Star Studded Take Over 1

30) G Ben Scrivens : Acquired from Chicago 06/18/2012

Breakdown: Coming off a superb 2011-2012 AHL campaign with the Toronto Marlies, in which they ultimately lost in the Calder Cup Finals to the Norfolk Admirals, Scrivens has emerged from the shadows to become quite the intriguing prospect. While average in size, he stays large and square to the shooter, sharply cutting off angles and directing rebounds to the corner. He moves well when in butterfly (which is often) with strong, quick, and long legs that can kick out in a flash, although prone to freezing up when there's traffic, especially when caught deep in the crease.

Future Impact: Dominated the AHL, could possibly be an NHL starter. 

Best Career Season: 2011-2012 AHL - Toronto Marlies - 39GP - 22-15-1 - 2.04GAA - 0.926SPC

29) D David Musil : Acquired via Draft 31st Overall in 2011

Breakdown: Read any synopsis on David Musil. They all start the same way, "David is a chip off the old block". The old block is referring to his father, long time NHLer Frank Musil, and albeit a repetitive statement, it is still the truth. David Musil plays a solid and sturdy, defence-first game. As he began to play with better players, an efficient breakout pass was discovered which will prove useful in the pro's. A solid hitter, can sometimes fall victim of his defence-first mentality and back off from rushing during an opportune time. That's alright though, defence is his game, and that will punch his ticket to a long pro career.

Future Impact: Will play in the NHL, can peak at a No2 defence, however will likely settle in to a No3-4 role.

Best Career Season: 2009-2010 WHL - Vancouver Giants - 71GP-7G-25A-32PTS-67PIM- +33

28) C Casey Cizikas : Acquired from Calgary 2010

Breakdown: A proven leader, Cizikas has produced at every level he has played at, and was rewarded with a brief NHL stint near the end of the 2011-2012 season. Almost a point-per-game player at the AHL, Cizikas is showing that he has very little left to prove at any level other than the NHL, despite being only 20 years old. He has represented his country, and lead his junior team to a Memorial Cup trip. Always pegged as a 3rd line centre by NHL standards, Cizikas is starting to turn heads as a player who can also put up points, and still kill penalties. 

Future Impact: Will be the NHL sooner than later, as a 2nd line centre or 3rd line centre, that will be up to him.

Best Career Season: 2011-2012 AHL - Bridgeport Sound Tigers - 52GP-15G-30A-45PTS-30PIM- +26

27) RW Tyler Biggs : Acquired via Drafted 15th Overall in 2011

Breakdown: Another NHL bloodline, Tyler is son of former NHL journeyman Don Biggs. Tyler projects to me a much more prolific NHLer than his father, with hulking size and a willingness to go to the dirty area's to score his goals. After college and national hockey, Biggs elected to join the OHL this season, and has been quite the offensive surprise. Although he has always been a productive offensive player, he is currently toiling with a point-per-game pace in Major Junior, which is a much higher pace than he is accustom to. Still willing to drop the gloves in honour of his teammates or himself, Biggs must work on his conditioning to keep up with speed of the pro game, while maintaining his wide frame.

Future Impact: Following other late first round draft picks from Brian Burke, Biggs will fall in to a power forward role but where his offensive production will go in the pro game will dictate his playing time

Best Career Season: 2010-2011 USDP - USN U18 - 55GP-19G-12A-31PTS-161PIM- +8

26) C / W Mark McNeill : Acquired via Draft 13th Overall in 2011

Breakdown: A man-child from age 16, McNeill has dominated physically at the junior level and is ready for a new challenge. Looking somewhat bored playing in Major Junior, McNeill proclaimed he could make the Blackhawks out of camp as an 18 year old. Chicago management admitted he came awfully close, but ultimately was sent back down for another year of junior.  Using his large frame with quick, sharp strides, McNeill has a good mixture of playmaking and goal scoring ability. Can sometimes lose intensity, but some wonder if an increase in competition would change that. McNeill will have to prove that at the AHL level prior to having his shot in the show.

Future Impact: McNeill has the opportunity to be an impact top six forward, permitting he conditions and trains with dedication

Best Career Season: 2010-2011 WHL - Prince Albert Raiders - 70GP-32G-49A-81PTS-53PIM

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3! 

- Lone Star Post