2009-2010 NHL Top Prospects Guide

 1-10 Update 

At Chiller Instinct, we provide invaluable information on players of all ilk and fabric. In line with our annual September release of our Top 30 NHL prospects for the coming season, we thread this together to bring you a further timeline of each player’s season thus far, hit or miss. See CI’s definition of a prospect.

Players are listed in their original order and stats are current as of 10 March (#1-#7) and 19 March #8-#10, until finalization is complete):

1) Ville Leino  Philadelphia Flyers

Yet to get into the lineup for his new team, Leino has a fresh opportunity in Philadelphia after being traded to the Flyers from Detroit for defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a fifth-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.  This season has seen the Savonlinna, Finland-born forward take an immense step backward and will have a limited shot in the Flyers' pressure-cooker to do so, with a lineup that has dedicated veterans and rookies already producing. "It's easy to say, 'Get him in there', but somebody has to come out, and who are you going to take out?" Coach Peter Laviolette told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "The guys are playing hard. We're trying to win hockey games, and it's hard to change things right now."

Compiling a -10 rating and only seven total points in 42 games played this season was troubling. Despite encouraging signs that do not show up in statistics and warranted long stints alongside the talented of Henrik Zetterberg for one, Leino showed brilliant flashes, had one game-winning goal and rarely took any kind of penalty (six total minutes).

Not finding a niche in a scoring or checking role, coupled with the imminent return of Johan 'The Mule' Franzen to the Red Wings' lineup after the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Leino quickly became expendable to GM Ken Holland. In Head Coach Mike Babcock's eyes, Leino hardly battled for his position in the organization and was the odd-man out.

2) Claude Giroux  Philadelphia Flyers

Versatility and high regard have quickly become the calling cards of young Giroux. Known for his elite puck-handling and clutch scoring ability, the Hearst, Ontario native has shown the coaching staff of the Flyers that he can win faceoffs, provide a right-handed penalty-kill in a pinch, and skate on the top line whenever needed. Ever eager to prove himself, Giroux knows his ability on the ice shines through when given an opportunity and that he and rookie James Van Riemsdyk bring an altogether skilled infusion to a lineup, some thought of as one-dimensional.

An immense career is unfolding for a player never even considered good enough to play in the Ontario Hockey League; he was a walk on to the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Though not technically a rookie (see CI’s definition of a prospect), his 35 points (12 goals, 1 game-winner) would set him firmly in second place if he were part of the Calder race at present.

What seems like the perfect inclusion of his ability to the lineup through his drafting, signing, American Hockey League experience and value to the organization, is proving to be an adept first-round selection (22^nd) in the 2006 Draft. His skating, flash with the puck, and +3 rating are all significant signs of an everyday force in the league, which seemingly flies under-the-radar for the present moment, behind greater stars both on the team and in the league – that could change in a hurry with his soft hands and vision.

3) Victor Hedman  Tampa Bay Lightning

A true NHL calibre defenseman in anyone’s eyes, the 2^nd overall draft pick last summer has stepped in and delivered. Despite playing an immense role on a team that will struggle just to make the post-season, the 6’6”, 230 pound teenager has a +2 rating, the second best point total (18, four goals) and second highest average minutes played (21:39) for Lightning blueliners. He is among the top 20 scoring rookies in the league and is second only to Buffalo Sabres' revelation Tyler Myers in ice-time per game.

On 21 January 2010, Head Coach Rick Tocchet made him a healthy scratch for the first time in his career, stating to the press that he had concerns for the whole defense that had struggled in the New Year. “I don’t think he’s hit a wall,” said Tocchet. “For Victor, it’s more of a mental break. Get some fresh air, take a break, and then get out there again.”

His value is far beyond that to the Tampa Bay organization that was recently sold to Jeff Vinik. With some extraordinary pieces in place with Steven Stamkos and the emerging talent pool in between the pipes (Dustin Tokarski, Jaroslav Janus, and Riku Helenius) pushing the established stars, a defenseman of Hedman’s presence is of central importance for both offense, defense, and marketing.

4) Derick Brassard  Columbus Blue Jackets

"That wouldn't really be fair to Derick," former Blue Jackets’ Head Coach Ken Hitchcock told the Columbus Dispatch. "You have to be ready to see that kind of competition. He's just starting to gain confidence. There's no point overwhelming somebody who's just starting to get confident. Moving up to that line means he's going to match up against the top five players (forwards and defensemen) on every team.”

Such is the refrain ahead for the slight but gifted centre Columbus has so many hopes hung on. With the team floundering and Brassard’s impact low, the natural impulse of some may be to give up on the 22-year-old. Line matching is a boon, as at home he has 16 of his 28 points. Interestingly, he is also just -1 compared to -15 on the road with 12 points.

Recently appointed Head Coach Claude Noel has seen a different player at his disposal, with the Hull, Quebec-born forward posting an even +/- rating since he took command and watching a four-game point streak (four assists) unfold. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, Brassard will never intimidate anyone unless on the score sheet or with a three star selection at the end of the match.

5) Karl Alzner  Washington Capitals

The road for the young British Columbian-born defenseman has been made through Hershey (AHL). Providing a stable and steadying influence on the backend is something championships are bred through. It is no coincidence that Alzner’s rookie presence helped the Bears capture last spring’s Calder Cup. Hershey has built on that this year, posting a dominant 47-12-0-2 record thus far. His modest 10 AHL points (one goal) are augmented by his +28 rating and ability to adapt.

Using a fine stride and defensive prowess, Alzner has warranted many a call-up to patrol the Capitals’ zone since turning pro last season. The 21-year-old has appeared in 21 games with the big club this season and is up-to-speed when summoned. He provides 16+ minutes per game, providing penalty-killing and no-frills reliability. The fact that his best games come with added ice-time is not much of a revelation; he is a capable leader in many aspects.

In Alzner, the Capitals will find relief in future. His emergence, quite possibly in tandem with John Carlson, gives Washington an immense amount of flexibility and strength when making hard roster decisions down the road.

6) Artem Anisimov  New York Rangers

The 21-year-old Russian is in the middle of a trying year, on par with the Rangers.  One begins to get the sense that he is over-matched on a team with so many glaring weaknesses. Tortorella told New York Newsday in November that, "I thought Artie was our best player [against the Wild]. No matter who I played Artie with, he was on the puck, created a forecheck and created offense. It was a lot of ice for him but I thought he handled it very well."

Early in the season the Yaroslavl-born forward had been an unsung hero, making plays consistently, and showing top-six potential on a team that flounders in the bottom third in goal-scoring. Scoring more in the first half of the season, do not let his skill go unnoticed just because he has lost favour on the top line. Since a brilliant effort against the Penguins on 25 January, #42 seems to have turned an important page.

Still averaging fewer than 13 minutes of ice-time a game (but over 14 after his two-goal game against Pittsburgh), Anisimov brings value to the roster and stands 11^th in rookie scoring with 21 points. He is called upon to penalty-kill and skate on a lower line, but also is gaining experience on the powerplay regularly.

7) Niklas Hjalmarsson  Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago’s drafting and scouting department get kudos for bringing along all kinds of defenseman, but rarely for Hjalmarsson. On what is likely to be a championship team in one way or another, this young Swedish defender is pulling his rookie paycheque by providing reliable and efficient penalty-killing. This after a really nice introduction late last season and getting the nod with a regular support role to begin with this year.

Of course, some may point to a lack of point production. The fact that the Eksjo, Sweden-born rearguard sees virtually no powerplay time and still logs 20+ minutes per game on this club is impressive. He is a smart and physical player.

With 12 points (two goals, one game-winner) he is not making national headlines, but his +7 rating coupled with an adept ability to distribute the biscuit and proficiency at clearing opponents, give immense value to this 22-year-old defender with an entry-level contract.

8) Jonathan Ericsson  Detroit Red Wings

With incredible talent and the immense pressures of playing in front of Hockeytown, Ericsson’s season has crumpled. In the 26-year-old defenseman’s 19 appearances since returning from a knee injury in mid-January, he has been an even +/- rating or better just five times.

"I don't think it's a message, because we've talked over and over and over again," Coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. "We think he's a good player; we like what he's done in the past. We like his size and his talent. It hasn't gone for him."

What remains for the talent-rich Swede is clear. Utilizing his wicked shot (example HERE) and proving to be a nasty defender will come when he turns the mental corner and establishes in himself the same compete level Detroit fans have grown accustomed to.

9) Nikita Filatov  Columbus Blue Jackets

Puck Prospectus recently highlighted Filatov in their regular prospects stocks article and for good reason. Although Blue Jackets fans would have dearly loved for the team to hold onto the budding superstar forward for the entire campaign in order for him to flourish, the thinking fan would undoubtedly agree that it is in his (and Columbus’) best interest to develop overseas. Sure the risk is that the KHL lures him away, as Nashville witnessed with Alexander Radulov, but the NHL is a supreme league where the best play.

After just 13 games into this season and many articles of the conflict between then Coach Ken Hitchcock and the 6^th overall selection in 2008, he departed the team to play in his homeland for CSKA Moskva and rung up 22 points (nine goals) in those subsequent 24 contests. He finished two points behind Vladimir Tarasenko (who played in 16 more games than Filatov) for the teenage scoring lead. CSKA was recently eliminated in the first-round of the playoffs, drawing up against a mighty foe, second seed HK MVD Balashikha.

The left winger’s character has taken a further beating and will be under even greater scrutiny in the future after Russia’s disappointment at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships. Looking simply at the numbers, it would seem that the Moscow native had a successful tournament with six points in six matches, but he was stripped of his captainship after the fifth game. Russia whimpered out of the competition. His long-term potential is grand.

Trade rumours have surfaced based solely on the benefit the club may realize in the short-term on getting return for the 19-year-old’s prospectus. The organization, which sits 23^rd in the NHL in terms of total offensive production, may take solace yet.  The apparent strife was with Hitchcock himself, as evidenced by a Columbus Dispatch article in December 2009. "I got my own opinion about Hitch and about what I think he thinks of me," Filatov wrote in an e-mail to Tom Reed. "I am not going to let everybody know about it. I think it's pretty clear that he didn't give (me) a chance and opportunity to prove that I can play." The Blue Jackets may still bring Filatov into the fold.

10) Luca Sbisa  Anaheim Ducks

At length last season with the Flyers and this one with the Ducks, Sbisa displayed that he belongs in the NHL. Anaheim’s top defensive prospect has matured and has seen a truly unique blend of action over the past three seasons.

Proving that generating offense in the WHL is not a problem, Sbisa posted 33 points (six goals) in his rookie year and finished with 66 career points (14 goals). NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire had this to say about Sbisa in 2008, "Luca is a poised and, sometimes, too poised a defenseman. One would say that a lot of times his calmness with the puck is misinterpreted as either slowness or laziness; that’s not the case with Luca. He is a smart player who moves the puck at the right time and carries the puck correctly, supports the rush and is adjusting very well to the North American game."

He was returned back to the WHL despite optimistic showings in his first 47 pro games (all NHL). While most junior players caught up on their studies, relaxed or took a vacation during the Olympic break, the former Zug Junior star was representing his country again. This time it was on the grandest stage of all, the Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Although he did not score a single point in either international competition, the Ozieri, Italy-born Swiss representative turned the heads of those in ‘the know’. The courageous teenager had a broken and lacerated finger late in the tournament on a blocked shot defending against the U.S. Team. "For such a young player he played very well. He didn't look out of place at all," said Anaheim General Manager Bob Murray. "I also thought he showed great heart and determination playing with his injury yesterday.” The Swiss captured fourth place in the World Juniors, which in itself was celebrated; the Olympic result was also encouraging despite an eight place finish. The 6’2”, 195 pound defender had a great effect on both placings.

Later traded from the Lethbridge Hurricanes to the Winterhawks, he now skates the puck fluidly up to World Junior team-mate Nino Niederreiter and the rest of the Portland forwards. With the regular season wrapped-up, the ‘Hawks will be tested by division rival, the Spokane Chiefs. Just how they contain the dynamic duo of Mitch Wahl and Kyle Beach (both recently named to WHL All Star teams) in the first round of the playoffs will go a long way to deciding Portland’s fate.

Murray has caught scorn for his fluctuating remodeling of Anaheim’s defense and the Ducks’ poor showing this season. Those same skeptics should keep in mind that Murray’s shiftiness produced a fine campaign last season. Perhaps the greater picture is in mind here with less pressure to win in Southern California; the development of this young defenseman shines bright.

All statistics current as of 19 March

20 March 2010 / Robin Keith Thompson