Checking out the AHL All-Star lineup in this Sunday Ramblings…
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The All-Star break isn't just for NHL standouts – right now the cream of the AHL crop is also on leave and ready to put their talents on display in the skills competition tonight, followed by the game tomorrow. Let's take a look at who earned the chance to represent their clubs in the upcoming events:
Players who were originally selected but could not attend due to NHL duties or injury:
Teemu Pulkkinen (MIN), Kasperi Kapanen (TOR), Brendan Leipsic (TOR), Joe Blandisi (NJD), Vojtech Mozik (NJD), John Quenneville (NJD), Taylor Beck (EDM), Jake Guentzel (PIT), Brad Hunt (STL), Spencer Martin (COL), Julius Honka (DAL)
Fastest Skater:
Devon Toews (NYI)
Jack Roslovic (WPG)
Jonny Brodzinski (LAK)
Daniel O'Regan (SJS)
Justin Bailey (BUF)
Yanni Gourde (TBL)
Hardest Shot:
AJ Greer (COL)
Vincent LoVerde (LAK)
Robbie Russo (DET)
Kyle Wood (ARI)
Casey Bailey (OTT)
David Warsofsky (PIT)
Jordan Subban (VAN)
Kerby Rychel (TOR)
Accuracy Shooting:
Ryan Craig (CLB)
Alex Tuch (MIN)
Christian Fischer (ARI)
Kenny Agostino (STL)
Travis Boyd (WSH)
Cole Schneider (BUF)
Matt Taormina (TBL)
TJ Brennan (PHI)
Goaltenders (Breakaway Relay, Rapid Fire):
Tristan Jarry (PIT)
Zane McIntyre (BOS)
Anton Forsberg (CLB)
Charlie Lindgren (MTL)
Jack Campbell (LAK)
Linus Ullmark (BUF)
Troy Grosenick (SJS)
Michael Leighton (CAR)
Other Skaters (appearing in Puck Control Relay, Breakaway Relay, Rapid Fire)
Danton Heinen (BOS)
Niklas Jensen (NYR)
Taylor Leier (PHI)
Jordan Weal (PHI)
Mackenzie Weegar (FLA)
Spencer Abbott (CHI)
Matej Stranksky (DAL)
Matt Lorito (DET)
Alexandre Carrier (NSH)
Cory Conacher (TBL)
Mark Jankowski (CGY)
Oliver Bjorkstrand (CLB)
Jordan Oesterle (EDM)
Brandon Montour (ANH)
Chris Terry (MTL)
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In rare NHL trade news –
Montreal acquired Nikita Nesterov from Tampa Bay in exchange for Jonathan Racine and a 6th-round draft pick. Nesterov is a graduate of DobberProspects, and will likely become a regular 5th or 6th d-man in the NHL. Racine has 25 points and 391 PIM in 224 career AHL games…not exactly likely to crack the NHL lineup anytime soon.
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In recall/reassignment news –
Mike Reilly (MIN) has been returned to the AHL. He will stick one of these times, but clearly this was another missed opportunity (zero points in four games while called-up).
Christian Fischer (ARI) has been returned to the AHL as well, but this may be only for the All-Star game. He scored goals in his first two NHL games (two points in three games so far).
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For those (very) late to the party – DobberProspects Radio needs to make it onto your hockey podcast list. This isn't a comedy show where the hosts go on tangents about pop culture phenomena – this is jam-packed fantasy prospect knowledge that will make you a smarter fan and a more knowledgable fantasy league competitor. Episode 10 is out now, find the series here:
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/dobberprospects-radio/id1155946433?mt=2
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As always, thank you for reading and best of luck in your fantasy hockey leagues of all sorts!
Hayden Soboleski
@soboleskih