09 September 2010Chiller Instinct’s
NHL Top Prospects Guide 2008-09
February Update
With player outlook pieces, hindsight extracts highlights and lowlights as the season progresses. Chiller Instinct’s NHL Top Prospects Guide provided a piercing view into how organizations may use their top prospects and how certain players could force the clubs to make tough personnel and depth decisions. This piece will assess how those players have developed, in the sequence in which the original document was written.
1) Kyle Turris (F) - Phoenix Coyotes (19 years old, 6’1”, 180 lbs)
Despite a slow start and the realization from the coaching staff and management that Turris was in over his head early on, the British Columbia-born forward has shown signs of recovery. In fact, the Coyotes as an entity have begun to roll with chemistry being developed in a major way. Peter Mueller and fellow teenage forward Mikkel Boedker have established presence and a bond that may last indefinitely going forward for the franchise.
A two-goal outburst prior to Christmas, highlight Turris’ otherwise scant totals. Like many youngsters, his potential outweighs the immediate production in statistics. Phoenix is intrigued by his shifty stick-handling and offensive instincts, which have produced 16 points in 48 games. A recent six-game stand at home afforded an increase an ice-time and Turris started registering considerable shot totals. The team loves how Turris audaciously goes into dirty areas; his ability to finish a play is admirable.
As a centreman, the Coyotes have been adamant about developing the former Wisconsin Badgers’ strength; their need for a consistent pivot is crucial as they rank last league-wide in face-offs. While Turris sits at a queasy 41.5% faceoff percentage, Olli Jokinen is also reprehensible 41.5% (no regular centre is above 50%).
Turris’ personal musings can be read regularly on his blog at the Coyotes’ official website; accounts of Turris working on his shot and face-offs with Shane Doan are as encouraging, as are the three game-winning goals.
2) Ryan Parent (D) - Philadelphia Flyers (21 years old, 6’3”, 183 lbs)
Philadelphia fans were delighted when Parent skated back from a shoulder injury that required surgery on 16 October 2008. The defensive stalwart has been drawing into the lineup regularly for the Phantoms (AHL) since 30 December 2008 and has registered a +3 rating. Parent setup Daniel Briere for a shorthanded goal against the Worchester Sharks for his lone point in 14 contests on 14 January 2009. In the earlier games of Parent’s comeback, some careless penalties led to enemy goals-against. One in particular on a 9 January 2009 game in Grand Rapids, saw the rearguard sitting in the bin for the game-tying goal, and though he was still a +1 in the game, was on the ice for the game-winner. However, commencing with the game January 9th game, the Phantoms have rebounded with a 7-4 record and much of it is due to Parent’s solid presence in his own end.
Partially because of his prospect status and partly to do with the nature of his setback, the Flyers have been cautious to bring the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan-born Parent up to the big club. The rugged nature of his position and role that he will assume as a shutdown defender, will place Parent against some of the league’s best scorers nightly. With Philadelphia in 17th place overall for goals-against-average, the Flyers will certainly entertain the idea of Parent clearing the crease in front of goaltender Martin Biron shortly.
3) Kyle Okposo (RW) - New York Islanders (20 years old, 6’1”, 200 lbs)
On a woeful team such as the Islanders, players can be lost to coaching misjudgments, long losing streaks, and general listlessness. Long Island may look fondly upon these days in one respect; Okposo has taken the time to increase his ice time, pursuing management’s hopes that the budding forward would become a top six forward. He has done just that, combining with centre Mike Comrie and winger Blake Comeau to form the second line for most of the year, and is now clicking with young centre Josh Bailey. With five goals in his last four games, this prospect is endearing himself to the Islander faithful in a hurry.
Since finding gold with the one-timer for his first career NHL goal last spring against the legendary Martin Brodeur, the Minnesota-born Okposo has utilized this capacity to the fullest. Modest totals in points so far this year, would most likely be higher on a more skilled team, and his -3 is one of the better totals by regular forwards. With ten goals, 18 points and counting, Okposo is one that will draw attention to the Islanders for years to come.
Particularly dangerous on the power play, the former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher prefers to reside on the left side of the offensive ice, taking passes from playmakers down low and plays the point position as well. With a penchant for finding the back of the net and cruising through high traffic areas, Okposo has shown an ability that combines skill and character.
4) Claude Giroux (RW) - Philadelphia Flyers (21 years old, 5’11”, 172 lbs)
This former QMJHL scoring dynamo is enjoying a magnificent professional first year. However, the emblem on the front of his jersey depicted a Philadelphia Phantom, not a Flyer. On 26 December 2008, Philadelphia management called for the Hearst, Ontario native to join the Flyers. Giroux sustained a concussion in early January that has limited him to ten games, which he tallied four points and a +1 rating.
After a combined -8 rating through October and November, the playmaking winger assessed his play and turned around his season in a large way. In the month of December, Giroux had only one game in which he did not register a point, threw six multi-point efforts up in eight games, and was a stellar +12. This earned him AHL Rookie of the Month honours. At the time of his call-up to the NHL, Giroux was leading the Phantoms in goals with 17, and all AHL rookies in points with 34.
With an ability to pursue the puck, gifted hands, and the ability to think his way around obstacles in a hurry, Giroux is a pure scorer. The winger is likely to be involved at the NHL trade deadline in some capacity. The defensive ranks are a concern in Philadelphia and they may opt to draw from strength to realize a long playoff run. Realistically, it is his offensive prowess and dogged determination that Philadelphia loves, so his presence allows others to become expendable.
5) Shawn Matthias (C) - Florida Panthers (20 years old, 6’2”, 213 lbs)
This season can be chalked up as a disappointment for Matthias. After posting two goals in his first four games late in the 2007-08 season and forward positions up for grabs for this season, the former Belleville Bull has let opportunities slip past him. In multiple call-ups to the Florida Panthers, Matthias has shelved two points and a -3 rating in 16 games. An impressive rookie face-off rating is intriguing however, indicating big-league strength with 46 wins against 45 losses (50.55%). Matthias had stretches of increased ice-time, which was then culled under ten minutes per night later on.
On the farm, Matthias should be chalking up assists for the opposite team, posting an indolent -24 rating and has added just ten points in 33 games. One may argue that Florida lacks the forward talent to surround the former Canadian World Junior Gold medal winner. A counter-point is that rookie forward Michael Frolik surpassed all expectations, showing himself worthy of regular shifts and powerplay minutes amongst the club’s primetime players. Gregory Campbell and Ville Peltonen may have raised their hands in class too.
In Florida, Matthias’ glacier-type start to his career has gone relatively unnoticed. One could only imagine the tumult heard if the sizeable centre was a draft pick of the Maple Leafs. In this situation, the physically mature Matthias has time to get his mental game in check and develop into the player many still think that he can be.
6) Bobby Ryan (RW) – Anaheim Ducks (21 years old, 6’2”, 208 lbs)
Salary cap problems in Anaheim have affected the immense talents of Ryan. One of the last cuts from the roster; many speculated that his trip to Portland of the AHL was due to the Ducks being forced financially to send him down. Forced or not, the former rookie AHL All-Star was sprung onto the Ducks roster in mid-November like a pinball out of the chute. Ryan is now a legitimate candidate for the NHL’s Calder Trophy, given to the campaign’s best rookie.
In 35 games, the indomitable Ryan has shown grit, fore-checking ability, and hands made of gold, scoring 34 points. With an even 17 goals and 17 assists mostly in Teemu Selanne’s absence, the Ducks have another powerplay genius in Ryan. His eight markers with the man-advantage are a little over half of Selanne’s 13, but is a +11 compared to the Finnish Flash’s -9 rating.
A constant threat, Head Coach Randy Carlyle has molded the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native onto all of his four lines, and it has sparked production on every avenue. Whether skating with Todd Marchant and George Parros on the energy line, aside Ryan Carter and Sami Pahlsson or paraded onto the top unit, Ryan has brought offense and defensive awareness in abundance. Bobby has cemented his status as a top player in Anaheim and will be on the American Olympic Team in Vancouver in 2010.
7) Mike Weber (D) – Buffalo Sabres (21 years old, 6’2”, 199 lbs)
A rough-and-tumble defenseman, Weber has been used sparingly so far this year in Buffalo. In two games with the Sabres in October, the native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania played 15+ minutes (no points, -2 rating, and 9 PIM), highlighted by a spirited fight with Ottawa’s Mike Fisher. In the AHL this season with Portland, Weber has tallied 5 points and another 80 penalty minutes to accent his +10 rating in 35 games.
With recent injuries to Teppo Numminen and Andrej Sekeras this month, another opportunity to exhibit his defensive prowess to the Sabres’ brass has been afforded to the capable blueliner. Weber was called up along with Andrew Peters on 3 February 2009. An under-rated shot, dependability, and grit are his calling cards; Buffalo will rely on the youngster to provide stability to the defensive depth chart.
8) Rob Schremp (C) – Edmonton Oilers (22 years old, 5’11”, 200 lbs)
Many figured that Schremp would be hard-pressed to make the Oilers out of camp and that came to fruition, as he was assigned to Springfield of the AHL. An impressive playmaker, Schremp’s setup abilities warranted a four-game stint with Edmonton during December in which he contributed 3 assists and a +2 rating. Management has not been pleased with the former Memorial Cup Champion’s defensive awareness at either level.
Schremp is a consistent producer at the AHL level with 26 points this year, building on his AHL All-Star appearance last year. He remains as a prime candidate for recall to the Oilers, though team-mate Ryan Potulny, Ryan Stone, and Gilbert Brule provide Edmonton with other options to Schremp’s deft passing.
9) Brian Lee (D) – Ottawa Senators (21 years old, 6’2”, 202 lbs)
The multi-talented defenseman has taken advantage of both his position in the team’s depth chart and in the team’s misfortune, to stake a claim as a regular blueliner for the Senators this year. Six points, a game-winning goal, only six penalty-minutes, and a -4 rating, have shown that Lee may be in over his head paying on a team that needs his to perform too early in his career.
In 22 games with the Binghamton Senators, Lee fashioned a modest 8 points, 28 PIM, and a +4 rating, though six of those points did come in the final ten games. Injuries and a poor start in Ottawa, forced the organization to rush Lee ahead. After being spotted into the third defensive pairing and seeing limited action, management and coaching has experimented with aggressively advancing his development. Lee now averages well over 20+ minutes a game and has been utilized as an effective puck moving point man on the powerplay as of late.
Although the numbers are not overwhelming, optimism surrounds the smooth-skating Lee. Becoming more involved with the overall team philosophy could prove fruitful for the Senators; one of the main concerns in town is a puck-moving defender to serve the biscuit to some of the league’s elite forwards.
10) T.J. Oshie (C) – St. Louis Blues (22 years old, 5’11”, 170 lbs)
It is quite possible that many will underestimate the season young gun T.J. Oshie is putting together. Sure, the Washington State-born centre is not compiling eye-widening statistics or the most powerplay time on the Blues. Leave that to super-rookie Patrick Berglund, the prominent Keith Tkachuk, or crafty youngster David Perron. Oshie has compiled 15 points and a +6 rating with three points in his last two games. Oshie’s +/- rating is second only to Berglund’s immense +13.
In the wake of two 10+ game absences that shelved the forward with ankle problems, Oshie has rebounded very nicely. Playing in just four contests in the beginning of December to the end of January, the versatile pivot recorded a point in each of his first four games upon return, and eight in the last ten games. Included was a three point night at home against the Colorado Avalanche, one in which he was named the game’s First Star.
Utilized most effectively in short-handed situations, Oshie is a nimble skater and smart checking player. Last year’s First Team All-American (NCAA) is a wizard with the puck and regularly displays lightning quick reflexes. This is demonstrated by his innate ability to deflect pucks and dart in and out of scoring areas. An area that needs to be worked on is his faceoff strength. Oshie’s hard work and cerebral game has all the upside a team could ask for in a young man.
11) Steven Stamkos (C) – Tampa Bay Lightning (18 years old, 6’1”, 196 lbs)
Much has been made about the first pick in last year’s NHL Entry Draft. Through coaching changes and a roster loaded with seemingly every character available in the off-season, Stamkos emerged out of his element. The electrifying talent from Markham, Ontario had people screaming from the rooftops in frustration over the situation. Imaginations could run wild about whether he was ready for the NHL so young, or if he was being utilized in a proper capacity on the team.
After a first half season that garnered just 19 points and kicked sand in your eye with a brutal -6 rating, Stamkos has made some nice quiet progress lately. Known for his breakaway speed and lightning-like release with the puck, Stamkos has sought guidance from players such as Mark Recchi and Head Coach Rick Tocchet. Stamkos has been an even rating or higher since 2 January 2009. The physical game is something that Stamkos cannot shy away from and his 57 hits place him just outside the top ten of rookies league-wide. That is a solid indication of his commitment.
Huge expectations are placed yearly on the number one selection of every NHL Entry Draft. Stamkos will be measured and held to the flame to produce the makings of a true number one centre. Lightning management should just remember that their current captain only scored 28 points in his first NHL season. Character is what I expect to see from Stamkos at this point.
12) Brian Boyle (C) – Los Angeles Kings (24 years old, 6’7”, 252 lbs)
Boyle has proven to the Kings’ brass that he can produce points and versatility with the Manchester Monarchs in the AHL ranks. What is needed is that combination of athletic ability and size to become effective with Los Angeles.
The Massachusetts-born Boyle was an extremely effective NCAA player at Boston College and translated that into a fine rookie season in the AHL with 31 goals. This earned him a call-up to the Kings in which he posted 5 points in 8 games. This year has seen him earn just two points in 20 games. Spending the entire month of December in Manchester collecting 11 points in 16 games, Boyle is back on the west coast.
Confidence is an overlaying issue. The Kings organization certainly relishes the promise that Boyle displays. With an abundance of size and a quick shot that is not unleashed nearly enough, Boyle needs to work himself into the greasy areas more often. A capable defender, the true strength of the Kings is on the back end, so more opportunity lies for the big man up front.
13) Fabian Brunnstrom (LW) – Dallas Stars (23 years old, 6’2”, 203 lbs)
It has been a season of highs and lows for the speedy Swedish winger. To begin the season, Dallas opted to sit Brunnstrom for the first two games. The immediate reaction was glorious, becoming one of the only players in history to notch a hat-trick in his first NHL game. Later on in the season, Brunnstrom was a healthy scratch in a game versus the Kings and then went into a nine-game pointless slump. Following that up with some better efforts that came with expanded duties and more ice time, Dallas has turned its fortunes around, in the direction of the playoffs. This was aligned with Brunnstrom’s eight points in 11 games. Brunnstrom was placed on the Injured Reserve after sustaining a foot injury in late December against the Ducks.
The Jonstorp, Sweden-born winger has been sent to Manitoba of the AHL to recondition his foot, now that he is close to returning to the Stars’ lineup. Foot speed is arguably Brunnstrom’s greatest asset in line with his forechecking ability. The Stars have immediately felt their depth in the forward ranks, with Jere Lehtinen returning with form, Mike Modano producing, and James Neal providing another solid option up front. Brunnstrom has tallied 14 points in 31 games, including four game-winning goals, and will be adding offensive depth to the Stars for years to come.
14) Jakub Voracek (RW) – Columbus Blue Jackets (19 years old, 6’1”, 205 lbs)
The highly-skilled Czech has been a pleasant surprise to the fans in Columbus. Elite playmaking abilities, cross-ice vision, and durability have made Voracek’s transition to the NHL a mutually productive one. Too often, skilled players are thrust into the big-time without being acclimatized to the professional game properly. This has not been the case with the former QMJHL star.
While not possessing the flash and dash of fellow rookie Nikita Filatov, Voracek is an opportunist and can dominate shifts for minutes at a time with his puck possession game.
With some solid youngsters at key skilled forwards roles, the Jackets have a nice two-way threat in Voracek, further demonstrated by his +11 rating. Voracek scored the only goal in a recent shutout of Ottawa, one in which, team-mate and fellow rookie Steve Mason registered his league-leading seventh goose-egg. Born in Kladno, the right-winger has tallied 24 points and 26 penalty-minutes in 49 games.
Voracek is an extremely valuable part of Columbus’ future. This dynamic player has been embraced by coaches and fans alike, with forwards Jared Boll and Derek Dorsett providing ample protection. The Blue Jackets are poised to legitimately challenge for the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference, thanks in part to the skilled play of Voracek.
15) Brandon Sutter (C) – Carolina Hurricanes (19 years old, 6’3”, 183 lbs)
A concussion early in the season has hampered one of Carolina’s brightest prospects. After suffering a devastating open-ice check delivered by Long Island’s Doug Weight, Sutter’s play has slowly responded. Sutter has only produced six points, but has an even rating on a team rife with minus players, and does not take poor penalties.
Statistics can lie; the Hurricanes are pleased with the pressure-packed environment Sutter thrives in. “He's an extremely smart hockey player for a young kid. To be able to come into this game and be used in the situations we use him is pretty impressive”, Associate Coach Ron Francis stated. “He's not only been out there when we're a man down, but we've also had him killing penalties while two men down. He's just very responsible.”
The former Team Canada junior centre is a competitive force on the ice. Known as a heart-and-soul player, Carolina had him penciled-in for NHL action when the season commenced. Sutter’s perseverance may be his greatest ally.
16) Karl Alzner (D) – Washington Capitals (20 years old, 6’2”, 206 lbs)
One of the most dependable and well-rounded defenders to enter the NHL as a first-year professional in quite a while, the pride of Burnaby, British Columbia found himself contributing on a battered Capitals’ blueline for an extended period. On a team that is well-stocked with defensive prospects, it says a lot about Alzner’s character and reliability.
On many nights in Washington, Alzner logs 20 minutes and makes sure of his own end, while the offensive Capitals challenge teams. With four points in 27 games this year, the former captain of Canada’s junior team has demonstrated some measure of scoring ability at every level. What stands out most is his one minor penalty and the +3 rating as a twenty-year old. His leadership is a sought after intangible that will most likely be developed further in Hershey Bears of the AHL.
With banged-up defenseman Tom Poti returning to the lineup, Alzner was sent back down to Hershey. The Bears are a legitimate Calder Cup contender and will be much stronger with Alzner patrolling the defensive zone. His poise this season, along with the club’s defensive depth, and both teams’ successes, have Washington management in a position of strength heading down the stretch.
17) Mikkel Boedker (RW) – Phoenix Coyotes (19 years old, 5’11”, 195 lbs)
Being relied upon heavily is nothing new for the best of Denmark’s wave of NHL quality players. Last year, Boedker was a major factor and absolute star for the Kitchener Rangers, winning the OHL Championship and performing at his best when the team needed character. Boedker is a rare player who can lift spectators from their seats with regularity; his skating velocity at the NHL level is superb and is proving to be an astute pick by the Coyotes last summer.
Phoenix has shot up the standings, riding a tendency to defend their home rink well with a 16-8-2 mark. Playing anywhere from 12-18 minutes on most nights, Boedker brings a defensively reliability to the table as well. A +1 rating is a nice complimentary statistic to add a gleam to his 22 points in 51 games, on a team that has surrendered 21 more goals than it has allowed. With blazing speed and a pickpocket’s moves, Boedker backs off defenders on the rush, and has the hands to keep the entire opposition honest.
Critics like to point out that the native of Brondby, Denmark should elect to shoot more. This has been said of many playmaking forwards and it is of no surprise. Boedker’s repertoire of stick handling moves and ability to shoot from either his backhand or forehand to the top portion of the goal is impressive. Speed allows Boedker to get into many of these positions and he displays the finish that is so sought after.
18) Alex Goligoski (D) – Pittsburgh Penguins (23 years old, 5’11”, 180 lbs)
With two of the team’s top powerplay defenseman out of the lineup to begin the year, the puck-distributing prowess of Goligoski was literally thrust forward. As Ryan Whitney returned from injury and the imminent restoration of Sergei Gonchar looms, the Penguins have an interesting problem. Goligoski has proven that he can play with the best players in the world. He has an assassin’s instincts when it comes to the release of the puck from the blueline. The former AHL All-Star has competed as a forward recently, as management recognizes his skill, pointed to by his +8 rating.
Capable of playing large minutes in a game, the mobile but slight defender is best used at this point in the third pairing, and is leading the Penguin’s defense in scoring with 19 points. A lethal wrist-shot, superb timing and deft passing make the former University of Minnesota student a subtle threat around superstars. Goligoski has recently been ill and may be sent to Wilkes-Barre in the AHL to get regular playing time.
Goligoski’s rise to prominence for Pittsburgh allows the club to deal from a position of strength heading down the stretch. The Penguins are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and two points out of 8th, the final playoff position. Last year’s Eastern Conference Champion will not idly stand by and miss out on a ticket to the dance.
19) Blake Wheeler (LW) – Boston Bruins (22 years old, 6’5”, 205 lb)
Many have seen the talent of Wheeler coming up in the Phoenix system, have only mild surprise in reaction to the season the youngster is putting together. The Bruins have put together a terrific season, rivaling the San Jose Sharks in balance, depth, and dominance. The Coyotes system, though stocked with NHL-ready and blue-chip prospects, certainly bemoans that it could not come to terms with the twenty-two year old winger. Phoenix did however receive compensation in the form of a second-round pick that was part of a deal to acquire Viktor Tikhonov in the draft.
The Robbinsdale, Minnesota-born Wheeler has many components that work together well. His size and strength along the boards give Wheeler the advantage in a heady cycling game, and he has shown the ability to quickly release a fabulous shot. Wheeler has adapted his play back to the wing, after a few seasons playing centre for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. On a line with wonderful passer David Krejci and triggerman Michael Ryder for the most part, Wheeler’s game has blossomed. A total of 30 points, including 14 goals has highlighted his play. The coaching staff will tell you that his competition level and puck protection are his hallmarks, proving that his defensive game is sound. A rookie leading +28 rating is astounding, but only half as extraordinary as the fact that he trails only Boston defenseman Dennis Wideman in the category.
Consistency is the only question for Wheeler’s future, albeit it may be unfair. The power-forward has only proved the pundits wrong at this point, and taking matters into his own hands has only worked for the kid.
20) Ryan Jones (LW/RW) – Nashville Predators (24 years old, 6’1”, 206 lbs)
Jones started the year on an offensively challenged squad in Nashville. A competitor and hustler, Jones has chipped in with some offense for the Predators. With ten points accumulated over 24 games, the Chatham, Ontario native has met his critics with an honest effort every night he has donned a Predator jersey.
A conditioning-nut and leadership type, Jones could ascend the depth charts to make himself a regular lunchbox contributor or better in Nashville. Jones is an upgrade on fourth-line injured centre Scott Nichol; management’s decision on that portion of the roster on some day of reckoning will be interesting. Head Coach Barry Trotz tends to afford Jones a lot of powerplay ice-time. Trotz has stated in Nashville papers recently that Jones deserves to be there, and will remain with the Predators for the remainder of the season.
21) Kevin Porter (C) – Phoenix Coyotes (22 years old, 6’0”, 195 lbs)
A demotion to the AHL could prove detrimental to some player’s development out of college. Porter is not a player confined to a specific role. Recognizing his value, management sent the former University of Michigan star down to San Antonio to increase his ice-time, provide leadership, and scoring prowess to the much maligned club in early January.
Competitive and extremely versatile, Porter has managed to ring up ten points in his 33 NHL matches, averaging just shy of 14 minutes a night. The organization is pleased with the Michigan-born forward, as he brings an intangible dimension to the rink every night. San Antonio started the year on a horrific pace, winning just twice in 23 games. Since then, the Rampage have shown up on respectability’s doorstep, closing in on the .500 mark at 21-29-0-1. Since Porter’s return, San Antonio has won three of the last five contests, including handing West Division leader Milwaukee another loss. Porter has recorded eight points in his last 12 AHL games, posting two-game-winning goals.
There is no doubt that Porter is a future Coyote. Whether or not he is used as a depth player in Phoenix this year has a lot to do with playoff implications. If Phoenix fades down the stretch as they did this time last season, management may look to develop Porter in an increased role in San Antonio with former Michigan team-mate Chad Kolarik and blue-chip goal scoring machine Brett Maclean.
22) Matt Smaby (D) – Tampa Bay Lightning (24 years old, 6’5”, 222 lbs)
Having elite shut-down defenders is how teams win in the NHL. An experiment on a disorganized Tampa Bay team has yielded results on two such players. Starting the year with the Bolts, Vladimir Mihalik has proven to be questionable during his short stay. The Lightning have relied on defenseman Matt Smaby in an emergency role, with encouraging results. Recalled after Lukas Krajicek was injured in late December, Smaby has responded by responsibly clearing his net and moving the puck.
Picking up two assists in his 12 NHL games and keeping things simple has paid off for Smaby. One minor penalty per game in the NHL should really be cut down, but this is attributed to adapting to the intensity of the NHL game. With consistent play and a no-nonsense style, the Minneapolis, Minnesota-born Smaby is making a strong case to be in Tampa Bay for years.
23) Jack Skille (RW) – Chicago Blackhawks (21 years old, 6’1”, 208 lbs)
Under-utilized on a team deep in quality forwards, Skille has been sent to Rockford of the AHL to hone his game further. Skille can beat opponents with his playmaking, terrific speed, and forechecking. The former first-round draft pick of the Blackhawks is a prime example of the outstanding and well-rounded depth of Chicago’s prospect system.
Scoring his first-ever NHL goal in his second game against Washington, Skille’s scoring stopped abruptly, and after six games was reassigned to Rockford. Already matching the point total of his rookie season last year, the right-winger is progressing nicely. Skille’s 15 goals stand second on the IceHogs, and has nine points in his last eight games.
A native of Wisconsin, Skille has the skill and work ethic that make him a crowd favourite. With Chicago firmly entrenched in a playoff position, it is entirely possible that the Blackhawks may call Skille to add further dimension and ferocity to the lineup.
24) Drew Doughty (D) – Los Angeles Kings (19 years old, 6’1”, 203 lbs)
Added to a lineup and defensive system that promises to be very competitive in the future, Doughty has shown he can be a leader and a star for the Kings. Los Angeles has shocked the hockey world by allowing the second fewest shots/game in the NHL and sit top ten in goals-against-game. Much of this has to do with Doughty’s puck moving ability and enthusiasm to perform.
The London, Ontario-born defender was predictably selected second overall behind Stamkos in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Doughty’s immediate impact has been nothing short of remarkable, considering that he is still a teenager. Leading the Kings in ice-time at 23+ minutes per game, Doughty has thrown 15 points on the board. A fixture on the powerplay, Doughty can be relied upon to skate and effectively distribute the puck.
Los Angeles has an incredibly strong pool of defensive prospects. Doughty has proven to reward the club with strong play at a very early age. How the team performs down the stretch, as it fight to gain a playoff position, will be interesting. This will shape the NHL’s youngest roster going forward. Doughty will be at the centre of it all.
25) Zach Bogosian (D) – Atlanta Thrashers (18 years old, 6’2”, 200 lbs)
Missing 28 games this year to a broken leg, onlookers wondered how Bogosian, last summer’s third overall pick, would figure into the rest of the season for the hapless Thrashers.
Optimism surrounds Bogosian. Since his return, Atlanta has only won two of the eight games. However, due partly to the teenaged defenseman, the Thrashers have been competitive in nearly every contest, with four one goal losses. In the past six games, Bogosian has a couple two-point games, five total points and has fashioned a +5 rating, raising many eyebrows.
Bogosian is considered a bona-fide defensive prospect. His physical game is developing beyond that of a player taking himself out of the play with an attempted crushing body check, with an immense shot, and first-rate skating. With an ability to fan out the offense and hit players with passes at top speed, the New York-born blueliner is truly a pillar to build around.
26) Kyle Beach (C) – Chicago Blackhawks (18 years old, 6’3”, 206 lbs)
The Lethbridge Hurricanes feel that they have what it takes to win the WHL Championship this year. Lethbridge has added Kyle Beach and defenseman Mike Alexander to a lineup that boasts Ben Wright, Dwight King, Eric Mestery, Mark Reners, Zach Boychuk, and Colton Sceviour. Luca Sbisa has now been returned to the defense from the Flyers, and an argument can be made to possessing the deepest roster in the WHL. With some good net minding, the Hurricanes feel that they could challenge Vancouver and Calgary for the title, despite the standings’ opinion.
Beach has been sparked by the trade. In the previous 30 games with Everett, the 11th pick overall in last year’s NHL draft had 30 points and 106 penalty minutes. Since arriving in Lethbridge’s dressing room, Beach has cranked out 14 points and a +8 rating, while still maintaining his physical dimension in nine contests. A suspension for causing the puck to leave the playing surface at the end of a match in Red Deer resulted in a three-game suspension. Lethbridge media has been delighted by what is referred to as the ‘Beach factor’, hearkening back to the impact in which the former WHL Rookie of the Year puts forth nightly.
The Blackhawks have drafted a player that fits extremely well into their depth chart, and will have an immediate impact very soon. Beach’s abilities are etched into all general managers’ minds on what the quintessential power forward should exhibit. A punishing combatant, deft passer, and sound positional player, Beach displays finish at a deceptive top speed as well. Chicago has a player that can fit in on any line, make the others around him better, and compete with and against elite talent.
27) Cody Hodgson (C) – Vancouver Canucks (18 years old, 6’0”, 185 lbs)
The talents of Hodgson are hard to pin down. One thing is very clear though – the career of the former Markham Waxer will be one to watch. Voted the league’s ‘Smartest Player’ as voted on by the OHL coaches last season, the star of the Brampton Battalion has thrived in the shadow afforded by the media coverage of John Tavares. At the IIHF World Junior Championship this past holiday season, Hodgson led all players in scoring, passing team-mate Tavares in the Gold-medal game against Sweden. Scouts have a difficult time assessing his talent because he does not stand out in any tangible category. Hodgson’s mettle however, outshines the comparative field.
A leader in every sense of the word, Hodgson puts forth an honest effort nightly, and is a clutch performer. His 2008-09 season statistics are impressive, with 63 points (31 goals) and a +23 rating in 35 games. Since returning from the international experience earlier in the year with Canada, the 10th overall pick last year has piloted the Battalion to an 11-1-0 record, including ten straight victories. Hodgson has accumulated an astounding 21 points in his latest 12 games, was selected one of the games ‘3 Stars’ five times, and scored five game-winners during that stretch. The Battalion stand poised to challenge the likes of the Windsor Spitfires and others in the OHL playoffs this spring with a roster that boasts Matt Duchene, Evgeny Grachev, Josh Day, and Thomas McCollum.
All bets are on that the Brampton’s captain will be wearing Vancouver blue-and-green in the immediate future. GM Mike Gillis made a priority to draft for ‘quality’ and ‘character’ for the Canucks. The Canucks have a gem in Hodgson.
28) Patric Hornqvist (RW) – Nashville Predators (22 years old, 5’11”, 186 lbs)
The consensus at this point seems to be that Hornqvist needs time to acclimate himself to the brand of hockey the Predators demand out of him. Currently down in the minors with the Milwaukee Admirals, the Sollentuna, Sweden-born winger has displayed his offensive instincts this year at both levels. With Nashville, Hornqvist quietly notched seven points and 34 shots in his first 15 games as a Predator, but his -2 rating as a top-six forward was enough to convince management that a demotion was in line for him.
Nashville believes in the potential of Hornqvist to produce consistently at the NHL level. His sense to take a hit to make a play and reliability in his own end, make Hornqvist an intriguing player for ‘Music City’.
29) Jonathan Bernier (G) – Los Angeles Kings (20 years old, 6’0”, 185 lbs)
Bernier is at a crucial time in his development. With the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, struggling to score goals and put together consistent wins; the Laval, Quebec-born goalie will need to bear down and establish himself as a professional starter in the future.
With unimpressive numbers (11-15-0-3, 2.68 GAA, a .901 save percentage) and fickle starting, Bernier has flashed brilliance at times with two shutouts, earning a call-up to Los Angeles for a recent road-trip. Though he remained on the bench to backup Johnathan Quick, Bernier’s reaction to again being shown the inside of the Kings’ dressing room will be interesting down the stretch drive of the AHL season.
“We had a real solid third period from Jonathan Bernier. When (Lowell) put on a big surge at the end, he stood tall,” Head Coach Mark Morris said after a shutout win in Lowell on 30 January 2009. “It’s huge for his confidence.”
With a reputation as a big game goaltender, Bernier has been afforded the opportunity to backstop the Monarchs, with Quick moving into the starter’s role in Los Angeles, due to Erik Ersberg’s injury problems. The former Lewiston (QMJHL) star will have to perform herculean feats to garner a playoff position for his team.
30) Joshua Bailey (C) – New York Islanders (19 years old, 6’1”, 188 lbs)
Bailey has come on strong in the past few weeks. Under the tutelage of Doug Weight, the Islanders’ latest first-round pick is learning the ropes in a tough situation. With some strong prospects and rookies at the forward position, the former Windsor and Owen Sound star, could establish himself as a prime candidate to be the club’s powerplay centre for years to come.
Goal-scoring not his specialty, Bailey has only one goal this season and a terrible shooting percentage of 2.9%. This will most likely correct itself with his skill, as he gains experience and confidence. He has compiled 13 points in 35 games and is averaging less than a shot per game, with a -4 rating. Bailey has two multiple-point games already to his credit. Most encouraging is that Bailey is setting up team-mates with clutch passes, utilizing his peripheral vision with time on the second powerplay unit.
Over-matched in the faceoff circle most nights as a rookie, Bailey is a strong skater, with excellent passing skills. The Ontario-born centre is logging premium minutes on the powerplay and has grown into a role on an Islanders team that is looking for players to step up. Bailey has quickly become the forerunner to be Long Island’s first line centre.
3 February 2009
Robin Keith Thompson
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