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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 30, 2009 16:36:47 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 30, 2009 17:03:17 GMT -5
Funny thing is, getting a European prospect over right away is not always best for their longer-term development, especially if they can get good exposure back home before coming over and uprooting oneself. In his case, he was working with a very highly respected goalie coach back home and he likely would get backup role in the men's league. Now, we will only play against junior competition, have less exposure to his old trainer, but will be more accessible to the Habs (and goaltending Coach Groulx), will get acclimatized to the smaller rink and how that affects angles, positioning and reflexes, and also an earlier adjustment to the culture and being away from home. Pros and cons, but I hope it works out for him as I would really like to see a potential NHL goalie emerge out of our prospects. And the added bonus is that we prospect junkies have a much better chance of seeing him play now (although I do hope he is playing a prominent role for his national team in Dec/Jan in Saskatchewan). |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 31, 2009 13:00:43 GMT -5
Funny thing is, getting a European prospect over right away is not always best for their longer-term development, especially if they can get good exposure back home before coming over and uprooting oneself. In his case, he was working with a very highly respected goalie coach back home and he likely would get backup role in the men's league. Now, we will only play against junior competition, have less exposure to his old trainer, but will be more accessible to the Habs (and goaltending Coach Groulx), will get acclimatized to the smaller rink and how that affects angles, positioning and reflexes, and also an earlier adjustment to the culture and being away from home. Pros and cons, but I hope it works out for him as I would really like to see a potential NHL goalie emerge out of our prospects. And the added bonus is that we prospect junkies have a much better chance of seeing him play now (although I do hope he is playing a prominent role for his national team in Dec/Jan in Saskatchewan). It's funny because either Gainey or Timmins( I forget who) was making a huge deal about who Simila goaltending consultant was going to be in Finland this upcoming year( same guy who worked with Pekka Rinne.......I think???). |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Aug 9, 2009 9:03:59 GMT -5
Louis Leblanc seemed to impress on Saturday in the scrimmage. Leblanc scores on a great move in tight yesterday. They say it's important for him to make the team so he can get some entra games as his Harvard team gets started late start on the season compare to if he played in other leagues.TSN has a clip on their homepage and uses him as an example of competing hard in drills. They were talking on TSN's Sportscenter and McGuire was saying that Leblanc really stood out. Said he showed great hands, was blocking shots, and showed great speed going to the net. He seems to be playing on a line with Bourque - Duchene.Not so if thats a good thing as Duchene has a very serious chance of being in Colorado. www.nationalpost.com/sports/story.html?id=1874641 |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Aug 9, 2009 12:04:42 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Aug 9, 2009 12:28:44 GMT -5
Nice job to reach the pass and control it. As you said, very nice hands.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 10, 2009 21:57:28 GMT -5
Danny Kristo's blog from the US World Junior camp in Lake Placid, NY. Danny made the cut today when they shaved the roster down to 29 players. Obviously not the final roster yet, but that is good that he is still around after a big drop from 43 to 29 players. Mike Cichy did not make it, so too bad as it would have been good to see him make the team. Oh well, he can now focus on his UND team along with team-mate Kristo once he is done the remainder of the camp. www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=2680 |
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Post by seventeen on Aug 11, 2009 0:52:05 GMT -5
His line scores 6 of the 8 goals for his team and he didn't mention his point totals once. Humble young man, or he knows how to play the politically correct game.
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Post by CrocRob on Aug 11, 2009 1:20:26 GMT -5
His line scores 6 of the 8 goals for his team and he didn't mention his point totals once. Humble young man, or he knows how to play the politically correct game. He scored a hat trick with a SHG and added an assist. I think he's pretty humble. You'd not have even known he scored a goal reading that entry. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 11, 2009 9:25:36 GMT -5
His line scores 6 of the 8 goals for his team and he didn't mention his point totals once. Humble young man, or he knows how to play the politically correct game. Last November Danny was skating by the Canadian bench taunting them after scoring a goal at the World Junior A Challenge, making no Canadian friends in the process. Prior to his draft he was accused by some of not using his teammates enough. Methinks Mr. Kristo is learning what it takes to be a professional rather than a teenage star. Speed kills, and this kid can outright fly. Looking forward to seeing what he can do this fall in the NCAA and over the holidays at the WJC in Saskatchewan. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 11, 2009 10:15:53 GMT -5
HabsWorld recently did a nice interview with McKinley (Mac) Bennett, the young American fleet-of-foot defender the Habs picked in the draft this past June. Sounds like a kid with his head screwed on right. I know some of the folks that had a chance to see him at the development camp were really impressed with his poise and speed, including well-respected journalist Matthias Brunet. www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=1825 |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 11, 2009 23:17:18 GMT -5
Kristo popped two more goals in the US 8-1 win over a Russian select team today. If this does not get him his spot for Saskatchewan, not sure what will.
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Post by BadCompany on Aug 12, 2009 9:33:12 GMT -5
Last November Danny was skating by the Canadian bench taunting them after scoring a goal at the World Junior A Challenge, making no Canadian friends in the process. Prior to his draft he was accused by some of not using his teammates enough. Methinks Mr. Kristo is learning what it takes to be a professional rather than a teenage star. Speed kills, and this kid can outright fly. Looking forward to seeing what he can do this fall in the NCAA and over the holidays at the WJC in Saskatchewan. Kristo has had some attitude problems in the past and last year his Lancers coach had to sit him down and ream him a new one. Basically told him to shape up or ship out. Seems to have worked, as by all accounts Kristo has really taken off since then and has become a model citizen. This is the same coach who worked with Louis Leblanc last year, for those worried that the USHL was not the proper route for Leblanc to follow. Here's hoping Kristo's attitude adjustment sticks, because he certainly has enough talent... |
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Post by franko on Aug 12, 2009 9:38:17 GMT -5
This is the same coach who worked with Louis Leblanc last year, for those worried that the USHL was not the proper route for Leblanc to follow. Heard Mcguire actually laud Leblanc yesterday! |
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Post by seventeen on Aug 12, 2009 23:56:06 GMT -5
Kristo has had some attitude problems in the past and last year his Lancers coach had to sit him down and ream him a new one. Basically told him to shape up or ship out. Seems to have worked, as by all accounts Kristo has really taken off since then and has become a model citizen. This is the same coach who worked with Louis Leblanc last year, for those worried that the USHL was not the proper route for Leblanc to follow. Here's hoping Kristo's attitude adjustment sticks, because he certainly has enough talent... I hope he retains a smidge of that cockiness. While I like model citizens as much as the next guy, I also don't mind having a couple of guys on the team that have that overabundance of confidence. The rest of the team keep them from getting heads that are too swelled and they inject that "We can damn well do it" attitude on the rest of the team. Yes, a little bit of cockiness for Mr Kristo is ok. I betcha he makes good cookies. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 13, 2009 10:50:55 GMT -5
I hope he retains a smidge of that cockiness. While I like model citizens as much as the next guy, I also don't mind having a couple of guys on the team that have that overabundance of confidence. The rest of the team keep them from getting heads that are too swelled and they inject that "We can damn well do it" attitude on the rest of the team. Yes, a little bit of cockiness for Mr Kristo is ok. I betcha he makes good cookies. Well he did put the "biscuit" in the basket for the first US goal for the second straight game last night, and rounded off with two helpers in a 6-1 win. He's chipping in on the scoresheet. He updated his blog after both wins and did not mention his stats once (Hockey USA did add those to the bottom of his write-up though). Controlled cockiness...I like it!! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 25, 2009 19:42:00 GMT -5
A few minor notes from overseas.
Engqvist gets the nod for Team Sweden for the upcoming Euro Cup tour (first of the season). Good for this young man.
Trunev was named to the U-20 Russian team for the four national tourney. Avtsin has commitments with his team for the opening night of the new MHL (junior league) so that conflict may have influenced his exclusion.
Nattinen was named to team Finland's U-20 team for the same tourney. Simila was not since he is over in NA with the Ice Dogs.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 25, 2009 23:14:10 GMT -5
Some of the prospect sites are starting to list their Top 20 prospects, so I figure I should post a list that I created a little while back and expanded it to 25 because (a) it was hard cutting off at 20 and (b) there are some interesting guys around just below the top 20 cut off that deserve some ink.
Fall 2009...Habs Top 25 prospects...
1. Max Pacioretty, LW (Hamilton/Montreal) – I actually hope Max starts in Hamilton because he is still very raw, albeit, with huge upside. I think lots of ice time under a great coach like Guy Boucher would just add those little development bits that he likely still needs as he has taken a fast-track from US Prep School to the USHL to the NCAA to the AHL/NHL. A big power forward in the making with good hands, great skating ability, and not afraid to go to the dirty places to get the puck or score goals. He is well worth the wait for me.
2. PK Subban, D (Hamilton) – The PK love-fest is growing in leaps and bounds after his incredible CHL season and then his outstanding performance at the WJC last year. When you throw in a personality and camera-readiness, this kid has quite the complete package. His defensive awareness and play in his zone are both improving, and should improve under Coach Boucher in Hamilton this season. Can he be a riverboat gambler against men like he has been at times in juniors? Well, that’s why you spend some time in the development league making those adjustments. With speed and a big shot, he will always be known for his offense.
3. Louis Leblanc, C (Harvard) – The local kid gets the nod based on his overall package and the upside he brings. He will not be that hulking big centre the Habs have lacked for ages, but he will be a smart two-way guy with more than enough skill, ability and grit to make a good mark at the NHL level. Whether that is a top line guy or a second line guy remains to be seen, but it will not be for lack of trying.
4. Yannick Weber, D (Hamilton/Montreal) – The Habs’ latest Swiss defender has shown that he can play at the NHL level and not look totally out of place. Like many of the young prospects however, he can benefit with some more tutoring at the AHL level. A bit of a similar story too as it is his play in his own end that has the most room to develop. It’s not that it is bad; it is just that his play on the offensive side of the game looks more pro-ready. He is not the biggest guy out there, but should project to be big enough to play a decent two-way game at the NHL. He won’t be the shut-down guy in the last minute of play, but he will see his share of PP time in his career.
5. Ben Maxwell, C (Hamilton) – I was a little surprised Ben got 7 games with the big club last year after just finishing an injury-filled WHL career, but I guess the team was in the shake-up mode last year and trying to insert some youthful enthusiasm. As most witnessed, Ben was not quite ready for the show and still needed some pro development as do most his age. This is a potential second-line guy with decent size, but hardly a robust or physical player by any means. He is very smart with great hockey sense and good on-ice vision. I expect a big year in Hamilton after finishing third in AHL rookie scoring last year and second in team scoring.
6. Matt D’Agostini, RW (Montreal/Hamilton) – Our final contract, but I would not count Matt out from having a really solid year this season. He brings speed and a nose for shooting to the rink, sometimes at the expense of playing well in his own end. This is a forward made for a disciplined coach like Martin who will help round out his game. Like many young guys, he started in the NHL with a bang and then faded quite a bit. He will need to learn to play with that consistency and play through dry spells to take his game to the next level. His biggest hurdle is getting better in his own end, as he currently is a top six or press box kind of player, and the top six is a bit busy right now.
7. Kyle Chipchura, C (Hamilton/Montreal) – Definitely Kyle must feel like he is on the bubble this season, at least in Montreal. Every team needs role players, and that is the niche that Kyle will need to carve out for himself this year to stick with the club long term. He has always been defensively aware, and now he has to show that his skating and faceoff abilities are also things that won’t hold him back any longer. He has good hockey sense, so better body positioning will be critical. He has shown glimpses and brings so many good intangibles to the table, so he is an easy guy to cheer for to succeed.
8. David Fischer, D (U of Minnesota) – David has shown that is sometimes takes a while for defensemen out of high school to develop and round out their overall game. I heard a great interview with him this past year where he admitted that this was the first season he took his overall preparation and his future career as seriously as he needed to do, and it actually showed in his game. He was much bigger and focussed this past season, and his skating is still his strength. He is staying close to home in his final NCAA year due to an ailing mother, but should be ready to make the jump next season. He likely will project to a smart, agile defensive defender in the pros, especially with the other offensive minded kids moving up the ranks. A big, mobile, smart defender in the making.
9. Danny Kristo, RW (U of North Dakota) – The kid with speed to burn. Danny’s game is all about playing it at pace, whether that is puck pursuit or puck possession, it is all about his skating. He needs to gain some weight and strength to be able to eventually play with the big boys, as do many his age. He had a good year in the USHL last season and was a bit of a surprise 13th forward with the US national team at the World Juniors. He got limited ice time in most games, but did make the most of it when he was on the ice. He has had a really solid US camp this month and should be on the team headed to Saskatchewan and should play a significant role too. In the fall, he is off to UND with buddy Mike Cichy, in a league where smaller, fast player thrive.
10. Mathieu Carle, D (Hamilton) – Matt is in his final year of his entry-level contract, and has yet to have this cup of coffee with the big club. If you recall, some untimely injuries at camp seem to be his nemesis, as it is not as if some of the other guys have drastically overtaken him in the depth chart. Although he is part of a growing group of offensive minded defenders in Hamilton, he is more of the good first-pass guy as opposed to Weber and Subban who have cannons from the point. He is probably the most developed in both ends of the trio as well. Will he get squeezed out by the others or finally get his shot this year?
11. Alexander Avtsyn, RW (Dynamo) – Even if he was only playing in the Russian third league, 110 points in 76 games and loads of penalty minutes is hard to ignore in any league. He is a big, north-south, good skating winger who is not scared to go to the dirty places. He also seems to have taken quite the fancy to North America, having made three trips here this summer: the NHL Combine, the draft, and Montreal’s development camp. He is in the main Dynamo camp right now, but that lineup is stacked and it will be a tough one to crack. If he does not make the big club, he will be playing in the new Russian junior league against his peers. All fingers are crossed that he will be over next year to either play for Saint Patrick in the Q or try to make the Bulldogs as a 19 year old.
12. Steve Quailer, RW (Northeastern) – The lanky kid from Colorado who plays his college hockey in Boston. He started his freshman year off with a bang, and enjoyed great success playing as a rookie with top line ice time. He has a knack for scoring and putting up points, and made quite the mark for the first half of the season. His game tailed off a bit and he ended up finishing up the season on the fourth line, which really impacted his overall production due to lack of good ice time. Nevertheless, this is a kid with lots of upside due to his size, speed and offensive skills. He is not a physical player and likely needs to bulk up on his 6’4” frame, but he shows a lot of promise.
13. Maxim Trunev, RW (Severstal Cherepovets) – He first hit North American radar screens at the Mac’s Midget tourney in Calgary where his impressive offensive skills were on display. Maxim is quite the contrast from Avtsyn as he plays more of a traditionally Russian offensive skill game. He was able to slowly get some ice time in the KHL last year as a rookie, and had some moderate success with limited ice time. His KHL contract is up after the 2009-10 season, so I am sure the Habs will be trying hard to get him on a contract before he gets snagged up again back home. He is likely the most dynamic offensive prospect right now. Can the Habs break that Russian curse of late?
14. Greg Stewart, RW (Montreal/Hamilton) – With one assist in 17 games in the NHL last season, you know that racking up points is not likely going to be what gets Greg a job in the NHL. His team leading penalty minutes down in Hamilton and his willingness to crash and bang will be his niche. He will drop the mitts often, and stand up for his team-mates. Teams need players like this, and Greg is one of the few “energy line” prospects the Habs have.
15. Ryan White, C/LW (Hamilton) – Ryan is a character guy who brings a lot of little things to the table. He had a decent pro debut in Hamilton last season, playing on a checking line and showing off what best he brings to the table. He has good two-way skills and only his lack of foot speed prevented him from being drafted much higher. He is a leader with good hockey smarts and likely will have a solid checking line role in the NHL at some point. Teams need guys like this to win too.
16. Alexei Emelin, D (Ak Bars Kazan) – I was a big fan of this kid from when he was drafted, but my patience with him is running a bit thin. Is he coming…is he staying? That has been the debate for too many summers it seems. Also, his development seems to be stalling. He was great at the World Juniors and he also had a great KHL debut and even made the Russian mens’ team on a regular basis two years back. Then, his game just seemed to plateau, and he stopped getting called by his country. It is based on all those factors that he is dropping on my rankings as others with more promise pass him by and keep developing at a upward pace.
17. Joe Stejskal, D (Dartmouth) – This young Minnesotan defender does not get a ton of air time as a Hab prospect, but he does bring some pretty good things to the table. He may be the hardest hitting defender in the prospect ranks that the Habs have, and he has a knack of unleashing some big bombs from the point and scoring his fair share of goals in the process. A dark horse for sure, but not one to be counted out any time soon.
18. Mac Bennett, D (Cedar Rapids – USHL) – His grand-father and two uncles both played in the NHL, so the kid has some serious hockey pedigree. He also has some serious wheels as his strongest asset is his skating. He is still quite skinny, but projects to bulk out quite a bit before he stops growing. Hockey sense, good character, and a lovely skating ability are all hard to teach, and he has them all. He missed a lot of his already short prep school season to injury, so had a lot less exposure this past season. It will be good to see how he fares against better competition this season in the USHL. In the fall of 2010 he is off to the hockey factory that is the University of Michigan under legendary Coach and ex-Hab Red Berenson.
19. David Desharnais, C/LW (Hamilton) – The Habs signed this former QMJHL scoring wizard as a free agent and he did not disappoint. He ended up being the ECHL’s scoring leader, rookie of the year, and league MVP. The Cyclones then went on to win the league Cup in a dream rookie pro-debut for Desharnais. Last year, he followed things up in Hamilton, ending up tied for third in AHL rookie scoring with Ben Maxwell. He is only 5’6”, but his hockey sense and work ethic far exceed his stature. Still an NHL long-shot, but he continues to excel at every level of hockey he plays.
20. Greg Pateryn, D (Michigan) – Shortly after he was drafted by the Leafs, the Habs swung a deal to move disgruntled Grabovski in exchange for a second rounder and this young man. He is in a great hockey program at Michigan, and got a fair bit of ice time as a freshman last year due to injury. He does not do anything particularly spectacularly, but he does nothing really poorly either. He is solid in his own end, physical and can hold his own controlling the puck on the point. A bit of a sleeper to date.
21. Joonas Nattinen, C (Espoo Blues) – His Finnish Elite team is making headlines as it cuts its roster a bit to save money, but his status should not be in jeopardy. In fact, it may help him get more ice time. A bit of a surprise to drop all the way to the early third round as he was a consensus second rounder in June. He is a tall playmaking centre who plays a solid two-way game. He had an impressive 63% success rate on faceoffs at the last WJC as a 17 year old.
22. Andreas Engqvist, C (Djugardens) – This 21 year old Swede was a surprise late addition to the Habs development camp in July. He brings decent size at 6’3” 198 lbs and plays a solid two-way game. He could use his size more, and that likely will be something he will work on once he jumps the pond. He was able to put up decent enough numbers in his third SEL season, but that league is a bit deceptive as it is not a league of big scoring numbers. He will play in the SEL next season and then head over to North America the following year. The future battle for Habs’ centre positions just added another competitor.
23. Brock Trotter, C (Hamilton) – The Habs signed Brandon-native Trotter to a contract part way through the season 1.5 years ago when he and the U of Denver parted ways before the end of the season, somewhat shrouded in some mystery surrounding the circumstances. Regardless, he has shown his playmaking knack at the AHL despite being a little bit undersized for pro hockey. Will that success so far ever translate to the NHL? Hard to say.
24. Andrew Conboy, LW (Hamilton) – Speaking of leaving a program early and under less-than-ideal circumstances, Mr. Conboy is the poster child. After a very physical retaliation move that ended up seeing him suspended for the season, Andrew decided to turn pro right away and play in a league more suited to his physical style of play. The kid is not all brawn though, as he put up decent offensive numbers the year before in the USHL being part of and Omaha team that ended up hoisting the cup at year’s end. It will be interesting to see how his game translates this year as he gets more of a regular shift in the pro ranks. He is still only 21, but is a big body with likely more offense than his one assist in 15 AHL games last year showed. On a team without an abundance of big bodies, he is intriguing to watch to see if he can keep his game close to the edge without going over the top again.
25. Nichlas Torp, D (HV71) – A physical, good skating two-way defender from Sweden who made quite a name for himself at the last WJC for his big hits (including a few airborne shots against Canadian players). Unfortunately, he decided to sign a two year deal in the SEL this summer rather than make the jump across the pond and try his fate in Hamilton with the other young defensive hopefuls. It will be interesting to see if he does make the move in two years, as he is still only 20 years old and has tons of good hockey ahead of him.
Honourable mention: Olivier Fortier, C (Hamilton/Cincinnati) – He is the past winner of the Q’s Guy Carbonneau award for best defensive forward, and led his team as captain in the Memorial Cup in May as the host team. A solid two-way guy, but his game seemed to tail off a bit at the end of the year, especially in the Memorial Cup. He will be making his pro debut this fall, either in Hamilton or down in the ECHL in Cincy.
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Post by seventeen on Aug 25, 2009 23:29:02 GMT -5
Whew, Mr NWT, where do you find the time? Excellent analysis of where these guys stand. I'm torn on Max. I agree that he could use some time with a great development coach like Boucher, but I also hate that he wastes time in the minors when he could be contributing and developing with the big team.
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Post by franko on Aug 26, 2009 5:49:05 GMT -5
I wonder, 17, if Max would develop or if he would rot . . . he won't get a ton of ice time and I think its better to play than to watch.
and NWT . . . thanks! a nice perspective [of a couple of guys I didn't know existed, too!]
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Post by Tankdriver on Aug 26, 2009 6:56:07 GMT -5
Good job with the analysis. How many do you think will be playing in the NHL? They all can't all make the big team?
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Post by CrocRob on Aug 26, 2009 9:49:32 GMT -5
Nice to see you give stejskal some props. He's currently my fav darkhorse prospect along with conboy.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Aug 26, 2009 10:10:10 GMT -5
Great work NWT.
I'm looking for David Fischer to really assert himself this year at Minnesota. He's a 4th year college player in a league where most of the best players leave after 2 years so he should be able to control games much better than in the past. A big year for him, although he's a guy who will probably spend a good 2 years in Hamilton after this year to learn the pro game and adapt to the more rigorous schedule.
Pacioretty should be in Hamilton, but he's one of those guys who is hard to project since he's not a gifted offensive player on his own. He's like Latendresse where his game relies on being physical, working the cycle, and finishing plays. He needs to score goals.
PK Subban will be interesting to follow in Hamilton. I'm curious to see if there's as much upside there are people think. A player of his size needs to make lightning quick decisions and execute his game with precision to be effective.
Ben Maxwell is kind of a sleeper of a player, but with our weak depth at centre the path is cleared for him to be more assertive and have a strong offensive year in Hamilton. If he plays well I can see him taking Plekanec's spot down the road.... which shouldn't be hard!
I will enjoy attending a few Harvard or Northeastern games this year to check in on Leblanc and Qualier. The ECAC is not a great conference, unlike Hockey East, so Leblanc will not be going up against lots of 1st round talent. On the other hand it's an older league where the players tend to stay for 4 years so he'll be up against older and more experienced players.
Danny Kristo = Zach Parise? Wouldn't that be great. Parise was a UND kid as well.
D'Agostini = Brian Savage? Both have good hands and tendency to be streaky scorers, although I was impressed last year with D'Agostini's willingness to go to the net which was something Savage never did.
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Post by franko on Aug 26, 2009 11:01:44 GMT -5
PK Subban will be interesting to follow in Hamilton. I'm curious to see if there's as much upside there are people think. A player of his size needs to make lightning quick decisions and execute his game with precision to be effective. I followed him a bit last year around the O. He's a keeper. OUCH! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 26, 2009 12:15:16 GMT -5
Whew, Mr NWT, where do you find the time? Excellent analysis of where these guys stand. I'm torn on Max. I agree that he could use some time with a great development coach like Boucher, but I also hate that he wastes time in the minors when he could be contributing and developing with the big team. With only Sergei and Max who can go down to Hamilton without clearing waivers, I also factored that a bit into my preference to see Max with the Dogs. The Habs could lose a forward for nothing if they sent one of Chipchura, Stewart or D'Agostini down, but I don't know how much that will factor into their decision. At times I really thought Max deserved to stay, at other times I thought he could benefit from more development time. I am less concerned now that Martin has the helm with the big club, as at least he has a history of developing young players unlike the guy who was there a year ago. He is also only 20 years old and I think a guy like Boucher would be incredible for Max. I don't expect he would end the season in Hamilton though. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 26, 2009 12:22:27 GMT -5
Good job with the analysis. How many do you think will be playing in the NHL? They all can't all make the big team? Quite a few could end up in the NHL at some point, as there is no denying the Habs have good depth of prospects. I would expect about 2/3rds will make the show, and some of those only in a fringe role. The Habs have no franchise players in the wings, but a whole lot of guys that I think fall right in behind in the next category. There are also a few prospects that I did not list that may very well make the NHL some day too (eg, Simila, Cichy). There are also guys with enough talent that may never come across to NA, like Avtsyn, Trunev and Torp. There may be others who play in the NHL but not primarly for the Habs just due to depth and opportunity. There are a few guys on that list in that category right now, and I don't expect that to change in the next few years either. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 26, 2009 12:33:53 GMT -5
Boston_Habs, I look forward to any reports you have of Leblanc and Quailer as you definitely have the advantage of being in a city that is the NCAA mens hockey hotbed. I am hoping the NHL Network here in Canada picks up a few of their games as part of their NCAA hockey coverage, but that remains to be seen. B2 Networks also shows NCAA webcasts as do the actual schools themselves, but it is quite hard to get a lot of exposure to all of the kids in the NCAA from Canada, especially if they are on some of the teams that typically get a lot less TV exposure like Harvard and Northeastern.
I see that Shaw Cable has added the Top Ten Network to its lineup this year, but as the Top Ten is not a hockey conference they indicate that they do not show a lot of NCAA mens hockey due to licensing agreements that the CCHA and WCHA conferences have (that is where the "Top Ten" schools play in hockey). They are hoping to expand their coverage, but that may take some time (and probably some money). I look forward to whatever scraps they throw us though, as the Habs have a number of prospects in the CCHA and WCHA and those two conferences tend to get the lion's share of TV coverage on the NHL Network too.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 26, 2009 12:36:28 GMT -5
Oh come on franko, who was a better scorer on those Habs teams before October 31st of each season?  |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Aug 26, 2009 12:42:18 GMT -5
Nice to see you give stejskal some props. He's currently my fav darkhorse prospect along with conboy. Two very rugged players. I am cheering for both of them too. The Habs and Dogs will always need rugged guys to complement their skilled skating masses. |
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Post by franko on Aug 26, 2009 13:11:57 GMT -5
Oh come on franko, who was a better scorer on those Habs teams before October 31st of each season? When I think Habs I think  When I don't think Habs I think  |
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