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Analysis of the Buffalo-Winnipeg swap, breaking down Craig Button's new draft rankings and a look at the Calder Trophy race.

 

 

Thursday, February 12th

 

Let’s get straight to the big news that shook down Wednesday afternoon with Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian headed to Buffalo in a trade. Kevin Cheveldayoff did a miraculous job in a trade where his hands were tied (Kane being a diva with a questionable character and then add in the fact that he was out for the remainder of the season). As I was reading the return for Kane, I kept getting more and more impressed.

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 21^st

 

 

 

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>&mdash; Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) <a href="https://twitter.com/Proteautype/status/524405682414419968">October 21, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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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 1^st rounders starting with those prospects selected 21^st (Robby Fabbri) through 30^th (John Quenneville) this past June.

 

30^th – 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.

 

29^th – Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings) – Playing on the same Modo squad as Leafs’ 2014 1^st 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.

 

28^th – 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.

 

27^th – 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.

 

26^th – 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.

 

Tuesday, September 23^rd

 

Hockey is almost into full swing and exciting is building, especially in the hockey prospect world where everyone is rooting for their favourite youngsters to crack NHL lineups. The direct result of such an accomplishment is huge in the fantasy hockey world giving those successful prospects an immediate boost in value. It’s the ole’, “What have you done for me lately?” situation. Prospects close to reaching the big leagues hold more value than their equals years away. So pay attention to DobberProspects and we will attempt to keep you in the loop on who to target.

 

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Jonathan Drouin will miss the next 3-4 weeks with a slight fracture in his right thumb….Damn, that’ll hurt his Calder Trophy chances.

 

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Coyotes first rounder Brendan Perlini will miss some OHL time with a broken hand. He was a long shot to make Arizona’s roster. Man, this kid can absolutely skate. If you’re able to see a Niagara game this year (once he’s back of course), check him out. One of the most natural gifted skaters I have seen. My beer-league skating can’t shake a stick at it.

 

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