Kerby Rychel – McKeen's Hockey

AHL Pacific Report: Disparity rules, Benson and Marody explode in winning streak, trade deadline additions Dahlen, Kloos, and Petterson make impact

Tom Dorsa — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 12:43:02 +0000

The Pacific Division is the hardest division in the American Hockey League to come to conclusions upon. Out of the league's four sub-classes, the Pacific Division consists of the fewest teams, with seven, rather than the customary eight, they play the fewest games (68), and have different travel guidelines and restrictions that limit the array of teams to schedule games against.

In addition, the division features perhaps the largest disparity between the talent level of the clubs. You have a team like Bakersfield that will casually reel off a 17-game winning streak, and teams like Ontario, who have already effectively been eliminated from postseason contention with more than a dozen games left on the calendar. 26 points separate the Condors and the Reign in the standings.

However, the prospects involved still have the same job to do, and in a sense, their efforts are amplified because of the frequency of common opponents and the aspect of there being fewer games from which to impress your organization. With that, let's take a look at the Pacific Division's brightest young guns from February.

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 18: Edmonton Oilers center Cooper Marody (65) skates up ice during their NHL preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on September 18, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Edmonton won 4-2. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

The Condors are a killing machine, a club that has won 19 out of their last 21 games and are being led by a couple of top Edmonton Oilers prospects. Tyler Benson (4th in Oilers' preseason prospect rankings) and Cooper Marody (5th) are the team's two leading scorers and have been absolute dynamite over a historically hot streak.

Benson's (9-37-46) first pro season has been an exhibition on what he can do when his health cooperates, as the play-making left wing's creativity, hockey IQ, and discipline have all been on full display. The 20-year-old drives play and carries his own line with his intellect and vision and looks like a surefire middle-six NHL assist machine, even if he severely lacks a finishing touch to his team-leading shot totals (141, 6.3%).

Marody (13-30-43), since coming over from the Philadelphia Flyers last year, has had an equally impressive rookie pro season. The stocky, muscular centerman has displayed his wicked wrist shot -- while improving his hands down low in the zone and his specialty moves in one-on-one situations -- in the process of earning a short, albeit scoreless, recall to Edmonton.

The two have similar ceilings, as versatile middle-sixers. However, if I were an Oilers fan, I would be a little worried about the front office's supposed plan to let their top prospects become "overripe" in the AHL, which might stunt the development of these two forwards. They look like NHL-ready players already, especially in Marody's case, because he is already 22 years old.

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks)

As a first-year pro who needed to prove himself capable of scoring in the pros -- something he did at will in the WHL -- Jayden Halbgewachs has to be pretty satisfied with himself this season. Despite a pretty concrete third-line role with less power play time than he probably should be getting, Halbgewachs (12th) has shown flashes of offensive brilliance at times in 2018-19.

With 26 points (10-16-26), the former Moose Jaw Warriors star has proved to be a worthy free agent signing for the Sharks organization, who inked the undrafted Halbgewachs to a contract in December of 2017. He exhibits quick hands whether passing or stickhandling, and is a very fast decision-maker, which translates well to the NHL. Though he is undersized and is not the fastest skater, his agility and technical skating skill plays up his otherwise average skating.

San Jose got a very intriguing prospect at the trade deadline in 21-year-old Swede Jonathan Dahlen, who entered his third farm system in as many years in the deal that sent him from Vancouver to the Sharks organization. Dahlen (5th in Canucks' preseason prospect rankings) has been a solid addition to the Barracuda top-six, totaling four assists in four games since the trade.

Dahlen possesses silky-smooth hands and a top-tier hockey IQ, while his improved skating speed has made him a dangerous offensive player. He could stand to shoot more, especially on the rush, but coaches love pass-first wingers who can carry their own line like this. Also, of interest, Dahlen told hockeynews.se that his offensive game was being stifled while playing for the Utica Comets, the Canucks' AHL affiliate. A change of scenery will likely suit the left-hander well going forward.

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks)

The Gulls received some help via trade for the last fourth of the AHL schedule, in the form of former Iowa Wild forward Justin Kloos, an undrafted 25-year-old with some quiet NHL potential. What the future holds for Kloos remains to be seen, but for short-term assistance in the AHL, the Ducks got a steal.

Kloos (16th in Minnesota's preseason prospect rankings) is a hard-working middle-six checking forward with the touch and offensive senses of a depth scorer. His shot is a legitimate weapon in the attacking zone, and something he is very willing to let loose, but he also possesses solid vision and stick skills. His presence has already made a difference for the San Diego offense (1-7-8 in 11 games).

In a tight postseason race, the addition of Kloos comes at the right time, due to the absences of Sam Steel (1st), Isac Lundestrom (2nd), Troy Terry (3rd) and Max Jones (8th), all of whom made a massive mark on the Gulls' offense earlier this season. Steel, Terry, and Jones are kicking it with the lowly Ducks in the NHL, while Lundestrom plays out his assignment in Sweden.

Gulls faithful will hope Kalle Kossila (15th) can step up, as the 25-year-old center has been a near point-per-game player in the AHL this season and has what it takes to carry a line and a team, at least at the AHL level. Though his stints in the NHL to this point have been less than promising, Kossila (13-17-30) is a mature, skilled playmaker who consistently gets everyone involved in plays.

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche)

The Eagles remain a very intriguing team with their depth in scoring, and a sizable amount of that depth scoring is coming from an interesting bunch of prospects in the Avalanche system. The impressively resurgent A.J. Greer (18th) and solid rookie, 2018 first-rounder Martin Kaut (4th) are a start, but it extends beyond those two.

Defenseman Nicolas Meloche (15th), a former high second-rounder whose development path to this point has been very rocky, is back on the right track. The 6-3", 205 lb rearguard is leveraging his great size more, using his bulk to pester opposing forwards down low in his zone, and pinching more against the boards in the offensive zone.

What Meloche (6-14-20) needs to work on more is his willingness to shoot, rather than over pass (which is his fallback move). His shot can be a weapon at even strength and on the power play, and to use it more consistently and more frequently should be a point of emphasis for the 21-year-old right-hander. He isn't the most fleet-of-foot skater, though he is pretty quick for a big man, and will need to find a way to contribute offensively somehow.

Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes)

Tucson's lineup got a facelift with the addition of former Milwaukee Admirals forward Emil Pettersson, who was acquired via trade with the Nashville Predators organization. Pettersson (13th in Nashville rankings) might be past his realistic NHL chances, but can provide a boost to a stagnant offense.

Pettersson (0-5-5 since the trade) is a smart and reliable two-way center whose hustle and competitiveness can be infectious, and a decently skilled offensive threat who appears on the power play. With the Coyotes in the thick of the playoff race in the NHL's Western Conference, it won't be now that they give the Swede a try, but his play this season could earn him a recall and an NHL debut eventually.

An under-the-radar guy with NHL specs is Michael Bunting, who is seemingly getting better by the game. Though the AHL All-Star, not ranked in our preseason Coyotes prospect rankings, lacks any skill that ranks above the average tier, he is a consistent producer and plays with a physical edge on the Roadrunners' top two lines. Bunting (11-17-28), a fourth-round selection in 2014, made his NHL debut this season, and has since played with the competitive drive and leadership qualities of a future major-league star.

Tucson's other league All-Star, Kyle Capobianco (7th), will be out for the remainder of the season with a leg injury suffered shortly after a well-deserved promotion to the NHL. The Roadrunners will miss his smooth skating, passing skills, and three-zone awareness, things that they really can't replace. Capobianco (7-25-32) had been the team's leading scorer for a good portion of the season.

Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames)

This season, the Heat have been a team of redemption for a lot of players. Once high-profile prospects who flamed out under their initial draft teams, like Alan Quine (ineligible), Kerby Rychel (17th), and Curtis Lazar (ineligible) have taken refuge in the Stockton locker room, providing a veteran boost to an otherwise pretty young team.

The Flames system doesn't quite benefit from the presence of this type of player, though. For example, Lazar was summoned by the parent club in mid-February but has yet to appear in a game. Calgary and Stockton alike must see contributions from their top prospects before anyone else.

Guys such as Dillon Dube, for instance. Dube (2nd) has been dynamite for the Heat since being assigned by the Flames after being held to just five points in 23 NHL games. The two-time World Junior Championship competitor for Canada has improving rink sense that are helping him round out an otherwise electric offensive game that features above average ranks in shot tools, energy/hustle, puck skills, and acceleration/footwork.

Matthew Phillips (6th) has proven, despite his 5-7" size and how he fell to the sixth round of the 2016 draft, that he can be a pro-caliber player with the right opportunity. Having torn up the WHL with Victoria for four seasons, his last a 112-point campaign, his offensive skills are obvious.

He is a quick, head-down skater with lightning-like top speed and sick hands, especially in tight. His shot is as fast as that of someone six inches taller and has been used on the power play as a legitimate weapon in the slot. Phillips (11-18-29) is an absolute pest on and off the puck in all three zones, as well. He will probably need another year to develop, but his size and skillset, from a style standpoint, make him kind of like a Diet Johnny Gaudreau.

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings)

A quick stick tap for defenseman Matt Roy. The first time I took his game in, I didn't think anything of him, but he kept improving and become a leader -- on and off the ice -- of a thin Ontario team, and earned a recall to Los Angeles, where he has spent the last ten games. Roy (not ranked), a right-handed Michigan Tech alum, is a true shutdown defenseman whose stick positioning, physicality down low, and shot-blocking, make him a penalty kill staple anywhere he goes.

The 24-year-old started the season behind guys like Alex Lintuniemi (16th) and Sean Walker (20th) on the depth chart, as well as on the pecking order for potential NHL promotion/staying power. Roy (8-21-29) has arguably surpassed both of them.

Another person who has impressed greatly in spite of the circumstances is rookie winger Carl Grundstrom, who was acquired by the Kings in a late-January trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs that sent Jake Muzzin to The Six. Grundstrom (4th in Toronto's preseason prospect rankings) is a rugged but speedy forward with excellent hands and purposeful passing, earning a recent recall to the NHL with that versatile skillset and overall creativity.

Grundstrom (3-7-10) is only 21 and will assist the rebuilding Kings in getting back to the top of the mountain. L.A.'s farm system was ranked 16th out of 31 in our preseason farm system rankings, and the middling prospect core became significantly better with the presence of Grundstrom.

AHL West prospects ready to have an NHL impact

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 15:48:08 +0000

Although there are some exceptions – and this article will touch on a few – the majority of top prospects in the current age of hockey tend to go straight from junior/collegiate/European hockey and into the NHL.

Barring lockout situations, players who make big rookie waves who spent time in the AHL before their NHL debuts are few and far between. To that point, the last Calder Trophy winner who spent time in the AHL in their rookie year – or before – was 2009 recipient Steve Mason. He spent a whopping three games with the Syracuse Crunch. He was rehabbing in the AHL actually, after missing the first month of that season to injury, before the Blue Jackets had a need in the NHL roster. He finally got back to the AHL last year, on his way (seemingly) out of the league.

We have to go back to 2004 and Andrew Raycroft to get a Calder Trophy winner with significant time in the AHL under his belt. He spent the majority of two full seasons in the AHL before making his NHL mark.

That cold streak will continue this year, as even the best AHL callups are extremely unlikely to top the likes of Elias Pettersen, Rasmus Dahlin, Brady Tkachuk, and the rest of this year’s stacked rookie class.

That said, each NHL team has a player or two or more down on the farm who is ready and positioned to fill in some minutes for the parent club if and when the need arises. This article will look at one player from each AHL West team that looks to be ready for the opportunity.

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

High scoring winger Cooper Marody is currently up with the Oilers, angling to get on the score sheet for the first time, the Condors’ highest scoring defender, Caleb Jones, looks to be ready for his NHL debut. Jones struggled in his first AHL campaign last year, at both ends of the ice. This year, he has been a two-way contributor and he should be the first candidate for a promotion to the NHL when the Oilers need blueline fortification for the third pairing.

Chicago Wolves (Vegas Golden Knights)

Keegan Kolesar

Czech winger Tomas Hyka has the best combination of skill and readiness for the NHL, he has already played 17 games with the Golden Knights. So that is a boring answer. First year AHLer Erik Brannstrom is by far the most talented player on the Wolves and promises to have the brightest future among their second squad, but he is still a teenager and would be best served by more seasoning on the farm. If not a full season, at least another couple of months. So, let me give a shout out to big rangy winger Keegan Kolesar. He is not the most dynamic talent, but he has enough in his hands to contribute on a fourth line. If and when Ryan Reaves goes too far as a banger, Kolear can step in, deliver some hits, and has the juice to threaten double digit goals in a full NHL season at his peak.

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche)

Long-term, the only reasonable answer here is Martin Kaut. But, like Brannstrom above, he is a teenager and has yet to blow the doors off the AHL. He has enough talent that the Avalanche would be wiser to let him start to dominate in the AHL before he makes the move. Netminder Pavel Francouz has been solid as a North American debutant, but he is already 28 years old and thus not exactly a prospect. So, we will go with third year pro A.J. Greer instead. After struggling through an injury-plagued year last season, he is at a point per game through his first 20 this year, indicating that he has finally figured out the level. He can provide size and some offensive ability to the bottom line for the Avalanche. As good as their first line has been, the scoring thins out rapidly after that trio. Greer has spent time in the NHL this year and in each of the last two, but only one game this year. He should receive a more extended callup in the near future.

Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Detroit Red Wings forward Filip Zadina (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Filip Zadina, the sixth overall pick in the most recent draft is the rare player drafted out of the CHL leagues who is eligible to play in the AHL immediately. The Red Wings were wise to assign him to Grand Rapids, as there was little benefit to be had with him returning to Halifax to dominate the QMJHL once more, going back to Europe would not have helped him get ready for what should be a stellar NHL career, and he was not needed on a rebuilding Detroit roster, at least not right away. He started a little slow this year, with only four points in his first eight games. Since then, he has put up 11 points in his last 15 games. Instead of trying to earn a callup on every shift, he is letting the game come to him and his pro caliber offensive tools. He was recently named to the Czech Republic’s selection camp for the upcoming WJC and is expected to be released by the Red Wings to participate. Depending on how Detroit maneuvers through the trade deadline, expect Zadina to get his feet, knees and hips wet at the NHL level during the season’s second half.

Iowa Wild (Minnesota Wild)

I was all prepared to name Luke Kunin as being ready to be recalled. He may not have been ready during his 19-game trial last year, but his offensive game has come to the fore more often this year. Alas, Minnesota agreed with me and recalled him on the 10^th. Mason Shaw has been a very pleasant surprise as a rookie, but after a season lost in its entirety, spending more time on the farm is to his benefit. No need to rush him. Finnish import Kaapo Kahkonen has also been a revelation, being extremely hard to beat. But barring an injury to the rotation of Devyn Dubnyk and Alex Stalock, he will not make the leap this year. So, we will use this space instead to throw a few kind words on blueliner Brennan Menell. Signed as an undrafted free agent shortly before the beginning of last season, he found the transition to the AHL to be within his grasp, at least offensively. This year, he is contributing at both ends, skates well, has the strength to help himself in puck battles and moves the puck effectively. He could easily slip into the back half of the Minnesota blueline corps.

Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg Jets)

Kristian Vesalainen looked fine in an eight-game trial, before being sent back to Jokerit. Mason Appleton once again leads the scoring chart for the Moose, but that may be temporary, as he was called up to the NHL two weeks ago and has picked up one assist in his first five games. I have a soft spot for rugged winger JC Lipon, but he is 25 years old already and his ceiling is appropriately lower. CJ Suess is not much younger at 24 but is only in his first pro season after four years at Minnesota State. He has scored eight goals already, half of which came on the power play. He is not the biggest player but plays a responsible game with plenty of energy and a touch of skill. He is also versatile, giving him a few paths to NHL time.

Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville Predators)

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 22: Nashville Predators right wing Eeli Tolvanen. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)

All eyes this year have been on Eeli Tolvanen in Milwaukee and despite some uneven performances, showed enough to be recalled recently. With apologies to Anthony Richard, who combines hustle with skill and grit and who recently made his NHL debut, the biggest steps forward taken by an Admiral thus far in 2018-19 have been made by Frederic Allard. A skilled puck mover and power play quarterback, he leads the Admirals in shots on goal and has been seeing time on both special teams’ units. He is adept at keeping his point shot low to the ice, inviting tips and deflections. For a player that was sent for a stretch to the ECHL last year, he may be knocking on the door to the NHL.

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings)

College free agent signee Sheldon Rempal has been fantastic for the struggling Reign, with 20 points in 16 games. He has earned his NHL recall, but his ineffective first seven games at the top ensured that he would marinate for a bit longer. A more circumspect collegiate free agent signing, Sean Walker actually played for the Reign last year on an AHL-only contract, signing an ELC in the off-season. The former Bowling Green State captain has proven himself to be a very competent defender in any situation for Ontario and like Rempal, has earned some NHL time. He is aggressive attacking an opposing puck carrier and similarly aggressive attacking the opposing offensive zone with the puck. If LA begins to sell off anyone not locked down (ie. Anyone other than Kopitar or Doughty) Walker is a prime candidate to receive a lengthy NHL audition.

Rockford IceHogs (Chicago Blackhawks)

Chicago Blackhawks center Dylan Sikura(Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire)

Like the Kings profiled above, Chicago has struggled mightily this year. They have also fired the head coach. In Chicago’s case, they have brought in their former AHL coach to lead the NHL charges. In other words, when they call up a prospect from the farm, the bench boss will already know exactly what he can and cannot do. So it stands to reason that Rockford’s leading scorer Dylan Sikura, who we had ranked third in the system in the offseason, should be in line for a promotion in the near future. Already 23 years of age, he is not in the AHL for the weight room. He is a very good skater with an NHL shot release. He may not score like he did in college, but he has the tools and overall game to find a spot in the middle six in the NHL. The only question is why has he not been given that opportunity yet? It isn’t as if the Blackhawks already up have proven that they all deserve their jobs.

San Antonio Rampage (St. Louis Blues)

Now that all of their AHL players are under one roof, it should be easier – in theory – for the floundering St. Louis Blues to determine which of their second-tier prospects are ready to impact the team at the top. For example, netminder Jordan Binnington, now in his sixth season as a professional, surprisingly outperformed the more highly touted Ville Huuso this year, after spending last year on loan with Boston’s AHL club. As the Blues gave up on NHL veteran Chad Johnson, it was in part due to Binnington’s performance. Another player who has exceeded expectations is rookie pro Mitch Reinke, signed as a free agent last spring out of Michigan Tech. He is not flashy, but is a smart puck mover, and has been racking up man advantage points. He would need protection defensively but could provide a positive impact in limited minutes.

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks)

A forgotten man in a young and talented Winnipeg organization, sparkplug Chase De Leo had seemingly plateaued with three very similar AHL seasons and only a brief two game NHL trial in his rookie season to show for it. Swapped in a minor deal with Anaheim in the offseason, he seems to have a new lease on life and a potentially smoother track to NHL time with an older organization. On pace for a career year in the AHL, De Leo, who actually grew up around a 30-minute drive from the Honda Center, should be in line for a stint with his hometown club in the very near future. He can play at center or on the wing and has been functional on both special teams’ units for the Gulls. Most eyes on San Diego will focus on higher profile prospects like Troy Terry or Sam Steel, or former first rounders Max Jones or Jacob Larsson, all four of whom have spent some time with the big club already this season. De Leo might be best positioned to find a steady role with the Ducks once he gets up though, even if his ultimate ceiling is dwarfed by the others.

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks)

When Francis Perron was included with Erik Karlsson in the off-season’s biggest trade, the general assumption was that he was a contractual makeweight, helping the Senators keep the right amount of controlled players in the system. A big scorer in the QMJHL, his first two pro seasons were disappointments and he was in danger of not being offered a second contract. So much for that idea. Perron is currently the leading scorer on the Barracuda at a touch over one point per game and has been a terror on the power play as well. In a season full of negative news from Ottawa, the surrendering of Perron might be another, albeit quieter one. If it were not for the Sharks’ depth at left wing, he might have already been recalled. Another player worthy of mention here is Jeremy Roy, who has been limited by knee injuries to 30 games combined over the last two seasons. Finally healthy, he has been productive as well for the Barracuda. There are naturally still questions about his pace after his leg injuries, but the fact that he can still perform around the level expected when the Sharks used a second-round pick on him in 2015 is heartening.

Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames)

CALGARY, CANADA – JULY 4: Andrew Mangiapane of the Calgary Flames (Photo by Brad Watson/NHLI via Getty Images)

One day, Andrew Mangiapane will earn an extended NHL run. He was a top scorer in the OHL and in the AHL yet has not produced in his abbreviated NHL turns and is now up to 15 NHL games across two seasons with zero points to his name. Both Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington seem to be parts of the NHL rotation now on the blueline. Perhaps the next man up with be the well-travelled Kerby Rychel. Originally a Columbus first rounder, Calgary is his fourth organization, having also seen time in the Toronto and Montreal systems. His early run with Stockton seems to have revitalized his NHL prospects, as he is playing more assertively in the offensive end, showing the ability to score as well as set up linemates. He could add some truculent strength and skill to the bottom six in short order.

Texas Stars (Dallas Stars)

There are two forwards in the Dallas minor league ranks who have exceeded expectations thus far, with two very different paths to this point. Former first rounder Denis Guryanov had been relatively disappointing in his first two AHL seasons, even bearing in mind that he was 19 and 20 years old in those seasons. He clearly had all the physical tools needed to excel, but he could not keep up with the pace of the game. Now 21, he looks to have made the much needed adjustments, and after only 22 games, he is a mere eight points shy of his career high at the level. He also scored his first NHL goal in a two game call up. On the other end of the prospect spectrum is Joel L’Esperance. A free agent signee out of Michigan Tech, he spent some time with the team on a trial in last year’s run to the Calder Cup final, providing size and grit, if not much offensive flash. While his point per game production in the first quarter of the season is likely unsustainable (he has scored on 18.5% of his shots) he has proven that he can be a productive two-way player at this level. If his feet can keep up, he has the makings of a fine fourth line center in short order.

Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes)

As good as Adin Hill has been thus far with the Coyotes, he was actually struggling in the AHL this year prior to the recall, although his pedigree suggested that his true talent is better that that, if not quite as high as he has showed in the NHL. With two of Tucson’s four leading scorers, Michael Bunting and Conor Garland, both given their first NHL recalls in the past few days, the other number producers should similarly be on alert. Winger Adam Helewka is in his third season in the AHL and has taken the next step in terms of production. He can finish and has a knack for finding dead space to make himself an inviting target for teammates to hit with a pass. Often enough, the man making those passes is defender Kyle Capobianco, who currently has 16 assists through 22 games. He is not afraid to get deep in the offensive zone on the cycle and has been deadly at both even strength and the power play. He earned a one game call up last year and should see much more time this year.

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.

Toronto – System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 11:57:55 +0000

Apres Matthews, le deluge. After Matthews, comes the flood. The Brian Burke era in Toronto, begun with so much truculence and aggression – at least from the front office – ended with a whimper. As good as Phil Kessel was in Toronto – and he was good, even if he could never live down the price paid to get him – the Maple Leafs were a decade-long tire fire, broken up only by the vagaries of a strike-shortened season.

Freed from Burke and his pugilistic bent to team building, the Leafs tanked hard and began the rebuild with a hyper-skilled approach to the draft. In three consecutive years, Toronto had a top ten choice and maxed out on each, selecting William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and Auston Matthews in consecutive years.

In the latter two years, the Maple Leafs also had a number of extra picks to play with and it seemed like each and every selection was made with upside in mind. In fairness, the organization left over by Burke was fairly barren, with Connor Brown and Josh Leivo representing the best of a bad lot. Even with the top picks of those two drafts already NHL stars, nine of the 20 players drafted in those two classes are ranked among the current top 20. The talent influx was so great, the Leafs had to literally walk away from three of the players they selected, for sheer lack of available contract space.

Not only did the Leafs run out of contract room. Between the high end players drafted, and a few others signed as free agents from Europe, the team found itself at the draft this year with a loaded talent base, and now actually in need of some of character players. If not exactly hearkening back to the days of “truculence and aggression”, they have now turned their sights on players who, while not lacking in skill, are more fitting to the high-energy, two-way types that new head Coach Mike Babcock likes to use to fill out the bottom end of the NHL roster.

Whereas in the last two years they took hyper-talented players like Dmytro Timashov, Martins Dzierkals, and Adam Brooks with their mid-round picks, all three offensive minded junior hockey producers who made up in points what they lacked in size and strength, this year, those middle round picks were used on Vladislav Kara, Fedor Gordeev, and Ryan McGregor. These three all have in common questions about their offensive skills, and plaudits about their two-way games. They also all have projectable frames, especially the 6-6”, 215 pound Gordeev.

A system can never have enough talent in its ranks, but there is something to be said for having diversity in the types of talents available. The approach to their 2017 draft class is not necessarily a statement about a new direction for their scouting staff, as much as it an admission that they did not have enough of that type of player and that the talented youngsters they already had did not seem like locks that they could remain effective when playing down in the lineup. That said, some of the putatively offensive players in the system have already been accruing experience playing bottom six minutes in the AHL, such as Timashov, and Trevor Moore.

Timothy Liljegren

1 Timothy Liljegren – Seen as one of the top draft prospects 12 months ago, Liljegren’s draft year was slowed by being repeatedly shuffled between levels and teams, as well as a bout with mononucleosis. One of the best skaters available in the 2017 draft class, his raw puck skills verge on the elite, although they have not often showed themselves yet in game situations. Can be devastating when he plays the aggressor. Effectiveness in his own zone comes and goes, but flashes enough to expect that part of his game to grow and improve with time and steady development.

Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Kasperi Kapanen (37). (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire)

2 Kasperi Kapanen – One of the main pieces coming back to Toronto in the Phil Kessel trade, Kapanen took a big step forward last year, finally converting his mature and toolsy game into high end offensive production. A strong skater, he regularly shows good instincts with and without the puck. He has quick hands, which he combines with good patience with the puck. Plays with high energy and effort levels. Showed in the NHL playoffs that he was ready for a middle role with the Leafs.

3 Travis Dermott – Although he missed a stretch of time to injury, when healthy Dermott was showed a dynamic, puck moving modern day game from the blueline in his rookie pro season. Undersized, but he maximizes every inch and pound of his frame, catching opponents off-balance with some explosive hits. Can create danger with the puck on a rush. Very mature defensive game highlighting aggressiveness and positioning. Heads up player who loves to walk the line.

Carl Grundstrom HELSINKI, FINLAND - JANUARY 4: Sweden vs Finland semifinal round - 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

4 Carl Grundstrom – A hard working forward with a strong and diverse collection of offensive tools, Grundstrom’s prospect stock took a big step forward last year between great performances for Sweden at the WJC, for Frolunda in the European champions Hockey League and in a late season cameo with the Marlies in the AHL playoffs. An excellent skater with a high hockey IQ and great hands, he is expected to play in Sweden again this year, but could be in the NHL sooner than later.

5 Jeremy Bracco – Ending his junior career on a high, winning both a WJC gold medal and a Memorial Cup, Bracco’s decision to leave Boston College only five games into his freshman season seems to have paid off. He is a fantastic skater with breathtaking puck skills. Undersized but with a nose for the net, he will sometimes play possum only to strike with deadly force once opposing defenders are occupied with one or other of his linemates. Has near elite hands.

6 Adam Brooks – The two-time defending assist leader in the WHL is finally going to bring his sublime passing skills to the AHL this year. Forced into an overage WHL season due to the Marlies’ numbers crunch last year, Brooks creates plays for linemates more through his high hockey IQ and instincts than through pure puck skills. Although undersized, he is more than functional in his own zone and plays a valuable role in getting the puck back and beginning the transition to an offensive attack.

7 Josh Leivo – Along with Garret Sparks, one of only two prospects left in the system from the Brian Burke era, Leivo plays with some of the jam that characterized that time in Maple Leafs’ history. Hampered by injuries throughout his pro career, he produced very well with the NHL club when healthy last year, but that was rare. A solid skater with energy who loves to crash the net, this year is likely his last chance to break through with Toronto.

8 Joseph Woll – By far the highest upside goalie among all netminders in the system, Woll had a very promising first NCAA season with Boston College. Very strong at blocking the bottom half of the net, thanks to quick legs. Likes to challenge the shooter when the puck is straight ahead, but will play deeper in his crease the closer the puck is to the walls. He reads plays fairly well, but can get in trouble due to sloppy footwork.

9 Andreas Borgman – A dynamic skater with great acceleration who relishes open ice hits, Borgman signed as a free agent this spring after helping to lead HV71 to an SHL title. He plays a two-way game, although his play is stronger in his own end than when supporting the attack. He reads the play well and tends to keep a tight gap. His upside is somewhat limited due to his moderate offensive tools, but between his skating and his off-puck work, he will play in the NHL.

10 Calle Rosen – It is not by design that the two talented Swedish blueliners signed by Toronto this offseason rank one next to the other. Of the two, Rosen is more physically unassuming, but carries a bomb from the point. He is also a powerful skater who demonstrates good puck control and precise passing. He is advanced positionally, but can exhibit a general lack of poise when playing without the puck. Has top four upside, but needs own zone refinement to get there.

11 Andreas Johnsson – A smart, smallish player with great instincts, Johnsson proved last year that his game can translate nicely to North America. While he was not the offensive force that he had been in the SHL, he was still able to flash soft hands and a very hard shot. Has a special talent for getting off clean shots through a maze of legs. Will play in the dirty areas, but avoids getting directly involved in puck scrums. Can get to a second gear with his feet.

12 Frederik Gauthier – Although he has less offensive upside than anyone on this list, excepting (probably) the goalie, Gauthier is almost exactly what Mike Babcock looks for in a fourth line center. Huge, with a gigantic wingspan, he plays a strong possession game and is great defensively, particularly on the penalty kill. Solid skater for his size. Has good faceoff technique. Can be used for tough shifts, leaving the favorable situations for his more talented teammates.

13 Kerby Rychel – An offensive force as a junior, Rychel’s game has slowly been morphing into that of his father Warren’s since turning pro. Of course he will never be a 1980’s style goon, but it is fair to point out that he has gone from a bruising power forward with good discipline to a bruising, undisciplined power forward. To his credit, he is a strong skater and he loves to unleash his powerful shot. Attitude issues helped him get traded from Columbus. Will need to earn his chances with Toronto.

14 Martins Dzierkals – The most effective player on last year’s Latvia entry at the WJC, Dzierkals is an exciting player with great puck skills. Drafted out of Latvia before moving on to Rouyn-Noranda, the Maple Leafs had an extra year before needing to sign him to an ELC, so he will play with the Marlies this year on an AHL-only contract. He is a dynamic offensive threat who grades very well on both his skating and puck skills. Plays with more jam than many players his size.

15 Yegor Korshkov – A big physical winger who’s playing style seems more geared to the North American game than the KHL where he is now entering his fourth season. Korshkov uses a variety of shot types to threaten opposing netminders, although his release could stand to be quicker. Although his shot is the stronger tool, his tendency is to play in a passing role. A 200-foot player, his KHL contract expires after this season.

16 Eemeli Rasanen – As awe-inspiring as Rasanen’s towering 6-7” frame is, he also has game to go along with his length. A very good skater, particularly for his size, can be part of the rush instead of only a trailer. His short area quickness still needs refinement. Better at moving the puck around than teeing one up from the point. Came along defensively in leaps and bounds in his first OHL season. Very comfortable at closing gaps and pushing opponents to the walls. Uses his size, but plays clean.

17 Andrew Nielsen – A big boy with an even bigger shot, Nielsen was the runaway scoring leader among Marlies’ defensemen as an AHL rookie, thanks largely to his cannon. In many cases, the facts embedded in the last sentence would be enough for a top ten or even top five ranking. Nielsen lands here due to his clunky, slow skating. He can get away with it at times in his own zone due to great reach and a willingness to get inside opponents and force them to the outside.

18 Dmytro Timashov – A fantastic scorer in the QMJHL with sublime playmaking skills, Timashov still flashed those elements of his game in his first pro season, but struggled in general at even strength. He was still able to get himself into position to score, but was not able to capitalize nearly as much as he did as a junior. Although short, he is stocky, and his stature should not be what holds him back. Needs to prove he can produce on a depth line before moving up.

19 Miro Aaltonen – A small skill player, Aaltonen had a great season in the KHL before signing as a free agent with Toronto. Never signed by Anaheim, which drafted him in 2013, he developed for a few years in Liiga before his year in Russia. He can be selfish on the puck, has a strong enough shot that his approach often pays off. Will shoot from anywhere. His skating is average at best, which results in him disappearing from the action when the puck is not on his stick.

20 Rinat Valiev – Although his second pro season was beset by injuries, Valiev still has a lot to recommend him as a potential third pairing NHL blueliner. He has a solid frame, coupled with excellent mobility and edge work. He makes smart plays in all zones and helps the puck keep moving in the right direction. Can play a very strong game, as well, although could do better at maintaining discipline. Has been passed on the Toronto depth chart, but still worth keeping an eye on.

Even with so many breathtaking young talents already established in the NHL, the Maple Leafs still have an upper echelon system bursting with the next wave. Fully rebuilt from Brian Burke’s mismanagement, Toronto has been able to target different types of players giving the system both breadth and depth. The next question the management team will have to answer is how it plans to integrate their youth now that there is legitimate NHL talent up and down the NHL roster.

NHL Prospect Watch: Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan Wagman — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 21:25:44 +0000

For a team whose sights should be squarely set on future seasons, the Blue Jackets are getting glimpses of that future right now, with some of their most intriguing and talented prospects getting time in the NHL. Although two of the best youths, Seth Jones and Alexander Wennberg, are no longer prospects, others are just now getting their skates wet.

Chief among them is former first round power winger Kerby Rychel. Around three weeks ago, news came out that Rychel, whose father Warren was a stalwart goon in the 90s, had requested a trade out of Columbus, frustrated at the seeming lack of opportunities to garner significant NHL action with the Jackets. Ironically, days after the report – which cited the request as having been made at the beginning – or prior to – the season came out, Rychel was recalled from AHL Lake Erie. He had already appeared in 11 games for Columbus earlier in the season, but never received more than 9:31 TOI in a game, with an average of eight minutes per night.

Since his recall, he has been getting close to 11 minutes of ice time per game, demonstrating, if nothing else, that there is opportunity for him in Central Ohio. After scoring at close to a point per game pace thus year in the AHL – his second season in the minor leagues - he has contributed six points in the nine games between his latest recall and the All Star break. Naturally, no one talks about the leaked trade request anymore.

The stats at this juncture are of far less importance than the style, as the sample size is not yet reliable, with the percentages still unstable. But when it comes to style, Rychel gets plus grades on every attribute you could hang on a prospect. Being physically mature and schooled in the intangibles that come with growing up the son of an NHLer, those grades are all reflecting present capabilities instead of being forward looking.

While not a pugilist like his old man, Kerby does play a physical game, one that will occasionally extend to dropping his mitts, but more often reflected by his zeal for playing a heavy game and never backing down from contact. Listed at 6-1”, and between 205-215, depending on the source, he is stocky and uses his frame to his advantage. Expect that side of his game to emerge more soon, but the ingredients are all there for the “power” portion of “power forward” to stick out sooner than later.

Even more important than his physical game, Rychel has consistently shown signs of high end hockey intelligence dating back to his days in the OHL. The Windsor native is measured in his actions with the puck, as he will not force plays, but would rather trust in his hands and vision to hold the puck until the flow of the game changes enough for a lane to open up. Once open, he has the chops to execute. In his own zone, he plays responsibly and is effective at helping his team regain the puck and move it back up the ice. His outlet passes straddle the line between safe and clever, and he is already being tested with an abundance of defensive zone starts as he earns Tortorella’s trust. When he gets the puck up the ice, Rychel can also impress with his puck skills. He has great vision and executes creative and difficult passes repeatedly. His PDO is currently high, suggesting regression is coming, but his skills will make his teammates look better than they are, and keep the shooting percentage on the right side of average.

When it comes to speed, both of shot and of foot, Rychel is around average, albeit short of spectacular. He is a mobile skater, but a foot race with him is more likely to end in a 50-50 puck battle than a breakaway. As for his shot, he does own a hard slapper, but too often struggles to keep it down and on target, as he will frequently open his front shoulder too early, causing the shot to miss high and outside.

Looking at the full package, it is easy to see why Rychel was frustrated with his playing situation in Columbus. While still young, he has already proven that he is more than adequate in the AHL and looks ready to take on a middle six role in the NHL. Rychel fits the mold of the two left wingers still clearly ahead of him on the depth chart in Boone Jenner and Scott Hartnell, as a two-way, heart-and-soul type who creates space for his linemates while making the game more of a grind for opponents. There is no reason he should not spend the rest of this season apprenticing on the third line before eventually overtaking the veteran Hartnell as early as next season.

Josh Anderson, RW, Lake Erie (95^th overall, 2012)

Take Kerby Rychel, increase the grit quotient, dial back on the puck skill and remove all of the preseason drama, and you are pretty close to picturing Josh Anderson. A teammate of Rychel’s on Canada’s entry at the WJC back in 2013-14, Anderson has also had a few NHL calluses this season, even scoring his first career goal a couple of weeks ago, helping the Blue Jackets force overtime against Cam Ward and the Carolina Hurricanes.

To watch Anderson skate is to understand his role on the ice as a power forward. It isn’t a matter of his speed, which is decent enough, but he looks like a man using an axe to cut a birthday cake. Now in his second AHL season, the former London Knight is showing growth in his offensive game, with scoring rates resembling what he achieved in the OHL. He’s not without skill, as I recently witnessed him scoring a tremendous goal as he cut in from the hashmarks towards the net carrying the puck on his backhand. He was knocked to his knees, and as he was falling, he lifted the puck over the goaltender who had left the top of the net open. Like many other bigger men who can play, Anderson can be difficult to strip of the puck once he has it on his stick. As you might guess, this is not a matter of fancy dangles or quick wrists, but rather how he is able to shield the puck with his body. He understands his limitations and generally leaves the fancy work to more skilled teammates, but does not embarrass himself when it’s his turn.

Anderson is trusted in all situation in the AHL, getting second unit power play time and playing on the first PK squad – that is, when it is not him serving a two-minute minor. Although he has been careful in his NHL auditions, he takes far too many needless minors in the AHL. The former fourth rounder is a very physical winger, getting his shoulders into everybody’s business. All too often, he has crossed the line between physical play and recklessness, costing his team. While third line is Rychel’s low end projection, that is also Anderson’s ceiling. If he learns to balance his rambunctiousness with tact, he could grow into a decent bottom six winger role, capable of scoring 10-12 goals per season. Failing that, he should be a decent fourth line type, adding energy and spark as part of a two-way role.

Sonny Milano, LW, Lake Erie (16^th overall, 2014)

Outside of his position on the wing and his time this year with Lake Erie, Milano could not be more different from Rychel and Anderson as players. A rookie professional, the former first round pick was a pre-draft YouTube sensation due to his circus act juggling showcasing lightning fast hands and creativity. One of the few 19 year olds playing in the AHL, he was eligible for that fast track as he was drafted out of the USNTDP, before deciding to forego college for a season in the OHL with Plymouth. Instead of returning for a second CHL season, the Jackets put him in the AHL, forcing him to learn to play without the puck and the space that is available for clever juniors.

His early professional returns have underwhelmed with a mere five goals and 14 points in 25 games, but he reminded the hockey world of his gifts with a fantastic turn for the American WJC squad. Milano is a great scrambler who sees the game at a near-elite level. He has an extra gear that he can employ as a change of pace if he sees a lane closing and can beat even high quality defenders to the outside. His hands also allow him to slice through defenses as if they were not really there.

Expect him to be more of a playmaker than a goal scorer once he hits maturity, as his passing is top notch, whether allowing a teammate to break free with a perfectly weighted lead pass, or setting that teammate up for a clean look at open twine by spotting a narrow path between the legs of defenders. In a lost season, it would not be horrible to see Milano get an opportunity to play a few games in Columbus, but the bigger picture demands that he spends the vast majority of this season in the AHL – with a return to the OHL not out of the question either. He still needs to round out his game, particularly his off-puck play, before he will have earned an NHL job.

Joonas Korpisalo, G, Lake Erie (62^nd overall, 2012)

A series of injuries to Sergei Bobrovsky and the unreliability of Curtis McElhinney have opened the door for the Finnish Karpisalo to get prove his worth in the NHL. While the early returns have been positive, goaltenders are fickle beasts. The former third round pick is an athletic netminder with quick legs that work well to cut off the bottom of the net. He reacts well to subtle changes in direction of shots and his glove hand is solid.

Putting up good numbers in his first full season in North America, Korpisalo is calm in the crease, as he avoids overcommitting to one angle or another. While he shuts off the post well enough, he can stand to challenge the shooters more often, as the better marksmen will be able to find gaps left as a consequence of playing deep in his crease. He also needs to do more to improve on rebound control, as he left too many in juicy real estate in my viewings. All told, despite his early NHL success, I see in Korpisalo a solid backup NHL netminder down the line. He can make fans and management forget about the McElhinneys of the world, but not the Bobrovskys.

Michael Paliotta, D, Lake Erie (70^th overall, 2011, by Chicago. Acquired in Brandon Saad/Artem Anisimov trade, Jun. 30, 2015)

When the Blue Jackets are ready to move away from the Dalton Prouts, Justin Falks and Cody Goloubefs, Michael Paliotta should be ready to step up and take on the role of a number 5 defenseman. A big man with a large wing span, the Vermont grad has a strong point shot and displays the mobility needed for the modern game. Still picking up the intricacies of the professional game after four seasons of collegiate hockey, Paliotta is the leading scorer among Monster blueliners.

If the Jackets prefer to let him learn in the AHL, he should be ready to compete for a regular spot next year in training camp, as he could use more seasoning when the puck is in his own zone. He also needs to use his size more as a deterrent as he has the frame to be a physical force, but does not play in that style too often. There is no need to rush his development, but I have good reason to believe that Blue Jackets fans will end up treating Paliotta as far more than a throw in to the Saad/Anisimov deal within the next two or three seasons.

Ryan Collins, D, University of Minnesota (47^th overall, 2014)

There were some around the hockey world who were surprised that Collins was not invited back for a return engagement with the American WJC squad after representing his country as an 18-year-old. A big, big man at 6-5”, 212, Collins can seem offensively inclined, but his production belies that notion completely.

A decent skater, when he is on his game and judging his gaps appropriately he can force his guy to the outside and effectively neutralize him. He is prone to leaning too far forward as his stick reach is his barometer for how much of a gap to maintain, which leaves him prone to subtlety, as he can be caught flat footed or off balance if his opponent tricks him or accelerates suddenly. Collins would do well to challenge forwards more by getting in their faces and relying less on stick checks. He is still young enough to maintain the upside seen in him since being selected for the US Development Team, but his development has been stagnating of late. I am not writing him off, but he has a lot of ground to make back up.

Friedman’s Five – 10/2/15

Daniel Friedman — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 19:02:32 +0000

As hockey season approaches, it's time to make some bold predictions. With that, let's get going with the first Friedman's Five of the 2015-16 campaign. Here's what's on my mind:

1. CAPITALS' TIME TO SHINE

They were already well-rounded and well-coached, as they demonstrated last season, but now they've bolstered the roster by adding T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams. I think the Caps have what it takes to not only dethrone the Rangers in the Metro Division, but to win the Stanley Cup. It's the best supporting cast Alex Ovechkin's ever had, and it might just be the best one he ever gets in Washington.

2. BRUINS STILL A PLAYOFF TEAM, BUT NOT FOR LONG

While the Caps are trending upwards, the B's are heading in the opposite direction. They've shed themselves of some key players, including Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton, and didn't do much to replace either one. But now that the dust has settled, you look at the Bruins' roster and, at least to me, it's still capable of getting them to the playoffs.

They've got Tuuka Rask in net. They've got Patrice Bergeron, David Krecji, Loui Eriksson, David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand and Matt Beleskey up front, as well as Ryan Spooner and Brett Connolly -- both of whom have a chance to be solid producers. They've got Zdeno Chara, Torey Krug and Dennis Seidenberg on defense, with the respectably solid Adam McQuaid complimenting those three. Maybe Joe Morrow breaks through and does some good.

There's enough here to propel Boston into the first round of the playoffs. Beyond that? Probably not, but I think they can certainly make the cut.

3. BLUE JACKETS ARE EXCITING, EMERGING AND HIGHLY OVERRATED

Now, before you cry blasphemy, hear me out. I know that many have already pegged them as the team to watch in the East this season, largely due to their strong finish last year. There's plenty to like about the Jackets, but there's also a lot of cause for concern.

The only three sure-fire point-producing forwards on the team are Ryan Johansen, Scott Hartnell and Brandon Saad. Now, maybe Alex Wennberg works himself into that mix, maybe Nick Foligno mirrors his 73-point performance from last season (unlikely, in this writer's opinion). Maybe Brandon Dubinksy finds his way back to the 50-point mark, and I think it'll be a few years before Kerby Rychel or Boone Jenner become solid producers.

Columbus's defense is filled with question marks. Jack Johnson -- who took quite a few steps back last season -- leads the way, and if he can stay healthy, Ryan Murray should be the other anchor on that blueline. Other than that, you're looking at the dependable Fedor Tyutin and hoping David Savard improves upon his very solid 2014-15 season. Kevin Connauton is talented, but still fairly unproven. Things could really go either way defensively for this team.

Of course, you have Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes, which could negate most defensive issues that arise.

I'm just not sold on them. They're alright, they've undoubtedly got some guys who can play, but in a very tight Metro Division, I'm not sure they're beating out the Islanders or Penguins. They're certainly not passing the Rangers or Capitals.

4. INFERNO RAGING IN CALGARY SET TO ENGULF WESTERN CONFERENCE

You want a team to watch? Keep your eyes on the Calgary Flames, who are out to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. They've got the right cast to do it, too. Their defense might be the best in the West, now that Dougie Hamilton's in the mix. Their offense will only get better, as both Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau continue to mature and as Sam Bennett joins the fray for his first full NHL season. Jonas Hiller between the pipes is the only concern here, but I've always seen him as a competitor. He'll be fine, especially with that brick wall Calgary's built on the blueline in front of him.

5. THE RETURN OF THE 100-POINT PLAYER

It seems like a rare feat these days, but I think you'll see scoring numbers pick up this year, and I think the switch to 3-on-3 OT could have something to do with that. It also depends on player health, because if Sidney Crosby can stay out of the infirmary, he's picking up 100. If Connor McDavid is as good as everyone thinks he is, he could get 100 (it's not crazy; Crosby did it and McDavid's been compared to him). If Jonathan Drouin breaks out in Tampa, Steven Stamkos could reach 100 points. John Tavares keeps trending upwards -- maybe he finds a way. I think the NHL's power outage is coming to an end in 2015-16.

Youngblood: 2014 Memorial Cup – Prospects to Watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edmonton Oil Kings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Val d’Or Foreurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guelph Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Knights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow @RossyYoungblood for all the #MemorialCup action.

CHL 2014 IIHF WJHC Participants On-Ice Stats

Gus Katsaros — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:22:56 +0000

A short post with the focus on participating players dressing for their respective countries in the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championships and their member clubs in the CHL playing overseas in Sweden.

I broke away from the traditional goals-assists-points statistics and focused on the breakdown of ON-ICE even strength goals for/against as well as on the percentage basis for their respective teams. The legend is located just before the table.

Some additional details break down the draft year, team that drafted the player (none of these players have been traded to another NHL team). There are very few undrafted players as this tournament is drafted prospect heavy, but there are many European exceptions – along with some draft-eligible players for 2014 (and two notable 2015 draft eligible players in Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel – as a late birthday).

ESGF - Even Strength Goals For (On-Ice)

ESGA - Even Strength Goals Against (On-Ice)

%TmESGF - Percentage of On-Ice Even Strength Goals For

%TmESGA - Percentage of On-Ice Even Strength Goals Against

Draft Team - Team that drafted this player

Draft Yr - Draft Year

DOB - Date of Birth

Country	Team	Pos	ESGF	ESGA	%Tm ESGF	%Tm ESGA	Draft Team	Draft Yr	DOB
Canada
Josh Anderson	London Knights	C	29	13	20.28	25.00	CBJ	2012	1994/05/07
Chris Bigras	Owen Sound Attack	D	26	30	27.08	27.78	Col	2013	1995/02/22
Jonathan Drouin	Halifax Mooseheads	C	36	19	25.71	19.00	TBL	2013	1995/03/28
Aaron Ekblad	Barrie Colts	D	25	24	22.12	25.53	--	--	1996/02/07
Zachary Fucale	Halifax Mooseheads	G	0	0	0.00	0.00	MTL	2013	1995/05/28
Frederik Gauthier	Rimouski Oceanic	C	25	24	22.12	60.00	Tor	2013	1995/04/26
Bo Horvat	London Knights	LW	37	19	25.87	36.54	Van	2013	1995/04/05
Charles Hudon	Chicoutimi Sagueneens	LW	27	29	26.21	26.36	MTL	2012	1994/06/23
Scott Laughton	Oshawa Generals	C	36	27	30.00	33.75	Phi	2012	1994/05/30
Curtis Lazar	Edmonton Oil Kings	C	41	18	32.80	30.00	Ott	2013	1995/02/02
Taylor Leier	Portland Winterhawks	LW	39	20	23.93	18.02	Phi	2012	1994/02/15
Anthony Mantha	Val-d’Or Foreurs	LW	50	33	29.07	37.50	DET	2013	1994/09/16
Connor McDavid	Erie Otters	C	42	20	24.85	42.55	--	--	1997/01/13
Josh Morrissey	Prince Albert Raiders	C	40	29	34.48	42.65	Wpg	2013	1995/03/28
Jake Paterson	Saginaw Spirit	G	0	0	0.00	0.00	Det	2012	1994/05/03
Adam Pelech	Erie Otters	D	44	21	26.04	44.68	NYI	2012	1994/08/16
Nicolas Petan	Portland Winterhawks	C	52	27	31.90	24.32	WPG	2013	1995/03/22
Derrick Pouliot	Portland Winterhawks	D	51	37	31.29	33.33	Pit	2012	1994/01/16
Griffin Reinhart	Edmonton Oil Kings	D	15	11	12.00	18.33	NYI	2012	1994/01/24
Sam Reinhart	Kootenay Ice	C	32	28	31.37	31.82	--	--	1995/11/06
Kerby Rychel	Guelph Storm/Windsor Spitfires	LW	32	19	26.67	19.19	CBJ	2013	1994/10/07
Czech Republic
Radek Faksa	Kitchener Rangers	C	23	33	24.21	28.70	Dal	2012	1994/01/09
Jan Kostalek	Rimouski Oceanic	D	24	26	21.24	65.00	Wpg	2013	1995/02/17
Marek Langhamer	Medicine Hat Tigers	G	0	0	0.00	0.00	PHX	2012	1994/07/22
David Nemecek	Saskatoon Blades	D	23	28	21.30	20.00	--	--	1995/06/29
Michal Plutnar	Tri-City Americans	D	6	11	6.67	11.58	--	--	1994/02/21
Petr Sidlik	Victoriaville Tigres	D	24	32	24.24	25.20	--	--	1994/01/18
Dominik Volek	Red Deer Rebels	RW	23	20	23.47	26.32	--	--	1994/01/12
Patrik Zdrahal	Rimouski Oceanic	RW	12	16	15.00	30.19	--	--	1995/04/09
Finland
Julius Honka	Swift Current Broncos	D	42	33	35.59	32.04	--	--	1995/12/03
Henri Ikonen	Kingston Frontenacs	LW	40	25	32.00	21.93	TB	2013	1994/04/17
Mikko Vainonen	Kingston Frontenacs	D	36	22	28.80	19.30	Nsh	2012	1994/04/11
Germany
Tim Bender	London Knights	C	16	4	11.19	7.69	--	--	--
Marvin Cupper	Shawinigan Cataractes	G	0	0	0.00	0.00	--	--	--
Leon Draisaitl	Prince Albert Raiders	C	31	30	26.72	44.12	--	--	1995/10/27
Markus Eisenschmid	Medicine Hat Tigers	C	13	20	11.50	21.05	--	--	1995/01/22
Dominik Kahun	Sudbury Wolves	C	10	15	7.94	12.10	--	--	1995/07/02
Maximilian Kammerer	Regina Pats	C	1	5	0.91	6.41	--	--	--
Norway
Jorgen Karterud	SSM Greyhounds	RW	14	16	10.22	31.37	--	--	1994/05/06
Russia
Ivan Barbashev	Moncton Wildcats	C	31	33	30.39	34.74	--	--	1995/12/14
Nikita Zadorov	London Knights	C	12	4	8.39	7.69	Buf	2013	1995/04/16
Valentin Zykov	Baie-Comeau Drakkar	RW	22	9	16.30	10.11	LAK	2013	1995/05/15
Slovakia
Martin Reway	Gatineau Olympiques	LW	31	21	27.93	18.75	Mtl	2013	1995/01/24
Sweden
Andre Burakovsky	Erie Otters	LW	35	16	20.71	34.04	WSH	2013	1995/02/09
Oscar Dansk	Erie Otters	G	0	0	0.00	0.00	CBJ	2012	1994/02/28
Nick Sorensen	Quebec Remparts	RW	22	12	18.49	13.79	Ana	2013	1994/10/23
Switzerland
Phil Baltisberger	Guelph Storm	D	34	15	20.12	28.30	--	--	1995/11/13
Jason Fuchs	Rouyn-Noranda Huskies	LW	23	20	16.79	30.77	--	--	1995/09/14
Fabrice Herzog	Quebec Remparts	RW	30	28	25.21	32.18	TOR	2013	1994/12/09
Mirco Mueller	Everett Silvertips	D	21	20	19.09	27.03	SJ	2013	1995/03/21
Vincent Praplan	North Bay Battalion	LW	22	21	24.44	60.00	--	--	1994/06/10
Yannick Rathgeb	Plymouth Whalers	D	19	27	22.89	27.55	--	--	1995/10/24
United States
Adam Erne	Quebec Remparts	LW	30	27	25.21	31.03	TBL	2013	1995/04/20
Ryan Hartman	Plymouth Whalers	C	21	37	25.30	37.76	Chi	2013	1994/09/20
Anthony Stolarz	London Knights	G	--	--	--	--	Phi	2012	1994/01/20

**********

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2013 Draft Guide Preview: Kerby Rychel

McKeen's Staff — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 18:59:53 +0000

The apple doesn’t fall far from the Rychel family tree.

Kerby Rychel, son of former NHLer Warren, plays a similar game to his father. Kerby plays with an edge and grit, and a willingness to drop the gloves reminiscent of the game played by Warren.

But while Kerby has some similarities to Warren, the differences are perhaps what makes Kerby the highly-touted prospect many consider to be a first-round talent. Rychel is a much more gifted goal scorer than his old man, scoring 81 goals over his last two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. His skill level is such that even Warren readily admits it’s much higher than his.

Kerby Rychel is one of the most productive players in the OHL the past two seasons, but part of his success can be attributed to playmaking linemate Alexander Khokhlachev. The duo worked well together, with Khokhlachev feeding Rychel the puck.

As an NHL team ponders Rychel’s future, they’ll need to determine whether his scoring exploits will translate to the NHL or if his future is more as a third line forward bringing occasional offence and grit.

2013 Draft Guide Profile:

Kerby Rychel (LW, 2013), Windsor Spitfires

Rode a scorching February (12-9-16-25) - buoyed by the return of Alex Khokhlachev - to his second straight 40-goal campaign .. produced 48 points in his final 29 games (29-17-31-48) with Khokhlachev in tow - and led Windsor with a career-high 87 points .. the son of former NHLer Warren Rychel, currently Windsor GM and part-owner .. SCOUTING REPORT .. big, brawny sniper .. difficult to knock off the puck when imposing his will to work the slot and down low .. exhibits smarts and awareness in the offensive zone .. creates chances and can generate a cycle - equipped with a strong, thick body to administer checks .. plays with some ‘push back’ - and won’t hesitate finishing a hit or sticking a player .. still needs to be harder on loose pucks - gives up too easily at times .. hands are strong and skilled .. more shooter than distributor though - and benefits from playing alongside a playmaking center .. top weapons are a potent snapshot and wristshot - which explode off his stick .. opportunistic in scoring areas and skillful preparing his stick - usually doesn’t need second opportunities to bury chances .. sluggish skater with a laboured stride .. feet turn and spray out during startup - limiting his acceleration burst .. must dig deep to generate speed .. body mechanics are stiff from the hips down - giving rise to inherent balance issues - such as turns and pivots .. not nearly as consistent with his defensive efforts .. habitually the last man back - and often floating high waiting for a stretch pass .. shift management also became an issue as he over-extends shifts and takes himself off at inopportune times .. displayed heightened intensity and more of an appetite for the puck in `11-12 .. his skating causes the most concern though, since he showed little improvement over the course of the season.