Tuesday, May 29th @ 9:30pm EST
Congratulations to the Shawinigan Cataractes as they defeated the London Knights’ in a thrilling overtime game 2-1 to become the 2012 CHL MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions Sunday night!
Columbus Blue Jackets’ prospect Michael Chaput was simply dominant when it mattered most ending the tournament as the top scorer with 5 goals and 12 points in six games.
The second leading scorer left a huge impression with draft scouts as Anton Zlobin (2012) scored both of Shawinigan’s goals in the championship game finishing with 5 tallies and 9 points. Zlobin was passed over last year at the draft but that won’t happen a second time.
Brandon Gormley was tied for second with teammate Zlobin in tournament scoring and was the top scoring defenseman with 3 goals and 9 points.
Rounding out the top five in Memorial Cup scoring was Jonathan Huberdeau (Panthers) and Michael Bournival (Canadiens) as both finished with 7 points.
Former WHLer Kelly Friesen takes a look at some draft eligible prospects that improved their draft stock at the 2012 CHL Memorial Cup.
Memorial Cup Award Winners:
Michael Chaput (Shawinigan/Columbus) – Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer
Zack Phillips (Saint Johns/Minnesota) – Most Sportsmanlike
Gabriel Girard (Shawinigan/undrafted) – Most Outstanding Goaltender
Mastercard Memorial Cup All-Stars:
F: Michael Chaput, Austin Watson (London/Nashville), Henrik Samuelsson (Edmonton/2012)
D: Brandon Gormley (Shawinigan/Pheonix), Jarred Tinordi (London/Montreal)
G: Michael Houser (London/2012)
The AHL Calder Cup Final is about to begin between the Toronto Marlies and Norfolk Admirals but Toronto learned today that they’d be without their best offensive player as Matt Frattin (Leafs) will miss the remainder of the playoffs with a knee injury that requires surgery.
To add to the Marlies’ injury troubles, Nazem Kadri (Leafs) and Mike Zigomanis are questionable after missing practice the past two days. Kadri has been rumoured to be out a minimum of two weeks with his undisclosed injury.
There is a chance that Dallas Eakins will call up AHL rookies Spencer Abbott (Leafs) and Greg McKegg (Leafs) to fill the open roster spots. Abbott was signed earlier this year out of the University of Maine and posted 62 points as an undersized 5’9” forward.
Greg McKegg recently wrapped up his major junior career as a member of the London Knights winning an OHL Championship and lossing in the Memorial Cup Sunday night.
With the June 1st deadline approaching to sign 2010 drafted prospects (non-NCAA and non-KHL/MHL prospects), there were several players inked today as well as several interesting players that remain unsigned. If these draftees remain unsigned by the deadline then the team relinquishes their rights and the player re-enters the draft. Columbus has already made it clear that they will not sign Petr Straka, their 2nd round selection (55th) and defenseman Brandon Archibald, their 4th round pick (88th).
Detroit Red Wings signed Calle Järnkrok (2nd round, 51st) and Teemu Pulkkinen (4th round, 111th)
St. Louis Blues signed net minder Jordan Binnington (3rd round, 88th)
New York Rangers signed Jesper Fasth (6th round, 151st)
Chicago Blackhawks signed Joakim Nordstrom (3rd round, 90th) and Klad Dahlbeck (3rd round 2011, 79th)
Notable Unsigned Players:
Ludvig Rensfeldt (Chicago, 2nd round, 35th) – The big Swede is still very raw but had a decent first OHL season with Sarnia. I’d like to see him become a bit physical (almost non-existent). Rensfeldt was VERY good for Team Sweden at the World Juniors this past winter.
Joonas Donskoi (Florida, 4th round, 99th)- I am a big fan of Donskoi as he plays with a ton of energy and has an underrated skill set. He should get signed but if not, there will be a team with less depth that should pick him up.
Patrick Cehlin (Nashville, 5th round, 126th) – Here is an offensive player with very good speed and he’s performed well in Sweden’s Elitserien league.
Brendan Ranford (Philadelphia, 7th round, 209th) – Arguably Philly’s top forward prospect not playing in the NHL, Ranford (Bill’s son) was a scoring machine for Kamloops this past season scoring 92 points.
Josh Nicholls (Toronto, 7th round, 182nd) – One of Toronto’s most shrewdest picks was Saskatoon forward Nicholls as he has eclipsed the point-per-game pace in back-to-back seasons.
Sondre Olden (Toronto, 3rd round, 79th) – The Norwegian is a big bodied winger that was unfortunately drafted by the lowly Erie Otters of the OHL playing alongside fellow Leaf prospect Greg McKegg most of the year. He’s a good skater with strong offensive instincts and I’d think Burke will do his best to get his name on paper before the deadline.
There should be plenty of action with prospects signing contracts as the June 1st deadline drawers nearer.
If you missed the CHL MasterCard Memorial Cup Championship game….
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