Top 5 prospect re-signings 2009

Players and management can get themselves into a situation with apparent ease in which the player's entry level contract expires before maturing to the National Hockey League.  Thus, an extension is usually the remedy, especially if the player has developed to the threshold of making the big club and providing return for his roster spot.  These pivotal players give an enormous boost to a team's fortunes when brought along in an appropriate manner.

Chiller Instinct has reviewed the choices to re-sign many of these prospects and present you with the top five returnees league-wide:

5 - (C) Brian Boyle (New York Rangers)

This incredibly large center (6'7", 252 lbs) has a definite shot at making the roster.  With the departure of Nikolai Zherdev due to GM Glen Sather's arbitration disgruntlement, Boyle's biggest competition at the last few roster spots come from Aaron Voros, Artem Anisimov, and Evgeny Gratchev.  Boyle has another advantage in that his athleticism and versatility allows his to play both forward and defense.  Expectations were high going into the season in L.A. and Boyle was made expendable because of a brimming prospect system.

Boyle has natural offensive gifts that are intriguing because of his sheer size.  In his debut two seasons ago with Los Angeles, the team witnessed Boyle put up four goals in his eight games.  Last season, Boyle disappointed with a total of five points (four goals), one game-winning goal, 36 shots, 42 PIM, and a -9 rating in 28 contests.  However, the former Boston College (NCAA) star rebounded in his final 14 games, playing 10+ minutes, scoring three goals and an assist, putting up 18 shots, 30 PIM, and a -3 rating.  This included a two-goal night with the Coyotes in town on 4 April 2009.  Faceoffs are a work in progress for the Massachusetts-born centre who won a fair 102 draws (123 losses for 45.3%) in limited action for the Kings.  Boyle shows glimpses of becoming a force and the Rangers will provide the colossal prospect a shot at fulfillment.

4 - (D) Jack Hillen (New York Islanders)

Not the most physical presence on the blueline and measuring 5'11, 200 pounds, Hillen will have to progress offensively and distribute the puck well in his powerplay opportunities.  Mark Streit is the kingpin on the backend and will log the most offensively-weighted minutes.  Hillen will be looked at as a viable option to pass to Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau, Trent Hunter, Frans Nielsen and the skilled Islanders.  In 40 games last season with Long Island, the Minnesota-born defender scored six points (one goal), 47 shots, 16 PIM, and a -9 rating after providing Bridgeport with 17 points (four goals) in 33 matches.

As the Chris Campoli trade brought back a forward in Dean McAmmond, ice opened up for the former Colorado College defenseman.  Further opportunity arises with the departure of Thomas Pock to Europe in the off-season.  Powerplay time came Hillen's way after his eagerness to impress was apparent and he received ample man-advantage time with Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL).  Towards the end of the season, Hillen was logging 20+ minutes some nights and getting 16-24 shifts per game with the Islanders.  Hillen's size was taken advantage of at times last season, but he remained a competitor throughout, sticking up for teammates and skating the puck out of danger well.  Eyes will be surprised with what they see next season close to the lighthouse.

3 - (RW) Byron Bitz (Boston Bruins)

Former Cornell (NCAA) captain and Providence stand-out Bitz will take large strides both figuratively and literally in Boston next season.  An imposing forechecker, Bitz throws his weight around and utilizes the boards to cycle the puck effectively.  While Milan Lucic has stolen the Beantown faithfull's hearts, Bitz backs him up, providing the Bruins with another bruiser to wear down defenses and keep the payroll in check.  His presence on the roster is a given and could surprise many with decent offensive production.

'Big Red' Bitz also impressed many with his candor in the dressing room.  His ability to keep his emotions in check and eat up minutes gives the Bruins a great option up front.  Watch for Bitz to receive added icetime and produce well with his tough-like-nails style.  Soft hands in close helped produce a modest seven points (four goals), 31 shots, 18 PIM, and an even rating in the 35 games in which Bitz dressed.

2 - (D) Johnny Boychuk (Boston Bruins)

Boychuk is a rock on defense and received the AHL's 'Eddie Shore Award', as the league's best overall defenseman.  His dependability on defense and creativity in the offensive zone certainly has the Colorado Avalanche looking foolish for dealing Boychuk in exchange for Matt Hendricks.   Boychuk has a solid 6'2", 225 frame and is no slouch in front of his net, though he is most fearful when dropping the gloves or lining up a bodycheck.

At the NHL level Boychuk will challenge for a spot in the top four with the Bruins down the road.  With just five NHL contests to his credit and only one with the Bruins, expectations remain low for the budding rearguard.  The native of Edmonton, Alberta led all defenseman in scoring during the season and tallied eight playoff points in 16 games as well.  With his AHL career hitting a crescendo last season, a strong playoff, and the Boston salary cap crunch ahead, Boychuk will be dealing from a place of strength, as always.

1 - (LW) Ville Leino (Detroit Red Wings)

The Red Wings remain contenders in the Western Conference, largely in part to a strong core that is regularly supplemented by NHL-ready prospects.  Leino represents another piece of this organization's strengths and will make an impact, either providing offense and reliability from the lower lines, or skating with the elite players on the team. 

The Savonlinna, Finland-born forward scored an incredible, high-light reel marker on his first shot in his first game in the NHL against the Washington Capitals.  Leino is a superb playmaker and has sandpaper in his toolbox as well.  The 6'0", 182 pound Leino has average skating abilities and yet drives to the net and will take the pounding required in pursuit of his goals.  Not a pure goal-scorer, Leino has consistently produced double-digit goal totals in the Finnish Elite League and racked up 46 points (15 goals) in his 57 rookie games with Grand Rapids of the AHL.  Leino notched nine points (five goals), one game-winning goal, 17 shots, 6 PIM, and a +5 rating in 13 games with the big club last year.  His shooting-percentage was 8th (29.4%) league-wide.

10 August 2009

Robin Keith Thompson