Previewing the 2010 NHL Draft: Emerson Etem

Name: Emerson Etem

Position: Center

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 194 lbs

Age: 18 (Happy Birthday Emerson! Born June 16^th 1992)

Home Country: USA (Long Beach, CA, should make him very popular at the draft)

Playing For: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

Scouting Reports After the Jump.......

The Cannon (SBNation Home for the Columbus Blue Jackets):

Emerson Etem is a Right Winger playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. This guy is a player. He was the second leading goal scorer on his team, while being tied for the 4th in points. Etem is already being praised for his professionalism and work ethic.

Tigers Head Coach Willie Desjardins is quoted as saying "His biggest strength is he wants to improve as a player. When you tell him something he is prepared to do it."

He's spent the last three offseasons training with the likes of Mike Comrie, Chris Chelios, and our very own Mike Commodore. Why he trains with two defensemen is anyone's guess. Etem is the 8th ranked North American skater, 4th among North American forwards.

NHL.com:

NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire
"A 37-goal scorer with a good Medicine Hat team. He handles the puck so well at full speed. His crouch style belies his 6-foot stature. He looks smaller out there on the ice, but he's not small in productiveness. How about this -- he moved from Long Beach to Minnesota's Shattuck-St. Mary's to Medicine Hat, Alberta, all in the space of three developmental junior years."

MyNHLDraft:

Emerson Etem is a highly-skilled player with great hands, great speed and is deadly around the net. He gives the opposition fits with his speed and puck-handling ability. Although not overly large at 6'/195lbs, he is strong on his skates and that makes him tough to knock off the puck. These skills make him a factor in every game he plays. Etem is an exciting offensive player and sure to make you come out of your seat. He may need some work in his defensive play, but his offensive skills and speed are hard to ignore and should make him a 1st Round pick in the 2010 Draft.