Jon Gillies – McKeen's Hockey

Calgary Flames 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 10:21:40 +0000

Even the worst systems in the league have players of note. Before I rip too much in to the Calgary Flames prospect pipeline, I should give them some credit and note that they come by their current poor state honestly. By that I mean that they draft reasonably well (when they have picks at all), but they have graduated a good number of their top prospects to the NHL of late, leaving the cupboard relatively barren.

From our previous two lists, high ranking prospects including Mark Jankowski, Oliver Kylington, Rasmus Andersson, Andrew Mangiapane, and Brett Kulak have all graduated to the NHL. Others, like Adam Fox, have been moved out of the organization in trade.

But the state of the system is not solely due to graduations. Graduations are to be celebrated. But we look to the Flames’ system today with dismay. Unless the two Russian free agent signings of this offseason both pan out completely, there is a big drop off after the top three of Juuso Valimaki, Jakob Pelletier, and Dillon Dube.

More than graduations, the current state of the Calgary system is largely due to the team neglecting the draft, slowing the influx of new talent to the system to a trickle. In each of the previous three drafts, the Flames only added five players annually. While those 15 players include the top two in the system, the fact that the Calgary 2018 draft class didn’t start until the fourth round stings today, and will continue to sting until far into the future. In fact, it is important to point out that those top two were the only players selected prior to the third round since 2016.

Looking for a bit longer at the three classes from 2016-2018 (it is way too soon to pass judgement on the class of 2019, very few players have developed at a pace that exceeds expectations from their draft pedigree. We have former sixth overall pick Matthew Tkachuk, who went directly to the NHL. We already mentioned Adam Fox, who was a steal un the third round, but was shipped to Carolina in the big Dougie Hamilton-Elias Lindholm deal and is now one of the better defensive prospects in the game. We also mentioned Dube, who would not have been eligible for this list had he played in five more games last year.

Other than those, we can commend Matthew Phillips, Mathias Emilio Pettersen and Dmitri Zavgorodny for progressing nicely. All too many of their picks have failed to develop at all, and the Flames have actually cut bait with some of them despite having a shallow system. Looking just at the five picks from 2017, Calgary has already walked away from two in forwards Zach Fischer and D’Artagnan Joly.

I am reminded of the old joke about a bad restaurant that is overpriced and the food is distasteful. And the punchline, “and such small portions!” The Flames need to draft better, but if I have learned anything in my years analyzing prospects and organizational development, it is that the draft is a crap shoot. The Flames need to draft more often to have viable NHLers on entry level deals as their current NHL core grows both older and more expensive.

-Ryan Wagman

Calgary Flames Left Wing Dillon Dube (29). (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

1 Juuso Valimaki, D (16^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 1) Calgary’s top prospect for the third straight season, Valimaki’s unique combination of size, skill, and offensive vision is worthy of such hype and honor. The Finnish-born blueliner grades out as above-average in every facet of the game, and is capable of changing the pace and outcome of the game on any given shift. Though he struggled to take control of competition in the NHL (just three points in 24 games), his AHL campaign was a display of future top-pair potential in the big league. He took on heavy, physical minutes defensively, while commanding the power play unit and leading transitional efforts with AHL Stockton for a big chunk of the 2018-19 season. With a solid defensive core, Calgary has time to wait on their top pupil, but they will need to see more assertiveness and consistency out of the 2017 first-rounder. – TD

Editor’s note – the above was written before news hit of Valimaki’s torn ACL. The injury is very unfortunate, but should not affect him long-term and does not change his ranking here.

2 Jakob Pelletier, LW (26^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) While Pelletier is small in size, he plays huge in spirit. He will hunt in the corners or in front of the net and use his quick hands and feet to his advantage. Pelletier’s biggest attribute is his smarts, but his second-biggest attribute will bring the fans to their feet: his effort. Pelletier never takes a shift off, and has taken a leadership role with the Moncton Wildcats from the moment he put on the jersey. Not to be understated, Pelletier had 89 points last season, and he’s a great playmaker. He scores a lot off rebounds thanks to his instincts around the net. He will have an adjustment to get used to bigger defenders, but he is well on his way to being a point-a-game energy forward on the top lines who can play in all situations with enthusiasm. - MS

3 Dillon Dube, C (56^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 2) Though he had trouble adjusting to the NHL’s higher competition level, Dube dominated the AHL with Stockton in 2018-19, and showed just why he is one of the most heralded prospects in the Flames system. Shifty and quick on his feet, the former captain of Team Canada at the World Junior Championship exhibited plus value as a playmaking passer while also playing as a forceful, self-assured shooting option. His undersized frame is not a hindrance to his high-end rough-and-tumble, forechecking game, as his play in the cycle is where he really shines as a passer and in-tight puck-handler. Originally thought of as a middle-six energy guy, Dube’s offensive evolution gives him top-six capability at the wing and at center. - TD

4 Artyom Zagudulin, G (Undrafted free agent, signed Apr. 9, 2019. Last Year: IE) The 24-years-old goalie came almost out of the blue to become one of the most interesting young netminders in Russia. However, his name was on the notes for most perceptive observers and he was relatively unknown mostly because of his lack of international exposure. He posted very good numbers in the previous three seasons, but he made a significant jump forward last year, gaining attention from the National Team system. He had a very strong 2018-19 campaign with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, and certainly his efforts didn’t go unnoticed overseas either. Just as with many other Russian goalies, he is a great athlete, with perhaps not the biggest frame, but who plays a good butterfly and can exhibit fast post-to-post moves. At this point he may not be ready for the NHL yet – he wasn’t a starter in the KHL – but with one year of seasoning in the AHL he has the potential to become a regular goalie in the NHL. - ASR

5 Alexander Yelesin, D (Undrafted free agent, signed May 10, 2019. Last Year: IE) A little bit like Zagidulin, Yelesin is a sort of late bloomer who made a name for himself mostly in the latest couple of seasons after previously travelling under the radars. In this period, he developed into a solid two-way defenseman with a good shot and an NHL body. He is a very tough player who likes to hit and play aggressive and his style of play should fit very well the more-demanding North American game, in particular if he manages to stay away from chasing the play or getting caught out of position seeking a big hit. Yelesin now needs to work on himself to become even stronger on his skates and gain the necessary experience both on and off the North American ice to fully fulfil his potential as an NHL prospect. Being a later boomer, he amassed less experience than other Russian prospects of his age. - ASR

6 Matthew Phillips, C (166^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 6) One of the WHL’s most feared players in his days of junior hockey, Phillips is still trying to find his groove at the pro ranks. The 2016 sixth-round selection has the tools to succeed in the AHL, but had little rhythm in his first full pro season (65-13-25-38), going through long stretches of scoreless play before reeling off some runs of consecutive multi-point games. Grading out as an above-average skater and shooter, the Calgary native can impact games with his slippery skating, tricky shot release, and plus vision to create lanes for his linemates. At just 5-7” and 155 pounds, his physical game obviously lags, but he can be effective enough at separating himself from opposing defenders against the boards. He has shown top-six upside as a scoring center, but looks more likely to be a depth offensive option with the Flames in due time. - TD

7 Adam Ruzicka, C/LW (109^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 13) Ruzicka is a big bodied center who is at his best when he is working hard below the hash marks and digging in to create his own scoring chances. This is also a criticism of Ruzicka’s game as the consistency of his engagement level has always wavered. However, he finished out his OHL career extremely strong in a playoff push with the Sudbury Wolves, where he played his best hockey to date. At the pro level, he is going to have to prove that he can skate and play a more up tempo attacking style, in addition to continuing to work on his play away from the puck. In a best case scenario, he develops into a solid middle six center in the Adam Lowry mold. But Flames fans may have to be patient with his development. - BO

8 Milos Roman, C (122^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: 12) Roman posted 60 points in 59 games, helping lead the Vancouver Giants to both a BC Division title and Western Conference championship last season. He also had a nice showing at the World Juniors for Slovakia, scoring three times and adding an assist. He is a strong two-way player who controls and moves the puck very well. He is a good playmaker, and is often deemed a specialist, as he does most of his damage on the power play. Roman is strong on the puck, works well with open ice and can distribute it nicely to others. He projects to be a middle six forward, and being that he will be an overager in the WHL this year, should move up to Stockton to further his development. - KO

9 Ilya Nikolayev, C (88^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A fast skater with above-average top speed and strong feet, Nikolayev plays a solid two-way game without many offensive buzzes, but with an effective pragmatic, pass-first game. He showed glimpses of excellence last year, but he needs to be more consistent in the offensive zone and more often use the high IQ he shows from time to time as too often he prefers to keep it simple, sometimes staying too much in a safe zone rather than risking a possible higher-risk, but higher-reward play. That said, Nikolayev is a very competitive player with an interesting ceiling as a two-way center with middle-six potential in the NHL. At this point he is a project player and needs to work a lot on almost all the aspects of his game. He also needs to gather more experience as he is yet to play a single game in pro hockey. - ASR

10 Mathias Emilio Pettersen, C (167^th overall, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) A rare Norwegian hockey prospect, Pettersen has been in North America since his age 14 season, moving from high level 16U programs to a two year run in the USHL and now on to college. In his USHL days he would flash tantalizing play driving ability. He was inconsistent enough in his draft year that he was no sure thing to be selected, but the Flames took a chance on him in the sixth round and is his freshman season with Denver is an indication of what is to come, Calgary should be pleased here. Pettersen has a full complement of offensive tools, earning above average grades with his wheels his hands, and his vision. He lacks any physical impact to speak of and will never be a big scorer, but his playmaking chops suggest a potential middle six role in the future, although he is still raw enough that his projection has a lot of uncertainty. - RW

11 Jon Gillies, G (75^th overall, 2012. Last Year: 5) A former third-round pick with a high level of athleticism and a technically sound style, the Flames hope the potential Gillies has shown will offset his horrendous 2018-19 campaign with AHL Stockton, where he posted a 16-23-1 record with an .889 save percentage. His aggressive style, quick feet in the crease, and superb use of all of his tools will keep him around, but even at 25, he still has a lot of improvement left to do, especially in controlling rebounds and staying composed in the crease. With an abundance of good, young netminders in the prospect system, the former World Junior starter for Team USA has no more room for error and will need to bounce back big time in 2019-20. - TD

12 Dmitri Zavgorodny, C/LW (198^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 14) Zavgorodny is a prototypical new-age player – attack with speed and smarts. His speed catches defenses off guard, and it makes him an effective penalty kill forward defending the point men and forcing the issue. Size is his biggest knock, like a few others on this list, but Zavgorodny plays a lot like Calgary’s pint-sized superstar Johnny Gaudreau. His shot form is unorthodox: he shoots from the middle of his blade rather than near the toe, which sacrifices accuracy for less load time. It catches goalies off guard as he can lift in a hurry and makes it hard to read. Due to his size, Zavgorodny will not be a factor on the lower lines, so it is offensive roles only for the Russian winger, but he finds great chemistry with smart scorers.

13 Dustin Wolf, G (214^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) The Flames selected one of the best junior goaltenders in Wolf, from the defensive minded Everett Silvertips, where he had been Carter Hart’s understudy, receiving mentoring and grooming from the current Philadelphia starter. Wolf was named the WHL Western Conference Goaltender of the Year, leading the league in wins, save percentage, goals against, minutes played, and was named to the First All Star Team to boot. Wolf’s numbers have in fact been very comparable to Hart’s, and the former is still getting better. The knock on him is his size, but he plays a strong positional game, has a high compete level, plays the puck well, and makes a lot of saves. The expectation now is another strong season of development. He has played well on the international stage, and should get his chance in the World Juniors for Team USA. - KO

14 Eetu Tuulola, RW (156^th overall, 2016. Last Year: Not ranked) Tuulola developed into a more complete winger last season in the Liiga and made solid progress in many aspects of his game, including skating and endurance. While he still has some occasional balance issues and only decent acceleration, he is now able to play with a higher energy from shift to shift. He finishes his checks, goes to the net, and is difficult to move from there once he has established his position in the crease. His shot is accurate and very hard. That said, if he works on his release and learns to shoot ore effectively with limited space, his goal totals could begin to increase rapidly. He is not overly flashy and has decent puck handling skills. All things considered, Tuulola has a chance to develop into a middle-six power winger at the NHL level. - MB

15 Tyler Parsons, G (54^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 8) A highly athletic and competitive netminder, Parsons fought through injuries last season and never got into much of a groove as a prospect. The 21-year-old is extremely flexible, but perhaps that stretchiness led to the multiple upper-body injuries he sustained in the 2018-19 campaign, during which he was limited to just 20 AHL starts. A master scrambler, Parsons lacks technical refinement but more than makes up for it with competitiveness, play-tracking, and the reflexes to complement his all-out style of goaltending. The 2017 WJC gold medalist needs nothing more than a clean bill of health to continue his ascent up the ranks of NHL goaltending prospects, as the 2016 second-rounder projects to be a mid-tier NHL starter, but with more room to grow. - TD

16 Josh Nodler, C (150^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) After a lights-out performance for Team USA at the pre-season Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Nodler shot up watch lists going into his first full season in the USHL. With a mediocre Fargo team, he was fine, but never really rose above and his mid-season performance at the WJAC was no match for his Hlinka work. He is not a very toolsy player, but he is a very creative passer and that ability to create for others will be paramount to Nodler being able to reach his ceiling. He thinks the game well enough to be useful in many situations, and that might allow him to make it in a bottom six role after spending some time at Michigan State. Nodler’s upside is limited, but he has enough positive straits that he could carve out an NHL role for himself in time. - RW

17 Martin Pospisil, RW (105^th overall, 2016. Last Year: Not Ranked) The third of three Slovakians on this list, Pospisil is also the most aggressive player in the Flames’ organization. Even after cutting his penalty minutes from his draft year to last year in half, he still finished 11^th in the USHL in penalty minutes. All the while, he demonstrated a much improved scoring touch, and he increased his offensive output from 37 points to 63. Those extra points would not have been accrued if he was stuck in the box for as much as previously. Pospisil has a decent shot and enough pace to keep up, to go along with his high end physical game, but his hands are still lacking, and his hockey sense/composure both still have a ways to go. On energy alone, he could work his way to a fourth line role one day. - RW

18 Glenn Gawdin, C (Free agent, signed Nov. 16, 2017. Originally: 116^th overall, 2015 [St. Louis]. Last Year: 9) Unsigned by his original draft team, the St. Louis Blues, Gawdin signed an entry-level contract with the Flames and exceeded expectations in his first pro year. Scouts knew the right-handed centerman could score, as he put up 125 points in his final WHL season, but his skills quietly transitioned well to the AHL ranks (64-11-27-38), where he earned top-six and power-play time as a rookie. A swift and pretty wrist shot is aided by his high-grade shot-readiness, and his solid technical skating skill allows his low top speed and acceleration level to play up. His two-way game is mature enough to eventually make a difference at the NHL level, and that discipline and versatility gives him a solid third-line center ceiling. - TD

19 Rinat Valiev, D (Trade: Oct. 1, 2018, Originally: 68^th overall, 2014 [Toronto]. Last Year: Not ranked [Montreal]) Though his game is very one-dimensional, the lefty defenseman is a fundamentally refined defensive defenseman with some NHL-esque qualities in his play behind his blueline. His gaps are tight and suffocating, his physical play around the boards can be highly effective, and his ability to separate the opposing player from the puck is solid. He is a serviceable skater and possesses a fine exit pass that can, at least spark an offensive drive going the other way. Valiev is not someone who contributes much, if any, to the scoresheet, and has not shown the skills to impact offensive play. At 24, he may never be a permanent NHL defenseman, but he has some potential to flourish in the right system. - TD

20 Carl-Johan Lerby, D (Undrafted free agent, signed May 7, 2019. Last Year: IE) A puckmoving two-way defenseman. 22 year-old Lerby is a late bloomer who was never drafted. He had a breakthrough season in SHL last season and was signed as free agent this summer. He ranked second in icetime with Malmo and was their most offensively productive defenseman. Lerby moves the puck well and plays his way up the ice. He also likes to join the attack and has a dangerous wrist shot. Although he has a fair amount of skill, he can also play a quiet, low risk game with a strong first pass and good zone exits, which could help him to reach a third pairing role in the NHL. Calgary has good depth on defense and Lerby will be loaned back to Malmo in SHL next season as the Flames keep an eye on him from afar. - JH

AHL Notebook: Pacific Division – Separating contenders from pretenders

Tom Dorsa — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 15:51:59 +0000

November is always a key month in pro hockey. As the leaves are falling and eggnog hits the shelves, it is in this month that you begin to see which teams are for real, with the contenders starting to separate themselves from the pretenders.

Additionally, you see the solidification of prospects with hot starts. Around this time in the schedule, players with hot starts either cool down or continue their torrid pace for the rest of the season, and we see -- along with the teams -- which prospects are ahead of the developmental course.

Such is the case in the AHL's Pacific Division, where the seven teams are starting to experience some drop-off in the standings and their top prospects are either flourishing or flunking. Though sample sizes are smaller in a division wherein they play eight fewer games than the rest of the AHL, early conclusions can be made on some things.

Let's take a look at how some notable prospects are doing with their Pacific Division teams.

San Jose Barracuda

A lack of size was supposed to be a death sentence for Jayden Halbgewachs, but the winger has made it into a strong suit and something he incorporates into an already dynamic game. He uses his small frame to squeeze past defenders along the wall, which helps an already formidable puck-protection game.

Ranked 12th in the McKeen's yearbook preseason ranking of the San Jose system, the 21-year-old has been a key asset for the Barracuda on the team's top line and first power play unit. His six goals and six assists in 18 games are good for second on the team in point scoring, and he's doing it with his blazing wrist shot and great positioning away from the puck. Not bad for an undrafted free agent signing.

Halbgewachs' linemate with the Barracuda, center Maxim Letunov, has been just as good to this point. The Russian has comfortably played all three forward positions in the top-six, but has settled into centering a line with Halbgewachs on the wing.

Letunov is playing both sides of special teams and has taken his defensive game to another level this season, becoming a two-way guy. The 10th-ranked prospect in the S.J. system, Letunov has superb vision, strong physical play, and a heavy release, which he has used to his advantage in scoring 11 points (5G-6A) in the first 19 games. The former second-rounder has been considered for a recall to the Sharks.

Tucson Roadrunners

Maybe the biggest story in the organization as of recent times is the trade that sent away Tucson's leading scorer from last year, Dylan Strome. However, among those who still call the Coyotes’ organization home, Conor Garland is filling in quite nicely. A force on offense at all times, Garland has finally learned how to play with a style that fits his slight body (5-8", 165 lbs).

Rather than playing with dump-ins and trying to let his wheels do everything for him, the former fifth-rounder is carrying the puck into the zone and making things happen off the rush more often than last season. A power play weapon on account of his surprisingly heavy shot, the 22-year-old has become more versatile on offense through his improved decision-making.

The 18th-ranked prospect in the yearbook ranking of the Arizona prospect system, Garland was twice the leading scorer in the CHL but that offensive prowess had not yet translated to the pro ranks. This year, he leads the Roadrunners with 19 points (8G-11A) through 18 games, and it was announced in early December that he would be joining the Coyotes via recall.

Hudson Fasching (16th) is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance as a prospect, with 13 points (6G-7A) in 19 games, while Canadian World Junior Classic hero Tyler Steenbergen has struggled some, with a goal and six assists to his name in 15 pro games.

Colorado Eagles

We cannot say enough about Martin Kaut. Though it was announced he will soon depart from the Eagles and join the Czech Republic's World Junior Classic selection roster, Kaut (4th in Avalanche prospect system) has performed unbelievably well as a 19-year-old in the second-best professional league in the world. Drafted 16th overall in June's NHL Draft, he has four goals and seven assists through the first 21 games of his pro career.

His smarts have translated flawlessly from overseas to Colorado, as he has been a top-six setup man since the outset of the season. He doesn't have superior speed, but he uses his powerful strides to get up to speed well and his smarts to facilitate like a seasoned veteran. It is such a rare thing to have a 19-year-old who can take over a game any time they take the ice, and Kaut is that.

Someone with a far different road is Eagles forward A.J. Greer, whose 19 points in 18 games (8G-11A) give him a career-high points pace early on. Greer was a heralded prospect in the system when Colorado took him at 35th overall in 2015, but inconsistencies plauged his development until now.

Greer is using his legs to create havoc in the offensive zone by hustling for loose pucks, beating defenders to dangerous spots in one-on-one situations, and setting the pace for his line.

Stockton Heat

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 23: Stockton Heat defenseman Oliver Kylington (4) controls the puck during a hockey game between the Stockton Heat and Tucson Roadrunners on December 23, 2017, at Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. Stockton Heat defeats Tucson Roadrunners 2-1. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire)

Oliver Kylington came into the 2018-19 season with a lot to prove, and his results through November are promising. The 2015 second-rounder has had no problem creating offense for the Heat in all situations, mostly from a more assertive mindset that incentivizes carry-ins and clean zone exits.

Kylington (10th) has earned a recall to Calgary amid injuries on their blueline by virtue of his seven goals and seven assists in 18 AHL games this season. Kylington has gone scoreless in four NHL games, but has played effectively in a small role.

Two formerly heralded prospects are experiencing re-births as decent, potentially NHL-caliber pupils: 2013 first-rounders Kerby Rychel (18th) and Curtis Lazar (ineligible). As two of the Heat's three leading scorers, Rychel and Lazar have combined for 18 goals, 18 assists, and 36 points in 23 games. The two play somewhat similiar styles and have meshed well together as a line in Stockton's top six.

Two of the most noteworthy and promising goaltending prospects in the game, Jon Gillies (5th) and Tyler Parsons (8th), have struggled mightily this season. Each netminder has a goals against average above four, while relatively unheralded 21-year-old Nick Schnieder has stolen the crease away. Gillies and Parsons are a combined 5-9-1 this season.

Ontario Reign

VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 27: Los Angeles Kings Goalie Cal Petersen (40) makes a save during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on November 27, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Los Angeles won 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

If you follow NCAA hockey, this will not be breaking news to you, but Sheldon Rempal can play. As Ontario's leading scorer despite having missed a good chunk of the season to an NHL stint, Rempal has eight goals and 12 assists in just 14 games early on. The Calgary native was named AHL Rookie of the Month for November for his efforts.

Rempal (12th) plays with a physical edge for an undersized forward, taking defenders one-on-one against the boards and protecting the puck masterfully in the open ice. His wrist shot is a solid one and a producer of several of his goals, but he is more of a passer, and has exhibited his skillful visionary assets this season.

Goaltender Cal Petersen's AHL success led to an NHL recall, where the 24-year-old Notre Dame product has played incredibly thus far. In nine games for the last-place Los Angeles Kings, Petersen (6th) has been as stable as any goalie in their system, going 4-4-0 with a 2.41 GAA and .929 SV%.

Bakersfield Condors

EDMONTON, AB - SEPTEMBER 7: Tyler Benson #49 of the Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

To the surprise of nobody, left winger Tyler Benson is a dangerous player at full health. Though injuries have derailed his career up to this point, the former second-rounder is seemingly at 100% through the first two months of the season and has played accordingly with the Condors.

Benson's 16 points (3G-13A-16P) lead Bakersfield in scoring, as his deft puck skills and wonderful hands are setting up linemates routinely. He has helped form a lethal scoring line with fellow top prospects Cooper Marody and Kailer Yamamoto, with Benson (4th) being the main facilitator and puck carrier of the three.

Defenseman Caleb Jones is coming into his own. He has the raw skating speed and vision to make anything happen, but his decision-making held him back last season, as he was occasionally a healthy scratch despite being one of the team's most interesting players. Jones (14th) has a high ceiling and one that has come further to fruition with the two goals and 10 assists he boasts.

He is also playing the right side despite being a left-handed shooter, which helps tremendously in Edmonton's evaluation of the player.

San Diego Gulls

With some of the most creative and flashy prospects in the AHL, the Gulls should be better than their early-season results indicate, but at the very least, the Ducks' top prospects are playing well. Troy Terry's first pro season has gotten off to a picture-perfect beginning, as the American World Junior legend leads the team in points with 17 (8G-9A) through 15 games.

Terry (3rd) is looking to be an absolute steal for a fifth-round pick, as his phenomenal puck-handling tactics and sneaky but lethal wrist-shooting technique have been on full display. Not only is he a creative player, but he is a confident player, and one who is willing to try crazy stuff at all times.

Sam Steel (1st) has not been as effective, but also has a far different role. Though Steel's game is best when the center has the room to skate and set his teammates up, he has been deployed mostly as a defensive center, absorbing many D-zone draws. However, the 20-year-old has scored eight points (4G-4A) in 11 games after making the Ducks roster out of training camp and later being sent down.

Nonetheless, Anaheim has an aging center core and Steel is looking primed to take the spot of a top-sixer eventually. Considering the Ducks acquired the draft pick that nabbed Steel in exchange for the redundant Frederik Andersen two years ago, it has already become a win for Anaheim.

Calgary Flames Prospect System Overview

Tom Dorsa — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 20:26:35 +0000

With the trade that sent Dougie Hamilton and Michael Ferland to Carolina, the retirement of fan-favorite Jarome Iginla, and the departure of Adam Fox -- the second-ranked prospect on the McKeen's list last season -- the offseason was equal parts difficult and eventful for fans of the Calgary Flames. Luckily enough, the aforementioned Hamilton trade executed at the NHL Draft proved to supporters that management is ready to win, which is a welcome sight in the prime talent window of league superstars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

Signing top-six winger James Neal was another step in the right direction. But, as other franchises have proved, trying with all your might to win in a selected time frame can drain the depth of your farm system just like that. With late-round draft picks moved away and the inevitable trades of prospects for deadline rentals, farm system depth can dwindle in the blink of an eye.

Regardless, the Flames have -- especially from the blueline back -- a stout core of NHL-ready prospects prepared to make a difference in Calgary. If the goal in Cowtown is to compete for a Stanley Cup right now, it's clear the incoming farmhands will be able to provide support for their stars. The Flames are kind of unorthodox in their drafting methods, choosing high ceiling defenders and goaltenders over serviceable forwards.

Most teams, especially in the size-dominated Pacific Division, will build their team from the forwards down, hoping to use heavy forwards to dominate offensively and not have to worry much about preventing goals. Calgary may have caught lightning in a bottle in their defensive prospect core (Juuso Valimaki, Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington) and also have two potential number-one goaltenders (Jon Gillies, Tyler Parsons) cooking in the minors. Not many other franchises can say the same, especially inside of Calgary's division.

What is really impressive about the Calgary farm system is its Western Hockey League presence. With Valimaki, Dillon Dube, Matthew Phillips, Glenn Gawdin, and others, it shows that the Flames know the importance of good scouting even in, essentially, their own backyard. Nabbing guys comfortable with the environment and the regional culture will help mightily in reaching the postseason again.

Juuso Valimaki

1 Juuso Valimaki, D (16th overall, 2017. Last year: 1st) Calgary's 2017 first-rounder was taken primarily because of his size and defensive-zone play. After his last two seasons in the WHL, the point-per-game two-way defender has evidently rounded his game out to new degrees. Possessing otherworldly pure skill and NHL-ready rink senses, it was only a matter of time before the top Flames prospect reached his potential. He's a strong skater who doesn't shy away from physicality at every opportunity, and has already proven that he's ready to take the next step.

2 Dillon Dube, C (56th overall, 2016. Last year: 7th) Seen before his electric 2017-18 season as mostly a third-line, rough-and-tumble guy, Dillon Dube lit the Kelowna Rockets roster up with offensive capabilities that he had not previously shown. The captain of Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, Dube plays with an infectious energy and hustle but also has impressive offensive refinement, including great puck senses, tremendous acceleration, and an ever-improving variety of shot tools. His rink vision and use of his linemates still needs improvement, but the undersized forward is improving in that regard.

3 Andrew Mangiapane, LW (166th overall, 2015. Last year: 11th) Andrew Mangiapane was a no-risk, potentially high-reward player out of the OHL in 2015, and now the Flames are getting a massive return on their investment. An offensive catalyst at Barrie, Mangiapane has carried that same production into the AHL, but he's doing it differently. His skating lags, and therefore his finesse game is where his value sprouts; Mangiapane is an intense and versatile player with plus vision and a rapid shot. He could be a solid, above-average bottom-six winger in the NHL, and do it now.

4 Rasmus Andersson, D (53rd overall, 2015. Last year: 9th) From the same draft and from the same junior team as Mangiapane, Rasmus Andersson is part of that Grade A defensive prospect core we mentioned in the intro. Andersson is a puck-moving dynamo, and the AHL All-Star uses his uber-fast hands and exceptional vision to play that way, coupling his puck play with a splendid shot. Andersson is relatively short, but packs a punch in his checking and can take a beating to make a play. He could be a much better skater given his agility and quick feet, but his stockiness holds him back.

Jon Gillies

5 Jon Gillies, G (75th overall, 2012. Last year: 6th) They say it takes goaltenders a little longer to develop. Jon Gillies, a 24-year-old drafted back in 2012, is a good example of that, and why it can be worth it in the end. At 6-6", Gillies is able to use his length and big frame to leave shooters little to aim at. He always stays square to shooters and has a very reflexive, athletic style for someone his size. His short NHL stint last season left a lot to be desired, but he's been dynamite at the AHL level for a franchise that really needs a goalie to take the reigns.

6 Matthew Phillips, C (166th overall, 2016. Last year: 17th) Standing at 5-7", Matthew Phillips will always be a player who has to prove he belongs, regardless of where or how he's performing. Luckily for the prolific scoring center, this is the club that made Johnny Gaudreau a superstar. Philllips is a wonderful skater, has a blazing shot with more weight behind it than someone his size would normally be able to generate, and possesses remarkable vision for playmaking. After a 112-point season in the WHL, Phillips is proving -- as someone heavily overlooked in his draft year -- that he's a pro-caliber player and will make the jump this season.

7 Spencer Foo, RW (UDFA: Jul. 1. 2017. Last year: 4th) An undrafted college winger, Spencer Foo chose to turn pro with the Flames organization and instantly made an impact at the AHL level with Stockton. Foo's great speed and creativity with the puck makes him difficult to defend when he enters the offensive zone, and his plus strength and puck-shielding abilities for his size make him hard to take off the puck. He's got a natural knack for compiling points, but needs to work on his defensive game. Otherwise, he's mature enough to compete in the NHL right now.

8 Tyler Parsons, G (54th overall, 2016. Last year: 5th) One of the top goaltending prospects in hockey, Tyler Parsons is insanely athletic, a naturally intense competitor, and has smarts that go beyond his years. The 2017 WJC Gold Medalist is not a fundamentally refined netminder, but that's the beauty of his game; he's a master scrambler with Dominik Hasek-like freeranging reflexes. His size is below average and his gameplay style doesn't help him appear bigger, but his speed, reflexes, and play-reading capabilities are enough to compensate for the exciting young gun.

9 Glenn Gawdin, C (UFA: Nov. 16, 2017. Last year: IE) After Gawdin's draft team, the Blues, left the dynamic WHL pivot unsigned, the Flames found a diamond in the rough when they invited the Swift Current Bronco to development camp and later inked him to an Entry Level contract. What they get is a silky smooth offensive center with skating agility, a fantastic shot, and a gift for making plays happen from scratch. The only concern is if his point totals are natural or inflated due to talent on his line (Tyler Steenbergen and Aleksi Heponiemi), but we'll find out with a top-six AHL role coming in 2018-19.

Oliver Kylington

10 Oliver Kylington, D (60th overall, 2015. Last year: 8th) A smooth-skating offensive defenseman, Oliver Kylington fell on draft boards in 2015 and landed with the Flames. In a system rich with defensemen, he has been just fine, finishing his third year with AHL Stockton and now looking primed to compete for a job in Calgary this season. He skates supremely well, shows flashes of puck-moving brilliance and is generally reliable in that facet of the game. He also has a wicked shot that seemingly always ends up on goal. He needs to put the "defense" in "defenseman," though, but has gotten increasingly better off the puck over his AHL career.

11 Yasin Ehliz, RW (UDFA: Jun. 11, 2018. Last year: IE) A star on Germany's silver medal team from the Pyeongchang Olympics, Ehliz signed with the Flames this offseason for his first taste of North American hockey. The 25-year-old is a relatively unknown prospect on this side of the Atlantic, but combines solid rink senses, a good shot, and a tricky separation gear with a pretty strong upper-body for his size (5-10", 165 lbs). His size is against him, and adjusting to the smaller ice size in the U.S. and Canada could be a challenge without an imposing physical stance, but the Flames -- and Stockton, his likely destination -- are excited to see him play. His versatility will also help him to find a role in the North American game.

12 Milos Roman, C (122nd overall, 2018. Last year: IE) One of three fourth-round picks from June's NHL Draft, Milos Romas has perhaps the biggest upside. He is a strong skater with great technical refinement and a very responsible player defensively, but his greatest asset is his immense playmaking skillset; his vision is insane and his passes are always on the money. He is not overly fast or physical, making him lack in the most dynamic facets of the game, but he projects to be a bottom-six forward with playmaking upside. His NHL potential is likely contingent on upping his game in one of those two areas.

13 Adam Ruzicka, C (109th overall, 2017. Last year: 14th) Adam Ruzicka's most glaring issue last season, which caused his draft stock to plummet to the fourth round, was a lack of consistency. He's always had game, but in 2017-18, it appears he found the balance that had previously eluded him. His size makes him difficult to defend one-on-one and around the corners, but his blazing power skating is even more impressive given his 6-4" frame. He can snipe with his quick wrist shot release and use his disparity in size to shield the puck off in possession efforts. There's a lot to like about his game, and it seems like he's putting it all together.

14 Dmitri Zavgorodny, LW (198th overall, 2018. Last year: IE) Dmitri Zavgorodny is 5-9" and extremely inconsistent, and neither fact helped his draft case last June. When he's on his game, though, his scoring ability and speed are on full display and can make an impact for any club. Zavgorodny can play all three forward spots effectively, has solid skating speed, is very crafty and resourceful with the puck, and has a nice wrist shot. He is a player with a lot of room to grow in a Flames system that has made something out of nothing quite often. In any case, it is more likely for a player to develop into consistency than it is to suddenly sprout high end skills.

Linus Lindstrom

15 Linus Lindstrom, C (96th overall, 2016. Last year: 20th) Revered for his smarts and instincts, Lindstrom is a very responsible two-way center who plays a bunch of shorthanded minutes in Sweden, sacrifices his body for gameplay advantages, and hustles for loose pucks while never giving up on a play. Lindstrom has only produced 10 points in 91 games in the SHL despite promising puck skills however, and his technical skills lag severely. Perhaps he could play a lockdown fourth-line center role similar to fellow Swede Marcus Kruger in the pro ranks. There are still rough tools lurking within the former fourth rounder, but it is time for him to make them count in play.

16 Morgan Klimchuk, LW (28th overall, 2013. Last year: 16th) The book on Morgan Klimchuk is still not out. Maybe he isn't first-round material after all, but his game has taken major strides down in Stockton and he'll make a difference with the Flames soon enough. At his core, he is a lethal shooter with good vision for his teammates in the offensive zone, he plays with a lot of effort, and has power-play triggerman capabilities. The 2013 draftee's game is about as rounded out to its ceiling as it is likely to get, and if Calgary management is confident enough in his development, the winger could be a full-time Flame this season even if his ceiling is not what they had once thought.

17 Kerby Rychel, LW/RW (Trade: Aug. 20, 2018 [Montreal]. Last year: 13^th [Toronto]) A former first round pick with Columbus in 2013, Rychel was considered a potentially impactful power forward who could bring some of the toughness from his father Warren’s game along with good hands and offensive instincts. A scaled up Max Domi, if you will. In the five seasons since he went 19^th overall, his star has dimmed considerably, and Rychel is now a prospect journeyman, having passed through the Columbus, Toronto and Montreal organizations on his way to Calgary for another disappointing former first rounder. Rychel still has a power game, and has been relatively productive at the AHL level, but attitude questions, and sludgy startup speed, he has only appeared in four NHL games in the past two seasons. Calgary might be his last big chance.

18 Josh Healey, D (UDFA: Mar. 25, 2017. Last year: 19th) Where Kylington is a risky defenseman with a very high potential ceiling, Josh Healey is an extremely safe option. He has close to no offensive skill in the context of the professional game, but does a lot of little things in his own zone, stays very calm with and without the puck, and became a staple on the Stockton Heat penalty skill this season. He maintains great gaps, works hard to keep his man to the outside, and has good enough wheels to avoid getting burnt by speedier forwards. He is a low-ceiling defenseman in a system with better options, but he is reliable and mature, traits which could help him leap past more talented rivals for NHL jobs.

19 Zach Fischer, RW (140th overall, 2017. Last year: Unranked) Drafted as an overager in 2017, Fischer was a no-risk, decent potential pick out of the WHL solely based on his size and toughness. He has room to grow around that 6-2", 207 lbs frame and has shown flashes of physical brilliance in protecting the puck with his body, using finesse moves to get past defenders, and nailing opposing skaters with open ice hits. He takes far too many silly penalties for any pro coach to trust him as he is, but his heavy wrist shot and physical skillset in a system with no solid RW depth has those around the Flames left with raised eyebrows.

20 D'Artagnan Joly, RW (171st overall, 2017. Last year: Unranked) Coming off a career-best season the QMJHL with a pretty mediocre Baie-Comeau squad, D'Artagnan Joly is like Fischer in that, despite being a long-term project, you have to keep an eye on him as a natural RW in a system with few dynamic ones. Joly boasts an interesting mix between a finesse and a hustle/speed game, given his lanky body, and can assert himself physically in a number of ways. He has a hard wrist shot but more of a pass-first mentality, and his passes are crisp but his vision is slow. As he continues to grow, the Flames will keep themselves posted.

Calgary – System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 20:51:11 +0000

Goaltending is, for many analysts, the last black box of player scouting and evaluation. Goalies that look great at 18 all too often fizzle out before they are 23. Goalies to whom no one gave a second thought at 18 sometimes end up as the best of all. For every Carey Price (5th overall, 2005), there is a Henrik Lundqvist (205th overall, 2000). For every Roberto Luongo (4th overall, 1997), there is a Pekka Rinne (258th overall in his third year of eligibility, 2004). The Pittsburgh Penguins were also well schooled in this phenomenon, as Marc-Andre Fleury (1st overall, 2003), was supplanted in the postseason, in two consecutive seasons, by Matt Murray (83rd overall, 2012).

To combat this general uncertainty, teams have a few different approaches. Some teams largely neglect goalies on draft day and subsequently stock their organization with free agents and/or late round flyers. The Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and the Edmonton Oilers are examples of this approach. The Dallas Stars were, too, until flipping that on its head with one of their first round picks this year.

Some teams make a point of adding a goalie or two every year, essentially hoping to throw a lot of “stuff” on the wall until something sticks. The Toronto Maple Leafs having taken that approach of late, as have the Winnipeg Jets and the Colorado Avalanche. If none work out, the team can always fill the NHL slots with veteran pickups and continue to throw darts.

Other teams take a similar approach, buying in bulk, but with more of an emphasis on using premium picks on goalies. Again, they will generally not work out, but at least the team will know that they gave it their best shot. The New York Islanders have four netminders in their system that they selected in the top four rounds. The Flyers are extremists, with three third rounders and two second rounders vying for future time in the crease. And there are the Flames, with a third rounder and two second rounders in the system as well as two others signed as high profile undrafted free agents.

The Flames are approaching the time where these prospects will be put to the test. While they acquired two NHL veterans in the offseason, presumed starter Mike Smith has two years left on his contract, while Eddie Lack is in the final season of his. Thankfully, of the five young goalies in the system, two rank very highly and two others were also under consideration for the top 20. This is not to say that when an opportunity arises one of Jon Gillies or Tyler Parsons will be tapped for it, or that they would succeed if they were, but it does reflect some foresight on the part of the Flames’ brass, taking higher calculated gambles on young netminders when there was an expected need at the NHL level in the near future.

Juuso Valimaki of the Tri-City Americans.

1 Juuso Valimaki – Calgary’s most recent first round pick is two-way defender who combines a high skill level with effectiveness in his own end. Already possessing and NHL-sized frame, Valimaki is a strong skater and is not shy about playing in a physical style in all zones. With two full seasons of WHL play already in his rearview mirror, Valimaki has more than proven that he can succeed at a high level in North America and there may be more room to round out his game before rising to the NHL.

2 Adam Fox – A dynamic blueliner with the USNTDP when the Flames nabbed him with a third round pick in the 2016 draft and that has quickly been elevated into one of the steals of that draft class. He is a first-rate offensive blueliner who can both lead or support the rush. His stickhandling is near elite among his fellow defensemen. He was the runaway leader among all NCAA defensemen in points with 40 – as a freshman. If he was anywhere but Harvard, he would likely already have signed an ELC.

3 Mark Jankowksi – It is not often that a first round draft pick spends a full four years playing college hockey before turning pro, but Jankowski was one such creature. After four years with Providence, a run which included an NCAA title in his junior year, Jankowski was more than ready for the AHL, with 56 points good for second among rookies in the league. He has plus acceleration, very nice hand-eye coordination and dangerous hands. Looks NHL ready.

4 Spencer Foo – An undrafted winger from Edmonton, Foo blew up in his junior season at Union College and elected to turn pro instead of completing his NCAA eligibility, which also meant passing up on the chance to team up with younger brother Parker. He has high end top speed, combined with plus acceleration. Tricky with the puck, he goes right at defenders, forcing them to react. Possesses surprising strength from an average-sized body.

Tyler Parsons of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

5 Tyler Parsons – One of the most athletic netminders not yet in the NHL, Parsons is unbelievably competitive. He does not play with a traditional technical style, but is a master scrambler, which, when combined with his below average (by modern standards) size, will bring Dominik Hasek to mind, at least stylistically. He is incredibly difficult to beat down low and gets post to post with great quickness. As a late birthday, he is eligible to move on to the AHL this year.

6 Jon Gillies – A college teammate’s of Jankowski at Providence, Gillies was reunited with the big center last year in Stockton. Coming off a miserable rookie pro season, limited to seven games due to injury, is well stays square to the shooter, with controlled lateral movements. Has long legs that he uses well and is skilled at hugging the posts, leaving shooters little to aim at.

7 Dillon Dube – A hustler with some offensive chops, Dube plays an aggressive style of game that is well suited to a third line, energy type role as a professional. While he gets to top speed quickly, his best attribute is his hockey sense, particularly away from the puck. Not very big, he is feisty and is not at all averse to playing in the dirty areas. Still tends to try to do too much on his own, either not looking to his linemates, or misreading their intentions.

8 Oliver Kylington – The most divisive prospect in the Flames system, the Swedish-born blueliner has elite speed but suffers from a chronic inability to read opposing forwards and thus gets caught out of position with frequency. To his credit, he has spent the past two seasons playing as a teenager in the AHL, a very, very rare occurrence. He also showed much improvement in his ability to creative drives with his speed and puck movement. He is still a wildcard, although getting closer to the NHL.

HELSINKI, FINLAND - JANUARY 2: Sweden's Rasmus Asplund #18 stickhandles the puck away from Slovakia's Filip Lestan #27 during quarterfinal round action at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

9 Rasmus Andersson – Short but stocky, Andersson had a solid rookie pro season with Stockton after acclimating to the North American game for two years with Barrie. Although not a speedster, his skating has improved noticeably since his draft year. While he has a nice wrist shot that he will step up from the point to fire on net, his puck play is more impressive. Adequate in his own end with decent positioning and instincts. Not a physical player, per se, but his checks pack punch.

10 Hunter Shinkaruk – A former first round pick of the Vancouver Canucks, Shinkaruk has established himself as a solid secondary scorer after three AHL seasons. He has speed to spare, with strong puck skills and enough of a shot to be a threat. Although undersized, he has some chip to his game, as he shows no fear of going into the corners for loose pucks against bigger opponents. He has little left to prove in the AHL and is ready for a more extended NHL look.

11 Andrew Mangiapane – Yet another point producer coming off a strong rookie season in the AHL, Mangiapane was drafted by the Flames in his second year of eligibility after putting up 104 points for a competitive Barrie squad. He was even better the following year, with two more points in nine fewer games. He plays bigger than his size, but being very small, that says only so much. He has plus offensive vision and his success will be predicated on his production.

12 Daniel Pribyl – One of two players, along with netminder David Rittich, signed by the Flames out of the Czech hockey last offseason, Pribyl’s first season in North America was marred by injury, but he showed sparks of the talent the Calgary hoped it was getting when he was healthy. He sees the ice very well, provides strong puck pressure in the neutral and offensive zones and puts his heavy frame to good use. He will not be a top six player, but can play in a lower role.

13 Emile Poirier – One of three players selected by Calgary in the 2013 first round, Poirier has had the roughest career to date of the trio. In three pro seasons, his point production has steadily dropped from 42 points, to 29 and down to 17 (albeit in only 43 games) last year. A few weeks ago, he admitted to struggling with addiction issues. If his personal problems are being taken care of, his speed and offensive talent may finally shine through. The context is worth giving him another chance to live up to his potential.

Adam Ruzicka of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

14 Adam Ruzicka – In a good day, Ruzicka can be a dominant player, using his size, skating and puck skills to run roughshod over his opponents. He has a quick shot release and can snipe with his wrister. The reason why he lasted on the draft board until the fourth round and sits at #14 on this list is that those good days do not come around often enough. He was a no-show in the WJC and in the OHL playoffs, although hinted at his talent once more in the WU18. He can make us all look stupid.

15 Brett Kulak – After splitting last season between Calgary and Stockton, Kulak barely qualifies for this list. He has decent size, good mobility and plays a physical brand of hockey. These are all fine things. On the down side, he makes questionable decisions both on and off the puck and is not a threat when he winds up to fire a shot from the point. He is what he is: a decent option for a team to have as its seventh defenseman.

16 Morgan Klimchuk – Along with Poirier and Sean Monahan, Klimchuk completes the Flames’ three first round picks from the 2013 draft. After a horrid first AHL season, Klimchuck rebounded nicely last year, with 43 points in 66 games. He has a nice blend of offensive skills, including solid drive, decent vision and passing skills and a promising shot release. There does not yet seem to be room for him in Calgary, but it is too early to call him a bust.

17 Matthew Phillips – It is fitting that the organization that turned Johnny Gaudreau into a star would take a chance on a WHL powerhouse who is only 5-7”, 160. That’s right, Phillips has to look up to Gaudreau. An offensive powerhouse with Victoria of the WHL, he skates well and has plus puck skills. Although he scored 87 goals in the last two seasons, he is a better playmaker than shooter. He will have to prove he belongs at every new level.

18 Rushan Rafikov – Finally getting his career going in the KHL, Rafikov’s team, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl recently signed him to a two year extension. Projects at around average in all facets of the game, with only his shot peaking clearly above that line. With Calgary rather stocked on the blueline, both in the NHL and below, he is probably going to develop further with a bigger role in Russia for now. Consider this ranking a “forget-me-not”.

19 Josh Healey – The other NCAA free agent signing made by Calgary this offseason, the Edmonton native played for four years at Ohio State, increasing his point production each year (5->9->21->25). Very comfortable carrying the puck up the ice, he is a solid skater with a high panic threshold. He could stand to play with more urgency, but performs well in his own zone, working to keep his man to the outside. He does not have a high ceiling, but is fairly safe as prospects go.

20 Linus Lindstrom – Considered a smart two-way center in his draft year, Lindstrom struggled mightily to produce even a fraction of the offense in the SHL as he did in SuperElit, finishing the year with only six points in 50 games for Skelleftea. He still flashes promising puck skills and ability to read the play in all three zones, but his skating is average at best and his shot and physical game are both below that mark.

Although the system’s depth of talented goaltenders earns top billing here, with seven defensemen in the top 20, including both of the top two, Calgary should be strong at the back for years to come. And that is without even addressing the fact that the Flames have a top five at the NHL level (Giordano, Hamilton, Brodie, Hamonic, and Stone) that rivals any other team in the league. As they are all locked up for at least three more years, the team can afford to be patient with their next generation.

2014 IIHF World Juniors Fantasy Hockey Future Watch: United States

McKeen's Hockey — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:58:55 +0000

The World Junior hockey tournament held every year over the Christmas holiday season is some of the best and most exciting hockey you will ever see. It is also a great source to find an edge in your fantasy league.

We are always looking for the next hot rookie or prospect to own, and if you are in a deep keeper league with a prospect roster, the World Jr. is must watch T.V., and gives you one more reason to watch. The tournament has seen memorable performances from great players such as Peter Forsberg and Pavel Bure who went on to have Hall of Fame careers in the NHL. There have been players who were also great in the tournament such as Justin Pogge, who were not as successful in the NHL so remember to keep things in perspective.

Each year the tournament is comprised of the best players in the world who you do not get a chance to watch live very often, if ever. It is a great opportunity to give some prospects you have heard about or read about the eye test. It is one thing to buy magazines or read online articles such as this one and get opinions about players, but no opinion is better than your own.

This will be the first in a series of articles focusing on specific countries players who have a good chance of playing in the NHL and becoming a future contributor to your teams drive for a Championship. What better place to begin with than the defending Champions, Team USA.

Most of the players in the tournament are drafted by a NHL team, and some exceptional players make their nations team in, or even prior to their draft year. A lot of hype exists for Canada’s Connor McDavid who will be drafted first overall in 2015, but the USA’s Jack Eichel is another phenomenal talent who is projected to be drafted second overall, right after McDavid. Jack Eichel is a 6’1” 191 pound player for the U-18 NTDP program and in only ten games has 13 goals and 23 points.

“He’s a dynamic offensive player” said U.S. Junior Team general Manager Jim Johannson. Eichel has deceptive speed, and a Brett Hull like shot said TSN’s Craig Button in an article from USA Today.

"It's not one thing that stands out with Jack," Button said. "It's the whole package."

Expect the 2015 draft hype for McDavid and Eichel to ramp up in this tournament.

Last year’s Gold Medal win had a lot to do with the play of goaltender John Gibson, but Gibson has graduated and the reins will be turned over to Big Jon Gillies. Gillies stands tall in the net at 6’5” and 216 pounds and is a draft pick of the Calgary Flames. In his rookie season with Providence in HE, Gillies has a GAA of 2.08 and a save % of .931 in his 35 games. Last year’s backup, will be the starting goalie this year.

Ryan Hartman was drafted by his hometown Chicago Blackhawks and will make his second appearance for team USA at the World Juniors. Hartman was selected with the final pick of the 2013 first round and is a versatile, and talented agitator. He is the type of player you can quickly become a fan of, similar to how Steve Downie was a stand out for Canada a few years ago.

Adam Erne is another grinding forward for USA who was picked three places after Hartman by Tampa in the second round of the 2013 NHL draft. Erne made quite an impression in his only NHL preseason game where he scored two goals and laid out Vladimir Sobotka with a hit that landed him a three game suspension. He can make an impact.

Hudson Fasching brings even more size to team USA. The LA Kings drafted the 6’3”, 214 pound power forward in the fourth round and he may be a gem. He is very difficult to move off the puck and is excellent in the offensive zone. The knock on Fasching is his defensive liabilities, so keep an eye out for that.

The blue line will feature Connor Carrick, who started the season in the NHL, playing three games and scored his first NHL goal. He was sent to the AHL rather than the CHL, so he may see more NHL action as the season rolls on. He is close to ready.

Brady Skjei is a New York Rangers first round pick from the 2012 who brings advanced skating and size at 6’2”, 196 pounds. A shutdown defender who won’t score a lot of points, but plays big minutes and if your league scores hits, blocked shots and PIM’s he has value. Ian McCoshen is another big, mobile shut down defender at 6’3” 205 pounds and was drafted by Florida Panthers with the first pick of the 2013 second round draft.

Anthony DeAngelo who plays for the Sarnia Sting in the OHL and is a 2014 draft eligible player will be relied on to bring the offense from the blueline. DeAngelo is running away with the defense scoring lead in the OHL with nine goals and 37 assists in 32 games. He will run the powerplay for team USA and has tremendous offensive fantasy upside. I will be watching him closely.

The games begin December 26^th and will be broadcast live on TSN and on the radio on SiriusXM NHL channel 211.

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