09 September 2010
Chiller Instinct’s
2009-2010 NHL Top Prospects Guide #1-#5
1 - Ville Leino, 6’2”- 182 lbs
Detroit Red Wings, Right Wing, 25
The listing commences with the spectacular villain of the National Hockey League. Sure, it is only in his name, but because he turns 26 on October 6th he literally stole the top position. Leino traded his suitcase for a Joe Louis Arena parking pass in the off-season, showing the brass why others could be made expendable.
Registering two assists in seven games for Detroit in the postseason run to the Cup Finals would be compelling enough, considering team depth. Throw in the fact that the Lasse Oksanen Award winner in 2007-2008 was also lacing up his skates for the American Hockey League affiliate in Grand Rapids, in which he finished 15th in AHL playoff scoring with 13 points, despite only dressing in 10 contests. Albeit every single point in the AHL playoffs was in the first round, before the Griffins were swept by the Manitoba Moose. Proving himself quickly last season, Leino translated his European dominance to North America seamlessly. Permanent NHL success is imminent; glimpses were apparent in his late January 2009 call-up.
The insular nature of the Wings and an astute coach in Mike Babcock gives the Savonlinna, Finland native an excellent chance to make an immediate impact. "(Leino) is a heck of a competitor … he probably led the league in practice fights,” Leino's coach in Finland, former Red Wing Doug Shedden told redwingscentral.com. “He loves to come to the rink, he loves to practice, he loves to put his equipment on and compete.” Look for Leino’s name to grace the roster of the Finnish National team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
2 – Claude Giroux, 5’11”- 172 lbs
Philadelphia Flyers, Centre, 23
On a team that has made significant changes in the off-season to a roster that oozes talent already, the fact that room was made for Giroux speaks volumes. The former Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) scoring ace and noted playoff performer has lived up to every accolade thus far. A concussion in early January provided cynics with ammunition - until Giroux resurfaced twelve days later and began making the adjustments needed to ascend to top-six forward status.
During the regular season, Giroux tallied 27 points (nine goals), fired 67 shots, and produced a healthy +10 rating in 42 regular season games. Much like in his junior hockey days, Giroux breathed life into his team come playoff time. The rookie scored five points to share the team lead with captain Mike Richards. His timely scoring helped to threaten the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Penguins with six competitive games.
Head Coach John Stevens had fine things to say about his centre in an interview with the Courier Post’s Chuck Gormley on 4 September 2009. “Now, he has been here, he has played in key situations for our hockey team. I am sure he is excited for the opportunity that lies before him. He has turned himself into a really good two-way player. He has high-end offensive ability and has extremely high hockey intelligence.”
With deft playmaking and finishing skills, Giroux compliments a team that has visions of Lord Stanley. Faceoff ability at the NHL level is of concern. With seven multiple point games in his rookie season, including the playoffs, Flyers fans are looking for that to be an indication of his true potential.
3 – Victor Hedman, 6’6”- 220 lbs
Tampa Bay Lightning, Defense, 18
Fabulous conditioning and world class puck skills are just skimming the surface of the Hedman franchise. Deemed NHL-ready by scouts even earlier in his career playing against men in the Swedish Elite League, this summer’s #2 overall selection duly impresses with his sheer size, skating ability, and offensive acumen. Detractors cite a lack of intensity and a mean streak in his own end.
Playing for the established Modo Hockey Club in the SEL, Hedman garnered excessive attention and rose to each challenge presented to him from a NHL prospect perspective. A lack of playoff success with the club has been bandied about, yet, one needs to only realize that this years Swedish Junior Player of the Year had competed in 105 games including World Championships and also ten SEL playoff games in the past two years. Hedman increased his offensive production from four points total in the 2007-2008 regular season to 21 this past campaign. The colossal Swede is no stranger to the First All-Star Teams of the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, U18 and U20 World Junior Championships; he has brought home two silver medals.
The Lightning hope that playing for the ultimate prize in the best league on the planet has the effect of bringing Hedman around to realize all that he can be in a few short years. With top end forwards, the focus has naturally shifted to the defense and leadership.
4 – Derick Brassard, 6’1”- 190 lbs
Columbus Blue Jackets, Centre, 22
The Calder Trophy had two different Blue Jackets in the race as of 18 December 2009, when Brassard was injured in a game against Dallas. Goaltender Steve Mason had begun his incredible stretch of games by that point, eventually getting the nod for the rookie of the year trophy. The Hull, Quebec-born Brassard was showcasing his sublime vision and playmaking abilities, ringing up five points and a +4 rating in his final six contests. This included a goal to regain the lead in the first period, before the injury to his right shoulder, which was serious enough to require season-ending surgery.
Brassard had published a freshman season that GM Scott Howson could only dream of, with 25 points (10 goals, one game-winner) and a +12 rating in his limited action of 31 games. "We just need him to stay healthy so we can see what he's capable of over the course of a whole season.” Coach Ken Hitchcock told the Columbus Dispatch in a 5 September 2009 article. “That's an exciting thought for everybody."
Likely skating as Rick Nash’s centre, Brassard will need to raise his conditioning level to match the 20+ minute effort put forth by the captain on a nightly basis. Concentrating on face-offs to improve his lackluster 48.5% rating is a must as well if he is to truly emerge as a legitimate first line pivot. With Nash signing a new contract heavy in term, the onus was on the remaining team members to commit to the philosophy set forth by Hitchcock and management. Brassard and Antoine Vermette were right alongside; Brassard inked a new four year deal. You can bet the powerplay and team chemistry instantly improved.
5 – Karl Alzner, 6’3”- 206 lbs
Washington Capitals, Defense, 21
A shift has taken place on one of the best rosters in the NHL. With so much elite talent up front in Washington and nice competition taking shape between the pipes, the natural focus began to examine the defense. With penalty-killing that ranked 17th overall and a 19th overall position in team defense, the Capitals have a clear off-season objective.
A native of Burnaby, British Columbia, Alzner has captained Team Canada to gold twice at the World Junior Tournament and was a stalwart defender for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. Turning pro last season did not hamper the well-rounded game of Alzner, forcing a call-up in which he acquitted himself quietly and confidently with the Capitals. In 30 games on four separate call-ups, the 2007-2008 Canadian Hockey League Defenseman of the Year chalked up five points (one goal), a -1 rating, and only one minor penalty. Salary cap issues forced his demotion, but the Capitals will not let that happen again this season. His steady hand and solid leadership is rare in youth on the back end and word is that he has fully recovered from a concussion sustained in the Hershey Bears’ Calder Cup Championship.
Ownership can taste championships and Ted Leonsis is extremely in touch with his fan base, offering himself up like no other in the league. Many of the team’s blue liners are set for contract negotiations once again this upcoming summer; another wave of changes may be felt if the desired results are not achieved while the iron is hot.
27 September 2009 / Robin Keith Thompson
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