by Blain Potvin, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

As the 2016 NHL Entry Draft nears, hockey fans look forward to debating about their team’s first pick. Will the selection be made on the  best player available or to fill a positional need? Should the team trade assets to move up higher in the first round pick?  Or perhaps clinging  to hope that their favorite prospect slides to their draft slot.

Far too many fans ignore the importance of the second round. The prospects available after the first round are there because of perceived flaws. The flaws may be technical, mental or issues of character despite great talent and potential.

These players can be diamonds in the rough. And if the pieces are polished properly, they can have as much, or more of an impact in the NHL than those selected in the top-10 of their draft class. Examples of this can be seen today by watching players such as Derek Stepan (51st overall in 2008), Brandon Saad (43rd overall in 2011), Patrice Bergeron (45th overall in 2003), Shea Weber (49th overall pick in 2003) or P.K. Subban (43rd overall pick 2007).

With that in mind, Montreal Canadiens fans cannot ignore the importance of the amateur scouting staff directed by Trevor Timmins. What does he have in mind in the second round as the Canadiens hold the 39th and 45th overall picks?

Showcased below you will find two players who could be available when Montreal takes it’s turn at the podium. In my opinion, they have the talent and attributes that would be attractive to the Canadiens management team.

Taylor Raddysh, RW, Erie (OHL)
Feb. 18, 1998 | Toronto, ON, Canada
6-1, 203 lbs. | Shoots R | @raddy1998
2015-’16: 67 GP, 24 G, 49 A, 73 PTS (Erie Otters)

CSB: No. 36  | ISS: No. 28  | THN: No. 35 | HP: No. | FC: No.

Playing on the top line for the Erie Otters, right-winger Taylor Raddysh seized an excellent opportunity to display his skills in his draft year, and he didn’t disappoint. He completed the season with 24 goals and 73 points in the regular season adding four goals and 10 points in 12 playoff games.

Raddysh loves to play a power forward style of game. As a physically mature player, he isn’t afraid of using that size to cut into the high slot, to win board battles and to shield the puck to keep possession in the offensive zone. His skating is above average and he has good acceleration. He uses this speed combined with his size as an offensive weapon.

Raddysh has a quick release on his shot that he uses in close to the net. The power and accuracy of his shot can be deceptive. He’s a player who is not shy to shoot from anywhere on the ice. He displayed excellent playmaking ability all season scoring 49 assists (up from six the season before). Once he has the puck and is on the offence, he uses his size, speed and balance to his advantage.

There are reasons why a player with first round offensive talent is expected to fall to early in the second round.This young man’s defensive game is where the flaws begin to be seen. He does very well getting back into the defensive zone, yet he needs a lot of work on his positioning and decision-making.

Raddysh must improve his first step to help on the defensive side of the puck at the next level. He has the offensive potential to be a top six power forward that compliments a talented center. However his defensive issues are glaring making him a project who will take several seasons of hard work and coaching to reach his full potential.

Cam Dineen, D, North Bay (OHL)
June 19, 1998 | Toms River, NJ, United States
5-11, 185 lbs. | Shoots L | @camdineen
2015-’16: 68 GP, 13 G, 46 A, 59 PTS (North Bay Battalion)

CSB: No. 39  | ISS: No.   | THN: No. 81 | HP: No. | FC: No.

Later in the second round a young left-handed defender’s name looks to be on the board. His name may seem familiar to you, yet he recieved little fanfare this season. Cam Dineen (no relation to former NHL’er Kevin Dineen) quietly put together an impressive OHL rookie season in his draft year. His play earned him a spot on the 2016 Team USA Ivan Hlinka tournament roster where he scored two points in four games played.

Dineen’s skating ability is the cornerstone of his game. He is a smooth skater having the ability to generate top speed in a just a step. He is able to close gaps and move laterally with ease. His vision and passing are outstanding as is his shot, yet his shot is underused.

Offensively, his game is elite. Dineen scored 59 points in 63 games with North Bay and added eight assists in 11 playoff games as a rookie. Those numbers place him third on his North Bay squad in points and second in points by a defenseman in the OHL.

At five foot-11 inches and 187 pounds, Dineen is undersized for the NHL. His defensive game is also a concern. He did make improvements as the season progressed, yet, he will never be a physically imposing defender, nor is he one to engage in that part of the game. His defensive game hinges on positioning and taking away time and space from an attacking forward. He has drawn favorable comparisons to Nick Leddy.

The percentage of second round picks who become regular NHL players is approximately 45 percent. This makes selecting the right player more than just a science, but an art. There are teams that simply do it better than others.

Trevor Timmins has been the best in the NHL through the period of 2003 to 2013 at the draft table extracting 6082 games played from the picks he has made for the Canadiens in that span. Giving Timmins three choices in the top 50 picks, including a top 10 pick this year, increases Montreal’s odds of repeating the success of the 2007 draft that provided team cornerstones in P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty.