Habs Prospects 2012-13
Jul 6, 2012 16:34:10 GMT -5
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 6, 2012 16:34:10 GMT -5
Time to kick off a new thread for our prospects for the upcoming season.
The draft is over, rookie and training camps are next up in September, so here is my summer edition of the Habs Top 25 Prospect List. Now, the Berg could pull a deal or two that changes some names on this list, but I am going on what we have in the system at this particular point in time. I have included the prospects and their expected teams for 2012-13.
1. Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia (OHL) – Could this be our elusive big, skilled centreman? If that knee holds out, all the signs so far are very promising. He did miss a year of development, so I see no downside to him dominating in Sarnia and at the World Juniors for the US. The kid’s skill, personality and work ethic all point to him having a long and successful NHL career. Welcome aboard AGally94!!
2. Nathan Beaulieu, D, Hamilton (AHL) – Nate the Skate had a bit of an underwhelming World Juniors and Memorial Cup (along with his whole team), but the talent is still there and is still mainly untapped. The kid has great mobility (although not everyone is sold on his backwards skating – but that can be improved), and great offensive instincts. He has a nasty side when needed so isn’t the prototypical soft puck moving defender. As a December birthday, he can start his first AHL season as a 19 year old as he will turn 20 before December 31st. I am sure his new coaches will be getting him a little stronger in his own end.
3. Louis Leblanc, C/RW, Hamilton/Montreal – I would be a big fan of LL spending most of the season in Montreal. Why? Because I like to see good development of our critical prospects and he was rushed into the NHL due to a rash of injuries at the big club. He will never lead the team in scoring or be the biggest or fastest guy out there, but he is a very competitive and driven forward who will give you an honest effort in both zones. He could surprise and end up on the second line one day, but he is a safe bet to be a very well rounded third liner at worst.
4. Jarred Tinordi, D, Hamilton (AHL) – While many had written him off as a bust in his first year in the OHL, the tides turned and folks were impressed by his development this last season in London and at the World Juniors. He still has not fully grown into that big lanky body, so he will add that mass that will make him one tough hombre against which to play. He has really decent mobility for a big guy. He could be our big defensive minded, minute eating defender down the road.
5. Sebastien Collberg, RW, Frolunda (SEL) – Gift number two from a year of “suckage”. This kid can fly and weave some magic with those hands and skills of his. He still has some physical maturing to do, but he is reportedly quite strong for his current frame which is good projecting out a few years. He likely dropped because he did not get any points in his 41 SEL games, but he did not get a lot of ice time either. He was a stud at the World Juniors though, and should be a big part of Sweden’s run to defend its title. He is under contract with Frolunda next season, so hopefully he can be a bigger part as they have lost a few top nine forwards in the off season.
6. Danny Kristo, RW, North Dakota (NCAA) – Mr. Frostbite shocked more than a few people with his decision to return for his fourth and final NCAA season next year. The slight speedster was likely our most talented forward prospect leading into the draft, and now he is not our only hope. I still think he can carve a spot on the top six at some point, but he needs to get a little more committed to making a pro career out of this game. Getting to Hamilton shortly after his NCAA season ends would be a good first start.
7. Brendan Gallagher, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – It is hard not to cheer for this kid. How can you not also smile when you see him smile? The “little ball of hate” gets to take his game to a new level this fall as part of the big incoming rookie class in Hamilton. He got noticed with his play at camp last fall, and likely will be knocking on the door again this year. However, a year or so in the AHL will not hurt his development one bit. Get all these newbies playing hard together in Hamilton, and their time will come sooner rather than later.
8. Morgan Ellis, D, Hamilton (AHL) - Morgan has really jumped up the ranks of our prospects due to I think a great progression in his overall play and development. He is a good two way defender, although I expect he will be more of a defensive first guy in the pros. He has leadership and good size, but probably could use a bit of a quicker first couple of steps as the game will only get quicker on him this fall. He was a huge addition (along with Gormley) who helped the host Cats win the big mug in May.
9. Mac Bennett, D, Michigan (NCAA) – I probably have Mac higher than most lists, but I am a big fan of this bit of a “sleeper” amongst our prospects. He is definitely lesser known and seen due to playing in the NCAA, but I have seen quite a few of his games as Michigan does get pretty decent air time up even up here in Canada. He plays a very calm offensive game based on his very good skating ability and hockey sense. He was paired for most of the season with stay at home guy Greg Pateryn, who joins the Dogs this fall. He won’t be the biggest guy out there, but end up being an excellent puck moving and passing defender down the road.
10. Dalton Thrower, D, Saskatoon (WHL) – An offensively skilled blue-liner with a nasty streak…sounds okay to me. I really like this kid’s drive and his actual game. He will need to shore up his positional play in his own end a bit, but he is still young. He also has a December birthdate, so can actually turn pro next summer if he and the team want. If he does, he will likely be tagging right alongside teammate Darren Dietz.
11. Daniel Pribyl, C, Sparta Praha (Cze) – He seems to have gone through a bit of a growth spurt since I saw him last at the WJC. The Habs had him listed at 6’4” and 200 lbs at their June development camps (he was the only to attend both). He has great hands, but does not play overly physical for his size. It will be good to get him over to the AHL next year to help him adjust to a more physical league. He also needs to improve his speed, as his size and skill are very tempting. He is another that I likely have listed higher than others, but I really like his upside if he can add a step.
12. Darren Dietz, D, Saskatoon (WHL) – Dietz has gone from a relatively unknown prospect to one that many have started to notice due to his great year in Saskatoon. A big, solid two way guy in juniors, who gets used in all circumstances in Saskatoon. Both he and Thrower already know they will be playing hockey into May as the Blades are the next Memorial Cup hosts.
13. Michael Bournival, C, Hamilton (AHL) – The guy who came over in the Ryan O’B trade came off a great year in which he played for Canada and the World Juniors and then captained his team to a bit of a surprise Memorial Cup win. He has been able to put up decent numbers in juniors, but his speed and tenacity likely see him moving into a solid checking centre role in the pros. He is a little further down my list since I see his offensive numbers dropping quite a bit as he progresses up the ranks.
14. Patrick Holland, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – Another WHL grad who was part of the Cammy deal with Calgary. He is a bit of a twitter sensation with his funny tweets, but he will eventually be judged on his ability to put up points. He is a quick skater who was part of the top line in the WHL last season. He has a slight frame, so he will likely need to add some mass to be successful at the next level. That audition starts this fall as he is also part of that big incoming class.
15. Steve Quailer, LW, Hamilton (AHL) – On a team starved a bit for left-handed forwards, the 6’4” 200 lb Denver native will be a nice addition in Hamilton. He does not play overly physical, but we will see how he adjusts to the pro game as he brings good size, hands and skating ability. He was a big part of Northeastern’s offense over the past three years that he played (he did miss one whole season due to injury). Hey Danny, Steve decided to turn pro after three seasons. Just sayin’.
16. Greg Pateryn, D, Hamilton (AHL) – This future doctor (he said he wants to go to med school after his hockey career is over – we shall see!!) comes from that great hockey factory at the University of Michigan. A big, solid defensive first defender who came over from TO in the Grabovski trade ages ago. He spent most of the last few seasons playing ying to Mac Bennett’s yang.
17. Brendan Nash, D, Hamilton (AHL) – He almost drops off the list as he is now 25, but he did miss all of last year due to injury (anyone keeping track? This has happened to a few on our list). He got a cup of coffee with the big club two seasons ago, and should be one of Hamilton’s top two defenders this season. He has decent size and not bad offensive instincts, so he plays a decent two way game at the AHL level.
18. Aaron Palushaj, RW, Hamilton/Montreal – Aaron will have to clear waivers to start the season, so I expect he will be kept in Montreal as the 13/14 forward. It is really hard to say if we got good return from the Blues for Dagostini, but he also hasn’t seen a lot of ice time in his stints with Montreal. Both Martin and Cunneyworth seemed to favour elder, but less talented forwards on the top six. I think he needs to get a proper audition with some good linemates before we can write him off. That clock is ticking though, as there will be some overtaking him sooner rather than later.
19. Joonas Nattinen, C, Hamilton (AHL) – The young Finn had a bit of a rough start to his first season in North America, but ended up being the team’s most improved player by year end. He could very well be a more mobile version of recently departed Andreas Engqvist, with a potentially higher upside. I expect he will see more prominent ice time this year and likely more talented linemates and the Dogs look to have a better team on paper than last year’s dismal finish.
20. Timothe Bozon, LW, Kamloops (WHL) – The French kid who was born in the US, played his juniors in Switzerland and now plays major junior in Kamloops. A worldly guy for sure. He ended up being a point a game player in his first year over in the tough WHL. He has decent speed and great hands, but needs to add some beef to that lanky frame of his.
21. Colin Sullivan, D, Boston College (NCAA) – My real sleeper just based on raw talent. Not sure if he ever converts that or not, but he has yet to play any hockey higher than high school level. He has good size, speed and abilities, but he is so raw still. He opted to return to his prep school after being drafted rather than playing a year in the USHL, so he is still a very unknown and untested commodity. But he now joins the defending NCAA champs, so it will be a big jump in his development in short order.
22. Mark MacMillan, RW, North Dakota (NCAA) – Danny’s team mate with the Sioux, he has just come off a very good first year in the NCAA after a nice career in the BCHL. He is one skinny dude, but seems to have added some beef this past season and likely will keep doing so this year as well. He should get more ice time and responsibility, as he did put up good numbers as a freshman last year. Another kid to keep an eye on, as we do get a number of North Dakota games on the tube up here in Canada. I will keep ya posted during the season!
23. Alex Avtsin, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – This kid put up over 100 points in the Russian second league in his draft year, and has now finished his second year in Hamilton where he has definitely struggled to put anything together. The kid dominates in development camps as he has good size, skating and hands, but he struggles with consistency and the ability to use players around him better. So far, he has all the tools and no tool box, so over to the new coaches and player development guys to see if we can get this kid over the top. He has dropped hard on my list, but the raw ability is still there.
24. Josiah Didier, D, Denver (NCAA) – He started last season as the 7th defender in a very deep Denver program, but moved up the ranks during the season as opportunities arose. He is a big, solid defender, and should project to be a shut down guy down the road. We now have a few of these guys in our system, and that is great!!
25. Charles Hudon, LW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL) – He was the rookie of the year in the Q a year ago, and then did not see his production sky rocket as much as some wanted to see. He has been great with Canada at the U18s and is part of the CAN-RUS four game series this summer (which is replacing the WJC summer development camp). If all goes well, he could suit up for Canada at the juniors this year and next. He lacks an explosive jump to his skating and he is undersized, so many have seen this movie before. If he can add a jump and some beef, he has some very intriguing offensive skills.
HM. Brady Vail, C, Windsor (OHL) – A big, solid two way centre who should play a more prominent part with the team this season.
The draft is over, rookie and training camps are next up in September, so here is my summer edition of the Habs Top 25 Prospect List. Now, the Berg could pull a deal or two that changes some names on this list, but I am going on what we have in the system at this particular point in time. I have included the prospects and their expected teams for 2012-13.
1. Alex Galchenyuk, C, Sarnia (OHL) – Could this be our elusive big, skilled centreman? If that knee holds out, all the signs so far are very promising. He did miss a year of development, so I see no downside to him dominating in Sarnia and at the World Juniors for the US. The kid’s skill, personality and work ethic all point to him having a long and successful NHL career. Welcome aboard AGally94!!
2. Nathan Beaulieu, D, Hamilton (AHL) – Nate the Skate had a bit of an underwhelming World Juniors and Memorial Cup (along with his whole team), but the talent is still there and is still mainly untapped. The kid has great mobility (although not everyone is sold on his backwards skating – but that can be improved), and great offensive instincts. He has a nasty side when needed so isn’t the prototypical soft puck moving defender. As a December birthday, he can start his first AHL season as a 19 year old as he will turn 20 before December 31st. I am sure his new coaches will be getting him a little stronger in his own end.
3. Louis Leblanc, C/RW, Hamilton/Montreal – I would be a big fan of LL spending most of the season in Montreal. Why? Because I like to see good development of our critical prospects and he was rushed into the NHL due to a rash of injuries at the big club. He will never lead the team in scoring or be the biggest or fastest guy out there, but he is a very competitive and driven forward who will give you an honest effort in both zones. He could surprise and end up on the second line one day, but he is a safe bet to be a very well rounded third liner at worst.
4. Jarred Tinordi, D, Hamilton (AHL) – While many had written him off as a bust in his first year in the OHL, the tides turned and folks were impressed by his development this last season in London and at the World Juniors. He still has not fully grown into that big lanky body, so he will add that mass that will make him one tough hombre against which to play. He has really decent mobility for a big guy. He could be our big defensive minded, minute eating defender down the road.
5. Sebastien Collberg, RW, Frolunda (SEL) – Gift number two from a year of “suckage”. This kid can fly and weave some magic with those hands and skills of his. He still has some physical maturing to do, but he is reportedly quite strong for his current frame which is good projecting out a few years. He likely dropped because he did not get any points in his 41 SEL games, but he did not get a lot of ice time either. He was a stud at the World Juniors though, and should be a big part of Sweden’s run to defend its title. He is under contract with Frolunda next season, so hopefully he can be a bigger part as they have lost a few top nine forwards in the off season.
6. Danny Kristo, RW, North Dakota (NCAA) – Mr. Frostbite shocked more than a few people with his decision to return for his fourth and final NCAA season next year. The slight speedster was likely our most talented forward prospect leading into the draft, and now he is not our only hope. I still think he can carve a spot on the top six at some point, but he needs to get a little more committed to making a pro career out of this game. Getting to Hamilton shortly after his NCAA season ends would be a good first start.
7. Brendan Gallagher, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – It is hard not to cheer for this kid. How can you not also smile when you see him smile? The “little ball of hate” gets to take his game to a new level this fall as part of the big incoming rookie class in Hamilton. He got noticed with his play at camp last fall, and likely will be knocking on the door again this year. However, a year or so in the AHL will not hurt his development one bit. Get all these newbies playing hard together in Hamilton, and their time will come sooner rather than later.
8. Morgan Ellis, D, Hamilton (AHL) - Morgan has really jumped up the ranks of our prospects due to I think a great progression in his overall play and development. He is a good two way defender, although I expect he will be more of a defensive first guy in the pros. He has leadership and good size, but probably could use a bit of a quicker first couple of steps as the game will only get quicker on him this fall. He was a huge addition (along with Gormley) who helped the host Cats win the big mug in May.
9. Mac Bennett, D, Michigan (NCAA) – I probably have Mac higher than most lists, but I am a big fan of this bit of a “sleeper” amongst our prospects. He is definitely lesser known and seen due to playing in the NCAA, but I have seen quite a few of his games as Michigan does get pretty decent air time up even up here in Canada. He plays a very calm offensive game based on his very good skating ability and hockey sense. He was paired for most of the season with stay at home guy Greg Pateryn, who joins the Dogs this fall. He won’t be the biggest guy out there, but end up being an excellent puck moving and passing defender down the road.
10. Dalton Thrower, D, Saskatoon (WHL) – An offensively skilled blue-liner with a nasty streak…sounds okay to me. I really like this kid’s drive and his actual game. He will need to shore up his positional play in his own end a bit, but he is still young. He also has a December birthdate, so can actually turn pro next summer if he and the team want. If he does, he will likely be tagging right alongside teammate Darren Dietz.
11. Daniel Pribyl, C, Sparta Praha (Cze) – He seems to have gone through a bit of a growth spurt since I saw him last at the WJC. The Habs had him listed at 6’4” and 200 lbs at their June development camps (he was the only to attend both). He has great hands, but does not play overly physical for his size. It will be good to get him over to the AHL next year to help him adjust to a more physical league. He also needs to improve his speed, as his size and skill are very tempting. He is another that I likely have listed higher than others, but I really like his upside if he can add a step.
12. Darren Dietz, D, Saskatoon (WHL) – Dietz has gone from a relatively unknown prospect to one that many have started to notice due to his great year in Saskatoon. A big, solid two way guy in juniors, who gets used in all circumstances in Saskatoon. Both he and Thrower already know they will be playing hockey into May as the Blades are the next Memorial Cup hosts.
13. Michael Bournival, C, Hamilton (AHL) – The guy who came over in the Ryan O’B trade came off a great year in which he played for Canada and the World Juniors and then captained his team to a bit of a surprise Memorial Cup win. He has been able to put up decent numbers in juniors, but his speed and tenacity likely see him moving into a solid checking centre role in the pros. He is a little further down my list since I see his offensive numbers dropping quite a bit as he progresses up the ranks.
14. Patrick Holland, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – Another WHL grad who was part of the Cammy deal with Calgary. He is a bit of a twitter sensation with his funny tweets, but he will eventually be judged on his ability to put up points. He is a quick skater who was part of the top line in the WHL last season. He has a slight frame, so he will likely need to add some mass to be successful at the next level. That audition starts this fall as he is also part of that big incoming class.
15. Steve Quailer, LW, Hamilton (AHL) – On a team starved a bit for left-handed forwards, the 6’4” 200 lb Denver native will be a nice addition in Hamilton. He does not play overly physical, but we will see how he adjusts to the pro game as he brings good size, hands and skating ability. He was a big part of Northeastern’s offense over the past three years that he played (he did miss one whole season due to injury). Hey Danny, Steve decided to turn pro after three seasons. Just sayin’.
16. Greg Pateryn, D, Hamilton (AHL) – This future doctor (he said he wants to go to med school after his hockey career is over – we shall see!!) comes from that great hockey factory at the University of Michigan. A big, solid defensive first defender who came over from TO in the Grabovski trade ages ago. He spent most of the last few seasons playing ying to Mac Bennett’s yang.
17. Brendan Nash, D, Hamilton (AHL) – He almost drops off the list as he is now 25, but he did miss all of last year due to injury (anyone keeping track? This has happened to a few on our list). He got a cup of coffee with the big club two seasons ago, and should be one of Hamilton’s top two defenders this season. He has decent size and not bad offensive instincts, so he plays a decent two way game at the AHL level.
18. Aaron Palushaj, RW, Hamilton/Montreal – Aaron will have to clear waivers to start the season, so I expect he will be kept in Montreal as the 13/14 forward. It is really hard to say if we got good return from the Blues for Dagostini, but he also hasn’t seen a lot of ice time in his stints with Montreal. Both Martin and Cunneyworth seemed to favour elder, but less talented forwards on the top six. I think he needs to get a proper audition with some good linemates before we can write him off. That clock is ticking though, as there will be some overtaking him sooner rather than later.
19. Joonas Nattinen, C, Hamilton (AHL) – The young Finn had a bit of a rough start to his first season in North America, but ended up being the team’s most improved player by year end. He could very well be a more mobile version of recently departed Andreas Engqvist, with a potentially higher upside. I expect he will see more prominent ice time this year and likely more talented linemates and the Dogs look to have a better team on paper than last year’s dismal finish.
20. Timothe Bozon, LW, Kamloops (WHL) – The French kid who was born in the US, played his juniors in Switzerland and now plays major junior in Kamloops. A worldly guy for sure. He ended up being a point a game player in his first year over in the tough WHL. He has decent speed and great hands, but needs to add some beef to that lanky frame of his.
21. Colin Sullivan, D, Boston College (NCAA) – My real sleeper just based on raw talent. Not sure if he ever converts that or not, but he has yet to play any hockey higher than high school level. He has good size, speed and abilities, but he is so raw still. He opted to return to his prep school after being drafted rather than playing a year in the USHL, so he is still a very unknown and untested commodity. But he now joins the defending NCAA champs, so it will be a big jump in his development in short order.
22. Mark MacMillan, RW, North Dakota (NCAA) – Danny’s team mate with the Sioux, he has just come off a very good first year in the NCAA after a nice career in the BCHL. He is one skinny dude, but seems to have added some beef this past season and likely will keep doing so this year as well. He should get more ice time and responsibility, as he did put up good numbers as a freshman last year. Another kid to keep an eye on, as we do get a number of North Dakota games on the tube up here in Canada. I will keep ya posted during the season!
23. Alex Avtsin, RW, Hamilton (AHL) – This kid put up over 100 points in the Russian second league in his draft year, and has now finished his second year in Hamilton where he has definitely struggled to put anything together. The kid dominates in development camps as he has good size, skating and hands, but he struggles with consistency and the ability to use players around him better. So far, he has all the tools and no tool box, so over to the new coaches and player development guys to see if we can get this kid over the top. He has dropped hard on my list, but the raw ability is still there.
24. Josiah Didier, D, Denver (NCAA) – He started last season as the 7th defender in a very deep Denver program, but moved up the ranks during the season as opportunities arose. He is a big, solid defender, and should project to be a shut down guy down the road. We now have a few of these guys in our system, and that is great!!
25. Charles Hudon, LW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL) – He was the rookie of the year in the Q a year ago, and then did not see his production sky rocket as much as some wanted to see. He has been great with Canada at the U18s and is part of the CAN-RUS four game series this summer (which is replacing the WJC summer development camp). If all goes well, he could suit up for Canada at the juniors this year and next. He lacks an explosive jump to his skating and he is undersized, so many have seen this movie before. If he can add a jump and some beef, he has some very intriguing offensive skills.
HM. Brady Vail, C, Windsor (OHL) – A big, solid two way centre who should play a more prominent part with the team this season.
