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.

Live From the 2012 Winter Classic: Eric Lindros Among Flyers Alumni That Bring Back Memories

Just like it was 15 years ago, John LeClair shot down the wing on a 2-on-1 with Eric Lindros on the other side of the ice, looking to receive a pass. As the defenseman bit, LeClair coolly flipped a saucer pass across the ice to watch Lindros fire it past a flailing goaltender, culminating in a multitude of fans leaping to their feet with their arms raised high.

It seemed as if a dam had been lifted, allowing memories to rush back like a stream of water, to the pleasure of over 1,000 fans in attendance at the Flyers Skate Zone and to the players themselves. Eric Desjardins, Brian Propp, Joe and Jimmy Watson, Orest Kindrachuk, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent, Neil Little, Jeremy Roenick, Lindros, LeClair, and others, entertained fans for just under an hour as the Flyers alumni took to the ice for practice before heading to the locker room to speak with the media – with smiles on their faces as if they had rekindled the extinguished flames that were once vibrant NHL careers.

“What a great showing for us old guys,” Roenick exclaimed. As he spoke you could see the glow in his eye, like a child finally getting to meet a boyhood idol. “You talk about this weekend as being a celebration, but having something like this – bringing back guys like Clarkie, Bernie [Parent], [Rick] Tocchet, it really is historic. It’s a humbling experience being here with some of these guys. Seeing Eric and John, guys I battled against, this is a really good step back in time.”

“I had a good time,” Lindros said with a Don Cherry-like smirk as he peered around the locker room to examine the historic faces he had just laced up with. “Saw some old people. Big turnout for a little get-together.”

When asked about the fan turnout for the alumni skate, Lindros began to answer, but paused ever so briefly and looked up, deep in thought. In just a split second, the memories of the prime of his career – centering the famous “Legion of Doom” with LeClair and Mikael Renberg, the line that combined for 305 goals and 666 points in just over two seasons together – appeared in his mind like a movie reel. “I’m not surprised,” he finally muttered, a grin forming at the corners of his lips, perhaps thinking of the great times he shared with millions of Flyers fans for almost a decade – including a Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, a Stanley Cup final appearance, and enough highlight reel plays to fill a YouTube account. “Flyers fans are so supportive of their team.”

“Flyers fans are like that,” LeClair chimed in from the next stall. “They really enjoy this and support us.”

As the media dispersed, Lindros sat, enjoying a few laughs with LeClair, Bob Kelly, and more. He signed a few pucks for the organization, a picture for Kelly, and a jacket for Reggie Leach’s young grandson, who was puttering around the locker room as if he were just mesmerized by a shooting star. As little Leach stared at the behemoth of a man (6-foot-5, for those that do not recall), Lindros talked with him about school, about treating his teachers right, doing his homework and catching up on the work he is missing by being here for the festivities. The tyke walked away like he had been given a message from God himself, while Lindros craned his head around the room. He took one last look at the legends and role players that donned the Orange and Black before, with, and after him. The former league MVP slowly walked out of the Philadelphia Flyers locker room, as he had done so many times.

 

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.

Live at the 2012 Winter Classic: Marketing and Branding the Event

As a chilling wind blew across the field at Citizens Bank Park – bitter enough to remind climbers of the slopes of Mount Everest – Daniel Craig and his ice crew continued to lay down layers of mist onto the surface of the rink that has become an annual event. By the end of the day on Wednesday, December 28, the ice surface was just over one inch thick, and on schedule to be ready in time for Friday morning’s media hockey game. Although this scene is one that has been constant since 2008 when the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres faced off at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first ever Winter Classic, the NHL has made it a point to ensure that the idea of the Winter Classic remains fresh each year, rather than becoming “just another event,” as so many detractors of the event have posited.

Brian Jennings, the NHL’s Executive Vice President of Marketing has been with the league since 1990, and is in charge of one of the largest sports marketing campaigns in the world – and a daunting task at that, considering the NHL’s standing among the four major sports in the United States. Yet somehow the NHL has managed to increase the event’s popularity in its fifth year of existence. According to Jennings, Winter Classic products made up for 15 of the top 20 items in the NHL.com store, and demand for the event’s products online and in the NHL store in New York is helping contribute to a double digit increase in sales – despite the announcement and jerseys coming much later than normal.

In addition, there was a worry that the lack of change in the Philadelphia Flyers’ logo would hinder sales of the products – but it wasn’t one that Jennings shared. “The Philadelphia uniform, Mr. Snider has a real passion for the Philadelphia logo itself, not a lot of alterations to that,” Jennings explained at a press conference at Citizens Bank Park. “In the past years, a lot of teams have allowed us to do a fusion type of Winter Classic uniform, but he felt strongly in what the (logo) represents.”

The league also released two commercials that grasp at the two sides to this year’s Winter Classic. The first one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuW_hvVQXUI) focuses on the rivalry between the Flyers and Rangers, citing the “City of Brotherly Love” as null and void for just one day in Philadelphia. The second is a take of the famous “Good Ol’ Hockey Game” song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd5dF5Tjg4E), instead focusing on the fun of an outdoor game in the cold of winter. These two ads have both contributed to the experienced and expected success of this year’s game.

Lastly, Jennings discussed how he and the league manages to keep this event special for the fans each year. Above all, he believes, the location of the game keeps it fresh. “The marketplace is what you look for in those periods of being unique,” he explained. “So you always want to tip your hat and acknowledge that you’re in a marketplace – Philadelphia – that has strong hockey roots. Each year we try to do things differently with our partners to showcase the game. I think you look to your partners, to see if they’re launching a new product or commercial, as a point of differentiation.”

Jennings concluded by explaining the process by which the league makes decisions on how to approach each year’s outdoor game. “When we do an event like this, we do a pretty extensive debrief. We look at what went well, or if something hadn’t gone well, how do we fix it, how do we make it special for the fans? I can tell you that the league has a very laser focus on what that fan experience is, from those that are walking into Spectator Plaza, those that are going into the stadium, and those that are watching from home.”

And if it’s any consolation for those worried about how this year’s Winter Classic will turn out, it’s already shaping up to surpass expectations – for the fifth year in a row.

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.

The Financial State of the NHL

With Forbes’ recently released 2011 NHL Valuations, it is now possible to take a look inside the NHL and perhaps get a better idea of what state the league is in financially.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, yet again, rank atop the league’s elite, with a value of $521 million – directly ahead of the New York Rangers, who come in at $507 million. The Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks round up the top six (ironically, all Original Six teams) with values of $445 million, $336 million, $325 million, and $306 million, respectively. All six of these teams saw an increase in their value from last year, with the Rangers increasing by 10 percent.

If the next CBA doesn't address rising expenses, the NHL's money could melt away

Altogether, the average value of NHL teams increased by about five percent (5.07, to be exact) to $240 million. The average NHL team is also worth about 47 percent more than it was worth before the lockout in 2004-05. The five teams that saw the largest increase were the Tampa Bay Lightning (20 percent), Vancouver Canucks (15 percent), Edmonton Oilers (16 percent), Washington Capitals (14 percent), and Winnipeg Jets (21 percent, although the majority of the increase is due to the relocation from Atlanta). Twenty-one of the league’s 30 teams saw an increase in value, while two teams remained about the same.

The Maple Leafs led the league in operating income, with $81.8 million. The Canadiens and Rangers were next in line, with operating income of $47.7 million and $41.4 million, respectively. The Vancouver Canucks also saw a large amount of operating income, with $23.5 million – most likely due to the high number of home playoff games last season.

Now to the negatives of the business release: the Phoenix Coyotes rank last in the league, yet again, at a value of $134 million. The team also reportedly had an operating income of -$24.4 million, easily the lowest in the league. Right behind the Coyotes are the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets, with values of $149 million and $152 million, respectively. Each of the two teams ended the season with a loss, losing $8.1 million and $13.7 million, respectively.

One of the darkest parts of this annual report was the NHL’s operating income, which dropped 21 percent to $126 million – something that will most likely need to be addressed when the league and the NHL Players’ Association begins negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in the upcoming months. This number led to a profit margin of just 4.2 percent.

Detroit Red Wing Mike Commodore understands how badly the players won the last CBA

Two teams that, although have average values, but are struggling to pay the bills, are the New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars. Having just been sold to a bright new owner who looks to be setting the team in the right direction, the Stars should hopefully be able to overcome their debt-to-equity ratio of 126 percent. The Devils, on the other hand, have an abnormally high ratio of 144 percent, which suggests they are struggling to be profitable (the Devils had an operating income of -$6.1 million last year, while the Stars’ was -$1.1 million). Debt-to-equity ratio is the relative proportion of debt and shareholders’ equity that is being used to cover a company’s assets. A number over 100 percent is unreasonably high and can suggest trouble for any company, specifically that of a professional sports team. In comparison, the Rangers, Red Wings, and Blackhawks have debt-to-equity ratios of zero.

Altogether, the league should be happy with the health of the majority of their franchises. However, they need to ensure that expenses manage to stay down in the next few years – something that will be addressed with the salary cap negotiations and potential salary cutbacks in the next CBA. The salary cap is currently set to 57 percent of revenue, but with the league’s struggling operating income, expect that to drop closer to a number between 48 and 52 percent.

Local Team – The Philadelphia Flyers saw a decrease in value for the first time in many years, dropping four percent to a value of $290 million. They managed to stay in the black, ending with an operating income of $3.2 million, the second least of any team in the top eight of the league. They rank eighth in the league, and the second of any non-Original Six franchise. The Flyers were the only team in the top-18 to drop in value from last year.

 

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.

Chiseling the NHL’s Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, located in Pennington County, South Dakota, is one of the most famous shrines in the United States. With George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln’s faces chiseled into the granite of the mountain, it is easily one of the most recognizable sites in the continent.

But what if you were to create a Mount Rushmore of NHL personalities? Which four people have had the greatest impact on the NHL as we see it today. This isn’t a “who are the best four players in league history?” article. This is a piece on “which four people have shaped the league into what we see today?”

 

Frank Calder

His name is recognizable because of the various trophies attached to his name: Calder Memorial Trophy for the NHL’s top rookie, along with the Calder Cup, for the AHL champion. But what did Calder do that gave him the prestige to be both a Hockey Hall of Fame member and one whose name is all over professional hockey?

After leading various sports leagues throughout Quebec, Calder was named the secretary-treasurer of the National Hockey Association in 1914. Just three years later, he was named the president of the league, which was struggling in the presence of a young protagonist named Eddie Livingstone on the Board. Understanding that he could not legally remove Livingstone from the league (Livingstone owned the Toronto Shamrocks, a member of the NHA), Calder led the remainder of the NHA owners and formed a new league, the National Hockey League. Although the plan was to re-form the NHA when Livingstone left, it did not work out as planned, and it was decided that the NHL was there to stay.

Calder held the position of NHL President for 26 years, and would have been there longer had it not been for a heart attack during an NHL Board of Governors meeting that left him incapacitated in a Montreal hospital. Nine days later, he passed away while reading the league’s financial books – a symbol of how dedicated he was to his league.

 

Alexander Mogilny

It wasn’t too long ago that the thought of a Russian player being forced to stay in his homeland was normal. After all, Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin had to finagle his way out in 2006 to join the top league in the world. Now, almost every Russian prospect that wants to come to North America is free to do so. But 22 years ago, Alexander Mogilny took arguably the biggest risk in hockey history to join the Buffalo Sabres team that had drafted him a year earlier.

As the hockey world was expecting Mogilny, Sergei Fedorov, and Pavel Bure to create the most dominant Russian trio since the KLM line, Mogilny was planning his escape. Although the story is much more complicated than is known, Sabres director of amateur evaluation Don Luce and General Manager Gerry Meehan flew to a Stockholm mall, then covertly snatched Mogilny from a team function and sped away, beginning a cat and mouse chase that lasted days, and included a complex hotel jump throughout Europe to keep the Russian Federation off their tails. Finally, Mogilny made his way to America and played the first of his 16 seasons in the NHL.

Mogilny might not be the first person you think of in the context of an “NHL Mount Rushmore,” but if it weren’t for him, the NHL might have been deprived of seeing such stars such as Sergei Fedorov, Pavel Bure, Slava Fetisov, and others, who defected freely less than a year later. Imagine an NHL without Alexander Ovechkin, Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk, and others, and you’ll understand the impact Mogilny’s risk had on professional hockey.

Clarence Campbell

By age 28, Campbell was already refereeing NHL games. Unfortunately, by 1939 (six year later), Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe was fed up with Campbell’s lenient officiating style, and called for his firing – to which the league agreed. Fortunately for Campbell, however, he was hired by Frank Calder to work in the league office, but shortly enlisted in the Canadian military to fight in World War II. In the meantime, Calder’s death resulted in New York Americans President Red Dutton being named the interim league president, but when Campbell returned from overseas, he immediately replaced Dutton.

Campbell’s first major action in office was banning two NHL players for betting on games, and furthering his authority in a decision that led to the famous Rocket Richard Riots, when he suspended the Canadiens’ superstar for the final three games of the season and the entire postseason.

Although his legacy has often been tarnished by the Richard incident and claims that he was anti-French Canadian, Campbell was arguably the most successful president the league has seen. Along with New York Rangers president Bill Jennings, Campbell was instrumental in pushing for league expansion in 1967, and at that time, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Because of his contributions, the league created the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl to be awarded annually to the Western Conference Champion – a trophy still awarded today. Expansion continued to explode under Campbell, who left office in 1977 with 18 teams in the league – three times the number there were when he was first named president.

 

Doug Harvey

Winner of seven Norris Trophies (second in NHL history behind Bobby Orr), Harvey is one of the great mysteries of NHL history. Although he was slightly demystified with the publication of Doug: The Doug Harvey Story, many hockey fans still do not know about the impact Harvey had on the game. Before Bobby Orr was a household name in the sports world, Harvey revolutionized the position, showing how a bit of muscle, athletic ability, and all-around talent can be woven together to create a legendary superstar. He won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, and was named to the league’s All-Star team 11 straight seasons.

However, one of Harvey’s biggest assists happened off the ice, along with Ted Lindsay. Lindsay is often credited with the creation of the original players’ association, but Harvey had just as much an impact as the bruising Detroit forward. As Joe Pelletier of HockeyBookReviews.com generously writes, “He was labeled a maverick and a troublemaker, aloof and enigmatic, but deep down he was a caring, generous, and in his own way a very funny man. But he was very much his own man.”

Harvey was blacklisted by NHL owners and traded by the Canadiens due to his involvement in the NHLPA. His number was not retired by the Canadiens until 1985, just four years before his death. When he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1973, he decided to not show up at the last minute, and instead go fishing by himself. His struggles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder further the mystery that is Doug Harvey.

But what is far from a mystery is the positive effect Harvey had on the NHL, both on and off the ice.

 

Honorary Mentions: Glenn Hall (introducing the butterfly goaltending style), Bobby Orr (for further revolutionizing the game and the defense position), Gary Bettman (Bettman haters and other media aside, he is arguably the best Commissioner the game has ever seen), Scotty Bowman (no explanation needed).

 

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 First Ten Games: Pluses and Minuses

Ten games are already in the books and the Flyers sit at 5-4-1 with 11 points, good for second place in the Atlantic Division, behind the powerful, yet injury-riddled Pittsburgh Penguins. The Flyers have looked good at times thus far, but also terrible in certain games. It’s still a bit early to call them a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, specifically with so many new faces and still a questionable amount of chemistry on each line. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at the pluses and minuses of the Philadelphia Flyers’ first ten games of the 2011-12 NHL season:

 

+ Giroux-Jagr

Everyone in the Philadelphia area has known how talented Claude Giroux is. But his rise to superstardom is just starting to trickle through the NHL ranks. Jaromir Jagr is one of the best players in NHL history, sitting third all-time in points per game, behind Gretzky and Lemieux. There were questions about how much he had left in the tank, but he answered those questions with the rigor of a Rhodes Scholar. Together, the two create one of the most dangerous 1-2 punches in the NHL.

 

- Discipline

The Flyers are fourth in the league in penalty minutes per game, with 16.8. But the more troubling figure is their 56 minor penalties, which leads the league. Most of these are lazy penalties such as tripping, holding, or hooking, or stick fouls. The Flyers seem to commit these penalties at the most inopportune times, such as after they score a goal or in the midst of their own power play. Twelve Flyers already have at least six penalty minutes, which makes them as undisciplined as a fifth-grade class clown.

 

+ Defensive play/Coaching

The two may not seem to belong in the same category, but the Flyers’ great zone defense is reflective of the effectiveness of the coaching staff. Peter Laviolette’s trademark Box Plus-1 is generally holding opponents to the outside of the ice and creating numerous counter rush opportunities for the speedy forwards on Philly’s roster. The team ranks fourth in the league in blocked shots (albeit 16th in takeaways). The penalty kill has also looked fairly good, notwithstanding an 80.4 percent success rate.

 

- Bryzgalov

The largest goaltending pickup in Flyers’ history has been nothing to write home about just yet. Although he shows flashes of the great goaltender he is, Bryzgalov has made many fans as nervous and worried as a Jewish mother. His puckhandling skills rival that of a mite, while he simply looks careless most of the time. The Flyers surely didn’t pay millions of dollars for a .870 save percentage, a 3.45 goals against average, and a 28th league ranking in goals against per game. Bryzgalov clearly has the ability and the talent to be one of the best in the league – but he needs to start showing it.

 

+ Offensive Depth/Rookies

Every full-time Flyers forward has a goal already, and almost everyone looks like they belong on this roster. Five rookies (Sean Couturier, Matt Read, Harry Zolnierczyk, Zac Rinaldo, and Brayden Schenn) making impacts have also been a large point of interest for the entire organization. This has been the trademark of the Flyers since the lockout, and will be the main reason for their eventual success. The power play has been helped by this depth as well, ranked fourth in the league.

 

- Consistency

The first five games were great. After that, it pretty much went downhill. Their five-on-five goals ratio dropped from second in the league to 19th. They beat some good teams, then lost to those who were struggling. The team also has won just 43 percent of the games in which they scored, showing just how inconsistent this organization is throughout a game and how difficult a time they are having holding a lead.

 

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.