NHL draft: First-round selections

30th pick, New York Islanders: Brock Nelson, center: The North Dakota-bound Nelson was one of the top high school players in Minnesota this season. He has a powerful shot and is known for his physical style of play.

29th pick, Ducks: Emerson Etem, right wing: The Long Beach native was pegged to go inside the top 15 and is considered by many scouts to be a top-10 talent (Central Scouting listed him at No. 8). Etem could be the best pure shooter in this year’s draft and many scouts have been impressed by his strength, speed and puck-handling skills. He finished with 37 goals and 56 points with Medicine Hat of the WHL. However, it appears not every general manager is sold on his abilities.

TRADE: The Chicago Blackhawks trade their No. 30 pick to the New York Islanders for their No. 35 and No. 58 picks.

28th pick, San Jose Sharks: Charlie Coyle, right wing: Hailing from the Eastern Junior Hockey League, the 6-foot-2, 207-pounder isn’t afraid to use his size advantage against players his age. He earned EJHL rookie of the year honors after finishing this past season with 21 goals and 63 points in 42 games.

27th pick, Phoenix Coyotes, Mark Visentin, goalie: Considered one of the top rookies this past season in the OHL, Visentin recorded a 2.99 goals-against average and .911 save percentage with the Niagara Ice Dogs. Scouts like his size and flexibility, but he needs to improve his post-to-post ability in the crease before he’s ready for the NHL.

26th pick, Washington Capitals: Evgeny Kuznetsov, center: Known for his smooth skating and puck-handling skills, Kuznetsov played in the KHL this past season. He’s considered one of the top prospects out of Russia and could be NHL ready by the 2011-12 season.

25th pick, Florida Panthers: Quinton Howden, left wing: A power forward who is best known for his defensive play, the Moose Jaw (WHL) standout has impressed scouts with his speed and ability to drive to the net. He has been compared with the Detroit Red Wings’ Todd Bertuzzi. He has the tools necessary to be an everyday NHL player, but he may need to develop more offensively.

24th pick, Chicago Blackhawks: Kevin Hayes, right wing: One of the top high school players in his native Massachusetts, Hayes is a skilled power forward capable of being a top-line player some day. Scouts like his size (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) and his long skating stride. He’ll be playing for Boston College in the fall.

TRADE: Florida Panthers trade Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich to the Vancouver Canucks for Michael Grabner, Steve Bernier and their No. 25 pick.

23rd pick, Buffalo Sabres: Mark Pysyk, defenseman: A solid defenseman who is comfortable playing in his own end, Pysyk managed to impress scouts despite playing for the struggling Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. Pysyk, who was slated by some to be a top-10 pick (Central Scouting listed him at No. 7 in North America), is capable of playing an at-home style and making contributions on the power play. Scouts have also been impressed with his on-ice awareness. He could end up being one of the steals of this draft.

22nd pick, Montreal Canadiens: Jarred Tinordi, defenseman: Captained USA’s World Junior Olympic team to the gold medal earlier this year and is considered one of the top Americans in the draft. He has a reputation for being a tough, stay-at-home defenseman who will be playing at Notre Dame in the fall. His father, Mark, played 12 seasons in the NHL.

21st pick, Detroit Red Wings: Riley Sheahan, center: The University of Notre Dame standout is considered one of the top prospects in the CCHA. He has a reputation for making smart decisions with the puck and utilizing his 6-foot-2 frame in front of the net. Sheahan finished with six goals and 17 points in 37 games as a freshman this past season.

TRADE: The Phoenix Coyotes trade the 22nd and 113th picks to the Montreal Canadiens for the 27th and 57th picks

20th pick, Pittsburgh Penguins: Beau Bennett, right wing: The highest-drafted Californian in NHL history, Bennett is a Gardena native who grew up a Kings fan. He led the British Columbia Hockey League in scoring with 120 points in 56 games this past season. Bennett’s selection came a little earlier than expected — Central Scouting ranked him No. 32 in North America. He’s at least a year away from joining Sidney Crosby and Co. in Pittsburgh.

19th pick, Florida Panthers: Nick Bjugstad, center: Bjugstad, ranked No. 13 by Central Scouting, was the Minnesota high school player of the year this past season. Scouts are most attracted by his size (6-foot-3, 190 pounds). He is the nephew of former Kings forward Scott Bjugstad and he’ll be playing for the University of Minnesota in the fall.

18th pick, Nashville Predators: Austin Watson, center: Considered one of the best penalty killers in the OHL, Watson’s reputation rose among scouts in the months leading up to this year’s draft. A broken ankle injury limited him to 52 games, but that didn’t stop him from making a big impact on the scoresheet for the Peterborough Petes (20 goals, 54 points). He’s drawn comparisons to Detroit Red Wings veteran Chris Draper. Watson was projected by some scouts to be a top-10 pick.

17th pick, Colorado Avalanche, Joey Hishon, center: Another surprise pick who was seen as a mid to late second-round pick. Central Scouting lists him at No. 55 among North American skaters. Hishon recorded 20 goals and 47 points with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL last season. His 5-foot-10, 166-pound frame was one of the reasons why many scouts thought he was bound to go later in the draft.

16th pick, St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko, right wing: Russian has played the last two years in the KHL and is considered one of the best European players of the 2010 class. His speed and puck handling abilities can potentially make him an exciting player to watch in the future.

TRADE: The Ottawa Senators trade their 16th pick to St. Louis Blues for defenseman David Rundblad.

15th pick, Kings: Derek Forbort, defenseman: The Kings traded their 19th and 59th overall picks to get Forbort, a stay-at-home blueliner who played a key role in USA’s gold medal effort at the World Junior Championships. The Minnesota native was picked by many scouts to be a top-10 pick. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Forbort is best known for his physical play. However, he also has good speed and is comfortable handling the puck. He is the latest in a line of physically-imposing defenseman drafted by the Kings, which includes Jack Johnson and Colten Teubert.

TRADE The Florida Panthers trade 15th pick to the Kings for the Kings’ 19th and 59th picks.

14th pick, St. Louis Blues: Jaden Schwartz, center: Schwartz won the USHL scoring title with Tri-City and is known best for his strong puck-handling skills. He was slated to be a late first round pick and Central Scouting listed him as the No. 28 prospect in North America. He’s probably at least a year away from seeing playing time in the NHL.

13th pick, Phoenix Coyotes: Brandon Gormley, defense: A tough, no-frills defenseman who has built a reputation for his stay-at-home style with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was named this year’s top prospect of the QMJHL and is capable of racking up plenty of on-ice minutes. He’s drawn comparisons to Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Webber. Gormley was expected to be selected earlier — Central Scouting lists him as the No. 6 prospect in North America.

12th pick, Ducks: Cam Fowler, defenseman: The most offensively-minded defenseman in this year’s draft, Fowler was pegged by many to be a top-5 pick. Ducks General Manager Bob Murray probably couldn’t believe his luck that Fowler (along with a couple other highly-touted defensemen) was not selected in the top 10. Fowler is known for his shooting and strong puck handling skills. He’s drawn comparisons to players such as the Kings’ Jack Johnson. His stock took a big jump following his performance for Team USA at the World Junior Championships. There’s a chance Fowler, who is ranked the No. 5 prospect in Central Scouting’s North American skater rankings, could see time with the Ducks next season if his can improve on his defensive game.

11th pick, Dallas Stars, Jack Campbell, goalie: The first goalie and American selected in this year’s draft, Campbell has been on scouts’ radar since helping the U.S. win gold at the World Junior Championships. Scouts like his ability to stay cool under pressure and his quick glove hand. He’s still a year or two away from NHL competition and will likely spend most of his time playing for Windsor in the OHL next year.

Tenth pick, New York Rangers: Dylan McIlrath, defenseman: Yet another earlier-than-expected pick. The Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) was pegged by many scouts to go late in the first round. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, McIlrath is an imposing figure who’s not afraid to drop the gloves or deliver a morale-boosting hit. He’s drawn comparisons to NHL Hall of Famer Scott Stevens and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Ed Jovanoski. He’ll definitely add a physical presence to the Blueshirts’ blueline.

Ninth pick, Minnesota Wild: Mikael Granlund, center: The 2010 Finnish league rookie of the year is a strong playmaking center who is Central Scouting’s top-ranked European player. His 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame has been a concern for some scouts, though. He could fit in well playing alongside fellow Finn Mikko Koivu in Minnesota.

Eighth pick, Atlanta Thrashers: Erik Burmistrov, center: The first Russian selected in the 2010 draft, Burmistrov played with the Barrie Colts of the OHL this past season after seeing time in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. Burmistrov is known best for his solid passing and skating abilities and he’s no stranger to the back of the net -- he scored 22 goals for Barrie last season. Some scouts are a little turned off by his 170-pound frame.

Seventh pick, Carolina Hurricanes: Jeff Skinner, center: Another surprise selection who most scouts thought would go mid first round, Skinner finished second in OHL goal scoring with the Kitchener Rangers (50 goals in 64 games). He’s a sniper known for his strong puck-handling capabilities. He’s drawn comparisons to the New York Rangers’ Brandon Dubinsky.

Sixth pick, Tampa Bay Lightning: Brett Connolly, right wing: Perhaps the biggest wild card of the 2010 draft and Steve Yzerman’s first pick as Lightning general manager. Scouts are impressed by his shot and his ability to create plays in the offensive zone. However, a nagging hip injury limited him to 16 games with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. NHL Central Scouting believes in him, though. They ranked him the No. 3 skater among North American prospects. Connolly has good on-ice vision and isn’t afraid to navigate high-traffic areas in front of the net. If he reaches his potential, he could add another layer of offensive firepower to the Lightning.

Fifth pick, New York Islanders: Nino Niederreiter, left wing: Another earlier-than-expected selection (pegged to go around 10-12), the Swiss junior hockey league player is considered by many to be the best European-born player in the 2010 draft class. He first drew a lot of attention during the World Junior Championships, displaying the speed and size that have made him the top player on the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. He is probably at least a year away from seeing NHL competition and will likely see more time in Portland next year.

Fourth pick, Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Johansen, center: Johansen’s selection is the first surprise of the draft. He was pegged to go a little higher in this year’s draft (around No. 10), but Columbus is in need of a top-line center who is capable of burying the puck. Johansen finished second in rookie scoring while playing with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, and his reputation grew significantly among scouts during the second half of the season. Known for his effortless skating and strong passing skills, he’s drawn comparisons to Ottawa’s Jason Spezza.

Third pick, Florida Panthers: Erik Gudbranson, defenseman: Considered by many to be the best defensive prospect in this year’s draft, Gudbranson is a stay-at-home blueliner who’s drawn comparisons to Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf. He knows how to hit and is considered a leader in the locker room, a trait that’ll come in handy once Florida makes the postseason. He also isn’t a dumb goon -- he was named the 2010 OHL Scholastic Player of the Year.

Second pick, Boston Bruins: Tyler Seguin, center: This season’s OHL Player of the Year was the obvious choice for Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli even though the Bruins are deep in centermen. Seguin is considered one of the fastest and fluid skaters available in the 2010 class and, like Hall, he’s a talented two-way player. He tied Hall for the OHL scoring title this past season, racking up 48 goals and 106 points. His potential as top NHL player could make the Bruins the ultimate winner in the deal that sent Phil Kessel to Toronto last summer. Even better, the Bruins are the only team with a top 10 pick that made the playoffs last year.

Update from the floor: Teemu Selanne’s agent, Don Baizley, says he doesn’t know if Selanne will retire or return to the Ducks next season. “I honestly think he hasn’t decided.” Selanne could make a decision before the free agency period begins July 1. There are eight California players in the 2010 draft ranked by Central Scouting (including one in the top 10) — a state record.

First pick, Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall, left wing: The mystery is over. After weeks of staying tight lipped on the subject, Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini chose the back-to-back Memorial Cup MVP over Tyler Seguin, the other highly-touted prospect in the draft. Hall’s hitting and puck-handling abilities are considered the best of the 2010 draft class and he’s got a strong two-way game. Hall, the No. 2 North American prospect among according to Central Scouting, tied Seguin in Ontario Hockey League scoring last season with 40 goals and 106 points. Perhaps the toughest challenge facing Hall will be playing in a hockey-crazed market that puts a lot of pressure on its players — especially high draft picks. Still, if recent history is any indicator, Hall is destined for a spectacular career.

Pre-draft report:

Four years ago, the Edmonton Oilers came to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup.

Today, the franchise that won five Stanley Cups in the 1980s and early 90s begins its quest to get back to the top.

After trudging through a season of injuries and disappointment, the Oilers will pick first in today’s NHL entry draft at Staples Center. Ontario Hockey League stars Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin are this year’s “can’t miss” prospects and one of them will be covered in blue and orange after the draft gets underway at 4 p.m.

The Boston Bruins will select second after snagging Toronto’s pick in the Phil Kessel trade in September. Toronto, which now holds the distinction of the NHL’s longest drought between Stanley Cups, won’t pick until the third round – something that could change if General Manager Brian Burke can find a way to scrape together some trade bait today.

Picking third are the Florida Panthers, a team that hasn’t made the postseason in a decade. They’ll likely snag Erik Gudbranson or one of the four defensemen projected to go in the top 10.

The Ducks have the 12th and 29th overall picks (the later pick coming from last summer’s Chris Pronger trade to Philadelphia) in what could be one of the most important drafts in franchise history. Unfortunately, whoever the Ducks choose will most likely be at least a year away from being NHL ready.

Coming off its first postseason appearance in eight years, the Kings will pick 19th – its highest first-round position since 2000.

The Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will close out the first round with the 30th pick. They also have the 24th pick.

Here’s a look at the NHL Central Scouting’s top North American prospects: Skaters

Goalies