Draft: Countdown #7 - Mika Zibanejad

7. Mika Zibanejad

Position: Center/Right Wing
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
DOB: April 18th, 1993
Nationality: Swedish
2010-2011 Team: Djugarden
League: Swedish Elite League
Stats: 26 GP - 5 G - 4 A - 9 P - 2 PIM
Playoffs: 7 GP - 1 G - 1 A - 2 P - 2 PIM

CH: If there was ever a comparable to the rise of Nino Niederreiter, it's Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad came out of nowhere over the course of the 2010/11 season, where he finished with Djugarden of the Sweidsh Elite League. For a 17 year old, his stats were extremely productive - he finished with 9 points in 26 games. While he does lack top end speed, he is a good skater. He has a very good shot and plays a physical, two-way game, which would be perfect for a complement to John Tavares. That said, he is not ready for the NHL, and I believe is committed to Djugarden for the 2011/12 season. But he is not far away. Once he puts on more strength and weight, he should be able to jump right in.

AT: The rise he's seen is very insane. Once projected to go in the late 1st/early 2nd, he's not solidified himself as a top 10 pick, possibly top 5. The play he's put on this year in the SEL has been outstanding. He's renowned for his two way play, physical ability and work along the boards. Kind of a mix between Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. Absolutely needs another year in the SEL so that he can work on his skills and get more playing time, but I see him being ready in a year's time. 

CH: While it could be regarded that Zibanejad is a safe pick due to his all-around game, he does have considerable skill as well. As far as the Islanders go, I do believe that Zibanejad is on their radar. It was rumored the team was planning to bring him to Long Island, but that was not confirmed. In my opinion, he would be a solid value pick at #5. He could easily have a role with the Islanders over time as a bridge between the top line of Tavares and the third line of Frans Nielsen (if he is re-signed). The fact that he has risen considerably over the course of the season is going to be a huge selling point for the Islanders, as they like to take risers in the first round. It's been rumored that Zibanejad may go as high as #3 to Florida, but that seems unlikely. If he is there at #5, he would be a very good choice for the New York Islanders.

AT: His all around game would make him a very solid addition to the Islanders core. With the team not being sure of where Josh Bailey will be (if he even stays at center and the rotation game continues), I can see the Isles going for either him or Strome. However, if Couturier is available, he is the center I'd prefer.

Most likely to be drafted: 3-10

Draft: Countdown #10 - Oscar Klefbom

10. Oscar Klefbom

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 201 lbs
Shoots: L
DOB: July 20th, 1993
Nationality: Swedish
2010-2011 Team: Farjestad
League: Swedish Elite League
Stats: 23 GP - 1 G - 1 A - 2 PIM

AT: The second highest ranked Swedish D-man in this draft, Klefbom may be who teams look to if they were set on Adam Larsson and he's taken. At 6'3" and over 200 lbs, Klefbom has the body to make it into the NHL right away, although that may not necessarily be the best plan of action. He was the captain of the silver medal winning Swedish U18 team in Germany, showing he has leadership skills as well. Known as a passionate leader and a kid who plays with complete willingness to get physical, Klefbom could have some teams drooling over the prospect of such a hard worker. He seems to make very smart decisions with the puck and is very capable in clearing the puck. At not even 18, he has the room to grow and absolutely will. When he's already as strong as he is playing in the SEL, the possibilities for Klefbom in the NHL are endless.

Klefbom is a solid 2 way defenseman with an above average shot. He might not be the next Lidstrom, but he could prove to be a staple in any team's top 4 for years to come. He has the skills to make it in the NHL quickly and possibly out of camp for some teams, and he has the body to last him 15+ years on a team's blueline. He might be the ultimate package for a team needing a big, raw defenseman in their D-corps. I could see the Islanders taking a gamble on him, but not if they stay at 5.

CH: This player is a huge wild card for me. He could go as high as 5. But while it's way more likely he goes in the top half of the draft, he could fall into the mid-teens or even early 20s. This is exactly the type of player I would love to see the Islanders try to trade back into the first round to get if it's reasonable. I agree with Alex that the Isles shouldn't take him at 5, but if he's around at like 17-18, I would like to see the Islanders make a play. He's going to be a good defenseman for a long time in this league, so if the Islanders add a top-end forward and a defenseman like Klefbom, it would be a huge coup.

Most likely to be drafted: 5-10