2002 NHL Entry Draft

DANIEL PAILLE

BUFFALO • ROUND: 1 OVERALL: 20

Previous Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)

Pre-Draft Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 12  Midterm Rank: 15

The Hockey News: 25    Red Line Report: 16

Vital Statistics

Position: LW • Height: 6-0 • Weight: 200 • Shoots: Left
Birthdate: April 15, 1984 • Hometown: Welland, Ontario

Pre-Draft Notes

Central Scouting Report: Dan is a strong, smooth skater with good speed and agility ... an intelligent player with good hockey sense and natural offensive instincts ... possesses very good puck-handling and passing skills ... a solid two-way player who is very aware of his defensive responsibilities ... a tenacious forechecker and a hard worker ... plays a solid physical game and is an authoritative body checker ... a very consistent player who is used in all game situations.

THN Draft Preview: Daniel Paille is another safe pick who will play in the NHL, but you aren't going to see his name in the scoring regularly. While he put up points in the OHL, scouts doubt he will have the same success at the pro level. Paille is projected as a third-line winger. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Paille has good size. He's not afraid to mix things up and is smart with the puck. He has good speed and plays well in traffic. At issue is whether he can step it up a few notches in order to have an impact at the next level.

Red Line Report: Crash-and-bang power winger loves contact. Dominant forechecker punishes opposition defencemen and controls the play along the walls and down low in the offensive zone. Decent hands makes him a valuable PP contributor. Good team player with real leadership potential. Underrated and has better offensive skills than he's given credit for. Has strong, powerful stride with great balance and is very strong on his skates; difficult to separate him from the puck. Unusually strong for his size. He's hungry to get to net and will drag defenders on his back. Hits hard and often and creates lots of turnovers and offence on the forecheck. Not fancy, but has decent moves and a knack for getting to open ice at the right moment. Needs to focus better on d-zone responsibilities, but is coachable and puts in the effort. Coach's dream: heart, grit, character and mental toughness. A winner.
Projection: Better on LW as a pro with 2nd line potential for lesser teams, 3rd liner for serious contenders. Style compares to Erik Cole.

Pre-Draft Quotes

He reminds me a lot of (Boston Bruins prospect) Andy Hilbert. He's one of those guys you want on the ice in crucial situations. I didn't know him coming in. It only took me a few weeks to realize this kid has real potential. He's extremely strong on his skates, and I just love his intensity. He became one of my favorite players to put on the ice. He's got a good hockey body and has good sense for the game.

-- Jeff Jackson, Head Coach, Guelph Storm

I like his game. But he needs to be more physical. He is a guy you think is going to be a power forward, but he did not get involved a lot for a guy who will be a power forward. I'd like him to get stronger and then use that strength in going to the net.

-- Anonymous NHL GM, Hockey News Draft Preview

Does he end up on your front two lines? I'm not sure. He is a solid third-line player, and there is nothing wrong with that if you are looking at a pick late in the first round.

-- Anonymous NHL Scout, Hockey News Draft Preview