Landon Ferraro was the first pick last year (#32) but was quickly upstaged by Tomas Tatar (#60)

Oh, it's almost the most wonderful time of the year.

If you're a regular at BDS (and why wouldn't you be?), you know that perhaps my favorite thing about the NHL calendar besides watching Detroit lift the Cup is the NHL draft. There's nothing quite like scouring the internet for information on who the Wings just picked, specifically the magic that Hakan Andersson pulls out of the late round every year. Look no further than prospect Adam Almqvist (more info in the post directly below this), a defenseman who scored more than two points per game in the Swedish junior circuit, before establishing himself as a top four defenseman in the SEL (a league better than the AHL) -- something it sometimes takes early round picks a couple years to achieve. Even rarer for the pick 210 out of 211 drafted to do in the span of six months.

In the interest of full disclosure: I am sadly unprepared for this year's draft. I can't remember the last time I didn't have fairly decent viewings on most of the players slated to go in the first round. Most of this is due to being in the junior hockey cesspool that is Grand Rapids -- I've been about to watch more AHL hockey and college hockey in the past few years, but I'm not longer ten minutes away from an OHL rink when I lived near the Plymouth Whalers barn. In the past I was able to make due -- I saw a good number of guys play as 15 and 16 year olds, so I knew what type of style they played as they got closer to their draft year, and I still catch a handful of games when I go home. But this year, even in the OHL, I haven't seen a good number of high ranked players play, and the ones I have were in limited viewings.

Without a doubt though, I am ready to dive into the draft and start talking some puck. I've still read a fair bit about a healthy percentage of guys slated to be taken in the first two rounds, but nothing beats being an amateur scout and watching these guys on my own. For that reason, I'm not going to BS anybody with long-winded analysis on each target -- just a short synopsis of their style, with a promise to do as much research as I can on them if and when they become a Wing.

No further delay: let's talk facts. The Wings have their highest pick since 2005, when the lockout year created a league-wide draft lottery that saw Detroit land Jakub Kindl at pick #19. Before that, the last three times they picked outside of the bottom five in the first round (compensating for the days of 22-26 NHL teams) were in 1998 (Jiri Fischer), 1991 (Martin Lapointe), and 1990 (Keith Primeau). Two players who have already retired, and another whose career was cut short medically.

They'll be picking at #21 this year. Additionally, they have their own selections in every other round, so barring any trades (and the Wings have a tendency to slide down a few spots to grab two guys they want instead of one -- see 2006 and 2009), they'll be adding new prospects at #21, #51, #81, #111, #141, #171, and #201. Only one pick in the 200s? However will Hakan get to work his magic?

This draft is not as deep as last years, and in my opinion, even 2008. The first round looks top heavy -- the top 15 will likely stay in the top 20, with about 30-45 players who it wouldn't be at all surprising to see slide into those last 15 picks of the round. Ken Holland has said the team would like to add a skilled forward, but also stated that they would stick with their "best player available" strategy should a high-ranked defenseman slip outside of the top 20. As is usually my preference, I would like to see Detroit add a forward, but there are a handful of intriguing Red Wings-style defensemen who could slip out of the top 20. There's also a handful of players who were considered top five or top ten picks prior to this season who have slipped out of favor in the rankings. Wild cards for sure, but given that the Wings are just outside of the "top-tier" talent window, I would fully support a gamble this season.

I've separated this post into four categories. The first three pertain to the first round. There are the "slippers" who could potentially fall out of that top group, the "targets" who I've seen a lot of mock drafts put around Detroit's pick, and the "sleepers," who would be perhaps be considered slightly off the board, but are worth noting anyway if Detroit tries to trade down (or if these players slip to #51). Lastly, I'll list a couple late round targets that I like -- but these are to be taken with a grain of salt given the much lower percentage than normal of these folks I've actually been able to see. Let's roll.

The Slippers
(Most of these players will be giving interviews to TV crews by the time pick #21 rolls around, but if they aren't, Detroit would be foolish not to take a long look at them. There's a few unexpected slips every year, though, so I'm taking a look at the guys that I have a reason to think might fall.)

Jeff Skinner, C - The Kitchener Rangers forward is either ranked in the top ten of the first round, or the top ten of the second round in every list you see. Reasons for that include his potential "hot dog" attitude, generous 5'10" frame, and one-dimensional play. But Skinner was one of just two 50 goal scorers in the OHL, and he potted 20 more in the playoffs. His hands and creativity are considered to be one of the draft's best.

Austin Watson, RW - The product of Ann Arbor was thought to be a late first round pick until a trade from the eventual Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires to the Peterborough Petes opened up more ice time an opportunity for him. Now the budding power forward is thought to be a mid-first round pick. He's got the two-way smarts and the touch around the net, but needs a few years of refinement before he can be a top prospect.

Jon Merrill, D - A second straight Michigander (Brighton), Merrill recently stated his desire to be picked by his long-time favorite team, Detroit. Merill was long considered one of the top defensemen available for this draft, because of his size (6'3"), strength, and efficiency at both ends of the ice. His defensive play is simple and silent, much like a player he is frequently compared to in Nick Lidstrom, but his offensive play never took flight with the U.S. National Development Program. He'll be a Michigan Wolverine next fall, offering Detroit the opportunity to keep a very close eye on his development.

Mark Pysyk, D - Another player thought to be a top ten pick for this draft at this point last year, Pysyk has slid into the middle of the first round with some thinking he could fall all the way to the end of it. There were very high hopes surrounding his entrance into the WHL that he could become the next great WHL point-producing defenseman, but like Merrill, the points never amounted. Scouts are still in love with his skating ability and the way he moves the puck, so perhaps a better situation (Pysyk was not only injured, but he played for the Edmonton Oil Kings, the lowest scoring team in the WHL) could cultivate that offensive ability.

Emerson Etem, C - Baseball fans may appreciate this potential pick, as his name is pronounced Eat-em and he plays for the Medicine Hat Tigers (and if you're unfamiliar, there's a "famous" homeless man, with a foam Incredible Hulk fist holding his change cup, in downtown Detroit who I hear every time I go to a Tigers game, chanting "eat 'em up Tigers, eat 'em up) but hockey fans would appreciate it because of his top notch speed, physical style, and great hands that come from his background being raised in California as a roller hockey player. Etem wouldn't be a huge slip, slated in the 15-20 range, but the Central Scouting Bureau among a few other lists have him in the top ten.

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW - Talent-wise, Tarasenko is top ten. But in the past few years, the biggest sliders in the draft are traditionally the talented Russians that don't make it out of North America. There is no transfer agreement with Russia, and the KHL has made a push in the past few years to keep top prospects at home with long-term entry-level deals and big money contracts. Still, Tarasenko will end up in the first round because of his Pavel Bure-lite style. Hakan recently stated that he scouted Russia more than in the past this season, so it's not absurd to think Detroit is heavily interested in a few of these potential KHL wild cards.

The Targets
(These players are the most often available in mock drafts and scouting lists around Detroit's pick at #21. It would be nice to grab a player who has slipped, but these players would not be bad consolation.)

Nick Bjugstad, C - Debated putting him in the first section, but The Hockey News is the only service that has him in the top ten, almost everywhere else has him around Detroit's pick. The 6'4" forward is the product of the powerhouse Minnesota high school hockey system, winner of the annual "Mr. Hockey" award for best prospect in the state. Bjugstad racked up 60 points in 25 games, looking like a literal man amongst boys. His two-way play is also strong for a "raw" player like himself, but consistency is an issue.

Kirill Kabanov, LW - Kabanov is the biggest wild card of the draft, ranked at #2 or #3 for the two years leading up to this draft, and nearly solidifying his spot there by coming to play for the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. Coming from a rich family, Kabanov showed major immaturity issues from taking self-imposed long shifts to walking off the team towards the end of the year -- before trying to come back for the playoffs. He's said he'd like to stay in North America but it sounds as though the Wildcats want nothing to do with him. Going back to the KHL would be a disappointment for whatever team drafts him, but if he's dealt to another team in the QMJHL and dedicates himself to being "coachable" once again, he has the skill to be one of the best players outside the NHL. Most rankings have him outside the first round, but I don't have any doubt that a team will drool at his talent and pick him up.

John McFarland, C - McFarland is another player who should be a top five pick this year, but now looks to be headed to the end of the first round. He plays a power forward style with one of the best shots in the draft as well as a never-ending bag of slick stickhandling moves. His two-way play, effort level, selfishness, and failure to improve on last year's rookie numbers are what have scouts concerned.

Quinton Howden, LW - Howden is another strong two-way winger with good size who should be going within the five picks before Detroit's or the five picks after it. Howden is strong in front of the net, but is overall a very safe pick because of his ability to be good at everything, but great at nothing.

Riley Sheahan, C - Sheahan is considered one of the top defensive forwards in the draft, and is well on his way to becoming one of the best shutdown players in college hockey after his freshman year at Notre Dame. He was a near lock for the top ten before an arrest early this month has him sliding pretty fast.

Dylan McIlrath, D - There are very few defensemen I'd take in this range that aren't from the top group of slippers, but McIlrath is much of the element that Detroit is missing among their defensive prospects. Off the charts toughness, mobility, size, (6'4, 212) and smart play in his own zone have him slated to be a very good shutdown defenseman some day, but his passing ability and heavy shot offer the opportunity that he could be something more.

Jaden Schwartz, C - Three inches taller, and Schwartz is out of Detroit's range completely. But the soon to be member of the hockey program at Colorado College has incredible offensive ability, speed, and hockey sense. In an era where everyone and their mother has figured out that the new NHL is tailored to small and skilled players, Schwartz's rankings on the border of the first and second round doesn't make much sense.

Ludvig Rensfeldt, LW - What Detroit draft preview isn't complete without a mention of the top ranked Swede? Rensfeldt is neck and neck with the smaller and more skilled (and year older) Calle Jarnkrok, but Rensfeldt's two way play, 6'3" size, and only flashes of offensive talent have drawn some comparisons to Johan Franzen when he was drafted. Whether he finds that offense is a complete gamble, but I'd wager Rensfeldt would be "Detroit's Swede" over Jarnkrok.

Stanislav Galiev, C - There's no doubt that this Russian wants to be in North America. He took no chances, playing for the USHL's Indiana Ice last season before joining the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL this season. Talent is not an issue, but Galiev showed a hesitation to pay the price to score the goal, preferring to pass the puck (45 assists) instead of shoot it (15 goals). He's a bit lanky at 6'1, 178, so filling out a little more might make him a little more likely to head to the net and score the ugly goals.

The Sleepers
(These players aren't often seen ranked by scouting services or mock drafts near #21, but most have them in the last few picks of the first round, or the top ten of the second. Detroit has never shown a hesitation to go off the board a little [Brendan Smith was considered a mid-second before Detroit took him at #27, and that's paying off] so any could be a Wing at #21. Also an option in my opinion is that Detroit trades down and nabs two of them in the later first or early second.)

Charlie Coyle, RW - Most rankings have him in the beginning of the second round, but not many have him slipping into the first. The cousin of Tony Amonte knows what it takes to be an NHL player, but his level of competition -- the EJHL (junior league on the east coast which hasn't produced many early round picks) raise some questions. Coyle is a workout fiend and will be heading to Boston University next year, so there's a chance that his 6'2, 202 frame will leave him with no issues adjusting physically.

Beau Bennett, RW - Another high ranked Californian, Bennett lit up the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League, it's Jr. A) for 120 points in 56 games. Bennett is going to be a Denver Pioneer, where he'll work on bulking up and becoming a two way player in addition to being a ridiculously good playmaker.

Joey Hishon, C - Hishon would be in the first round if he did not get hurt, but he was limited to just 36 games, leaving him unable to prove he was a complete player despite his size and preference to be flashy.

Jordan Weal, C - One of the smallest players available in the top tier (5'9, 162), playing into Weal's favor is that his teammate, linemate, size-mate (?), and first-name mate Jordan Eberle was around. Eberle helped Weal to 102 points on the year -- more than most of the top ranked players. Weal's totals are largely the factor of his opportunity to play with Eberle, but his offensive ability is undeniable and still developing. He'll get a chance to do it without Eberle next year.

Brad Ross, LW - 27 goals, 203 points. Agitator, dirty, physical. Draft him, or hate playing against him for the next 15 years.

Teemu Pulkkinen, RW - More than likely a mid-second round pick, but his scoring ability has long drawn comparisons to Teemu Selanne. Unfortunately, his overall game and below average size have him slipping.

Late Round Targets
(This group is mostly of guys I don't see going in the first or second round. It's just a mess of players I've seen play or read enough about to like, but won't be pulling for too hard given that I don't know if they're really any better than the players ranked near them.)

Maxim Kitsyn, LW - A likely second rounder blessed with size and skill, but with the ability to fall because of his Russian nationality.

Justin Faulk, D - Skilled puck mover, but under-sized.

Tom Kuehnhackl, RW - I haven't seen this top ranked German play, but he's earned rave reviews and he'll be in the Windsor program next season -- looking to field another strong team after they'll likely lose more than a few players to the NHL and AHL ranks.

Greg McKegg, C - Overall game has some concerned, but decent size along with 37 goals and 85 points show that he plays a smart offensive game. And it's a lot easier (especially in Detroit) to teach an overall game -- it's almost impossible to the knack for scoring.

Justin Knight, C - Knight conveniently plays for the London Knights, but never took the offensive leap many expected he could when he joined the league. If he does, he's a steal.

Justin Shugg, RW - Not flashy, but the decent-sized winger has always impressed me, playing mostly a depth role on the stacked Windsor Spitfires. Good around the net, decent in his own end -- plays very simply and reminds me of Drew Miller. A likely 3rd or 4th rounder.

Benjamin Conz, G - Howard's graduation, Larsson's departure, and McCollum's inconsistency has opened up the need for a potential mid-round goalie. Who better than the Swiss sensation that stole the show in the World Junior Championships?

John Ramage, D - Another WJC stud, the American Ramage (son of Rob Ramage) put himself on the map with a performance as the best defensive defender on the squad. If Detroit didn't see him there, as Brian Lashoff's teammate, they saw him as Brendan Smith's teammate in Wisconsin.

Austin Levi, D - One of two Plymouth Whalers defensemen I like, Levi is a smooth-skating aggressive defenseman with untouched offensive ability. He's very raw, but those skills will likely have him picked in the top 100.

Colin MacDonald, D - A steady and mobile defenseman, looked better than teammate Levi in most games I caught this season. Unfortunately, the Whalers coaching staff didn't think so as McDonald was definitely lower on the depth chart. Doesn't offer the offensive package that Levi does, but is worth a flyer in the 6th or 7th.

Jason Zucker, LW - A likely second or early third round pick because of his unlikely nomination to the WJC, but not a lot of upside. Could slip.

Konrad Abeltshauser, D- A 6'5 German defenseman who was on pace for a solid offensive season in the QMJHL until injuries held him about 25 games shy of a full season.

Victor Ohman, LW - Considered to be the top Swede in the draft for a few years, but fell this year. Talented, but not productive.

Pontus Netterberg, LW - Not necessarily ranked very high, but worth a look given his 47 points in 41 games with Adam Almqvist's HV-71 J20 club, but worth a look given his awesome first name and first letter of the last name that's just a Z on it's side.

Mock Draft
In the past, I've done a full one of these with explanations for each pick. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or the knowledge on all of the players to do that this year. For now, I'll just try going with a gut feeling (I don't have a good track record on these when I know about the players, so maybe this is just what I need) and then talk a little first round after it ends on Friday night.

1. Edmonton Oilers - Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor (OHL)
2. Boston Bruins (via TOR) - Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL)
3. Florida Panthers - Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL)
4. Columbus Blue Jackets - Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL)
5. New York Islanders - Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL)
6. Tampa Bay Lightning - Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL)
7. Carolina Hurricanes - Nino Niederreiter, LW, Portland (WHL)
8. Atlanta Thrashers - Mikael Granlund, C, HIFK (FNL)
9. Minnesota Wild - Derek Forbort, D, USNTDP (U18)
10. New York Rangers - Ryan Johansen, C, Portland (WHL)
11. Dallas Stars - Alex Burmistrov, C, Barrie (OHL)
12. Anaheim Ducks - Jeff Skinner, C, Kitchener (OHL)
13. Phoenix Coyotes (via CGY) - Austin Watson, RW, Peterborough (OHL)
14. St. Louis Blues - Jack Campbell, G, USNTDP (U18)
15. Boston Bruins - Mark Pysyk, D, Edmonton (WHL)
16. Ottawa Senators - Nick Bjugstad, C, Blaine (USHS)
17. Colorado Avalanche - Jon Merrill, D, USNTDP (U18)
18. Nashville Predators - Vladimir Tarasenko, LW, Sibir (KHL)
19. Los Angeles Kings - Riley Sheahan, C, Notre Dame (CCHA)
20. Pittsburgh Penguins - Quinton Howden, LW, Moose Jaw (WHL)
21. Detroit Red Wings - Emerson Etem, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)
22. Phoenix Coyotes - John McFarland, LW, Sudbury (OHL)
23. Buffalo Sabres - Kirill Kabanov, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)
24. Atlanta Thrashers (via NJD) - Jaden Schwartz, C, Tri-City (USHL)
25. Vancouver Canucks - Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL)
26. Washington Capitals - Jarred Tinordi, D, USNTDP (U18)
27. Montreal Canadiens - Alex Petrovic, D, Red Deer (WHL)
28. San Jose Sharks - Dylan McIlrath, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
29. Anaheim Ducks (via PHI) - Charlie Coyle, RW, South Shore (EJHL)
30. Chicago Blackhawks - Stanislav Galiev, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

Friday's the day. Well, the first round. Then Saturday is the day -- the day Detroit drafts their next superstar.