall, you can be sure of one thing: a single lucky or intuitive pick can change the fortunes of a franchise.
Who better to offer great sports betting and hockey tips than a native Canadian? Like any good Canuck, Don Melrose eats, sleeps, breathes and bets hockey, making him the perfect NHL handicapper. Thoughts or questions?
