They banked them you rank them

[Habsolution]

Rank in order the 10 habs prospects that you think will have the better carreer in the NHL. Every players that can be sent down without clearing waivers or earning big league salary are considered prospects except Bouillon. Players that aren't signed yet are of course considered too. Also give them a mark based on this :

10= Rare Talent(Gretzky, Lemieux)
9= Potential Superstar
8= 1st line Forward/Top Defenseman/Top Goalie
7= 2nd line Forward/Top 3 Defenseman
6= 3rd line Forward/Top 5 Defenseman/Backup Goalie
5= 4th line Foward/6th/7th Defenseman
4= High-end Minor league Talent(Might get a shot...)
3= Minor League Role Player
2= Low-end Minor League Talent
1= Unlikely to make it out of junior/college


1) Kastsitsyn - 9
2) Komisarek - 8
3) Higgins - 7.5
4) Perezhogin - 7.5
5) Hainsey - 7
6) Urquhart - 6.5
7) Ryder - 6
8) Beauchemin - 5
9) Michaud - 6
10) Kim Staal (longshot hehe) - 5

EDIT: I don't want to prevent discussion from happenning but since most of it will probably be based on gut feeling I don't think anyone can be right or wrong. I know the Staal and Michaud thing might be controversal but I really can't back them up it's only a gut feeling. Just looking toward knowing what you guys think about our depht chart prospect wise.

[The Edge]

1) Kastsitsyn -8
2) Komisarek - 9
3) Higgins - 8
4) Perezhogin - 7
5) Hainsey - 8
6) Urquhart - 5
7) Ryder - 6
8) Beauchemin - 6
9) Michaud - 6
10) Kim Staal (longshot hehe) - 3

I have a feeling Kastsitsyn might be a bust, or maybe he will develop into a good player, but not a superstar.

[Habsolution]

The said:

1) Kastsitsyn -8
2) Komisarek - 9
3) Higgins - 8
4) Perezhogin - 7
5) Hainsey - 8
6) Urquhart - 5
7) Ryder - 6
8) Beauchemin - 6.5
9) Michaud - 6
10) Kim Staal (longshot hehe) - 3

I have a feeling Kastsitsyn might be a bust, or maybe he will develop into a good player, but not a superstar.

Maybe I wasn't clear. I want people to do their own ranking. On your chart Staal probably wouldn't be there and Plekanec, Milroy or Balej probably would be there !

[Patty Roy]

1. Andrei Kastsitsyn - 8.5 (Potential excellent 1st liner)
2. Mike Komisarek - 7.5 (Potential top 2 defenceman)
3. Alexander Perezhogin - 7.5 (Potential 1st/2nd line winger)
4. Ron Hainsey - 7.5 (Potential top 3 defenceman)
5. Christopher Higgins - 7 (Potential 2nd line forward)
6. Marcel Hossa - 6.5 (Potential 2nd line winger)
7. Tomas Plekanec - 6 (Potential 2nd/3rd line forward)
8. Michael Ryder - 6 (Potential 3rd/4th line forward)
9. Jozef Balej - 6 (Potential 2nd/3rd line forward)
10. Duncan Milroy - 6 (Potential 3rd line forward)

[MPLABBE]

Patty said:

1. Andrei Kastsitsyn - 8.5 (Potential excellent 1st liner)
2. Mike Komisarek - 7.5 (Potential top 2 defenceman)
3. Alexander Perezhogin - 7.5 (Potential 1st/2nd line winger)
4. Ron Hainsey - 7.5 (Potential top 3 defenceman)
5. Christopher Higgins - 7 (Potential 2nd line forward)
6. Marcel Hossa - 6.5 (Potential 2nd line winger)
7. Tomas Plekanec - 6 (Potential 2nd/3rd line forward)
8. Michael Ryder - 6 (Potential 3rd/4th line forward)
9. Jozef Balej - 6 (Potential 2nd/3rd line forward)
10. Duncan Milroy - 6 (Potential 3rd line forward)

Yup, I have to agree with that list.

[Thomas]

1. Andrei Kastsitsyn - 8.5 (Potential excellent 1st liner)

Dont have to really explain anything, most people see him as a very skilled player with only his medical conditions holding him back, which dont seem very serious right now.

2. Alexander Perezhogin - 8 (Potential 1st liner)

Komisarek was our top prospect according to most before the draft, but I believe Perezhogin will be a very big suprise. We have been lacking that big player and thus Komisarek may seem better right now, but when Perezhogin is racking up the points with his hard nosed game we may place him above Komisarek.

3. Mike Komisarek - 8 (Potential top 2 defenceman)

Behind Markov, he will be our #2 defenseman and probably assistant captain. He has already showed leadership qualities in the room and is a fan favorite. Plays a tough style of game but still has some positioning issues.

4. Christopher Higgins - 7 (Potential 2nd line forward)

Savard traded up in the draft for a reason, this guy will be a great center. Hes great both offensively and defensively, he wont be scoring huge amounts of points but will fill his role perfectly and make everyone around him a better player, possible captain to replace Koivu when hes gone.

5. Ron Hainsey - 7 (Potential top 3 defenceman)

Has all the talent to be a top 3 defenceman but doesnt have the confidence as of yet. His Orr like rush in game 7 of the Calder cups shows he has the talent, we just need to let Julien and a new defensive coach/hamilton coach deal with him in any way they see fit.

6. Marcel Hossa - 6.5 (Potential 2nd line winger)

Great sniper and playmaker who likes to stand behind the net. He doesnt seemto like using his quick wrist shot which got him those 5 goals on his call up. Hes a great prospect, just needs to show more heart and intensity.

7. Corey Locke 6.5 (Potential 2nd line Center/Winger)

A steal in the 4th round, has the skill to be a great scoring center on the team. Saw one '67 game and he stood out, does everything right and can sneak to the front of the net without being noticed and put it in the net, always finds a way to be open at the right time. Would prefer him on the wing possibly.

8. Konstantin Korneev 6.5 (Potential top 4 defenseman)

Nobody really mentions him but he could be our next Markov, simply amazing for his age at the WJC, young player yet was solid defensively. Give him a few more years in Russia and he should be a great addition to our blueline.

9. Corey Urqhart 6.3 (Potential 2nd line Center)

Havent seen him play, but AS eyes during his interview makes me believe hes a hidden gem in the draft. Could be a 2nd line center, but nothing else.

10. Jaroslav Halak 6 (Potential Solid Back up Goalie)

Timmins is know for his knack of snatching great late rounders and this is one of them. A friend of mine can't belive we managed to pick him up that late in the draft, very solid goaltender with lots of talent, but not enough playing time to perfect his skills. Moving to a new team where he should get loads of ice time and he may prove to be one of the biggest steals in the draft.


I don't see Ribeiro, Beauchemin, Ryder or Pleckanec in the teams plans, but rather as extra depth. We have a very solid prospect core and hopefully they will all turn out to be great.

[StickHandler]

1) Kastsitsyn - 9.5 (can we settle for Potential Superstar with rare abilities?)
2) Hainsey - 8 (Top Defenseman! You'll see...)
3) Komisarek - 7.5 (Top 3 Defenseman but man... So huge!)
4) Perezhogin - 7.5 (2nd line Forward with chances of becoming a 1st liner)
5) Locke - 7 (2nd line Forward with loads of PP time... Think Cliff Ronning/Ray Whitney)
6) Higgins - 6.5 (3rd line Forward with chances of becoming a 2nd liner)
7) Urquhart - 6 (3rd line Forward)
8) Plekanec - 6 (3rd line Forward)
9) Ryder - 6 (3rd line Forward)
10) Milroy - 6 (3rd line Forward)

[MPLABBE]

StickHandler said:

1) Kastsitsyn - 9.5 (can we settle for Potential Superstar with rare abilities?)
2) Hainsey - 8 (Top Defenseman! You'll see...)
3) Komisarek - 7.5 (Top 3 Defenseman but man... So huge!)
4) Perezhogin - 7.5 (2nd line Forward with chances of becoming a 1st liner)
5) Locke - 7 (2nd line Forward with loads of PP time... Think Cliff Ronning/Ray Whitney)
6) Higgins - 6.5 (3rd line Forward with chances of becoming a 2nd liner)
7) Urquhart - 6 (3rd line Forward)
8) Plekanec - 6 (3rd line Forward)
9) Ryder - 6 (3rd line Forward)
10) Milroy - 6 (3rd line Forward)

Hossa and Ward are considered Nhlers in your mind?

[Habsolution]

Marc said:

Hossa and Ward are considered Nhlers in your mind?

I established the rules and the rules were players with 2 way contracts that can be sent down to the AHL without having to go through waivers.

Hossa can be included but not Ward.

[MPLABBE]

Habsolution said:

I established the rules and the rules were players with 2 way contracts that can be sent down to the AHL without having to go through waivers.

Hossa can be included but not Ward.

I see.

[Habsolution]

Thomas said:

...

I like your list better than mine hehe ;D

[Thomas]

Habsolution said:

I like your list better than mine hehe ;D

Thank you , even though some of those arent as NHL ready as others mentionned, I think they define our young core very well.

[GoMtl]

Here's my list:

8.9 - Andrei Kastsitsyn - Offensive potential to become a future superstar in this league, if his epilepsy and back problems don't hold him back i don't think anything will, the kid has way too much talent not to be a star

8.8 - Mike Komisarek - He may not score a heck of a lot of points for us, but has the potential to be one of the league's most feared and strong defencemen. Hulking blueliner should be able to shut down opponents top players within a few years, and could be a future Norris candidate.

7.9 - Ron Hainsey - Has the potential to be a game breaking defenceman. With good speed, size, and offensive skill, he has the whole package, just needs to let that mean streak some of us saw occasionally in the AHL playoffs shine through in the big leagues.

7.7 - Chris Higgins - Strong two way centre with great offensive ability aswell, has future 2nd liner written all over him. Decent size, great determination, skills and character will make Chris a very good NHL player, some might compare him to Chris Drury in a few years.

7.5 - Alexander Perezhogin - Great offensive talent who is also said to be strong in his own end. 2nd leading rookie scorer in the RSL, rated as one of the top 10 prospects in the world, could turn out to be a 1st line winger.

7.1- Jason Ward - Some might say he's too old to be considered a prospect, but he's still young, and improving all the time. Dominant in the AHL in both the regular season and playoffs, and also looked very good in a late season call up with the Habs. What Jason lacks in skating (which has improved) he makes up for in grit and determination. With his already very good hands and eye for the net, Ward could be a wicked power forward for us if he could just add 15lbs onto that 6'3 205lb frame of his.

7 - Corey Locke - Call me stupid, but I think this kid has tons of potential. Sure his 151 points in 66 games was in the OHL where everyone is a boy, not a man, but he was still playing against players like Staal and Horton who we claim will be stars in this league, and Corey was dominant, putting up numbers that almost doubled theirs. I think Locke could become a strong 2nd line centre if he's put with some big wingers, he could be a Ray Whitney or Martin St Louis type player once he reaches his prime.

6.9 - Marcel Hossa - Showed flashes of brilliance after being called up both in 02 and 03, but cooled off after scoring 5 goals in his first 4 games last season. Marcel has a great shot and good size, but lacks consistancy and drive. If he ever puts it together he could be a good 2nd line winger, but he will have to show a lot more heart than what i've seen.

6.5 - Michael Ryder - Looked better than Hossa each and every time i saw him in the AHL, but is nothing more than a good prospect in all areas other than his shot, leading me to believe that he could easily become a 3rd liner in the NHL, but doubtfully anything more. Still a huge jump for a guy who was basically out of the team's plans a year ago.

6.2 and 6.0 - Duncan Milroy, Corey Urquhart - Milroy showed he was a clutch performer in 02 winning the Mem Cup with Kootenay, while Urquhart also showed he was a clutch performer with the Rocket in this years playoffs. Both have a lot of offensive potential and could be 2nd or 3rd line players.

5.5 - Tomas Plekanec, Francois Beauchemin - Beauchemin is a strong stay at home defender with average size and offensive skills, could prove to be a useful 6th d man in the near future. Tomas Plekanec showed a strong 2 way game as a rookie in the AHL, but due to the log jam at centre in our system, he'll probably just end up being another small centre that never gets a chance, although he has 3rd line potential.

5 - Jozef Balej - Tons of speed and offensive ability, but injury prone and lacking defensive awareness. If Balej ever makes it in the NHL it will likely be as a 2nd liner, but it's a long shot at best.

[JeffStryker]

OK Ill rank em


1) Mike Komisarek 9.5
Yes. I will give this to King Kom. This kid is going to be great in the NHL. Show tremendous poise for a rookie last year, and the development curve over just 21 GP was simply amazing. He came in just trying to be steady, and by the end he was depended on to contribute some muscle... We only caught a glimpse of how mean this kid will be. ;D
Any one who watched that 7th game (Hamilton) must have seen how he handled their one and only star. (He smoked him every time he came over the blue line
And I think once he settles in (2-3 years from now) he will unquestionably be our # 1 rock on the point, and have a tremendous amount of intimidation for his foes to deal with night in, night out.

2) Andrei Kastsitsyn 9.5
Yes unquestionably loads of talent. Montreal has their first gamebreaker in years (which we sorely lacked), and has tremendous heart for the game. This kid will become a legend in his homecountry (a la Koivu) and he will be responsible for the rise of Belarus in a world front. Lots to ask for??? Ya maybe. But I am a firm believer that Kast will deliver. Huge talent. 16 pts (including a hattrick vs Canada) in the WU18 tourney with a very weak team to boot. This kid is something else ;D

3) Ron Hainsey 8.5
When I saw Ron skate in the final game of that 7 game series... I thought to myself... man, what a machine!!! The guy has awesome speed for a defenceman that size. the entire Minnesota farm team tried to stop him, and couldn't. Him and Markov will be in tight... But I think when Ron gets his composure, he'll be hard to contend with.

4) Alex Perezhogin 9
I know he's ranked higher than Ron, but the true reasoning is Ron has a harder battle to be #1 LD than Alex does at being #1 Forward line. I saw him play at the WJC, he was a wall. I am convinced this kid's hockey sense is fantastically high. As much talent as he has, he think's the game better than almost anyone on this list (Kasty probably has a bit more ) I am just waiting for the day when we finally ice a line that is feared in the NHL, and I think it is Pere, Koivu, and Kast that will bring this here.

5) Chris Higgins 8
This kid will be a solid player... I haven't seen him play yet, but from what I understand, he hovers, waiting for an oppurtunity to pounce on, then taking it by force. But also plays an effective defensive game, making him all the more valuable. I can't wait to see him in camp this september.

6) Marcel Hossa 8
Good second liner in the making. Has hot/cold streaks like crazy though. I think he'll turn out to be a 60 point man... and plays very well on the boards. Great cycling ability!

7) Jozef Balej 8
I give him an 8, or he'll bust. This kid will only be top 2 liner in the NHL (his wheels are awesome), and I think it won't be long before we see him in a habs game to see whether he'll be an NHL'er or not. If he does make it, he'll be a star player, potential for superstardom is there, but he has to show more than he has so far.

8) Corey Locke 8
What can I say? I like this kid a lot. again, he's another one who is boom or bust (like Balej) but his scoring ability certainly cannot be denied. He has a knack for offence. If he can improve on his skating, this kid will be awesome, regardless of his small frame. He also has a great additude, and is touted by legendary coach Brian Kilrea as being a great kid, and good talent. I am so glad we took a chance on Locke. Cause if/when he does make it, he'll be a keeper.

9) Michael Ryder 6.5
This kid has worked so hard. He almost is there, if he comes to camp with footspeed improved, there is no way that this kid will be denied. Great wrist shot, and good defensively, and can put the puck in the net. Solid, Hard worker, and Character coming out of his ying-yang.

10) (tie) Duncan Milroy 7
Higher ranking tha Michael, because he has more potential, but still has a ways to go before getting to where Ryder is. Has the hands, has the big game ability. But does not have the foot speed to be ranked higher yet.

10) (tie) Maxim LaPierre 7 Also has higher ranking than Ryder, but is far away as well. This is our future 3/4 line checking centre. Has good speed, and good defensively as well.

I honestly cannot wait to see this team in action! and when these guys develop, it will be like peeling off a layer of similar 'lunchbox players' Only to reveal exciting new facets of what the habs will be! (MHO? a rotational team, that can beat you in more ways than one)
There are so many more prospects that have chances to surprise, this list could change (bottom 4, including tie) at any time. But the top 6 are the future. The bottom 4 will only add to the top 6 (Including as to who is already on the team ;D )

I say gentlemen, it's been a LONG time coming, but we are almost there!
I am willing to say that we have the best future in the NHL. No doubt about it. Atlanta's good, but they ain't us
Florida has some great prospects, but again, they ain't US!

GOHABSGO!!!!!!

[Cranky]

I really hate to be a wet noodle and put out the fire in some peoples eyes.

But....

Do you guys remember what happened lat year? Komo ws the second coming of King Kong and he turned out to be a a kid with raw talent but little vision. Remember the hype? How many articles did we read that Komo did this, could do that but in the end, he was far from ready. Even the coach and Savard had the hype machine going full tilt.

Same thing is happening with Perezhogin, Kastsitsyn, Milroy and Higgins. They may be, could be, should be great players but we have to temper our enthusiasm. We are a LONG, LONG way from beign able to rate them for their potential NHL careers. Let them at least play in the AHL for a season and then we can see if they are going to be high caliber weapons or pea shooters.

Remember this painful fact. Ribiero can be a phenom in the AHL and juniors but what happens to him in the NHL?

There is at best only THREE potential starters from last years AHL. Komo, Hainsey and Hossa, with Plakenac on the outside. The rest are long shots. Also, don't forget the baggage in salaries and baggage handlers that we are forced to put on the ice. Let's see what happens in training camp.

OKAY, I GIVE UP, let's dream!

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

HabsAddict said:

There is at best only THREE potential starters from last years AHL. Komo, Hainsey and Hossa, with Plakenac on the outside. The rest are long shots. Also, don't forget the baggage in salaries and baggage handlers that we are forced to put on the ice. Let's see what happens in training camp.

Ward. Garon (entirely dependent on our "Untouchable Gangster Goalie"). Ryder. Beauchemin. Traverse.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Matt said:

Here's my list:

8.9 - Andrei Kastsitsyn - Offensive potential to become a future superstar in this league, if his epilepsy and back problems don't hold him back i don't think anything will, the kid has way too much talent not to be a star

8.8 - Mike Komisarek - He may not score a heck of a lot of points for us, but has the potential to be one of the league's most feared and strong defencemen. Hulking blueliner should be able to shut down opponents top players within a few years, and could be a future Norris candidate.

7.9 - Ron Hainsey - Has the potential to be a game breaking defenceman. With good speed, size, and offensive skill, he has the whole package, just needs to let that mean streak some of us saw occasionally in the AHL playoffs shine through in the big leagues.

7.7 - Chris Higgins - Strong two way centre with great offensive ability aswell, has future 2nd liner written all over him. Decent size, great determination, skills and character will make Chris a very good NHL player, some might compare him to Chris Drury in a few years.

7.5 - Alexander Perezhogin - Great offensive talent who is also said to be strong in his own end. 2nd leading rookie scorer in the RSL, rated as one of the top 10 prospects in the world, could turn out to be a 1st line winger.

7.1- Jason Ward - Some might say he's too old to be considered a prospect, but he's still young, and improving all the time. Dominant in the AHL in both the regular season and playoffs, and also looked very good in a late season call up with the Habs. What Jason lacks in skating (which has improved) he makes up for in grit and determination. With his already very good hands and eye for the net, Ward could be a wicked power forward for us if he could just add 15lbs onto that 6'3 205lb frame of his.

7 - Corey Locke - Call me stupid, but I think this kid has tons of potential. Sure his 151 points in 66 games was in the OHL where everyone is a boy, not a man, but he was still playing against players like Staal and Horton who we claim will be stars in this league, and Corey was dominant, putting up numbers that almost doubled theirs. I think Locke could become a strong 2nd line centre if he's put with some big wingers, he could be a Ray Whitney or Martin St Louis type player once he reaches his prime.

6.9 - Marcel Hossa - Showed flashes of brilliance after being called up both in 02 and 03, but cooled off after scoring 5 goals in his first 4 games last season. Marcel has a great shot and good size, but lacks consistancy and drive. If he ever puts it together he could be a good 2nd line winger, but he will have to show a lot more heart than what i've seen.

6.5 - Michael Ryder - Looked better than Hossa each and every time i saw him in the AHL, but is nothing more than a good prospect in all areas other than his shot, leading me to believe that he could easily become a 3rd liner in the NHL, but doubtfully anything more. Still a huge jump for a guy who was basically out of the team's plans a year ago.

6.2 and 6.0 - Duncan Milroy, Corey Urquhart - Milroy showed he was a clutch performer in 02 winning the Mem Cup with Kootenay, while Urquhart also showed he was a clutch performer with the Rocket in this years playoffs. Both have a lot of offensive potential and could be 2nd or 3rd line players.

5.5 - Tomas Plekanec, Francois Beauchemin - Beauchemin is a strong stay at home defender with average size and offensive skills, could prove to be a useful 6th d man in the near future. Tomas Plekanec showed a strong 2 way game as a rookie in the AHL, but due to the log jam at centre in our system, he'll probably just end up being another small centre that never gets a chance, although he has 3rd line potential.

5 - Jozef Balej - Tons of speed and offensive ability, but injury prone and lacking defensive awareness. If Balej ever makes it in the NHL it will likely be as a 2nd liner, but it's a long shot at best.

Great job Matt:

9. Kastytsyn, Superstar or bust!
8.5 Komisarek, Big enough, just not mean enough
8.0 Locke, If Ribeiro made it Locke will make it. Another Ribeiro or another Koivu?
7.5 Hainsey, Give him another year and another chance
7.5 Ward, Stick a fork in him, he's ready
7.2 Milroy, Gainey, here's where you earn the big bucks. Take him to the woodshed.
7.0 Balej, Speed kills. He has enough speed to wipe out Iraq.
7.0 Higgins, It's all up to him. He can skate.
6.9 Beauchemin, Could be another Tim Horton or Terry Harper.
6.5 Ferland, another Yvon Lambert? If so we can use him in front of the enemy goaler.
6.4 Hossa/Ryder, guess which one makes it?

[MPLABBE]

Perezhogin not in your radar LA

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

Marc said:

Perezhogin not in your radar LA

I just don't know that much about him. Many of the players who I haven't seen, I've read about. I'm not saying he will or won't make it.