The NHL Central Scouting Service (CSS) released its midterm rankings for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft Wednesday, with New Hampshire recruit James van Riemsdyk leading the list of players with college affiliations.
Van Riemsdyk, currently a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program, led a list of seven current or incoming college players ranked among the top 30 North American skaters. Notre Dame freshman-to-be Brad Phillips, ranked fourth, is the top North American goaltender with college ties.
Minnesota freshman James O’Brien, ranked 20th among North American skaters, is the highest ranked current collegiate player. He is the only current college player among the top 30 North American skaters.
Other highly-ranked incoming college freshman include Kyle Turris (Wisconsin, center, ranked fifth), Tommy Cross (Boston College, defense, 10th), Kevin Shattenkirk (Boston University, defense, 13th), Max Pacioretty (Michigan, left wing, 23rd), Patrick White (Minnesota, center, 25th) and Colby Cohen (Boston University, defense, 27th).
Angelo Esposito, currently playing with the Quebec Ramparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, is the top-ranked North American skater. Trevor Cann from the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League is the top North American goaltender at midterm.
The CSS will release final rankings for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in late May. The 2007 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled to take place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, June 23, 2007.
