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We're getting into the meat of the pre-season, when good prospects are getting cut every day as teams edge towards an opening-night roster. The last few days have been heavy on the cuts and waiver listings, and there will be more to come this week.
Here's a list of notable could've-been NHLers we will have to wait a little longer on after being ressigned:
– Michael Dal Colle (NYI): The sharp-shooting winger had lots of competition in an Isles system full of talented wingers.
– Nick Paul (OTT): Despite NHL experience in his back pocket, he just can't nail down a full-time gig.
– Phillipe Myers (PHI): Impressed on Team Canada and after, but couldn't beat out peers with more pro seasoning.
– Martin Reway (MTL): His inspiring recovery from a heart illness had us cheering for Reway to make the team, but not yet.
– Nikita Scherbak (MTL): Another potential scoring winger sent down, jumped by Lehkonen last season but could reappear when Hemsky gets hurt.
– Hudson Fasching (BUF): Pre-season goals dont mean squat until you've shown consistency.
– Brendan Guhle (BUF): I expected a seven-game tryout for the mobile rearguard, but big minutes in Rochester may be better.
– Jordan Subban (VAN): UFA signings filling out the back end made it clear propsects like Subban would have to truly earn an NHL spot, and he didn't.
– Nicolas Meloche (COL): Impressed in camp on a blueline in need, but sometimes its not worth throwing prospects into the deep end.
Some ongoing camp battles to watch:
Madison Bowey vs. Christian Djoos in Washingston: While its technically possible that both make the big club, its more likely that only one of these capable prospects earn a regular spot on the third-pairing out of camp. Both have fantasy upside so keep an eye on this battle.
Calle Rosen vs. Andreas Borgman vs. Travis Dermott in Toronto: Martin Marincin hasn't solidified his 6th d-man spot and its probably going to be a rotation of him and one of these three battling players. Dermott impressing in the AHL last season but Rosen and SHL Rookie-of-the-year Borgman also have pro success under their belt.
The Kids vs. The Vets in Vancouver: Brock Boeser, Nikolay Goldobin, and Jake Virtanen have survived so far, but we all know the math doesn't add up to enough spaces on the Canucks roster for them all.
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The DPR podcast is back for Season 2 after finishing its fun summer series! Check out the first of the year, featuring McKeen's Ryan Wagman here:
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/dobber-prospects-radio/id1155946433?mt=2
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This week I wrote my first article for SBNation's Avalanche page, in which I used Junior A and NCAA comparables to predict the career trajectory of Tyson Jost:
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As always, thank for reading and best of luck preparing for another great season of hockey!
Hayden Soboleski