The Red Line Report is, in my view, the premier independent scouting service out there, now in its 17th year of publication and based out of Lake Placid, NY. Red Line created the business model that others have followed, styling itself as the NHL's "31st" team, rating draft prospects top-to-bottom every year the same way the big league clubs do. (Of course Red Line's rankings are based purely on talent and upside plus intangible factors- they don't have the same kind of economic/signiability concerns that real NHL teams do)
Chief scout and publisher Kyle Woodlief has NHL experience as a scout with the expansion Nashville Predators to draw from before taking over the reins of Red Line in 1998, but his staff, which has graduated multiple scouts to NHL teams over the years, forms the nucleus of an organization who get to the junior, collegiate, international games and tournaments on a global scale unmatched by any other. At times controversial for its candor, Red Line nevertheless understands the amateur scouting business like no other outside the NHL ranks, and provides a comprehensive look at the NHL's future on an annual basis.
Mike Remmerde has worked the WHL beat from the U.S. Pacific Northwest for Red Line since 1996-97, and there aren't many scouts who are more knowledgeable and have a solid read on the WHL (and BCHL) pulse than he does. I had the chance to talk to the Portland-based scout the other day and get a comprehensive breakdown of what is coming out of the WHL and Western Canada/U.S. in the first couple of rounds for 2010.
Here are some of his thoughts on the top WHL prospects (based on RLR's Feb. rankings)
Nino Niederreiter, RW Portland Winterhawks 6-1, 207, 8 Sep 92, (3rd overall)
He's a star here in Portland. The (Winterhawks) are assuming they'll have him for one more year (2010-11) if that because he's certainly got first-line offensive ability. He's so dynamic and can score in a lot of different ways. He's erasing that Swiss stigma- the reputation for producing soft players who aren't really committed to playing a North American-style game and don't make an impact in the NHL. Niederreiter and Luca Sbisa (who interestingly enough was traded to Portland in Jan.) are two guys who will have probably completely erased that stigma when all is said and done.
The problem with Niederreiter is his first couple of steps. He has good speed when he gets going and is able to get through the neutral zone, but his initial burst isn't what it could be. Other than that, there's nothing not to like. He can score in a variety of ways and he's a gritty guy who loves to throw the body around and is very effective in all zones.- Mike Remmerde
Stats through 26 Feb:
GP- 57 G- 33 A- 21 PTS- 54 PIM- 68
Emerson Etem, C Medicine Hat Tigers, 6-0, 195 16 Jun 92 (11th overall)
Etem's interesting because the first thing you have to mention about him is the skating. Everyone says he has fantastic speed, with an explosive initial burst and extra separation gear- all the things you want in a dangerous offensive player. Some look at his stride and say, "That is an ugly, awkward stride," but having seen how much speed he generates, I personally don't care because he still beats everyone down the ice.
He's still playing the game like an elite bantam player, which is something to watch. Normally, when players move up to the WHL, the skill level forces them to become more creative and work more within the team concept, and all of the flashy, individual things they could get away with in bantam go by the wayside. With Etem, he's still been playing a lot like he did as an elite bantam-- he hasn't had to make that adjustment yet. He's got that speed plus excellent hands in close...he's jsut a fantastic finisher in close. He's tremendous on special teams-- on the power play and he's also a very good penalty killer who's dangerous because he can anticipate the blocked shot, and then when he gets a step on the opposing player and beats him to the puck, he's gone.
On the downside, he doesn't initiate contact much, but he doesn't avoid traffic either. There is some risk to his game, though. He's got bust risk, which is different from Niederreiter, who may or may not be a top offensive player in the NHL, but will play because he can make it as a high-energy checker. Etem on the other hand might not make it because I'm not sure he'll be able to figure out the other parts of the game at even strength, and at a higher level when he can't just just beat people with his speed alone, will he figure out how to pass better, use his teammates more and make the adjustments in his approach that will allow him to develop into a scorer in the NHL?- MR
Stats through Feb 26
GP- 64 G- 33 A- 26 PTS- 59 PIM- 20
Brett Connollly, LW Prince George Cougars 6-2, 185 2 May 92 (14th overall)
It's been a tough year for Brett. I actually got to see him twice this year before the hip problems flared up for him. It's strange that he's the guy who's slipping because coming into the season, he was far and away the surest bet to come out of the WHL for the draft. The big question with the hips is it going to be chronic? When it was the one hip, you didn't hear a whole lot of concern, but now that he's having the same kind of problem with the other, that's kind of the exclamation point in everyone's minds-- now you're thinking that it's a congenital/structural problem and that's when he started to slide.
Hip problems aside, he's a complete player; his hockey sense is fantastic. He's very good skater, but he got even better this year than he was last season (when he scored 35 goals as a rookie). He's quicker off the mark, and he's especially good at handling the puck at top speed. He can pass well, uses his teammates effectively, plays well defensively and will backcheck, too. He's complete, he's elite, he's dynamic. He may not be as flashy as Niederreiter, so even with the concerns, I don't think he'll slide too far. NHL teams picking anywhere from 10-20 have to be excited at the prospect of getting him, even with the risk involved, because he'll be the only real legitimate top-line talent available there if he slides.- MR
Stats through Feb. 26
GP- 12 G- 7 A- 6 PTS- 13 PIM- 8
Calvin Pickard, G Seattle Thunderbirds 6-0, 207 15 Apr 92 (18th overall)
I think he's a first-round talent, absolutely-- he's just excellent. His older brother (Chet- first-round pick of Nashville in '08) was so good in the second half of that season and in the playoffs-- but Calvin has been playing at that level all year and on a pretty poor team. Some guys question his athletic ability, his raw quickness, but I take a different view. I think that because his positioning is so good, and he's so technically sound, he doesn't need to use that quickness as much. I think he has it, but he's just so advanced in terms of his positioning and staying square to the shooter that the reflexes don't jump out at you.
I think he's maybe had a lot of advanced (goaltending) coaching at a young age...either that or he got all the "how-to" goaltending DVDs and watched them religiously (laughs). But, seriously-- he's a guy who is so effective and keeps his team in every game, which is important because Seattle's just not very good. - MR
Stats through Feb. 26
GP- 54 MIN 3210 GAA- 3.03 W- 14 L- 29 T-11 SVS- 1714 SO- 3 SPCT- .914
Quinton Howden, LW Moose Jaw Warriors 6-2, 183 21 Jan 92 (22nd overall)
He's tough to figure out-- I'm still not sure what he brings. He's a big guy who doesn't play all that big. He's a fantastic skater and good shooter who plays with the right energy most of the time. But, he's still a hard guy to figure. He looks a little one-dimensional; he plays with Jason Bast and around Christmas when Bast got hurt and missed a couple of weeks, Howden really struggled offensively-- that's a concern. At the next level, he'll be around skilled guys, so maybe it's not an issue, but he's just someone I have a hard time getting passionate about. If I were sitting at an NHL table at the draft, I don't know that I'd be pounding the table for this guy.
I also wonder about his hockey sense a bit. A lot of his goals come from odd-man rushes and breaks from in behind the D where he can get in close and put it away, but I don't see a lot of creativity and puck distribution from him. Now that being said, he has a terrific shot-- that ability to shoot the puck would put him in the top-15 alone, but the other things about his game...that's why he's further down the list for me. - MR
Stats through Feb. 26
GP- 61 G- 27 A- 37 PTS- 64 PIM- 42
That's the WHL top-five. I'll be back later this weekend with Mike's thoughts on the next five: Brad Ross, Dylan McIlrath, Alex Petrovic, Ryan Johansen and Mark Pysyk.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Beau Bennett rising fast
American winger Beau Bennett is making a serious run for the first-round in the June draft.
The Penticton Vees' sniper led the BCHL in scoring this season, amassing 41 goals and 120 points in 59 games this season. The BCHL has produced some solid NHL talent over the years, including current Bruin fan favorite Milan Lucic, who skated for the Coquitlam (now Burnaby) Express the year before the team plucked him out of Vancouver of the WHL in the second round.
The Gardena, Calif. native will join Joe Colborne at Denver University next season (assuming Boston's top prospect doesn't turn pro at the conclusion of the current campaign) and has all the hockey skills and game-breaking ability you look for in a high-end talent. Bennett does not have the size, strength or disposition to play a physical game, but if you're looking for a potential 30-goal or more guy for the NHL, albeit one who is a longer-term project, then Bennett is an intriguing option.
Were he to slip into the second round, he's the ideal kind of player to spend that Toronto selection on, given his ability and upside. However, things being what they are, I'm guessing that by the time the draft rolls around, Bennett will probably go somewhere between 20-30. It's not outside the realm of possibility that the Bruins could use a couple of those early second picks and maybe a prospect to trade into the bottom portion of the first round (25-30) to give themselves three first-round picks for the first time since 1970 (when they had four selections in the first 13 back when there were 14 NHL teams). History lesson: The B's have had three first-rounders one other time (1969) and two first-rounders a total of five times in franchise history, with the last occurrence coming in 2000 when they busted with the selections of Lars Jonsson (7th) and Martin Samuelsson (27th). The two best double-first selection years happened in 1979 and 1997 when the B's drafted Ray Bourque and Brad McCrimmon and Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov respectively.
Bennett is a late-91 birthdate who registered one five-point game, and seven four-point contests with the Vees this season. His explosiveness and productivity sent the scouts flocking to see him all year.
I'll amend this posting when I can get ahold of Mike Remmerde of the Red Line Report, who's seen Bennett multiple times this season and can comment on the rookie's impressive year. (He's not given a ringing endorsement to Bennett's teammate and Boston's 7th-rounder Ben Sexton, however.)
26 FEB UPDATE: Here's Remmerde's observations on Bennett, and he's going to see him again this weekend for the first round of the BCHL playoffs, so I'll post anything further when I get it:
"Half of my notes on Bennett consist of phrases like, 'Wow, can he really shoot the puck!' That Penticton team looks for him on the ice all the time. The whole offense seems geared to him and getting him the puck for scoring chances in the good areas. He's slight- he's got a big frame, but has a lot of filling out to do. His projection if he's going to be an NHL player is probably as a top-two line guy or nothing at all. His skating is good- he's real agile but isn't a dynamic game-breaker in that regard. Where his strength lies is when the puck is down low on the cycle and at finding a way to get open, find open linemates and score that way rather than from a bunch of solo rushes. And to be honest, that speaks much better for him than if he were scoring on a lot of individualistic plays. The whole problem is trying to figure out a Tier 2 player because the goaltending is substandard at that level. Is a guy who is picking the corners on a Tier 2 goalie going to be able to do it when he moves up to that next level? To me that's the biggest difference between major junior and tier 2- the quality of goaltending. So, Bennett still has a lot to prove." - Mike Remmerde
The Penticton Vees' sniper led the BCHL in scoring this season, amassing 41 goals and 120 points in 59 games this season. The BCHL has produced some solid NHL talent over the years, including current Bruin fan favorite Milan Lucic, who skated for the Coquitlam (now Burnaby) Express the year before the team plucked him out of Vancouver of the WHL in the second round.
The Gardena, Calif. native will join Joe Colborne at Denver University next season (assuming Boston's top prospect doesn't turn pro at the conclusion of the current campaign) and has all the hockey skills and game-breaking ability you look for in a high-end talent. Bennett does not have the size, strength or disposition to play a physical game, but if you're looking for a potential 30-goal or more guy for the NHL, albeit one who is a longer-term project, then Bennett is an intriguing option.
Were he to slip into the second round, he's the ideal kind of player to spend that Toronto selection on, given his ability and upside. However, things being what they are, I'm guessing that by the time the draft rolls around, Bennett will probably go somewhere between 20-30. It's not outside the realm of possibility that the Bruins could use a couple of those early second picks and maybe a prospect to trade into the bottom portion of the first round (25-30) to give themselves three first-round picks for the first time since 1970 (when they had four selections in the first 13 back when there were 14 NHL teams). History lesson: The B's have had three first-rounders one other time (1969) and two first-rounders a total of five times in franchise history, with the last occurrence coming in 2000 when they busted with the selections of Lars Jonsson (7th) and Martin Samuelsson (27th). The two best double-first selection years happened in 1979 and 1997 when the B's drafted Ray Bourque and Brad McCrimmon and Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov respectively.
Bennett is a late-91 birthdate who registered one five-point game, and seven four-point contests with the Vees this season. His explosiveness and productivity sent the scouts flocking to see him all year.
I'll amend this posting when I can get ahold of Mike Remmerde of the Red Line Report, who's seen Bennett multiple times this season and can comment on the rookie's impressive year. (He's not given a ringing endorsement to Bennett's teammate and Boston's 7th-rounder Ben Sexton, however.)
26 FEB UPDATE: Here's Remmerde's observations on Bennett, and he's going to see him again this weekend for the first round of the BCHL playoffs, so I'll post anything further when I get it:
"Half of my notes on Bennett consist of phrases like, 'Wow, can he really shoot the puck!' That Penticton team looks for him on the ice all the time. The whole offense seems geared to him and getting him the puck for scoring chances in the good areas. He's slight- he's got a big frame, but has a lot of filling out to do. His projection if he's going to be an NHL player is probably as a top-two line guy or nothing at all. His skating is good- he's real agile but isn't a dynamic game-breaker in that regard. Where his strength lies is when the puck is down low on the cycle and at finding a way to get open, find open linemates and score that way rather than from a bunch of solo rushes. And to be honest, that speaks much better for him than if he were scoring on a lot of individualistic plays. The whole problem is trying to figure out a Tier 2 player because the goaltending is substandard at that level. Is a guy who is picking the corners on a Tier 2 goalie going to be able to do it when he moves up to that next level? To me that's the biggest difference between major junior and tier 2- the quality of goaltending. So, Bennett still has a lot to prove." - Mike Remmerde
Monday, February 22, 2010
Boston Bruins 2010 picks Updated: 22 Feb
Groundhog Day.
This is where we stood a week ago, but I'm nothing if consistent, so here's the reprint. We'll be back with the same deal next Monday, but the games will be back on tap on March 2nd, so the movement will then commence.
Oh, and I'll be in Boston to take in the B's-Leafs tilt on the 4th of March, then the NEPSIHA (prep) playoff tournament in Salem, N.H. and will catch some EJHL playoff games as well.
1st Round
2nd overall- Toronto (49 points; 19-31-11)
17th overall- Boston (65 points; 27-22-11)
2nd Round
32nd overall- Toronto
39th overall- Tampa Bay (63 points; 26-24-11)
47th overall- Boston
3rd Round
No Pick (To Buffalo for Daniel Paille)
4th Round
93rd overall- Carolina (55 points; 24-30-7)
107th overall- Boston** Conditional to Buffalo if Paille scores 16 goals
5th Round
137th overall- Boston*** Obligated to Buffalo if 16-goal condition not met to complete Paille trade
6th Round
167th overall- Boston
7th Round
197th overall- Boston
This is where we stood a week ago, but I'm nothing if consistent, so here's the reprint. We'll be back with the same deal next Monday, but the games will be back on tap on March 2nd, so the movement will then commence.
Oh, and I'll be in Boston to take in the B's-Leafs tilt on the 4th of March, then the NEPSIHA (prep) playoff tournament in Salem, N.H. and will catch some EJHL playoff games as well.
1st Round
2nd overall- Toronto (49 points; 19-31-11)
17th overall- Boston (65 points; 27-22-11)
2nd Round
32nd overall- Toronto
39th overall- Tampa Bay (63 points; 26-24-11)
47th overall- Boston
3rd Round
No Pick (To Buffalo for Daniel Paille)
4th Round
93rd overall- Carolina (55 points; 24-30-7)
107th overall- Boston** Conditional to Buffalo if Paille scores 16 goals
5th Round
137th overall- Boston*** Obligated to Buffalo if 16-goal condition not met to complete Paille trade
6th Round
167th overall- Boston
7th Round
197th overall- Boston
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Kabanov back with a bang...also check out Marek Hrivik
Out of the Moncton Wildcats' lineup since November with a severe wrist injury that surgery was needed to fix, super-skilled Russian left winger Kirill Kabanov returned to action this weekend and scored goals in consecutive games (both wins, and Moncton is up on Rimouski 2-0 today) to give him 7 goals and 16 points in 13 contests.
Kabanov, who came into the season as an odds-on favorite to land somewhere in the top-five of the 2010 NHL Draft now has a chance to boost his stock which had fallen off. When you're a puck wizard and high end scorer like Kabanov is, any damage to the wrist becomes a major red flag for NHL teams, who can't afford to invest the high picks and money to boot on damaged goods.
The Boston Bruins went through it firsthand with Sergei Samsonov, who suffered a wrist injury during the 2002-03 campaign after coming off of back-to-back 29-goal seasons, and he's never been the same dangerous player since. When so much of a player's effectiveness stems from the health and full use of his wrists, any kind of severe injury will scare teams off worse than the plague.
Also working against Kabanov is the fact that he's Russian. Yes, he's come over to North America and yes, he's a great kid by all accounts who speaks English well and has adjusted nicely to the culture, lifestyle and game in Moncton. But, he's still Russian, and with the way things went down with Nikita Filatov this year, some teams simply aren't going to roll the dice on him. Maybe if Kabanov's name was Carl Cabaniss and he were from the Maritimes as opposed to Moscow, his dynamic skill and upside might be enough to secure a top-five selection, but Kabanov will still have his work cut out for him to land there.
It's fantastic that he's back and appears to not be suffering the ill-effects of the surgery. Teemu Pulkkinen, who went through the same thing, appears to be finding the back of the net as well. So, that's good news for the guys who are going to have to be highly productive and competitive in a much shorter window of time in order to get the early call at the draft.
Kabanov has generated a lot of buzz and rightfully so, but it would take a major leap of faith by any NHL in the top-five to call his name in Los Angeles. Of course, if he goes on a scoring tear for the final games of the regular season, then helps the Wildcats deep into the QMJHL playoffs and contributes to an appointment in Brandon, Manitoba, where the 2010 Memorial Cup will be played, then anything is possible whether he's a risky Russian pick or not.
Another guy to watch on that loaded Moncton squad is Slovak forward Marek Hrivik, who was passed over last summer, but has been a decent scorer in his rookie Q season, finding the back of the net 23 times in 56 contests. Hrivik has good size (6-1, 191) skills and could get the call in the first three rounds in L.A. If not that high, then I would think at some point, for sure. In my opinion, Hrivik would have been a better option for Boston in the seventh round than forward Ben Sexton, last seen on the Penticton Panthers' (BCHL) third line, was. Sexton was a mediocre player for the Nepean Raiders in Ontario Jr. A in his draft year and according to a Western scout I talked to recently, he's been a mediocre player in British Columbia Jr. A as well. He's got a very good chance of being a mediocre player at Clarkson University next year and beyond. I guess I just don't get that pick.
Kabanov, who came into the season as an odds-on favorite to land somewhere in the top-five of the 2010 NHL Draft now has a chance to boost his stock which had fallen off. When you're a puck wizard and high end scorer like Kabanov is, any damage to the wrist becomes a major red flag for NHL teams, who can't afford to invest the high picks and money to boot on damaged goods.
The Boston Bruins went through it firsthand with Sergei Samsonov, who suffered a wrist injury during the 2002-03 campaign after coming off of back-to-back 29-goal seasons, and he's never been the same dangerous player since. When so much of a player's effectiveness stems from the health and full use of his wrists, any kind of severe injury will scare teams off worse than the plague.
Also working against Kabanov is the fact that he's Russian. Yes, he's come over to North America and yes, he's a great kid by all accounts who speaks English well and has adjusted nicely to the culture, lifestyle and game in Moncton. But, he's still Russian, and with the way things went down with Nikita Filatov this year, some teams simply aren't going to roll the dice on him. Maybe if Kabanov's name was Carl Cabaniss and he were from the Maritimes as opposed to Moscow, his dynamic skill and upside might be enough to secure a top-five selection, but Kabanov will still have his work cut out for him to land there.
It's fantastic that he's back and appears to not be suffering the ill-effects of the surgery. Teemu Pulkkinen, who went through the same thing, appears to be finding the back of the net as well. So, that's good news for the guys who are going to have to be highly productive and competitive in a much shorter window of time in order to get the early call at the draft.
Kabanov has generated a lot of buzz and rightfully so, but it would take a major leap of faith by any NHL in the top-five to call his name in Los Angeles. Of course, if he goes on a scoring tear for the final games of the regular season, then helps the Wildcats deep into the QMJHL playoffs and contributes to an appointment in Brandon, Manitoba, where the 2010 Memorial Cup will be played, then anything is possible whether he's a risky Russian pick or not.
Another guy to watch on that loaded Moncton squad is Slovak forward Marek Hrivik, who was passed over last summer, but has been a decent scorer in his rookie Q season, finding the back of the net 23 times in 56 contests. Hrivik has good size (6-1, 191) skills and could get the call in the first three rounds in L.A. If not that high, then I would think at some point, for sure. In my opinion, Hrivik would have been a better option for Boston in the seventh round than forward Ben Sexton, last seen on the Penticton Panthers' (BCHL) third line, was. Sexton was a mediocre player for the Nepean Raiders in Ontario Jr. A in his draft year and according to a Western scout I talked to recently, he's been a mediocre player in British Columbia Jr. A as well. He's got a very good chance of being a mediocre player at Clarkson University next year and beyond. I guess I just don't get that pick.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
NHL Network to broadcast CHL games in U.S. beginning in March
I have just found out that the NHL Network will be televising several Canadian Hockey League (major junior) games across all three leagues (Western, Ontario and Quebec).
On March 7, the network will brodcast the WHL matchup between the Saskatoon Blades and Calgary Hitmen, with other games to follow in what is thought to be a weekly format, according to my source.
This is good news for people who live south of the border and don't have access to the games that feature the largest percentage of hockey talent selected by NHL teams in the draft each year.
Saskatoon and Calgary don't have any marquee prospects for the 2010 draft. Hitmen defender Matt McKenzie played in the Top Prospects Game and is projected as a second-rounder. Blades forward Curtis Hamilton was just lost for the season after breaking his collarbone. The big left winger came into the year looking like a late 1st-rounder, but has been injured for much of the year and this latest setback has to be a source of major frustration for him in his draft season.
On March 7, the network will brodcast the WHL matchup between the Saskatoon Blades and Calgary Hitmen, with other games to follow in what is thought to be a weekly format, according to my source.
This is good news for people who live south of the border and don't have access to the games that feature the largest percentage of hockey talent selected by NHL teams in the draft each year.
Saskatoon and Calgary don't have any marquee prospects for the 2010 draft. Hitmen defender Matt McKenzie played in the Top Prospects Game and is projected as a second-rounder. Blades forward Curtis Hamilton was just lost for the season after breaking his collarbone. The big left winger came into the year looking like a late 1st-rounder, but has been injured for much of the year and this latest setback has to be a source of major frustration for him in his draft season.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Red Line drops Fowler in Feb. rankings, Hall gets called out
Red Line Report chief scout Kyle Woodlief has an interesting column up over at USA Today's website, a condensed version of his February rankings.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2010-02-17-february-red-line-report_N.htm
To boil it down, he's concerned about the lack of upside at the defense position, which underscores how things can change during the course of a hockey season. Back in November, I interviewed Kyle and the defense group looked pretty good at the time, with Cam Fowler having established himself as the cream of what was shaping up to be a good crop. Just three months later, Fowler has been pushed down by Minnesota native Derek Forbort of the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 Team, and Woodlief's assessment could serve as a wakeup call for Fowler to establish himself more as the player he has the talent and tools to be.
Also of interest are Woodlief's comments about Windsor forward Taylor Hall.
"Now, we don't dispute that Hall's rare offensive gifts give him the edge for the No. 1 overall slot in this year's draft. But we'd hate to be the NHL coach whose job it will be in a few months to rein in this selfish, immature winger with a head swelled so large that he can't fit through doorways and absolutely no concept of doing what's best for the team instead of thinking of himself."
I know that even with the unhappiness he expressed with Hall's attitude, Woodlief still believes Hall to be the best talent in the draft and knows that offensively, there are so many things Hall can do and do better than anyone else in his peer group. But, his scathing commentary about Hall is sure to generate controversy in the coming months.
Woodlief makes no apologies for his strong opinions, and you won't see him back away from anything he said. The interesting thing will be to see whether other NHL teams agree with him.
Also of interest is the mention of Kootenay defenseman Joey Leach. I'd actually heard of him before reading about him in the column, but that was thanks to an intrepid HFBoards poster named "Rumpy" who does a great job following the WHL and Western Canadian hockey and knows Leach, who hails from his hometown. Leach was not ranked on the CSS midterm list nor on Red Line's rankings prior to February, so I had to be honest with Rumpy, who suggested he might be worth a fourth-round pick, and nonconcur given Leach's lack of exposure. Well folks- looks like Rumpy was right again (he called Joe Colborne for Boston before the '08 draft for example) on this guy, who seems to be shaping up as a solid 4th or 5th selection because of his significant improvement in skating. Rumpy deserves credit, because he brought Leach to my attention via private channels, so I'm making sure that everyone knows that he was onto him before anyone else, present company included, was. Rumpy's insights on the WHL and draft prospects playing in that league are always worth reading.
So, there's a lot to digest in the latest Red Line column from Woodlief. I can't say I agree with him dropping Fowler, but he and his staff have seen him a lot more than I have.
For more on Red Line, you can visit their website at http://www.redlinereport.com/
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2010-02-17-february-red-line-report_N.htm
To boil it down, he's concerned about the lack of upside at the defense position, which underscores how things can change during the course of a hockey season. Back in November, I interviewed Kyle and the defense group looked pretty good at the time, with Cam Fowler having established himself as the cream of what was shaping up to be a good crop. Just three months later, Fowler has been pushed down by Minnesota native Derek Forbort of the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-18 Team, and Woodlief's assessment could serve as a wakeup call for Fowler to establish himself more as the player he has the talent and tools to be.
Also of interest are Woodlief's comments about Windsor forward Taylor Hall.
"Now, we don't dispute that Hall's rare offensive gifts give him the edge for the No. 1 overall slot in this year's draft. But we'd hate to be the NHL coach whose job it will be in a few months to rein in this selfish, immature winger with a head swelled so large that he can't fit through doorways and absolutely no concept of doing what's best for the team instead of thinking of himself."
I know that even with the unhappiness he expressed with Hall's attitude, Woodlief still believes Hall to be the best talent in the draft and knows that offensively, there are so many things Hall can do and do better than anyone else in his peer group. But, his scathing commentary about Hall is sure to generate controversy in the coming months.
Woodlief makes no apologies for his strong opinions, and you won't see him back away from anything he said. The interesting thing will be to see whether other NHL teams agree with him.
Also of interest is the mention of Kootenay defenseman Joey Leach. I'd actually heard of him before reading about him in the column, but that was thanks to an intrepid HFBoards poster named "Rumpy" who does a great job following the WHL and Western Canadian hockey and knows Leach, who hails from his hometown. Leach was not ranked on the CSS midterm list nor on Red Line's rankings prior to February, so I had to be honest with Rumpy, who suggested he might be worth a fourth-round pick, and nonconcur given Leach's lack of exposure. Well folks- looks like Rumpy was right again (he called Joe Colborne for Boston before the '08 draft for example) on this guy, who seems to be shaping up as a solid 4th or 5th selection because of his significant improvement in skating. Rumpy deserves credit, because he brought Leach to my attention via private channels, so I'm making sure that everyone knows that he was onto him before anyone else, present company included, was. Rumpy's insights on the WHL and draft prospects playing in that league are always worth reading.
So, there's a lot to digest in the latest Red Line column from Woodlief. I can't say I agree with him dropping Fowler, but he and his staff have seen him a lot more than I have.
For more on Red Line, you can visit their website at http://www.redlinereport.com/
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Here come the little guys
In recent years, the Bruins have focused more on drafting forwards with size and skill. Joe Colborne, Max Sauve, Jordan Caron and Tyler Randell are examples of this Boston trend, but it doesn't mean that they'll ignore smaller skilled players, either. Kris Versteeg was a fifth-round pick by the Bruins who panned out as a solid NHL player...just not for them. Brock Bradford, on the other hand, was not signed and now plays in the Colorado Avalanche system with their Lake Erie AHL affiliate. And of course, don't forget about Phil Kessel, thanks to whom so much of the buzz this blog is capitalizing on is repsonsible for.
The Bruins have shown a willingness to draft undersized players, and the post-lockout NHL is a place where said players can succeed and flourish so long as they have the skills to do so. Here is a quick look at some of the draft's better talents who all stand 5-foot-10 or shorter. The B's will likely use second-round picks or later when determining value and deciding whether to opt for a smaller prospect, but anything can happen. These are names you should at least be familiar with come draft day. If Boston doesn't grab them, somebody will!
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW Novosibirsk (KHL) 5-10, 175
On pure talent alone, Tarasenko is a top-five pick in this draft. He's an explosive skater who goes 0-60 in about 2-3 strides, has magical hands and the ability to dictate the offensive tempo everytime he takes a shift. Ten years ago, he'd be considered a lock for No. 3 or 4 honors in this class, but because of challenges in signing Russian players and even keeping them in North America and happy with their situation, fewer NHL teams are willing to accept risk with early 1st-rounders anymore.
Mikael Granlund, C HIFK Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) 5-10, 178
A mediocre World Jr. Championship (Under-20) tourney for the smallish but uber-skilled Finn dropped his stock a bit, but it's getting back up there largely on the strength of his 30 points in 31 games (nine goals) playing against men in his country's highest pro league at 17. When you compare him to other players from Finland and what they were doing at the same age, he's in the upper stratosphere. An OK skater (he lacks blazing speed), he nonetheless has terrific hands, vision and hockey sense. In fact, his on-ice IQ is right up there with the very best and I would say it compares to Washington Capitals all-star Nicklas Backstrom. At this stage, Granlund is a sublime passer, but he's showing that he can finish with aplomb as well.
Jeff Skinner, C Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 5-10, 197
I've made no bones about how impressed I am with Skinner and his potential simply because he's about as pure a goalscorer as they come, but he lacks the dynamic speed, size and game-breaking physical dimensions that most of the top scoring forwards in every draft come with. Skinner has 41 goals in 55 games with the Rangers this season, but he's small and a little on the slow side. Still, he was a former figure skater, so he has tremendous balance and is pretty shifty as a result. He also has the Midas touch with his shot (it's also very accurate- he can wire it just about anywhere in that 4 x 6 cage at will) and knows where to be on the ice. His compete level is uneven, so that's something he needs to work on, otherwise, he might be considered a solid top-10 candidate. The NHL's Central Scouting Service made an egregious error having Skinner 47th on their midseason rankings, and I expect he'll be closer to 30 on their final list, as you simply cannot ignore his production. I would say that if Skinner drops anywhere past 15th overall, whoever gets him has a steal on their hands.
Joey Hishon, C Owen Sound Attack (OHL) 5-10, 178
Hard-luck pivot has missed a lot of games this season due to a broken foot. After scoring 37 goals and 81 points last season as a 16-17 year-old, Hishon had high expectations coming into this year, and although the two months on the shelf haven't helped, if he can stay healthy and productive the rest of the way, he could be a solid 1st-round pick. Superb skater who is as elusive as he is fast, he has the kind of puckhandling skills which make him a threat to score in all situations. Needs to get stronger, but if he slides into the second-round, he's likely a solid value pick anywhere because of his dynamic upside.
Ryan Spooner, C Peterborough Petes (OHL) 5-10, 177
Another super-fast, game-breaking scorer from the Ontario League, Spooner showed what he is capable of in the CHL Top Prospects Game, when he finished off a 2-on-1 break with Taylor Hall. Spooner has excellent speed and always keeps his feet moving, which is sure to earn him high marks from scouts. He may not quite have Skinner's natural touch around the net, but he's got the wheels and intensity to make NHL teams forget about his small, light frame. He hasn't had a lot of help in Peterborough this year scoring-wise, but he's shown to have the kind of character and ability to come through despite increased checking pressure that makes him a player to watch, especially if he slips out of Round One. Author's Note- A broken collarbone suffered by Spooner in January will probably impact his draft status negatively. With him out for the most crucial period of time for a team trying to make the OHL playoffs means that Spooner will likely end up becoming a nice value pick for a good team that otherwise would not have had a shot at him were he playing and contributing to the Petes' playoff run. Bad break for Spooner and Peterborough, because the kid has the goods. 2/19/10
Jason Zucker, C U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL) 5-10, 175
The World Jr. standout from Team USA will probably become the first native Nevadan (born and trained) to be drafted in June. Where he shakes out is still open to debate, but some teams have him pushing late 1st/early 2nd boundaries. He's got a nice jump in his stride and plays a high-energy style of two-way hockey. Zucker also showed a scoring touch as his team's youngest player in Saskatoon. He's committed to University of Denver next season, and is very much a work in progress, but is one to watch for his skill and tenacity.
Jordan Weal, C Regina Pats (WHL) 5-8, 165
He is generously listed at 5-8, but is probably closer to 5-6. Although he has 26 goals and 80 points in 60 games with the Pats this year, some scouts aren't sure that his production will translate in the pros. He's not a bad skater, but he's not a burner either, which, at his size, is a concern. He's got outstanding vision and hockey sense, but his overall skill level is above average, which will evoke comparisons to Zach Hamill, who was a productive player in the Dub, but has yet to do it in the pros after being Boston's top pick (eighth overall) three years ago. Author's Note- I am not comparing the playing styles of Hamill and Weal, merely observing that both put up very good offensive numbers in the WHL, but lack the kind of high-end speed/skills teams look for in smaller players. You have to like Weal's feistiness and spunk, but it will take quite a leap of faith for any team to draft him high. At mid-second round, his value starts to increase, however. Anywhere before that, and he's a risk.
Teemu Pulkkinen, RW Jokerit (Finland Jr.) 5-10, 172
A severe wrist injury dropped Pulkkinen's stock, but he's back in action and recently did very well for Team Finland at the Six Nations Tournament in Belarus. Not a fast skater by any means, he is a lot like Skinner in that he knows where he needs to go on the ice and can really find the back of the net with his pro-release and offensive instincts. His stock is rising now that he's showing no real ill effects of the surgery, but to put it in perspective, he's scoring in the junior leagues (although he did get 12 games in with the senior team- 1 goal), while his countryman Granlund is doing it against men to a very high level. As good as Pulkkinen's upside is, that should guive you an idea where Granlund grades out.
Michael Bournival, C Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 5-10, 180
Another honest player who works hard and is productive, but lacks the speed and high-end skills that would make NHL clubs want to take an early chance on him. Similar to Patrice Bergeron in his draft year, however. Doesn't get a lot of attention, but earns high praise for his work ethic and hockey sense. If he can pick up an extra couple of steps, it could give him more of a shot to succeed at the next level, albeit it in more of a tertiary role. He may not have Bergeron's soft hands, however.
Christian Thomas, RW Oshawa Generals (OHL) 5-9, 171
Son of former NHL 40-goal man (and 421 for his career) Steve Thomas, he's a chip off the old block in the scoring department, having lit the lamp 30 times in 52 contests this season. Like Skinner and Weal, he's not a burner, but just knows where to go and be to make things happen offensively. Has a powerful shot that he gets a lot of torque on despite his lack of stature. Real soft hands and finish in close. Quietly becoming a prospect, but the lack of size and high-end skills will limit the pre-draft buzz on him. Could be a steal anywhere after the third round.
Brandon Hynes, RW Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) 5-8, 170
Diminutive Newfie is a one-way offensive force who can really put the puck in the net. His lack of diligence in his own end will drop him at the draft, as he's too one-dimensional to be considered a legitimate top-two round candidate given his size limitations. Still, he's tallied 38 goals in 58 games for les Tigres, and was recently named the QMJHL's Offensive Player of the Week. Like Thomas, he can generate a lot of power on his shot, and he gets it off quickly. He also tends to play a perimeter game and doesn't go into traffic all that much.
The Bruins have shown a willingness to draft undersized players, and the post-lockout NHL is a place where said players can succeed and flourish so long as they have the skills to do so. Here is a quick look at some of the draft's better talents who all stand 5-foot-10 or shorter. The B's will likely use second-round picks or later when determining value and deciding whether to opt for a smaller prospect, but anything can happen. These are names you should at least be familiar with come draft day. If Boston doesn't grab them, somebody will!
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW Novosibirsk (KHL) 5-10, 175
On pure talent alone, Tarasenko is a top-five pick in this draft. He's an explosive skater who goes 0-60 in about 2-3 strides, has magical hands and the ability to dictate the offensive tempo everytime he takes a shift. Ten years ago, he'd be considered a lock for No. 3 or 4 honors in this class, but because of challenges in signing Russian players and even keeping them in North America and happy with their situation, fewer NHL teams are willing to accept risk with early 1st-rounders anymore.
Mikael Granlund, C HIFK Helsinki (Finland SM-Liiga) 5-10, 178
A mediocre World Jr. Championship (Under-20) tourney for the smallish but uber-skilled Finn dropped his stock a bit, but it's getting back up there largely on the strength of his 30 points in 31 games (nine goals) playing against men in his country's highest pro league at 17. When you compare him to other players from Finland and what they were doing at the same age, he's in the upper stratosphere. An OK skater (he lacks blazing speed), he nonetheless has terrific hands, vision and hockey sense. In fact, his on-ice IQ is right up there with the very best and I would say it compares to Washington Capitals all-star Nicklas Backstrom. At this stage, Granlund is a sublime passer, but he's showing that he can finish with aplomb as well.
Jeff Skinner, C Kitchener Rangers (OHL) 5-10, 197
I've made no bones about how impressed I am with Skinner and his potential simply because he's about as pure a goalscorer as they come, but he lacks the dynamic speed, size and game-breaking physical dimensions that most of the top scoring forwards in every draft come with. Skinner has 41 goals in 55 games with the Rangers this season, but he's small and a little on the slow side. Still, he was a former figure skater, so he has tremendous balance and is pretty shifty as a result. He also has the Midas touch with his shot (it's also very accurate- he can wire it just about anywhere in that 4 x 6 cage at will) and knows where to be on the ice. His compete level is uneven, so that's something he needs to work on, otherwise, he might be considered a solid top-10 candidate. The NHL's Central Scouting Service made an egregious error having Skinner 47th on their midseason rankings, and I expect he'll be closer to 30 on their final list, as you simply cannot ignore his production. I would say that if Skinner drops anywhere past 15th overall, whoever gets him has a steal on their hands.
Joey Hishon, C Owen Sound Attack (OHL) 5-10, 178
Hard-luck pivot has missed a lot of games this season due to a broken foot. After scoring 37 goals and 81 points last season as a 16-17 year-old, Hishon had high expectations coming into this year, and although the two months on the shelf haven't helped, if he can stay healthy and productive the rest of the way, he could be a solid 1st-round pick. Superb skater who is as elusive as he is fast, he has the kind of puckhandling skills which make him a threat to score in all situations. Needs to get stronger, but if he slides into the second-round, he's likely a solid value pick anywhere because of his dynamic upside.
Ryan Spooner, C Peterborough Petes (OHL) 5-10, 177
Another super-fast, game-breaking scorer from the Ontario League, Spooner showed what he is capable of in the CHL Top Prospects Game, when he finished off a 2-on-1 break with Taylor Hall. Spooner has excellent speed and always keeps his feet moving, which is sure to earn him high marks from scouts. He may not quite have Skinner's natural touch around the net, but he's got the wheels and intensity to make NHL teams forget about his small, light frame. He hasn't had a lot of help in Peterborough this year scoring-wise, but he's shown to have the kind of character and ability to come through despite increased checking pressure that makes him a player to watch, especially if he slips out of Round One. Author's Note- A broken collarbone suffered by Spooner in January will probably impact his draft status negatively. With him out for the most crucial period of time for a team trying to make the OHL playoffs means that Spooner will likely end up becoming a nice value pick for a good team that otherwise would not have had a shot at him were he playing and contributing to the Petes' playoff run. Bad break for Spooner and Peterborough, because the kid has the goods. 2/19/10
Jason Zucker, C U.S. NTDP U-18 (USHL) 5-10, 175
The World Jr. standout from Team USA will probably become the first native Nevadan (born and trained) to be drafted in June. Where he shakes out is still open to debate, but some teams have him pushing late 1st/early 2nd boundaries. He's got a nice jump in his stride and plays a high-energy style of two-way hockey. Zucker also showed a scoring touch as his team's youngest player in Saskatoon. He's committed to University of Denver next season, and is very much a work in progress, but is one to watch for his skill and tenacity.
Jordan Weal, C Regina Pats (WHL) 5-8, 165
He is generously listed at 5-8, but is probably closer to 5-6. Although he has 26 goals and 80 points in 60 games with the Pats this year, some scouts aren't sure that his production will translate in the pros. He's not a bad skater, but he's not a burner either, which, at his size, is a concern. He's got outstanding vision and hockey sense, but his overall skill level is above average, which will evoke comparisons to Zach Hamill, who was a productive player in the Dub, but has yet to do it in the pros after being Boston's top pick (eighth overall) three years ago. Author's Note- I am not comparing the playing styles of Hamill and Weal, merely observing that both put up very good offensive numbers in the WHL, but lack the kind of high-end speed/skills teams look for in smaller players. You have to like Weal's feistiness and spunk, but it will take quite a leap of faith for any team to draft him high. At mid-second round, his value starts to increase, however. Anywhere before that, and he's a risk.
Teemu Pulkkinen, RW Jokerit (Finland Jr.) 5-10, 172
A severe wrist injury dropped Pulkkinen's stock, but he's back in action and recently did very well for Team Finland at the Six Nations Tournament in Belarus. Not a fast skater by any means, he is a lot like Skinner in that he knows where he needs to go on the ice and can really find the back of the net with his pro-release and offensive instincts. His stock is rising now that he's showing no real ill effects of the surgery, but to put it in perspective, he's scoring in the junior leagues (although he did get 12 games in with the senior team- 1 goal), while his countryman Granlund is doing it against men to a very high level. As good as Pulkkinen's upside is, that should guive you an idea where Granlund grades out.
Michael Bournival, C Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 5-10, 180
Another honest player who works hard and is productive, but lacks the speed and high-end skills that would make NHL clubs want to take an early chance on him. Similar to Patrice Bergeron in his draft year, however. Doesn't get a lot of attention, but earns high praise for his work ethic and hockey sense. If he can pick up an extra couple of steps, it could give him more of a shot to succeed at the next level, albeit it in more of a tertiary role. He may not have Bergeron's soft hands, however.
Christian Thomas, RW Oshawa Generals (OHL) 5-9, 171
Son of former NHL 40-goal man (and 421 for his career) Steve Thomas, he's a chip off the old block in the scoring department, having lit the lamp 30 times in 52 contests this season. Like Skinner and Weal, he's not a burner, but just knows where to go and be to make things happen offensively. Has a powerful shot that he gets a lot of torque on despite his lack of stature. Real soft hands and finish in close. Quietly becoming a prospect, but the lack of size and high-end skills will limit the pre-draft buzz on him. Could be a steal anywhere after the third round.
Brandon Hynes, RW Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) 5-8, 170
Diminutive Newfie is a one-way offensive force who can really put the puck in the net. His lack of diligence in his own end will drop him at the draft, as he's too one-dimensional to be considered a legitimate top-two round candidate given his size limitations. Still, he's tallied 38 goals in 58 games for les Tigres, and was recently named the QMJHL's Offensive Player of the Week. Like Thomas, he can generate a lot of power on his shot, and he gets it off quickly. He also tends to play a perimeter game and doesn't go into traffic all that much.
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