Keith Ballard career profile at HockeyDraftCentral.com

2002 NHL Entry Draft

KEITH BALLARD

BUFFALO • ROUND: 1 OVERALL: 11

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Previous Team: University of Minnesota (WCHA)

Pre-Draft Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 19 Midterm Rank: 19

The Hockey News: 28 Red Line Report: 43

Vital Statistics

Position: D • Height: 5-11 • Weight: 196 • Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Nov. 26, 1982 • Hometown: Baudette, Minnesota

Pre-Draft Notes

Central Scouting Report: A well-balanced and agile skater with good speed ... has strong puck-handling skills and likes to join the offensive attack ... an excellent passer who sees the ice very well ... has a good quick wrist shot and a heavy slap shot from the point ... a gritty player and authoritative body checker ... a tough competitor who plays an aggressive game ... is very effective on the special teams ... a very reliable player who is used in crucial situations ... good at blocking shots and will sacrifice himself to make the play.

THN Draft Preview: There are two schools of thought on Keith Ballard. One questions his effectiveness as a defenseman because of his size. The other suggests he's another Phil Housley. Ballard is 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, which is small for a defenseman by NHL standards. But he plays big and has exceptional skills. Ballard excels when it comes to quarterbacking a power play. He is an above-average skater with great hands and vision. His passing skills are top notch. Ballard will have to show whomever drafts him that he's more than a special-teams player. That's the challenge.

Red Line Report: Tough, mean little S.O.B. who plays the game with attitude. A heady, intelligent, puck-moving defenseman who has a real good feel at the offensive end. Good PP quarterback because he makes strong decisions in puck distribution. Likes to pinch at the blue line and throws a mean hip check. Stepped right in and played key role immediately for a national championship team. Very mature. Gets downgraded due to age and size concerns, but his hockey sense and poise are big assets. Always supports the puck well and is a catalyst and leader who has been very steady defensively. Stands up at the blue line and maintains good gap control.
Projection: Top 3 d-man and PP quarterback. Style compares to Brian Rafalski.

Pre-Draft Quotes

He is another sleeper. I like his talent. He's a small player who competes and is not afraid.

-- Anonymous NHL Scout, Hockey News Draft Preview

He takes risks and he has talent. So I'm wondering whether anyone will take a 5-11 defenseman and hope he plays. That is what he could be.