Final Central Scouting Bureau Ranking Released
May 12, 2004

The NHL Central Scouting Bureau has released their final rankings for the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

As expected, Michigan netminder Al Montoya is tops among North American goalies. He is expected to be one of the top two goalies drafted this summer. Depending who you talk to, it's a toss up between him and Marek Schwarz of the Czech Republic. He's expected to be drafted anywhere from Top 10 to mid-First Round. It really all depends on which one of them goes first and then what each team's needs are.

Among North American skaters, Michigan center T.J. Hensick is ranked 50th, up from his Mid-Term ranking of 96th. However, Hensick has already announced that he will not enter this summer's draft and hopes to improve his status for 2005.

Right winger Mike Brown was ranked 106th, up from 144th in the Mid-Term.

Defenseman Matt Hunwick was ranked 151st, up from 179th in the Mid-Term.

Michigan State defenseman A.J. Thelen was the highest ranked CCHA prospect at #11.

Among Michigan's future, forward Chad Kolarik of the U.S. Under-18 Team was ranked 135th, down from 62nd at the Mid-Term.

And forward Kevin Porter, also of the Under-18 Team, was ranked 172nd, down from 142nd at the Mid-Term.

According to the CSB's profiles, Kolarik and Porter are required to opt-in if they wish to be in this summer's draft. While I don't know for sure, my assumption is they won't based on their current rankings and the fact they're suppose to step right in to the Wolverine line-up and make an impact.

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/