Tuesday, September 30th

As the NHL regular season draws nearer, bigger names are on the chopping blocks and here are some of the latest:

Anaheim Ducks reassigned top 2014 pick Nick Ritchie back to the Peterborough Petes. Anaheim’s depth kept him from having any real shot at the NHL this season.

The Coyotes have assigned Henrik Samuelsson and Tyler Gaudet (two players who are very close to NHL action because they are above-average two-way players) to Portland of the AHL. Joining them is goaltender Mark Visentin, among others.

With Rielly Smith and Torey Krug under contract, not surprised to see Seth Griffith (who was being tested in Smith’s spot) reassigned to Providence. Defenseman Joe Morrow and forward Jared Knight will follow Griffith. Beyond Ryan Spooner and Alexander Khokhlachev, Griffith and Morrow are two fantasy worthy players in deeper keeper leagues.

Buffalo assigns Joel Armia and goaltender Andrey Makarov to the AHL

There are no huge Calgary Flames’ cuts (see Bennett snippet below) but here were the recent reassignments.

BlueJackets sent Oliver Bjorkstrand back to Portland (WHL) and TJ Tynan to Springfield (AHL). Both players have good fantasy upside but with the Jackets’ depth, they’re at least two years from being relevant. More CBJ cuts. The big rugged Josh Anderson will test his skills in the AHL this season as well.

Dallas has sent top pick Julius Honka to the AHL (via a loophole) and joining him will be Radek Faksa, John Klingberg and four others. Don’t be surprised to see Honka and Klingberg form a dangerous duo on the blueline in Texas. Other top Stars prospects that were reassigned were Jason Dickinson (Guelph, OHL), Matej Stransky (Texas, AHL), Gemel Smith (Texas, AHL) and Jack Campbell (Texas, AHL)…again. I’m expecting Dickinson to have one hell of a season and be a stud down the road. Plenty of other Dallas cuts here

Nashville reassigned Pontus Aberg, Austin Watson and Colton Sissons to the American Hockey League. Look for all three to have value in leagues down the road but Aberg is the one player I’m keeping a closer eye on long-term.

Myles Bell, Ben Johnson, Reece Scarlett were among Devils latest cuts. Keep an eye on Reid Boucher. I’m sensing a big breakout year coming for the former OHL scoring star.

Montreal have assigned top 2014 pick Nikita Scherbak to Everett of the WHL (he’s not far from NHL action) and Tim Bozon, Connor Crisp, Charles Hudon, Jack Niven, Dalton Thrower to Hamilton (AHL).

All eyes are on Anthony Duclair with the New York Rangers’ as he continues to impress. As Dobber mentioned a few days ago, he’s a long shot to make the squad but his potential is worth snatching up because time will run out quickly with him….whether he’s in the Big Apple or ripping it up elsewhere. Big time potential with Duclair.

Islanders still have both of their first round picks remaining at camp with Michael Dal Colle (who just signed his ELC) and Josh Ho-Sang. Both are future mainstays in fantasy leagues and possess point-per-game potential.

Ho-Sang shootout goal at BioSteel Camp:

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The San Jose Sharks have cut their roster down to 30 players but the recently signed Nikolay Goldobin (2014 1st round selection), Mirco Mueller (2013 1st round selection) and Chris Tierney all remain with the big club. We’ve seen it in the past with the Sharks, they aren’t afraid of going young. Anyone who has followed my work knows that I am huge on Goldobin’s offensive potential and we could be seeing it sooner than later.

The St. Louis Blues have to pleased with the performance of Robby Fabbri through preseason action. Just like Goldobin, I was big on Fabbri (before mainstream people jumped on haha) and feel his upside is very very promising. I’m pulling for him.

Maple Leafs assign goaltender Antoine Bibeau, defenseman Petter Granberg & forwards Sam Carrick and Petri Kontiola to the AHL Marlies. DefensemanRinat Valiev (Kootenay, WHL) & forward Fredrik Gauthier (Rimouski, QMJHL) were reassigned to their junior clubs.

Vancouver has sent Dustin Jeffrey, Bobby Sanguinetti (remember when he was a big time future asset?) and Jacob Markstrom (ummmm….ya, another big time prospect goaltender) to Utica.

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Sam Bennett remains with the Calgary Flames but I do expect him to be returned (no guarantee however). Regardless, he’s impressed at main camp and his future remains bright.

Current Kingston Frontenacs’ GM Doug Gilmour speaks highly of his talented pivot…

“You watched him here, at this level, how he controlled the puck, how hard he worked. Half the year he played with a separated shoulder. Never complained. Played hard, as I said, every night. “People talk about testing all that . . . this kid played hurt. Now you guys are seeing what kind of character he has. We already know all about that here

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Panthers prospect Christoper Clapperton …greatest name in hockey…was named the CHL Player of the Week after racking up five goals and eight points in two games with the Rimouski Oceanic.

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How about the 2015 NHL Draft battle happening already? Dylan Strome opened with a 4-point night and sits with 10 points (1G, 9A) through three OHL games. Strome was named the OHL Player of the Week.

Teammate and media superstar, Connor McDavid recorded his own four point game two games in and sits second in OHL scoring with eight points through three games.

This Connor McDavid interview with Bob McKenzie is a must watch! Talk about a true professional…

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McDavid’s rival, Jack Eichel, added a nice accolade to his draft season trophy case when he was named the All-American Prospect Game’s MVP last Thursday after he picked up a goal and an assist.

Days prior to the AAPG, I warned my twitter followers that they shouldn’t underestimate Jeremy Bracco for the upcoming draft. I caught him last season several times and he was downright dynamic. He didn’t disappoint at the AAPG either and many felt he was more deserving of the MVP honours.

Highlights from the AAPG:

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Thanks for reading,

@RossyYoungblood (Brendan Ross)

As always, feel free to converse, comment or rambling in the comment section below.