forwards
hodgson
# Position: C
# Shoots: Right
# Height: 5-11
# Weight: 182 lbs
# Birthdate: 1990-02-18
# Eligible for Draft: 2008
# Drafted: 2008
# Hometown: Markham, Ontario
# Acquired: 1st round (10th overall), 2008 by VAN
# Playing In: CHL
History
2006-07: Hodgson had a strong rookie year for the Battalion. He led all Battalion rookies in goals (23), assists (23), and points (46). He was also a force on the power play, finishing second on he team with 15 power-play goals. Hodgson had a strong post-season as well. In four games, Hodgson had four points (one goal, three assists).
2007-08: Hodgson has emerged as a top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft. Hodgson has raced past his point and goal totals from last season. He is in the top five in the OHL in goals, and the top 15 in the OHL in points. He led the Battalion in goals and finished second on the team in points Hodgson was named to the Eastern Conference squad in the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic.
Talent Analysis
Hodgson is a solid all around talent. He does not possess blinding speed, or flashy moves, but he tends to get the job done. He has developed into a fine two-way player. Hodgson is an extremely smart player who uses all of his skills in both ends of the ice. Excellent skater, very strong on the puck, can quarterback the powerplay. Hodson has very good hands and excellent on ice-vision.
Dobber;
He has excellent hockey sense and a non-stop drive to
makes plays which he does with regularity because of his top-notch puck skills and good lateral agility. He’ll be a
great leader and shows uncommon poise for such a young player; he’s great at faceoffs, too. Because he missed so
much time this past season, Vancouver will likely start him in the AHL. He could be ready for the NHL by the New
Year.
Upside: Rod Brind’Amour, Trevor Linden circa 1995-96, (40-45-85, 60 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 95%; 55%
tatar
# Position: LW
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 5-11
# Weight: 176 lbs
# Birthdate: 1990-12-01
# Eligible for Draft: 2009
# Drafted: 2009
# Hometown: Ilava, Slovakia
# Acquired: 2009 by DET
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 7.5 C
History
2007-08: Tatar saw time with HK Dukla Trencin's U18 and U20 squads, finishing the season with a combined 50 goals and 39 assists in 46 games in the Slovakian league.
2008-09: In his first season in the senior Slovak hockey system, he played for HKM Zvolen in the elite Extraliga league, posting seven goals and 15 points in 48 games. He finished the season with a +6 rating before heading off to the World Juniors, where he would score seven goals and 11 points in seven games for a Slovaks who upset Team USA. He led the team in points and tied for the fourth best total in the tournament overall.
Talent Analysis
Tatar is a goal scorer, but somewhat undersized at 5'11.
ISS on Tatar: "Tatar has long been known to be a tremendous scorer, but the WJC was his breakout party. Tatar has great hands and a tremendous shot. His ability to be in the right place at the right time is incredible. No player saw his 2009 draft stock rise higher then Tatar after this tournament."
dobber;
It was a perfect year for Tatar. He lasted far longer in training camp than anyone could have imagined and then he
skipped the junior ranks and went straight to the AHL. As a 19-year-old pro hockey player, he was tied for fifth on
the team in goals and was third in plus/minus. You don’t see that very often from 20-year-old CHL grads, let alone
from a rare teenager who gets to play in that league. He’s a goal-scorer who will flourish with the right set-up man.
He’ll play another year in the AHL before making the jump, but should give you a preview of what is to come when
he gets a cup of coffee or two with Detroit this season.
Potential: Peter Bondra (50-35-85 pts, 60 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 90%; 40%
It was another strong season for Tatar, who has done nothing but impress since being drafted at the end of the
second round in 2009. The 20-year-old has already accomplished what few (none?) players that age have in the past
decade – he got into some game action for the Detroit Red Wings. He even scored his first NHL goal during a
couple of short stints. In the AHL, his numbers increased as a sophomore and he finished second on the Griffins in
scoring. The real eye-opener for his potential – he tallied seven points in a single game in November. If anyone
breaks tradition and gets onto the Detroit roster full time before turning 21, it’s Tatar. But we’ll play it safe and say
that he will be another year yet before he bursts onto the NHL scene. Assuming they can hold him back.
Potential: Peter Bondra (40-45-85+ pts, 60 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 95%; 45%
3YP: (36-38-74, 54 PIM)
terry
# Position: LW
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 5-11
# Weight: 190 lbs
# Birthdate: 1989-04-07
# Eligible for Draft: 2007
# Drafted: 2007
# Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
# Acquired: 5th round (132nd overall), 2007
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 6.5
History
2005-06: Played for Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. Terry scored 9 goals with 19 assists with 72 PIM and was -4 in 64 games. In ll playoff games for the Whalers, he scored 3 goals with 2 assists.
2006-07: Terry returned to Plymouth and scored 22 goals with 44 assists in 68 games. Terry also produced in the postseason, finishing with 8 goals and 18 assists and was +8 in 20 games.
2007-08: Terry, after attending camp with the Hurricanes, returned to Plymouth and had a career-year. He lead Plymouth in goals (44), assists (57) and points (101), and was second in penalty minutes (107) and plus/minus (+12). He was especially good in specialty situations - scoring 13 goals on the play and 4 short handed. While Plymouth was swept in four games by eventual OHL Champs and Memorial Cup runners up Kitchener in the first round of the playoffs, Terry scored 4 goals with 3 assists to lead the Whalers. Terry made his pro hockey debut following the OHL playoffs, appearing in one game with AHL Albany and practicing with the team at the end of the year.
2008-09: Terry once again was returned to Plymouth and despite a mid-season bout with mononucleosis had another strong season for the Whalers. In 53 regular season games, he scored 39 goals with 55 assists with 75 PIM and was +25 on the season. Eight of his goals came on the power play. In 11 OHL playoff games, he scored 7 goals with 9 assists.
2009-10:Terry enjoyed a solid AHL rookie season with Albany. Despite being one of the younger and smaller players for the River Rats, Terry was second on the River Rats in scoring with 17 goals and 30 assists in 80 games and was +12 with 47 PIM. In the playoffs, Terry scored 2 goals with 4 assists.
Talent Analysis
A bit smaller than the protypical goal scoring forward, Terry gets by on a keen understanding of the offensive game and the ability to anticipate opportunities. He is a reliable and versatile player who can play either wing or center. He will have to improve his skating and add some bulk if he is going to compete on a nightly basis at the NHL level. His production at the AHL level was encouraging.
Future
While some are giving Terry a shot to make the Hurricanes out of camp this year, it is more likely that'll spend at least some time with Charlotte in the AHL this season. Long-term, his future as a pro is probably more tied to being an all-around player who contributes at both ends of the ice rather than an elite goal scorer. Still, it’s encouraging that a player chosen in the fifth round just missed back-to-back 100-point seasons in the OHL.
dobber;
Terry is not big or fast and has to rely on skills and guile to get by. If given a choice between a big, fast player who
didn’t know where to be or where to go and didn’t have the hands to do anything with the puck when he had it, most
coaches would choose a player like Terry. Despite his limitations, Terry has a few other things going for him – such
as defensive awareness, versatility -- he can play either centre or left wing -- and shows an ability to adjust and
progress. With Plymouth of the OHL, Terry’s annual points per game averages were 0.44, 0.97, 1.49, and 1.77. He
had a decent rookie season in the AHL, but will likely spend at least one more year there; expect him in 2011-12.
Upside: Top-six forward, (30-45-75, 100 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 80%, 45%
in Plymouth, Terry had a fantastic OHL career – his final two seasons saw him finish with point totals of 94 and
101, respectively. Terry was one of the best players in the OHL during his final two years, but he didn’t receive a lot
of media attention because he wasn’t picked until the fifth round in 2007. There is a lot of opportunity for the
prospects in Carolina’s organization, and Terry is in the mix. But he will have to wait another full season while
Boychuk, Bowman and Dalpe make the jump.
www.dobberhockey.com Rule Your Pool! Page 24 of 160
Upside: Scoring line winger (35-35-70+, 80 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 75%, 40%
3YP: (22-30-52, 70 PIM)
nick peterson
# Position: RW
# Shoots: Right
# Height: 6-2
# Weight: 186 lbs
# Birthdate: 1989-05-27
# Eligible for Draft: 2009
# Drafted: 2009
# Hometown: Wakefield, Quebec
# Acquired: 4th round (121st overall), 2009 by PIT
# Playing In: CHL
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2008-09: Petersen posted 37 goals, 53 assists in 68 games as a 19-year-old player for the Shawinigan Cataractes.
Talent Analysis
Peterson is a left-handed winger who plays an offensively robust style of game. An above average puck-distributor and okay skater, Peterson’s best attribute is his ability to put the puck in the net – particularly off the cycle. The 20-year-old needs to work on his acceleration however if he hopes to maximize his skating ability. Although he does a good job of utilizing his frame to protect the puck, he also needs to play a more physically robust game for a person of his size.
dobber
After scoring 198 points in 178 games in the Q for Shawinigan and Saint John, the Penguins signed Nick Peterson to
an ELC last summer and immediately assigned him to the AHL. However when Eric Tangradi was sent down to the
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton branch, the 2009 fourth round pick was re-assigned to the Wheeling Nailers and Petersen
became an ECHL force of nature, recording totals of 24 goals, 57 points and 30 PIMs in just 40 games. Once
recalled by the WBS Penguins, his pace slowed to five goals and 14 points in 23 total AHL games but the level is
higher so those numbers were expected in Petersen’s first professional season. His play has been described as
“nasty” but note he doesn’t pick up huge penalty minutes. Considering the Penguins are hungry for wingers to play
with Crosby, Malkin and/or Staal, Petersen will get a look next season but most likely won’t get a real chance at
breaking the lineup until 2012 or 2013.
Upside: Complimentary scoring forward (25-40-65+, 50 PIM).
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 60%; 35%
3YP: (17-22-39, 30 PIM)
mclaren
# Position: LW
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 6-5
# Weight: 235 lbs
# Birthdate: 1987-10-29
# Eligible for Draft: 2006
# Drafted: 2007
# Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
# Acquired: 7th round (203rd overall), 2007
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 5.0 B
History
2006-07: Although he was primarily used as a checker, he scored 19 goals and 12 assists in his 61 games with Portland. The Winnipeg native picked up 186 penalty minutes and was not afraid to drop the gloves with some of the WHL’s heavyweights. His massive frame allowed him to be used as an immovable screen on the power play.
2007-08: McLaren spent the season with three different squads: The Portland Winter Hawks (WHL), the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL), and the Worcester Sharks (AHL). In 18 games with Portland, he recorded seven points (4g+3a) before being traded to Moose Jaw for the final 48 games of his WHL career. He tallied 33 points (15g+18a) with Moose Jaw and added an assist to his season total in four games with Worcester. He racked up a goal and an assist in six games with Moose Jaw.
Talent Analysis
Despite showing some scoring touch in his final year in the WHL, his primary talents are that of a forechecker and enforcer. He will need to work on his skating in order to find a regular spot in an NHL lineup in that role.
dobber;
The days of enforcers playing 10-plus minutes are now over and the days of pools including the PIM category may
also be headed to extinction. But if you're looking for the next great pugilist, you won't find a better one than Frazer
McLaren. As fearsome as his 6'4, 224 lbs frame indicates, the 21-year-old has thoroughly dominated the PIM
category since being selected 203rd overall in 2007. While not a double-digit scorer or 190-PIM guy like he was in
major junior, McLaren most recently broke 180 and seven goals with the Worcester Sharks. A better skater than
when selected, McLaren will never be confused with an NHL regular, but you know what you're going to get when
he dresses. You could see him as early as this season.
Upside: Star enforcer, 200+ PIM
Certainty: 60%, 40%
yogan
# Position: C
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 6-3
# Weight: 200 lbs
# Birthdate: 1991-12-04
# Eligible for Draft: 2010
# Drafted: 2010
# Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
# Acquired: Eligible for the 2010 NHL Draft
# Playing In: CHL
History
2006-07: Drafted by the Windsor Spitfires in the fifth round of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection.
2007-08: In his OHL rookie season, Yogan scored five goals and added two assists for seven points in 50 games for the Windsor Spitfires. He played in five playoff games for the Spitfires, but recorded no points and six penalty minutes in five games.
2008-09: Yogan began the season with the Spitfires, appearing 16 games for that club. Yogan netted five goals and added three assists for eight points in those games. He was traded from the Spitfires to the Erie Otters in a deal that brought Brandon Maxwell to the Spitfires. Yogan played in 35 games for the Otters, netting 17 goals and picking up 17 assists to go along with a +11 rating and 32 penalty minutes.
2009-10: In 63 games for the Erie Otters, Yogan scored 25 goals and added 30 assists for 55 points while picking up 97 penalty minutes. Yogan played for Team Cherry at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game, where he made it onto the score sheet from a fight with Team Orr's Matt MacKenzie.
Talent Analysis
Yogan has a big frame and skates well, but lacks the skill to be a top-six forward at the NHL level. A better passer than a shooter, but he chooses to shoot a lot. Work ethic is an issue, as is hockey sense.
dobber;
It's been a difficult year for Andrew Yogan. The type of player who likely would have gone top fifteen in the old
NHL - a 6'3, 200 lbs center with 25 goals and almost 100 PIM - Yogan instead failed to earn an invite to the U20
and U18 teams and didn't participate in the OHL playoffs, taken almost completely off the radars of scouts. A strong
pivot who excels in winning draws and making a mess around the net, Yogan's 55 points were offset by a minus-10
rating (although only seven regular Erie skaters finished with an even or better rating). Yogan is the definition of a
project- his skating and explosiveness must also improve - but he'd be a great fit for the Panthers; beyond
developing two of the game's premier big men in David Booth and Nathan Horton, Yogan was born in Coconut
Creek, Florida and grew up in Boca Raton.
Potential: Second or third line power center, 20-25-45+
d
connauton
# Position: D
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 6-1
# Weight: 185 lbs
# Birthdate: 1990-02-23
# Eligible for Draft: 2009
# Drafted: 2009
# Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
# Acquired: 3rd round (83rd overall), 2009
# Playing In: NCAA
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C
History
2007-08: Connauton impressed many in AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League) when he tallied 45 points in 56 games in 2007-08.
2008-09: Freshman at Western Michigan University with seven goals and 11 assists in 40 games.
2009-10: Connauton made the jump to the WHL. He’s at the top of the league in rookie scoring and tied for first in point production for defensemen in the dub. He was voted as having the hardest shot in the Western Conference by 45 players, management and broadcasters from the 10 clubs in the Western Conference of the WHL. Connauton is poised to break Brent Regner’s (CBJ) single-season point total of 67 points for a Giants defenseman, and should be able to do it in fewer games.
Talent Analysis
Connauton's bread and butter is on the power play. Connauton uses his hard shot with great effectiveness. Of some concern is the fact that this total accounts for almost 70 percent of his overall production.
He is not an overly physical player but can still play the body when needed. His best assets are his ability to make plays from the blue line and his patience and poise while in possession of the puck. Connauton has a smooth stride and good foot speed.
dobber;
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all go to college for just one year, get drafted by an NHL team and one year later
get our dream job? That’s what happened to the Edmonton native who left Western Michigan after a solid but
unspectacular freshman year. The offensive defenseman brought his offensive skills to the WHL where he torched
opponents with 24 goals and 48 assists in 69 games. Connauton broke Jon Blum’s Vancouver Giants team record for
goals in a season by a defenseman (18) and Brent Regner's club standard for points by a blueliner (67). He kept up
his solid pace in the playoffs and signed with the Canucks at the end of April. Connauton is a good puck-mover and
has the skills to quarterback the power play. He shows good sense of when to pinch in and can unload some bombs
from the point. A late bloomer who was passed over in his first draft year, the Canucks are investing the time to
teach him the finer points of defense and improve his strength. He’s shown progress with the Giants and the thirdrounder
from 2009 is a good case study in how player development is as important as drafting well. Connauton
would benefit from at least one year in the AHL as he also needs to build up stamina for the rigors of a pro
campaign. He has good courage despite modest size and doesn’t back down. Connauton had one of the more curious
fight cards in the WHL last season, however, as he took on giant 6-foot-7, 225-pound Brett Ponich of the Portland
Winterhawks and puny Shane McColgan of the Kelowna Rockets.
Upside: (15-30-45, 80 PIM)
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 70%, 50%
Vancouver icon Stan Smyl was on the receiving end of thousands of breakout passes during his distinguished NHL
career. So if Mike Gillis’ senior advisor says Kevin Connauton has a great one, he does. The power-play specialist
played a season for the Western Michigan Broncos before being picked in the third round of the 2009 draft. The 6’1,
196 pound defenseman quickly jumped to the WHL for the 2009-10 season where he was named a first-team all-star
after scoring 24 goals and 72 points in 69 games for the Vancouver Giants. Gillis and Co. obviously liked
Connauton’s progress as they moved the 21-year old Edmonton native again last season, this time to the Manitoba
Moose. His first professional season was rough at times but he still managed 11 goals and 23 points in 73 games.
Vancouver is very deep on the blueline, but Connauton is too talented to be held back for long. Expect him with a
whale on his chest no later then 2012-13.
Upside: Power play specialist (15-40-55+, 80+ PIM).
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 80%; 40%
3YP: (12-28-40, 68 PIM)
mcnabb
# Position: D
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 6-3
# Weight: 200 lbs
# Birthdate: 1991-01-21
# Eligible for Draft: 2009
# Drafted: 2009
# Hometown: Davidson, Saskatchewan
# Acquired: 3rd round (66th overall), 2009
# Playing In: CHL
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C
History
2006-07: He skated with the Kootenay Ice of the WHL this season.
2007-08: In his first full season with Kootenay (WHL), McNabb netted two goals and 11 points total. He registered another helper through 10 playoff games.
2008-09: The Kootenay Ice (WHL) staple returned for another season with the club. In 67 games, the D-man potted 10 goals and 36 points. His most impressive tally was in the PIM category: a career-high 140 minutes in the box. He also joined up with the Canada National U18 squad, but failed to register any points in six games at the WJC-18.
Talent Analysis
NHL-sized already, the two-way blueliner got better and better for Kootenay as the year went on. The Ice used McNabb in all situations and at all times of the game because of his ability at both ends of the rink. Penalty minutes are potentially misleading as although he will fight, critics would like to see him play tougher in his all-around game. With maturity and increased confidence, that should come naturally in the near future.
McNabb is not the fastest or most agile skater and that part of his game will need to improve.
dobber;
A big finesse defenseman with very good puck skills, McNabb blossomed offensively this past season with
Kootenay. In three WHL seasons, his offensive production has climbed from 11 to 36, to 57 points. That’s the kind
of progress you like to see. He has great vision and mobility for a big defenseman. He will get stronger and that will
help him get more dominant. He is blessed with good hockey sense and will make a nice bookend for Tyler Myers
on the Sabres’ power play. He will play one more year of junior and two in the AHL before arriving in 2013.
Upside: Alexander Edler, 15-35-50, 70 PIMs
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 80%; 45%
At 6-4, 210 pounds it’s hard to believe that he’s just 20 years old – still lots of growing left. And that’s not even his
main feature. He’s an offensive defenseman who hits hard and plays harder. His numbers for Kootenay (WHL) were
fantastic, good for third in the league among defensemen (72 points in 59 games). Then he led all players in the
postseason with 24 assists in 19 contests. In the Memorial Cup he was suspended for one game for his hit on
Colorado prospect Joey Hishon that gave Hishon a concussion. He won’t turn into a Chris Pronger, but he could
give it a good run. Still three years away.
Upside: No. 3 d-man, multi-cat stud (15-35-50+, 120+ PIM).
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 75%; 35%
3YP: (11-28-39, 88 PIM)
stoykewych
# Position: D
# Shoots: Left
# Height: 6-2
# Weight: 188 lbs
# Birthdate: 1992-07-14
# Eligible for Draft: 2010
# Drafted: 2010
# Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
# Acquired: 7th round (199th overall), 2010
# Playing In: CHL
History
2008-09: Played for Winnepeg South Blues in the MJHL along with older brother Adam, a Michigan Tech recruit. Scored 4 goals with 12 assists in 53 games with 33 PIM.
2009-10: Break out season as he was one of the top puck moving defenseman in the MJHL for Winnepeg South - scoring 6 goals with 25 assists and 63 PIM in 56 games. Played for Team West in the World Junior A challenge and was also selected for the CJHL Prospects Games. Committed to Colorado College for the 2011-12 season.
Talent Analysis
A puck moving defenseman, Stoykewych's game is predicated on moving the puck quickly and making the players around him better. His skating speed is a key to his game while he also has a strong shot that is tough on goalies. He's a bit raw in terms of his defensive game, and sometimes caught out of position. He should improve in those areas as he gains experience. Stoykewych has ample time to improve his positional play as well as continue to grow physically stronger and develop his technical skills.
dobber;
Get to know the name Peter Stoykewych. The most notable player out of the Manitoba Junior A circuit in perhaps
10 or 15 years, the 6'3, 195 lbs rearguard has managed to overcome concerns about weak quality of competition to
earn a full ride to Colorado College. Although his 31 points were outside the league's top 15 in defensemen scoring
and he didn't even lead his own team in points from the blueline, Stoykewych was a key component of Team
Canada West at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge in November and was named to the CJHL All-Star Game the
very next month. A fluid, effortless skater, Stoykewych's specialty is utilizing his speed and tremendous hockey
sense to move the puck out of danger. However, he used both those gifts to equal effect in the other end during the
MHL playoffs, registering a goal and an assist.
Potential: Brent Seabrook (5-25-30, 60 PIM)
goalies
holtby
# Catches: Left
# Height: 6-1
# Weight: 202 lbs
# Birthdate: 1989-09-16
# Eligible for Draft: 2008
# Drafted: 2008
# Hometown: Marshall, Saskatchewan
# Acquired: 4th round (93rd overall), 2008
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C
History
2005-06: Holtby made his WHL debut with Saskatoon with one appearance and played for the Saskatoon Blazers in the SMHL. Holtby made an impression in his first WHL appearance, stopping 49 of 53 shots against the Calgary Hitmen on January 4 and being named the game's top star despite losing, 4-3.
2006-07: Holtby handled the bulk of the goaltending duties for Saskatoon as a rookie; appearing in 51 games for the Blades. Despite the team's last-place finish in the WHL Eastern division, Holtby posted a respectable 3.21 GAA with a .895 save percentage and had 17 of the 27 wins for the Blades. Holtby served as starter Trevor Cann's backup for Team Canada at the WJC U-18 tournament in Finland. He saw his only action of the tournament in the third place game - relieving Cann for the last nine minutes and stopping 10 of 12 shots faced in an 8-3 loss to Sweden.
2007-08: Holtby was once again a workhorse for the Blades in his second WHL season. Saskatoon escaped the Eastern division cellar but fell short of making the playoffs. Holtby was 15th among WHL goalies with a .908 save percentage and faced the second-most shots of any goaltender (1,875). Holtby was 25-29 with 8 overtime losses and 1 shutout in 3,632 minutes of action over 64 games. He was rated fourth among North American goaltenders in the 2008 NHL entry Draft by Central Scouting.
2008-09: Holtby was dominant between the pipes as Saskatoon was one of the biggest turnaround stories in hockey - finishing with 20 more wins than they had in 2007-08 and winning the Eastern division regular season title. Holtby had 40 of the Blades' 49 wins and was 40-16 with 4 overtime losses and six shutouts. He finished with a 2.62 GAA and .910 save percentage. In the first round of the playoffs, the Blades were beaten by Lethbridge in a low-scoring, tight-checking series that went seven games. Holtby played all seven games for Saskatoon and finished with a 2.32 GAA and .912 save percentage. He was named to the WHL East First All Star Team. Holtby joined the Hershey Bears of the AHL following the WHL playoffs but did not appear in any games.
2009-10: Holtby spent time with the Capitals during his first professional season, but did not appear in any games. He was impressive in his stints with the Washington affiliates in Hershey (AHL) and South Carolina (ECHL). Holtby was initially recalled by the Capitals in November due to injury and then was also brought back to Washington to allow Michal Neuvirth to get playing time in Hershey during the Olympic Games. Holtby started the season with Hershey and won 2 of 3 starts including his first professional shutout (a 38-save effort against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on October 9) but with two experienced goalies in Hershey he was the odd-man out and was sent to South Carolina to get playing time. He appeared in one game with the Bears in November (a 3-2 shootout loss to Springfield on November 21) and then was re-called to Hershey for good on December 12. In 37 games with the Bears, he was 25-8 with 2 overtime losses and had a 2.32 GAA and .917 save percentage. Neuvirth saw the bulk of the action in the playoffs. In three games, Holtby was 2-1 with a 3.60 GAA and .857 save percentage. He made his first start in the Bears' first playoff game on April 14 game against Bridgeport and recorded 21 saves in a 4-3 overtime win. He suffered a 4-1 loss to the Sound Tigers in Game 4 of the five-game series and then stopped 27 shots in a 6-5 overtime win in the Bears' Game 3 win over Albany in the East Division finals. Hershey defeated Manchester and Texas after eliminating Albany to capture the Calder Cup. In 12 games with South Carolina, Holtby was 12-7 with 3 OT losses and had a 2.95 GAA and .911 save percentage. Both he and Stingrays' teammate Todd Ford were selected for the ECHL All-Star game and he stopped 15 of 20 shots faced for the American squad.
Talent Analysis
Holtby has the prototypical size that scouts look for in a goalie and is a sound technical goalie that plays a butterfly style. His positioning and top of the net awareness are sometimes an issue as he's been beaten by high shots at times. His side-to-side quickness compares well with probable Washington starter Semyon Varlamov and he controls rebounds well. He has an above average glove hand. Holtby has the stamina and conditioning level to handle a big workload - he was one of the busiest goalies in terms of shots and minutes played during his junior career. As is typical of many young goalies, he can be inconsistent at times. In terms of intangibles, whether it is just a matter of having been in the right place on strong teams or that he elevates the play of the team around him, Holtby has won a lot of games the past two seasons.
Future
The Capitals enter the season with two 22-year-old goalies on the NHL roster (Varlamov and Neuvirth) so Holtby faces an uphill battle in Washington and will likely share the goaltending duties in Hershey with NHL/AHL veteran Dany Sabourin. Holtby saw more ice time than expected in 2009-10 due to injuries to the other Washington goaltenders and made the most of his experience (though his numbers were less impressive towards the end of the season, something that is not uncommon for first-year pros). Long-term, his skill level may be below that of some of the elite goaltenders in the league but he is a solid goaltending prospect. With Varlamov and Neuvirth seemingly entrenched in Washington, Holtby may have to pursue a starting role elsewhere. Failing that, he could one day crack an NHL lineup and/or end up being a top AHL goalie that sees call-up assignments and spot starts due to injuries.
dobber;
As if the Capitals didn’t already have enough quality prospects. Due in part to a set of minor injuries to Michal
Neuvirth and due in part to his sensational and surprising play, Holtby established himself as an AHL starter with
the chance to launch an NHL career in as little as two more seasons. With two solid years of WHL action, one in
which he played 51 and then 64 games respectively for the Saskatoon Blades, Holtby was drafted 93rd overall in the
fourth round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He played one final season with the Blades, going a remarkable 40-16-4
with a 2.62 GAA and a .910 SP. Following that season, Holtby turned pro and promptly staked a claim in the
Hershey lineup by winning 14 of 15 games from Dec. 12 to Feb. 13. One giant indicator that Holtby has legitimate
NHL talent is not just through his workload in junior, but how he performed at the ECHL level compared to the
AHL. In 13 games with the Stingrays, Holtby posted weaker stats compared to his AHL season. Although this could
be attributed to the teams in front of him, it’s also a sign that his timing and overall development is better served at
the highest level possible. As such, Holtby’s fantasy future is extremely bright. He has clear-cut NHL upside, but
will need to play with patience at the AHL level before getting his chance. Because he’s relatively unknown,
consider yourself warned that he has the ability to be an elite NHL starter.
Upside: Elite NHL starter
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 70%; 45%
Selected 96th overall in 2009, Holtby proved this season his skills are that of a first-round pick. With exceptional
reflexes and agility for a goalie that looks much bigger than his 6’1, 209-pound frame dictates, Holtby was beyond
impressive during his stints with the Capitals. In 14 games, he went 10-2-2 with a 1.79 GAA and .934 SP and two
shutouts. We point to two big wins in Montreal and a huge win in Toronto on Hockey Night In Canada (January 22)
as the biggest highlights of his season. In Montreal, he stopped 24 of 26 shots for a win on March 11 and then
pitched an 18-save shutout on March 26 to go 2-0 in one of the NHL’s most hostile buildings. But his most
impressive NHL performance was in Toronto, where he made 35 saves on 36 shots and received high praise from
Don Cherry, Glenn Healy and Kelly Hrudy. Holtby clearly has the athleticism and fundamentals to develop into an
elite NHL starter over the next two years, but he will have to be patient this summer while the Capitals determine
RFA Semyon Varlamov’s future.
Upside: Elite NHL starter
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 70%; 40%
3YP: 35-26-8, 2.70, 0.918
bachman
# Position: G
# Catches: Left
# Height: 5-10
# Weight: 160 lbs
# Birthdate: 1987-07-25
# Eligible for Draft: 2005
# Drafted:
# Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
# Acquired: 4th round (120th overall), 2006 by DAL
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 7.0 D
History
2003-04: Played for Cushing Academy in Massachusetts and posted a GAA of 1.84 and had 3 shutouts in 28 games.
2004-05: With Cushing, posted a GAA of 2.06 and save percentage of .931 in 29 games, including 3 shutouts.
2005-06: Played for the Boston Jr. Bruins in the Tier 1 18-and-under national championships, where he stifled the competition, en route to posting a 4-1 record, .936 save %, and 1.69 GAA.
2006-07: Bachman got off to a rather uneventful start with Chicago (USHL) going 2-5 with a 4.85 GAA and .888 save percentage before being dealt from another Stars prospect, Pat McGann. Bachman improved with his new club Cedar Rapids and brought his GAA back under 3 (2.99) and his save percentage back over .900 (.913). He committed to Colorado College for 2007-08.
2007-08: He got his first taste of NCAA hockey with Colorado College. Bachman had an impressive year, winning 25 of 35 games with a sub-2.00 GAA and .931 save percentage. He was named the WCHA Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year; the only other player to accomplish this feat was Curtis Joseph.
Talent Analysis
Bachman has excellent quickness and agility in his crease. At just 5'10, Bachman is small. He has a lightning quick glove hand and is very athletic - a trait that he uses to keep himself in plays that some goalies would be out of. Will challenge out high, but will need to sharpen his judgment as he moves up the ranks because his athleticism might not be able to bail him out at higher levels. He plays with confidence and is a player who teammates can rally around. Could use some improvement with stickhandling. Needs to have more confidence in himself in big-game situations, and needs to avoid psyching himself out when the spotlight is on him.
dobber;
Although Bachman had the skill and the will to go straight from Colorado College to the AHL’s newly formed
Texas Stars, it was Brent Krahn and Matt Climie that ultimately secured the team’s two spots. But that didn’t stop
Bachman from going out and proving to people that his decision to leave CC early was the right one. He dominated
the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads this year, going 22-7-4 with a 2.28 GAA, a .910 save percentage and four
shutouts. Then he rattled off six straight wins to start the ECHL playoffs, posting a 1.35 GAA and .955 save
percentage along the way. His rookie season performance has been so positive that, despite a small frame, he’s
regarded as a winner and a valuable prospect. The Stars do have four goalies in their system that are 6-foot-3 or
taller, but that won’t distract him from being a force in the AHL as soon as next season.
Upside: NHL starter
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 70%; 50%
Bachman’s starting to sweat a little. Unless a goaltender has a first-round pedigree, their shot at becoming NHLers
often relies too heavily on opportunity and Bachman is no exception. He’s been NHL-ready for several months now,
but Kari Lehtonen picked 2010-11 to finally be healthy. If Lehtonen has another two healthy seasons, then Bachman
could fade quickly from the NHL picture. He needs a trade to another organization or a Lehtonen injury. Simple as
that. His AHL numbers (28-19-5, 2.20, 0.927) more than earn him at least a backup role. But with Andrew Raycroft
signed for another year and Jack Campbell waiting in the wings, Bachman needs a lucky bounce.
Upside: Elite NHL starter
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 65%; 35%
3YP: 34-22-8, 2.75, 0.919
reimer
# Position: G
# Catches: Left
# Height: 6-2
# Weight: 208 lbs
# Birthdate: 1988-03-15
# Eligible for Draft: 2006
# Drafted:
# Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
# Acquired: 4th round (99th overall), 2006 by TOR
# Playing In: Pro
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C
History
2005-06: While splitting time in net for the WHL Red Deer Rebels he posted a 2.81 GAA and a .910 save percentage.
2006-07: Reimer snatched the Red Deer starting job early in the season and ran with it. Reimer played in 60 games, resulting in a 26-23-7 record and a solid 2.66 GAA and .912 save percentage.
December 2006 feature on Reimer.
2007-08: Reimer’s third season with Red Deer. He went 8-15-0 in 30 games and ended the season with one shutout, a 2.73 goals against average and a .920 save percentage.
2008-09: Played for Reading (ECHL), Toronto (AHL) and South Carolina (ECHL).
April 2009 Q&A with Reimer.
Talent Analysis
At 6’2, 208 pounds, Reimer doesn’t have much of a problem filling the net. His style has been described as simply coming out of the crease and challenging shooters to find space around his large frame. When he is on his game, the lanky netminder uses his size to cut down angles and plays a controlled game. He also displays decent puckhandling skills. Hard worker.
Future
Reimer should get a fair shot within the Leafs organization, as they do not have a backlog of talent at goaltender. Will likely play for the Marlies in 2009-10.
dobber;
Reimer, who was drafted 99th overall in 2006, is starting to turn heads. In 26 games as an AHL rookie, Reimer
posted a 14-8-2 record with a 2.25 GAA and .925 SP. His season was highlighted by a stretch in November in which
he went 5-0-1 with only nine goals against. Combined with a two-week emergency call-up to the Maple Leafs,
Reimer made big strides in raising awareness about his future. In the season prior, which was Reimer’s first as a pro,
he played three games on three separate occasions with the Marlies, his lone win coming by way of shutout. But the
bulk of his season was spent with the Reading Royals (ECHL), where he posted a 10-7-2-1 record in 22 games with
a 3.30 GAA and .904 SP. His season ended on a much higher note than expected, however, when he was loaned to
South Carolina (ECHL) on March 13. Reimer posted a pair of shutouts in five games and then led the Stingrays all
the way to a Kelly Cup Championship with a Game 7 victory, which earned him MVP honors in the process. Due to
this playoff success and a well-traveled AHL rookie season, Reimer established an ability to carry a heavy AHL
workload and should battle with Rynnas for starts with the Marlies in 2010-11. The result of this battle will be
telling in terms of his NHL future.
Upside: Above average NHL starter
Certainty (NHLer; Upside): 70%; 45%
[bfredrick pettersson-wentzel[/b]
# Position: G
# Catches: Left
# Height: 6-1
# Weight: 176 lbs
# Birthdate: 1991-07-23
# Eligible for Draft: 2010
# Drafted:
# Hometown: Uppsala, Sweden
# Acquired: 5th round (128th overall), 2010
# Playing In: Europe
History
2008-09: Played for Almtuna in the J18 junior league. In 25 games for the J18 club, Pettersson-Wentzel posted a 2.43 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage. He was passed over in the 2009 NHL Draft.
2009-10: Spolit time between the Allsvenskan and J20 leagues, where Pettersson-Wentzel continued to put up good numbers. In 37 regular season games, posted a 1.85 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. In 10 playoff games, posted a 2.16 goal-against average and .914 save percentages. Almtuna will be back in the Allsvenskan again next year.
Talent Analysis
Pettersson-Wentzel is a traditional butterfly goaltender whose strength is his agility. Overshadowed by some of the bigger name goalies in Sweden at the youth levels, he established himself as a prospect with a strong season in the Swedish second division. Still relatively raw in terms of development.
Future
Did not attend Thrashers prospect camp. With three talented prospects currently in the Thrashers system, he is a long-range project who will have plenty of time to develop.
dobber;
A '91 born unselected in the 2009 Draft, Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel enjoyed the kind of break-out season that's
simply hard to believe- and perhaps that's why it's so hard for some to believe he's a top 45 pick. Virtually unknown
prior to this season due to a career that had been spent mostly in the J18 ranks, Wentzel nevertheless pitched a
shutout in his one and only J20 start of 2008-09. While an impressive debut, nothing could have hinted at the
dominance that awaited.
Initially assigned to J20 again to start the year, Wentzel earned a promotion to Almtuna's top men's team and
promptly set or broke records for a U20 goalie in Allsvenskan. Boasting the lowest GAA- a sparkling 1.85- and the
second-highest SP at 0.924, Wentzel continued to post strong numbers into the playoffs despite Almtuna not earning
promotion to the Elitserien. A tremendous competitor whose second efforts were often the reason for a save rather
than his positioning, Wentzel is lightning-fast post-to-post and extremely flexible. With more bulk, he could be a
superstar.
Potential: Starting goaltender
duncan siemens
An unfairly strong and balanced north-south skater for his size, Duncan Siemens is the definition of the complete
package. Besides his mobility, the 6’3 200 lbs defender racked up 121 PIM, 43 points and +40 rating in 72 regular
season games, making him the only WHL prospect eligible for 2011 to break both the 30-point and 100-PIM
barriers. Willing and able to ragdoll opponents into the boards, Siemens is perhaps even more physical than his
penalty totals indicate. About the only concern Siemens entered the year facing was a lack of offence, but he
overcame that with a stellar finish. Held to five points in his first month of hockey, Siemens finished the year with
15 points in his final 22 games- a 50-point pace- and was effective on the power play thanks to his booming shot and
workmanlike play-making ability. Although he finished the season on a down note, registering a minus rating in
seven of ten playoff games, Siemens did enough to maintain his ranking as a top-15 player come June.
Upside: Top-pairing defender, 10-30-40+, 120 PIM
17 jonas brodin
Every year, one player manages to turn their U18 performance into an astronomical jump at the draft table. In 2011,
that player may very well be Jonas Brodin. Virtually unknown to North American viewers, Brodin was a fixture on
Sweden’s blueline at the Under-18s in important situations. Although not a high-powered offensive player at this
point, the 6’2 rearguard is a tremendous skater who might possess the best lateral movement in the class. Whether he
can improve on his four points in the Elitserien is a major question, but a player with Brodin’s mobility, physical
package and smarts has every chance to be a star.
Upside: Stud two-way blueliner, 5-30-35+
18 xavier oeullet
The highest-scoring draft-eligible defenseman out of the Q, Ouellet was a consistent player from Game 1 to Game
10 of the playoffs, when the Montreal Juniors were ousted from the post-season. Blessed with elite vision, aboveaverage
puckhandling ability and a choppy but effective skating stride, Ouellet isn’t a traditional rushing
defenseman, but more so one who compliments supporting transition up to the neutral zone with tremendous puck
management. Somewhat light at 6’0 and 180 lbs, Ouellet owns a world of potential and should make some team
very happy on Day 2.
Upside: Two-way defender, 5-35-40
19 steffen soberg
20 martin germat
michael ferland