NHL Entry Draft Recap—Part I

BU’s six picks in the entry draft were tied with North Dakota for second most, just behind Wisconsin’s seven. As College Hockey News’ Adam Wodon noted,” For the Sioux, that's not an unusual amount in recent years. But for BU, it's not a typical amount in the recent past.” BU had three players selected in 2007 and four in 2006. CHN provides a full list of college players and recruits who were drafted. Colin Wilson becomes the ninth Terrier to be selected in the first round, the second in two years as Kevin Shattenkirk was the 14th overall pick last year.

Classiest move in the draft was made by Tampa Bay, drafting David Carle in the 7th round. Carle, brother of Shark’s blueliner Matt Carle, is a Denver recruit who was expected to be picked in the second round. Last week, he discovered he had a heart condition that will end his hockey career and informed the NHL. The Lightning’s new incoming owner, Oren Koules, said on the team's Web site: "The kid worked his whole life to be drafted in the NHL, and I didn't see a reason he shouldn't be." Denver is honoring his scholarship, too.

Colin Wilson
Colin Wilson and fellow first round draft choice Chet Pickard are expected to attend the Predators 2008 prospect camp beginning this Thursday. Wilson relates that, as 14 year olds, he and Pickard were cut from the same traveling team. TFP TV provides an interview with the two longtime friends, who likely will be opponents during the next World Junior Championships.

The question on the minds of Terrier fans is “Will Colin turn pro or return to BU for his sophomore season?” Wilson has indicated that he’d turn pro if Nashville offers a contract and made his thoughts known to NHL.com. Thus far, the only comment from the team General Manager Dave Poile (a former Northeastern standout forward) was reported by the Nashville City Paper:

Poile said. “We think he plays the offensive game very well and he is a shut down guy on defense. I can’t tell you how passionate our scouting staff was about this being the guy we wanted.” Wilson said he is not certain if he will return to Boston University for his sophomore season or become a professional player.

But Poile indicated he wants Wilson to stay at Boston University for at least another season.“We haven’t sat down with him, but we think he is in a good place,” Poile said.

THFBlog comment: After his convincing physical showing at the combine and seeing Nashville trade up to get him, it's easy to understand Wilson thinking he's ready for the NHL. He wants to be thought of as an equal to Stamkos, Doughty and Bogosian. Moreover, he fills a big need for the Preds--a center with size--although that is a future need. They still have 6'4" Jason Arnott, who scored 72 points last year. On the other hand, scouts feel his skating still needs some work and, despite the maturity shown during interviews, Wilson, who won't turn 19 until the fall, may not be ready for life in the NHL just yet. The Predators senior staff is led by former college players, including ex-Terriers Paul Fenton and Jeff Kealty, and the organization has shown patience in the past. Poile's comments are encouraging as is having his friend Pickard also selected in the first round but headed back to Major Junior next season. Wilson's performance in this week's development camp may play a part in the decision.

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Corey Trivino

Trivino, whose stock rose steadily following his standout performance for Canada in the World U18 Championships, was the first college player chosen in the second round, selected at #36 overall by the New York Islanders, whose Pro Scout Tim MacLean offered his thoughts about Trivino:

A QUALITY PLAYMAKER: I had the opportunity of seeing Corey play a number of times. He's a very skilled playmaker and adept at finding open linemates in scoring position. Corey has the ability to run the power play. His team used him on the blueline all season during the man advantage. He had a lot of international experience this season and proved he has the ability to step up. Corey is
primarily a playmaker but also has a very good shot. He does a good job of getting to the open ice. He has excellent hockey sense and sees the ice well.

Corey brings a lot creativity and is a good kid. We're excited to get Trivino in the second round of the draft. He will be attending Boston University in the fall.

Our coverage includes two video interviews with Corey immediately after his selection (1, 2), and a review of Islanders picks from NHL.com. Trivino's hometown newspaper reports that Corey traveled to Calgary on Sunday where Canada’s U!8 team was honored for its gold medal performance and that he’ll graduate from high school tomorrow.

From New England Hockey Journal:

Stouffville (OPJHL) center Corey Trivino was the first player with New England ties selected on the second day of the draft. Trivino, who posted 19-50-69 totals last season, will attend Boston University starting this fall. The New York Islanders used the 36th pick overall to select him.

“The facilities, the coaching staff, they have everything there,” said Trivino when asked why he picked BU.

Trivino, who stands 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, said he opted to go the college route to he could more easily continue to get bigger and stronger. He also said that he’s crossed paths a few times with his potential BU teammate Colin Wilson (Greenwich, Conn.). Wilson went to Nashville at No. 7 Friday night and might turn pro as soon as this season.

“Probably at orientation I’ll try to convince him to stay,” Trivino said.