Chiller Instinct’s

2009-2010 NHL Top Prospects Guide #26-#30

26 – Mike Santorelli, 6’0” – 189 lbs

Nashville Predators, Forward, 23

As the brass in Nashville sought out their young prospects for a top six forward to bring in, the speed and heart of Santorelli shone.  The former Northern Michigan University ace was given a much larger stage once it was clear that Colin Wilson was laid-up due to injury late in camp.  "It's a good challenge and I like it,'' Santorelli said in an interview by John Glennon of The Tennessean on 16 September 2009.  "It's a chance to play with some really good players.  The coaches have told me I'll be able to use my speed and to just shoot the puck. ''

The British Columbian speedster showed the Predators exactly why his stock had been rising, culminating in an AHL All-Star Game appearance last season, his second professional campaign.  In the skills competition at the mid-season event, Santorelli was perfect in the shooting accuracy, going 4-for-4.  Last season in Milwaukee, the centre scored 27 goals and finished with 70 points in as many games to lead the Admirals.

Skating with Martin Erat and David Legwand, the Predators will have an abundance of speed to start the season on the second line.  Santorelli will be charged with the task of converting his chances right away, finding a seamless transition from pivot to wing, and allowing Nashville to improve on their 24^th ranked offense from last season.  “I talked to him earlier this summer and the reason was that I didn’t want to surprise (Santorelli), if he showed up at training camp thinking he’s playing center and then I’m putting him on the wing,” Trotz said.  “I asked him to really have that mindset of being a winger, coming into camp, so I think that sort of eases it for him.  I know he can play center, but we’re looking for a scoring-type guy.  He’s got speed and he’s pretty good with the one-on-one stuff, a pretty talented guy.”

27 – Michael Del Zotto, 6’1” – 191 lbs

New York Rangers, Defense, 19

The Rangers were duly impressed by the Ontario native’s competitive spirit and willingness to battle away from the puck.  Del Zotto focused on coming to camp and showing that he is more than just an offensive gun from the OHL.  “His strength, obviously, is offense, but he has shown that he is really willing to compete away from the puck and in the end zone,” said Tortorella on 29 September 2009 on nhl.com. “Part of the responsibility falls on the coaches now to teach him that part of the game.”

Hoping a strong transition game can keep the puck up ice and the enthusiasm keeps the mood light in the dressing room, Henrik Lundqvist offered his thoughts.  “It’s always good to have young kids come in with a lot of energy and fire.  They bring it on the ice and in the (dressing) room. It’s good for the veteran guys to see that.” 

Joining fellow defensive rookie Matt Gilroy, the Blueshirts are taking a vastly different approach into this season than in campaigns past.  In this edition, action and desire trump reputation and the payroll.

28 – Byron Bitz, 6’3”- 200 lbs

Boston Bruins, Right Wing, 25

‘Big Red’ Bitz is a bruising, intelligent winger that showed remarkable cycling abilities and a personal drive last season in a minor role for the Bruins.  While he only scored seven points (four goals), he did register 31 shots and an even rating in his 35 contests.  In Providence, Bitz provided a big leadership role and this is recognized by the parent club, especially treading so close to the salary cap.

Graduating with a business degree from Cornell ‘Big Red’ University, Bitz has hands, desire, and the attitude of a winner.  The perfect fit on the lower lines for the Bruins, head coach Claude Julien likes his work ethic and his cap hit is management friendly.  “There had been an ongoing dialogue for a couple of weeks now and we had been making progress,” said Bitz about his signing of a new deal. “Boston is the only organization that I’ve ever known and that’s where I wanted to be.  I’m just glad we came to an agreement.  “When I came out of college, I had to make adjustments to the amount of games and other adjustments but I always had faith in myself.”

With Boston one of the elite teams in the NHL last season and bowing out early in the playoffs, a rededication was in order.  Bitz will establish himself as an emotional leader and has an opportunity to ‘kick the door in’ and help the Boston faithful realize their dream of a long-awaited Stanley Cup. 

29 – Sergei Shirokov, 5’10”- 176 lbs

Vancouver Canucks, Forward, 23

In a city that has been ramping up for years in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Games, Vancouver has received payback for taking a chance in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.  In the sixth round, the Canucks selected Shirokov with regard for his intrigue as a rookie in the (then) Russian Super League.  The Ozery, Russia-born winger has shown that he is a triggerman that is not afraid to back-check to help turn the puck over.

Assistant GM Laurence Gilman told the Vancouver Sun’s Elliott Pap on 4 September 2009 that, "He's a high-level pick we have not seen yet.  From the time Stan Smyl went to see him play last year, Sergei indicated very clearly that he was interested in coming to North America.  We're extremely excited that he's taken this step in his career and is leaving his comfort zone to come and chase the dream to play in the National Hockey League," Gilman continued. "It speaks volumes about his desire." 

With a few other prospects showing well at training camp, the fact that Shirokov played his way to the final cuts and then established himself as an option for the coaching staff to fill a powerplay role and become a versatile forward defensively as well, is very encouraging.  Vancouver is now awash with his name.

30 – Matt Duchene, 5’11” – 200 lbs

Colorado Avalanche, Centre, 18

A swift reaction to the retirement of Joe Sakic was realized in Colorado.  Duchene joins the club just months after being drafted third overall and is undoubtedly one of the biggest prizes in the prospect pool.  The lifelong Sakic and Avalanche fan is a dream fit to fly behind Paul Stastny. 

Worries about being rushed to the NHL are warranted with so little insulation and name talent up front.  Success will depend on a bigger body, say David Jones or Chris Stewart, having a breakout year taking his passes and making room for the youngster.  Chemistry with another prime prospect Ryan Stoa, T.J. Galiardi, or a veteran winger would also help to keep defenders and agitators honest on a team destined to get beat up night after night.  Milan Hejduk and Jones had been skating with the Brampton Battalion (OHL) star and had some very productive nights leading up to the season.  Interestingly, second-round draft pick Ryan O’Reilly has also survived the cuts to begin the season in Colorado.  O’Reilly was the captain of the U18 Team Canada gold medal winning team and is an extremely gifted playmaker with the Erie Otters (OHL).

Duchene is an absolute point producer at every level, owning a killer’s instinct from the blueline in.  The baby-faced Haliburton, Ontario-born speedster is known for having a leader’s spirit and is best friends with another highly-touted player that could have an impact in Vancouver, Cody Hodgson. 

Television analyst and 363 NHL goal-scorer Peter McNab had this to say in the Denver Post on 15 September 2009, "He just plays hockey. You see him, and you know it. You can teach guys to react, and you can teach guys to react quicker as they get some experience. But what you can't teach is for someone to see it before it happens. Instinctive hockey players are moving before the play, and you're wondering, where are they going? And all of a sudden, there they go to the right spot. And that seems to be something that he does instinctively.” 

30 September 2009 / Robin Keith Thompson