2011 Draft Prospect: Tomas Jurco

Statistics (2010-2011): Saint. John Seadogs (QMJHL): 57GP 30G 24A 54P +45 17PIM

This is Tomas Jurco, the most talented slovakian since Marian Gaborik. As you can see above, the kid is a wizard with the puck. He can dangle in a phone booth and put on a one man clinic. But does that make him a first round pick? As scouts have seen with guys like Rob Schremp, skill can only get you so far.

Having said that, I think the situation with Jurco is much different. Sure, his statistics may not wow you playing on a stacked Saint John SeaDogs team, but he is the real deal. This year was his first season playing in overseas and still has to get used to the game.

As far as the Rob Schremp argument goes, I don't think you can compare the two. First, Jurco is a 30 goal scorer already and stands at an amazing +45. On the other hand Schremp scored 30 goals and sat at +17. It might not seem like a huge difference but 16 of those goals for Schremp were on the powerplay, while Jurco has scored 9 goals on the PP. From this, I think he is a much better two way player and can handle his fair share 5 on 5. Secondly, Tomas Jurco is 6'2". 193lbs and a right winger. Wingers typically don't have to be as great defensively as centers. Schremp on the other hand is lucky if he breaks the 6'0" mark and was 185lbs when he was drafted. I think Jurco's size and position will go a long way in making it in the NHL.

This is a guy that I would consider with LA's pick and would be absolutely estatic if he somehow fell to the Oilers second round pick.