CENTERS:
Sidney Crosby
Assets
Sees the ice as well as the all-time greats, and anticipates the play exceptionally well. Can blow by defenders with electric quickness. Possesses a strong lower body, and is one of the best passers in the league.
Flaws
Could probably stand to shoot the puck more often, so as to take better advantage of his goal-scoring prowess.
Evgeni Malkin
Assets
Possesses both size and an impressive skill set. Should eventually play at over 200 pounds once he fills out his 6-3 frame. Has been compared to NHLers Mats Sundin and Vincent Lecavalier for his long reach and ability to produce points.
Flaws
Is still somewhat raw, and needs to gain more experience in the finer points of the game. Must prove he can raise his level of play against better competition.
Jordan Staal
Assets
Skates well for a big man, is tenacious without the puck, works well in the corners and displays deft penalty-killing acumen. Can score goals, too.
Flaws
Must work on his passing skills and playmaking ability. Needs to shoot the puck more often in order to become a big-time goal-scorer.
Maxime Talbot
Assets
Skates well for a big man, is tenacious without the puck, works well in the corners and displays deft penalty-killing acumen. Can score goals, too.
Flaws
Must work on his passing skills and playmaking ability. Needs to shoot the puck more often in order to become a big-time goal-scorer.
Erik Christensen
Assets
Owns a big shot and excellent offensive instincts. Knows where to go in order to find the back of the net, and is an emerging player without the puck.
Flaws
Still needs to get stronger to be able to win more battles in the corners. Must improve in doing the little things that help win hockey games.
WINGERS:
Petr Sykora
Assets
Has improved in the NHL since moving to right wing, where he can use his speed to blow past defenders and release his deceptive shot from anywhere.
Flaws
Gets rattled in physical contests. Still needs work in his own zone and must play a more consistent offensive game.
Gary Roberts
Assets
Is one of hockey's most dedicated players. Loves to battle for loose pucks and crash the net with authority. Has soft hands and is still a tough customer.
Flaws
Injuries are always a concern with him, especially now that he's over 40. Has skating limitations. Is he still motivated to be the best he can be?
Colby Armstrong
Assets
Works extremely hard and is already defensively aware. Shows strong leadership qualities at a young age.
Flaws
Does he have top-six forward scoring instincts on offense? The jury's still out. Must add more bulk in order to withstand the rigors of the NHL game.
Ryan Malone
Assets
Has impressive size and strength. Can play both center or wing. Is accomplished in the defensive zone and shows excellent offensive potential.
Flaws
Must constantly face the scrutiny that comes with being the son of an NHLer (Greg Malone). Has to prove he can maintain a top-six forward role over time.
Georges Laraque
Assets
Has the ability to utilize his tremendous size to create space for both himself and his linemates. Is underrated in his ability to handle the puck and one of the most reputed pugilists in the NHL.
Flaws
His skating is improving but still below NHL standards. Must watch his weight in order to maximize his strength and stamina. Doesn't drop the gloves enough.
Jarkko Ruutu
Assets
Always plays an in-your-face style and is well suited for the North American game. Has good speed and versatility. Displays all-around ability.
Flaws
Doesn't own top-end offensive skills. Has a tendency to deliver questionable hits, which often rile up the opposition and hurt his team.
DEFENSE:
Ryan Whitney
Assets
Has tremendous size and offensive potential from the blueline position. Already displays leadership qualities and a well-rounded game.
Flaws
Is still prone to occasional mental breakdowns in the defensive zone. Needs to make better use of his imposing frame.
Sergei Gonchar
Assets
Has size, speed and a wicked shot from the point. Makes crisp passes to get out of the defensive zone or lugs the puck up ice with speed. Is a constant menace on offense.
Flaws
Tends to get caught in the offensive zone and is prone to making mistakes in his own end. Doesn't use the body nearly enough.
Brooks Orpik
Assets
Has excellent defensive skills and plays a punishing brand of hockey. Is good at keeping the game simple. Shows leadership ability at a young age.
Flaws
Lacks front-end offensive ability. Needs to continue to adjust to the speed of the pro game. Must learn when to pick his spots when laying on the body.
Mark Eaton
Assets
Sees the ice well. Makes sharp passes out of the defensive zone. Is poised and a good skater. Has greatly improved his work behind the blueline.
Flaws
Doesn't use his 6-2, 208-pound frame nearly enough, and lacks physical presence. Is no longer considered an offensive threat.
Darryl Sydor
Assets
Has excellent puck-moving skills, great on-ice vision and poise. His powerful shot can still be a big key on the power play.
Flaws
Has lost a step and is no longer a major scoring option from the back end. Gets knocked around in the defensive zone from time to time.
Kristopher Letang
Assets
Makes smooth, smart passes out of the defensive zone. Owns a big point shot and is adept with the man advantage.
Flaws
Is undersized for the blueline position in the NHL. Must limit his mistakes without the puck in order to maximize his potential.
GOALTENDERS:
Marc-Andre Fleury
Assets
Has excellent size and impeccable positioning for his experience level. Is never completely out of a play and displays the makeup and character of a franchise player.
Flaws
Must be capable of putting a franchise on his shoulders, since expectations will be through the roof for a goaltender chosen first overall. Needs to add more muscle to his 6-1 frame.
Dany Sabourin
Assets
Has excellent size for the goaltending position and supreme confidence in his ability to stop the puck.
Flaws
Has battled consistency issues in the pro ranks, so he must prove his 2002-03 breakthrough season wasn't a fluke.
PLAYERS TO WATCH AT CAMP:
Ty Conklin
Assets
Has plenty of confidence in the crease, and is a capable puck-handler. Works extremely hard at improving his game.
Flaws
Must prove he handle the pressure over the long haul. Is too inconsistent to start at the NHL level.
Tim Brent
Assets
Plays a solid, all-around game. Has offensive upside and leadership qualities. Isn't afraid of playing in high-traffic areas or initiating physical contact.
Flaws
Is a little on the smallish side, so he needs to prove he can withstand the pounding at the highest level. Must put more points on the board to thrive.
Jeff Taffe
Assets
Has excellent size, grit and all-around potential. Will hold his own in physical contests and owns the versatility to play either center or wing.
Flaws
Needs to get stronger in order to secure a regular job in the NHL. Offensive expectations were ambitious, and must now be somewhat tempered.
Ryan Stone
Stone
I know what you're thinking. We're in the middle of a city, what's a hawk doing there?
