First is Worst

Zach Hopkins

2014-12-06

OscarDansk

In this edition of The Journey, we will look at the last three top overall picks…of the SECOND round.

OSCAR DANSK

31^st overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets

Dobber Prospect Rank: seventh ranked Florida prospect

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Pros: size, two-way player, hard shot

Cons: physicality, consistency in own zone

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 4-5 years

BRENDAN LEMIEUX</a></p> <p>31<sup>st</sup> overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres</p> <p> </p> <p>A four-time Stanley Cup champion with 379 career goals and 786 points in 1,215 National Hockey League games. That is the pedigree that Brendan Lemieux comes from courtesy of his father, Claude. Thus far, he is right on par with the elder Lemieux. He already has the reputation of a player you would love to have on your team but that you would HATE to play against. He is an agitator that can burn you on the scoreboard if left on the loose. For these reasons, and with the help of a successful second season in Barrie, the Buffalo Sabres made Lemieux the top selection in the second round in this past summer's draft.</p> <p> </p> <p>Lemieux was taken in the fourth round of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection by the Barrie Colts. In November of 2012, Lemieux left his USHL team in Green Bay to play for the Colts. He scored six goals and eight assists in 42 games with 52 penalty minutes in a season in which Barrie made it to the OHL finals. After playing for Canada's U18 team at the Hlinka Memorial Tournament, he posted 27 goals, 26 assists and 53 points with 145 minutes in penalties and a minus-seven rating for the Colts in 2013-14. This "breakout" season changed his draft outlook for many top scouts and analysts as he was initially thought to be a third or possibly fourth round selection. In the month and final weeks leading up to the draft, he was labeled as having second round potential but could jump into the tail end of the first round. As such, Buffalo selected him with the top pick of the second round after having taken sniper <a href="http://prospects.dobbersports.com/Buffalo-Sabres-Top-Prospects/sam-reinhart">Sam Reinhart</a> in the first round.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE IS HE NOW?</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Lemieux has returned to Barrie for his third season in the OHL. After 21 games, he has posted 14 goals and 22 points to go along with 49 penalty minutes and a minus-11 rating. The Sabres will look for him to build off last season's success and continue to make leaps towards a professional career in the NHL. While it's unrealistic to assume that he will put up "Claude" numbers, he has a bright future ahead of him as a role-player with advanced skill.</p> <p> </p> <p>Brendan Lemieux scored twice against Ottawa:</p> <p> </p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Hnwr_qdlqEk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Dobber Prospect Rank: N/A

Fantasy Outlook: C

Pros: physical, agitator, skilled offensively

Cons: penalties taken, defense

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 4 years