By SHANE MALLOY

sportsnet.ca

The main considerations for the NHL draft are the long-term needs of the farm system, and what the organization will need five years from now. Expecting any draft pick -- even a first- or second-rounder -- to have an immediate impact on the current NHL roster is unrealistic. If you go back and look at your favourite team's NHL roster or any NHL roster from five years ago, you can see the high turnover rate of players. Generally, a first-round pick will take three seasons before making the NHL club, a second-round pick will take four years and the remaining picks could be five or more years. A long-term approach is needed during the NHL draft and if a prospect happens to make the jump early then that is simply good luck.

Team needs by division:

Atlantic | Northeast | Southeast | Central | Pacific | Northwest

Draft Needs: Offensive defenceman

The Flames' vision on how the game is to be played in Cowtown has Darryl Sutter's stamp all over it. All their prominent prospects have grit, work ethic, and character as main ingredients. It will be up to Todd Button, the director of scouting, and his staff to find a few more players that could be potential goal scorers. If you look down their list of prospects, you will see a promising group of forwards and defenceman, but they lack that natural offensive game-breaker on the blue line. They have some prospects that could help offensively in Mikael Backlund, Greg Nemisz, Ryan Howse and Mitch Wahl. On defence, they have tough rugged defencemen like Matt Pelech, Tim Erixon, John Negrin, T.J. Brodie and Keith Seabrook. Between the pipes they have Leland Irving so they should be fine in the future.

What's on the Farm

Key Prospects: (G) Leland Irving, (RW) Greg Nemisz, (C) Mikael Backlund, (D) Tim Erixon, (C) Mitch Wahl

Strengths: Goaltending, skilled forwards, tough defencemen

Weaknesses: Offensive defencemen

Draft Needs: Offensive defenceman

The Oilers' scouting staff, led by Stu MacGregor, will be on the lookout to replenish the ranks of the system after a few prospects made the jump to the NHL. On defence they do have some talent with Taylor Chorney, Alex Plante, Theo Peckham and Jeff Petry in the mix, but it never hurts to have defence. Up front the Oilers have sniper Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Anton Lander and Riley Nash who look promising, but if they do not pan out they will need more skilled forwards. They have a couple of candidates in goal in Devan Dubnyk and Olivier Roy. The Oilers do have intriguing talent with the potential to run the engine in Edmonton for years to come.

What's on the Farm

Key Prospects: (RW) Jordan Eberle, (C) Anton Lander, (RW) Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (D) Jeff Petry, (D) Taylor Chorney, (G) Devan Dubnyk

Strengths: Skilled wingers, defensive defencemen

Weaknesses: Offensive defencemen

Draft Needs: Offensive defenceman

After assessing the season and seeing what they have coming down the line, the Canucks realize success in the draft is crucial. This is what happens when draft picks are traded away and prospects do not develop. Other than netminder Corey Schneider, Jordan Schroeder and Cody Hodgson, they lack potential elite prospects. They do have some potential in the mix in forwards Anton Rodin and Michael Grabner, so that is a step in the right direction. The remaining group of forwards does not have elite-level talent and would be hard-pressed to make the NHL. On the defensive side the Canucks are hoping for and need Yan Sauve, Kevin Connauton and Taylor Ellington to continue to develop into NHL defenceman because there is not much after that. Behind Corey Schneider they have nobody to groom, so a goaltender should be a priority in the next couple of drafts.

What's on the Farm

Key Prospects: (G) Corey Schneider, (C-RW) Jordan Schroeder (RW) Michael Grabner, (C) Cody Hodgson, (D) Yan Sauve

Strengths: Skilled forwards

Weaknesses: Offensive Defencemen, goaltender

Draft Needs: Skilled forwards

The Avalanche had been known for finding talent regardless of the round, and in the previous three drafts they have restocked the system quickly. They do not have elite-level talent on the forward ranks, with Ryan Stoa the only one with potential to contribute offensively. The remaining prospects of Kelsey Tessier, Brad Malone and Mike Carmen are more likely to fill out third- or fourth-line roles. The fact they have Kevin Shattenkirk, Stefan Elliott, Tyson Barrie, Colby Cohen, Kevin Montgomery and Ray Macias on defence shows Colorado has great depth and talent. The Avalanche have Trevor Cann, Peter Delmas, Kent Patterson, Kieran Milan and Brandon Maxwell between the pipes so they are hoping one of them can project to the NHL.

What's on the Farm

Key Prospects: (RW) Ryan Stoa, (D) Colby Cohen, (D) Kevin Shattenkirk, (D) Cameron Gaunce, (D) Stefan Elliott

Strengths: Defence

Weaknesses: Skilled forwards

Draft Needs: Skilled forwards

The Minnesota Wild have done a fine job collecting prospects from 2000 to 2003, allowing them to develop without being rushed. Highly respected Guy Lapointe still runs the draft, but relies on experienced staff and they must restock the cupboard. The Wild have only a few bodies up front -- Colten Gillies and Cody Almond of note -- since James Sheppard and Cal Clutterbuck made the jump to the NHL early. This is an area of great concern long term and Minnesota must focus its attention on collecting offensively talented forwards. The Wild have signed NCAA free agent forwards, but it's not enough to fill the cupboard. The defence has depth and some talent in the system with Tyler Cuma, Marco Scandella, Justin Falk, Sean Lorenz and Kyle Medvec. In goal, they have Matt Hackett, who looks to have the potential to backup long term, and perhaps Anton Khudobin, who has shown flashes.

What's on the Farm

Key Prospects: (G) Anton Khudobin, (C) Colten Gillies, (D) Justin Falk, (D) Tyler Cuma, (D) Marco Scandella

Strengths: Depth at defence

Weaknesses: Skilled forwards