Emerson Etem: Eat “Em Away!

Starting today, I will be profiling the Top Five Targets for the Ottawa Senators in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, California. I will be heading down there watch the festivities in sunny Cali. I have some big news, but only until the end of the post! So, in simple words, READ THE POST!

First off, chances are that Bryan Murray is looking to boost his depth up front. His two last drafts have seen two polar opposite defensemen, and this year it SHOULD be a forward. Cryin’ Bryan has to be looking for some speed, and underrated offensive skill. Even though this Draft isn’t as deep as the previous two, it has some quality blue-chip prospects.  After consulting with some people close to the organization and scouring around, there are 5 guys that will be Murray’s Top Five come Draft Day. Last season, Jared Cowen was ranked third on the list, mostly because everybody thought the Coyotes would take him at #6. #1 on the list was Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was snatched by the Yotes. So this list should be accurate.

Emerson Etem was born in Anaheim, California, a couple of blocks away from the Honda Center. He’s an all natural speed skater, plays bigger than his 6’0 and 194 pound frame, and has the hands of Jesus. The kid lists Mario Lemieux as his favorite player of all-time, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t be like him. Playing on a mediocre Medicine Hat team, Etem took them all the way to the WHL semi-finals, where they lost in 6 games to the Calgary Hitmen. He collected 65 points (37,28) in 72 games in his first season in the Southwestern Alberta team, and finished fourth in WHL scoring.

The only knock on him that I can see is his consistency. Some games he seems to wander off and become a pilon for his team. Sound familiar? I’m not saying he is Alex Kovalev #2, but you can’t have him become that. Murray knows his drafting, and knows what he’s getting. You saw that in Erik Karlsson this season, and if Etem is the pick (which is likely if the Ducks don’t snatch him up before), he can become the Sens’ best blue chip prospect since Jason Spezza.

Now, for all you guys have waited for. FanSided’s Hockey Branch has decided to host a NHL Mock Draft! I have been put in charge of it and hope to make the best out of it. We’ll be having prospect profiles, draft templates, and a live chat on the day of the big event! We’re growing as a network of hockey blogs, and it’s not even the start!