Connor McDavid is an alright player, David Pastrnak re-energizes the Bruins and some buy-low prospect options on the Florida Panthers…. Thursday, January 15th With ramblings becoming a more frequent highlight here at DobberProspects, be sure you continue to check back often to supplement the awesome information you received in the Mid-Season guide [...]
Mitch Marner dominating the OHL, Connor McDavid comes alive and Jets prospects impress
Saturday, January 3rd
Happy New Year to all of our dedicated DobberProspects readers! As we turn a new calendar year, I speak on behalf of the entire DobberProspects staff, including Associate Editor Austin Wallace, when I say that we hope to continue bringing you some of the best prospect coverage out there. As a new resolution, Austin and I are planning on ramping up the frequency of our ramblings so be sure to keep checking back.
Before I dive into the World Junior Hockey Championships, there are few non-WJC related prospect stories that need to be addressed…
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In an NHL draft class that features to projected superstars in Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, it’s extremely difficult to top the daily news that surfaces daily on those two players. In saying that, how about London Knights’ draft eligible forward Mitch Marner’s surgence? The young right winger has been absolutely sensational since the end of October.
He started the season off on a slow note with just four points in his opening 10 games which required me to remind the hockey world that he would be alright and not to worry, sending people to re-read my article on him late last summer. On October 24th, Marner picked up three assists against an Ottawa 67’s squad which sparked a 16-game point streak tallying 21 goals and 44 points before he was held pointless on December 5th against the Soo Greyhounds, ending that impressive run. Since he was blanked, Marner has picked back up from his storybook month that witnessed him become the OHL’s November Player of the Month.
In his past 10 games, the slick playmaking forward has dominated the gamesheet posting 10 goals and 28 points, including 5-point and 6-point nights in back-to-back games against the Sarnia Sting. Do the math and you quickly find out that Mitch Marner has racked up 31 goals and an astonishing 72 points over his last 27 games, with only one pointless game.
In any other draft, Marner would be a lock for a top 5 selection but the likes of McDavid, Eichel, Hanifin, Crouse, Werenski, Strome and Zacha are still making it tough to crack. Outside of maybe McDavid, I haven’t seen many draft eligible skaters with Marner’s ability to create offense and it’s going to be arguably the best Top 10 in the drafts recent history. What a class of players! Marner sits with a seven point cushion in the OHL scoring race (77 points in 37 games) ahead of Dylan Strome (70).
Updating the prospect action of the World Junior Championships with a close look on Leafs William Nylander, Predators Kevin Fiala, Canada's Connor McDavid and American Jack Eichel...
Sunday, December 28th
Two days in at the 2015 World Junior Championships and we’ve already witnessed some stellar performances. Lucky for me, I have tickets to every game taking place in Toronto featuring Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Denmark and thanks to PVR, I have been able to catch the Pool A action, including Canada, US, Slovakia, Germany and the defending 2014 gold medalists – Finland.
As good as it would be to watch Canada and USA through the round robin, I am thankful for the teams and their talents participating in Toronto. Having the chance to watch William Nylander (Sweden/Maple Leafs, 8th overall in 2014), Nikolaj Ehlers (Denmark/Jets, 9th overall in 2014), Kevin Fiala (Switzerland/Predators, 11th overall in 2014), Jakub Vrana (Czech Republic/Capitals, 13th overall in 2014) and AHL star David Pastrnak (Czech Republic/Bruins, 25th overall in 2014). With each of them possessing similar offensive skills featuring crafty puck skills and out-out-of-this-world creativity, all five of them have been a treat to watch. More on these players a little later.
Fortunately, the long list of exciting participants doesn’t end there as plenty of 1995s have proved (and will continue to prove) to be dangerous throughout this tournament. From Group B action in Toronto, here are a few drafted players (outside of the ones mentioned above) who have stood out for me … Nikolay Goldobin (Russia/Sharks), Pavel Buchnevich (Russia/Rangers), Sergey Tolchinsky (Russia/Hurricanes, signed), Vladislav Kamenev (Russia/Predators), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark/Blue Jackets), Ondrej Kase (Czech Republic/Ducks), Mirco Mueller (Switzerland/Sharks), Noah Rod (Switzerland/Sharks), Jacob de la Rose (Sweden/Canadiens), Linus Soderstrom (Sweden/Islanders), Robert Hagg (Sweden/Flyers), Lucas Wallmark (Sweden/Hurricanes), Axel Holmstrom (Sweden/Red Wings), Adrian Kempe (Sweden/Sweden) and Oskar Lindblom (Sweden/Flyers).
Wednesday, December 3rd
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – World Junior countdown is on! 23 days remaining until puck drop!
Hockey Canada released it’s 29-player list for the National Junior Team Roster on Monday and as always, there was a lot of upset people at their decisions. Canada’s decision to only invite two goaltenders to the final camp seemed to be one of the biggest stories and it appears Zach Fucale (Montreal Canadiens) and Eric Comrie (Winnipeg Jets) will be the only two goaltenders vying for the starters position. While it is Fucale’s spot to lose, there has been lots of criticism about his underwhelming save percentage with the Halifax Mooseheads this season. I’m not overly concerned with stats but save percentage is one of the more telling stats for goaltenders. In the end, I trust Fucale and he’s proven (most recently at the Subway Super Series) that he can win games on individual talent alone. The Habs pick is going to be there and should be there.
In saying that, I don’t agree with only bringing two netminders into final camp. In a short tournament, it’s all about riding the hot players and why not add a couple more goaltenders to challenge for spots. This is especially true in a year where Canada’s goaltending is particularly strong with veteran puck stoppers such as Philippe Desrosiers (Dallas Stars) and Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins), both equally as deserving to be considered for spots. Ironically, Tristan Jarry was named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week one day after getting snubbed from the roster.
David Pastrnak makes NHL debut, William Nylander injured, Nick Baptiste traded to play with potential future NHL linemate in Erie's Connor McDavid and much, much more.
Tuesday, November 25th
I sat in the Windsor Spitfires scouts’ room last week prepping my notes for the Sarnia Sting game and just happened to hear a couple of Anaheim Ducks’ scouts talking about an outstanding game #42 had play. “Yup, he’s ready to play in the NHL” said the one scout. After quick research, I came to realize they were speaking about Josh Manson, Anaheim’s 6th round selection from the 2011 draft. Manson is the son of former NHLer Dave Mason and began his season with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL), where he was expected to spend the season. However, on October 31st the Ducks quickly changed their plans and he’s been up with the big club ever since. The former Captain of Northwestern University, Josh isn’t quite as nasty as his father was but he is a 6-foot-3 physical defenseman who won’t be easy to win battles against. From a fantasy hockey standpoint, his value lies in the peripheral categories for now but with him earning over 20 minutes per night, he’s bound to add a few points here and there.
Mason is way ahead of schedule for the Ducks
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Sticking with the Ducks, William Karlsson and Emerson Etem have been reassigned to Norfolk. The duo just wasn’t finding their way onto the gamesheet as Etem posted two goals and four points in 21 games while Karlsson notched a pair of goals and three points in 16 games. It won’t be the last time we see either of these kids this season but Norfolk might provide an opportunity for them to regain their scoring touch.
Subway Super Series player updates, a look at Team Canada's potential World Junior squad and a look at a few of Rossy's underrated prospects who are heating up...
Wednesday, November 19th
It’s an active time of the year for prospect news as injuries on NHL clubs result in minor league call-ups giving prospects a time to shine. Preparation for the highly anticipated 2015 IIHF World U20 Junior Hockey Championships is in full force as countries are identifying potential roster players. Specifically, we are in the middle of the SUBWAY® Super Series which is a six game series between the Russian All-Star squad and three CHL teams carrying top players from the WHL, OHL and QMJHL.
Let’s start with the Super Series. In a tournament that is traditionally dominated by the CHL (47-14-5 record coming into 2014), Russia took a 3-0 series lead after sweeping the WHL and owning the first OHL game 4-0. The OHL responded well on Monday night cruising to a 5-1 victory in Kingston and the QMJHL held off the Russians Tuesday night to make game six worth watching. Russia leads the series but the CHL can tie it with a win Thursday in Rimouski. With only one game remaining, let’s take a quick look at some prospects, drafted and undrafted, that have impressed.
Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings, 2015 NHL Draft) – The WHL leader in defenseman goals (8), Ivan Provorov had a great showing in both Subway Super Series (SSS) games out west recording an assist in both games. An exception skater, Brandon Wheat Kings import blueliner owns some exciting offensive instincts and projects to be an intelligent and poised puck-moving defenseman. Provorov projects as a Top 30 pick.
Pavel Kraskovsky (Russia, Winnipeg Jets) – With a two goal, three point effort in the Brandon game, Jets’ 2014 6th round selection, Pavel Kraskovsky, was very good. He was buzzing all night and did an excellent job using his rangy 6-foot-4 frame to outmuscle opponents and fight to get into scoring lanes.
Rushan Rafikov (Russia, Calgary Flames) – Not particularly known for his offensive skills, Rafikov has done well to find his way onto the scoresheet posting one goal and three assists. The Flames’ 2013 7th rounder has maintained his low-maintenance smart hockey throughout the exhibition series and remains a defender Russia has leaned on for big shutdown minutes. Calgary appears to have got good value on Rafikov.
Vyacheslav Leshchenko (Russia) – An undrafted 1995-born forward, Leshchenko was a player who stood out for me. He’s terrific on the attack flashing quick feet and elusive agility, making him extremely difficult to check. He had a beautiful assist during last night’s QMJHL setting up defenseman Dmitry Yudin.
Igor Shestyorkin (Russia, New York Rangers) – Stood on his head in three of Russia’s first four games turning away 91 of the 93 shots fired at him. For a while there, it didn’t appear that any CHL skater would figure out how to get pucks past the Russian netminder. Shestyorkin allowed four goals in Tuesday’s game but it still appears Shestyorkin will serve as one of Russia’s WJC goaltenders. He plays an exciting style of goaltending and one that uses desperation saves. Now, who doesn’t love that?
Alexander Dergachev (Russia) – Scouts are enamored with this massive power forward who can flat out dominate possession, especially when he’s engaged along the boards or in the cycle. Listed at 6-foot-4 and a smidge over 200-pounds, Dergachev certainly appears to play much bigger than those impressive physical attributes. He shows solid possession skills and uses his size well making him a sure-fire prospect to watch for the upcoming 2015 draft.
Progress reports on 2014 Top 10 picks, Jake Virtanen returns from injury and prospects approach 9-game mark.
Monday, October 27th
Finishing off the third of a three part series started last week, we check-in with how the remaining top prospects from the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft are faring in action. This section will look at Nick Ritchie, Nikolaj Ehlers, William Nylander, Haydn Fleury, Jake Virtanen, Michael Dal Colle, Sam Bennett, Leon Draisaitl, Sam Reinhart and Aaron Ekblad.
Today's ramblings look at the Connor McDavid show, recaps the progress of 2014 1st rounders and applauds the Leafs' Mark Hunter addition...
Thursday, October 23rd
Continuing from Tuesday’s ramblings, let’s get back to reviewing the progress of the prospects drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft.
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Previously, John Quenneville (30th) to Robby Fabbri (21st) were covered and now it’s time to examine the start prospects Nick Schmaltz (20th) to Kevin Fiala (11th) have gotten off to.
20th – Nick Schmaltz (Chicago Blackhawks) – An aggressive move to trade up to acquire Schmaltz on draft day, it will be interesting to see how this dazzling playmaker progresses in the Blackhawks system. North Dakota’s freshman is showing no problems transitioning to the collegiate game with one goal and four points through four games.
19th – Anthony DeAngelo (Tampa Bay Lightning) – It’s an odd sight to look at the OHL’s defensive scoring leaders and not see Sarnia’s Anthony DeAngelo leading the pack but with one goal and eight points through his first half-dozen games, we’re not panicking. After impressing the Lightning during training camp, DeAngelo has returned to Sarnia rejuvenated. There has been a minor blip on his young season as the New Jersey defender has already served a two-game suspension for his altercation with an official.
Jonathan Drouin makes his NHL debut, Brendan Ross breaks down the early Calder standouts and looks at the progression of 2014 1st round selections...
Tuesday, October 21st
Hockey is in the full swing of things with prospects stepping up their games, others disappointed and the unlucky experiencing some unfortunate injuries. Here are the latest rumblings around the hockey prospect world.
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Before I dive into these ramblings, let’s just talk about Jonathan Drouin’s NHL debut after sneaking into his first game after Alex Killorn couldn’t go after the pre-game skate. While Drouin didn’t post any points and went minus-1 in 16:10 minutes of ice time, we certainly witnessed his special talent. Once Drouin gets some time to practice with the powerplay unit and then earns time with the man advantage, we are going to see the points trickle in…and trickle in very quickly. One of the best tweets of the night went to THN’s Adam Proteau…
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Drouin on the same line is going to be illegal one day. The NHL may have no other choice.</p>— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) <a href="https://twitter.com/Proteautype/status/524405682414419968">October 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Over the next few days, each rambling will be kickstarted by quickly firing through some updates on the play of 2014 NHL Draft 1st rounders starting with those prospects selected 21st (Robby Fabbri) through 30th (John Quenneville) this past June.
30th – John Quenneville (New Jersey Devils) – Named to the WHL’s Subway® Super Series WHL Roster, Johnny Q used a strong Devils camp showing to turn that into six points in his first four games back with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Playing alongside Panthers prospect Jayce Hawryluk, Quenneville should finish among the top league scorers.
29th – Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings) – Playing on the same Modo squad as Leafs’ 2014 1st rounder William Nylander, Adrian Kempe has posted one goal and four points in his first dozen games which is well on his way to eclipsing his 11 points from last season. The recently turned 18-year-old continues to show a strong power game while focusing on improving his defensive focus.
28th – Josh Ho-Sang (New York Islanders) – With a six-game suspension carrying over from the 2013-14 season, Josh Ho-Sang has just recently took the ice with the Windsor Spitfires. Fortunately, Ho-Sang opened his season with a three-point effort followed by back-to-back two assist games for seven points in his first three games. Despite his delayed start, Ho-Sang should finish among the OHL’s top scorers and be a legitimate option for Canada’s World Junior team after finally getting an invite to a “try-out” type of an event as a member of the OHL’s Subway Super Series team.
27th – Nikolay Goldobin (San Jose Sharks) – He almost forced his way onto the Sharks opening day roster but eventually the slick puck handler, Goldobin, was loaned to HIFK of Finland’s Liiga. In a league known for strict defensive play, Goldobin may benefit from rounding out his game inside his own zone. Playing on the larger ice surface, Goldobin has put up a pair of goals and assists in his first three contests.
26th – Nikita Scherbak (Montreal Canadiens) – Russian born playmaker could’ve arguably started with the Canadiens as the entire organization was thrilled about his camp performances. With Scherbak returned to Everett (a team who traded for his services in the summer), he has four goals and eight points in four games. Here’s a player who should be among the CHL’s most productive players.
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.