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Post by seventeen on Mar 7, 2009 15:25:50 GMT -5
You'd think we could do something with Pittsburgh. Seriously. I happen to think that having two top centres like Crosby and Malkin doesn't work well. Not enough time to share between the two...too much competition between them, etc. What Pittsburgh really needs is defensemen and perhaps a goalie. Duh.
I think Bob should seriously make an offer for Crosby. We have a few NHL guys to offer right now, and a boatload of defense prospects that I'm sure Shero would cherish (sorry, had to get in that alliteration).
I say go for it.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Mar 9, 2009 15:59:34 GMT -5
It's getting close to that time when University and college player who are free agent start to sign with NHL clubs as their season ends.....I think!?!? Any interest in or anyone else to add to this list: Tyler Bozak(University of Denver WCHA)is a centre with who has seven goals and 18 points in 15 games this season. 5'9" in his draft year is now 6 foot but is still only 165 pounds. 22 years old. Christian Hanson(CCHA-Notre Dame)who is a son Slap Shot actor Dave Hanson seems like a big tough center who has some skill. In 32 games his scored an impressive 16 goals adding 14 assist.23 years old. Matt Gilroy (HE Boston University) is a defenceman 6'2" 202 pounds said to be a smart puck moving D-man. Hockey sense could be an issue that needs addressing. in 36 games has 8 goals adding 21 assist. 25 years old. Cameron Macintyre(NCAA- Princeton)is 6'1" 220 pound RW power forward. Had injury troubles this season but last year was OK with 13 goals and 18 assist in 31 games . 23 years old. While looking for these players I found this article made a few months back on TSN by Dreger mentioning a couple these guys: www.tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=258190 |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 12, 2009 0:00:19 GMT -5
Fortier is playing for the first time with some good offensive linemate in Cornet and Veilleux. But imo fortier will never will be known as a offensive player. He does have good faceoff and defensive skills. Fortier now has 18 points in his last 9 games, with 7 of those games multi point games. He is riding a hot hand these days, as is his team. Clement Jodoin and a very talented group of young men looked well positioned to be much more than a token host come May in the Memorial Cup. Back to Fortier, that offense is nice but not likely the reason he was drafted. As you say, his defensive awareness and capabilities in the circle are valuable assets. Although, in an interview with Timmins I heard on Fortier after the last training camp, Trevor was making a case for his inclusion at the WJC because of his ability to play in any situation and contribute in many different ways. He is a showing a bit of that now. I look forward to seeing his Memorial Cup games. I likely will have a peek at a few of Rimouski's QMJHL playoff games on webcasts too, as I have not watched any of his games lately. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 16, 2009 0:05:28 GMT -5
The NCAA playoffs are in full swing, and three teams with Habs' prospects won their series this weekend.
Steve Quailer and Northeastern won 2-1 and Steve had a goal and an assist last night (and the GWG to boot) and he had a helper in tonight's deciding game.
Ryan McDonagh and Patrick Johnston's Wisconsin team won 2-0 and McD had a goal last night. I watched Friday's game on a webcast and he looked very good.
David Fischer and his Golden Gophers also advanced with a 2-0 series win.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 16, 2009 0:20:27 GMT -5
Nice to hear McDonagh is progressing well. I had some concerns after his first post-draft year, but he seems to have adjusted. Thanks for keeping us informed NWT.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 16, 2009 18:27:31 GMT -5
For those that want a little peek at NCAA playoffs this weekend on TV, Sportnet is showing the Hockey East semis on Friday afternoon/evening including Northeastern and Quailer in the first semi. The second semi features BU against Boston College, and highly sought after free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy will be suited up for BU.
The NHL Network has the ECAC semis on Friday and the final on Saturday, but our ECAC teams are out (Dartmouth and Clarkson). No prospects of ours in either of those games.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 20, 2009 23:41:06 GMT -5
Quailer was just named to the Hockey East all rookie team, so congrats to him in his freshman season. I watched his Hockey East semi today on Sportsnet West where Northeastern were shocked 3-2 in OT by Mass-Lowell. He was not much of a factor, playing on the 4th line and not on any special teams. His goalie, Brad Thiessen, who is a BCHL grad and one of the Hobey Baker finalists (there are ten finalists) was really solid. The NESN announcers (one of whom was Craig Janney) could not stop raving about him, and I could see why. I am sure a whole lot of NHL teams are taking notice, the kid is a good one. Although NU lost today, they still are highly enough ranked that they still will make the cut for the NCAA's, they just won't win their conference now.
2008-09 PRO AMBITIONS All-Rookie Team
Kieran Millan - Boston University - Goaltender
Karl Stolery - Merrimack - Defense
Chris Connolly - Boston University - Forward
Gustav Nyquist - Maine - Forward
Steve Quailer - Northeastern - Forward
Casey Wellman - Massachusetts - Forward
David Vallorani - UMass Lowell - Forward
On a little side note, great to see two of the names up there from the AJHL, as both Millan and Stollery are grads of the Alberta Junior A league. I like that league!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 21, 2009 1:09:51 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 21, 2009 23:50:05 GMT -5
Fortier seems to like his new contract thing, as he netted two goals and got two assists in a big 5-1 win tonight to take a 2-0 lead in their opening round series against Chicoutimi. Boy, do I ever like a prospect that can crank it up when the games get tougher.
Olivier is not a big guy, nor a pure offensive guy, but someone who chips in with a lot of different elements that are hard to ignore. Enough to win defensive forward of the year last year in the Q (yeah, I keep repeating that fact for those that know, but this is more for those that just scan the most recent posts!!).
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Post by Lord Bebop on Mar 22, 2009 12:49:34 GMT -5
Fortier seems to like his new contract thing, as he netted two goals and got two assists in a big 5-1 win tonight to take a 2-0 lead in their opening round series against Chicoutimi. Boy, do I ever like a prospect that can crank it up when the games get tougher. Olivier is not a big guy, nor a pure offensive guy, but someone who chips in with a lot of different elements that are hard to ignore. Enough to win defensive forward of the year last year in the Q (yeah, I keep repeating that fact for those that know, but this is more for those that just scan the most recent posts!!). I think he's a good character kid. PK and faceoff specialist maybe........... not really sold on his offensive tools though. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 31, 2009 8:57:12 GMT -5
Danny Kristo seems to be peaking at the right time of year as he is quietly on a nice tear these days. On the weekend, he had a four point night (hattrick and one helper) to keep his streak of multi point games to five in a row!! He accumulated 13 points in those last five games and now has 53 points in 48 games this season in the USHL.
With the USHL regular season wrapping up this weekend, hopefully Danny will be taking a hot hand into the playoffs. Danny sits third on his team in points, but does have the best points per game ratio, even ahead of highly toughted 2009-draft eligible Quebec-born Louis Leblanc. Leblanc leads the Lancers with 59 points, but in ten more games than Danny. Leblanc is a forecasted first rounder this June in Montreal.
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Post by jkr on Mar 31, 2009 11:22:22 GMT -5
It's getting close to that time when University and college player who are free agent start to sign with NHL clubs as their season ends.....I think!?!? Any interest in or anyone else to add to this list: Christian Hanson(CCHA-Notre Dame)who is a son Slap Shot actor Dave Hanson seems like a big tough center who has some skill. In 32 games his scored an impressive 16 goals adding 14 assist.23 years old. Heard on the FAN590 in Toronto that Hanson is signing with the Leafs. Could happen today & he may see some action before the end of the season. |
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Post by habmeister on Mar 31, 2009 11:34:08 GMT -5
It's getting close to that time when University and college player who are free agent start to sign with NHL clubs as their season ends.....I think!?!? Any interest in or anyone else to add to this list: Christian Hanson(CCHA-Notre Dame)who is a son Slap Shot actor Dave Hanson seems like a big tough center who has some skill. In 32 games his scored an impressive 16 goals adding 14 assist.23 years old. Heard on the FAN590 in Toronto that Hanson is signing with the Leafs. Could happen today & he may see some action before the end of the season. tsn.ca reporting that a hanson did indeed sign with the laffs. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Apr 3, 2009 9:21:13 GMT -5
Now Tyler Bozak signed with the Leafs that makes Bozak and Hanson... Burke has started to stock the almost bare cupboard. If it makes anyone feel better we were one of the finalist for Bozak's services!!!!!  |
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Post by franko on Apr 3, 2009 10:40:57 GMT -5
nope . . . makes me feel worse.
what would make me feel better is if Toronto was the failed finalist . . . or of they had signed him and we had no interest.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 3, 2009 12:47:32 GMT -5
nope . . . makes me feel worse. what would make me feel better is if Toronto was the failed finalist . . . or of they had signed him and we had no interest. .... we are always the bridesmaid .... things never change. Players prefer non-playoff teams to us for god's sake. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 3, 2009 13:31:38 GMT -5
nope . . . makes me feel worse. what would make me feel better is if Toronto was the failed finalist . . . or of they had signed him and we had no interest. .... we are always the bridesmaid .... things never change. Players prefer non-playoff teams to us for god's sake. Well when you're coming out of the NCAA at 23 and your options are signing with Toronto and having an immediate spot in the lineup, or signing in Montreal and being stashed in Hamilton for at minimum the rest of the season (if not most/part of next season as well).. well that's not even a choice in my mind having not even considered the financial implications of that decision (hmm 80k vs 800K...). |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 3, 2009 14:29:05 GMT -5
Well when you're coming out of the NCAA at 23 and your options are signing with Toronto and having an immediate spot in the lineup, or signing in Montreal and being stashed in Hamilton for at minimum the rest of the season (if not most/part of next season as well).. well that's not even a choice in my mind having not even considered the financial implications of that decision (hmm 80k vs 800K...). I agree, this about playing in the NHL next season. We were likely in the running because of the Denver connection (Trotter) and the Habs strong commitment to NCAA players and prospects overall. The depth at forward and likelihood of not seeing Montreal past training camp likely sealed the deal in favour of the rebuilding team. This likely was why Brunnstrom went with Dallas over Montreal...much greater chance of ice time. |
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Post by seventeen on Apr 3, 2009 23:51:36 GMT -5
And Brunnstrom is hardly lighting the world on fire. I'm a bit skeptical of the college free agents at 23 bit. By that time, they'd better be awfully good and not just better than their peers. In fact, I can't recall a recent college free agent who's really been a great player. Adam Oates is one I can remember from many years ago.
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Post by The New Guy on Apr 8, 2009 12:05:52 GMT -5
And Brunnstrom is hardly lighting the world on fire. I'm a bit skeptical of the college free agents at 23 bit. By that time, they'd better be awfully good and not just better than their peers. In fact, I can't recall a recent college free agent who's really been a great player. Adam Oates is one I can remember from many years ago. From Wikipedia's list of undrafted NHL players (excluding Europeans, who until recently would come over late ayways, and guys like Gretzky who weren't drafted for historical reasons): (Guys I would consider good/great All-Time) Ed Belfour Dino Ciccarelli Curtis Jospeh Mike Keane John Madden Adam Oates Brian Rafalski Dan Boyle Martin St. Louis (Guys who might make the above list eventually) Rene Borque Alexandre Burrows Chris Kunitz That's just a casual perusal of the list. I'm sure thre's more if I looked hard at it. Players who go undrafted tend to be of limited skill, but sometimes they can pay big dividends. Imainge having St. Louis, Boyle, Rafalski and Madden right now. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 8, 2009 12:41:36 GMT -5
Rumour has it that Burke got Bozak by paying him about twice what anyone else was willing to. I think I saw that on TSN.ca, but don't quote me on it.
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Post by duster on Apr 8, 2009 13:47:02 GMT -5
It's twice as much as Carey Price. Two year deal @ almost $4 million per including bonuses. That's steep for a 5'9", 155 lb undrafted college player. Is he really that good or are Leafs just buying prospects?
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Post by cigarviper on Apr 8, 2009 20:14:10 GMT -5
It's twice as much as Carey Price. Two year deal @ almost $4 million per including bonuses. That's steep for a 5'9", 155 lb undrafted college player. Is he really that good or are Leafs just buying prospects? The wizardry of Brian Burke era has begun. |
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Post by habmeister on Apr 8, 2009 23:08:01 GMT -5
the only reason he was undrafted was because of his size, give him 2-3 more inches and he'd probably have been a top 3 rounds pick. i'm sure he won't be hitting the bonuses to get $4 mil, thats ridiculous.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 9, 2009 18:59:51 GMT -5
It's twice as much as Carey Price. Two year deal @ almost $4 million per including bonuses. That's steep for a 5'9", 155 lb undrafted college player. Is he really that good or are Leafs just buying prospects? The latter methinks. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 13, 2009 11:55:17 GMT -5
Danny Kristo's playoffs are over as Omaha lost three straight to Fargo, but the bright spot was Danny scored in each of the three games. That ends his USHL career as he is off to the NCAA next fall.
Subban (Belleville) and Fortier (Rimouski) are still alive in the playoffs as their respective teams have advanced to the final four in the OHL and QMJHL playoffs. The Drummondville Rimouski series should be a preview of two teams that should meet again in the Memorial Cup (Rimouski is the host and Drummondville is the top ranked team in the Q). PK's team is up against Brampton, so those in the GTA can catch a glimpse of PK.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Apr 15, 2009 13:22:16 GMT -5
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 15, 2009 17:08:52 GMT -5
Three good amigos playing together against younger juniors. Stats are great. Why wasn't he drafted before this. Good move by Gainey and Timmons. Another S. Kostitsyn? Anyone see him play? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 18, 2009 0:39:04 GMT -5
Masse vs Fortier tonight...and it was not close for their teams. 8-1 final for Drummondville who had 7 PP goals (yup, that is not a typo) on 15 chances. WOW. Masse only one assist to drop his 3.13 points per game average in the playoffs going into this game.
PK and his team look to be in a bit of a hole going down 2-0 to Brampton so far as well.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 23, 2009 22:31:32 GMT -5
Facing elimination, PK and the Bulls win 3-2 in double OT to creep a little closer to Brampton, as the series now stands at 3-2 bad guys. PK had two helpers and also keeps his junior career alive, as a ATO with the Dogs would be likely if Belleville is done anytime soon. Let's hope they can keep it going and get back to the Memorial Cup!!
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