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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 8, 2011 0:39:42 GMT -5
Can we trade Akost to Kazan for Emelin? I've been hearing about Emelin for a couple of years; 1. Could he even make the team 2. As much as we need a physical defenseman, they are not as necessary in this era of sissy hooking penalties 3. Emelin is average size, average skating, below average offensive skills, average shot, penalty prone 1. Subban 2. Markov 3. Wisniewski 4. Jorges 5. Weber 6. Picard 7. Hammer 8. Spacek 9. Gill I see Emelin as 6B if he ever comes accross the ocean to relocate his family in a country that doesn't speak Russian, team that pays less and government that taxes more. He is established there and would have a ticket to Hamilton in his back pocket. Hope I'm wrong but I don't see the second coming of Markov? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 8, 2011 4:13:06 GMT -5
Can we trade Akost to Kazan for Emelin? I've been hearing about Emelin for a couple of years; 1. Could he even make the team 2. As much as we need a physical defenseman, they are not as necessary in this era of sissy hooking penalties 3. Emelin is average size, average skating, below average offensive skills, average shot, penalty prone 1. Subban 2. Markov 3. Wisniewski 4. Jorges 5. Weber 6. Picard 7. Hammer 8. Spacek 9. Gill I see Emelin as 6B if he ever comes accross the ocean to relocate his family in a country that doesn't speak Russian, team that pays less and government that taxes more. He is established there and would have a ticket to Hamilton in his back pocket. Hope I'm wrong but I don't see the second coming of Markov? At this point in his career, and based on seeing him since his WJC years and a few grainy KHL games every now and then since then, I put him comfortably in the #5 spot behind that top four (we can debate that order 'til the cows come home to no avail)...and then again full comparison is not always obvious as he now has regained some of that junior offensive ability, while mixed with decent mobility, defensive commitment, and nastiness. Is that better suited for the NHL than KHL? Probably. Has he expressed desire to play in the best league in the world in the past? Absolutely. He could as easily be a top four guy or a bust within a year....on the crazy assumption that he would even come over and would even stay over long enough to be an impact player. The big BUT is he is now supporting a young family and getting very established in his home country, and would have to come over and take on an entry level contract with financial limitations at least for the initial kick. That will lose its appeal over time, if it has not already. He is a solid defenseman in the second best league in the world, and is still under 25. He is still a potential asset, albeit a diminishingly probable asset. I want to see improvements to our overall defensive corps, so I think he is still an option. Maybe one that will never happen, but he would be a step up from a number of other current options IMHO. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 8, 2011 4:48:52 GMT -5
Just a quick update on our poor floundering Danny Kristo (at least point wise).
A three point (all assists) night tonight. He now has 15 pts in 22 games...but...wait for it...10 pts in his last five games.
Those little things that folks have been watching and liking about his game, seem to be now translating into points again.
Rumours of his demise are overstated.
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Post by Boston_Habs on Jan 10, 2011 9:15:21 GMT -5
Just a quick update on our poor floundering Danny Kristo (at least point wise). A three point (all assists) night tonight. He now has 15 pts in 22 games...but...wait for it...10 pts in his last five games. Those little things that folks have been watching and liking about his game, seem to be now translating into points again. Rumours of his demise are overstated. That's good to see. Obviously the kid has talent and was in a big slump. Kristo is probably the closest thig we have to a Top 6 forward in the system. Leblanc is at probably a year behind him. |
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Post by PTH on Jan 13, 2011 14:26:24 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 24, 2011 14:33:20 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 24, 2011 14:43:30 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 2, 2011 18:24:37 GMT -5
So, he is 24, big, Finnish, and tops in his league (and likely the best at his position not currently playing in the NHL). Enter Karri Ramo, whose rights the Habs have until 2014. He has not so slowly amassed an incredible season for Avangard Omsk in the KHL (a team mate of Alexander Perezhogin). His stats are mind blowingly good.
31-6-2, 2.01 gaa, and a .924 save %.
As impressive as that is, he is on a current tear and streak that has helped his team leap up in the standings.
He is 17-0-1 in his last 18 starts (currently riding a 12-0 streak). And he is 25-2-1 in his last 28 starts.
Now, I really don't expect to see a Carey vs. Karri situation in Montreal anytime soon, but Goat now has a very attractive asset there in front of his eyes. There are a number of NHL teams that would now likely give more than Cedrick Desjardins for Ramo's rights in the hopes of getting a legitimate #1 NHL starter.
Lots can change between now and 2014, so having a young goalie in the wings is never a bad thing. Actually, I think it is the weak link in the Habs' depth chart right now as after Sandford, none of the others really should amount to much based on play to date. This is definitely a position that the Habs can shore up some depth with an astute free agent signing or two.
Until then, continued success to both Carey and Karri!!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 3, 2011 0:28:56 GMT -5
With 80-100 km winds blowing through the Crowsnest Pass today, Lethbridge was the windy city for hockey tonight. Hab prospect Brendan Gallagher came into the Hurricanes' house and had one heck of a night. One goal (his 34th of the season), three assists, and the shootout winner in a big 5-4 win.
The Giants continue their southern AB swing with a game in the Saddledome on Friday night (for those fans in Calgary). That game will also be televised live on Shaw TV for those Shaw cable subscibers out west.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Feb 3, 2011 16:34:54 GMT -5
So, he is 24, big, Finnish, and tops in his league (and likely the best at his position not currently playing in the NHL). Enter Karri Ramo, whose rights the Habs have until 2014. He has not so slowly amassed an incredible season for Avangard Omsk in the KHL (a team mate of Alexander Perezhogin). His stats are mind blowingly good. 31-6-2, 2.01 gaa, and a .924 save %. As impressive as that is, he is on a current tear and streak that has helped his team leap up in the standings. He is 17-0-1 in his last 18 starts (currently riding a 12-0 streak). And he is 25-2-1 in his last 28 starts. Now, I really don't expect to see a Carey vs. Karri situation in Montreal anytime soon, but Goat now has a very attractive asset there in front of his eyes. There are a number of NHL teams that would now likely give more than Cedrick Desjardins for Ramo's rights in the hopes of getting a legitimate #1 NHL starter. Lots can change between now and 2014, so having a young goalie in the wings is never a bad thing. Actually, I think it is the weak link in the Habs' depth chart right now as after Sandford, none of the others really should amount to much based on play to date. This is definitely a position that the Habs can shore up some depth with an astute free agent signing or two. Until then, continued success to both Carey and Karri!! Your made a very good point. I've been struggling to understand why the Desjardins for Ramo trade been made. I don't see Montreal being able to match the money that Ramo should get in thr KHL, especially with Price playing 70 games a year, to be back up. So why give up Desjardins?  Your trade bait scenario hold alot of water. Another goalie to keep an eye on was a guy i was very excited to see signed but flopped in the first half of the season but may have turn the corner. Peter Delmas has been very impressive for the Wheeling Nailors. He sports an 6-0 record and stunning 1,67GAA & 0,948Svs%. You know your goaltending depth is bad when you got to look all the way to the ECHL to get excited but I think he could be someone to watch. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 5, 2011 1:08:59 GMT -5
My mighty little man Brendan Gallagher made his tiny presence known in Cow Town tonight with two goals in a big 4-3 SO win against the Hitmen. Two perennial powerhouses in the Dub, Van City has been hanging on to a very tight BC division due in part to a nice southern AB road swing in which they went 3-0 (one in OT and two in a SO). Shockingly, the Hitmen are almost certainly destined to miss the playoffs after a league leading 13 straight appearance streak. The G-men now jump over the Crowsnest and meet the tough Kootenay Ice in Cranbrook for their last gig on this particular road trip.
Those two goals by Gallagher were nice. The first was a wicked wrister from dead centre in the slot with his team trailing last place Calgary 2-0. He then tied it up 3-3 with just over three to play with a great goal scorers goal where he pounced on a loose puck right side and drove hard, got the goalie to commit, and then did the old wrap around far side. The kid does have a killer instinct. He is tiny, and not Marty St. Louis fast, but not slow either. He just needs to develop a dynamic first step. You cannot deny what he is doing out there offensively with his team, and Don Hay has him out a lot. He did miss in a shootout with a wrister wide side left, but Slovak sniper Stastny smoked the winner low glove side.
Corey Locke 2.0, Gabriel Dumont 2.0, David Desharnais 2.0, or Brian Gionta 2.0? Who knows, but he is on a tear as an 18 year old right now.
The Shaw broadcast had some neat bits and bites about him. Apparently he was cut and stitched up at development or rookie camp with the Habs, was really gung ho to come back, and got on the ice in time for the bag skate. Nice timing kid!! He also had the stall next to Louis Leblanc, and said he got a real sense of the Montreal media as he could never get right back to his stall to change etc due to all the media attention on LL.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 5, 2011 4:02:34 GMT -5
Every now and then I throw you a rarely heard of prospect, and so here is the latest edition.
Peter Delmas, our 20 year old free agent goalie signing who was drafted by the Avs 61st overall in the second round of the 2008 draft (I liked him too in that draft, but probably a round or two later if we could "steal" him). Peter hails from New Bedford, NS and is just 20 years old. Colorado either had no contract space or decided to not sign this ex Halifax Moosie within the mandatory two years after being drafted from the CHL. The Habs invited him to camp and proceeded to offer up the pro contract last fall.
A truly weird season has emerged since. Really.
He has played in four leagues, and if you look at his lower level stats...he sucks big time. If you see how he has done in the top end leagues, it is the total opposite. What gives with this young man? Does he only now get up for the bigger league games, or what?
This season so far:
QMJHL 2 gp, 0-2-0 record, 0.833 save %, 4.10 gaa (yikes)
Central Hockey League (Whicita AA team....really?) 5 gp, 0-3-1 record, 0.836 save %, 4.85 gaa
AHL (Curtis Sandford was injured, we were going with Mayer and Delmas for a stretch if you can believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) 2 gp, 1-0-1 record, 0.933 save %, 1.92 gaa...darn good for a kid
ECHL (his current home, and very appropriate for a 20 year old netminder) 7 gp, 7-0-0, 0.942 save %, 1.86 gaa...are you kidding me, these are incredible numbers!!
So, he sucked in juniors for the couple of games, got the call from the Habs, then got some good numbers in an unexpected appearance in the AHL way before his time. He then was assigned to some obscure minor pro league and sucked (really sucked in fact). And then was recalled to Wheeling in the ECHL and has been a wall. Given the Pens just recalled their goalie to the AHL, Delmas in now the MAN in Wheeling.
A stud or dud? He has shown both with consistency this year. Each league is like a new life. Will the real Peter Delmas EVER show up?
Given our lack of goalie depth...strange but true.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Feb 5, 2011 8:43:59 GMT -5
Every now and then I throw you a rarely heard of prospect, and so here is the latest edition. Peter Delmas, our 20 year old free agent goalie signing who was drafted by the Avs 61st overall in the second round of the 2008 draft (I liked him too in that draft, but probably a round or two later if we could "steal" him). Peter hails from New Bedford, NS and is just 20 years old. Colorado either had no contract space or decided to not sign this ex Halifax Moosie within the mandatory two years after being drafted from the CHL. The Habs invited him to camp and proceeded to offer up the pro contract last fall. A truly weird season has emerged since. Really. He has played in four leagues, and if you look at his lower level stats...he sucks big time. If you see how he has done in the top end leagues, it is the total opposite. What gives with this young man? Does he only now get up for the bigger league games, or what? This season so far: QMJHL 2 gp, 0-2-0 record, 0.833 save %, 4.10 gaa (yikes) Central Hockey League (Whicita AA team....really?) 5 gp, 0-3-1 record, 0.836 save %, 4.85 gaa AHL (Curtis Sandford was injured, we were going with Mayer and Delmas for a stretch if you can believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) 2 gp, 1-0-1 record, 0.933 save %, 1.92 gaa...darn good for a kid ECHL (his current home, and very appropriate for a 20 year old netminder) 7 gp, 7-0-0, 0.942 save %, 1.86 gaa...are you kidding me, these are incredible numbers!! So, he sucked in juniors for the couple of games, got the call from the Habs, then got some good numbers in an unexpected appearance in the AHL way before his time. He then was assigned to some obscure minor pro league and sucked (really sucked in fact). And then was recalled to Wheeling in the ECHL and has been a wall. Given the Pens just recalled their goalie to the AHL, Delmas in now the MAN in Wheeling. A stud or dud? He has shown both with consistency this year. Each league is like a new life. Will the real Peter Delmas EVER show up? Given our lack of goalie depth...strange but true. He alway lacked consistancy over the years as he has played for some really bad hockey teams in junior as well as he had some injury issues. Last year it was a hip injury which dogged him most of the season and through the summer which caused him to take it easy and rest it. He really stucked it up in Wichita early in the year as i remember reading a article/blog in the Wichita Eagle as the writer was saying how happy he was to announce that Delmas is going away as he was recalled to Wheeling. I hope he gets his game back as he is suppose to be pretty solid positional goalie with a good glove. He was picked in the second round so he got talent. Confidence and health are huge at this point in his career if he is to progress. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 11, 2011 14:47:39 GMT -5
For those who get Sportsnet Ontario, our big 18 year old defender Jarred Tinordi and his London Knights will be on TV against the two time defending Memorial Cup Champs Windsor Spitfires (and hotbed of great prospects of late). Game time 7:00 pm ET. He will be on Sportsnet again later in the season (on Sunday afternoon in fact against Guelph on all the Sportsnet channels), as will Louis Leblanc and the Montreal Junior. I will try and post some little reminder notices as games with prospects approach. www.ontariohockeyleague.com/article/chl-announces-2010-11-broadcast-schedule-on-rogers-sportsnet-and-rdsAnother alert for tonight, those who get the Big Ten Network, they are showing U of Michigan against Ohio State tonight as well. Defensive prospects Matt Bennett and Greg Pateryn both play for Michigan at Max's and Cammy's old school. Game time 7:30 ET. The same two teams are on tomorrow night too. www.bigtennetwork.com/subindex/sports/hockey |
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Post by habsprospects on Feb 12, 2011 4:24:04 GMT -5
So, he sucked in juniors for the couple of games, got the call from the Habs, then got some good numbers in an unexpected appearance in the AHL way before his time. He then was assigned to some obscure minor pro league and sucked (really sucked in fact). And then was recalled to Wheeling in the ECHL and has been a wall. Given the Pens just recalled their goalie to the AHL, Delmas in now the MAN in Wheeling. A stud or dud? He has shown both with consistency this year. Each league is like a new life. Will the real Peter Delmas EVER show up? I think it might just be because he played for better teams in the AHL and ECHL. Halifax Mooseheads in the Q are 17-34-1-2 (15/18 in the standing) and a goal differential of -57. And the CHL is just a crappy league that allows a lot of goals. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Feb 15, 2011 19:25:45 GMT -5
Good article in the London Free Press today on Jarred Tinord. Nice to hear as I'm already reading on other boards that this guy is a bust. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canadiens check out Tinordi OHL: Montreal’s director of player development watched the Habs first-rounder when the Knights played the Soo Greyhounds Thursday night By Ryan Pyette The London Free Press Montreal Canadiens director of player development Trevor Timmins saw the London Knights play the Soo Greyhounds Thursday night. “I didn’t know that,” Habs first-rounder Jarred Tinordi said. Those scouts can be sneaky. The Canadiens are always, in some way or another, keeping their eye on Tinordi. He’s their six-foot-seven investment. They’re watching him closely. But Tinordi, who joined the Knights in the summer after spurning his commitment to Notre Dame University, isn’t paying much attention to the Fighting Irish these days. He’s not watching them. “No,” he said. “I don’t do that.” Many observers south of the border felt Tinordi would’ve drawn positive benefit from sticking to the U.S. college route at least this season. The thinking was he would’ve been able to take time growing into his body, spending more time in the weight room filling out and playing a lot fewer games. That didn’t hold his interest. “We work out here, too,” Tinordi said, referring to the pile of heavy iron in the Knights’ dressing room. “There’s enough time for it.” And there’s plenty of ice time to go with the workouts. The Knights’ trade deadline sell-off pushed Tinordi into the team’s top pairing with Scott Harrington. “With the trades we made, it opened up that possibility,” he said, “but that’s not something you walk into. You have to earn it, and it took a while to get there, but it’s a responsibility I wanted this year to play against the top forwards on the other teams.” He tuned in to watch Harrington play in the Top Prospects Game Wednesday alongside Kitchener Rangers Ryan Murphy, one of the best offensive defenceman in the junior ranks. “Harry didn’t have to worry too much (about the rush) there,” Tinordi said. “I’m happy we’re paired together. We help each other. I’ve been through the NHL draft so I can pass on some stuff to him about that, and he’s been in the league a couple of years now. “This (top two assignment) isn’t new for him.” The concept of shutdown D shouldn’t be new to Tinordi, either. He grew up in Maryland rooting for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. “Ray Lewis and those guys do a great job on defence,” the 18-year-old Tinordi said. “I went to a game over Christmas break. I saw the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens beat them. “We were watching the playoff game with Pittsburgh on the bus trip to Erie and they were leading it early on when we arrived. I found out later they lost.” The Knights need wins now and are riding their horses at the back. It’s going to take its toll. “We’re playing our top guys 25-28 minutes a game and that’s a lot,” London assistant coach Jacques Beaulieu said. “We’re trying to get a second pairing to emerge. Tommy Hughes has been the most ready to be a defensive defenceman and we’ve put him with Reid McNeill. They’re learning.” So are plenty of the Petes, who are getting an opportunity to show their stuff in a variety of situations. London native Luke Hietkamp, still just 17, opened the scoring on the power play. He heard a familiar voice announce it — JLC P.A. man Mike Dlouhy, who taught him at Jack Chambers public school. “(In) Grade 7,” Hietkamp said. “Before I got to the OHL, I always went up to the press box between periods to talk to Mr. Dlouhy. It’s always great to come back here and play in London. We only do it once a year and it’s nice to see everyone. “It’s a thrill for me because I grew up watching the Knights. I think I was five when I saw Rick Nash play at the old Ice House, and when I came here, I’d follow Corey Perry and David Bolland, then Pat Kane and Sam Gagner. When those guys were here, it was hard to believe that I would be in the same league someday.” Hietkamp, after being cut by the Junior Knights in minor hockey, joined the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and ended up playing with a first-rate midget outfit that included Oshawa forward Boone Jenner and London defenceman Jake Worrad. “We had a lot of guys off that team drafted,” he said. www.lfpress.com/sports/knights/2011/01/21/16987596.html |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 19, 2011 1:48:06 GMT -5
A good night for a few of our prospects.
Greg Pateryn (D - University of Michigan) is not known for his offense, but he had a goal and three assists tonight in their big win over Western Michigan University. 10 points in his first 28 games, so this was quite the offensive outburst for the big lad. His partner and fellow Habs prospect Mac Bennett had one helper.
Michael Bournival (C - Shawinigan) had the hat trick tonight bringing his goal total to 27 on the season.
Louis Leblanc (C - Montreal Junior) snapped a 8 game pointless streak last night with a goal. He doubled that output tonight with a goal and an assist. Welcome back to the scoresheet.
Dustin Walsh (C - Dartmouth) had a goal (his 9th) and an assist tonight.
Mark MacMillan (RW/C - Penticton) had two helpers.
Ben Maxwell (C - Hamilton) had a goal and an assist as the Dogs snapped their losing streak against the Marlies. Yeah team!!
Jarred Tinordi (D - London) scored his first OHL goal tonight. Nice for the big lug.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 26, 2011 1:38:04 GMT -5
What kids/prospects were buzzing tonight? Well, a few.
Mark "Skinny Minny" MacMillan had 4 assists in a 5-1 first round BCHL playoff game.
Brendan Gallagher and the Giants lost 6-4, but the little buzz saw had one goal (his 39th) and two assists.
LL popped in #22 in a 3-2 loss, but he continues to have regained that scoring touch.
Karri Ramo managed another shutout to even up Avangard Omsk's first round playoff series at one a piece.
Palushaj with two goals, Dawes with his first in the bleu blanc rouge, and another solid night from Sanford netted the good guys two points tonight in the Bell Centre.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 26, 2011 2:27:30 GMT -5
JJ, your Tinordi post inspired me to post a few observations about a few prospects that I have been watching lately.
Jarred Tinordi (D, London, OHL) - I managed a few games on Sportsnet recently and really came away a lot less worried than the worry warts on other sites (quel surprise). As JJ's article refers, he and highly ranked 2011 pick Scott Harrington are playing a lot. Harrington is the offensive guy, so Tinordi is often left to hold fort. He moves well for such a big guy. He also pinches and has a decent release, but he clearly knows not to over commit due to the tendencies of his partner. You can likely find it on youtube, but he absolutely levelled top offensive prospect Alexander Khokhlachev in the game against Windsor Spitfires. He had to crawl to the bench. Once Tinordi fills out that lanky form, boy oh boy. When he opted for the OHL over the NCAA, Hunter talked about getting him to develop his offensive game more. For anyone just checking his stats, he came up short in the first half of the season offensively. However, he has been thrust into a top pairing role with an offensive kid. I am not worried. He is now getting more points as he adjusts without compromise.
Mac Bennett (D, U of Michigan, NCAA) - On the same Tinordi weekend a few weeks ago, I also managed two Michigan games off the Big Ten Network. He has pulled a Pacioretty path in going from NE prep school, to one year at the USHL, to the U of Michigan under the ever-watchful eye of ex-Hab and serious task master Red Berenson. Michigan has eased his ice time in, but he now seems to have secured a regular spot alongside fellow Hab prospect Greg Pateryn (read on MacDuff for more on that). Mac was a skinny offensively gifted defender with really great wheels in his draft year. He also only played about 8 games due to injury, so he was a big question mark to many. His last season in the USHL has helped round out his game, as has his freshie season with the blue and maize. He is the offensive guy to Pateryn's more conservative style. He can outright fly, as when he backs up a play he often became the second guy in on a rush. He is faster than PK. He also seems to have developed a good defensive awareness, but still likely needs to fill out to be a pro. He comes from pretty good NHL stock and has tons of potential. That skating ability is wonderful.
Greg Pateryn (D, U of Michigan, NCAA) - Our second largest prospect after big gangly Tinordi. He is more compact and solid already, and had an interesting path to the Habs organization. Greg was not long drafted by the Leafs when he was packaged as part of the Grabovski deal. Less than two weeks as Leaf property in fact, so the kid has hope!! Like the other two folks in my profile, he is also American born and brings a bit different package than the other two. He is now in his third college year (the other two are both freshies) and is 6'3" 222 lbs. He is a good skater for a big man, and plays a pretty solid defensive game (although I saw a mindless pinch at his own blueline that eventually led to a goal). He has decent puck skills and mobility for a big man. He is under the radar, but clearly a guy that looks like he has decent pro potential to me. Good programme, good coach, pretty solid player. Nothing flashy until that silly four point game last week. Who knew? Not me.
Brendan Gallagher (RW, Vancouver, WHL) - He was drafted at 5'8" and 170, so a big reason why he was drafted in the 5th round last summer (and by the Habs lol). He is currently 7th in league scoring and tied for 3rd in goals. This is not a league that is easy on smaller guys, as they tend to evolve with what it takes to make it at the next level. A little western bias there, but the numbers do tend to back it up. I also was totally thrilled to see the Habs pick a western based kid as I get to see him live and on TV much moreso (another bias, but what the heck). This kid is a warrior, goes to all the nasty spots, battles and never backs down...almost always against bigger kids. He is solid and fast on his skates, but not overpowering. His offensive skills, net presence and hockey sense are his assets, alongside his work ethic. A future Corey Locke, DD or Captain Gio? Way to early to see, but also WAY too early to count this kid out.
So, four good kids looking good against their level of competition. Can any make the big jump? Who knows, but all showed promise to make the next step and actually make the big show at some point. Will it happen? Who knows, but that is why they draft and develop kids.
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Post by seventeen on Feb 26, 2011 2:38:39 GMT -5
Thanks NWT, I was one of those guys worrying about Tinordi, but much less so, now. Greg Pateryn's path to Montreal reminded me of the other guy that Toronto drafted and then traded to Montreal (for hardly anything, I think). Doug Jarvis. I hope Pateryn turns out as well.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Feb 26, 2011 2:47:04 GMT -5
Thanks NWT, I was one of those guys worrying about Tinordi, but much less so, now. Greg Pateryn's path to Montreal reminded me of the other guy that Toronto drafted and then traded to Montreal (for hardly anything, I think). Doug Jarvis. I hope Pateryn turns out as well. 17, I am not without criticism about his talents though, as I do wish that he could process the game faster. But it is often easy to forget that he is only 18 years old and a CHL rookie playing often against a lot of older and more savvy competitors. When you see a 6'7" kid on defense in juniors you expect him to dominate in every aspect of the game. If you actually watch him based on where he is on his development curve, you come away with a different feeling. At least, that is what I have done. I saw him go head to head against Zach Kassian all game in one of his two games. He held his own for long parts. He also made some rookie mistakes against the big lad, and one cost a goal. It was a great battle to watch. We have not had an 18 year old prospect that has been able to have those sorts of top end battles for a while on defense. He needs to get stronger, but that is a seriously big frame and tough streak already packaged. He is a guy that we cannot always gauge by his stats, although to me, his increased offensive numbers are a direct result of him understanding the OHL game more and learning when to contribute with his offensively-minded partner (who is one year younger, so what a young and exciting pairing for Knights fans). |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 1, 2011 0:30:01 GMT -5
Brendan Gallagher with one heck of a three game stretch from Friday to Sunday. Three games in three nights usually takes its toll, but our little man in Van City put up some serious games: a home and home against Chilliwack and yesterday against Tri-City.
Brendan racked up 10 points in those three games (5g 5a) and was +6.
Craig Cunningham who? Earlier this year Brendan was benefitting from being on the same line as then top WHL point getter, Craig Cunningham. Vancouver traded him to Portland as the Winterhawks stocked up for a legitimate run at the WHL title and eventual Memorial Cup this season. Many wondered how this would impact Gallagher's production without his veteran centre...well, he continues to shine. He now is 4th in league scoring with 87 points in 61 games, 10 points more than Cunningham in the same number of games.
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Post by Gogie on Mar 1, 2011 8:48:39 GMT -5
Brendan Gallagher with one heck of a three game stretch from Friday to Sunday. Three games in three nights usually takes its toll, but our little man in Van City put up some serious games: a home and home against Chilliwack and yesterday against Tri-City. Brendan racked up 10 points in those three games (5g 5a) and was +6. Craig Cunningham who? Earlier this year Brendan was benefitting from being on the same line as then top WHL point getter, Craig Cunningham. Vancouver traded him to Portland as the Winterhawks stocked up for a legitimate run at the WHL title and eventual Memorial Cup this season. Many wondered how this would impact Gallagher's production without his veteran centre...well, he continues to shine. He now is 4th in league scoring with 87 points in 61 games, 10 points more than Cunningham in the same number of games. Who was feeding off who? ;D |
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Post by blny on Mar 1, 2011 21:34:38 GMT -5
Gallagher has a lot of game to make up for his lack of stature. I think he's plenty good enough to be pro, but we'll see if he can be an NHLer.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 3, 2011 11:23:28 GMT -5
Gallagher has a lot of game to make up for his lack of stature. I think he's plenty good enough to be pro, but we'll see if he can be an NHLer. With players his size, that is so very true. I wouldn't bet against him though as he does seem to have a lot of internal drive. That being said, it definitely will be an uphill battle. He is a lot of fun to watch this season, as he is so dynamic in games at the WHL level. Unlike a lot of smaller players, he goes to the greasy places. That will prove tougher as he moves up to the next level. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 3, 2011 11:33:40 GMT -5
Our hottest "prospect" right now is 26 year old Bulldog Nigel Dawes, who came over in the Sopel/Maxwell deal from Atlanta. He scored the first three goals last night for the natural hattrick and then assisted on Alex Henry's OT winner as the Dogs prevailed 5-4 over the visiting Milwaukee Admirals. With those goals, Nigel is now the goal scoring leader in the AHL. Last time we had a guy at the top of that leaderboard, he got called up (and MaxPac was his name-o). Other newly acquired player, Drew MacIntyre got the win for the Doggies. Palushaj seems to have some nice chemistry going with Nigel and had two assists, good enough for third star (Nigel was the game's first of course). theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1008237Nigel has been able to score in every one of his first four games with the Dogs and now has 6 goals in that stretch. A very nice replacement for the inconsistent Maxwell on the farm and probably a player much more likely on the radar screen for a late season call up than Ben was. MacIntyre was able to get the team the win, something that is always a question mark when Mayer is in net. That move was made necessary given the uncertainty of Curtis Sanford's injury. Although that was seen by many as a very irrelevant deadline day move, it shows the team's support in keeping Hamilton competitive and in the hunt for another division title. Not many teams make deadline day moves to fill a gap in the farm. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 3, 2011 11:52:23 GMT -5
17, a wee heads up. The Penticton Vees (and prospect Mark MacMillan) are up against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in round two of the BCHL interior conference playoffs. That's the good news. The bad news is Mark MacMillan left game three part way through, and did not play in their game four of their sweep against Quesnel. Hopefully he is good to go when they make the bus trip up from the South Okanagan to the Shuswap. Only two points separated the two in the regular season, so should be a great series.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 3, 2011 18:29:03 GMT -5
Thanks NWT. I absolutely have to take in some of their games.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Mar 3, 2011 18:52:26 GMT -5
JJ, your Tinordi post inspired me to post a few observations about a few prospects that I have been watching lately. Jarred Tinordi (D, London, OHL) - I managed a few games on Sportsnet recently and really came away a lot less worried than the worry warts on other sites (quel surprise). As JJ's article refers, he and highly ranked 2011 pick Scott Harrington are playing a lot. Harrington is the offensive guy, so Tinordi is often left to hold fort. He moves well for such a big guy. He also pinches and has a decent release, but he clearly knows not to over commit due to the tendencies of his partner. You can likely find it on youtube, but he absolutely levelled top offensive prospect Alexander Khokhlachev in the game against Windsor Spitfires. He had to crawl to the bench. Once Tinordi fills out that lanky form, boy oh boy. When he opted for the OHL over the NCAA, Hunter talked about getting him to develop his offensive game more. For anyone just checking his stats, he came up short in the first half of the season offensively. However, he has been thrust into a top pairing role with an offensive kid. I am not worried. He is now getting more points as he adjusts without compromise. Mac Bennett (D, U of Michigan, NCAA) - On the same Tinordi weekend a few weeks ago, I also managed two Michigan games off the Big Ten Network. He has pulled a Pacioretty path in going from NE prep school, to one year at the USHL, to the U of Michigan under the ever-watchful eye of ex-Hab and serious task master Red Berenson. Michigan has eased his ice time in, but he now seems to have secured a regular spot alongside fellow Hab prospect Greg Pateryn (read on MacDuff for more on that). Mac was a skinny offensively gifted defender with really great wheels in his draft year. He also only played about 8 games due to injury, so he was a big question mark to many. His last season in the USHL has helped round out his game, as has his freshie season with the blue and maize. He is the offensive guy to Pateryn's more conservative style. He can outright fly, as when he backs up a play he often became the second guy in on a rush. He is faster than PK. He also seems to have developed a good defensive awareness, but still likely needs to fill out to be a pro. He comes from pretty good NHL stock and has tons of potential. That skating ability is wonderful. Greg Pateryn (D, U of Michigan, NCAA) - Our second largest prospect after big gangly Tinordi. He is more compact and solid already, and had an interesting path to the Habs organization. Greg was not long drafted by the Leafs when he was packaged as part of the Grabovski deal. Less than two weeks as Leaf property in fact, so the kid has hope!! Like the other two folks in my profile, he is also American born and brings a bit different package than the other two. He is now in his third college year (the other two are both freshies) and is 6'3" 222 lbs. He is a good skater for a big man, and plays a pretty solid defensive game (although I saw a mindless pinch at his own blueline that eventually led to a goal). He has decent puck skills and mobility for a big man. He is under the radar, but clearly a guy that looks like he has decent pro potential to me. Good programme, good coach, pretty solid player. Nothing flashy until that silly four point game last week. Who knew? Not me. Brendan Gallagher (RW, Vancouver, WHL) - He was drafted at 5'8" and 170, so a big reason why he was drafted in the 5th round last summer (and by the Habs lol). He is currently 7th in league scoring and tied for 3rd in goals. This is not a league that is easy on smaller guys, as they tend to evolve with what it takes to make it at the next level. A little western bias there, but the numbers do tend to back it up. I also was totally thrilled to see the Habs pick a western based kid as I get to see him live and on TV much moreso (another bias, but what the heck). This kid is a warrior, goes to all the nasty spots, battles and never backs down...almost always against bigger kids. He is solid and fast on his skates, but not overpowering. His offensive skills, net presence and hockey sense are his assets, alongside his work ethic. A future Corey Locke, DD or Captain Gio? Way to early to see, but also WAY too early to count this kid out. So, four good kids looking good against their level of competition. Can any make the big jump? Who knows, but all showed promise to make the next step and actually make the big show at some point. Will it happen? Who knows, but that is why they draft and develop kids. The safest bid in terms of defensive prospects IMO to make the NHL is Mac Bennett. He is a very good breakout man using his great feet, he knows how to pass and has a great vision for the ice to carry the puck out of the zone. I remember when he was drafted two years ago, scouts were saying he is bound to grow like 5 to 6 inches as his family is big but i don't think that will happen. Doesn't matter as you can have smaller defenceman in the modern NHL. Jarred Tinordi is a project. I love his reach and his toughness something we need in spades. I would love to see him in the WJC next time around along with Gallagher and Bournival(think i'm dreaming to big? ) Greg Pateryn has a very good hockey build, like NWT mentioned. Could be a solid defenseman in time but needs more time in college as he spent this season on the bottom defensive pairing, so next year he would likely have a bigger role. Brendan Gallagher is a very dominate WHL player which is stating the obvious. Unfortunately I don't have much chance to see him play as he is a Western kid. Because of his size i would not put significant money on his future but you never know. NWT watched this kid more than me. |
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Post by GNick99 on Mar 4, 2011 6:01:47 GMT -5
Gallagher is one who I am starting to take notice of. Never seen him play as hardly ever get chance to see WHL game. He has the statistics and been getting the hype late in season. How's his wheels.. in that is he Desharnairs or another Steve Sullivan?
Tinordi I am not impressed with, was expecting much more after watching the draft last year and scouting reports I read on him last summer and fall. Just doesn't seem like he has the hockey savvy. Reminds me of Alex Henry or Ryan O'Bryne something like that. I would have traded him at deadline if could have got a good return to push us deeper into playoffs. Not that I think he will bust, but think 50/50 chance at best.
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Your trade bait scenario hold alot of water. 
