2008 NHL Entry Draft: Players to Watch

The 2008 NHL Entry Draft is almost here and unlike last year there is little question as to who will be the first pick come Friday night in Ottawa.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have all but said they will pick 18-year-old Sarnia Sting centerman Steven Stamkos with the first overall selection, but it's anybody's guess as to how the rest of the draft will unfold.

After Stamkos there is a great deal of defensive talent with fellow OHLers Drew Doughty, Zach Bogosian and Alex Pietrangelo topping that list.

There is also a rising talent coming out of Russia in Nikita Filatov, an 18- year-old left winger from Moscow.

Once again there isn't a goaltender eligible for this year's draft that could be considered a can't miss prospect. In fact, it would be surprising if any netminder is taken before the latter stages of the first round this year.

The NHL draft is usually loaded with trades, whether they come in the days leading up to the occasion or happen the day of the draft. This year isn't expected to be any different in that regard.

Here is a look at some of the names you will see called this weekend.

STEVEN STAMKOS - C - Sarnia (OHL)

Stamkos is the top-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and has solidified his standing as the best available player in this year's draft. He led the Sarnia Sting with 105 points during the 2007-08 OHL season, notching 58 goals and 47 assists in 61 games. He also upped his stock by posting one goal and five assists for gold-medal winning Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships. The six-foot, 176-pound Stamkos is an excellent skater and strong passer with the offensive skills to develop into a franchise player. The Lightning are hoping the arrival of Stamkos will help ease the loss of pivot Brad Richards, Tampa's former second-line center who was dealt to Dallas at the most recent trade deadline.

NIKITA FILATOV - LW - CSKA 2 (Russia)

Filatov dominated at the 2008 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic and that's one of the reasons he is the top-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting. He posted four goals and five assists for bronze-medal winning Team Russia and also finished the tournament with a plus-seven rating. Filatov also had an excellent season for CSKA's top junior team, registering 32 goals and 43 assists in 34 games. Filatov possesses blazing speed and an array of offensive weapons, but the 18-year-old's intangible qualities are also driving up his stock. Filatov is considered to be a leader in the making and his ability to speak fluent English should help his transition to the NHL. Also, the youngster has stated that he wants to play in North America as soon as possible and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that a reality.

Continued at My Sportsbook...