Jimmy Hayes – McKeen's Hockey

US College Hockey (ECAC) – Quinnipiac and RPI

Russ Cohen — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 19:53:25 +0000

It’s amazing how the Quinnipiac hockey program has blossomed with many players to watch. There is a reason they headed into the break with a 14-3 record.

They have a good offense, but NHL teams didn’t invest in that with no drafted forwards on the team. They are invested in their blueline however, and their Top three specifically. The first defenseman who looks really good is Peter DiLiberatore. At 6-0”, 170 pounds he has some wheels. He is good at skating out of trouble, he shields the puck well and makes nice strips on defense and adept passes on offense. It’s no wonder the Vegas Golden Knights drafted him in the sixth round. They may have a future blueliner in him.

April 09, 2016: Chase Priskie (13) of Quinnipiac during the 2016 NCAA Frozen Four championship game between North Dakota and Quinnipiac at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photograph by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire)

Chase Priskie is also a top-pairing d-man for the team and he has been doing it well for the last four years. He went into the break with 21 points in 17 games. The Washington Capitals drafted him in the sixth round back in 2016. Now 22, he is really blossoming this season. He has a good one-timer and an accurate wrist shot. The big improvement is in his skating and the way he brings the puck up the ice. No wonder he is on the top power play and the top penalty kill. He may have to wait a long time to play in Washington if he proves himself after turning pro.

Another Quinnipiac defenseman, Karlis Cukste, is a 6-4” Latvian with some talent. In 2015 he had a great showing in the U18s. He had two points and four assists in six games. His team came in dead last in their group, but he was a bright spot. His freshman season was a dip in the pool getting 15 points in 38 games. In his sophomore season, the points were down slightly with 13 but his penalty minutes were way down from 47 to 10.

His junior season has been his best. He had 12 points in his first 18 games with only six penalty minutes. He has good speed that he can call upon to skate the puck out of trouble. He is an accurate passer in his own zone, which is good since he has played on the top penalty killing unit and he can get things going up the ice to start the offense. He battles, and the Sharks love that in their players. He was a 5th round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and he has a chance of playing for them down the line.

American goaltender, Keith Petruzzelli is a known commodity. He was drafted in the third round by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He first made some noise playing for Muskegon in the USHL. That same year, 2016-17, he had a nice showing in the All-American Prospects Game. After that game, he was on a lot of teams’ radar and that’s probably why Detroit didn’t try to wait to get him in the later rounds.

His freshman season was rough, and it showed when he posted a .892 save percentage. That statistic is the money maker for goaltenders after they turn pro. Now in his sophomore season, he has posted a .917 save percentage through his first 11 games. He only played 17 games last season, so he will top that in 2018-19 for sure as he grows more accustomed to the collegiate game.

This season his glove looks very solid. He slides post to post and that is a fast way for a 6-5” netminder to guard against wraparounds and other scoring chances. He sees the puck very well in traffic. He can see over some of it and that is a benefit. His rebound control is good, and that is key for any goaltender at any level. He does a nice job directing blocker saves safely to his defenders to the safe areas.

With a man down, he can be the team’s best penalty killer. He can handle the high heat heading to the high corner. In 1-on-1 battles, he doesn’t give shooters much to work with. Detroit is hoping they have struck some gold in him, but he will likely finish out his college career and play in the AHL before they see him.

Quinnipiac is a powerhouse in the ECAC once again and that isn’t a surprise to anybody.

RPI always gets pushed to the side because they lack top players and therefore get lost in the ECAC. This season they aren’t the worst, so they are progressing.

Todd Burgess is a top-line right wing who is fun to watch. He was drafted in the fourth round in 2016. The Ottawa Senators may have something in this versatile player.

In 2015-16 he had 95 points in the NAHL. 38 of them were goals and he did that in 60 games. That league is known for producing NHL goaltenders like Anthony Stolarz (Flyers), Craig Anderson and Ben Bishop. And a fair number of forwards like Jimmy Hayes, Patrick Eaves, and Bryan Rust to name a few. The list has been growing for years.

The Phoenix, Arizona native plays hard along the wall. He uses his body well and has an active stick on defense. He needs more mental focus on defense, if he can do that, he can really upgrade his game. This season he has six points in his first 17 games. His focus beyond the college game would be as a defensive winger.

Chase Perry is a goalie who saw his first action this season against Notre Dame and the short time he was in the game was matching the performance of Cale Morris, arguably the best goalie in the country again, seeing as how he won the Richter Award last season. Back to Perry, he came in relief and stopped 17 of 18 shots. Last season he opened the season with a 56-save performance so there’s some talent there.

The 6-3” backstop is 22. He has only played 41 games for the Engineers. The Red Wings spent a 5th rounder on him in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. It is unclear where his career is headed but one of these seasons, he should turn pro and try and get more playing time with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League. Will he play a senior season for RPI? He probably will but you never know. The Red Wings may help him make that decision.

RPI is having another mediocre season but at some point, they should be able to turn it around.

Training Camp Notes – October 3rd, 2017

Ryan Dadoun — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 22:25:53 +0000

Anaheim

Ryan Getzlaf – Sustained a lower-body injury last week and hasn’t resumed skating yet. A couple days back Ducks coach Randy Carlyle did say on Saturday that he expected Getzlaf to play in the opener, but that’s on Thursday so we’re cutting it pretty close now.

Patrick Eaves – Didn’t end up playing in any preseason games. His lower-body injury might keep him out of the season opener as well. He’s another player Carlyle projected to be available for the opener while speaking on Saturday though, so we’ll see.

Arizona

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Good news on this front. His recovery from his knee injury has progressed to the point where he’s been practicing with the Coyotes. It looks like he’ll be ready for the season opener.

Antti Raanta –A lower-body injury kept him out of the Coyotes’ last preseason game. He practiced with Arizona on Sunday though, so he’ll probably be fine for the opener.

Boston

Torey Krug – The Bruins are hoping that his jaw injury only sidelines him for the first three-to-five regular season games. In the meantime, he has been skating. For what it’s worth, when he does return he’ll be wearing a protective mask.

Buffalo

Benoit Pouliot – Was on a line with Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo during Sunday’s practice. He had been practicing as a bottom-six forward previously, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up on that unit to start the campaign.

Zemgus Girgensons – It was bad news for Girgensons. He was previously on Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo’s line, but Girgensons was knocked down to the third unit with Sam Reinhart and Jason Pominville. The Sabres’ third line has potential though.

Rasmus Ristolainen – After averaging 26:28 minutes per game last season (up from 25:17 minutes in 2015-16), Sabres coach Phil Housley wants to cut Ristolainen down to 22-23 minutes per game. The hope is that will keep him fresher for the final stretch.

Calgary

Jaromir Jagr – Signed a one-year contract with Calgary that comes with a $1 million base salary. Not sure what line Jagr plays for, but here’s a fun aside: Jagr was drafted the same year as Matthew Tkachuk’s father Keith. Keith Tkachuk retired seven years ago.

Carolina

Lee Stempniak – His hip/back problems remain something of a mystery. On Monday Hurricanes coach Bill Peters remarked, "We've got to get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later." Stempniak is questionable for the season opener and how much time he might miss beyond that seems like anybody’s guess.

Chicago

Connor Murphy – Sustained a lower-body injury on Saturday and didn’t practice on Monday as a result. It’s not clear if he’ll be available for the opener.

Colorado

Jonathan Bernier – As mentioned before, he sustained a groin injury on Sept. 25. The good news is that he resumed practicing with the team on Monday.

Columbus

Brandon Dubinsky – Got into the preseason finale on Saturday after missing all the previous exhibition contests due to a wrist injury. He should be fine for the season opener.

Pierre-Luc Dubois – Although the Blue Jackets have experimented with using him as a center, it looks like he’ll be serving as a left winger to start the campaign. His projected linemates are Brandon Dubinsky and Matt Calvert.

Boone Jenner – His back injury will keep him out of the season opener. Beyond that there’s no timetable for his return. He hasn’t skated with the Blue Jackets yet.

Detroit

David Booth – Signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Red Wings. It sounds like he’ll be in the lineup for the season opener, probably alongside Riley Sheahan and Luke Glendening.

Florida

Owen Tippett – He’ll be part of the Panthers’ roster for the start of the 2017-18 campaign. The downside is that it might be as a fourth line forward, so he might not be a fantasy factor for a while still.

Los Angeles

Mike Cammalleri/Jonny Brodzinski – The two might find themselves on either side of Anze Kopitar to begin the season. Obviously that would be great news for both of them, but it’d be a particularly big opportunity for the rookie Brodzinski.

Minnesota

Zach Parise – Is now expected to miss the first two games of the regular season due to his back problem. He also missed the Wild’s whole preseason schedule.

Nashville

Viktor Arvidsson – There’s been talk of him not opening the season with Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg. Two potential candidates to replace him on the top line would be Kevin Fiala and Scott Hartnell. None of that’s been finalized yet though.

New Jersey

Jimmy Hayes – More of an FYI because he doesn’t have fantasy value, but he did earn a one-year, $700,000 contract with New Jersey after attending the Devils’ training camp on a PTO.

Pavel Zacha – He’s getting a big opportunity off the bat as he’s projected to open on a line with Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri. It’s not set in stone, but Devils coach John Hynes called it a “strong possibility.

NY Rangers

Kevin Shattenkirk – It’s not surprising, but it looks like Shattenkirk will be paired with Ryan McDonagh to start the season.

NY Islanders

Jordan Eberle – Another bit of anticipated, but nice to be basically confirmed news is that Eberle will be starting the campaign alongside John Tavares. The third member of that unit should be Anders Lee. Islanders coach Doug Weight has been happy with that trio so far.

Ottawa

Derick Brassard – Has been cleared for contact, so he might be able to play in the season opener. He’s been recovering from a shoulder injury.

Erik Karlsson – Still dealing with a foot injury, it’s now very unlikely that he’ll play in the opener. Not sure when he’ll be back.

Philadelphia

December 5, 2015:Philadelphia Flyers Defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere (53) moves the puck out of the Flyers zone in the first period during the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire)

Shayne Gostisbehere – Sustained an upper-body injury during Sunday’s game. There hasn’t been an update yet, but he did join the Flyers’ flight to San Jose (ahead of Wednesday’s opener), so you could take that as an encouraging sign.

Travis Sanheim/Sam Morin – They were battling for a spot on the roster, but if Gostisbehere isn’t available then they could both stay on the roster for now. Fellow rookie defenseman Robert Hagg did make the roster so he should remain with the squad regardless of Gostisbehere’s status.

San Jose

Joe Thornton – He made his preseason debut on Saturday, clearing the way for him to participate in the opener. He underwent knee surgery to repair a torn ACL/MCL.

St. Louis

Scottie Upshall – Not of much fantasy relevance, but he did sign a one-year contract with the Blues. He began on a PTO with Vancouver, but found an opportunity with the Blues instead due to their injuries. Upshall is likely to enter the season on the fourth line alongside Kyle Brodziak and Chris Thorburn.

Washington

Tom Wilson – He’ll have a hearing tomorrow (Tuesday) for boarding the Blues’ Sam Blais. He already served a two-game preseason suspension over interference, so maybe this will be a harsher punishment as a result.

Brooks Orpik – Capitals coach Barry Trotz is tentatively planning to pair Orpik up with John Carlson to open the season. Orpik usually played alongside Nate Schmidt last season, but he’s not with the team anymore. Similarly, Carlson’s most common 2016-17 partner, Karl Alzner, is also gone.

Jakub Vrana – Not set in stone, but there’s a chance that Vrana not only opens the season with the Capitals, but does so on a line with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Winnipeg

Matt Hendricks – Is on the injured reserve after sustaining an undisclosed injury during Wednesday’s preseason contest. He’s regarded as day-to-day.

Andrew Copp – Suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s preseason contest. Jets coach Paul Maurice hasn’t ruled out Copp for the season opener though.

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Week One

McKeen's Hockey — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:05:16 +0000

The waiver wire return for the 2015-16 season and with the first week of NHL games complete some players are already injured, some failed to make the team, and some are wetting the bed and need to be replaced. The Waiver wire in many fantasy leagues offers the easiest and sometimes best option to upgrade some dead weight on your roster. One trend to be wary of is rookies who have junior eligibility remaining like Daniel Sprong with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sprong has made the Pens roster to start the season but is not eligible to play in the AHL. If Pittsburgh decide he is not ready he will go back to junior and be gone for the season.

1. Brandon Sutter - Vancouver Canucks, Right Wing/Centre 56% Owned

The 26 year old Sutter is now on his third team and has 500 career games played. Throughout his career he has typically been a third line centre but with Vancouver he has been seeing shifts on the top line with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Sutter has not looked out of place on the top line and if he can hold that spot for the season he is poised to have a career year. He is a point per game player after five games this season and has a shooting percentage of 13% which is well above his career average suggesting he can sustain fantasy relevance and a spot on a top line. Sutter is entering his prime years and has proven to be a durable player missing only three games in the past two seasons.

2. Brandon Pirri – Florida Panthers, Left Wing/Right Wing 46% Owned

Limited to just 49 games last season Pirri had a breakout 22 goal performance last season. Unfortunately, he only managed to add two assists to his point totals. This year, he has been playing on Florida’s second line with Nick Bjugstad and Reilly Smith and is producing; a goal and three assists in five games. His shooting percentage is well below career average at 7.7% which suggests that the goals are coming. His cap hit is also very attractive at $925k

3. Jeff Petry – Montreal Canadiens, Defence 32% owned

After the Habs rescued Petry from Edmonton at a deadline deal last season, he instantly rewarded them with seven points in 19 games and played a top four role. The Habs in turn rewarded Petry with a lucrative new contract. Saddled with a $5.5 million cap hit, Petry is still providing the Habs with good value as a second pairing defender and is seeing time on both special team units and both his points have come with the man advantage. If you can afford him, or are not in a capped league and need a defenceman, you will be hard pressed to find a better option on the waiver wire than Petry.

4. Tobias Rieder – Arizona Coyotes, Left Wing 37% owned

After a successful rookie season in the fantasy hockey desert, Rieder is off to a hot start in his sophomore season playing on the second line with Martin Hanzal and Max Domi. Rieder has found some early production with five points in five games as the Coyotes are off to a hot start. It is unlikely either the Coyotes or Rieder will maintain this pace, so he represents a good short term solution while his line is hot.

5. Jimmy Hayes – Boston Bruins, Right Wing 36% owned

Hayes only has points in one of his five games so far this season, but it was a four point night! Hayes is playing on a young but talented line with Ryan Spooner and Brett Connolly on the third line and should not draw the opposition’s better defensive line. Hayes has struggled with consistency but the 25 year old has a new contract and the faith of Bruins management as he enters his prime. He is a breakout candidate.

6. Colton Parayko – St. Louis Blues, Defence 40% owned

Super sleeper Colton Parayko has only managed to post two goals (both in the same game) but is one of the best kept secrets in the NHL. The Blues scouts did a great job finding Parayko and keeping him under the radar as he has come from nowhere. Don’t sleep on the player who is the early favorite to be this years John Klingberg as he has been drawing rave reviews since training camp.

7. Ben Hutton – Vancouver Canucks, Defence 31% owned

Speaking of super sleeper players to come from nowhere, Huton impressed Canucks management so much at training camp he forced himself onto the roster despite being minor eligible. The move forced the Canucks to expose Frank Corrado to waivers and he was claimed by Toronto. Corrado is a highly regarded prospect so it speaks volumes to how high the Canucks are on Hutton.

All ownership numbers are based on Fantrax leagues

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 21:51:45 +0000

It is reality check time. It is no longer early in the season as we approach the quarter point.

If your fantasy team is sucking due to a slow start I got bad news for you, your team just sucks.

The good news is there is still time to do something about it before you go into full on Connor McDavid/Jack Eichel mode. Trade for some sleeper value players and cut bait on those slow starters or injured players.

This week’s Waiver Wire article will help identify who to cut, and who to add.

Cut Bait Candidates.

Tyler Myers, Buffalo

After 18 games, the former Calder Trophy winner has just two points, no goals and is a minus -9. Since winning the Calder, Myers has been in decline and the team is historically bad right now. The risk in dumping Myers is if he is traded to a team like Detroit and suddenly catches fire. Given his contract, it would be difficult for him to be traded during the season and while he may hold some keeper value, if you can move him and find a more reliable option, do so.

Corey Conacher, New York Islanders

Conacher seemed like found money at the start of the season, playing on the top line with John Tavares. Since his early start he has cooled off considerably and now has a total of three points in 13 games. With Conacher being a healthy scratch now it is time to say good bye.

Cody Hodgson, Buffalo

Another Sabre makes this list, and while the whole team could be named Hodgson stands out among the forwards. With a cap hit of $4.25 million you need more than two points and a minus -10 in 18 games to be considered a fantasy option. Unless you need the cap hit to maintain a legal roster as you tank this season, Hodgson offers no value.

Steve Ott, St. Louis

Ott has bounced around on several lines in St. Louis this season but has failed to find any offense. With just two assists in 16 games and no signs of improving it is time to bail on Ott.

Ales Hemsky, Dallas

There was a lot of hype surrounding Hemsky leading into the season as he and Jason Spezza who were dynamite together in Ottawa were both acquired by Dallas in the off-season. Since then, Hemsky has been on a milk carton scoring a pitiful one assist and no goals in 16 games while posting a minus -7 with a $4 million cap hit. Hemsky is going to be a healthy scratch and really has no business being on your fantasy roster.

Players to add

Mike Hoffman, Ottawa 29% Fantrax Owned

Hoffman has scored well in lower levels and now has seven goals in 13 games for the Sens. While his goal total is impressive he only has one assist, but Hoffman seems to have found a full time NHL job on the “kid line” with Curtis Lazar and Michael Stone. While Hoffman was mentioned in a previous waiver wire post, he bears mention again since his value is high and he is widely available.

Peter Holland, Toronto 17% Owned

Holland might be looking at full time duty with the Leafs on a line with Mike Santorelli and Leo Komarov. The trio is seeing a regular shift suggesting they have the Coaches confidence. The line is reliable defensively, provides lots of energy and now Holland has eight points in 17 games. The Leafs may have given up too soon with Joe Colborne but are about to reap the rewards of being patient with Holland. Don’t sleep on this player if he is available in your league.

Ryan Garbutt 29% owned, Antoine Roussel 57% owned - Dallas

The duo of Roussel and Garbutt are a highly effective pair. While they have much higher value in leagues with greasy stat categories like hits, PIM’s and blocked shots, they even have good value in point’s only leagues that are deep enough. The best part about owning them is watching them play. They pass the eye test as they are impossible to not notice on the ice. They are a factor in almost every game and can be a factor on your fantasy roster as well.

Jimmy Hayes, Florida 14% Owned

Jimmy Hayes has been hot of late in Florida scoring three goals and three assists in his last six games and seeing an average of 13 minutes a game of ice time. While Florida is struggling for offense with players like Alex Barkov, and Jonathan Huberdeau not producing, Hayes has been carrying the mail and delivering fantasy stats.

Trevor van Riemsdyk, Chicago 10% Owned

TVR was a surprise player to make the roster, and while his offense has not arrived yet I assure you it is coming. He has won the confidence of management and Coaches and with the trade of Nick Leddy there is opportunity for TVR to see some power play minutes.

AHL: IceHogs – The Rockford Files

Gus Katsaros — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 06:22:16 +0000

Rockford travelled through a two-game road trip of Ontario, losing to the Hamilton Bulldogs 5-4 in overtime before bouncing back and beating the Toronto Marlies 3-2 the following night. Rockford’s game winning goal scorer, Jeremy Morin, was recalled to the NHL shortly after.

The IceHogs are the affiliate club of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks reside at the top of the Midwest Division, being the first club to reach double-digits in games played.

Phillip Danault, C

First round pick in 2011 (26th overall) put on a display of defensive instincts with consistent efforts on every shift .. . Supports the defense and will end up playing down low making sure this covered from that .. somewhat careless with his stick at times and needs to be careful with careless penalties due to reckless stick swings .. consistent work ethic and presence, leaning more towards a natural defensive instinct .. not a really big hitter, but rather strategic with direct hits to the middle of the chest, stopping his man dead in his tracks .. they aren’t punishing hits, but effective .. quick first few steps and gets up to speed in a hurry .. able to get back into the play on breakdowns in the offensive zone, or to join the rush late if he’s supporting the defense .. young still at 20 years old and struggling somewhat to create scoring opportunities, but has the ethic and mobility to push the pro pace.

Jeremy Morin, LW

Former Thrashers pick in 2009 (2nd round, 45th overall) at 22 years old would be expected that he showed something more than just a quick trigger with a snappy release, perhaps a little more imagination but it’s hard to make the case to change after scoring 30 goals in 2012-13 .. steadfast defensive positioning, and stays true to the system, holding position even under chaotic conditions and avoids straying from the system .. lined up on the left side for the face-off despite being listed as a right-winger – and drifting back to the right side .. displayed deceptive strength, despite a medium build, a penchant on his skates .. scored go ahead and eventual winning goal off a face off deep in the Marlies zone with a shade over five minutes left with a signature quick shot – imagination be damned if shooting was success .. called up to the Blackhawks after this game and dressed in three games, with dwindling ice time as a sign that a return to Rockford as a likely outcome .. still not ready for the breakthrough to the NHL, but could be there at the close of the season.

Alex Broadhurst, C

A successful professional debut, scoring in his first game – the first goal scored by the IceHogs in the season .. graduating from the London Knights to rank second in scoring at Halloween .. struggled with pace at times, also a factor of having playing the previous evening in Hamilton .. scored the goal that that began the rally from a 2-0 deficit and eventual comeback win .. dipped in compete without the puck, but is tricky and stealthy in that he lurks – blending into the weak side and quiet areas of the ice, with selective forays into scoring areas and the slot .. complimentary quick release, playmaking vision and soft hands .. could upgrade the physical elements and didn’t initiate contact more often – a size related issue, standing at 5-foot-11 and 174 pounds .. didn’t record a point in only three of 11 games this season, but the goal was the first in six games .. good two-way performance, not strikingly great in one particular area, despite scoring.

Mark McNeill, C

Former Prince Albert Raider scoring star scored twice and added a helper (2-1-3) against the Hamilton Bulldogs before being blanked against Toronto the following night – not for a lack of effort .. quick burst of acceleration and makes plays at high speed with no effect on his stride .. exhibited in-close skill below the face off dots and in front of the net .. controlled and structural defensive style .. could be the slot man, or sometimes high center .. versatile enough to be used on the point on the power play and in a penalty kill role .. stride could use some improvement, but has great in line speed .. became more of a net presence with the game on the line after alternating between high forward and slot presence .. got in deep and behind the net late in the third taking a physical toll to make the play and then headed straight for the goal .. leads the IceHogs in scoring.

Adam Clendening, D

Blackhawks mobile and offensively inclined blueliner – and 2012-13 Rockford Rookie of the Year was drafted in 2011 in the 2nd round (36th overall) .. leading the IceHogs in scoring (10-2-8-10) as a defenseman at the time of this writing .. undersized but cerebral puck mover with a solid outlet passing ability and penchant to carry it himself .. could get more propulsion from a fairly strong skating stride .. aggressively ventures from the point, always looking to create offensively .. doesn’t pinch off the point, he abandons the area looking for the set up play .. still maturing in his physical game, but he’s shown a clear deficiency against bigger and stronger opponents due to his size .. improved situational and positional awareness however .. will sacrifice himself to just stop players from moving ahead, or curbing forward momentum .. generally showed patience and a clear understanding of options – within defined timeframes when confronted with pressure .. caught out of position and stopped on many occasions – has to keep his feet moving .. can opt for the difficult but flashy play instead of keeping it simple, with a plus for creativity and pushing the envelope .. putting together the offensive tools to become a reliable puck moving blueliner, as long as he can overcome size and strength deficiencies .. still lots of upside, especially with added bulk.

Dylan Olsen, D

Solidly built, Blackhawks 1st round pick in 2009 (28th overall) is solidly built, towering at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds .. scoring at 0.5 points per game and firing pucks at will, earning first unit power-play - premium powerplay time, considering the alternatives .. quick shot with a tricky release although it’s somewhat erratic .. first intention was to use stick checks and positional awareness uncharacteristic of the physical nature and aggressiveness along the wall .. could be more willing to use his size in greater instances seemingly able to lean into opponents and gain leverage when engaging along the boards .. strong and very agile on his feet, for a big man .. skating stride is smooth and quick .. displayed a lot of start/stops gaining position on Marlies forwards trying to two-step around him .. made crisp and clean outlet passes and jumped into the rush often as well .. has to find that right mix of strength and aggressiveness that seemed to lack to some extent against Toronto – albeit, playing heavy minutes in the second game o back-to-back nights .. still more there.

Viktor Svedberg, D

Undrafted Swedish behemoth is listed at 6-foot-9, 235 pounds and it shows on the ice .. likely one of the bigger defenseman on this team and in the AHL .. start up is slushy and slow off the mark .. skating is lumbering considering his size, but he makes up for lack of foot speed with sheer presence and industry – difficult to maneuver around as a bigger rearguard, but must be cognizant of his gaps, as they could be tighter .. once again, that’s offset by a long reach and stick, limiting space around him .. seems to be more reactive to the play and less intuitive than his peers .. lacks a natural anticipation, but makes up for it by playing within structure, straying from his defensive perch very little .. doesn’t always efficiently cut space and will allow players to manoeuvre in front of him before engaging .. doesn’t really take advantage of the size, or as long reach as he could be a towering force, but may be more of a gentle giant .. misses natural meanness to his game .. lacks some puck skills, too .. doesn’t make a lot of skilled plays, but is proficient with a good outlet pass .. established as a big body presence, but must improve with his puck skills and could be a target in that regard.

Jimmy Hayes, RW

Former Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick (2nd round – 2008, 60th overall) cracked the Blackhawks lineup out of training camp with holes created by the departure of David Bolland and Michael Frolik, before being assigned to Rockford .. still plagued by skating deficiencies, like a choppy stride .. stride pulls down an otherwise stable and controlled puck possession, with his head up distribution .. deceptive to looking off defenders and not shy about firing shots versus Toronto, shooting – or at least, an attempted shot .. squandered two opportunities to set up a teammate for a low-percentage shot .. underrated playmaking skills, however, as he showed not only the ability to send pucks tape-to-tape, but anticipation to get pucks to where players are going to be .. uses his size and long reach to keep pucks away from defenders upon confrontation .. big and lumbering .. had a brief stint in the NHL during 2012-13 lockout shortened season, and another two games in ’13-14 .. could see a return to the NHL, however in a limited impact role.

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