Saturday, March 2, 2013

In this edition on Ramblings I will answer some of the prospect questions that I have received via email and Twitter (@RichDillon17). Let’s get right to them.

Q. I haven’t heard a lot about Killorn of Tampa Bay, but he seems to be doing well since being called up. Is he someone I should be interested in?

A. I’ve liked Killorn since he was a junior at Harvard, and he has been productive at every level (NCAA, AHL, NHL) to this point. He was a 3rd-round pick of the Lightning back in 2007 out of Deerfield Academy and really broke out in last year’s AHL playoffs with 12 points in 17 games as a rookie pro. Killorn has nice hands but his vision and intelligence are his best attributes. Tampa is currently using Killorn on their power-play to take advantage of that skill set. I see Killorn having a solid second-line career, averaging 45-50 points a season. Well worth owning in keeper leagues.

Q. Is Drew Shore legit?

A. I took some heat for including Shore in my Calder Candidates article for the Dobber Fantasy Guide, especially when Shore failed to make the Panthers out of camp. When recalled he didn’t register a point in his first five games. Since then, a much more confident Shore has put up ten points in 13 games and has been one of the Panthers’ best forwards. Shore is big, creative and uses his linemates well. He and Huberdeau will make a great scoring tandem for the Panthers for many years to come. Oh yeah, to answer you question: Shore is definitely legit.

Q. You said that Dougie Hamilton wouldn’t be a big point producer in the NHL. I think you’re wrong.

A. Not sure that’s a question, but I’ll address it anyway. I think I was wrong too. After watching the rookie distribute the puck on the Boston power-play, as well as unload his accurate bombs from the point, I don’t see how he can’t be a good point producer. Hamilton is making great decisions and is gaining the confidence and trust of the Bruins’ coaching staff. I can see Hamilton being in the Norris Trophy picture for a long time, beginning as soon as a few seasons from now.

Q. Will Tyler Johnson ever get a chance to play in the NHL?

A. That’s difficult to say, but I would think if he continues to dominate the scoresheet in the AHL the way he has been, I would think so. Johnson has some things working against him right now, which is why he isn’t in Tampa right now. The first reason is the same reason he went undrafted despite producing in junior, he doesn’t stand out physically. Johnson isn’t big, fast, or a particularly good skater. In other words, he doesn’t “wow” you with his skills. The other factor is the forward depth in the Lightning organization. Johnson is behind Conacher, Connolly, Killorn and Panik with several others in the wings.

Q. How is (Calgary 1st-rounder) Mark Jankowski doing this season?

A. Jankowski, in his freshman season of college hockey at Providence, has been pretty good, with 14 points in 26 games. If those numbers don’t impress you, consider Jankowski turned 18 just a couple of weeks before the season started, where most freshman players are 20 or 21 years old. Jankowski has good size at 6-3, and will be a physical force once he fills out. Patience will be key for Calgary and their fans, because Jankowski has a ways to go. He has a huge upside, and if the Flames think he’s closer than I do (or are impatient to get him to Calgary), they may try to convince Jankowski to go the junior route next fall.

Q. I own Mikael Granlund in two of my leagues, should I panic?

A. Granlund is certainly off to a slow start, to say the least. From watching him I would say his main problem right now is adjusting to the physicality of the NHL. He neither wants to initiate or absorb contact. I would say that if you own him in a one-year league, I would try to trade him although your best window of opportunity has probably passed. In a keeper league, I would trade him for good value only, not to an owner trying to “buy low.” Granlund has the skill set of a star so if he adjusts to the physical game, he will be just that.

Thanks for reading.

If you have a question for me, feel free to send it via Twitter @RichDillon17.