Chiller Instinct’s

2009-2010 NHL Top Prospects Guide #6-10

6 – Artem Anisimov, 6’4”- 190 lbs

New York Rangers, Centre, 21

Head Coach John Tortorella is looking to solve the culture that has plagued the Rangers franchise since the mid 1990’s.  One player who has come into favour out of camp is Anisimov.  More than the highlight reel goals he has produced for the everyday fan to see, the nimble Russian is defensively responsible and creates chances for his team-mates by applying pressure deep in his own end. 

Stating the obvious outside of his cranium, Tortorella told the New York Post on 10 August 2009, "That first-line center spot is wide open. It's a critical position on our team. Maybe we can fill it from within and maybe we won't be able to. We'll see, but either way, we will fill it." “But he’s the type of guy I can put in those situations during a game. He’s had a very good camp,” Tortarella also put forth, “Artie’s killed some penalties, he’s taken face-offs for us, he’s been responsible defensively, and what right now puts him in a good spot for this team is that he’s scored some goals, he’s got some offense.”

While some have doubted that the AHL’s fifth leading scorer last season could win a job outright out of training camp, the proof is there for all to see.  The Yaroslavl-born Anisimov has won over the fans and provides the coaching staff with a versatile centre that can be used on any of the top three lines.  Madison Square Gardens would certainly cherish a player that could come in and seize the job in the middle beside their new prize, Marian Gaborik.

7 – Niklas Hjalmarsson, 6’3”- 205 lbs

Chicago Blackhawks, Defense, 22

What is the most exciting part about the package that Hjalmarsson brings to the ‘Hawks lineup is that he is an efficient player that chooses when to make his mark.  A swift skater that owns keen hockey sense and is a misunderstood physical presence on the ice, the Eksjo, Sweden-born defender chooses timing and perseverance over a hot head.  "It would be fun to show a big asset of my game, the physical aspect, but I don't want to get out of position either,” the 22-year-old told the Daily Herald on 26 March 2009.  “I have to choose my hits wisely." 

Also impressive was his ability to round into form after an early injury last season forced him back to the Rockford Ice Hogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate.  When called upon for the final 21 games of the season, Hjalmarsson’s disposition allowed him to slide effortlessly into the Chicago lineup.  The four points (one goal) and a +4 rating in that stretch was further accented by remarkable play during the Blackhawks’ deep playoff run.   Playing upwards and over 20 minutes per night, Hjalmarsson looked seasoned and reliable.

In the same article, head coach Joel Quenneville gushed, "He's immediately had a presence on the back end and is really poised back there.  He reads and assesses plays very well.  He's very patient and strong and looks comfortable on each assignment you give him.  He's been great back there, a sponge almost, handling every situation."  With one of the best defense corps league-wide already, Hjalmarsson displays the Chicago brass’ penchant for drafting and developing skilled defensemen.

8 – Jonathan Ericsson, 6’4”- 206 lbs

Detroit Red Wings, Defense, 25

Perhaps the finest example of the Detroit patent on drafting and development, Ericsson was an afterthought for most viewing the Wings’ defense going into the postseason.  Enjoying a cup of coffee in 2007-2008 with Detroit, injuries once again brought his name to the roster in early March 2009.  On 1 May 2009, Larry Wigge from nhl.com pressed Head Coach Mike Babcock for thoughts on his newest edition, to which he replied, "I'd say he should be a Red Wing for, oh, about the next 15 years."

The final selection in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Ericsson would have been a mainstay on most any other blueline by now with his rocket of a shot and ability to manhandle his opponents.  His participation in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs proved that the rewards can be high if development curves are tailored for the individual, not their projections or statistics that so many rely upon.

9 – Nikita Filatov, 6’0”- 172 lbs

Columbus Blue Jackets, Left Wing, 19

The incredible talents of Filatov are some to which we will be privy to very soon on a nightly basis.  With All-World talent, the most alluring part of the Russian World Junior captain’s game could be his competitive nature.  With stick handling, speed, and a deceptive shot that are at NHL levels already and beyond, Blue Jackets fans salivate with the notion of Filatov again stepping in to play with some of the young guns on board. 

That nature also exists with the brazenly honest perspective of his own maturation process.  He caused a stir in Columbus with his comments in August 2009 about how if he did not make the NHL this season, he would contemplate the Kontinental Hockey League back in Russia.  Michael Arnace of the Columbus Dispatch sat down with Filatov on 12 September 2009 to set some things straight.  "If the coach (Ken Hitchcock) doesn't want to see me here this year then it would be better to play in the KHL," Filatov said. "But, you know, I'm not even thinking about that. I'm thinking about the NHL, staying here, having a good camp. I'm not thinking about what happens in two weeks. I only want to stay here."

With an upward trajectory for this team after its first ever playoff appearance, the Blue Jackets have another supreme talent lining up for duty with Michael Blunden, Maksim Mayorov, Stefan Legein, Grant Clitsome, and Brent Regner giving the organization decent secondary prospects to supplement the higher profile prospects in Brassard and Filatov that have graduated to the NHL.  With 32 points in 39 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL last season, 11 points in just seven contests with the bronze medal winning World Juniors (and All-Star team accolades), and four goals including a hat-trick and a +3 rating in his eight NHL games, the Moscow native has validated his worth and his 6^th overall selection in the 2008 Entry Draft. 

10 – Luca Sbsia, 6’2”- 190 lbs

Anaheim Ducks, Defense, 19

Arriving in the draft-day package that saw Chris Pronger head to Philadelphia, GM Bob Murray and many others recognize immense value in the cap room and prospect of Sbisa patrolling the defensive zone in Anaheim for many years to come.  Skating in training camp with wily veteran Scott Niedermayer, the Swiss national but Italian-born defender displays a refined game that is based on speed, positioning, and cunning. 

Just ask Scott Glennie and Brayden Schenn, team mates on the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL last season, if Sbisa is easy to play against.  Sbisa, a victim of the Flyers’ salary cap problems a year ago, found himself back with the Lethbridge Hurricanes after acquitting himself nicely in Philadelphia for 39 contests.  He capitalized by decking Glennie coming through the neutral zone unaware, with a bone-jarring open-ice hit, resulting in the Stars’ 2009 first-round draft choice being quite shaken up.  Schenn, a first round pick of the Kings this past Entry Draft, immediately challenged Sbisa to drop the gloves and a skirmish ensued.  All three players could be foes in the Pacific Division as early as this season.

Murray told the Orange County Register on 1 September 2009 that, “He has all the tools. I think our fans are going to love him … We’ll see, but he’s got to play in the top groupings or else I will not keep him here and have him sitting on the bench.”  The teenager will provide Ducks fans with years of fluent skating and become another solid member of a formidable blueline and a serious contender.

27 September 2009 / Robin Keith Thompson