LHH Mock Draft: Leafs pick at #25
by Dougtone on Jun 14, 2011 8:15 PM EDT
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PrintGreetings to everyone in Toronto, Schenectady and the rest of Leafs Nation. First, I would like to thank the Minnesota Wild and City of Saint Paul, Minnesota for hosting the 2011 Entry Draft, as well as to Lighthouse Hockey for this latest episode of Epic Mock Draft Time. I would also like to thank Toronto Maple Leafs fans the world over for being patient as we build a perennial Stanley Cup contender. It is with the utmost honor and most esteemed privilege that I will announce the 25th selection in the 2011 National Hockey League entry draft, a left winger from the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, Mr. Brandon Saad.
We feel that Brandon Saad has the ability to strike fear in opponents' hearts, such as John Tavares... for not taking his talents to Toronto. We also feel that Brandon Saad will have a stronger and more successful career than Tyler Seguin. We feel that the Maple Leafs are ready to turn the corner, as well as turn heads, and Brandon Saad will be a key player in our renaissance of great younger players. Players like James Reimer, Carl Gunnarsson, Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin, Phil Kessel and of course, Phil Kessel's new car.
That being said, there were a lot of great young players that we looked at, both forwards and defensemen, but when we saw that Brandon Saad was still available, we couldn't pass up on the up and coming power forward. His grit and determination that comes with being a product of Western Pennsylvania comes in very handy when he wins a lot of battles in the corners and around the net. His strength, hockey smarts and ability to play a solid two-way game also contributed to our decision. The Leafs need a few more players to realize their overall goal, both forwards and defensemen, but we feel Brandon Saad will be a nice cog in the machine.
Stay tuned for the second Leafs mock draft pick, presented by Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert. Until then, enjoy a photo of the Air Canada Centre I took on a trip to Toronto some years ago, plus a YouTube compilation of Brandon Saad.
2011 prospect: Brandon Saad Compilation (via nhldraftvideo)
Up next at #26 are the Washington Capitals, as portrayed by Pauly C.
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The Decision: This was fun, but also hard work
I kept on trying to choose between Brandon Saad, Boone Jenner and Ty Rattie for the draft pick, especially since Jason Biggs… I mean Tyler Biggs, was also picked in the mock draft. I had it narrowed down to Rattie and Saad, but decided to select Saad after browsing Pension Plan Puppets. I have some personal reasons why I probably would’ve selected the Portland Winterhawks player (my grandmother had stories of watching hockey games in Portland during the Great Depression, for instance), but opted to choose in the best interest of the Leafs.
I also mulled drafting a defenseman, but decided there would be a better chance that the defensemen I think the Leafs may be looking for would be available for their 2nd draft pick.
Also, trying to find some of the right words to use presented to be a bit of a challenge, as I wanted to include some humor (but not trying to go over the top), as well as a debate on whether I should spell some words like a Canadian or an American. I decided to spell like the American I am, but I probably could’ve gotten away with honour or defenceman this time around.
Great Job
I’m sure Burke already has Saad in the hockey hall of fame :)
In loving memory;Dad thanks for making us Islanders fans, ACC 1918-2011
Burkie is a Yank
so if you’re stepping into his shoes, it’s only right to misspell like he does. Not to belabour the point, but there’s no dishonour in that.
There's a mountain of buoyant nostalgia under this team and it's going to erupt like Vesuvius when the Islanders are back in playoff contention.... Count on it.
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jun 15, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Nova is giveing out "u"s like they're free or somethin'
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
I voted for Boone Jenner, but only because the name makes me laugh
And if he were a bust, what better name for a Leafs bust than “Boone Jenner?”
But seriously, well done Dougtone. I don’t envy you guys picking toward the end of the first round.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
Plus I get to do this all over again
One of the reasons why I picked Toronto was that I could pick twice.
i think you did a great job…growing up in ontario, a few hours from toronto, the leafs play in 90-95 percent of the games covered by media and played on TV that i have seen and see…Saad is exactly the kind of player Burke feels sexy over. Only other guy maybe Matt Puemel (spelling)?
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jun 15, 2011 1:00 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Don't get mad about your Puempels...get Saad!
If you’re lucky, it’ll get you a Boone Jenner.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is Frans Nielsen.
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