Unknown Chicago Blackhawks Rookie Steals Show in First NHL Game

Although the Philadelphia Flyers managed to steal their second game in a row from the Chicago Blackhawks since falling to them in six games in the 2010 Stanley Cup final, the big story of the night (and one that was a nice surprise to the numerous NHL scouts in attendance) was Chicago rookie Andrew Shaw. Having been drafted in the fourth round (139th overall) in this past year’s draft, everyone expected that he would spend another year or two in junior before turning pro.

But like a few other of his brethren in the NHL world, Shaw was able to impress his employers enough and be placed on the Rockford IceHogs’ American League roster to start the 2011-12 campaign. It should not come as a shock to those who have followed him the past few years. Last season he posted a career-high 54 points in 66 games with the Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario League, en route to leading them to an OHL Championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup. In that tournament, he led all players with seven points in just four games – and was awarded the OHL’s Hardest Working Player of the Year award.

Most players recently drafted are under the age of 20 and cannot be assigned to the minor leagues according to the rules of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. But having been overage in the summer and turning 20 before September 15 of the current season, he became eligible for all three professional hockey leagues, allowing Chicago to expose him to higher competition, rather than allowing him to score at will in the OHL.

On January 4, he got the call from head coach Joel Quenneville, informing him that he would be joining one of the best teams in the NHL to Philadelphia, one of the toughest buildings in the league, to face off against the Flyers. Not only did he come along for the ride, but he managed to win a spot on the first line along with captain Jonathan Toews and sharpshooter Patrick Sharp (no pun intended).

As if that was not enough, Shaw decided to drop the gloves against Zac Rinaldo, the small, yet feisty Flyers forward with a knack for introducing opponents to the Wells Fargo Center ice. He did the same with Shaw, but even after a facial cut that sent him to the locker room, it was simply not enough to prevent him from performing some grade “A” stickhandling en route to his first NHL goal, off passes from Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith and the Conn Smythe Trophy winning Toews.

Not many fourth round draft picks even make it to the NHL, let alone the season after being drafted. Yet Shaw has already impressed Chicago management and is looking to stake claim to a permanent spot for what should be another impressive Stanley Cup run in the spring.

Why Did Claude Giroux Come “Out of Nowhere?”

See the original post on Hockey54.com!

The entire hockey world knows Claude Giroux’s name right now. Maybe it’s because he is currently out indefinitely with a concussion. Maybe it’s his league-leading 39 points. Maybe it’s his 15 power play points, his 23 even strength points, or simply his dazzling style of play that Philadelphia Flyers fans have witnessed for the past three years. But why is it that no one in the hockey world (outside of Philadelphia) had been talking about him before this season? Where did this kid come from and what is with this seeming ignorance of his hockey skill the past few years?

As it turns out, this “ignorance” has been there for much longer than his brief NHL career. After playing Midget AA in 2003-04 and jumping to Junior A, Giroux was hit by a bout of mononucleosis. Although he still managed to put up 40 points in 48 games, and claim the rookie of the year award, Major Junior teams were not too impressed with his accomplishments. In fact, through 20 rounds of Ontario League draft, every team in the OHL passed over him, leaving him a “free agent” (so to speak) in the Canadian League.

But Giroux was lucky enough to be invited to the Gatineau Olympiques’ training camp before the start of the Quebec Major Junior League season. After seeing his abilities, head coach Benoit Groulx brought Giroux onto the team and immediately received dividends, as Giroux potted two points in his first game, and three points in his third game.

Giroux went on to be named the QMJHL Rookie of the Month twice that season, and ended the season with 39 goals and 103 points in 69 games – enough to be named to the league’s All-Rookie Team. That summer, Giroux had the privilege to attend the NHL’s Scouting Combine and attend team interviews. In fact, one interview with the Columbus Blue Jackets, which was recorded in Gare Joyce’s book, Future Greats and Heartbreaks, shows the general opinion of Giroux around the NHL. “I watched you play lots of times,” Columbus scout Wayne Smith said to Claude Giroux. “You played great pretty well every time I saw you…on a good team, too. You’re going to play in the NHL…but where did you come from?”

Giroux, ranked 38th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, was not necessarily slated to be drafted in the first round. Many teams had him ranked in their second, or even third round, and although Columbus had him ranked 11th overall, their first selection in the 2006 draft came too early to snag Giroux off the board. But when the Flyers drafted him 22nd overall, he wound up being taken behind just four of the 400 players that were selected in his place in that 2005 OHL Draft. In the next two seasons in Gatineau, Giroux posted 218 points in just 118 games. Not included in those numbers was a record-setting 51 points in 19 games in the 2008 QMJHL playoffs, which resulted in a trip to the Memorial Cup. The next year, Giroux found himself in the NHL on a full-time basis.

Although people claim Giroux did not break out until the 2010 playoffs or the 2011 season, those in Philadelphia recognized his talents immediately upon his entrance to rookie camp in 2006. His hockey sense, his passing ability, and his incredible ability to turn on the jets when needed, peaked the attention of those involved with the Flyers, both internally and in the media. So when Giroux turned out to be the best Flyers player in a first-round exit against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, nobody really noticed, other than those watching the game.

Perhaps that’s why Giroux seemed to “come out of nowhere” this season, but it was to no surprise of those that watched him over the few years before the 2011-12 season. It was not long ago that a 5-foot-11, 172-pound forward from Hearst, Ontario would never even have sniffed the NHL, let alone become the league’s leading scorer more than a third through the season. But Giroux has proven time and time again that he does not need people’s recognition of his talents – he’ll score on you either way.

Alan Bass, a former writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Philadelphia Flyers Rookie Camp Interview with top pick Sean Couturier

Sean Couturier was drafted eighth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in this year’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota. The pick, acquired by the Flyers in the Jeff Carter trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, was the highest pick the team has had since 2007 – and just the second time in decades the Flyers have drafted this high. Couturier sat down with Alan Bass of PhilaPhans.com after his second day of Rookie Camp.

Alan Bass: For those fans that don’t know, tell them who Sean Couturier is, both on and off the ice.

Sean Couturier: I’m a pretty calm person, and I do my own thing. But when I get on the ice, I’m pretty intense, I work hard. I’m a two-way forward.

Q: Let’s start with the beginning: when did you first start playing hockey?

SC: I was about four or five when I started.

Q: Growing up, what was the best piece of advice your father gave you, whether it’s relevant to hockey or not (Sylvain Couturier was drafted 65th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft)?

SC: Nothing specific, just being around him I learned a lot.

Q: When did you realize that you had the talent to eventually make it to the NHL?

SC: Since I was young I dreamed of playing in the NHL, so I’ve always made the sacrifice to be the best I can. All through minor hockey my goal was to play in the NHL someday. It takes a lot of hard work, you know?

Q: How often do you think about the missed opportunity after losing to Russia in the World Juniors?

SC: It was a tough loss, a tough ending. You never wanna finish a tournament like that. But you should take the positives of it. It was still great playing against the best in the world. So it was good overall.

Q: Who were your closest friends in the Q?

SC: I don’t know, we were all pretty close. I did room with Andrew Randazzo, so I was pretty tight with him.

Q: What do you enjoy doing away from the rink?

SC: Not much, just relaxing and maybe watching movies. Sleeping, too. I like The Hangover (laughs).

Q: Fast forward to the Scouting Combine. Tell me about that experience, in addition to interviewing with the teams.

SC: It was a pretty nervous time. You want to show everything you got to the media and each team. It was a pretty nervewracking time, but you just try to stay yourself and give everything you got. The Wingate [was probably the hardest test].

Q: How many teams did you interview with? What were some of the strangest questions they asked you?

SC: About 20. There wasn’t really any strange questions. It was pretty straightforward, just trying to get to know me as a player.

Q: The whole hockey world was shocked when Winnipeg took Mark Scheifle seventh overall instead of you. What went through your head initially, and did the thought of slipping down further pop into your mind?

SC: I didn’t really know what to expect going into the draft. Anything can happen. For sure I was a bit surprised. You always want to hear your name quickly, but again, I’m really lucky to be here.

Q: Did you know you were drafted by Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL (6th round, 133rd overall)?

SC: (Laughs) Yeah, I saw that in the media.

Q: Did they even contact you at all?

SC: Nope.

Q: You played with Brayden Schenn on Canada’s World Junior team this year, and are now fighting for a roster spot. Tell me how he improved your game.

SC: It was a great time there. He had a couple of games in the NHL already, so it was great to be around him. Just watching him play, he does all the little details right. Those are the things you have to do to be a pro.

Q: What are your first impressions so far of the Philly organization? The coaches, other players, management, fans, and media?

SC: Since I’ve been drafted, everything’s been great. I’ve been treated first-class. Seeing the fans here both days is great, it’s really special. It’s great to see how well they follow the team.

Q: Right now it looks like only you or Brayden will make the opening night roster – not both of you. If I’m Coach Laviolette, make your case to me why you’re more fit to do so right now.

SC: I don’t know (Laughs), you can’t really judge. A lot of things can happen in hockey.

Alan Bass, a former writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft: Winners and Losers

Winners:

Boston Bruins:

1	9	9	BOS	DOUGIE HAMILTON	D	CAN	6′ 5″	193	OHL	NIAGARA
2	10	40	BOS	ALEXANDER KHOKHLACHEV	C/LW	RUS	5′ 10″	183	OHL	WINDSOR
3	20	81	BOS	ANTHONY CAMARA	LW	CAN	6′ 0″	194	OHL	SAGINAW
4	30	121	BOS	BRIAN FERLIN	RW	USA	6′ 2″	201	USHL	INDIANA
5	30	151	BOS	ROB O’GARA	D	USA	6′ 3″	185	HIGH-MA	MILTON ACADEMY
6	30	181	BOS	LARS VOLDEN	G	NOR	6′ 3″	198	FINLAND-JR.	BLUES JR.

The Bruins got extremely lucky that both defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Alexander Khokhlachev fell to them in the draft. Hamilton should have been drafted seventh overall by Winnipeg, then eighth overall by Philadelphia, but Boston was able to snag the probably star defenseman. Hamilton will be able to play this year, while Khokhlachev could play on a top-two line role in another year.

Chicago Blackhawks:

1	18	18	CHI	MARK MCNEILL	C	CAN	6′ 1″	211	WHL	PRINCE ALBERT
1	26	26	CHI	PHILLIP DANAULT	LW	CAN	6′ 0″	181	QMJHL	VICTORIAVILLE
2	6	36	CHI	ADAM CLENDENING	D	USA	5′ 11″	187	H-EAST	BOSTON UNIVERSITY
2	13	43	CHI	BRANDON SAAD	LW	USA	6′ 1″	203	OHL	SAGINAW
3	9	70	CHI	MICHAEL PALIOTTA	D	USA	6′ 3″	198	USHL	USA U-18
3	18	79	CHI	KLAS DAHLBECK	D	SWE	6′ 2″	194	SWEDEN	LINKOPING
4	18	109	CHI	MAXIM SHALUNOV	RW	RUS	6′ 3″	185	RUSSIA-JR.	CHELYABINSK 2
5	18	139	CHI	ANDREW SHAW	C	CAN	5′ 10″	180	OHL	OWEN SOUND
6	18	169	CHI	SAM JARDINE	D	CAN	6′ 1″	190	AJHL	CAMROSE
7	18	199	CHI	ALEXANDER BROADHURST	C	USA	5′ 10″	150	USHL	GREEN BAY
7	30	211	CHI	JOHAN MATTSSON	G	SWE	6′ 3″	200	SWE-JR.	SODERTALJE JR.

Mark McNeill was arguably the strongest prospect to enter the draft, and could be one of the best power forwards that the league has seen in a decade. He will be a nice replacement for Troy Brouwer, traded during the draft. In addition, the Blackhawks were able to snag Brandon Saad, a former top prospect who unfortunately fell down the board, but could easily become a regular in the NHL. Along with Russian Maxim Shalunov and winger Phillip Danault, the Blackhawks are sitting pretty among the NHL elite.

Edmonton Oilers:

1	1	1	EDM	RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS	C	CAN	6′ 0″	171	WHL	RED DEER
1	19	19	EDM	OSCAR KLEFBOM	D	SWE	6′ 3″	204	SWEDEN	FARJESTAD
2	1	31	EDM	DAVID MUSIL	D	CAN	6′ 3″	196	WHL	VANCOUVER
3	1	62	EDM	SAMU PERHONEN	G	FIN	6′ 5″	184	FINLAND-JR.	JYP JR.
3	13	74	EDM	TRAVIS EWANYK	LW	CAN	6′ 1″	176	WHL	EDMONTON
4	1	92	EDM	DILLON SIMPSON	D	CAN	6′ 1″	192	WCHA	NORTH DAKOTA
4	23	114	EDM	TOBIAS RIEDER	C	DEU	5′ 10″	180	OHL	KITCHENER
5	1	122	EDM	MARTIN GERNAT	D	SVK	6′ 5″	187	SLOVAKIA-JR.	KOSICE JR.
7	1	182	EDM	FRANS TUOHIMAA	G	FIN	6′ 2″	178	FINLAND-JR.	JOKERIT JR.

Besides the obvious choice of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with the first overall choice, the Oilers were able to secure Oscar Klefbom and David Musil, two defenseman who could find themselves playing in the NHL within a few years. They also have Samu Perhonen, who could be a starting goalie in the NHL in three or four years. Steve Tambellini and the rest of his hockey operations staff should be very proud of the position they have put the Oilers in with this year’s showing.

Losers:

Los Angeles Kings:

2	19	49	LAK	CHRISTOPHER GIBSON	G	FIN	6′ 1″	191	QMJHL	CHICOUTIMI
3	19	80	LAK	ANDY ANDREOFF	C	CAN	6′ 1″	198	OHL	OSHAWA
3	21	82	LAK	NICHOLAS SHORE	C	USA	6′ 0″	184	WCHA	U OF DENVER
4	19	110	LAK	MICHAEL MERSCH	LW	USA	6′ 2″	198	WCHA	U. OF WISCONSIN
5	19	140	LAK	JOEL LOWRY	LW	USA	6′ 1″	180	BCHL	VICTORIA
7	19	200	LAK	MICHAEL SCHUMACHER	LW	SWE	6′ 3″	198	SWE-JR.	FROLUNDA JR.

The Kings already have three NHL-ready goalies in their system, so to draft another in Christopher Gibson seems pointless. In addition, they passed on a few players that seemed to have great NHL potential, instead drafting a few no-name players. Not that those guys don’t make it to the NHL ever (see: Zetterberg, Henrik; Datsyuk, Pavel).

New York Rangers:

1	15	15	NYR	JONATHAN MILLER	C	USA	6′ 1″	189	USHL	USA U-18
3	11	72	NYR	STEVEN FOGARTY	C	USA	6′ 2″	194	HIGH-MN	EDINA HIGH
4	15	106	NYR	MICHAEL ST. CROIX	C	CAN	5′ 10″	177	WHL	EDMONTON
5	13	134	NYR	SHANE MCCOLGAN	RW	USA	5′ 8″	165	WHL	KELOWNA
5	15	136	NYR	SAMUEL NOREAU	D	CAN	6′ 5″	206	QMJHL	BAIE-COMEAU
6	21	172	NYR	PETER CERESNAK	D	SVK	6′ 3″	209	SLOVAKIA-JR.	TRENCIN JR.

With their showing at the 2011 NHL Draft, Glen Sather and his cronies have once again shown the league why no one takes the Rangers seriously any longer. With the 15th pick, they selected Jonathan Miller, one of the couple players who seemed to be a mystery. Scouts all over the league couldn’t get a consistent read on him, while media outlets knew nothing about him. In addition, they also passed over numerous other players on the board that they truly could have used, instead drafting a bunch of centers who will most likely never fill that need.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning:

1	27	27	TBL	VLADISLAV NAMESTNIKOV	C	RUS	5′ 11″	171	OHL	LONDON
2	28	58	TBL	NIKITA KUCHEROV	W	RUS	5′ 11″	171	RUSSIA-JR.	CSKA 2
5	27	148	TBL	NIKITA NESTEROV	D	RUS	6′ 0″	183	RUSSIA-JR.	CHELYABINSK 2
6	27	178	TBL	ADAM WILCOX	G	USA	6′ 0″	171	USHL	GREEN BAY
7	20	201	TBL	MATTHEW PECA	C	CAN	5′ 8″	155	CHL	PEMBROKE
7	27	208	TBL	ONDREJ PALAT	LW	CZE	6′ 0″	174	QMJHL	DRUMMONDVILLE

It is extremely difficult to see good coming out of this draft from the Lightning. They focused too heavily on Europeans, and drafted two players who they may never see come out of the Russian leagues. If the players do come to North America, Steve Yzerman’s 2011 draft could become one of the best. But for now, time must tell.

 

Winnipeg Jets: 

1	7	7	WPG	MARK SCHEIFELE	C	CAN	6′ 2″	184	OHL	BARRIE
3	6	67	WPG	ADAM LOWRY	LW	USA	6′ 4″	187	WHL	SWIFT CURRENT
3	17	78	WPG	BRENNAN SERVILLE	D	CAN	6′ 3″	184	OJHL	STOUFFVILLE
4	28	119	WPG	ZACHARY YUEN	D	CAN	6′ 0″	196	WHL	TRI-CITY
5	28	149	WPG	AUSTEN BRASSARD	RW	CAN	6′ 2″	188	OHL	BELLEVILLE
6	6	157	WPG	JASON KASDORF	G	CAN	6′ 3″	178	MJHL	PORTAGE
7	6	187	WPG	AARON HARSTAD	D	USA	6′ 2″	199	USHL	GREEN BAY

The Jets passed on both Sean Couturier and Dougie Hamilton to select Mark Scheifele, who may not even see the NHL for another three years. They also selected few other players that will see NHL action in their careers. Adam Lowry may turn out to be a solid depth winger, but for right now, it’s tough to tell.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 21-30

21 Ottawa Senators (from Nashville)

Nicklas Jensen, LW, Oshawa (OHL)

Despite some solid contributions from young players this past season, the Senators need to keep adding to that talent pool to solve the secondary scoring issues that have plagued this franchise. Jensen had a good first season in North America and at times was dynamite in the OHL playoffs. Jensen can set up the play fairly well, but he’s the kind of guy who could turn into a very good finisher on the wing, as his rookie year featured a seven-game goal-scoring streak.

 

22 Anaheim Ducks

David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

With many forwards already in the system, including Peter Holland, Emerson Etem and Devante Smith-Pelly, the Ducks will look to rebuild their blueline en route to a return to the playoffs. Musil, a 6-foot-4 defensive defenseman for the Vancouver Giants, will be able to provide a strong, physical game that the Ducks haven’t seen since Chris Pronger was traded to Philadelphia. Although he isn’t going to put up more than 20 points per season in the NHL, he has great puck skills and can help start a breakout with ease. His skating continues to improve each year as well.

 

23 Pittsburgh Penguins

Vladislav Namestnikov, C/W, London (OHL)

When you look at the Pittsburgh Penguins, there’s always been one place that they’ve needed help since drafting Sidney Crosby 1st overall in 2005 and that’s on the wings. With the free agent signings in the off-season last year, the soonest a Penguins defenseman goes to free agency unrestricted is 2013/14 (Ben Lovejoy), meaning top prospect Simon Despres might be in for a wait as well. Namestnikov has the speed and vision that would fit in well alongside Crosby, Malkin, or Staal, but mainly he’ll be expected to finish, which he can definitely do. Like most his age, Namestnikov will need to add size to help him get to the next level.

 

24 Detroit Red Wings

Alexander Khokhlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

A rookie in the OHL this year, Khokhlachev was among league leaders for the first quarter of the season. Although he finished a bit slower, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt, with regards to fatigue over a 70-game season. He is the perfect fit for Detroit, who love puck-possession players, specifically those from Europe. Khokhlachev can play on both ends of the ice, and will be mentored for the next few years by Pavel Datsyuk, and could ultimately prove to be the replacement for the famed Russian on Detroit’s first line. Khokhlachev is a project, but the Red Wings have never backed down from one in the past.

 

25 Toronto Maple Leafs (from Philadelphia)

Boone Jenner, C, Oshawa (OHL)

It’s no secret that the Leafs need help down the centre of the ice, and adding another prospect to that pool will help them build that depth. Jenner is a dangerous player because he can jump on you quickly and capitalize on mistakes. He’s not just patient and waits out those mistakes by his opponents though, his hard work forces them. He’s a player that understands the phrase “doing what it takes to win” and could be just as effective as a checking centre and a faceoff winner, as he could be as a second-line set-up man. He’s got good size (6’1″) and knows how to use it.

 

26 Washington Capitals

Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

Looking to boost their back-end, the Capitals will take project defenseman Scott Mayfield fro the USHL. The 6-foot-4, St. Louis native has a few years before he can even think about making the jump to the NHL, but if he develops as the Capitals hope, he can one day be a solid anchor on their blueline. He is a smooth skater and can dish out some big hits, but is also a very smart player. He is committed to the University of Denver for next season, but the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL also own his rights. Where he winds up is yet to be determined.

 

27 Tampa Bay Lightning

Ty Rattie, RW, Portland (WHL)

While Rattie isn’t the largest winger in the draft, size isn’t something that has deterred the Lightning in the past. They’ve got a solid set of young forwards in the system, and Rattie strengthens that depth. He’s a quick, tough winger that likes to use his hands and will be able to create. He’ll need a little more time to develop, but Tampa is in a solid position down the wings right now, offering all of their prospects the time to do so.

 

28 San Jose Sharks

Mario Lucia, LW, Wayzata (USHS)

With brother Tony already in the system, the Sharks will be happy to watch the 6-foot-2 winger develop alongside his sibling. Mario is a future two-way forward who will be able to play consistently on a third or fourth line for an NHL team. He still has a good three or four years to fill out and develop his game, but he has great work ethic and scouts are keen on his ability to step up his game when it comes time. Unfortunately, he won’t

 

29 Vancouver Canucks

Oscar Klelfbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

Despite being depleted by injuries and fatigue in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Vancouver Canucks have a group of core forwards in place that will be able to get them back there. Where the immediate questions are, are on defense. While Klefbom won’t be able to help solve their upcoming free agency woes, he’ll provide the Canucks with another long term piece with attractive size, while he’ll still be afforded a bit of an opportunity to learn.

 

30 Toronto Maple Leafs (from Boston)

Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough

While the Leafs have already built up a solid foundation of prospects up front, young scoring forwards are always useful. Puempel provides the Leafs with that, and he’s a dynamic forward that may get forgotten about, which is a surprise considering he was the OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year last year. Season-ending surgery may raise a red flag upon first glance, but after seeing the same specialist that treated Mario Lemieux, the problem is not expected to plague Puempel.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

11. Colorado Avalanche (from St. Louis)

Joel Armia, RW, Assat (FIN)

There are three players that Colorado could probably consider here, barring a draft-day surprise and that’s Armia, Sven Bartschi, and Duncan Siemens. While the hard-hitting WHL defenseman would be a great addition to Colorado’s young back end, this team needs more depth on the wings for their young centres, and the burly Finnish prospect replaces some of the size lost up front in the Erik Johnson trade. Does he have the same impact as a Chris Stewart? Maybe, maybe not, but Armia has a big 6’2″ frame that he’ll be able to fill out and he’s a goals-first kind of guy that Colorado will need with those playmakers at centre.

 

12. Carolina Hurricanes

Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

Carolina has to be thinking defense with the 12th pick. All signs point to Joni Pitkanen leaving the organization via free agency, and, after already hitting a home run with forward Jeff Skinner last year, the Canes need to shore up their blue line. A tricky decision will have to be made between two-way defenseman Duncan Siemens and towering shutdown defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. If the Canes are looking at Oleksiak, they could trade down three or four spots and he might still be available. However, based on all-around game, Siemens is more complete and has a better offensive upside.

 

13. Calgary Flames

Brandon Saad, W, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Flames bring a workman-like mentality to the ice and the fans laud having physical teams to smash the opposition and Saad fits the bill. He’d give the Flames two big wingers in the system (Greg Nemisz being the other), and he’s a menace on the forecheck, and has good speed and footwork to go with it. Saad has plenty of talent despite slipping from eighth to 19th in the final North American rankings, and along with just missing the 30-goal mark in his first OHL season (27 goals), he also brings an excellent two-way game to Calgary.

 

14. Dallas Stars

Zack Phillips, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

Expecting to lose Brad Richards on July 1, the Stars need replacement in the middle, and even though they have 2009 first rounder Scott Glennie ready to step in soon, Phillips is an outstanding forward who can both score goals and dish out assists. After winning a Memorial Cup and scoring five points in the process, the Stars will believe Phillips can step in within two years and help rebuild the Dallas organization. He’ll also be a physical presence when he fills out his 6-foot-1 frame. His skating is suspect, but expect it to improve by the time he becomes an NHL regular.

 

15 New York Rangers

Tomas Jurco, W, Saint John (QMJHL)

The acquisition of Tim Erixon, a former-first round pick of the Calgary Flames, may change what the Rangers target with this pick. While the Rangers have good young centres and hungry young wingers, the raw talent and hands that Jurco brings to the game is too much to pass on. If his game completely transitions to the next level, he’s a game-changer that creates his own space with silky smooth moves. If not, he’ll still be an especially talented piece that might fit on a line with Chris Kreider, a big body that can open up some space for him.

 

16 Buffalo Sabres

Sven Bartschi, LW, Portland (WHL)

Having fallen very far down the board, the Sabres are an organization that is not afraid to draft an undersized kid with tons of offensive ability. After having great success with guys like Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe, Bartschi will fit right into the Buffalo organization — one that needs more scoring depth. The young Swiss’ 85-point season is plenty to catch the attention of Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff.

 

17 Montreal Canadiens

Mark Scheifele, C, Barrie (OHL)

Scheifele is a tall, lanky centre that would bring the right attitude to Montreal. Although it wasn’t great from a team standpoint, Scheifele was put in a great position personally this year in Junior, quickly becoming a central piece on a Barrie Colts decimated by loading up for an OHL Championship run in 2010. Scheifele is a player that wants to play each and every day, and along with that he’s got great two-way instincts and can get up and down the ice. When offered the opportunity to showcase his playmaking ability, Schiefele relishes those chances and could end up being a Jordan Staal type: Primarily used in defensive and checking situations, but offensively fluid when needed.

 

18 Chicago Blackhawks

Tyler Biggs, RW, USNTDP

Ranked as high as eighth overall by some outlets, Biggs is a massive power forward who has already filled out and can most likely step in within a few years. Attending Miami University next season, Biggs has the potential to be a dominant second- or third-line winger – in addition to someone who can play on special teams, both on the power play and penalty kill. Scouts continue to rave about his physicality and his ability to also put up points in crucial moments of the game.

 

19 Edmonton Oilers (from Los Angeles)

Jamie Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University

With the best centre available at number one overall in the draft, the Oilers can afford to pass on Adam Larsson, and the reason why is that a quality defenseman will slip at some point in the draft to 19. Another option at this pick might be Scott Mayfield, but if the 6’7″ Oleksiak is available, he provides the Oilers with exactly what they need: A big, shut-down body that can be physical against any and all forecheckers. Oleksiak has a very athletic background so don’t expect him to be a stereotypical slow-footed big man; he can move the puck and make his own way up and down the ice.

 

20 Phoenix Coyotes

Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

With Shane Doan nearing the end of his career, McNeill would be a great replacement. A power forward who put up 81 points for a weak Prince Albert Raiders team, McNeill could go anywhere from 10th overall to early in the second round (some teams are very high on him, while others think there’s too much need for improvement). Regardless, McNeill will be able to settle into a nice second- or third-line role, and once he gains a little more strength, he will be able to challenge for the top center spot on the Coyotes’ roster.

 

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. G2 Christopher Gibson

After growing up in Finland, goaltender Christopher Gibson made the jump to the Quebec Major Junior League, joining the Chicoutimi Sagueneens for the 2009-10 season. Similar to top-ranked goaltender John Gibson (no relation), Christopher had a sub-par year in his rookie season, but bounced back this year. The Finn had a .920 save percentage and a 2.42 goals against average on a mediocre team.

“The top two guys have a very similar style…there’s not much separation other than consistency,” Al Jensen, Central Scouting’s top goalie scout, told NHL.com. “I think John has maybe been a little more consistent in his game over the course of the year. But it’s a very fine line between these two. I have no problems saying they are quality goalies, and as I followed them, it just solidified my thinking of how good they really are.”

“He’s got that look about him in the net,” Jensen said. “When you see him, you say to yourself this kid really does look like a goalie. He has great balance and spreads out very well. He’s got the make-up to be a pro goalie, the strength and knowledge that you need. He’s got quick feet, but what really sticks out in my mind is his positioning, the way he covers the net. I really like the way he battles in there, too.”

The 6-foot, 193-pound goaltender his very strong and has great positioning. His raw skill is arguably the best in the draft (among goaltenders), while his athleticism further contributes to his attractiveness. However, he still needs to improve a bit on his anticipation and reading of each play. His size must improve as well, of course. But there’s an tangible that scouts love in Gibson.

“He’s a very confident goalie, has an air of confidence about him,” Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting’s goaltender scout, told NHL.com. “He’s got very good net coverage, has good size and is very strong in his crease. He plays determined and aggressive, his movements are controlled, he tracks the puck very well and he challenges properly and holds his ground. He battled hard in all areas. He has a good, solid butterfly, was quick at gathering in any loose pucks and has good overall quickness.”

Even his goaltending coach, former NHL goalie Marc Denis, loves the way he plays.

“He won with Notre Dame, which helped him. That’s experience you can’t buy anywhere else,” Denis told NHL.com. “We helped his game on the ice, helped him with a few technical points here and there. Going to a 70-game schedule, going to the North American style of coaching, or how goalies evolve in the team concept and how that’s dealt with on a day-to-day basis to see if the team is going to be competitive at all.

“That was his first year with a sub-.500 record, so he had to learn to deal with that and see the light at the end of the tunnel and not get discouraged by an outing he wasn’t pleased with or get too high over an outing he was proud of. That’s where we had to spend the most time with him. The way he came into the playoffs showed how much was able to learn the lessons throughout the season.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. G1 John Gibson

Goaltenders are always some of the toughest players to judge when determining their draft stock. For Pittsburgh, PA native John Gibson, however, goaltending was not even his first choice of position.

“I probably started skating when I was three or four and was playing defense for a team when I was five,” he said. “When I turned six, I converted to goalie. I guess at the time I just liked to stop pucks but I also liked to be in those pressure situations. I like to have the team rely on you to make the big save and keep them in the game. I do like that kind of pressure, I want to win games.”

Since then, Gibson has had great success, joining the U.S. National Developmental Team Program in time for the 2009-10 season. Playing behind 2010 World Junior Championship hero Jack Campbell, Gibson managed a mediocre .905 save percentage and a less-than-impressive 3.69 goals against average. But after taking a summer to develop his game, he returned and increased his stats drastically, posting a .926 save percentage and a 2.38 goals against average – numbers that garnered him the top North American goalie ranking for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“He has size and presence in the net, and moves with power,” USNTDP goalie coach Joe Exter said to NHL.com. “The best part is he’s not just a limited goaltender for being a big guy. He’s multi-dimensional. He has power, athleticism, and he’s got good flexibility. And those parts of his game allow him to have success at the high level. He also has a calm demeanor in the net.”

Being 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Gibson is a big guy. He takes up a large portion of the net, but is also athletic enough to move that frame around with ease.

“John has great net coverage and size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), and is very strong,” NHL Central Scouting goalie guru Al Jensen told NHL.com. “He’s sound technically, moves very well laterally and is controlled. He’s calm, not busy.”

But Gibson also was impressed with Campbell and took the opportunity to learn from the 2010 first-rounder.

“When I came to the (NTDP), I was a pretty calm guy and then, in my first year here, I was kind of new to the experience and didn’t have that experience playing at a high level,” Gibson explained. “Then I saw Jack (Campbell). He’s been around so I looked at him for leadership and saw how calm and composed he was. I just kind of added that to my game and I think it’s really benefitted me.”

“Campbell is the more the quick, athletic type and Gibson is the more a controlled, strong positional type,” Jensen said. “Both do have good size — I like how strong Gibson is.”

Gibson has great positioning, which is also partially due to his size. There are no glaring weaknesses in his game in the net (when he ventures outside the net is when he garners some problems), but he needs to improve on his all-around game. It is questionable if he will be a first-rounder this June, but you never know, when it comes to teams with a hole in their organizational depth at the position. And if that’s so, expect Gibson’s stock to skyrocket in the next few months.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E4 Joel Armia

Nothing like a young Swedish forward dominating the juniors to open the eyes of some NHL scouts. Assat Pori right wing Joel Armia did just that.

“Day by day he was getting better, and what I mean by better is his puck handling … he has great hands and a good hockey sense,” Assat Pori head coach Pekka Rautakallio said in an interview with NHL.com. “He has surprised everyone in the whole country, especially the hockey people.”

After averaging almost a point per game in the Finnish junior A league, Armia was called up to the Finnish Elite League for the 2010-11 season – and was immediately placed on the first line. In 48 games with the club, Armia has posted 18 goals and 29 points, in addition to a plus-nine rating.

“He’s big and tall but surprisingly mobile for a player of his size,” NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb told NHL.com. “He’s a sniper with a good selection of shots. You might have to look for him during some shifts, but then, suddenly, he scores the winner. He has a very good feel for the game and moving the puck well with his linemates. He has a heavy wrist shot that he gets off quickly and is always looking for the empty spots on the ice.”

“I really liked him this summer,” said one NHL GM in an interview with The Hockey News. “He had a really great tournament in Piestany in August and I think he struggled a little bit in this tournament, but he has tremendous upside; a big kid who can skate with good hands.”

Indeed, the General Manager was correct. He has great size (6-doot-3, 191 pounds) and can skate better than the majority of the players on his team (including those double his young age). His hands rival the best prospects in the world, while his hockey sense helps contribute to his success. However, some executives weren’t too impressed with his play at the World Junior Championships in January, citing an inability to use his size to his advantage, in addition to simply not being committed to two-way play.

“He did not play quite as well as I expected (at WJC),” said one NHL scout from a Western Conference team. “I was hoping to see more; he’s been scoring unbelievably good in the Finnish league. Obviously he’s big, but needs to fill out. His skating is good and he goes to the net well. Maybe I expected him to do a little more with the puck, be a little more creative. He’s a solid draft pick and he’ll go high in the draft. It might have been a bit of culture shock for him playing in a big tournament in North America. Armia will be back at World Juniors next year, though, and be much improved.”

These critiques led to his demotion to the fourth-best European, according to NHL Central Scouting in their final rankings. But regardless of spot on the list, Armia’s coach knows that after spending another year in Finland next year, he will be just fine.

“We have a great program here, play three games a week and practice with the weights,” Rautakallio told NHL.com. “He needs another year or two to get better. He takes good care of himself. He loves hockey so much. We had two all-time winters (in Finland), so the natural ice was great outdoors. When we were done with our four hours of practice, Joel would continue playing on the natural ice all the time. I’ve seen so much potential in all categories of his game — the big challenge for him is to improve over his rookie season.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E3 Jonas Brodin

After seven Swedes were taken in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, none were selected last year. That will change when defenseman Adam Larsson becomes the first Swede taken in the 2011 draft, and will further be strengthened when defenseman Jonas Brodin is drafted late in the first round.

“Brodin is an outstanding skater whose strength is his east-west lateral movement and ability to crossover in the face of forwards who attack with speed,” wrote Bruins 2011 Draft Watch. “He’s got excellent vision and defensive instincts, able to diagram unfolding plays and put himself in position to interdict and neutralize the opposition attack. Brodin also has the ability to start the transition game to offense with his soft hands and crisp outlet passing. Although only about 165-170 pounds, Brodin has also shown a surprising ability to play a physical game. This is especially significant because he’s competing at the Swedish Elite League (SEL) level this season with Färjestad.”

Last season, Brodin became the youngest player ever to suit up for Färjestad, after making his debut as a 16-year-old. Being a late birthday (July), he was able to spend another season developing, which has helped him exponentially.

“Jonas is progressing after the individual plan we set up for him prior to this season. He takes one step at the time and his thirst for knowledge is admirable. Jonas is a good listener and learner which is a good asset,” said Leif Carlsson, assistant coach responsible for the defensemen with Farjestad in an interview with ESPN.com. “Jonas has put a lot of effort into improving his mobility and his shot. He has exceeded with both and on top of that he has become faster when body checking.”

The 6-foot, 172-pound Karlstad, Sweden native has yet to score a goal in the Swedish Elite League, but has posted four points and a plus-6 rating playing against professionals twice his age. He is extremely undersized weight-wise, but as we have seen with other Europeans, physical maturity comes simply with time. His skating and hockey sense are his best features, while his ability to keep the puck on his stick through traffic makes him an even more desirable player to NHL teams looking for a defenseman that can start a breakout up the ice. And although his size is not yet up to par, there is absolutely no lack of physical or passionate play – or a desire to take on everyone bigger than him, for that matter.

“I did not think I would be impressed by such a young guy,” said coach Charles Berglund to HockeyServige.se. “One thinks, of course, to tell the players just to ‘run over that f**king brat,’ but it is of course not that easy.”

“He’s not a spectacular player, he will not take on three players at one time with the puck,” said head coach Tommy Samuelsson in an interview with HockeyServige.se at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. “But he solves almost any situation and plays smart and simple.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.