Henrik Samuelsson – McKeen's Hockey

NHL Prospect Watch: Arizona Coyotes

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 12:01:59 +0000

For a team as perpetually downtrodden as the Arizona Coyotes, it may be temporarily disheartening to see their AHL so dysfunctional. The Springfield Falcons 0.445 points percentage through games of March 2 ranks 27th across the junior circuit. Thankfully, that should by no means indicate that the Coyotes are without prospects. The same reasons that Hockey Prospectus ranked their prospect pipeline fifth overall in the offseason are still in abundance, even with the graduations of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, Louis Domingue and Klas Dahlbeck, all four of whom were considered top ten prospects in the system, as well as the trade of #10 man Lucas Lessio to Montreal. The simple fact is that the vast majority of the Coyotes prospect wealth lies further away from the NHL.

The AHL team is mostly made up of grinders and journeymen. The only former first rounder who has spent the majority of his season in Springfield is winger Henrik Samuelsson and the only second rounder is fellow forward Laurent Dauphin. I believed at the time and still believe today that both players were overdrafts where they were selected. Dauphin, in his first full year as a professional, has struggled to adapt to the faster pace of the AHL game, with only 7 goals and 14 points thus far to his name. He is getting some PK time and tries in the defensive end, but much of that effort seems aimless, almost false hustle. He could make it in the NHL, but as a bottom line forward.

Henrik Samuelsson, along with his brother Philip, a blueliner, are the two most intriguing prospects playing for the Falcons. Henrik has missed a large portion of this season to injury, but returned to action a week or two ago. He is a net front player with a strong and large frame. His snap shot is decent, but most of his points will come from tips, rebounds and shovels. He positions himself well to take advantage of loose pucks and his most notable attribute is his hockey intelligence, which is rather high. He profiles as a solid middle six winger.

Older brother Philip, acquired a few years ago in a trade with the Penguins, who drafted him in the third round, has the makings of a #4/5 defender. He can handle himself in his own zone, beginning the transition to offense through solid exit passes. His point shot is serviceable, but not of the caliber that would look right on an NHL power play. Similarly, his puck skills, whether stick handling or passing or OK, but no more than average. Like Henrik, Philip sticks out for his hockey IQ. More than likely, that is helped immensely by being raised by Ulf Samuelsson, who earned an NHL career of over 1,000 games. Looking at other brother/teammate pairings across the NHL, Philip Samuelsson may play his way into a career along the lines of Jordie Benn, but Henrik will not become Jamie Benn. More like a bigger Patrick Eaves.

Before looking at the cream of Arizona’s crop, residing in the junior ranks, we would be remiss not to mention a few NCAA players who have impressed this season. Connor Clifton is a little undersized, but has played an out-sized role in Quinnipiac’s rise to prominence as one of the most powerful collegiate teams. Clifton is a very physical player, adept at clearing a crease with a series of cross checks, or running an opponent into the boards with the impact of a knife spreading butter on toast. Clifton’s puck skills are somewhat limited, but he is mobile and makes a sound outlet pass. He slapshot is passable. Also notable is how he has severely cut down his penalty minutes while maintaining his aggressive game. As a freshman, he spent 106 minutes in the sin bin across 36 games. This year, through 34 games, he has only 36 penalty minutes.

Another college player for Coyotes’ fans to keep an eye on is Brendan Warren, one of their third rounders last year. A high energy, two-way player, Warren has earned a regular shift with a powerhouse Michigan squad and looks like he will increase his production with an increased role in subsequent seasons. Not physical, he manages to play hard, by not shying away from the dirty areas, willing to take a hit to make a play and showing a clear willingness to block shots. His skating is also above average, most notably for the quickness with which he reaches his top speed. Warren should spend at least two more seasons with the Wolverines, but should be a good one once it is time for him to turn pro.

The final collegiate player of note is UConn’s Maxim Letunov, acquired in trade from St. Louis at the 2015 trade deadline in the Zbynek Michalek deal. One of the top scorers in the USHL at the time of the trade, he has adjusted very well to the college game, with over one point per game as a freshman on a one-line team. That last point is important, as it means that opponents can gear up to stop Letunov and his linemate, 2016 draft prospect Tage Thompson, and are still relatively unsuccessful at it. Letunov can sometimes coast on the ice, but when he spots a seam, can quickly add a gear or two to his wheels and beat coverage. He sees the ice well and has a knack for finding gaps to exploit, which is also helped by his quick shot release. He has put on 15 pounds or so since he was drafted, but needs another 15-20 to withstand the rigors of the pro game.

The Coyotes of recent vintage have tended to focus their drafting strategy on the CHL ranks and it is no surprise that the bulk of their talent is developing in Canada. As much as I have enjoyed watching Nick Merkley play with Kelowna, I have little to say about him now, as he recently tore his ACL and is expected to be out for 6-8 months, putting his early 2016-17 season at risk. The top prospect in the system, considering the graduations mentioned above is last season’s third overall pick Dylan Strome. If anyone suspected that he ran up his point totals playing with Connor McDavid as a draft eligible I will remind them that he played on a different even strength line than Edmonton’s savior. Further, I would point out that he has actually increased his point production from 1.9 points per game last year to 1.96 now. That marginal increase may underwhelm, but the higher the starting point, the harder it is to continue to rise. Strome has an elite level wrist shot with plus marks for its power, command, release and timing. He is also a plus-plus playmaker, able to find passing lanes exceptionally well, even through heavy traffic. Never the quickest skater, he has improved in that facet of game and is at least average now. That said, his top shelf puck skills render that facet of his game less critical. Strome is a special player with first line center projections. He should be ready for the NHL next season.

Christian Dvorak is another high scoring forward in the OHL, who like Strome, has benefitted from playing with elite teammates, in his case, Mitch Marner of the London Knights. Like Strome again, Dvorak is not reliant on his talented mate, but has his own skills to propel him to production. Fast with plus acceleration, he has strong puck skills and the right blend of vision, patience and moxie to make defenders wary of him when he has the puck. He may need some AHL seasoning, but should be in the NHL within 12-18 months. For more on Dvorak, check out Dave Burstyn’s profile on him here.

Hockey Prospectus prospect analyst Craig Smith (@Red_Vikreig) has provided some notes on other Coyotes prospects kicking around the OHL and QMJHL. Brendan Perlini has been inconsistent in his final OHL campaign, but his best can be scary good. He uses his size very well to achieve position in the offensive end and drives the net with purpose, both by going wide or straight up the middle. With increased consistency, he still projects as a top six power forward.

Ryan MacInnis is another power forward who has made strides in his game. Not overly creative, he simply prefers going wide to the net. His skating is still a concern, as it is below average for the pro game, but his shot, like his Hall of Fame father, Al, is strong (although not as strong as his old man’s legendary cannon). MacInnis is a high hockey IQ player and is most effective when making simple plays. He has third line upside with a little polishing of his game and maybe an extra step.

QMJHL leading scorer Conor Garland was stolen in the fifth round last year, with most other clubs afraid to take a chance on the offensive dynamo due to his small stature (5-8”, 163). Small as he is, all he does is score. He is a technically strong skater, and has extremely high end puck skills and a playmaker’s approach to the game. His shot is not notable and his defensive game still needs work, but the things he does well, he does better than the overwhelming majority of teenaged players. Personally, I would love to see him on a line with Dylan Strome as their skill sets seem to complement one another very nicely.

Christian Fischer walked away from a college scholarship to join the Windsor Spitfires, where he has teamed up with Winnipeg prospect Brendan Lemieux and 2016 draft eligible Logan Brown to sit in the top ten in league scoring. Fischer is a powerful skater who is better in straight lines than weaving who forechecks hard and has soft hands. His shot is decent and his ceiling is still unknown. He could be a third liner or yet another top line power forward. Another year with the Spitfires will provide clarity.

I will finish with a few words about trade deadline acquisitions Connor Bleackley and Kyle Wood. Bleackley, a former first rounder of the Colorado Avalanche, was known more for his leadership skills than his hockey skills. A decent junior level player, he has not really developed in two years since being drafted and many insiders expect the Coyotes to not bother offering him a contract after this season, allowing him to re-enter the draft and taking the compensatory second round pick instead.

Kyle Wood, on the other hand, looks like a keeper. A big, big man, he lacks some skating ability, with questionable balance, and is prone to being turned around, but makes up for it in the other facets of his game. Wood has a huge shot and is an effective, if not very creative, passer. He is solid positionally, and although much continued development is required, there are enough signs here that he is decent likelihood of reaching the NHL.

Youngblood: 2014 Memorial Cup – Prospects to Watch

Brendan Ross — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:58:07 +0000

We are mere hours away from the puck dropping on the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup and the City of London is gearing up to welcome one of the most competitive fields in recent years.

Returning for their third straight Memorial Cup appearance are the tournament hosts, London Knights, after the injury-riddled squad was bounced in the second round of the OHL playoffs by the eventual OHL Champions, Guelph Storm. Joining the Guelph Storm and London Knights are the Champs of the WHL in the Edmonton Oil Kings, and QMJHL victors, Val d’Or Foreurs, both freshly off game seven wins that punched their ticket to the illustrious major junior competition.

The past three Memorial Cups have been hoisted by the QMJHL representatives after Saint John Sea Dogs (2011), Shawinigan Cataractes (2012) and Halifax Mooseheads (2013) each tasted victory.

The Edmonton Oil Kings are looking for their first Memorial Cup Championship since 1966 when they captured it as members of the Central Alberta Hockey League.

Quebec’s Val d’Or Foreurs have participated in the Memorial Cup twice (1998 and 2001) but have yet to walk away victors, coming close in 2001 when the Foreurs lost to the Red Deer Rebels in the finals.

The Knights will be participating in their fourth Memorial Cup event and the team is hoping for similar results as when they last hosted in 2005, the year the Knights skated away as Memorial Cup Champions.

With four previous attempts at winning the Memorial Cup, the Guelph Storm are rolling into their fifth tournament red hot looking to take home the 95-year-old hardware.

Regardless of which team skates off Budweiser Gardens’ ice as Champions, the 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup is loaded with talented major junior players looking to take the next step in their development. As the electric atmosphere takes over London, Ontario, here are several players to watch throughout the tournament.

Edmonton Oil Kings

Curtis Lazar (Senators – 2013, 17^th overall) Arguably the best leader in major junior, Lazar will eat up a ton of minutes, taking important faceoffs and seeing top line offensive minutes along the way.

Tristan Jarry (Penguins – 2013, 44^th overall) Jarry’s 2.19 GAA and .925 save percentage are impressive stat lines but his ability to make the clutch save behind a strong defense core allows the Oil Kings the opportunity to play a stifling defensive game.

Griffin Reinhart (NY Islanders – 2012, 4^th overall) He’s got great draft pedigree and has slowly progressed with each passing game to become a suffocating shutdown defenseman, utilizing his large wingspan and strength against top WHLers.

Henrik Samuelsson(Coyotes – 2012, 27^th overall) Playing a gritty-in-your-face style of puck that would make his father Ulf proud, Henrik has balanced his aggressive attack and skilled offensive bursts well. Led the Oil Kings in playoff scoring with 23 points over 21 games.

Mitch Moroz (Oilers – 2012, 32^nd overall) Not the prettiest skater or the most refined skilled player, Mitch Moroz’ offers a nice blend of size and soft touch around the net to create room and offensive chances. His size could prove to be an asset against some larger Guelph Storm players when the two teams face off Saturday afternoon.

Brett Pollock(2014 NHL Draft) Industrious and versatile, Brett Pollock forced his way up a veteran laden Oil Kings’ depth chart to find a home in the top six, posting near point-per-game numbers during Edmonton’s WHL Championship run.

Dysin Mayo (2014 NHL Draft) An emerging offensive defenseman, Dysin Mayo has earned the trust of Head Coach Derek Laxdal and his game-changing rushes are only improving his draft stock.

Aaron Irving (2014 NHL Draft) Edmonton’s 9^th overall 2011 selection, Aaron Irving is one of the defensive pillars on the Oil Kings’ blue line who has made life hell for intruding forwards with his physicality and nastiness.

Cody Corbett (Signed by Avalanche, 2014) The third year defenseman played his way to a contract with Colorado after posting 61 points in 65 games from the blueline.

Mads Eller and Ashton Sautner (Re-entries for 2014 NHL Draft) – Two mobile skaters, forward Mads Eller (younger brother of Canadiens’ Lars Eller) and defenseman Ashton Sautner use their speed and edge work to force opponents into uncomfortable positions.

Val d’Or Foreurs

Anthony Mantha (Red Wings – 2013, 20^th overall) Big time sniper brings his 81 combined regular season and playoff goals, the most by any CHLer, to Bud Gardens for all to witness. He will be the focus of defences as the tournament’s most natural goal scorer. It is hard to believe that Detroit traded down to acquire this stud prospect.

Ryan Graves (NY Rangers – 2013, 110^thoverall) Brought over from Charlottetown in trade to boost their blue line, Graves has provided a stabilizing presence using his size and strength to contain opposing team’s top forwards.

Antoine Bibeau (Maple Leafs – 2013, 172^nd overall) Selected in his second attempt at the NHL Draft, it appears the selection of Antoine Bibeau has been a shrewd move after the big goaltender earned QMJHL Playoff MVP honours.

Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (2014 NHL Draft) Taken 7^th overall by Val d’Or in 2012, Aubé-Kubel’s offensive emergence has provided the team with secondary scoring and this skilled responsible forward looks to use the Memorial Cup as one final showing before heading to Philadelphia for the draft.

Louick Marcotte(Re-entry for 2014 NHL Draft) Fourth year forward, Marcotte, nearly doubled his production playing on the Foreurs’ top line and his 42 goals and 100 points may be enough to draw interest at the draft.

Guillaume Gélinas (Undrafted) Undersized overager who dominated every offensive category by a defenseman in both regular season (67GP-23G-92P) and playoffs (24GP-11G-34P) is also playing for a professional contract.

Anthony Richard (2015 NHL Draft) Diminutive speedy centerman with a case of danglitis experienced a breakout sophomore campaign after being selected 16^th overall at the 2012 QMJHL Draft.

Julien Gauthier (2016 NHL Draft) Selected 6^th overall, rookie Julien Gauthier is a budding power forward to watch heading towards the 2016 NHL Draft as he learns how to use his size and strong shot to take over the offensive zone.

Guelph Storm

Kerby Rychel (Blue Jackets – 2013, 19^th overall) Windsor GM Warren Rychel traded his own son, along with LA Kings’ prospect Nick Ebert, at the deadline to Guelph. The Storm may be forever in debt with Windsor after Kerby buried the tying goal and game winner to clinch the OHL Championship.

Zack Mitchell (Signed by Wild, 2014) The Guelph Storm journeyman has bled maroon and grey in his five years of service and after being rewarded with an NHL contract back in March, Mitchell is keen on capping off his OHL career with a Memorial Cup Championship.

Scott Kosmachuk(Jets – 2012, 70^th overall) Among the OHL playoff scoring leaders, Kosmachuk was one of only three players to clear the century mark in points during the regular season and is called upon when the team needs a goal or a big hit.

Brock McGinn (Hurricanes – 2012, 47^th overall) After returning from an eight game suspension, Brock McGinn scored points in all but two playoff games while playing his usual irritating brand of hockey.

Jason Dickinson (Stars – 2013, 29^th overall) Drafted in the opening round in 2013 as a unfinished lanky prospect, the third year Dickinson has really came into his own learning how to use his size as a skilled power forward. Dickinson is one of five Storm players who recorded over a point-per-game in the post-season.

Matt Finn (Maple Leafs – 2012, 35^th overall) Awarded the Mickey Renaud Trophy as the league’s most dedicated and passionate captain on and off the ice, Matt Finn is a true leader and a stabilizing presence on the blue line.

Tyler Bertuzzi (Red Wings – 2013, 58^th overall) Ironically, the Red Wings traded down at the 2013 draft to select Anthony Mantha and received the 58^th pick as a result. That pick was used to select agitating forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Now, Foreurs’ Mantha and Storm’s Bertuzzi will be competing, at all costs, to take home the Memorial Cup. Mark it, Bertuzzi will be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses.

Nick Ebert (Kings – 2012, 211^th overall) Nick Ebert wasn’t the centrepiece of the trade that brought Kerby Rychel to Guelph but he’s been, arguably, the most crucial piece. Leading the team in playoff scoring from the backend, Ebert elevated his game as a member of the Storm.

Zac Leslie (Kings – 2013, 178^th overall) Drafted into the Ontario league in the middle rounds from the Ottawa Jr. 67’s, Leslie has improved on his production with each passing season giving the Storm depth on the blueline and a dangerous powerplay option.

Ben Harpur (Senators – 2013, 108^th overall) The towering 6-foot-6 blue liner will wreak havoc on attacking forwards as he wields his active stick and staples trespassers to the boards.

Robby Fabbri (2014 NHL Draft) No player has experienced a larger potential draft rise than Robby Fabbri, who is coming off OHL Playoff MVP Honours. The undersized yet competitive and skilled forward refuses to lose and his draft rise is reminiscent of former Kitchener Rangers’ forward Jeff Skinner after his 2010 standout playoff performance.

Phil Baltisberger (2014 NHL Draft) Another player exceeding expectations in his draft year, Swiss import Phil Baltisberger displays a strong two-way game with an ability to push the pace with his smooth skating stride. Eats up big minutes on the blue line.

Justin Nichols (Undrafted)and Matt Mancini (2014 NHL Draft) Acquired from Sault Ste Marie prior to the season, Justin Nichols’ game hasn’t been perfect every night but this undersized goaltender has had some of the most electrifying performances in the league. He’s getting noticed just as his understudy, Matt Mancini, is. Mancini is a highly touted young goaltender who continues to learn the intricacies of the game

London Knights

Max Domi (Coyotes – 2013, 12^th overall) Coming off a disappointing post-draft season, albeit by Domi’s standards, the Knights’ leading scorer was medically cleared to play after injuring his shoulder in the post-season. Look for the refreshed Domi to put on an offensive clinic as London attempts to prove their team is deserving of the Memorial Cup host spot.

Bo Horvat (Canucks – 2013, 9^th overall) The astute two-way forward with underrated offensive skills may be playing in his final OHL season and would love to add the elusive Memorial Cup title to his resume. With a history of scoring big goals, Horvat will be leaned upon in every possible situation.

Chris Tierney(Sharks – 2012, 55^th overall) Living up to his 2^nd round NHL Draft status after many questioned San Jose’s thought process, Chris Tierney went on an absolute tear during the playoffs ringing off 17 points in just nine games attempting to single-handedly advance the Knights.

Josh Anderson (Blue Jackets – 2012, 95^th overall) Anderson is a big bodied winger who won’t always fill up the game sheet but his heavy, physical approach and strong cycle game could tire out opposing defenses in a long intense tournament.

Ryan Rupert (Maple Leafs – 2012, 157^th overall) A skilled agitator in every sense of the word, Ryan Rupert, along with twin brother Matt (Undrafted), provide the Knights with outstanding depth as they make an impact by crawling under opponents’ skin or by crashing the net for a goal. The home fans will enjoy them but the road teams certainly will not.

Gemel Smith (Stars – 2012, 104^th overall) A true sniper who relies on his shot and blazing speed, Gemel Smith has had an okay transition to the Knights after coming aboard mid-season but he’s eager to pick up where he left off after a better OHL playoffs (12 points in nine games).

Michael McCarron (Canadiens – 2013, 25^th overall) The big power forward experienced a rather slow transition to OHL life but Michael McCarron has stepped up his game over the final few months showing the skill set that gave Montreal reason to draft him in the first round.

Mitch Marner (2015 NHL Draft) In a similar mold as Guelph’s Robby Fabbri, Marner is a sneaky player who makes an impact on every shift. No player does more with limited playing minutes as Marner and his ability to dance around defenders and find open teammates is only one reason he’s considered a top 2015 NHL Draft prospect. He’s been London’s best player, as a rookie, on most nights.

Christian Dvorak(2014 NHL Draft) One of several Knights returning from the infirmary, Dvorak is hoping to suit up for the first time since December 14^th when he injured his knee. His draft season viewings were limited but positive before being sidelined.

Nikita Zadorov (Sabres – 2013, 16^th overall) The only NHL drafted player on the Knights with NHL experience (seven games), Nikita Zadorov is undoubtedly the most crucial defender on their blueline. His offensive game has progressed to new heights and he’s still capable of intimidating with his bone-crushing open-ice hits.

Brady Austin (Sabres – 2012, 193^rd overall) Cleared to play after battling mononucleosis, overage defenseman Brady Austin is a huge returnee to what was a spotty blue line. After dealing with his illness and the passing of his father, Austin and his teammates will be playing inspired hockey.

Zach Bell (Undrafted) Bell is a bruising defenseman that has his own feel-good story after quickly recovering from a broken leg and his presence will be felt defensively.

Brett Welychka (Undrafted) It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider Welychka one of the most versatile players in the league, after the forward logged big minutes on the blue line when injury struck the Knights’ backend. Look for Welychka to return to the front lines adding to London’s incredible offensive depth.

Anthony Stolarz (Flyers – 2012, 45^th overall) Flying under the radar somewhat is the fact that Anthony Stolarz’ eight-game suspension for his slashing incident was reduced to six, after the Knights were knocked out of the playoffs early. Whether right or wrong, London’s biggest returnee for the Memorial Cup is between the pipes in Stolarz because he is capable of stealing games.

The 2014 Mastercard Memorial Cup action begins Friday evening with the London Knights taking on Val d’Or Foreurs.

Follow @RossyYoungblood for all the #MemorialCup action.