never too early...

the top 5 prospects for the 2006 NHL draft, according to http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com. one would hope that the blues would not fall past the 5th pick, but let's hope for that #1.

1. Phil Kessel, C, Minnesota (WCHA), 6-0, 190Scout's Take: "He is to this draft what Ovechkin and Crosby were the past two years. This guy is a turbo-charged rocket with explosive speed, great quickness and a big shot. He shows the kind of offensive firewagon hockey I have not seen since Kovalchuk."
2. Michael Frolik, RW, Kladno (Cze), 6-1, 185Scout's Take: "Best sixth sense in the draft but he is not a game breaker like Kessel. Shows progress in skating and has added more of a nasty side to his game."
3. Jonathan Toews, C, North Dakota (WCHA), 6-2, 185Scout's Take: "One of the more complete players in the draft. Has elite dangle, outstanding imagination and impressive dedication at both ends of the ice. Only quibble is that he is not an elite skater."
4. Peter Mueller, C, Everett (WHL), 6-2, 210Scout's Take: "Reminds of Mike Richards, but with more power. Not fast, but is smart and tenacious. Always comes away with the puck because he is so strong and determined. Future captain."
5. Erik Johnson, D, NTDP-18 (USA), 6-5, 225Scout's Take: "Great raw promise, but patience is required. This is a guy with a pro-type body; he is smooth in all directions and has untapped offensive upside. Potentially huge pay-off here."