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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2004 9:06:24 GMT -5
Similar to Rangers Prospects thread I thought here we could list our top 10 prospects and how we feel about them. After enough GMs post their top 10 I think we could even have a pole to see who has the best 10 prospects in the league. Remember they have to be prospects still which IMO would means under 50 or so NHL games. Here goes mine.
1. Antero Niittymaki- A late season waiver pick up for me quickly became my best prospect. He should be a starter in the NHL. I've seen him play 2 AHL games and 1 NHL game against the Capitals last season. He has great reflexes and an even better recovery.
Future: Clarke has publically stated he wants to see Niittymaki back up Esche next season. The problem is Sean Burke has used his player option so unless Burke gets dealt he'll have to play in the NHL again next season. 2. Mike Richards- I have a lot of faith in him and I believe he will be a star player in the NHL in the mold of a Mike Peca or John Madden.
Future: Under-hyped because of the presence of Jeff Carter. Richards had better numbers and was ranked higher in the top 5 CHL players pole. A lot of people expect Carter to make the Flyers next season i'd be less surprised if Mike Richards did instead. 3. Jeff Woywitka- He will take time but it will surely be worth the wait. Woywitka has no outstanding asset but he also has no weaknesses. I expect offense to come with time.
Future: Im hoping he ends up making the Oilers next season and is able to stay with the team. After he was traded to Edmonton and was sent to the Toronto Road Runners he picked up his game offensively. 4. Alexandre Picard- My 10th overall pick in 2004 looks to be a 2nd line LWer of the future in the mold of Ryan Smyth.
Future: He is stuck behind Rick Nash but that could mean less pressure is on him to perform. He has great speed and a good upside. 5. Drew Stafford- A good two-way player he looks set to make the NHL soon.
Future: Should be better than recent signee Daniel Paille. He'll probably be a top 6 winger for the Sabres in the future. Already a good two-way player. 6. Josh Harding- He is very young and is loaded with potential. By the time he is ready to play there should be a spot waiting for him on the Wild.
Future: I think he might play in the NHL a little in the 2005-2006 season. I guess it depends on his ability to play in the AHL and im not sure if he can next year but I think he can cause he was drafted in 2002. 7. Patrick Sharp- Has all the tools to be a real good 3rd line center or average 2nd line center. Could be a good second line center if he discovers his offense in the NHL.
Future: Should play most of the season with the Flyers next year. If he finds some offense in the NHL he'll definitely play 82 games. He has shown flashes but it's kind of hard to rack up points when your trying to set up Todd Fedoruk. 8. Stefan Ruzicka- He has potential the question is will there be room for him on the Flyers roster. He should make the Phantoms in the 2004-2005 season. 9. Gerard Dicaire- Has all the tools to be a PP QB in this league. Good skater and excellent passer. May make the Lightning in the 2004-2005 season. 10. Alexander Drozdetsky- He is a do or die prospect but he has to sign soon if he wants to play for the Flyers in the coming years.
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Post by Chicago and Montreal on Jul 11, 2004 11:32:41 GMT -5
04.
1. Ray Emery. Sens best Prospect. 2. Igor Grigorenko. Wings best prospect. 3. Hannu Toivonen. Bruins best propect. 4. Scottie Upshall. Preds 2nd best prospect. 5. Brent Seabrook. 14th overall last year. 6. Keith Ballard. Coyotes best D prospect 7. Alexander Radulov. Ovechkin-Malkin-Radulov in terms of offensive potential in the 04 draft. 8. Michael Leighton. Hawks back up this year. 9. Igor Radulov. Split time between the NHL/AHL 10. Enver Lisin. Fastest/Best skater in 04 draft.
03 looked like this.
1. Tuomo Ruutu 2. Eric Staal 3. Joni Pitkanen 4. Hannu Toivonen 5. Dan Hamhuis 6. Paul Martin 7. Igor Grigorenko 8. Scottie Upshall 9. Brent Seabrook 10. Andrew Raycroft
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Post by Preds on Jul 11, 2004 11:39:06 GMT -5
Nashville Predators top 10 rankings among prospects.
10-Artukhin-Considered by many the best skater in the 2001 NHL draft class, Artukhin plays similar to what is expected of a Canadian player. Alreayd having North American experience Artukhin looks to fill a roll on the 3rd or 4th line of the Tampa Bay Lightning as soon as next season but more likely 2005/06
9-Talbot- An accomplished Junior League scrorer Talbot's only negative to his name is his size, or lack their of. Tallying 44 points in 20 games for the Hull Olympiques in the 2002 playoffs Talbot has the offence to crack the NHL. The Penguins prospect will have to work hard for his shot at the NHL, capatain of his club team and assistant captain of canadian junior team in helsinki Talbot also shows gret signs of leadership and wrok ethic.
8-Lepisto- This years 36th overall pick, Sami Lepisto is little known by many, he is known for his aggressive style of play and hard hitting affairs. Rather small for a defenceman Lepisto shows resemblance to Andrew Ference, a small but ruggid defenceman.
7-Lundqvist- Already a National team goalie for Sweden Lundqvist is unsure whether he wish's to pursue an NHL career or stay in Sweden where he has had a great amount of success where he posted a .948 save percentage while appearing in 28 of 50 regular season games in his debut year with Frolunda. Lundqvist then repeated a similar stellar season where he played 48 of 50 games for frolunda the following season while still maintaining an impressive .927 save percentage. Lundqvist relys on reflexes and postioning to make up for his small stature. A very quick goalie who is putting tons of pressure on Dan Blackburn to return in great form for the NYR.
6-Kaspar- A more finesse player, Kaspar has been known to score some pretty goals, this czech forward could fill a roll on the 1st to 3rd line for San Jose 2 years from now, depending on how he develops.
5-Pouliot- Marc Antoine Pouliot had a lacklustre 2003-04 season where he was hampered by a hip flexor injury suffered in the team canada junior team tryouts. While only appearing in 42 games this season, sydney crosbys linemate still managed to score 25 goals to go along with his 33 assists. Pouliot could crack Edmontons top 12 during the 2004-05 season with a strong training camp.
4-Yakubov- After already seeing 37 games with Chicago this year in the NHL Yakubov seems ready to make the jump into the NHL. After being referred to as a steal for Chicago management when they selected him 10th overall in the 2000 entry draft Yakubov's transition to North America was anything but smooth. After an outstanding WHL campaign which landed him the 10th overall selection Yakubov was demoted to 3rd and 4th line status on the Norfolk Admiarls of the AHL. Yakubov's work ethic has earned him a spot on chicago and he shows signs of staying.
3-Steen- This Toronto Maple Leafs product still appears to be 1-2 years off after being selected 24th overall in the 2002 NHL entry draft. He was quoted as saying he wishes to stay with modo this next season to gain an opportunity to play along side Peter Forsberg. Steen shows signs of being a 1st or 2nd line center after recording 24 points in 48 games for Frolunda this past season as well as being a star player for Team Sweden the past two years of championships.
2-Tukonen- Lauri Tukonen's advancement for his age is unbelievable, after being the youngest player in this years NHL entry draft Tukonen alreayd has more experience than players drafted as far as two years back. Tukoen has played in Finlands highest league where he recorded 3 goals and 3 assists in 35 games on 3rd and 4th lines. Tukonen led his country to a medal in the u-18 world championships this year tallying 5 goals and 6 assists while dominating players his age in the u-18 world championships this past year. Tukonen could crack LA's top 12 this year with a good training camp but likely is going to be a key to The Espoo Blues in Finland as he could play on their top line at the tender age of 18 years old.
1-Thomas Vanek- With Vanek being the first Austrian born drafted player in the history of the NHL he has had some experience leading his country in several world events. Vanek is considered an offensive minded player who thrives in situations where the game is on the line. Vanek could see top 6 status with the Sabres this year if he signs and has a good training camp. He is NHL ready as he is already 20 years old after not opting into the 2002 NHL entry draft.
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Post by thrashers on Jul 11, 2004 15:30:42 GMT -5
1. Ryan Suter - picked him up 7th overall in last year's draft. Future star d-man for Nashville. Ranked #6 prospect on HF. 2. Maxime Ouellet - Caps future #1 goalie. Recorded 10 shutouts in AHL this year. 3. Mike Komisarek - taking a little longer to develop than expected. #7 overall selection in 2001 draft, projects to be solid defensive d-man. 4. Patrick O'Sullivan - picked him up at 24th overall in last year's draft. some said he had issues, but he led Mississauga to OHL finals this year. projected as a sniper, but is hit or miss. 5. Peter Sejna - 2003 Hobey Baker award winner, should get permanent role with Blues this year. 6. Dan Fritsche - picked up at 23rd overall in last year's draft. played 19 games with Columbus last year at the age of 18. 7. Mike Green - selected 27th overall in this year's draft. played on a terrible team, and many think he would have looked even better on a good team. 8. Jeremy Colliton - picked up at 54th overall in last year's draft. tore up the WHL playoffs this season, leading Prince Albert with 10pts in 6 games. 9. Colby Armstrong - projects as 3rd line winger for the Penguins. 10. Jussi Jokinen - one of the top players in Finland (i think?), was leading Finnish league in pts halfway thru season (I didn't keep up with his stats)
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Post by PralinePHX on Jul 11, 2004 17:17:29 GMT -5
1) T. Pihlman - Top-6 potential should see time with the Devils this season.
2) R. Schremp - Unlimited offensive potential, ego problems could turn him into a bust.
3) B. Bochenski - Senior at North Dakota should be a Hobey Baker finalist in his final NCAA season.
4) T. Salmelainen - A strong camp and he'll make the team in Edmonton this year.
5) A. Tukio - My Top Defensive prospect, if Tukio comes to NA he'll join the Isles squad immediately.
6) B. Bell - Under the radar behind Colaiacovo in Toronto, Bell has top4 Dman written all over him.
7) J. Howard - Detroit's first selection in '03, young goaltender will have time to develop.
8) L. Korpikoski - Young Finnish scoring machine. If the Rangers are serious about rebuilding, Korpikoski is a guy to build around.
9) D. Milroy - Has stepped up bigtime in playoff situations, will probably spend another year in Hamilton.
10) R. Voloshenko - Led the U-18 World Championships in scoring with subpar linemates. Given NHL-caliber wings, he could do big things.
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Post by Preds on Jul 14, 2004 12:46:57 GMT -5
I guess this is all we are going to vote on? Why dont people participate in these things, its interesting, talk about boring.
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Post by Kings and Devils on Jul 14, 2004 13:31:48 GMT -5
I would but I am going to wait a bit for HF to be updated.
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Post by Wild Sabre GM on Jul 14, 2004 13:35:28 GMT -5
I've just been lazy in all honesty. I'm not going to give stats at all to justify this, just my opinions of the selections, because I am truly lazy to go and look up the stats. But I will at least list what I think are my top 10 prospects.
1. Cam Barker, D, CHI - think he could easily be a top pairing on D capable of running the PP and playing phsyical. Could play next year but more likely a year away.
2. Pascal Leclaire, G, CLB - will be the #1 goalie for CLB in 2 years and a star. Has been the backup but will get a chance to start by next year.
3. Jeff Carter, C, PHI- the guy will probably be a #1 center for years. Has been productive at every level. Could make the Flyers next year.
4. Mark Stuart, D, BOS - Boston's top rated D prospect and developing his game nicely at Colorado College. Still a a few years away.
5. Colin Fraser, F, CHI - I love this guy, think of M. Barnaby but capable of scoring, could put up 20+ goals once fully developed. Since the trade to CHI, could come up sooner than expected but still at least 2 years away.
6. Rob Globke, F, FLA - a nice power forward who is really developing his game at the college level. Will finish career at Notre Dame befor making jump to pros. 2-3 years away.
7. Jesse Niinimaki, F. EDM - shoulder injury kept him out of action for most of last year, but the Oilers are very high on this kid. If he can sign a contract could play in a year or so.
8. Alexei Kaigorodov, C, OTT - if he can sign a contract to come play in America, you will see him with Ottawa very soon. In lineup in 2 years.
9. Bruno Gervais , D, NYI - not rated very high by HF but he almost made the Isles out of training camp last year as an 18 year old. Will get a good chance to make the team this year.
10. Kris Chucko, W, CGY - was captain of his team as an 18 year old. Still about 3-4 years away. But could be a future captain capable of scroring 20 goals and playing a physical game.
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Post by FlyersGM on Jul 15, 2004 4:37:04 GMT -5
this is tough, but I'll give it a whirl. I don't have many guys that are big-time prospects: No. 1 — Tim Ramholt, D, Calgary. Probably the Flames No. 2 prospect. Ramholt might be another year away, but he has a chance to be a solid top 4 d-man. No. 2 — Aaron Rome, D, Anaheim. Already 21, Rome might be ready for a shot with the Ducks this year. He won't add much scoring, but could also be a top 4 guy. No. 3 — Corey Locke, C, Montreal. Very undersized, but can really score. He's a bit of a reach this high, but he was the CHL's Player of the Year in 2002-03. Was also voted by the CHL's coaches as the smartest player and best playmaker in the league last year. And I have a good mentor in Martin St. Louis for him No. 4 — Johan Francsson, D, Dallas. My first-round pick this year, he's an offensive-minded defenseman with some potential to a PP QB. No. 5 — Brad Winchester, LW, Edmonton. Big guy who can play all three forward positions. Had 13 goals in the AHL last year and will probably be given a bigger role there in 2004-05. Some questionable off-ice stuff could limit him. No. 6 — Ryan Donally, C, Calgary. He's a blood and guts guy ... the type of role player that helps teams win games. At 6-4, 215, he's got an NHL body and he's a hard worker, which could translate into a spot in Calgary soon. No. 7 — Ryan Munce, G, L.A. Started off slow last year in the OHL, but picked it up. He might have some guys to climb over in the Kings organization to make an impact. No. 8 — Aaron Dawson, D, Carolina. On a bleak farm system, HF ranks him the Canes No. 4 prospect. That doesn't mean much. But given the thin defensive corps, he might have a chance. No. 9 — Tomi Maki, RW, Calgary. Hasn't made it across the ocean yet, but was able to shake the injury bug last seaosn that had plagued him in the past. A jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type. No. 10 — Brandon Nolan, RW, Vancouver. The son of former NHL coach Ted Nolan, Brandon seems like he's on the right path to get to the NHL. Had 17 points in 48 AHL games last year. Hopefully he won't be black-balled.
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Post by Panthers and Jets on Jul 15, 2004 6:07:27 GMT -5
1. Zach Parise - what can I say that you guys dont already know? Superstar potential, captain material
2. Milan Michalek - gonna be a great 2-way forward for many, many years to come.
3. Braydon Coburn - Atlants future number 1 d-man
4. Al Montoya - PLEASE GOD DONT LET THE RANGERS RUIN THIS KID!!
5. Chris Higgins - moved to LW this year, one of the smartest hockey players in his age group
6. Doug Lynch - dont let Blues tell you Woyitka is the Oils best D-prospect. This kid is.
7. Aaron Johnson - looked great in his stint with the BJ's this year. Future PP quarterback.
8. Jason Pominville - a quick speedy sniper, is deadly on the PP
9. Mark Popovic - drafted as an offensive defensemen, is growing more into a defense first blue-liner
10. Yann Danis - went undrafted but excelled at Brown University where he smashed several school and ECAC records. Finalist for the Hobey Baker award last year
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Post by Wild Sabre GM on Jul 15, 2004 6:25:43 GMT -5
Think it would be cool to see other team's prospects and how they feel about them. We have some really active GM's in this league and to only have 8 GM's respond so far is pretty bad. Even if you don't have 10 prospects, list your top few at least. It really doesn't take that long and you don't need to put research into it, unless you want to.
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Post by Preds on Jul 15, 2004 12:51:00 GMT -5
I love my prospects, and they havent done anything yet! lol, I wanna vote on this stuff too though, but it will be really hard, we might have to have pools, 8 polls of 3 teams or something (assuming we get 24 teams) randomly drawn. Top of each go into 2 more 4 team polls, top 2 of each go into the final 4? I think thats the best way, cause otherwise some teams wont get any look into.
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Post by redwingsgm on Jul 15, 2004 13:15:15 GMT -5
I'll do mine sometime. Like Wild I've been too lazy to invest the time.
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Post by habsgm on Jul 16, 2004 7:47:58 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Montreal Canadians[/glow]
1 Jakub Klepis-The first thing you notice about Klepis' game is his passing. He sees the ice like a much more mature player. He has a way of finding seams in the defense. He's got an accurate shot, He projects to be a good distributor on the next level. He will be a benefit to many teams' power plays. Projects to maybe a second or third line center in the NHL if he meets his potential. 2 Yanick Lahoux-exciting player to watch, mostly due to his speed and puck-handling. Lehoux's best quality is his speed and agility. Even though he doesn't look especially fast, Lehoux is quick on his skates and has exceptional agility Offensively, Lehoux can be deadly because he's extremely good at carrying the puck through dense traffic and he has a 6th sense for finding and exploit the small openings that his speed and puck-handling can create. Yanick Lehoux is a pure offensive center 3 Marcel Goc-Goc is a very well rounded player with very few weaknesses. He is excellent with the puck and is responsible for very few turnovers. Back on defense, if he can even get his stick on the puck, he is excellent at moving the puck out of his zone. On the power play he is excellent at moving the puck past and through the defense, and has the ability to move the puck right through the middle of the penalty killer’s box. He is an excellent passer, and while not considered a big player, is very strong in the corners. Goc will have the potential to come in and play very well very quickly, not unlike Sturm. 4 Thomas Slovak -a skilled player with a nack for score, he score 75 points in 65 games last year. He's on of those player that will give 100% everytime on the ice and support it with production. Slovak can become a star in the nhl soon if he continues to play at the level he is now. 5 Igor Mirnov-A potential homerun pick in the second round, Mirnov was expected to be a mid to late first rounder. Exceptional speed and offensive potential. Contributed offensively with Dynamo in the Super League – no small accomplishment for an 18-year-old. Can play both center and the wing, but some scouts believe his speed will be more effective on the wing. Needs to work on his strength, ability to make plays in traffic and shot release. Upside: Elite point-a-game player with blazing speed and game-breaking ability 6 Jir Novotny-A great player, offensively gifted, hard working, Jiri can play aggresively and dominate along the boards. Very good skater with a perfect hockey sense and vision. Knows how to use his body, isn't afraid to go the net. Won't be a huge goalscorer but Jiri can make great plays. Very good in the faceoff circle, Jiri can become a faceoff specialist. Great passer, creates perfect scoring chances, an excellent player. Likes to lead his team and he can lead by example 7 Martin Vagner -Vagner has incredible poise when on his game. He's a strong skater who rarely gets beaten to the outside. He maintains a high level of intensity throughout most games, but he does have occasional lapses of undisciplined play. Vagner will not rush the puck out of the zone, but he can make a hard and accurate first pass out of the zone. He has a good shot from the point but he does not use it enough, instead he would rather pass it off to an open player. 8 Jonas Johansson-"He has very good hockey sense, which you can't teach. He's a creative player who handles the puck well and makes good decisions. His passing and finishing skills are very good. He's light on his feet. He has a great combination of natural talent." Johansson has improved his physical play and defensive awarness over the last year. His skating is smooth and he handles the puck with confidence while keeping his head up for playmaking opportunities. Johansson has a high level of creativity with the puck and shows a competitive fire at times on the ice. Johansson can get thrown off his game with physical play and will need to improve his ability to fight through checks 9 T. Plihal-Plihal is a gifted offensive player who has very good natural skating and scoring ability. While not a great skater, he would be considered a good skater, but he is very quick, and knows how to get to where he’s going in the shortest way possible. At 6’1” he uses every inch of his body to move around on the ice, whether it be rushing free up ice, or using his body to work his way through defenders. At this point in his hockey career, his stock can only go one direction—up. 10 Martin Podlesak-Standing at 6"5 he can intimidate the opponent with his size. Not very many people can push him off of the puck. Has fairly good speed for a guy his size and uses it effectively on the forecheck and backcheck. His defensive game has continued to improve all season long and is developing into a good two-way power forward. He won't be a 1st liner in the NHL but a regular shift on a second line is very possible. His size and all-round game will get him to the NHL, his skills will be the key factor in where he plays. Could be used effectively in front of the net on the power-play in a couple of years 11.Stefan Liv - This goalie is the best netminding prospect in the oraganization. He has the potential to become a starter in the NHL some day.
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Post by Jackets Oilers on Jul 16, 2004 8:32:46 GMT -5
No chance in hell for getting votes in here LOL but thought I'd keep active lol. 1.) Marek Svatos, F Played very well in the 2003-04 playoffs for the Avs after playing only 4 games in the regular season. Got playing time as a top six forward. Former coach Tony Granato said he could put Marek on the ice and something special would happen everytime. A little bulldog of a gamer lol. 2.) Adam Henrich, F Arguably Tampa's 2nd best forward prospect. 6'5, this guy plays a great all-around game with speed. 3.) Dan Ellis, G History has proven Dallas has one of the best goaltender factories in the league. By trading Bacashihua, the Stars seem to be giving Ellis the job should Turco falter. 4.) Jason Bacashihua, G A surprise first round pick by the Stars, "Cash" was eventually traded to the Blues since they had no future starter in the ranks. Has potential to be a #1 goalie. 5.) Ilya Krikunov, F Arguably Vancouver's 2nd best forward prospect. Said to have all the Russian "flair" with a great level of maturity and accountability. 6.) Brian Finley, G Once tabbed a franchise goalie before a groin injury, Finley appears to have been fully healed and is determined to catch up to where he would have been before the injury. 7.) Danny Roussin, F Played on Sidney Crosbys line in the QMJHL. I think he finished in the top 2 in QMJHL scoring. Made Crosby who he is jk. 8.) Linus Videll, F A big winger in Colorado's system which they need. With whimpy twirps like Tanguay up front, some size would be nice to wally. 9.) Andy Chiodo, G Take out the one stinker of a game Chiodo had and his stats for the Pens at the end of the season are unheard of. Has a chance to challenge Caron as Pens backup. 10.) Ramzi Abid, F Because of an early-season injury, Abid still qualifies for the "under 50 games" rule for this. Could still play a top-six role for the woeful Pens next season.
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