Habs Prospects - 3 Stars So Far!!

[NWTHabsFan]

Well, a number of Habs' prospects have been doing quite well of late, and I tend to keep track of them for the most part. I figured I would provide a quick update as to which ones are standing above the others with their play over the last little while IMHO.

1. Yannick Weber, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - He captained the Swiss World Junior team in January and was counted on for huge minutes with his national team. He is on a very strong Rangers team that is hosting the Memorial Cup, so his season will be played into May this year for sure. He is on a tear of late offensively, but he is known for being solid in both ends of the ice. He had a hat trick on Saturday and another assist Sunday to continue to rack up pretty impressive offensive numbers. 37gp 18g 26a 44 pts. The Habs don't need to sign him until the summer of 2009 but he is old enough to be signed this summer and play in either Hamilton or Cincinnati next fall. I fully expect to see him signed after a great season so far.

2. JT Wyman, C, Dartmouth (NCAA) - A big man who can skate and score. JT has been relatively quiet in his first three years at Ivy League Dartmouth, but that has all changed this season and lots of folks are taking notice. The 21 year old (he will be 22 next month) has been on a tear, even though his team has one of the lightest schedules in NCAA hockey (that is true of most of the Ivy League teams). He has one of the best points per game averages in the entire NCAA and would be much higher up the scoring ranks if his team played more. 17gp 13g 10a 23pts. He has matched his career best in goals, is two assists short of a new career best there, and is only one point short of his previous best there too. JT needs to be signed this summer and that should happen for sure. Not too many big men who can skate and score in the Habs' prospect ranks, so this possible power forward is one to watch.

3. Pavel Valentenko, D, Hamilton (AHL) - The big Russian blue liner has taken his game to a whole new level since turning 20 in the late fall. In his first pro season in North America, he has started to get acclimatized and is really getting into a groove of late. Another two points in a big win Sunday were his 7th points in his last 7 games. This from a guy who only managed 2 assists all year in 50 games in the Russian Super League last season. He was the Russian player of the game last year against Carey Price and Team Canada in the gold medal game at the WJC, and has continued to develop from there. A big guy who plays physical in his own end and who has a boomer slapshot from the point that Coach Lever has been using more and more on the PP. 35gp 0g 11a 11pts. He was making the mistake that a lot of young physical guys do early on...going for the big hit to impress and getting caught out of position. He seems to be choosing his hits moreso now, no doubt a lesson from Hamilton's coaching staff.

Honourable mention: Max Pacioretty, LW, Michigan (NCAA) - Max has been sidelined this past week with a minor shoulder injury, but has had a really good rookie/freshman season to date. He was selected to Team USA for the juniors, but had a knee on knee injury that moved him from the top line in exhibition games to the fourth line to help him recover. He has been racking up points as a freshman on the top team in the country right now. A point a game pace for another big, young forward who can skate and score...something lacking on the big club for sure. 19gp 5g 14a 19pts. Watch for some good things out of our second first round pick from last summer. The Habs don't need to sign him until the summer of 2011 when he finishes his fourth year of NCAA. Don't expect the Habs or him to wait that long.

I am off to see the CHL Top Prospects game on Wednesday night here in Edmonton. Maybe there are a few future Habs in the lineups at that game!! I guess we will find out in June at the draft.

[seventeen]

Thanks NWT. Nice recap. Cliff Fletcher is quoted on taking over from JFJ that the key to success in todays NHL is scouting. Heck we've been saying that for a couple of years now, as it's more important than ever in a CAP world. Timmins and Co. are the ones most directly responsible for our success this year. Komi, Higgins, Plekanec, Lapierre, the Kostitsyns, O'Byrne etc. are huge contributors and the pipeline continues to overflow. Price, Chips and D'Agostini (along with Valentenko) on the Dogs are merely ticks of the clock away. The juniour, college and RSL leagues contain even more players who are not only possible, but quite likely to make the NHL. On defense and in goal our prospects are outstanding. Up front they're decent. There's a lot to like and your 3 choices are very deserving of the attention they're getting. Up, up and away.

[franko]

Thanks for the window on the lesser world, NWT. Good to know that something solid is brewing.

[CrocRob]

I will state my opinion that I'm not a fan of Weber's, even though I see him often at local games. I don't think he'll hold up as a pro for various reasons.

Great update, though.

[seventeen]

So, oh colourful one....what is it about Weber that gives you the heebie jeebies?

[CrocRob]

He seems timid. I see him make mistakes and get bailed out by the rest of his team. I understand that mistakes are made by young players, but if you're deciding to make a rink-long outlet pass across the ice and a junior player picks it off, there is definitely some problems with decision making. I don't like his positioning. It seems awkward at times because he doesn't love contact, so he can sometimes allow defenders room on the outside to head down low where others would rub them out. It could be the defensive coaching, but I think he tends to skate with an opposing player too often instead of making a play.

It's not all negative though. He makes crisp passes when he's less ambitious. He's got jam in the corners battling for the puck. He has an ability to read plays such that he knows where to go. He can lead the rush and skates really well. Seems pretty strong for his size, and can actually overpower some people when he tries to.

I guess I would have been happier with him in a later round, is all I'm saying, but I think we could have gotten better value with a 3rd round pick.

[Skilly]

I thought he showed some jam in the WJC. He led his team in penalty minutes (14), which was in the top ten for the tournament I believe. So I went to the IIHF site to see if they were chincy penalties. Of the seven penalties he received 2 were for delay of game, 2 were for boarding (thats contact), two were for cross-checking (again that initiating contact), and 1 was for high-sticking. (that could be chincy or not)

I haven't seen enough of him to develop an informed opinion, but I liked what I saw at the WJC.

[CrocRob]

skilly said:

I thought he showed some jam in the WJC. He led his team in penalty minutes (14), which was in the top ten for the tournament I believe. So I went to the IIHF site to see if they were chincy penalties. Of the seven penalties he received 2 were for delay of game, 2 were for boarding (thats contact), two were for cross-checking (again that initiating contact), and 1 was for high-sticking. (that could be chincy or not)

I haven't seen enough of him to develop an informed opinion, but I liked what I saw at the WJC.

All this talk makes me want to check out a Ranger game next week. I'll head out and see what he's up to. I haven't seen him play since early December. I'll report back with what I saw, and try to not let my preconceptions cloud my report.

[skunk]

I'd put Mathieu Carle on that list. Maybe at the top. If he hadn't missed the first part of the AHL season with an injury, he would be leading all AHL rookie blueliners in scoring, even though he is one of the youngest players in the league. Carle provides the perfect complement to Valentenko, as his strengths are mobility and puckhandling, while Pavel's are his physical play and point shot.

[Skilly]

redscull said:

skilly said:

I thought he showed some jam in the WJC. He led his team in penalty minutes (14), which was in the top ten for the tournament I believe. So I went to the IIHF site to see if they were chincy penalties. Of the seven penalties he received 2 were for delay of game, 2 were for boarding (thats contact), two were for cross-checking (again that initiating contact), and 1 was for high-sticking. (that could be chincy or not)

I haven't seen enough of him to develop an informed opinion, but I liked what I saw at the WJC.

All this talk makes me want to check out a Ranger game next week. I'll head out and see what he's up to. I haven't seen him play since early December. I'll report back with what I saw, and try to not let my preconceptions cloud my report.

I'll be looking forward to it ...

I dont get to see the prospects much, stranded on this island...

[NWTHabsFan]

skunk said:

I'd put Mathieu Carle on that list. Maybe at the top. If he hadn't missed the first part of the AHL season with an injury, he would be leading all AHL rookie blueliners in scoring, even though he is one of the youngest players in the league. Carle provides the perfect complement to Valentenko, as his strengths are mobility and puckhandling, while Pavel's are his physical play and point shot.

Carle has been playing really well over the last month. Good call. Two twenty year old defensemen making an impact in their rookie season, not bad!

I like this problem we have!!

[NWTHabsFan]

redscull said:

He seems timid. I see him make mistakes and get bailed out by the rest of his team. I understand that mistakes are made by young players, but if you're deciding to make a rink-long outlet pass across the ice and a junior player picks it off, there is definitely some problems with decision making. I don't like his positioning. It seems awkward at times because he doesn't love contact, so he can sometimes allow defenders room on the outside to head down low where others would rub them out. It could be the defensive coaching, but I think he tends to skate with an opposing player too often instead of making a play.

It's not all negative though. He makes crisp passes when he's less ambitious. He's got jam in the corners battling for the puck. He has an ability to read plays such that he knows where to go. He can lead the rush and skates really well. Seems pretty strong for his size, and can actually overpower some people when he tries to.

I guess I would have been happier with him in a later round, is all I'm saying, but I think we could have gotten better value with a 3rd round pick.

Most can be corrected, and I would have said a lot of the same things about Kris Russell and never expected him to have an big impact at the AHL level let alone the NHL. I really think the stint at the most recent WJC went a long way in his development, as he was counted on as the go to guy on their team. You typically cannot shy away from the little things in the game when you don the "C" and are counted on to lead by example.

It is hardly an exact science projecting how prospects will do at the next level, let alone two levels up. For now, however, he is having an impact and furthering his development. Kitchener Rangers are a pretty good grooming ground, Hamilton will be even better.

[CrocRob]

Heading to tonight's Kitchener-Belleville game, which is incidentally on TV on Sportsnet Ontario tonight at 7pm Eastern.

Habs prospects which will be there are PK Subban and Yannick Weber.

[NWTHabsFan]

redscull said:

Heading to tonight's Kitchener-Belleville game, which is incidentally on TV on Sportsnet Ontario tonight at 7pm Eastern.

Habs prospects which will be there are PK Subban and Yannick Weber.

I was out eating Haggis and the like or else would have caught it on the web as it is a clash of two of the best in the OHL, with an added bonus of two of our young offensive defensemen prospects.

Slainte

[CrocRob]

Hey guys. Was at the game. Subban sure had a rough one tonight, but I love his determination. He got hung out to dry by his forward (#7.. whoever that is) on that goal. Brutal backchecking job. He's got so much skill and determination that it's hard to imagine him not having an impact on whatever team he plays for. A few thoughts re: Subban:

1) While he has determination, he tried to force things. Especially when he got angry. His first shift after Kitchener's first goal, and his first few shifts after the penalty were by far his worst.

2) That 1 on 1 stuff just won't fly at the next level. Should be easy to weed it out of his game once he has forwards who know how to move and create seam passes.

3) The guy is physically head and shoulders above most of the other players. I'm very interested to see how he does in a couple years once he's playing with people more his size.

4) Not a huge force in his own end. Loses his coverage here and there and can be caught flat footed. He makes up for that with his ability to check.

5) Guy just doesn't like to take a slapshot. Not sure if it's because they're weak or inaccurate, but he doesn't ever wind up.

Anyway, I think he actually had a fantastic game, marred by a weak penalty and being strung out by his team. He was moving the puck well and pinched on the right plays. Never gave up, even when the game was over he was diving to make a play on the puck. If there's one thing that you love about him, it's that he psychs everyone else up with his energy and determination.

With regard to Weber, his goal aside (which shouldn't have been a goal from my perspective, but I'd have to see a replay to start arguing as such) I thought he had an average game. He was pretty good on the PP, and move the puck okay in the offensive zone but several of his passes were picked off in the neutral zone, and he shied away from contact most of the night. Something that I thought was interesting, is that he was used (what seemed to be) very sparingly in the first period. I think he only had 3 short shifts in the first 10 minutes, despite starting the game. His icetime picked up as the game went on, but clearly Kitchener was playing a matchup against Belleville's constant 1-4 (ugh.. annoying). Despite his start he finished strong and made two good plays in the dying minutes to preserve the lead, once clearing the puck and the second tying up a man to prevent a likely scoring opportunity.

IMO, he seriously needs to mature physically. He truly looked and played small tonight (as I've always seen in his game), but on the flip side he moved the puck well once he got into a rhythm in the 2nd period.

When you put them both on the same ice, Subban is very clearly the more talented of the two, and it's not even close. I have a couple questions regarding Subban though, the first is his intelligence because his positioning doesn't look like it's improved remarkably since last year, and the second is his leadership. I'd have thought that a guy like him would have had an A on that team, but I suppose that is a pretty veteran team.

A couple other guys who I noted played really well, were Nigel Williams (who I just realized is a Colorado 2nd round pick) and Keaton Turkiewicz.
Williams had a great two-way game, contributing at both ends of the ice, and seems to have a pretty good point shot, though not a fantastic PP QB. Big, physical down low and punished people in the middle.
Turkiewicz was just all over the ice. He's pretty undersized, but has above average speed and hands to create chances. He made the play to set up the Belleville goal. He also appeared to play decent in his own end, pretty strong on the boards. Not a phenom, obviously, but had a very good game in a losing effort. Looks like he went undrafted last year.

A couple other guys I liked but I'm just tracking some info down about them now.

Anyway that's what I saw. Hope you guys can use it.

[seventeen]

Thanks Red rower, always happy to have a report on our prospects. Without seeing them ourselves, we must live vicariously. Good report.

[Toronthab]

Thanks boys. Things are growing on the farm it seems...

[NWTHabsFan]

redscull said:

I will state my opinion that I'm not a fan of Weber's, even though I see him often at local games. I don't think he'll hold up as a pro for various reasons.

Great update, though.

Redhead, I really was trying to applaud all guys that were having great seasons at their current level of play rather than projecting who would be the best Hab or pro down the road. As such, you got me thinking and it prompted me to look over our prospect list and develop a bushel more of top three lists aimed at an excuse to talk a bit about our future Habs or those who wanna be...onto the lists (I have six and tried not to duplicate any player to allow for talk about lots of players, so if you think someone deserves to be on that list...cool, at least we are talking about the prospects, but I also went in trying to get a few words about a whole bunch of the kids)...onto the lists for real...

[NWTHabsFan]

Top Three Disappointing Seasons:

1. Ben Maxwell (Kootenay - WHL) - Very timely discussion of this talented 19 year old as he made his debut tonight for the first time since October 20th. This is his second injury of the season as he also got hurt in the Habs camp and missed he start of the WHL season. He was on a tear last year with 53 points in 39 games before, you guessed it, a major injury. Don't get H&C going on Maxwell vs Lucic discussions, I am not a fan of that until well along in their career (ie, Andrei Kostitsyn is looking more like a reasonable pick...and June 2003 was a long time ago). 12 games so far (including tonight) is not exactly what Ben had planned after rave reviews at the Habs camp and a good part season last year. Timmins was singling him out in the fall, now he finally has a healthy thigh. This year is contract year as Ben needs to be signed this summer. Despite no games of late, that is a slam dunk based on upside.

2. Nichlas Torp (HV71 - SEL) - Finally gets a kick at the Swedish Elite League as an 18 year old after getting the call for the Tre Kroner at the U18 level and guess what...still not a game under his belt and not due to roster depth. The rugged 18 year old was expected to be a big part of the resurging Swedish WJC team and also his SEL team, but no games so far due to...injury!! Tough guy, but tougher luck. Maybe later this season or next for the young hard hitting Swedish defender.

3. Mikhail Grabovski (Hamilton - AHL) -In the breakout year for Belarusians for the Habs, one guy has fallen a bit from grace. The oldest of the trio at 23, this more pint sized version saw a good first year in NA last season with the Dogs, scoring and being flashy and winning the Calder Cup in his first year over after a few good years in the RSL. He earned a spot with the Habs on day one, after two good teasing games last year. Well, it went downhill from there. He sputtered out of the gates and garnered but two points in 11 games in the big show. Off to Hamilton was the verdict, and he then faced...you guessed it, injury. Not only has he not been able to get back in action and earn his spot as the next one for a call up, but he has been passed and gave Corey Locke a shot. Still on the IR and not helping his cause.

Hon Mention - Matt D'Agostini (Hamilton) - D'Ago is one of my favourite prospects and was one of Timmins' chosen few as far as special recognition in interviews as recently as the start of this season. TT has raved about this kid that defied all odds, was a walk-on in the OHL, and emerged as a team leader in the OHL. He had a great rookie season in the Hammer last season with 49 points in 63 games and a nice +18 rating. This season he is off offensively and sports an ugly -13 rating. I still think he will make it, but a little speed bump for sure (and the only non-injury related lapse on this list).

[NWTHabsFan]

Top Three Most Likely to Make the Habs:

1. Ryan McDonagh (Wisconsin - NCAA) - Okay, let`s get this out of the way first. I am a fan and not just a paper fan, I have been watching some of this kid`s games. The 18 year old may have been snubbed by US Hockey, but they are a bit alone as his Coach thinks the world of him. He is a rookie and yet gets top ice time, including PP and PK time. His biggest asset is his skating, and you also really notice his hockey sense and decision making. He is strong for his age and makes good hits, but he is always moving his feet. Good passing, and really incredible skating with a smooth stride and really good first step. Not a Coffey kind of guy, but a smart defensive first guy with loads of good offensive skills that he lets out every now and then and only when it is right to do.

2. Max Pacioretty (Michigan - NCAA) - Back to the mock draft we had here last June. I pick McD and Max for the Habs two picks (and nobody was more surprised than we when that happened). Anyway, for all the reasons I liked then and read that about him then, I project that nothing has changed, except for a likely increase in stock. A power forward who can skate and has good hands. Hmm, don`t all teams want these kind of guys. An American pick of ours not from Minnesota (a useless fact but one worthy of me rambling about it as it is somewhat unique of late). Max got the call for his country over the holidays and only a knee injury in the first period got him demoted off the top line. Against all odds, he played the rest. He is on a point a game pace with the second ranked team in the nation...as a freshman.

3. Alexei Emelin (Salavat Yuleav Ufa - RSL) - Yeah, much was made last summer about his contract offer, two agents, and a final signing with a Russian team that most people could not find on a map (moi aussi). It is now surfacing on Radio Canada that maybe one of his agents (note - why does he have two) was maybe not all that forthcoming about the Habs offer. Ya think... Anyway, he may never sign and play for the Habs, but he has all the makings of a good, nasty tough NHL defender. Decent size, but with a nastier streak. One of the top penalty minute getters in the last few years, along with really solid skating and puck skills. He is not an offensive guy, but can hold his own. His forte is his toughness and his edge that he brings. Think of a younger BooBoo with more skill, more puck abilities, and more of an edge. A perfect heir apparent in my opinion if we can sign him and get him here.

Hon Mention - Pavel Valentenko (Hammer - AHL) - Lots of him already on this thread and another. My big rave is he is doing well as a Euro a long way from home and in his 20th year. I see big upside for this tough customer with a big blast from the point. NHL size, now needs time to get the rest of the package. A slow start and now really coming of age.

[NWTHabsFan]

Top Three Under the Radar:

1. David Fischer (Minnesota - NCAA) - Okay, so hard to think of a top pick from only two summers ago as a sleeper and under the radar. But, he is a project and plays in the NCAA, which is off the beaten path for most of us arm chair fans in Canada. He also had a fairly inconspicuous rookie season mainly due to mono and incredible depth on D with the Golden Gophers. Our 19 year ex-Mr Hockey was quickly written off by many and seen as too scrawny to go be worthy of that pick. Well, last August he got his second straight invite to the US WJC camp, and was unfortunately left off again (they do like to US Development program and team guys because of familiarity and team dynamics). Three top Dmen left Minny, giving David an opportunity for far more ice time and responsibility. Well, he has taken it an really has not converted it into big points. I watched two games from last weekend with a real focus and now see a guy who has put on some beef, but has shied away from being an all out offensive guy. Instead, he skates really, really well, plays solid positional game, and is good in moving the puck smartly and crisply. He does not over commit and makes good decisions. He still needs work, but I like his development so far.

2. Mathieu Carle (Hamilton) - A guy that a few would have liked on my first list of guys who are having a raving season to date. My only reason for excluding this 20 year old was his early season injury and the fact a few others have had just a bit more flash. This guy is an offensive defenseman with good skating. He has quietly gathered 14 points in 29 games in his pro rookie season. He and Corey Locke were on multi game scoring streaks before the Dogs went on this lack of scoring stretch of late. A new NHL defender with more size than most of these small offensive guys of late.

3. Andrew Conboy (Omaha - USHL) - Who is this kid, you ask. He is a big 19 year old Minnesotan (yeah, cue HFLA) who is playing in that USHL that is even less accessible to most Canucks than the kids playing in the NCAA. He is a big boy and plays a big man game. He is about 5th in team scoring in the team that is the tops in the USHL, and he is also near the league top in penalties. All this got him an invite to the league all-star game recently. He also recently decommitted to his NCAA program of choice for next season, but expect to see him find another NCAA choice before the fall. A big, tough bruiser with some ability to chip in with some points...sounds good to me and sorely lacking down the road with the Habs prospects. He may be the one.

Hon Mention - Joe Stejskal (Dartmouth - NCAA) - Okay it is not really any surprise that most of my under the radar guys hail from the NCAA and USHL, leagues that are much harder to follow in Canada. Joe is another Minnesotan (the state of 10,000 hockey prospects) who plays alongside JT Wyman at Dartmouth in the Ivy League and ECAC. As a freshie, he is getting top pairing ice time and although he is not racking up the points, he is shutting top guys down and playing big and tough in the process. He has a cannon of a shot, but rarely gets to use it. Not many rookie dmen get the call so early.

[NWTHabsFan]

Top Three Most Improved:

1. Greg Stewart (Hamilton) - So, when you are pegged as an energy guy in the OHL, you know your upside is already pigeon holed and not likely NHL calibre for most. Greg, as a 20 year old last season, went down to the ECHL and was fairly quiet until the playoffs, where he really emerged with some big and key goals and points. He still played a physical game, but was also chipping in a bit more. Cue this year, well he made the Dogs opening lineup and has not looked back since. Coach Lever talks about his play and holds him in high regard. As a special add-on from tonight, he had a monster tilt with the Moose heavy weight and the fight went on for ever and both guys wailed away for ages without any zebra intervention. A draw, but one for the ages. 13 pts in 42 games in the A so far and a healthy 85 pim before the loads tonight. Bye bye Bonneau, this is our new tough guy with some abilities to also play a shift or six. The future Kostopolous with a bit more ability to win a fight every now and then.

2. Cameron Cepek (Edmonton - WHL) - Redline called him a sleeper when he was picked really late two drafts ago, but not sure what you can make of a small, skinny defender from California. He did not do much the last two seasons in Portland of the WHL (a fair bit due to injury) and was picked up by the expansion Oil Kings in the draft. I went into their season opener in September with the expectation that he was the one guy the Habs had to sign by this summer that would not have a hope of getting a contract. I must admit, he is growing on me, and he is the one prospect I have seen a lot of, moreso than any other this season. He is currently injured and out week to week, but has a respectable 20 pts in 45 games, is on their top pairing, and now wears the A that he did not have at the beginning of the season (they traded their captain at the trading deadline). He skates well and has a good pass and shot from the point, he plays bigger than his lanky frame and still needs some work in his own end but not for lack of trying. He may never evolve past the ECHL or AHL, but I now see his potential upside and improvement and also expect the Habs to offer him a contract this summer (it is not just the tasty Pale Ales talking either, although they are tasty tonight!!).

3. PK Subban (Belleville - OHL) - A second rounder from last year`s draft became a fan favourite with his smile, confidence, and his great media sound bits and quotes. The Hab fan connection was not lost on anyone either. So how on earth is he a most improved guy you ask. Well, he was fairly suspect in his play in his own end last season despite his offensive and skating abililities. Well, he has made good progress on this, with still more work to do before making the next step. If his Belleville coach`s endorsement of improvement is not enough, he was a surprise pick as an 18 year old to the prestigious spot on the Canadian WJC team. Even as an 18 year old and 7th guy, he is in a good position for a key role as a returning guy next season. If your defensive game is suspect, you do not get the nod for the team from a guy like Craig Hartsburg. He is getting better.

Hon Mention - Corey Locke (Hamilton) - Yeah, pretty hard to imagine a guy who was the CHL player of the year as most improved. But I measure his stalling as a pro and inability (like so many junior stars) to convert his game to the pro level. Low and behold, he has emerged. He is now the undisputed top offensive guy in the Hammer and their all time leading scorer, and the next guy to get the call up for the Habs (as long as equipment shows up - 50% success rate so far). Although he still looks a bit lost at the NHL level, he is now a bona fide AHL player and even star as he played in the all star game and had three points. He is now no longer a good junior star, he is up one notch!!

[seventeen]

Thanks NWT (psst, are you eventually going to change that to AB?). Valid comments. What strikes me (besides my wife when I annoy her) is the volume of at least decent prospects. In the years BT (before Timmins [and before Savard]) we were lucky to be excited about one guy per draft. Now it's almost a minimum of 3.
2001- Komi, Plekanec, Perezhogin (marginal -Milroy, Archer)
2002- Higgins (we passed on Hudler in 2nd round)
2003- Kostitsyn, Lapierre, O'Byrne, Halak
2004- Chips, Emelin, Grabovsky (hey, he played a few games) and Streit
2005- Price, Lats, S Kostitsyn (marginal - D'Agostini)

06 and 07 are still developing of course, but some guys are going to make this team.

2006 - Valentenko (uncertain - Maxwell, White, Carle and Fischer)
2007 - McDonagh, Pacioretty (uncertain - all the rest)

Probably as good a group as any club's choices over the same time. No wonder Leaf fans are suicidal.

[NWTHabsFan]

The beer and typing keeps flowing...who knew.

Top Three Fade to Black:

1. Loic Lacasse (Bloomington Prairie Thunder - IHL) - Not sure why we signed this guy in the first place, he was a crappy goalie in juniors and has not progressed despite moving all over the QMJHL (Roy cut him in his final season) and to the OHL. He did not make the grade to see action in either the AHL (no kidding) or the ECHL (I was even worried about that). He now plays for a team noone has heard of, in a league noone has heard of (6 teams), and in one more year once his contract has expired and made room for another signing, noone will have heard of him.

2. Jimmy Bonneau (Cincinnati of ECHL and Hamilton) - Okay, so on a team lacking size and uber goons, how does a healthy thug prospect in his third year of pro still only manage 13 games split between the E and the A. Hmmm, because he is a lousy hockey player perhaps and has not developed any more hockey sense and skating to evolve with his peers. In six games in the A this year, only 5 minutes of penalties. Isn`t he trying to impress and use his strongest asset (ie, those fists of his)...I guess not. Ciao.

3. Cory Urquhart (Cincinnati) - The 40th pick in 2003 on what could have been (don`t get me started on who we could have had with this pick...man it is depressing on how bad a pick this was...again don`t get me started...lol). First two seasons he cannot muster more than two games in the AHL, only to have a good third season and promote up to the Dogs at season`s end and get the good ride to the cup. All is forgotten right, well not quite as he squandered his AHL starting spot and now is back in the ECHL in his 4th pro season. Wonder what we do with this roster spot next season...bye bye.

Hon Mention - Andrew Archer (Hammer) - Ex Capitano of Guelph and big Komo lookalike who really has not emerged due to a rash of season after season injuries since signing with the Habs. He was drafted late and looked good for his size and draft spot, but he has gone sideways since. A good guy and decent defensive defender with no real offensive upside who is finally going to feel the pinch of the ever growing depth of Habs defensive prospects. When you stay still as young kids keep passing you on the depth chart, it is almost time.

[seventeen]

Back to the Maxwell thing. As you say, NWT, his first game back tonight. No points, but got a shootout goal and 3rd star. Pretty good for 1st game back.

www.whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1004928

[NWTHabsFan]

seventeen said:

Thanks NWT (psst, are you eventually going to change that to AB?). Valid comments. What strikes me (besides my wife when I annoy her) is the volume of at least decent prospects. In the years BT (before Timmins [and before Savard]) we were lucky to be excited about one guy per draft. Now it's almost a minimum of 3.
2001- Komi, Plekanec, Perezhogin (marginal -Milroy, Archer)
2002- Higgins (we passed on Hudler in 2nd round)
2003- Kostitsyn, Lapierre, O'Byrne, Halak
2004- Chips, Emelin, Grabovsky (hey, he played a few games) and Streit
2005- Price, Lats, S Kostitsyn (marginal - D'Agostini)

06 and 07 are still developing of course, but some guys are going to make this team.

2006 - Valentenko (uncertain - Maxwell, White, Carle and Fischer)
2007 - McDonagh, Pacioretty (uncertain - all the rest)

Probably as good a group as any club's choices over the same time. No wonder Leaf fans are suicidal.

13 years in the NWT, 1 year in AB...I think the handle stays for now!! It is more unique anyway and I will always have a connection to the north. Loads live in AB, only the special ones get a chance to really live north of 60!!

Yeah, the drafting depth is great of late. We are seeing it in the current lineup and the fact that a nowhere team won the Calder Cup last season. That depth continues and allows Gainey more flex to build around a core than any past GM in recent history.

[NWTHabsFan]

Good to see some western guys (or at least one) awake while I ramble on...

Top Three Just So I Can Talk About Them List:

1. Ryan White (Calgary - WHL) - Our 19 year old two way guy extraordinaire. He was off his great pace of last season with only a point a game until his last game. Mainly because the Hitmen signed TJ Galiardi and gave him top line duty and asked Ryan to play a different role (more two way, although still PP and PK time). I have seen lots of game both live and on that nice Shaw TV that likes their WHL (as do I). 5 points in a game this week means he is back on folks`radar screen, but he does a lot well. He is not blazing fast, but has good hockey sense and vision. He plays well in both ends and wears a letter for his team. A little Chipchura like in many ways, maybe nowhere near as good, but good enough to be a worthy asset for a while methinks.

2. Philippe Paquet (Clarkson - NCAA) - Who and what you ask. A big good skating and really tough 20 year old QC born defender who abandoned QC hockey to finish up in US prep school and NCAA instead of the QMJHL route most take. He has 116 pim last year and 91 in his freshie year in a league that really punishes fighting (it is quite rare). He is big, can skate and has been sidelined too much this season with injury (he came back last weekend I believe). His team is 10th ranked in the nation and likely will be playing into the spring, so keep healthy and play big and strong!!

3. Olivier Fortier (Rimouski - QMJHL) - Olivier deserves a note, as he is the only Habs`prospect who currently earns his trade in the Q. Weird eh, but it is a trend as the number of drafted kids out of the Q has been on a slide over the last few years. Minnesota high schools have been doing better (how`s that for a HFLA prompt, but the facts do actually back it up...what a shame that is, let`s hope it returns). Back to M. Fortier, a slight but quick two way centerman who has received rave reviews for his good two way game. These are a bit of the under the radar guys that all teams need. Hope it translates into good AHL game once he is signed in a few years, as he is only 18. A mere buck.

Hon Mention - Cedrick Desjardins (Cincy and the Hammer) - The only guy not drafted (singed as a free agent) and from NB of all our prospects. He earned his trade in two straight Memorial Cup finals, including the final one with Roy and the Remparts. He was near the top of the ECHL in goalie stats last season in his rookie season and could not crack the Dogs due to all those good goalies there (Halak, Danis, and later Price). He got a call up this year, but depth and health sent him back down. As a rookie in the E, he made the all star game. His numbers are as good or better this season as he leads the league in shutouts and is in the top few for both gaa and save percentage. With Danis likely bolting for free agency this summer, this is our future Dogs`backup to either Halak or Price if we also resign Huet (good choice if we can do it). He is so much further along the goalie pipeline than Lacasse it is not even funny.

Enough for now...lots of fodder for discussion...now time for a cold one and rest these old fingers!!

Slainte

[Habfaith]

Fantastic write ups on our key prospects NWT, thanks and keep 'em coming...One question. I have seen White play a few games now, and I agree with your assesment of him. When you say he isn't as good as Chipchura, do you mean his overall game, or his offensive abilities?

I thought he had a little more upside in that department than Chipchura.

[habmeister]

habfaith said:

Fantastic write ups on our key prospects NWT, thanks and keep 'em coming...One question. I have seen White play a few games now, and I agree with your assesment of him. When you say he isn't as good as Chipchura, do you mean his overall game, or his offensive abilities?

I thought he had a little more upside in that department than Chipchura.

more upside than chips for sure, but chips wasn't an offensive player in the whl, he was drafted that high for his intelligence and leadership and grinding. think skrudland, whereas white has more skill, vision, and better skater. he's also a big stalkier and they're both pretty strong on the puck.

i have only seen white once this season, and yes he's impressive in the whl, but to take the step to the nhl is huge. there has to be something outstanding in your game, skating, passing, positioning, smarts, fighting, etc...or a great combination of many skills. right now i'm not sold on white having that extra bit. he would need to go to the ahl, and if he's a hard worker and a smart guy he'll learn and continue to improve.

[NWTHabsFan]

habfaith said:

Fantastic write ups on our key prospects NWT, thanks and keep 'em coming...One question. I have seen White play a few games now, and I agree with your assesment of him. When you say he isn't as good as Chipchura, do you mean his overall game, or his offensive abilities?

I thought he had a little more upside in that department than Chipchura.

I think merely in the leadership presence, although White is pretty darn close.

I think White has more offensive upside as well. His last week he has really broken out of his shell for sure. He really racked up the points.

I really think White also has a better shot than Chipper and brings an overall game that is not far behind Chipper.

I really like having both of these guys in the system. They are not the end to end toe drag and dispsy doodle guys, more the lunch pail along the boards and in front of the net guys.