Road to the 2016 NHL Draft: 45th Overall

By Alex Hobson

Welcome back to my "Road to the Draft" series. Yesterday, we took a look at the last ten players drafted 46th overall, highlighted by Robin Lehner and Jhonas Enroth. There are now 45 days until the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, so today we'll take a look at the last ten players drafted 45th overall.

2006 - Jeff Petry, D (Edmonton Oilers)

Between the NCAA, AHL, and NHL, Petry has become a very reliable middle pairing defensive defensemen. He's split time between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens, recording 97 points in 365 games along the way.

2007 - Colby Cohen, D (Colorado Avalanche)

Cohen never made it to the NHL as a full time player. He spent a couple of solid seasons in the AHL and ECHL, but retired from the game after the 2014-15 season.

2008 - Zac Dalpe, LW (Carolina Hurricanes)

Dalpe has made himself known as a solid depth forward for many teams. He's yet to become a full time NHLer, but he's been a solid callup for the teams he's played for, including the Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres, and Minnesota Wild.

2009 - Jeremy Morin, RW (Atlanta Thrashers)

Morin, a similar case to Dalpe, has yet to secure a full time NHL job. He's had a couple of runs in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets, but hasn't been able to lock himself on an NHL roster.

2010 - Ryan Spooner, C (Boston Bruins)

Spooner's development as an NHLer has been slow, but it finally paid off after this season. He's had a couple of decent stints, but he really broke out this season, putting up 49 points in 80 games. At age 24, there is still room for him to get better.

2011 - Markus Granlund, C (Calgary Flames)

Brother of Wild centre Mikael Granlund, Markus has been slowly developing into a solid defensive forward. He was recently traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Hunter Shinkaruk, and will have an opportunity to secure a full time NHL role next season.

2012 - Anthony Stolarz, G (Philadelphia Flyers)

Stolarz recently joined the pros after a lengthy career in the USA, and he's been a solid goalie for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He posted a record of 21-18-7 with a 2.60 GAA and a .916 save percentage.

2013 - Nick Sorensen, RW (Anaheim Ducks)

The young Dane spent three seasons playing in the QMJHL for the Quebec Remparts, but recently moved to Sweden to play in the SHL. This past season with Linkoping, he recorded 23 points in 37 games.

2014 - Brett Pollock, LW (Dallas Stars)

Pollock recently completed what would be his final year in the WHL, where he recorded 78 points in 72 games for the Edmonton Oil Kings. He will likely join the Stockton Heat full time next season.

2015 - Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C (Boston Bruins)

Forsbacka-Karlsson is the rare Swede who spent almost his entire career in North America. In his draft year, he played for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, and this season made the transition to Bostin University where he recorded 30 points in 39 games. He's committed to Boston U next season as well.

BEST PLAYER DRAFTED 45th: Ryan Spooner

It came down to Spooner and Petry for this one, but I gave Spooner the slight edge in this one simply because he's a potential 50 point producer and is younger. He could become a quality second line centre for the Bruins for years to come.

RUNNER UPS: Jeff Petry and Markus Granlund

POTENTIAL STEALS: Nick Sorensen and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson