The 2003 NHL Entry Draft is turning out to be one of the most productive in recent history. New Jersey feels it got great value with second round pick Petr Vrana, a small but slick playmaker whose game is well suited to the new NHL.
"Petr's a very complete player," said David Conte, New Jersey's Director of Player Personnel.
"Everybody he plays with seems to play better, which is a great attribute to have. He's smart, he's responsible, and he's adapted to the strength and speed needed at this (the AHL) level. Hopefully that will translate into the (NHL) level."
Vrana is well familiar with translations. The Czech native arrived in North American five years ago as a 15 year old, playing four years of junior with Halifax.
It was there that Vrana developed his puck sense, and some strong leadership skills to compliment them.
"I think he was the first European captain of a Canadian junior team," said Conte, "which is testimony to his adaptability as person, as a leader, and as a player."
Petr debuts on the MLN FAB50 Hockey Rankings as one of those players that we see making it to the upper ranks of the 50 next year if his work ethic and health hold up. The crystal ball for an NHL career remains a bit foggy, leaving him with our crop of promising potential in the future forties of the MLN FAB50 Hockey 2006 rankings.
- Dan Hickling
