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Post by skunk on Dec 2, 2007 18:03:51 GMT -5
Pretty early in the season, but I thought I'd throw out a few names that I think the Canadien scouts might be watching a little more closely than others. My feeling is that they will focus on big, left shooting centers or left wingers. As it sits, they have only Max Pacioretty as a legit NHL prospect LW in the organization.
1. Kyle Beach - 6-3, 210, C. Beach has the whole package, size, skill, strength, skating, and a serious mean streak. Chances are he will be a top 5 pick, but some coaches and teams are turned off by his personality and reckless play on ice. It would likely require a tradeup by the Habs to acquire the Kelowna kid, but lots can happen over the next 6 months.
2. Colin Wilson - 6-1, 215, C/LW. Wilson is as safe and stable a prospect as Beach is risky. When it comes down to it, the stocky USNTDP grad who came up through the Winnipeg minor hockey system will likely be taken ahead of Beach, even though he doesn't have the same potential to be an impact player in the NHL. Having a strong freshman debut with Boston College and is the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson.
3. Joe Colborne - 6-4, 195, C/LW. Late bloomer who is coming on strong in the Tier II AJHL. Will attend Denver University next year. Terrific blend of size and skill with a strong work ethic, although he isn't a physical player by any means. Tremendous upside, and a player who could shoot up the charts like recent college recruits such as Kyle Turris and Blake Wheeler.
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Post by skunk on Dec 2, 2007 18:27:42 GMT -5
4. Evgeni Grachev - 6-4 215, C/LW. Huge Russian forward has surprisingly soft hands. Has emerged late on the scout's radar from a remote part of Eastern Russia. Candidate for the WJC team this year which will put him squarely in the spotlight.
5. Kirill Petrov - 6-3, 225, C/LW. Less offensive upside than Grachev, but may be a better all round prospect. Character player who already plays a solid two way game.
6. Nikita Filatov - 6-1, 175, LW. More the speed, skill, and slick moves type of Russian forward. Another candidate for the Russian WJC team, he is in a similar position to Cherepanov from last year, but without the same degree of proven scoring ability.
7. A J Jenks - 6-2, 210, LW. Jenks is a Michigan kid who got a late start in the game, similar to Mike Komisarek. But he has great size and a natural scorers hands. Has some of Dustin Brown in his approach to the game, in way he uses his body to create offensive chances.
8. Patrice Cormier - 6-1, 200, C. Cormier is a lot like Kyle Chipchura in his draft year. A big smart two way centre who does a lot of little things well but doesn't have top drawer offensive skills. As a consequence he will likely be available for the team's second round draft pick.
9. Richard Manley - 6-5, 235, LW. Manley is the rawest of prospects, a New York kid who caught on with the USNDTP as a 15 year old, but couldn't break through to the top lines. Left the program mid season after an injury and finished last year with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. For some reason that didn't work out, and now he is playing for Kyle Turris' old team, Burnaby of the BCHL. Decent skill level, awesome size, and good upside. Likely a third round pick at this point.
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Post by Anardil1 on Dec 2, 2007 23:04:21 GMT -5
If the team doesn't wake up soon and get out of this win one-lose one patern, they won't need to trade up for Beach. In fact they could end up winning the lottery and picking one of Stamkos, Doughty, or any other top rated prospect.
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Post by skunk on Dec 3, 2007 0:02:09 GMT -5
Yeah, as I said, lots can happen between now and then. I think they will take one of the players I mentioned, but which one depends on all of the variables yet to be determined. I think the three prospects in the first post will alll go in the first half of the first round. The rest will probably be off the board anywhere between 20th overall and the end of the third round.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 8, 2007 12:54:23 GMT -5
Colborne looks pretty good even though he gets less press playing in Camrose in the AJHL. He looked really good with his Kodiaks teammate at the World Junior A challenge and has been at or near the tops of the AJHL scoring lead all season, even after taking time off for the Junior A challenge. He is big and has really good hands. I hope to catch a few more Canmore games this season and see more of his game live, as they are only an hour down the road. They do come up to Edmonton at Christmas to play St Albert so I will be at that game. They are the top ranked Junior A team this year so they put on a good show.
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Post by skunk on Dec 10, 2007 2:39:12 GMT -5
10. Justin Florek- 6-4, 195, LW/C Florek is another Michigan kid, currently playing for the USNTDP. He hasn't set the world on fire from a scoring perspective, but has excellant skills to go with his tremendous size. Likely second round choice.
P.S. Colin Wilson's grandfather played for the Habs very briefly many years ago. Later he was team doctor for the Winnipeg Jets.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Dec 10, 2007 12:56:10 GMT -5
More likely;
Trent Johnson, Moorehead High School, Minnesota.
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Post by Rimmer on Dec 12, 2007 13:01:39 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 14, 2007 0:58:10 GMT -5
More likely; Trent Johnson, Moorehead High School, Minnesota. The recent trend of Minny high school picks does not mean that trend will necessarily be repeated next draft by any means. Colin White would fit that mould of a player that they can leave in the NCAA for longer than two years to see how he develops compared to a CHL drafted kid. I know that is a factor in some of the Habs' trend of recent drafting from the US when the Habs have lots of draft picks. Wyman looks good in his fourth year, and likely would not have received a contract after only two years in the NCAA (or CHL had he gone that route). He may never make the big club, but at least the extra time has been better for both parties. Personally, I would like to see a game breaker as the Habs do not really have any in their decent deep pool of prospects. There is some top end talent up for grabs next June and it is considered a deep draft again, so maybe our scouting team can find that gem out there. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Dec 14, 2007 1:00:56 GMT -5
Slick moves for any age, let alone a 9 year old. Wonder how good he is at lacrosse. I caught that highlight on TSN the other night and was suitably impressed!! |
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Post by skunk on Jan 24, 2008 16:37:05 GMT -5
Update on the draft prospect situation. Of all the players I mentioned, it looks like only Kyle Beach and Colin Wilson would require a tradeup. Possibly Nikita Filitov. Beach is a bit of a wild card due to concussion problems at the moment. A big part of his game (like Eric Lindros) is his physical play and willingness to drop the gloves. He could drop. Wilson will only rise on the list. I would say he is the safest player in the entire draft at the moment. He has the full package. The situation with Filatov depends a lot on the likelyhood of his coming to North America. If Cherepanov lasted into the second half of the draft last season, Filatov is unlikely to go earlier than that.
Otherwise, players like A.J. Jenks, Joe Colborne, and Evgeny Gratchev all figure to be available in the last third of the first round. Petrov, Cormier, Manley, and Florek will be available in the second round and beyond. Good chance of the Habs getting at least one and possibly more of the players I mentioned.
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Post by skunk on Jan 30, 2008 23:26:25 GMT -5
My NHL Draft site has the Habs taking A.J. Jenks at #23. ISS rankings also have Jenks in that spot. I would be happy with that choice. Jenks is a Michigan kid who didn't start playing ice hockey until he was 12 I believe. Similar to Komisarek in that respect. Reminds me a bit of Dustin Brown, big body, hard worker who gets a lot of goals in tight. A.J. should fill out to be about the size of Latendresse, and is a similar type of forward in many ways.
The club's #1 priority is probably a big strong left winger who can score, at the prospect level. Jenks was recruited as a 15 year old by Red Berenson at the U. of Michigan, but chose the OHL. He was the youngest recruit (along with Jack Johnson) in Michigan hockey history.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jan 31, 2008 0:29:23 GMT -5
Jenks did not look out of place at all at the Top Prospects Game, although it is tough to watch all of the prospects with any intesity with them all over the ice. I tired to pick one per shift and watch them from start to finish of their shift. I have not seen any of his games on TV.
Beach missed the game due to injury, so I was looking forward to seeing him live. I missed their game when they came to town to play the Oil Kings so have only seen him on TV.
Colborne is dropping a bit on CSS, so he may slip to second round only because of the Junior A league. He was really solid at the World Junior A Challenge this season, good at the U17s and has been a horse on a very strong Camrose AJHL team. I will be going down there to see them play in a week and a half.
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Post by CrocRob on Jan 31, 2008 9:51:59 GMT -5
I have mixed feelings about the upcoming draft. Part of me hopes that Timmins will select a high-risk, high-potential pick. Someone who can contribute very quickly if they pan out. However, given that we're likely to pick pretty late we might be better off to go with a safer prospect and hope for the best.
I often get a bit wrapped up in the needs of a franchise in terms of depth and talent because I don't believe that your first round pick (if it's high enough) should necessarily be BPA, but the player who will contribute the most to your team in a position that needs filled. The problem with BPA for high picks is that you end up with a logjam and if you need to make a trade to alleviate space you generally lose a few cents on the dollar.
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Post by franko on Jan 31, 2008 9:54:18 GMT -5
given that we're likely to pick pretty late we might be better off to go with a safer prospect and hope for the best. I'm kinda hoping we get stuck with picking last myself. |
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Post by clear observer on Jan 31, 2008 12:25:43 GMT -5
I have mixed feelings about the upcoming draft. Part of me hopes that Timmins will select a high-risk, high-potential pick. Someone who can contribute very quickly if they pan out. However, given that we're likely to pick pretty late we might be better off to go with a safer prospect and hope for the best. I often get a bit wrapped up in the needs of a franchise in terms of depth and talent because I don't believe that your first round pick (if it's high enough) should necessarily be BPA, but the player who will contribute the most to your team in a position that needs filled. The problem with BPA for high picks is that you end up with a logjam and if you need to make a trade to alleviate space you generally lose a few cents on the dollar. Soooooooooooo many variables to consider. I've always been partial to great skating ability as a good starting point. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 31, 2008 13:34:29 GMT -5
I have mixed feelings about the upcoming draft. Part of me hopes that Timmins will select a high-risk, high-potential pick. Someone who can contribute very quickly if they pan out. However, given that we're likely to pick pretty late we might be better off to go with a safer prospect and hope for the best. I often get a bit wrapped up in the needs of a franchise in terms of depth and talent because I don't believe that your first round pick (if it's high enough) should necessarily be BPA, but the player who will contribute the most to your team in a position that needs filled. The problem with BPA for high picks is that you end up with a logjam and if you need to make a trade to alleviate space you generally lose a few cents on the dollar. Soooooooooooo many variables to consider. I've always been partial to great skating ability as a good starting point. Skate, skate, skate.................................shoot, shoot, shoot...........dasall. Hockey has never been simplified better. |
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Post by skunk on Mar 22, 2008 1:13:16 GMT -5
Pulling this out of mothballs, it still seems reasonably valid. The club did pick up another LW/C in Brock Trotter as a free agent signing. Trotter is young, having just turned 21, and has decent offensive talent, but at this point it is very hard to project him as a top 6 LW.
I still think that position will be prioritized by the Habs in June. Colin Wilson is playing himself out of the Hab's range barring a major tradeup in the draft. It looks like he will probably be among the top 5 players taken, and could go as high as second overall, I think. OTOH, Kyle Beach has dropped as far as Wilson has risen. A combination of concussion injuries (very worrisome) and nagging character questions will likely drop Beach out of the top 10 picks.
Joe Colborne seems to be similarly sliding, although that could change a lot with a long Camrose Kodiak playoff run. Speculation seems to have him sitting at the end of the first round, which is where Montreal will be picking. Same thing with A.J. Jenks. Neither has really delivered on their early potential, but the talent is there. Colborne in particular, has a huge body he has yet to grow into.
The Russians, Filatov, Grachev, and Petrov, are all getting good reviews, but the IIHF situation will determine their draft position. Of the three, only Filatov is likely to be taken before Montreal has a chance to pick. Cormier, Manley, and Florek, the second tier guys should be around for the second and third round at least.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 22, 2008 2:24:22 GMT -5
Pulling this out of mothballs, it still seems reasonably valid. The club did pick up another LW/C in Brock Trotter as a free agent signing. Trotter is young, having just turned 21, and has decent offensive talent, but at this point it is very hard to project him as a top 6 LW. I still think that position will be prioritized by the Habs in June. Colin Wilson is playing himself out of the Hab's range barring a major tradeup in the draft. It looks like he will probably be among the top 5 players taken, and could go as high as second overall, I think. OTOH, Kyle Beach has dropped as far as Wilson has risen. A combination of concussion injuries (very worrisome) and nagging character questions will likely drop Beach out of the top 10 picks. Joe Colborne seems to be similarly sliding, although that could change a lot with a long Camrose Kodiak playoff run. Speculation seems to have him sitting at the end of the first round, which is where Montreal will be picking. Same thing with A.J. Jenks. Neither has really delivered on their early potential, but the talent is there. Colborne in particular, has a huge body he has yet to grow into. The Russians, Filatov, Grachev, and Petrov, are all getting good reviews, but the IIHF situation will determine their draft position. Of the three, only Filatov is likely to be taken before Montreal has a chance to pick. Cormier, Manley, and Florek, the second tier guys should be around for the second and third round at least. I am hoping to head to Camrose on Sunday to see how he does in round two of the playoffs. The kid is big and very talented, albeit against a lower calibre of opposition. It is always hard to assess kids in the Junior A leagues for that reason. He was a standout in the World Junior A championships in Trail though. Time to stack up on big, skilled forwards this June. And, throw in a goalie somewhere. |
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Post by skunk on Apr 9, 2008 14:39:35 GMT -5
Joe Colborne is a top student as well as a top athlete, apparently. Averaged 95% during his high school years. Tough to pass on this guy if he is on the board at the end of the first round. Also described as being exceptionally nice, and very low keyed. Similar to Carey Price from a few years back.
Patrice Cormier leading the underachieving Rimouski team in playoff scoring.
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Post by skunk on Apr 9, 2008 15:11:16 GMT -5
Mark Seidel has a top 100 list published in the Hockey News. A.J. Jenks, Evgeni Grachev, Phillip McCrae, Patrice Cormier, Kirill Petrov, all in a group between 28 and 33 or so. Joe Colborne and Justin Florek ranked in the early 60 range.  Just one man's list, I suppose, but it bodes well for the Habs being able to land one or more of these kids in the first two rounds. Filatov, Beach, and Wilson all ranked in top 10, which effectively puts them out of reach for the Habs. Manley not rated among the top 100, but he would be a great later round addition. He is a LOT bigger than Andrew Conboy, just as tough, and has a better skill level, I think. |
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Post by habmeister on Apr 9, 2008 15:38:56 GMT -5
beach isn't timmins type at all, he is like a wild colt, if you can tame him he will be good, but he could also be nothing but trouble. i saw him play quite a few times over the past 2 seasons, he has a bad temper and can easily be taken off his game.
that's about all i can add, i won't comment on players i haven't seen live.
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 9, 2008 16:26:51 GMT -5
People compare Beach to Aliu, but the reality is that Beach is much more talented than Aliu is. I have no doubt that despite the smoke he'll be gone before we pick, which is at least 20th.
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Post by habmeister on Apr 9, 2008 17:07:43 GMT -5
People compare Beach to Aliu, but the reality is that Beach is much more talented than Aliu is. I have no doubt that despite the smoke he'll be gone before we pick, which is at least 20th. no doubt he will. i'd stay away from him anyways, there are a lot of kids with similar talents that have a great head on their shoulders. he reminds me of avery on the ice, he is a gamer though, but i've seen him do some really stupid things live. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 12, 2008 1:29:43 GMT -5
Joe Colborne is a top student as well as a top athlete, apparently. Averaged 95% during his high school years. Tough to pass on this guy if he is on the board at the end of the first round. Also described as being exceptionally nice, and very low keyed. Similar to Carey Price from a few years back. Patrice Cormier leading the underachieving Rimouski team in playoff scoring. Drove down to Camrose tonight to see game 5 of the AJHL finals and get a glimpse of Joe Colborne (and also CSS ranked #59. Andrew MacWilliam, D, Camrose and #79. Tyler Gron, C, Fort McMurray). Almost sold out new arena and a good show although Camrose failed in their first chance to hoist the Cup as they led 3-1 going into the game. I think this was my third time seeing Colborne this year (once on TV at the World Junior A challenge and twice with the Kodiaks). Colborne does get lots of ice time. He plays on both PK and PP and was the biggest player on the ice. He is still a bit lanky and likely needs to strengthen up a bit when moving to the next level, but 195 is not a bad frame for a 17/18 year old. He doesn't mind playing in the hard to play areas, but isn't a big hitter or big physical player. He has really good hands and a really nice long stride. On the PP he tends to carry the puck into the zone with speed and authority and looks pretty good doing so. I expected a little more from him tonight (and his whole team ) given that they could have won in front of the home crowd, but alas they came up a little short. He definitely has a good overall package and decent hockey sense, but does not dominate the league anything like Turris did in the BCHL last season. A late first rounder or early second rounder probably. I watched the other two as well. Nothing too much stood out on either of them. Both could definitely get drafted in the later rounds. Those Junior A barns are a lot of fun. Camrose has a brand new rink that just opened this season and it is very nice with a capacity of around 3500. The Kodiaks have had great success in their ten years, so a worthy home for a very good Junior A team. They will also host the World Junior A Challenge this fall, so hope to get down for a game or more of that if they don't sell out the packages first. |
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Post by skunk on Apr 12, 2008 10:23:00 GMT -5
I'm surprised that Boris Kabulka, the Kodiak coach and G.M. hasn't had pro offers. He has had an extraordinary run of success in Camrose over the years.
With Colborne, you have to project more than most prospects. Based on his size, the level of play he is at, and the likelyhood of his spending a few years playing college hockey. But all of the ingredients are there, and having success at the Tier II, Junior A, level makes him a lot less risky than the Minnesota high schoolers the team has gambled on in the past two drafts. In the AJHL, Colborne is playing against guys between 16 and 20, who are on average probably a bit older than he is at the moment. Fischer and McDonagh were playing against kids between 14 and 18, in a watered down league, and were among the oldest players in their league when they were drafted.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 12, 2008 12:20:32 GMT -5
I'm surprised that Boris Kabulka, the Kodiak coach and G.M. hasn't had pro offers. He has had an extraordinary run of success in Camrose over the years. With Colborne, you have to project more than most prospects. Based on his size, the level of play he is at, and the likelyhood of his spending a few years playing college hockey. But all of the ingredients are there, and having success at the Tier II, Junior A, level makes him a lot less risky than the Minnesota high schoolers the team has gambled on in the past two drafts. In the AJHL, Colborne is playing against guys between 16 and 20, who are on average probably a bit older than he is at the moment. Fischer and McDonagh were playing against kids between 14 and 18, in a watered down league, and were among the oldest players in their league when they were drafted. Camrose also plays "ole, ole, ole" as their goal song! Colborne has heard that a fair bit this season. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 19, 2008 0:53:10 GMT -5
Saw the top two CSS ranked Junior A players go head to head tonight in Camrose in game 1 of the Doyle Cup. Camrose (AJHL) beat Penticton (BCHL) 3-1 to take a 1-0 series lead.
Penticton has CSS 26th ranked Zac Dalpe and Camrose's Joe Colborne is ranked #30 for NA skaters. I thought Colborne was the better player tonight as he was even more willing to play the body. He picked up an assist, hit a cross bar, and narrowly missed scoring another goal. He big long fluid skating style is really nice to watch.
Dalpe is smaller than tall Joe, but does he have some nice moves, soft hands, and a good slapshot. And the kid is fast. I can see why he is highly ranked too. Dalpe is an Ontario kid playing out the BCHL and will head to Boston U next season.
The two of them were putting on a stickhandling clinic in the warmups. Great hands.
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Just one man's list, I suppose, but it bodes well for the Habs being able to land one or more of these kids in the first two rounds.