We’re not as murky as the UFC odds heavyweight division, but the NHL Draft certainly gets tougher to pick after the No. 3 slot. Center Matt Duchene seems to be the consensus choice to go third (just as Novak Djokovic is locked in with the third-best Wimbledon odds).

Not the biggest guy out there by any means at 5′11″, Duchene compares favorably to Steve Yzerman and, interestingly enough, Joe Sakic. The latter name deserves mention as Colorado looks like the frontrunner to land Duchene.

Even though he could theoretically pushed around, he has a ton to offer NHL teams. He has great speed and is a natural goal-scoring shooter (great shot from pretty much anywhere). He has playmaking skills and he’s hard-nosed, not afraid to go into high-traffic areas. He also can contribute to many different situations that help influence sports predictions — the penalty kill, the power play….he can even play the point with the man advantage.

I haven’t heard whispers of anyone trading up to third in the draft (unless you count rumors of Brian Burke acquiring every pick), so I’m betting management in Colorado goes with Duchene. He’s considered the most complete, NHL-ready player in the draft, so I can’t fault the pick.