Ty Rattie – McKeen's Hockey

Pacific Division Training Camp News

Ryan Dadoun — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:00:50 +0000

Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks. Injury. Those two went hand-in-hand last season and 2018-19 isn’t off to a particularly good start either. They’ve already lost Corey Perry for the next five months after he suffered a torn meniscus and underwent surgery to repair it. If there is any silver lining there, it’s that this presented Perry with an opportunity to repair pre-existing MCL damage. Apparently, he had been playing through the MCL injury for years now rather than undergo surgery, so once comes back from this, he should be in a much better position than he was at any point in recent years.

In the meantime, Ondrej Kase might end up playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf, though for what it’s worth, that’s not the direction the Ducks went in for Saturday’s preseason game. Instead, Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell were on a line with Troy Terry. Kase was on the third line with Andrew Cogliano and Sam Steel. Terry is someone to keep an eye on. Even if he doesn’t end up on the top line, the Perry injury does increase the chances that the 21-year-old rookie will see significant ice time. He excelled with the University of Denver last season, scoring 14 goals and 48 points in 39 games.

Ryan Kesler (hip) has been making progress but hasn’t been cleared for contact yet and probably won’t be ready at the start of the season. As noted above, Steel was on the third line for Saturday’s preseason game and Kesler’s likely unavailability has improved the chances that he will start with the team. Steel had 131 points in 66 WHL games in 2016-17 and 83 points in 54 WHL contests last season.

Arizona Coyotes

Clayton Keller

Arizona is a team that’s been pegged by a lot of people as a 2017-18 non-playoff team that might leap into the postseason this time. That still might happen, but they’ll have to endure a bit of a rough patch right off the bat. Alex Galchenyuk is week-to-week with what’s probably a groin injury while Christian Dvorak (lower body) is technically day-to-day, but he hasn’t practiced yet during training camp, so his return probably isn’t imminent. That leaves the Coyotes without their second and third-line centers.

Vinnie Hinostroza or Clayton Keller could potentially start the season playing up the middle to help plug that hole. Meanwhile, Dylan Strome might open the campaign as the third-line center. It’s a good opportunity for Strome, who was drafted third overall in 2015 amid very high expectations but hasn’t yet lived up to them. He’s only played in 28 games with Arizona so far, but he did excel in the AHL last season with 22 goals and 53 points in 50 contests.

The injuries might also have an impact on Lawson Crouse, who was originally projected to start on the fourth line but might play a more significant role. It helps that he’s looked good in the preseason. In 2017-18, he had 15 goals and 32 points in 56 AHL contests as well as a goal in 11 games with Arizona.

Calgary Flames

Going into the preseason, one of the big questions involving the Calgary Flames was the status of their top line. Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan would compromise two-third of it – that much was obvious – but who would be the third member? The Flames signed James Neal and acquired then signed Elias Lindholm over the summer, creating the expectation that one of those two would take that top line job. As it turns out, they might share it.

Flames GM Brad Treliving recently raised the possibility that Neal and Lindholm will alternate on the top line depending on the situation. That might not last as the Flames might ultimately start to favor sending out one with Gaudreau and Monahan more often than the other, but it at least seems like we won’t get a more definitive answer by the end of training camp.

On the defensive side of things, Juuso Valimaki is a strong candidate to make the opening game roster. He scored 14 goals and 45 points in 43 WHL games last season after being taken with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s looked good in the preseason to push himself into this favorable position as we approach the deadline for the Flames to submit their roster. Dillon Dube has probably done enough to make the Flames as well. He’s been busy in the preseason with four goals and six points in six games. Dube, 20, had 38 goals and 84 points in 53 WHL contests.

Edmonton Oilers

Ty Rattie

Ty Rattie has 19 points in 49 career NHL games. In the 2018 preseason he’s scored seven goals and 11 points in four contests. That’s pretty crazy, but Oilers fans probably remember another player that excelled in exhibition games only to fizzle out just a year back. Kailer Yamamoto had five goals and seven points in six preseason games in 2017, which isn’t quite at Rattie’s level, but it was still exciting to see coming from a player that just turned 19-years-old and wasn’t expected to be NHL-ready yet. When it came to the regular season though, Yamamoto had three assists in nine games before being returned to the WHL.

There’s another similarity between them too. While Yamamoto didn’t consistently play alongside Connor McDavid, the superstar was Yamamoto’s most common linemate. Similarly, Rattie is now projected to play alongside McDavid and much of his recent production can be attributed to who he’s sharing the ice with. There’re differences too though. While Rattie doesn’t have an extensive NHL resume, the 25-year-old is certainly significantly more experienced and was already expected to make the team. More importantly though is the position each player is in. Plus, the Rattie experiment with McDavid has been going on longer than just the preseason. In Rattie’s 14 games with Edmonton in 2017-18, he spent a large majority of his 5-on-5 ice time alongside McDavid and Rattie recorded five goals and nine points as a result.

So, there is some reason to believe that the Rattie-McDavid experiment has staying power and while we’re not expecting anything like the superstar numbers we’ve seen out of Rattie in the preseason to continue, he should be a pretty solid contributor if he stays on that top line.

On a less upbeat note, Mikko Koskinen, who is slated to be the Edmonton Oilers’ backup goaltender after excelling in the KHL, has been a mixed bag in the preseason. That created some speculation that Al Montoya would earn the job over Koskinen, but ultimately Montoya was put on waivers while Koskinen is still with the team. It’s not too surprising of an outcome. Edmonton made a $2.5 million commitment to Koskinen, so they’re not going to change course before a single regular season game has even been played.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings didn’t make a lot of changes over the summer, but they did make one big move by signing Ilya Kovalchuk. He’s perhaps this season’s biggest X-Factor because he was one of the league’s best snipers when he left, but we’ll have to see what he’s like at the age of 35 and after five seasons in the KHL. For what little it’s worth, Kovalchuk has a goal and an assist in three preseason games.

There was talk of him rounding out the first line of Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, but that experiment didn’t last. Instead, it looks like the 2017-18 line of Kopitar, Brown, and Alex Iafallo will remain intact while Kovalchuk will play on the second line with Jeff Carter and Adrian Kempe.

As far as the bubble players go, it looks like Jaret Anderson-Dolan has managed to earn a spot on the squad. That’s pretty impressive for the 19-year-old whose pro career only consists of five AHL games thus far, but the reason why he’s being called a bubble player is because he will likely serve on the fourth line and might even end up as a healthy scratch on occasion. Also, even if he makes the team it could just be a temporary arrangement. He’s on an entry-level contract, so the nine-game trial rule applies, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he ends up back in the WHL before he gets to log that 10th game with Los Angeles.

San Jose Sharks

The big story for the San Jose Sharks is obvious: They acquired Erik Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators. With that move, San Jose arguably now features the top two best offensive defensemen in the league between Karlsson and Brent Burns.

That duo are expected to play together on the top power-play unit, but not on even strength. Instead, it looks like Karlsson will play with Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who is another amazing defenseman and while he’s not an elite offensive force, he’s no slouch in that regard either. Vlasic and Karlsson might prove to be the best pairing of the 2018-19 campaign. What about Burns? Joakim Ryan will probably be his partner. Ryan was Burns’ most common even-strength partner last season too, so there’s no real surprise there. That would leave them with a third pairing of Brenden Dillon and Justin Braun.

In terms of forwards, Antti Suomela has been a standout in training camp and it seems like he’s done enough to make the team. You can pencil him in as the third-line center at this point, perhaps alongside Joonas Donskoi and Kevin Labanc. Joe Thornton is also good to play after missing the second half of 2017-18 with a knee injury. Because of the injury, he’s only now getting a chance to play alongside trade deadline acquisition Evander Kane. They’re likely to be on the top line together with Joe Pavelski.

Vancouver Canucks

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 20: Vancouver Canucks centre Elias Pettersson (40) skates against the Los Angeles Kings in a NHL hockey game on September 20, 2018, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. (Photo by Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire)

In 2017-18, Brock Boeser established himself as the face of the Vancouver Canucks’ rebuild, but he’s about to get some company. Elias Pettersson is aiming to break into the NHL directly from the Swedish league and so far, it’s looking like he’ll do just that. Every rookie comes with a degree of risk, but at least going into the season it’s reasonable to view Pettersson as a potential contender for the Calder Trophy, just as Boeser was last season.

Another very promising forward prospect, Adam Gaudette, has been sent to AHL Utica though after getting a long look in training camp. He dominated with Northeastern University last season, recording 60 points in 38 contests and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get called up at some point in 2018-19.

Defenseman Olli Juolevi will begin the season in the AHL as well. He spent the 2017-18 campaign in SM-liiga, but he also played in the OHL for two seasons, so he does have some experience in North America. Probably the bigger issue with Juolevi is that he underwent back surgery over the summer and consequently couldn’t start training until the middle of August, so it’s not surprising that he couldn’t force his way onto the lineup this time. In the long run though, he could be a significant part of the Canucks’ blueline.

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas has been nothing if not eventful over the last month. The first big story to break was a rather unpleasant one as Nate Schmidt received a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA's Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Schmidt’s agent did assert that his client’s actions were unintentional, but regardless of the circumstances, the bottom line is a defenseman who recorded 36 points and averaged 22:14 minutes last season will miss the first quarter of the campaign.

That naturally left the Golden Knights with an opening on defense. It did look like Erik Brannstrom might make the team as a result, but the 19-year-old will instead start the season in the AHL. That’s probably not a bad idea given that this is his first campaign in North America after coming over from Sweden. Instead, it looks like Jake Bischoff got the final spot on the Golden Knights’ blueline. He’s 24-years-old and had seven goals and 23 points in 69 AHL contests last season.

The next major event was Vegas acquiring Max Pacioretty from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki and a 2019 second round pick. Vegas gave up quite a bit to get Tatar from Detroit at the trade deadline, but he never really found a spot with the Golden Knights, so it’s not surprising to see him be dealt again, even if it arguably is at a significant loss compared to what Vegas paid. As for Suzuki, he’s a great prospect, but wouldn’t have been a factor this season, so at least in the near-term, this trade represents a big boost for Vegas.

Pacioretty and the summer signing of Paul Stastny gives the Golden Knights the makings of a really strong second line. The third member of that unit is up for debate, but Erik Haula and Alex Tuch appear to be the finalists for that gig.

Finally, RFA Shea Theodore agreed to a seven-year, $36.4 million contract on Sept. 25. He did miss part of training camp, but at least he signed with enough time to get back into the swing of things before the regular season starts. Having him on board is also particularly important right now given the absence of Schmidt and given that his cap hit looks pretty reasonable, this was a nice signing for Vegas.

McFries – Edmonton Oilers 2018-19 Season Preview

Robert Howard — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:46:43 +0000

REVIEW/STATE OF PLAY - Hard to call last season anything other than an unmitigated disaster both in the standing, horrific enough in dropping 25 points to finish sixth in your division, 22^nd in the league - after finishing second in your division and winning a playoff round. The optics of Taylor Hall winning the Hart trophy and Matt Barzal (they traded the pick he was taken with along with the 33^rd overall for Griffin Reinhart) winning the Calder, were brutal. Questions surround GM Chiarelli’s big acquisitions including Milan Lucic, Cam Talbot and Adam Larsson (albeit with a difficult personal situation) had dismal seasons. He and coach Todd McLellan are on the hot seat entering their fourth season after an uncharacteristic quiet offseason.

Connor McDavid

MOVING FORWARDS - The season started with great excitement after their first playoff appearance in 10 seasons and a generational first line center in Connor McDavid, and his number two ‘the Messier-apparent’ amongst the fan base, Leon Draisaitl – both signed to monster contracts to start the season. Nobody can fault either for their performance, though some will try with Draisaitl (70 points in 80 games) by not ascending to superstar status.

Talbot should bounce back, and Larsson did what was expected of him when available. Solid but not an offensive juggernaut. Lucic with five years remaining on a healthy contract looked lost, slow and the game appears to be passing him by. His typical fiery, nasty, physical side seemed lost with one goal and eight assists in the last 46 games. It seems to be a long way back to be effective. A proud competitor he needs to find his spirit and game. He can add a dimension when he does.

Ryan Strome, the key piece added for Jordan Eberle struggled as well with his second worst showing in points-per-game in five seasons. The fifth overall pick just turned 25, so will be given the benefit of the doubt in his second season in Alberta, but window seems to be closing on whether this prospect will breakout. Questions about skating nag him in the modern NHL. He and Lucic were paired together last season and the great hope is they can anchor an effective third line with scoring potential. Anchor being perhaps a bad choice of word.

6’4, 215 pound Jujhar Khaira was one of very few pleasant surprises and a heavy presence on the boards and physically. He also boasts impressive skating and decent puck skills. Ready to take the fourth line center role and let the other pieces fall into place. Number four pick 20-year-old Jesse Puljujarvi may take some seasoning yet. Tried beside Lucic, even McDavid for a ten-game test, but eventually saw a myriad of wingers after that, but had settled in alongside Lucic by the end of the season.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ended the season lining up beside Connor McDavid on the wing after a long trial with Lucic. Draisaitl played sporadically with Draisaitl as well, but clearly, they want the two to lead separate lines. Nugent-Hopkins as an effective centreman provides a plug and play option on the top two lines allowing the coach to play Draisaitl with McDavid when necessary.

DEFENSIVE CHALLENGES - The Oilers defense had its challenges last season, but a young group with some promise. Oscar Klefbom entered the season as a potential breakout candidate with an opportunity to seize the lead role on the back end of a potentially lethal offenSe. The result was a power play finishing dead last in the league, bookended with a woeful penalty kill (25^th). A combination of injuries, lost confidence contributed to a long season and a subject of trade rumours. A rebound season is possible and signed to a reasonable $4.167 million AAV for the next five years. A left-shot defenseman, they covet a right-hand shot, with Larsson and Matthew Benning the only options. Justin Faulk is available but there is scant left in the cupboard after Chiarelli used it up in the past two seasons.

The emergence of Darnell Nurse in 2018-19 was one of the bright spots. He was second on the team in TOI/GP including time on the penalty kill and in key situations. He saw little power play time but brings size and intensity to the blueline and an RFA this season

They received a blow when it was learnt that Andrej Sekera was sidelined indefinitely with a torn achilles heal after a shortened season last year. His absence leaves a void that will provide urgency to trade rumours.

Cam Talbot ranks amongst the most disappointing revelations of 17-18 after a terrific 16-17 and the apparent solution in the net. He struggled out of the gate last year and never quite found his form. In the final year of his contract at 31-years-old this remains an area of great exposure for the Oilers. He was a tower in 73 appearances in the previous season, and his regression showed how exposed the organization is in net. They signed Mikko Koskinen out of the KHL after a standout season for $2.5 million for one season.

OUTLOOK – They should be improved but questions on the back end and depending on a number of players to have bounce back season, most importantly Talbot. They will struggle to be competitive for a playoff spot.

Edmonton Oilers Prospect System Overview

Tom Dorsa — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:36:44 +0000

The Edmonton Oilers are in hockey purgatory. They have far too much young talent to be able to properly upheave everything and rebuild, but so little depth thanks to a number of perplexing decisions from general manager Peter Chiarelli. The Oilers have made their bed, and now they must lay in it, but how do you patch up a team with only one playoff series victory since 2006?

One tried and true method is by finding depth through the NHL Draft and from free agent prospect signings. With so many high first-rounders -- another in 2018 in dynamic defenseman Evan Bouchard -- the Oilers have top-end talent, but their depth lacks. Thankfully for the future of the franchise, Edmonton has begun to go with the trend in drafting smaller, more athletic forwards with later-round picks in the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle.

On a team built around three expensive but worthy centers -- Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- the Oilers find themselves in desperate need of young, inexpensive draft picks with enough skill and speed to log top-six minutes. Obviously it stings to lose Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, but in Kailer Yamamoto, Tyler Benson, and maybe even Ty Rattie, they're getting there with a new approach to building their roster.

Instead of drafting for specific roles and immediate team needs, they've started to draft for talent and let the club construct itself. This will pay major dividends when McDavid and Draisaitl -- already superstars -- get older and more experienced. But it's not just among the forwards that things are looking up, as the goaltenders in the system are pretty promising as well.

Cam Talbot has played more than 350 more minutes than the second-ranked goaltender in the league over the past two years, topping out at over 8,000 combined. It's clear he needs some relief in the form of a serviceable back-up, and the Oilers have three goaltenders in our top 20 prospects. Help is coming.

Defensively, Bouchard joins a group that already features steady top-four presences Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson as well as the developing and promising Darnell Nurse, whose ceiling might be as high as those other two. The Oilers are starting to fill out and become the consistent playoff contenders a team with the best player in the world should be.

Evan Bouchard

1 Evan Bouchard, D (10th overall, 2018. Last year: IE) Straight from the NHL Draft, Evan Bouchard is the clear top prospect in the Edmonton system. With offensive tools that include superb vision, accurate and rapid passing skills, excellent athleticism and agility, and an unparalleled combination of lethal shots, the right-hander is a dynamic shot-generating defenseman. His 87 points in 2017-18 led all OHL defensemen despite playing on a London Knights team that got bounced in the first round of the playoffs. His responsibility and discipline defensively is above average, with NHL-ready rink sense, maturity, and durability. He's not overly physical, but should be good and ready to take on NHL size when his debut comes.

2 Kailer Yamamoto, RW (22nd overall, 2017. Last year: 2nd) Unlike the prototypical big, stocky, finesse-first forwards the Oilers have recently taken in high draft rounds, Kailer Yamamoto is undersized, speedy, and offensively gifted. A near elite skater and puck-handler, Yamamoto's offensive potential and smarts are combined with a tricky shot and various elusive moves to get past defenders. Yamamoto could be a future right wing to Connor McDavid at center -- a necessary addition given the lack of speed down the wing in Edmonton -- having shown potential for success with the Oilers after three assists in nine games as an 18 years old last year. 2018-19 will be his last year of WHL eligibility.

3 Ryan McLeod, C (40th overall, 2018. Last year: IE) Much like his brother, former first-round pick Michael, Ryan McLeod's game revolves around his intelligence and his wheels. He's seen as a two-way center with some untapped offensive potential, and with a player as mature and defensively stout as the younger McLeod is, that offensive upside is all that needs work; the issue is, he doesn't have a single dynamic scoring skill. The 18-year-old projects to fill out as more of a playmaker than a shooter on offense, as his speed and vision give him something to build on. McLeod was projected in our draft guide as a first-rounder, and could be a second-round steal for the Oilers if he pans out and provides something at the NHL level. The assist leader for Mississauga will be heading back to the Steelheads next year.

4 Tyler Benson, LW (32nd overall, 2016. Last year: 3rd) Tyler Benson's draft stock was decimated due to injuries in and prior to his draft season, but with the raw skill and stupendous playmaking abilities he possesses, it appears the Oilers got a steal in the early second round. Benson is a strong skater and has a solid, heavy shot, but his puck-possession and distribution sets him apart. His vision, creativity, and spot-on passing will make for an abundance of assists at the NHL level, and as long as his health permits it, he has a top-six future. He has some flaws to work on, mostly as far as defensive effort and backchecking goes. He will be turning pro in 2018-19, likely with Bakersfield, where he tallied three assists in five games in a late-season cameo last year.

5 Cooper Marody, C (Trade: Mar. 21, 2018 -- Philadelphia. Last year: Unranked -- Philadelphia) Cooper Marody missed large chunks of his freshman (mononucleosis) and sophomore (academic ineligibility) years at Michigan, but exploded onto the scene this past season with 51 points in 40 games with the Wolverines. The Big Ten scoring champion is a very smart, high-energy player with a gift for slowing the game down, reading the ice, and making the smart plays, which often involve his wicked wrist shot. He isn't very creative and doesn't have good raw speed, but is worth the risk, as the Oilers sent a third-round pick to Philly for the centerman who projects to be a bottom-six guy with some upside. Marody looks ready to turn pro, and given his spot-starts with the Condors, should be prepped to enter the pro system this season.

Olivier Rodrigue

6 Olivier Rodrigue, G (62nd overall, 2018. Last year: IE) One of three goaltenders of note in a position of pretty good depth for the Oilers, Rodrigue has the highest ceiling of the lot. Just the second netminder taken in this June's draft, the QMJHL product has a very light and athletic frame that allows him to glide across the crease and impede any opposing scoring chance. His reflexes and rebound control are insanely refined for an 18-year-old. His positional play will have to improve to make up for his lack of size (6-1", 155lbs), but his NHL potential is there. Just 18 years old, the goaltender will be honing his craft in the QMJHL in 2018-19, where he backstopped Drummondville with a 31-16-1 record last season.

7 Ethan Bear, D (124th overall, 2015. Last year: 11th) Ethan Bear is simply fun to watch. He is short and stocky, but he uses his puzzling physique to his advantage, as his strength on his skates and balance when cutting/pivoting is exceptional. He's got the wheels and vision to make things happen at five-on-five, and the electric shot all potential power play quarterbacks need. Last season, it seemed like the former fifth-rounder made something happen every time the puck was on his stick. The 21-year-old earned top pair minutes with Bakersfield last season, a sign of improvement in what had previously ailed him (defensive zone play), and could be a bottom-four presence on the Oilers roster this year.

8 Stuart Skinner, G (78th overall, 2017. Last year: 4th) Following a mid-season trade at the WHL ranks from Lethbridge to Swift Current, Skinner turned it on, and showed the high ceiling that scouts rave over. The big and sturdy netminder went 16-6-1 in 25 games with the Broncos, displaying decent agility for a goalie his size (6-3", 205lbs), his great net coverage, and improved focus. His lack of consistent focus has ailed him in the past and still does occasionally, but his mental game has taken the next step over the past season. The 19-year-old Skinner signed his entry-level contract with the Oilers and will have a chance to impress in the pro ranks this season.

9 Dmitri Samorukov, D (84th overall, 2017. Last year: 20th) An impenetrable physical force in his own zone, Samorukov has started to show off offensively as well. With OHL career highs in goals, assists, points, and shots, it's clear the young Russian is becoming more confident in his game. Still, his style revolves around what happens behind his blueline, as his great gaps, solid body strength, and active stick make for trouble for opposing forwards. His shot is unimpressive, but as a defensive defenseman, he has fundamentals to build upon. Jumping 11 spots from last season's rankings to now, the 19-year-old has gone from fringe prospect to an on-the-radar youngster in the eyes of the Oilers front office.

10 John Marino, D (154th overall, 2015. Last year: 14th) John Marino has been committed to improvement, and it seems like every year he irons out another flaw that had been holding him back. He has promising puck movement skills and the heads-up demeanor to push the play up ice at any given opportunity, but isn't afraid to use his good gap control and puck-shielding to suppress shots in his own zone. A long-term project at Harvard, the 21-year-old is a lanky 6-2" with room to grow and increase his subpar physical intensity and lack of creativity. Marino was a go-to shut-down defensive option in the USPHL and USHL, and is becoming such with the Crimson.

Kirill Maksimov

11 Kirill Maksimov, RW (146th overall, 2017. Last year: 8th) On its face, Kirill Maksimov's offensive explosion in the OHL last season -- going from a career-high 22 points to 80 -- looks like a one-off fluke. However, Maksimov's raw skill and knack for creating high-danger chances has long been there. He suffers from puzzling inconsistencies, but otherwise, his whole game is there; he's mobile, has great hands, possesses NHL-level size, and plays with responsibility. Edmonton has less skill down the wings than perhaps every other team in the league, and Maksimov could be part of a prospect influx that helps change that. He just has to give it 100% more often.

12 Aapeli Rasanen, C (153rd overall, 2016. Last year: 19th) Aapeli Rasanen is a sneakily good center prospect playing with Boston College. At the club level, he's been a middling player without NHL-caliber skills, but internationally, Rasanen has shined as a point-per-game player in the World Juniors. He lacks any dynamic individual skill a forward should possess, but has a solid two-way skillset, good vision and rink senses, and crisp passing ability. A decent skater, his ceiling is as a fourth-line checking-role forward, as the Finnish forward has played predominantly a depth role with some special teams time at the NCAA ranks. He's another long-term project, but his unteachable qualities are something to keep track of down the line.

13 Caleb Jones, D (117th overall, 2015. Last year: 5th) Caleb Jones' first full season was a rude awakening, as he went from being a near point-per-game player in the WHL to finishing with just 17 points in 58 games in the AHL, adding to that, a -25 mark. Jones was responsible for a lot of defensive breakdowns and opposing goals, and did little to compensate for it offensively. Still, there's a lot of potential for the younger brother of Seth Jones, as a mobile defenseman with a great stretch pass, near elite shot, and good physicality can still be an impact player if his vision and discipline improves. He should be higher up on the depth chart with Bakersfield this season, and his opportunities on the power play will increase.

14 Hayden Hawkey, G (Trade: Jun. 23, 2018. Last Year: unranked [Montreal]) Not only does Hayden Hawkey have one of the best names in the sport, but he has given reason to suspect that he could grow into an NHL netminder. The former Montreal sixth round pick has shown improvement year over year with Providence College and was one of the most difficult goaltenders in NCAA to score upon as a junior with a GAA just a touch above 2. Hawkey combines high end athleticism with good ability to track the play and a competitive streak. Suitably impressed, the Oilers gave Montreal a fifth round pick in the 2019 draft to acquire Hawkey’s player rights, although, with the netminder returning to school for a senior season, Edmonton will have only 12 months to bring him fully into the fold.

15 Joel Persson, D (Free Agent Signing: May 18, 2018. Last year: IE) Joel Persson's situation is an interesting one. The Oilers signed the 24-year-old right-hander to a one-year deal but opted to leave him in Sweden, where last season, he manned the top-pair for Vaxjo, the SHL champs. He's got a booming shot from the point coupled with good vision and is a very quick, smart decision maker. His gap control and defense at the blue line could use some work, and should improve over this season as his mobility and skate quickness are solid enough to become a formidable two-way force. Overall, Edmonton has a fine little project on their hands in Sweden with the offensively-majestic Persson.

Ty Rattie

16 Ty Rattie, RW (Free Agent Signing: July 1, 2017. Last year: Unranked) Ty Rattie has been around the block, but the 25-year-old still has the skillset necessary to be a go-to depth scoring option. The 2011 draft pick is a very cerebral player with quality two-way skills and smarts, but his game truly shines on offense, where his splendid shot and athleticism take over. Once a prolific, 120-point scorer in the WHL, he clearly has top-six skill, but his all-or-nothing positioning can get him in trouble all too often. He's been an electric AHL player with Bakersfield and did well in his short NHL stint last season, but still has a lot to prove for his third NHL organization at just 25.

17 Ostap Safin, RW (115th overall, 2017. Last year: 7th) Size isn't everything, but Edmonton has been adamant about drafting high-ceiling big men and hoping something sticks. Ostap Safin is that, but even at 6-5" and 190lbs, he has some high-quality offensive skills. His finesse play is lethal, as are his long reach and superhuman puck-protection abilities. His defensive game and his tendency to cheat up the ice will need some work, likely coming at the AHL level, but his 58 points in 61 games in the QMJHL -- his first year in North America -- screams of power-forward promise. The Oilers have been seeking a physically powerful, finesse depth scorer for countless seasons; Safin has the ceiling to fit that ideal.

18 Cameron Hebig, C (Free Agent Signing: Dec. 28, 2017. Last year: IE) After missing the entire 2016-17 season in the WHL with a mystery illness, Hebig posted 90 points in 62 games between Saskatoon and Regina last season. The right-shooting pivot is a point-scoring machine at his best and with no concern about his health, with patient but fast hands and a terrifying wrist shot. He is as creative with the puck as he is dangerous, finding better opportunities every time he flies down the ice even if it means sacrificing his own shot. If his health holds up, he could lead the charge for the Condors offense this season, where -- at 21 years old -- he'll be entering the pro ranks for the Oilers franchise.

19 Filip Berglund, D (91st overall, 2016. Last year: Unranked) Filip Berglund is much like a familiar name in Edmonton, Adam Larsson; Berglund's game centers around his size, his mental poise in his own zone, and his shooting ability. His game is much more strictly defensive, however, but his defensive capabilities are exceptional, combining good gap control with the ability to force forwards to the outside of the zone and limit dangerous passes and shots. He put up decent numbers for a third-pair defenseman on a fairly talented SHL team, Skelleftea, chipping in 13 points in 44 games. Berglund does not have a high ceiling as a prospect, but his floor (AHL top-four, NHL bottom-two or extra defenseman) is high enough for Edmonton to remain optimistic in his development.

20 Tyler Vesel, C (153rd overall, 2014. Last year: Unranked) The 24-year-old is coming off of a highly-successful college career captaining Nebraska-Omaha and did well enough in a cameo stint with Bakersfield to earn a one-year contract with Edmonton. It's been a long time coming for Vesel, originally drafted as sixth round over-ager, but the undersized forward's maturity, craftiness, and relentless effort oozes potential for a role as an effective checking-line forward in the pro ranks. At 24, he's older than the average prospect, and his experience should make a difference for the leadership core of the Condors roster. There's not much more Vesel can do to round his game out, but his competitiveness and adaptability should make him a welcomed presence in the AHL and perhaps the NHL.

NHL Prospect Scouting: St. Louis Blues

Ryan Wagman — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 16:12:39 +0000

According to the Hockey Prospectus 2015 Organization rankings, the St. Louis Blues had the tenth best prospect pipeline in the league. Three of the top ten, Robby Fabbri, Colton Parayko and Joel Edmundson, have already made significant marks with the NHL team and many others are chomping at the bit with their AHL affiliate in Chicago, the Wolves.

The Wolves feature three prospects in particular, who are all not only close to being ready to contribute in the NHL, but still have upsides worthy of the top half of the lineup. Most encouraging among those three is former second rounder Ivan Barbashev, a Russian who was selected first overall in the CHL Import Draft of 2012 and spent three seasons in Moncton before turning pro.

As a rookie professional, Barbashev’s counting stats are solid enough, if short of spectacular. When we look under the hood however, and examine the player for his component parts, we begin to see a winger who could find himself holding down the second line in St. Louis as soon as next season, although a more likely landing spot would be in the bottom six to start.

Barbashev’s skating can be a little bit labored as he hunches over when accelerating and his top speeds underwhelm, but his agility is a plus and he moves well enough to shake loose of defensive coverage and create scoring chances. Although he scored 45 goals in 57 games in his final year in the Q, the 20-year-old should not be considered a sniper at the next level. He has a heavy wrist shot, but its utility is dragged down a bit by a slow release.

His hands work well once he has control of the puck and he can manipulate it in interesting ways, including carrying through and around defenders as well as creative passes. He can sometimes fumble when receiving passes, but on the whole, his puck skills are above average. While he plays center on most nights now, his future is as likely to be on the wing as up the middle. If he does move to the wing, it will not be for lack of smarts, as he is exceptionally aware of his surroundings on the ice and I have seen him make a number of plays that demonstrate his team play. For example, if Barbashev has the puck alone in the offensive end, he recognizes the folly of dumping the puck and giving the opposition a clean break out of their zone. Instead, he will attempt to play keep-away with his coverage until one of his teammates is ready to join him and he will seamlessly switch from bullying the puck to softly getting it out to a friendly blade.

Lastly of note, and of particular interest if there is a question about his ability to survive on a depth line if a top six spot is not open in the NHL, but Ivan Barbashev is a very physical player. Much like Blues rookie Fabbri, Barbashev shows no fear on the ice and is willing to engage with much bigger players. He is tenacious on the forecheck and plays with an effective snarl that will endear him to fans and coaches alike. As it stands, there is little to separate the former second rounder from being an effective and productive NHL player this season other than the inherent depth of the Blues’ roster.

Jordan Schmaltz, D, Chicago Wolves (25^th overall, 2012)

Having spent very little time with the US National Development Program, and never having represented the Stars and Stripes at the World Juniors, Jordan Schmaltz flew somewhat under the radar even as scouts saw a first round pick. Three solid seasons with the University of North Dakota has led to his debut with the Wolves this year. Even with his first round pedigree, he fell in the pecking order due to the comet-like emergence of Colton Parayko, while Wolves’ teammates Joel Edmundson and Petteri Lindbohm are more likely to be called up this season. That all said, Schmaltz is not wasting his time on the farm as he is being given a healthy dose of ice time with which to develop a budding transitional game. A mobile skater who trends to above average when he gets a head of steam, Schmaltz is a mainstay on the Wolves power play, where he gets to display a whippy and low snap shot and slap shot. He is proficient at transitioning the puck from his own end up to the neutral zone, although needs to work on the timing of his passes, sometimes catching teammates unready. Neither large, nor undersized, he is more likely to play a supporting role in puck scrums in his own end, ready to assist with puck recovery. He can hold his own physically, however, as strong feet allow him to pin his man against the boards, but it will be a quiet pinning, as he is unlikely to land a glass shaking hit. Schmaltz has a far higher upside than either Edmundson or Lindbohm, and the Blues are wise to give him the time and space to reach his ceiling in the AHL before putting his feet to the fire in the NHL.

Ty Rattie, RW, Chicago Wolves (32^nd overall, 2011)

Ty Rattie is now in his third professional season, coming off a stellar career with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL. Not as flashy as either of his teammates already mentioned in this article, Rattie has a shot that can be a weapon at the highest level. Between his hands, vision and shot, he can finish and will be a double digit goal scorer in the NHL. The Wolves will often use Rattie along the halfwall on the power play, where he can put those three attributes together and either find open teammates, or put himself into good shooting position. The result so far this season has been close to one point per game. A frequent shooter, Rattie is averaging nearly three shots per game this year, a figure well in line with his previous two AHL campaigns. What has held him back from regular NHL time has been his lack of a physical game, or seemingly the potential to improve much in that area, as he is not much different physically today, age 22 than he was as an 18-year-old draft eligible. While that drawback would lead many to hesitate to assign him to a bottom six role, he would contribute more to the Blues’ playoff aspirations than a one dimensional plugger like Ryan Reaves.

Jacob Doty, RW, Chicago Wolves (UFA, Sep. 26, 2013)

A testament to the value of good scouting, Doty was a find as a banger with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, who was signed as an undrafted free agent after being passed up in the draft twice. The Denver winger never really scored much as a junior, and hasn’t done much better thus far as a pro, putting up a combined 17 points in 63 games between the ECHL and AHL last year – mostly in the ECHL. That said ,there is a case to be made that in Doty, the Blues have a doppelganger for the aforementioned Ryan Reaves. The first thing that sticks out when you witness Doty on the ice is his size. At 6-3”, 220, he was built for the wars of the Western Conference. With 50 penalty minutes through his first 20 games this year, he is also used to playing to type. He is more than just a banger, though, as he has some skill to his game. He moves well for his size and he has an above average wrist shot. I would like to see him shoot more often. His current 18.8% shooting percentage will not be sustained, but he will add to the Wolves’ attack and put himself in line for consideration of an NHL callup.

Mackenzie MacEachern, LW, Michigan State Spartans (67^th overall, 2012)

It is very easy to overlook NCAA players, especially if they are not front and center in discussions about the Hobey Baker Award, or if they do not play for one of the Northeast powerhouses like Boston College or Boston University. A high third round pick in 2012 MacEachern is rarely discussed in prospect circles, but perhaps he should be. While Michigan State is the clear underdog of Michigan-based Big 10 programs, it is through no fault of MacEachern’s. A central component to the Spartan attack, the Chicago Steel alumnus has the makings of a plus possession player. He plays a smart two-way game, and can create plenty of offensive chances due to his plus vision. His shot is not strong enough to be a big goal scorer, but the Blues would be wise to get him under contract as soon as this NCAA season is completed to begin to refine his game. His all-around utility suggests third line upside.

Around the Boards: Fantasy Notes

Robert Howard — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 15:59:46 +0000

Paraphrasing Brian Burke, he once famously declared otherwise knowledgeable, experienced GM’s lose their minds at the trade deadline and free agency on July 1^st. Making their greatest mistakes at the trade deadline, followed closely by free agency. In fantasy hockey, the trade deadline is also fraught with ill-advised deals, and a heightened level of desperation in search of a championship, but there is an argument to be made that the first ten games of the fantasy hockey season produce some interesting trade opportunities. Surprising results from a small sample of games can lead to some itchy GM fingers in the ‘irrational exuberance” of the excitement of another season.

However, if you keep a relatively cool head it is a good time to make some trades based on early results. One of the time-tested measures for goal scorers in particular, is the number of shots they are producing, and their corresponding shooting percentage. A look at the top shot producers in the league to date uncovers some established scorers who should see the law of averages begin to work in their favour. There are some excellent sites doing some advanced work on shooting and scoring chances, but we will stick to a simpler approach for this article. Here are some suggestions to throw a buy-low offer at.

Taylor Hall on Edmonton leads the league with 39 shots, with a 7.7% shooting percentage. Not a big dip from the 8.9% he connected on last year, but down from his career shooting percentage of 11.0%.

Daniel Sedin is tied for second in the league with Tarasenko and Pacioretty with 36 shots and a meagre 5.6% shooting percentage. Well off his career average of 11.6%, but be aware he has not shot at that level since 2011-12. In the previous three seasons he has posted an 8.2% shooting percentage, as he has been producing around a twenty-goals pace. A long way from his heyday, and should temper any hope of a significant uplift.

Brent Burns leads all defenseman in shots with 35, but has only one goal, with a 2.9% shooting percentage. His past results get a little muddied by his time as a forward of the past few years, but has shot at 8.0% over the previous two seasons. Given the scoring opportunities created by his bomb from the point, it is very encouraging that he is firing away 4.4 shots a game versus 3.0 last season.

Tied for ninth with 32 shots each are Nazem Kadri, Rich Nash and Radim Vrbata with a 3.1% shooting percentage and a single goal to date. All of them are due to rebound.

Rich Nash owns a 12.4% career shooting percentage and potted 42 last season with a 13.8% success rate.

Kadri, has almost double his shot count from last season with 4.5 a game versus 2.4 last year (with a 10.2% shooting percentage).

Vrbata recently was re-united with the Sedins, and looks to be staying there. He has been firing well below his career average (9.4%), but the opportunities have been there and he is due.

Ryan Johansen (one goal in 24 games) and Nick Foligno (one goal in 30 shots) are both due. Johansen’s injury clouds things, but they are good buy-low targets. Look for a turnaround from a dismal start, with a kickstart form new coach Tortorella. Foligno may not hit the highs he did last year, but his stats will improve.

Other honourable mentions include Jakub Voracek with no goals on 28 shots. Claude Giroux sits with one assist to date, so they are likely to ignite together. Two games this week against an injured Buffalo team and one against New Jersey (playing well and not an easy out) could be the tonic.

In addition to some unexpected starts there was a slew of injury news to start the week in the NHL. Here are some key fantasy performers that will shake up line combinations and your line-up decisions.

The St. Louis Blues are early front-runners for the ‘Triage Award’ for injuries this season, having lost Patrik Berglund, Paul Stastny, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jaden Schwartz, and Robby Fabbri for periods. Schwartz being the lasts blow that will remove him from the line-up for three months. Opening opportunities for Ty Rattie and Dmitrij Jaskin to fill some much needed offensive holes. The 22-year old Rattie is off to a hot start with the Chicago Wolves with four goals and seven points in three games, in his third season with the Wolves. Here is an excerpt from his McKeen’s profile available for subscribers.

“Skilled sniper netted 17 goals in 36 games before his recall from Chicago Wolves .. scored 12 goals between his second and third assists of the season .. watched Blues postseason from press box and then was scoreless in three Calder Cup games .. crafty and slick in possession thanks to good athleticism, quick hands .. beats opponents with elusiveness and speed of execution .. flashy skater – light and nimble on his feet .. lateral agility is well above average – excels making diagonal cuts .. able to sustain speed through crossover sequences .. at times shy about driving into congested areas .. work-in-progress away from the puck .. scattered, unstructured, not a puck winner .. swerves out of coverage lanes – can be slow picking up defensive marks .. attempts low-percentage diagonal passes .. may not play regularly if he’s not in the top six”

Jori Lehtera becomes ever more central to the attack, centering the top line in the absence of Paul Stastny. He had been previously lining up with Schwartz. He skated 22:40 in the last St. Louis game, leads the team in P/60 with 3.59, and is familiar with Steen and Tarasenko. He skated 82% of his shifts in 2014-15 alongside Tarasenko. An opportunity for a sophomore breakout and significant increase of his 44-point rookie season.

Colton Pareyko has seized the opportunity opened up by Shattenkirk’s injury. He has produced five points in the last six games, including two power play points in 2:34 of average ice time. He played over 22 minutes a game for the last two and shown poise and confidence, and not afraid to rush the puck. At 6’5” and 225 pounds he looks like he belongs at the pro level.

Buffalo has lost Evander Kane for four to six weeks with a torn MCL. The Sabres have recalled forward Tim Schaller from Rochester, where he had a goal and an assist in six games. Line juggling at practice saw Nick Delauriers taking his place, but a natural goal scorer will be hard to replace on the offensively challenged Sabres, having only scored 16 goals this season in eight games. I am not sure there is a silver lining for anyone’s fantasy upside in this situation. Sam Reinhart may be the biggest beneficiary, but he has already produced solid numbers with four points in eight games.

Aleksandr Barkov is expected to be out of action for two to four weeks with a broken bone in his hand. Surgery is not required, limiting his time on the sidelines. It will affect his grip on his stick and something you will want to monitor on his return, before inserting him into your line-up. It is a blow to the Florida Panthers as he appeared to emerging as a breakout star, at both ends of the ice. Three goals and six points in seven games, picking up from the hot finish to last season alongside Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan Huberdeau. Exceptional two-way play for a third year pro.

Ryan Johansen listed as day to day, but undergoing tests. He has been plagued by low energy, and the team is insisting it is not related to his heart, after being hospitalized this summer for an accelerated heart rate according to the Columbus Dispatch.

He missed the Blue Jackets first win of the season under new coach John Totorella. I am not a big fan of Tortorella’s coaching style, but this may be a good fit in the short term to inject some energy into a moribund team. The personnel fits his style. If Johansen’s medical concerns turn out to be easily remedied, he could be an excellent buy-low target.

Detroit’s two free-agent acquisitions are now both on the shelf. Mike Green has been sidelined for two to three weeks with a shoulder injury, from a hit from Calgary’s Josh Jooris. Green had been struggling to adjust to life in Motor City, having been replaced prior to his injury on the first unit powerplay by Niklas Kronwall, as the only defenseman on the unit with four forwards, prior. He had only produced one point in seven games.

Brad Richards continues to undergo tests on his back, while not believed to be serious, the potential for continued problems this season should make you wary. Age combined with the always tricky back could make for continued difficulties.

The NHL’s three stars were led by Evgeni Kuznetsov with a spectacular nine point week. He is no longer under any radar, but has looked sensational centering Alexander Ovechkin and Oshie. The shocking thing is he could actually had more goals from his chances. He provides two dangerous scoring units, with Niklas Backstrom coming back strongly from injury with seven points in three games to skate between newcomer Justin Williams and Johansen.

The Caps look like they could be a offensive powerhouse this season, with John Carlson emerging as a bonafide superstar on the back end, and a second-ranked power play, that features two excellent distributor from the half boards in Backstrom and Kuznetsov - with some deadly finishers in Ovechkin and Oshie to feed.

2015-16 Yearbook: Top 30 Calder candidates

Grant McCagg — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 11:45:50 +0000

McKeen's Head Scout Grant McCagg ranks the Calder Cup candidates for the coming season. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel were linked all season as two franchise players available at the 2015 NHL Draft, and will continue to be compared throughout their career, begin with their inaugural campaign. Grant's rankings and notes are below:

RANK	PLAYER	NOTES
1	Connor McDavid, C, Edm	Generational talents play right away as a rule, and McDavid should be no exception. Scored at 15 in the OHL...he'll score at 18 in the NHL.
2	Jack Eichel, C, Buf	Provides the size/skill/strength/maturity to step right into a top-two center role and produce offence from the first game of the season.
3	Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Wpg	Danish roadrunner expected to crack Winnipeg's opening lineup - likely in a sheltered role. Too young for the AHL - will play in Switzerland otherwise.
4	Sam Bennett, LW, Cgy	Enjoyed a solid NHL playoff run after being recalled from Kingston. Second-year pro should snare a second-line wing position beside Backlund.
5	Max Domi, LW, Ari	His explosive offensive skills will be a welcome addition to a club starving for offence. May line up beside Strome and Duclair on a dynamic Kid Line.
6	Dylan Larkin, C, Det	Detroit GM Ken Holland expects Larkin to step into Detroit's lineup following his terrific freshman season at Michigan. Played on US WHC team at 18.
7	Mike Reilly, D, Min	The prize catch of the college free agent pool will be given every chance to succeed on a Minnesota blueline that could use another powerplay option.

8	Darnell Nurse, D, Edm	Already possesses NHL size, speed and strength - traits Edmonton's defence has not been noted for in recent years. A top-four position awaits.
9	Noah Hanifin, D, Car	Stepped into a top-four role seamlessly as an NCAA freshman last season...no reason why he can't repeat the feat on an NHL bottom feeder.
10	Dylan Strome, C, Ari	A team that employed Kyle Chipchura as a number one-center at one point last season should welcome the OHL scoring champion eagerly to the fold.
11	Sam Reinhart, C, Buf	A top-two pick rarely enters the league with a lack of hype and pressure, but Reinhart may be in that unique position with Eichel's arrival.
12	Artemi Panarin, LW, Chi	Outscored more ballyhooed teammate Kovalchuk in the KHL last season. Should step into a key role after Chicago's offseason exodus of top nine forwards.
13	Pavel Zacha, C, NJ	Another year of junior wouldn't hinder his development, however the Devils sorely lack offensive talent at center. If he sticks, he should see plenty of ice.
14	Madison Bowey, D, Wsh	Memorial Cup runner-up has the ability to replace most of Mike Green's offence while providing better defence. May take him half a season to adjust.
15	Joonas Donskoi, RW, SJ	Teamed up with Boston newcomer Joonas Kemppainen - to terrorize Finnish league playoffs. Creative catalyst may be just what San Jose mix needs.
16	Kevin Fiala, LW, Nsh	He may have trouble cracking Nashville's top six initially, but if Hodgson bounces back the third line should be quite productive and pushing for bigger minutes.
17	Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, CBJ	Almost reached the 100-goal plateau last season by the end of the WHL playoffs, which should earn him a shot at a top-six spot in training camp.
18	Robby Fabbri, C, StL	Berglund injury affords Fabbri the opportunity to step into a third-line center role right out of junior. Got a taste of pro hockey last spring in Worcester.
19	Mikko Rantanen, RW, Col	Finnish winger has the size, skills, and defensive mindset to step directly into NHL. Will get long look at camp - skating being the main concern.
20	Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Phi	Flyers deep in high-end blueline prospects with the former NCAA star likely nearest to contributing. Lost season to injury could delay promotion.
21	William Nylander, C, Tor	Will benefit from full season in the AHL to learn the defensive side of being a centerman. Trades on the big club could open the door earlier.
22	Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, TB	Set to challenge starter Ben Bishop - with 30-plus games a possibility. Plans will change after late-summer surgery to repair a blood clot.
23	Jordan Weal, C, LA	The departure of Stoll and Richards opens up a chance for the proven AHLer to show he can handle the NHL game from a physical standpoint.
24	Sergei Plotnikov, LW, Pit	Russian newcomer slips under the age limit for NHL rookie status. Also arrives in an advantageous spot - possibly lining up with Malkin & Kessel.
25	Ty Rattie, RW, StL	Fired 52 goals combined over past two AHL seasons and injects some speed into the St. Louis forward mix. One-way player will need to crack the top six.
26	Connor Hellebuyck, G, Wpg	A revelation at the World Championships for Team USA, he showed all season long that he could handle pro shots, leading the AHL in goalie wins.
27	Esa Lindell, D, Dal	Finnish defender made incredible strides last season - culminating in a strong showing at the senior Worlds. May follow John Klingberg's swift NHL path.
28	Malcolm Subban, G, Bos	Would be a spectacular story to win the Calder given his lack of experience - his only NHL appearance being a rather forgettable one.
29	Lawson Crouse, LW, Fla	Already plays a two-way, pro-style game with his size, sense and skating ability. Florida has openings on the top two lines on the wing.
30	Emile Poirier, RW, Cgy	No need to rush talented winger given well-stocked forward ranks on Calgary. May force the NHL door open earlier with a hot AHL start.

Portland’s Nic Petan making large waves

Randy Gorman — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:16:16 +0000

If only for another 3-4 inches and Nicolas Petan of the Portland Winterhawks might be a high first-round pick at the 2013 NHL Draft.

That certainly wasn't the thinking coming into this draft season.

In spite of a vast skill-set and uncanny instincts, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound pivot would still have to conjure up something pretty extraordinary to convince the NHL that he could ply his craft and survive NHL warfare.

Petan has done all that and more during a phenomenal breakout second year in the WHL.

The Delta, B.C. native has been a driving creative force behind Portland's juggernaut campaign that blazed a 51-9-3 trail until stumbling recently, dropping their last three games including a 4-2 loss to the Everett Silvertips Saturday night.

The Winterhawks still hold an 8-point lead in the overall league standings - and have a chance to finish 1-2-3 in the individual scoring race in both goals and points.

Currently, Petan and teammate Brandon Leipsic share the overall goal-scoring lead with 44, while the third member of Portland's attack, Ty Rattie, is next with 42 goals, tied with Curtis Valk of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Leipsic (111 pts), Petan (109), and Rattie (99) also sit first, second, and fourth, respectively, in the scoring race - with Colin Smith of the Kamloops Blazers in third with 100 points.

Petan also leads the WHL in plus-minus at a dizzying plus-61 - with the Winterhawks holding down four of the top five spots - and seven in the top 16 including top-rated draft prospect Seth Jones (plus-37) and Danish winger Oliver Bjorkstrand (plus-35).

-----------------

Nic Petan (C/LW, 2013), Portland

Diminutive 5-foot-8, 165-pound center has developed into an exciting and dynamic player to watch .. speedy with a short, powerful part-choppy stride .. hard to knock off the puck due to his low center of gravity .. keeps his balance remarkably well through traffic .. among the most gifted in the league in terms of natural puck and hand skills .. boasts exceptional puckhandling control, for which he has drawn comparisons to former NHL great Joe Sakic, only a smaller version .. his vision is first-rate - sees the ice extremely well .. excels at drawing defenders in and opening up space for teammates .. displays sublime patience with the puck - can pull the puck back for a split second to open up a passing lane and hit his man with a saucer pass - or a touch pass in one motion that doesn’t allow a defenseman to react .. his shot is also a weapon as it explodes off his blade and has uncanny accuracy .. his quickness and ability to match his foot and hand speed to make plays at a heightened pace makes him very difficult to defend .. gritty and determined - not afraid to finish a check or work the boards down low .. comes backs hard and backchecks with enthusiasm .. doesn’t back down when the game gets tougher and can inspire and motivate teammates with his physical injections and through the consistency of his play from shift to shift .. intriguing prospect given his natural skills coupled with a strong compete level .. in the Jordan Eberle manner, where a lack of size appears to be only deficiency.

WJHC: Team Canada Player Points By Period

Gus Katsaros — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:09:23 +0000

Here's a special little treat for all World Junior Championships enthusiasts.

Congratulations to all players named by Hockey Canada to represent the colors in the upcoming IIHF World Junior Hockey Champinships in Ufa.

To celebrate their appointments, here is a breakdown of all Team Canada players (except for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) points breakdown by period. Skaters only, goalies are excluded.

			Goals				Assist1				Assist2
#	No. Name	TEAM	1st	2nd	3rd	OT	1st	2nd	3rd	OT	1st	2nd	3rd	OT
	DEFENSEMEN
27	Hamilton, Dougie	Niagara IceDogs	2	3	2	1	4	3	8	0	5	3	10	0
6	Harrington, Scott	London Knights	0	0	1	0	1	2	1	0	1	1	3	0
24	Murphy , Ryan	Kitchener Rangers	0	2	1	1	1	2	7	0	3	3	2	0
16	Ouellet, Xavier	Blainville-Boisbriand Armada	3	1	1	0	3	4	3	0	2	3	5	0
8	Reinhart, Griffin	Edmonton Oil Kings	1	2	1	0	2	1	1	0	0	3	3	0
4	Morgan Rielly	Moose Jaw Warriors	0	5	2	0	2	8	5	0	0	2	4	0
26	Wotherspoon, Tyler	Portland Winterhawks	1	1	1	0	1	5	2	0	3	6	3	0

	FORWARDS
15	Camara, Anthony	Barrie Colts	7	6	9	0	6	2	3	1	2	1	3	0
21	Danault, Phillip	Victoriaville Tigres	4	4	6	0	1	7	5	0	7	7	2	1
27	Drouin, Jonathan	Halifax Mooseheads	4	9	6	0	3	4	3	0	8	7	4	0
11	Huberdeau, Jonathan	Saint John Sea Dogs	5	6	5	0	5	9	5	1	4	3	2	0
10	Hudon, Charles	Chicoutimi Sagueneens	3	7	8	0	1	8	4	0	2	1	2	0
22	Jenner, Boone	Oshawa Generals	9	12	6	0	0	7	5	0	1	2	5	0
34	Lipon, JC	Kamloops Blazers	5	9	8	0	6	6	6	0	6	4	7	0
22	MacKinnon, Nathan	Halifax Mooseheads	9	6	6	1	8	9	8	0	1	3	1	0
8	Rattie, Ty	Portland Winterhawks	5	4	10	0	6	7	6	0	1	2	6	0
20	Ritchie, Brett	Niagara IceDogs	9	8	10	0	2	3	7	0	4	3	4	0
19	Scheifele, Mark	Barrie Colts	7	3	9	2	5	5	4	0	5	2	5	1
18	Strome, Ryan	Niagara IceDogs	4	8	10	0	11	11	11	0	3	2	2	0
	Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	Oklahoma City Barons

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