Octobre 2018 - Classement des meilleurs prospects! Joueurs ayant gradués au cours du dernier mois (que je considère personnellement comme établis pour de bon et qui ne devraient plus retourner dans les mineurs): Blake Coleman - Jets de Winnipeg Colin White - Whalers de Hartford Denis Malgin - Canadiens de Montréal Elias Pettersson - Red Wings de Detroit Nikolay Goldobin - Golden Seals de la Californie Tyler Bertuzzi - Maple Leafs de Toronto Tyler Motte - North Stars du Minnesota Valeri Nichushkin - Whalers de Hartford * Statistiques en date du 20 Novembre 2018 *
Casey Mittelstadt
2018-19 - Sabres de Buffalo Repêché par les Blackhawks de Chicago (1/8) en 2017. " The Sabres signed the top prospect in their system to an entry-level deal after just one year in college. Mittelstadt finished his freshman year with 11 goals and 19 assists for the Golden Gophers. An interesting tidbit courtesy of CapFriendly “Casey Mittselstadt is a late b-day (Nov 22). Meaning that despite being 19, the league will flag him as a player with an EL Signing Age of 20. As a result, his contract is not slide eligible & he will automatically burn the first year on his ELC.” He’ll be in the lineup for the home stretch giving Sabres fans something worth watching. " - Brad Phillips, March 2018. Robert Thomas 2018-19 - Blues de St.Louis Centre 15 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 4 AIDES - 4 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+0) 6'0 187 lbs Repêché par les Blackhawks de Chicago (3/32) en 2017. " Robert Thomas continues to be a dominating force on the ice. The 18-year-old center put up 29 points in 22 games after being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs. His point production hasn’t slowed down in the post season either, 12 points (four goals) in seven games. The Blues have struggled to find a consistent center and Thomas is one who can fill the void, doing a little bit of everything. It’s a tad too soon to see him in a Blues uniform on a nightly basis but that will become reality not far down the road. " - Josh Epstein, April 2018. Noah Dobson 2018-19 - Titan de l'Acadie-Bathurst (LHJMQ) Défenseur 21 MATCHS - 7 BUTS - 6 AIDES - 13 POINTS - 30 PIM - (-26) 6'3 176 lbs Repêché par les Blackhawks de Chicago (1/10) en 2018. " Noah Dobson had a terrific season and led the Acadie-Bathurst Titan to a Memorial Cup. His performance there helped move him up the draft rankings as high as the second overall ranked defensemen in his draft. However, he managed to slide on draft day down to the 12th overall spot where the New York Islanders found one of the better value picks in the draft. He will need a year or two before he is in the NHL in all likelihood but he does have a very hight ceiling and could be a future number one for the Islanders. " - Peter Harling, June 2018. Filip Hronek 2018-19 - Red Wings de Detroit Défenseur 6 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 2 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 18 PIM - (-2) 6'0 2018-19 - Griffins de Grand Rapids (AHL) 170 lbs 10 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 4 AIDES - 5 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+2) Repêché par les Blackhawks de Chicago (9/104) en 2017. " As the youngest defender on the Griffins, Hronek has vaulted himself up
the Red Wings prospect depth chart with an excellent first full season
in the AHL. Hronek currently leads all Griffins defensemen with nine
goals, including three on the power play, and 33 points total in 62
games. Hronek will have to compete with Joe Hicketts next year to make
the big club. More likely the Wings will want Hronek to percolate a
little longer in the minors, but so far the signs are encouraging.
Hronek projects as a top-four defenseman with offensive upside and power
play potential. " - Mark Hillier, March 2018. Sami Niku 2018-19 - Moose du Manitoba (AHL) Défenseur 12 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 4 AIDES - 5 POINTS - 8 PIM - (-3) 6'1 176 lbs Repêché par les Blackhawks de Chicago (11/126) en 2017. " Niku was fantastic for the Moose in the AHL last season. In his first taste of pro hockey in North America, the Finnish defenseman didn’t disappoint, tallying 16 goals and 54 points (2nd) in 76 games. He’s a smooth skater that’s not afraid to jump in on the rush and has great vision when quarterbacking the powerplay. Selected in the 7th-round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, it looks like the Jets got themselves another steal. " - Jamie Zadow, May 2018. Dennis
Cholowski
2018-19 - Red Wings de Detroit Repêché
par les Bruins de Boston (8/91) en 2017. " Cholowski was considered by many to be a dark horse with
an outside shot at making the Wings out of camp this year. Partially
due to injuries to veterans, but even more so due to a stellar
preseason, the young defenseman not only made the big club – he earned
himself a top pairing role which includes power play and shorthanded
time. When Mike Green returns to the lineup, Cholowski’s ice time will
likely be scaled back, but his projection as a potential top-four
defenseman down the road is now looking more like a potential number one
who can play big minutes and in all situations, and much earlier than
expected. The Red Wings are clearly impressed with his development and
should continue to give him every chance to flourish. " - Mark Hillier, October 2018. Anthony DeAngelo 2018-19 - Rangers de New York Défenseur 13 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 5 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 15 PIM - (+6) 5'11 180 lbs Repêché par les Bruins de Boston (25/300) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " Stepping into the final year of his ELC that has been stretched out over
five years, Deangelo will once again look to make himself a fixure on
the Rangers blueline. In his first attempt to crack the Rangers roster
as a regular, Deangelo struggled with injuries and a back-and-forth
arrangement with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. A portion of Deangelo’s
halted progress within the Rangers system could, in some people’s eyes,
be attributed to Alain Vingneault’s lack of trust in the
offensive-minded rearguard. With new head-coach David Quinn stepping
behind the bench, Deangelo can hope for a fresh start and more favorable
deployment going forward, but he’ll need to put in the work to ensure
positive results. " - Peter Harling, August 2018. Logan Brown 2018-19 - Senators de Belleville (AHL) Centre 4 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 0 AIDE - 1 POINT - 0 PIM - (+0) 6'6 220 lbs Repêché par les Bruins de Boston (1/6) en 2017. " Despite breaking camp with the team last season, Brown will begin the
2018-19 campaign with the AHL’s Belleville Senators. The move is sure to
raise eyebrows with some people given that the team is in full blown
rebuild mode and Brown is a perceived top two prospect in the
organization. It’s far too early to write him off yet though as lots of
20 year old’s have benefited from a little time in the minors. He should
help inject some much needed offense to a Belleville squad that
struggled mightily to score in 2017-18. " - Brad Phillips, September 2018. Nick Merkley 2018-19 - Roadrunners de Tuscon (AHL) Centre - Ailier Droit 0 MATCH - 0 BUT - 0 AIDE - 0 POINT - 0 PIM - (+0) 5'10 194 lbs Repêché par les Bruins de Boston (9/102) en 2017. " Merkley has yet to appear in a game so far in 2018-19 as he still
recovers from knee surgery last spring. He remains with the Coyotes
practicing but when Merkley is cleared to play it’s expected he’ll be
sent to Tucson of the AHL to get back into game shape. " - Keith Duggan, October 2018. Josh Norris 2018-19 - Wolverines de l'Université du Michigan (NCAA) Centre 11 MATCHS - 8 BUTS - 7 AIDES - 15 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+0) 6'1 192 lbs Repêché par les Bruins de Boston (6/67) en 2017. " Norris has been traded from San Jose to Ottawa as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. " - Jokke Nevalainen, September 2018.
Dante
Fabbro
2018-19 - Terriers de
l'Université de Boston (NCAA) Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (4/47) en 2017. " Dante Fabbro is beginning to flash that offensive upside that made him such an attractive prospect. Fabbro has put up nine goals and 26 points in 32 games for the NCAA’s Boston University. He leads all BU defenseman in goals, assists, points, and shots. Coupled with his plus-6 rating and 22 penalty minutes, Fabbro is having a strong sophomore season in Boston. Fabbro is a dependable, two-way defenseman. He is smart, poised, and can move the puck quickly while under pressure. Now that his offensive game has emerged, Fabbro has re-established himself as an elite defensive prospect for the Nashville Predators. Playing on BU’s first defense pairing with Brandon Hickey, Fabbro will have continued opportunity to improve his numbers. " - Tyler Halsey, March 2018. Rasmus Andersson 2018-19 - Flames de Calgary Défenseur 18 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 1 AIDE - 1 POINT - 2 PIM - (+1) 6'0 214 lbs Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (33/394) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " Rasmus Andersson was sent to the AHL to begin the season. Well. With a struggling TJ Brodie and an injury to Travis Hamonic, Rasmus moved from the bottom pairing.. to the second pairing…to the top pairing with Mark Giordano. It’s tough to think this will last forever but it is evidence of his ability. The best part? He hasn’t looked out of place and he’s used to playing big minutes. " - Joel Henderson, October 2018. Olli Juolevi 2018-19 - Comets de Utica (AHL) Défenseur 18 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 12 AIDES - 13 POINTS - 2 PIM - (-12) 6'3 198 lbs Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (2/23) en 2017. " The 20-year-old is finally able to suit up in the AHL. Returned to junior in his draft-plus one season and then a trip to the Finnish Liiga for his draft-plus two was the result of the NHL-CHL transfer agreement. It’s more than likely that the former fifth overall selection would’ve been in Utica two seasons ago if it were permitted. He’s there now and he’s making significant strides. Juolevi leads all first-year defenders in points with 11 through 14 contests. He’s seeing top minutes at even-strength and on the power play. It’s exactly what the Canucks wanted. They need him playing heavy minutes and witnessing success. They feel so strongly about that that they didn’t call him up when the team witnessed several blue line injuries, despite being an obvious choice. Juolevi is still prone to being beat wide at times, and make blunders. However, that’s commonplace for 20-year-old defensemen. He was drafted to be a top pairing player, but is likely destined for a second pair and second power-play role. This will mute his offensive upside but he should still bring value." - Cam Robinson, November 2018. Noah Juulsen 2018-19 - Canadiens de Montréal Défenseur 17 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 4 AIDES - 5 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+3) 6'2 174 lbs Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (5/50) en 2017. " Juulsen is becoming a regular NHL player. There is no reason to think the 2015 first round pick (25th) will be demoted any time soon as his defensive play has strongly improved over the past 24 months. His offensive play will never make him an undisputed player on every fantasy hockey rosters, but he sure knows how to deliver hits and blocking shots. His eight-game sample so far in 2018-2019, the 6-2 defender is on pace for 260 hits and 160 blocks, which is not to be taken lightly in leagues who counts those stats." - Carl Sinclair, October 2018. Martin Kaut 2018-19 - Eagle du Colorado (AHL) Ailier Droit 17 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 7 AIDES - 10 POINTS - 8 PIM - (+7) 6'2 176 lbs Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (2/17) en 2018. " After surviving a few rounds of cuts in training camp, Kaut has finally been assigned to the AHL to begin the 2018-19 season. He looked very close to NHL-ready, with pro stature and decision-making. A little bit more of a killer instinct and he’ll be making a real push for a top spot next year. The AHL route worked perfectly for Rantanen, so we can only hope Kaut develops similarly." - Hayden Soboleski, September 2018.
Cale Makar
2018-19 - Minutemen de l'Université du Masschusetts (NCAA) Repêché par les Canucks de Vancouver (1/10) en 2017. " Makar picked up right where he left off, starting his NCAA season with 4 points in 2 games and earning Hockey East Player of the Week honors. The ball is in his court – the Avs will be trying their best to bring him to pro hockey at the end of this college season but he’s been very patient so far. " - Hayden Soboleski, October 2018. Kailer Yamamoto 2018-19 - Oilers d'Edmonton Ailier Droit 12 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 1 AIDE - 2 POINTS - 2 PIM - (-2) 5'8 2018-19 - Condors de Bakersfield (AHL) 154 lbs 3 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 0 AIDE - 1 POINT - 4 PIM - (+0) Repêché par les Canadiens de Montréal (3/34) en 2017. " After a strong preseason in which he recorded six goals and nine points in six games, Yamamoto looked poised to bring his skilled game to the NHL. Flash forward to November and the young winger has recorded just two points in 11 games, while playing in the top six for most of those games, and has been scratched in the last two. He has the skill and tenacity to play at the NHL level but his lack of size has definitely hindered his effectiveness at times. Despite his size, Yamamoto hasn’t hesitated to go to the dirty areas and has done a good job of drawing penalties. Adapting to the NHL is never easy especially for a player his size so the Oilers and their fans will need to be patient. " - Jameson Ewasiuk, November 2018. Brett Howden 2018-19 - Rangers de New York Centre 20 MATCHS - 4 BUTS - 8 AIDES - 12 POINTS - 4 PIM - (+0) 6'2 193 lbs Repêché par les Canucks de Vancouver (5/58) en 2017. " In a shocking turn of events, Howden played himself onto the Rangers opening night roster for the 2018-19 campaign. With consistent offensive production in preseason, coupled with his more-than-satisfactory puck protection capabilities, the former Lightning prospect beat out Lias Andersson for the final roster spot with the Blueshirts. In his first five regular season contests, Howden has logged most of his ice time alongside Mats Zuccarello and either Chris Kreider or Pavel Buchnevich – either way a recipe for offensive success. Two weeks into the season he’s on pace for a 50-point rookie slate, and judging by David Quinn’s comments on the rookie, he has a bright future with the organization. " - Brayden Olafson, October 2018. Filip Zadina 2018-19 - Griffins de Grand Rapids (AHL) Ailier Gauche - Ailier Droit 16 MATCHS - 6 BUTS - 4 AIDES - 10 POINTS - 8 PIM - (-8) 6'0 196 lbs Repêché par les Canucks de Vancouver (1/4) en 2018. " Zadina has been using marquee scouting opportunities to spring up the draft boards of many major services. His performance for the Czechs at the World Junior Championships – seven goals and eight points in seven contests, had scouts buzzing and he’s followed that up with a great showing at the most recent Top Prospects game and with Halifax of the QMJHL, where he sits fifth in points-per-game with 1.39. The number two spot in this draft is up for grabs and he’s making a serious push for it." - Cam Robinson, January 2018. Daniel Sprong 2018-19 - Penguins de Pittsburgh Ailier Droit 14 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 4 AIDES - 4 POINTS - 0 PIM - (-6) 6'0 181 lbs Signé comme agent libre par les Canucks de Vancouver en 2018. " Good news: Sprong is playing in the NHL with three assists in his first
six outings. Bad news: He’s on the fourth line, sometimes playing on his
off-wing and getting only about eight minutes of ice per game. He has
the tools to be an NHL sniper, but continues to pay his dues at the
bottom of a deep group of forwards. Learning to do the little things
when he doesn’t have the puck will benefit him in the long term, but
you’re going to have to patient in the meantime, possibly until next
season." Eeli Tolvanen
2018-19 - Admirals de Milwaukee (AHL) Repêché par les Golden Seals de la Californie (2/14) en 2017. " Tolvanen has had a hot start to his first full professional campaign
with six points in eight games for the Admirals. He has five assists and
is being used on the power play, all while averaging just under 14
minutes of ice time per game. It shouldn’t be long before we see
Tolvanen get another shot with the Predators. " Evan Bouchard 2018-19 - Oilers d'Edmonton Défenseur 7 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 0 AIDE - 1 POINT - 2 PIM - (-5) 6'2 2018-19 - Knights de London (OHL) 198 lbs 6 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 4 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+11) Repêché par les Golden Seals de la Californie (1/11) en 2018. " Bouchard’s draft-eligible season came to close last week as the London
Knights were swept by the Owen Sound Attack. Bouchard had a tremendous
third season in the OHL, completing his regular season with a whopping
87 points in 67 games. The point total represented the highest mark for
any first-time draft-eligible skater in the CHL – not just defenders but
all skaters. His 297 shots were the second most in the OHL. He tacked
on a goal and four helpers in four playoff games. Bouchard has watched
his stock grow all season long from being a guy consistenly ranked in
the mid-20s to landing at fifth overall on Craig Button’s most recent
list. The big, right-shot defender was the focal point of the Knights
offense and often saw upwards of 30 minutes a game in all situations.
He’ll be snatched up early this June and is the type of player who could
conceivably crack and NHL lineup in the fall due to his late 1999
birthday and accomplished CHL resume. " Kasperi Kapanen 2018-19 - Maple Leafs de Toronto Ailier Gauche - Ailier Droit 21 MATCHS - 8 BUTS - 7 AIDES - 15 POINTS - 8 PIM - (+11) 6'1 187 lbs Repêché par les Golden Seals de la Californie (24/283) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " The stars have aligned for Kapanen to start the 2018-19 season. With
Nylander holding out for a contract, Kapanen is playing RW on the
Matthews line and tearing it up with 8 points in 7 games. As promising
as this is for his future upside as a top-six winger, that spot will
eventually go back to Nylander upon return. His long-term value is
sky-rocketing since he is now a proven top-six scorer, but in one-year
leagues, be ready to cut bait if he drops back onto the 3rd line. " Victor Mete 2018-19 - Canadiens de Montréal Défenseur 19 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 3 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+7) 5'9 183 lbs Repêché par les Golden Seals de la Californie (5/59) en 2017. " Not long after being promoted to the top pairing with Jeff Petry, Victor Mete fractured his finger in a game against the New York Islanders. The injury essentially ends the season for Mete as his diagnosis is six weeks and as the Canadiens have early tee times shortly there-after the club figured they would give the rookie the extra time to heal while his teammates close out the NHL calendar. It’s a shame Mete won’t gain the experience of playing over 20 minutes a night against top scoring lines, but there is certainly no shame in any part how the 19-year-old’s season played out. He made the team out of no where in training camp, never looked back and grew every day. It’s especially impressive considering the somber environment that was the Montreal Canadiens of 2017-18. Mete will look to grab a hold of a top-six role on what’s surely to be a re-vamped defense core come September. " - Mike Barrett, March 2018. Gabriel Vilardi 2018-19 - Frontenacs de Kingston (OHL) Centre 0 MATCH - 0 BUT - 0 AIDE - 0 POINT - 0 PIM - (+0) 6'3 201 lbs Repêché par les Golden Seals de la Californie (1/11) en 2017. " Vilardi has not had the start to the season he or the team had hoped for. In September, it was reported that Vilardi was expected to make the Los Angeles Kings out of training camp. However, his season debut was derailed by his seemingly chronic back issue, which also held him out of rookie camp and most of training camp. Vilardi returned to practice with the Kings at the end of October in a limited, no-contact capacity but suffered a minor setback in early November unrelated to his back. Whether he will be ready to compete for a spot on Canada’s World Junior Championships team is uncertain. " - Hannah Stuart, November 2018. Henri Jokiharju
2018-19 - Blackhawks de Chicago Repêché par les Jets de Winnipeg (4/37) en 2017. " Jokiharju has been named Portland’s “Best Defensive Player” for the
2017/18 season. He led all Portland defenseman in scoring with 71 points
and his +47 rating was tops on the team. Jokiharju continues to roll along in Portland, putting
points on the board seemingly every night while shutting down the
opposition’s top producers. After a solid WJHC, the next step in his
evolution will be an extended run in the WHL playoffs while maintaining
his elite level of play. " Jesperi Kotkaniemi 2018-19 - Canadiens de Montréal Centre 21 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 9 AIDES - 12 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+1) 6'2 187 lbs Repêché par les Jets de Winnipeg (1/9) en 2018. " It looks more and more like the third overall selection in last June’s
NHL draft could stick with the parent club this season. Nothing leads
towards a return to Finland and he is approaching the ten-game mark
where Kotkaniemi’s entry level contract would see its first year
officially kicking in. While he’s no Calder trophy candidate so far, the
6-2, 190 lbs center showed great improvement since the very first time
he wore the uniform at the rookie tournament back in August. He’s more
and more comfortable in both ends of the ice and has averaged 14 minutes
per game of ice time, with a little bit over two minutes with the man
advantage." Brendan Guhle 2018-19 - Americans de Rochester (AHL) Défenseur 15 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 7 AIDES - 9 POINTS - 12 PIM - (-2) 6'2 196 lbs Repêché par les Jets de Winnipeg (33/388) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " This year saw a taste of NHL for Brendan Guhle, as he slowly progresses towards being a full-time NHL defender as registered five assists in 18 games with Buffalo and is still without a goal, but has shown the right development path and attributes in the AHL which shows that his time is coming shortly. Guhle will most likely start in the AHL again this year and then make a run for the team later on in the year, but he could surprise in training camp. " - Marcus Griep, August 2018. Nick Suzuki 2018-19 - Attack de Owen Sound (OHL) Centre 21 MATCHS - 17 BUTS - 18 AIDES - 35 POINTS - 4 PIM - (+13) 5'11 183 lbs Repêché par les Jets de Winnipeg (2/13) en 2017. " Suzuki was sent down to his OHL team, the Owen Sound Attack. As this move comes as a bit of a surprise, it is not all that negative for the 5-11 has-it-all forward as he should gain more confidence in his last junior hockey season. As a matter of fact, Suzuki did not seem too shocked about the news as he registered a hat trick in his first two games of the season. The London, Ontario native remains one of the best prospects in the NHL." - Cal Sinclair, October 2018. Owen Tippett 2018-19 - Steelheads de Mississauga (OHL) Ailier Gauche - Ailier Droit 16 MATCHS - 16 BUTS - 10 AIDES - 26 POINTS - 8 PIM - (+14) 6'1 201 lbs Repêché par les Jets de Winnipeg (1/12) en 2017. " Tippett has been returned to his Ontario Hockey League club, the Mississauga Steelheads. Tippett was expected to start the season with the Panthers but there was no room for him because of all the additions to the roster. There are still 18 forwards left on Florida’s roster, so Tippett wasn’t even all that close. So instead of starting his NHL career as a 19-year-old, Tippett returns to major junior for his fourth and final season. He should be a lock for the World Juniors this winter after missing the event in previous years. " - Jokke Nevalainen, September 2018. Andrei Svechnikov
2018-19 - Hurricanes de la Caroline Repêché par les Maple Leafs de Toronto (1/2) en 2018. " The Carolina Hurricanes have a very good and deep prospect pool, but it
is arguably missing a potential superstar player. That changed when they
added Svechnikov with the second overall pick in the 2018 draft.
Svechnikov should be on the Canes roster to start the season and the
goal scoring winger could have a Calder calibre season and should be
drafted early in fantasy drafts as he is much more than a goal scorer;
he is a physical player and an underrated playmaker. " Dylan Strome 2018-19 - Coyotes de l'Arizona Centre 17 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 3 AIDES - 5 POINTS - 6 PIM - (-6) 6'3 201 lbs Repêché par les Maple Leafs de Toronto (16/182) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " For the third straight season, Strome made the Coyotes opening night roster. Unlike the other two times though this feels different as Strome looks more comfortable, centering a line with Lawson Crouse and Christian Fischer. He scored the team’s first goal of the year (unfortunately in the Coyotes third game), leads Arizona with a 66.66% faceoff win percentage and this looks to be the season Strome finally breaks through as a full-time NHL player. Don’t expect big point totals this campaign though as 30 points seems reasonable." - Keith Duggan, October 2018. Martin Necas 2018-19 - Hurricanes de la Caroline Centre - Ailier Droit 7 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 1 AIDE - 2 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+0) 6'1 2018-19 - Checkers de Charlotte (AHL) 168 lbs 14 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 6 AIDES - 8 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+1) Repêché par les Maple Leafs de Toronto (2/21) en 2017. " Necas had as strong of a post draft cycle as any prospect this season. His performance in both the Czech League and the World Juniors has elevated him as one of the top prospects outside of the NHL. With Carolina desperately in need of a top center with dynamic ability to play in front of Jordan Staal, it’s good to know help is on the way in the not too distant future. Adding the number two overall pick to the mix in June’s draft will only help Necas’s fantasy upside, whether that selection is Andrei Svechnikov or Czech teammate Filip Zadina." - Kevin LeBlanc, May 2018. Timothy Liljegren 2018-19 - Marlies de Toronto (AHL) Défenseur 15 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 5 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 6 PIM - (-2) 6'0 192 lbs Repêché par les Maple Leafs de Toronto (4/45) en 2017. " It would be wrong to say Liljegren has done nothing noteworthy in his second year with the Marlies so far, but he hasn’t done anything dramatic enough to change his fantasy outlook. He is slowly learning the defensive side of the game to compliment his strong offensive movement, and playing with a smart partner like Sandin could really bring him along. Expect another season of quiet development for the high-upside d-man, he will make it to the big leagues eventually but rushing helps nobody. " - Hayden Soboleski, November 2018. J.T. Compher 2018-19 - Avalanche du Colorado Ailier Gauche - Centre - Ailier Droit 5 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 1 AIDE - 4 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+0) 6'0 194 lbs Repêché par les Maple Leafs de Toronto (39/467) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " After a blazing start to the season with 4 points in 5 games as 2nd line RW, Compher is out indefinitely with a head injury. His shot rate was not at all sustainable, so there’s a chance the magic doesn’t return right away when he does. Keep an eye on who fills his void." - Hayden Soboleski, October 2018.
Rasmus Dahlin
2018-19 - Sabres de Buffalo Repêché par les Nordiques de Québec (1/1) en 2018. " The future first-overall selection is riding a nice little point streak
after being named to Sweden’s Olympic team roster. He’s rattled off one
goal and four helpers for Frölunda over the four-game streak and is up
to 16 points in 34 SHL contests. The ultra-talented 17-year-old will
surely play a very prominant role on the men’s national team this
February in Pyeongchang and will look to further solidify his spot as
the best defensive prospect to come around in well over a decade. " Jusso Valimaki 2018-19 - Flames de Calgary Défenseur 20 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 1 AIDE - 2 POINTS - 8 PIM - (-4) 6'2 205 lbs Repêché par les Nordiques de Québec (3/29) en 2017. " It appears Juuso Valimaki will sit a game with Travis Hamonic coming back from injury. Mark Giordano and Noah Hanifin are ahead of Valimaki on the left side but through Valimaki’s first nine games, the coach hasn’t sheltered his third-pairing minutes. He has been deployed for an average of 15 mins a night but has been slowly improving. He has had opportunities to show his composure, his fine skating, and his ability to get pucks through on net. Valimaki has a patented blue-line fake which has made many opponents bite. Valimaki has a fine future ahead of him but as long as Giordano and Hanifin healthy not much will change as far as minutes or PP time. What you’ve seen from these first nine games is what you’ll get, and thats just fine." - Joel Henderson, October 2018. Conor Timmins 2018-19 - Eagles du Colorado (AHL) Défenseur 0 MATCH - 0 BUT - 0 AIDE - 0 POINT - 0 PIM - (+0) 6'2 183 lbs Repêché par les Nordiques de Québec (4/44) en 2017. " Timmins has begun skating for the first time since suffering a
concussion earlier this year. There is still no timeline for his return,
as this is clearly a bad case." Cody Glass 2018-19 - Winterhawks de Portland (WHL) Centre 19 MATCHS - 7 BUTS - 32 AIDES - 39 POINTS - 8 PIM - (+9) 6'2 185 lbs Repêché par les Nordiques de Québec (1/5) en 2017. " In a not so surprising move, Vegas sent Cody Glass back to his WHL team, the Portland Winterhawks, as one of the last cuts in training camp. The Golden Knights are very solid at the centre position and they felt the extra year in development wouldn’t hinder Glass’ progression as a prospect. He went into this season with his typical work ethic, positive attitude, leadership, and has rattled off a remarkable 20 points in only eight games and has posted points in every game. Glass is a frontrunner to end up on one of Team Canada’s scoring lines at the World Junior Championship at the end of this year and could find a ‘C’ on his jersey after the final roster shakes out. The value that Glass brings to the upstart franchise made one of their top prospects, Nick Suzuki, expendable when they brought in Max Pacioretty to provide immediate help on the wing. " - Peter Harling, October 2018. Lawson Crouse 2018-19 - Coyotes de l'Arizona Ailier Gauche 18 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 0 AIDE - 3 POINTS - 26 PIM - (+3) 6'4 220 lbs Signé comment agent libre par les Canucks de Vancouver en 2018. Potentiel: 6/10 Probabilités d'atteindre la RMHL: 95% Classement: #76 (-11) chez les attaquants. " Crouse once again finds himself in the NHL and so far he’s been one of the Coyotes most-improved players this season. He’s been all over the lineup from the first to the fourth line, sometimes in the same game and scored the Coyotes first 5-on-5 goal of the season. He’ll never be a big scorer but in deeper fantasy leagues Crouse will be a valuable player as he’s second on the Coyotes in hits and also has a short-handed goal this campaign." - Keith Duggan, November 2018. Henrik Borgstrom
2018-19 - Thunderbirds de Springfield (AHL) Repêché par les North Stars du Minnesota (5/51) en 2017. " Henrik Borgström has signed his three-year entry level contract with the Florida Panthers. The Panthers are making a push for the playoffs, and Borgström is expected to make his NHL debut before the regular season is completed. " - Jokke Nevalainen, March 2018. Christian Djoos 2018-19 - Capitals de Wahsington Défenseur 19 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 3 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+4) 5'11 168 lbs Signé comme agent libre par les North Stars du Minnesota en 2018. " After being scratched in the first two games of the playoffs because he is a rookie and his head coach is Barry Trotz, Djoos was inserted into the line up and has not looked back. His patience and poise with the puck makes him look as though he has played in the NHL playoffs for years. He still looks to pass instead of shoot too often, but if he was given more offense time (and more time away from Brooks Orpik) his numbers would increase. He could be a sneaky add in 2018-19 if Carlson moves on to a new NHL team." - Pat Quinn, May 2018. Travis Dermott 2018-19 - Maple Leafs de Toronto Défenseur 18 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 3 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (-2) 5'11 196 lbs Repêché par les North Stars du Minnesota (7/75) en 2017. " As expected, Dermott locked down a spot on the NHL squad for the 2018-19
season. He stood out in game one, showing smooth zone exits and entries
and pushing play the right way. He won’t ever put up Rielly or Gardiner
level points, but he will chip in and surely see more ice time as the
season progresses. " Ian Mitchell 2018-19 - Pioneers de l'Université de Denver (NCAA) Défenseur 10 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 8 AIDES - 10 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+4) 5'11 173 lbs Repêché par les North Stars du Minnesota (14/166) en 2017. " Mitchell impressed at the prospect camp held in July. He was able to show off his elite level shooting and his developing physical play during the scrimmages and drills. Expectations are high for the 2017 second rounder, who will be entering his second season with the University of Denver in the fall." - Tony Carr, August 2018. Jake Bean 2018-19 - Checkers de Charlotte (AHL) Défenseur 18 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 6 AIDES - 8 POINTS - 16 PIM - (+5) 6'1 172 lbs Repêché par les North Stars du Minnesota (6/70) en 2017. " Bean didn’t take the dominant step forward in 2018 that Canes brass
would have hoped to have seen, but that doesn’t mean that it was a bad
year for Carolina’s top blueline prospect. He put in a solid year’s
work, splitting time between Calgary and Tri-City in the WHL and was a
mainstay for Canada’s gold medal winning World Juniors team in January.
Charlotte Checkers coach Mike Vellucci did a great job developing a
young team in 2017-18, and Bean will be one of his biggest tasks next
season. The intelligence and puck skills are there, but the young
defenseman still needs work without the puck and in one-on-one
situations. " Adam Boqvist
2018-19 - Knights de London (OHL) Repêché par les Rangers de New York (1/5) en 2018. " After something of a difficult season, Boqvist (almost) culminated his campaign on a high note. The dynamic defender displayed the entirety of his arsenal for Sweden at the U18 World Championships. He was a force on the backend for the Swedes, leading the attack, transitioning the puck and playing smart and forceful defense. He finished the tournament with three goals and six points in five games and one period. Unfortunately, a nasty collision and subsequent concussion forced him from the first period against Finland in the semi-finals and kept him out the remainder of the tournament. This is the second concussion of the season for Boqvist. Of the “consensus” top 10 players in this crop, the 17-year-old may possess the most risk. He’s an undersized defender who has struggled at times playing against stronger competition. However, his upside remains exceedingly high. You cannot teach his level of offensive intelligence, edgework, and cannon of a shot. His August birthday only fuels the potential as he’s so young for this crop. " - Cam Robinson, June 2018. Erik Brannstrom 2018-19 - Wolves de Chicago (AHL) Défenseur 14 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 9 AIDES - 12 POINTS - 10 PIM - (+4) 5'10 181 lbs Repêché par les Rangers de New York (2/24) en 2017. " Brannstrom is off to a stellar start to his first professional North American season and has found the scoresheet nine times in as many games for the Chicago Wolves (AHL). The dynamic puck-moving defenseman has used his high hockey IQ and hockey sense to jump atop the AHL rookie defensive scoring rankings and is now getting top power play minutes which could help to extend his lead. That is if he doesn’t get a call up to the Golden Knights’ organization if they run into injury woes on their back-end. The former fifteenth overall pick in the 2017 draft is a must own in all keeper leagues and could be a lock to control their power play once he becomes a mainstay in the NHL. He has all of the tools you want in a top prospect and the fact he’s making such a quick adjustment at the AHL level is only further justification that he’s going to carve out a long NHL career. " - Mason Black, November 2018. Michael Rasmussen 2018-19 - Red Wings de Detroit Centre 18 MATCHS - 5 BUTS - 2 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 8 PIM - (-1) 6'6 220 lbs Repêché par les Rangers de New York (3/25) en 2017. " Rasmussen is giving Detroit Red Wings fans plenty to be excited about. The big center continues to develop and play a dominating game for the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. He has shown steady improvement over his three-year junior career. Listed at 6-6 and 215 pounds, the 18-year-old is still growing. Rasmussen uses his long reach effectively in both the offensive and defensive zone. He skates well for a large player and uses his size and puck handling skill to gain control down low. He provides a big screen in front of the net. Rasmussen bangs in a lot of rebounds but also has a good and heavy shot. It’s possible he could develop into a top line center at the NHL level, but at this point projects more as a solid two-way second line center." - Mark Hillier, December 2017. Joseph Veleno 2018-19 - Voltigeurs de Drummondville (LHJMQ) Centre 20 MATCHS - 11 BUTS - 16 AIDES - 27 POINTS - 9 PIM - (+15) 6'1 192 lbs Repêché par les Rangers de New York (2/15) en 2018. " Veleno is the first player in QMJHL history to receive the exceptional status exemption and enter the league as a 15-year-old. Drafted first overall by Saint John in 2015 and in his rookie season delivered with 43 points in 62 games. Last year he was well insulated on a veteran and star laden team that won a QMJHL Championship. Injury limited Veleno to just 45 games in the regular season but his point production improved with 40 points in that time. Veleno was outstanding in the Memorial Cup posting three goals and four points in four games in a tournament typically dominated by 19, and 20-year-old super stars. In his draft year the Sea Dogs lost a lot of star power to graduation and Veleno has inherited the Captaincy. Despite the depleted roster he has produced 24 points in the first 25 games with just four goals. Veleno’s strongest asset could be his skating. He has breakaway speed and acceleration, excellent agility and edge work and is strong on his skates. More of a playmaker than sniper Veleno does a great job of distributing the puck using his vision, hockey sense and puck skills to set up teammates. Veleno has a good shot but needs to more selfish and take more shots. Veleno has good size and strength and while not a very aggressive player, he isn’t shy to fight for loose pucks and can win puck battles along the boards with his high compete level. " - Peter Harling, November 2017. Klim Kostin 2018-19 - Rampage de San Antonio (AHL) Ailier Gauche - Centre - Ailier Droit 18 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 4 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 18 PIM - (-6) 6'3 212 lbs Repêché par les Rangers de New York (4/48) en 2017. " Kostin continues to find his footing in the AHL, his first season in North America. The Russian has put up 22 points in 56 games, the vast majority being assists with 16. He’s spent periods of this season up and down the lineup from first line duties to the fourth line. Kostin doesn’t shy away from the physical play and battling for the puck along the boards. The forward has a hard shot but occasionally goes through spans of not using it enough. At just 18 the tools to be a great player are there but it’s going to take at least another full season in the AHL for a more complete game to form. Josh Epstein" - Josh Epstein, March 2018.
Brady Tkachuk
2018-19 - Sénateurs
d'Ottawa Repêché par les Red Wings de Detroit (1/6) en 2018. " After much debate over whether or not holding on to this year’s pick
was the right thing to do, thereby surrendering their 2019 first
rounder, Pierre Doirion stuck to his guns and selected Boston University
product Brady Tkachuk with the fourth overall selection. The American
put together a successful freshman campaign with the BU Terriers
finished fourth on the team in scoring with 31 points on the back of
eight goals and a team high 23 assists and tied for seventh in the NCAA
in freshman scoring. Tkachuk helped lead his squad to a Hockey East
conference championship and was also named to the conference All-Rookie
Team. Some fans might be wondering why Ottawa spent such a high pick on a
guy that scored eight goals. A couple of points on that; he fired a
freshman leading 131 shots on goal which suggests there might have been
some bad luck at play, and he’s much more of a set-up than a trigger
man. On the international stage he was a key cog in the USA contingent
at the 2018 WJHC in Buffalo where his three goals and nine points helped
the host country capture a bronze medal. The youngest Tkachuk is
already a load to handle for opposing defenders standing 6-03 and
tipping the scales at 196 pounds. Just think how hard he’ll be to
contain if he adds another 10-15 pounds. While there is rampant speculation that he returns to college for
2018-19, I fully expect the Senators to put on a full court press to get
him signed and into their lineup for opening night. He instantly
becomes the team’s top prospect, with top line upside and has the
potential to be a multi-cat fantasy owner’s dream. "
- Brad Phillips, June 2018. Kale Clague 2018-19 - Reign de Ontario (AHL) Défenseur 14 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 6 AIDES - 7 POINTS - 8 PIM - (-5) 6'0 176 lbs Repêché par les Red Wings de Detroit (5/55) en 2017. Potentiel: 8/10 Probabilités d'atteindre la RMHL: 75% Classement: #13 (-1) chez les défenseurs. " Clague really took it to another level in 2017-18. The highly mobile defenseman scored an impressive 71 points in 54 games between Brandon and Moose Jaw in 2017-18, which ranks him first among notable WHL defensemen with 1.31 points-per-game average and third with 0.46 power play assists per game. As he’ll need to work on his shot to make it to the NHL level, the 20-year-old should have no problem bringing his skating, vision and playmaking abilities to the Kings’ camp this upcoming fall. Wearing the “A” on the golden Canadian jersey at the last World Juniors, his leadership also has something to be looking for at the highest level. The sky looks pretty clear ahead for Clague when looking at the Kings’ blue line depth chart and there should be plenty of opportunities for him to make the opening night roster. Now, some playing time in the AHL wouldn’t be disappointing either as being a regular on the power play over guys like Drew Doughty, Jake Muzzin or Alec Martinez would be a bit of a stretch for 2018-19. Clague is definitely a strong option from mid to very deep fantasy leagues and interesting fantasy production could realistically start somewhere in 2019-20." - Carl Sinclair, June 2018. Drake Batherson 2018-19 - Sénateurs d'Ottawa Ailier Droit 3 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 3 AIDES - 5 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+2) 6'1 2018-19 - Senators de Belleville (AHL) 187 lbs 14 MATCHS - 7 BUTS - 13 AIDES - 20 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+2) Repêché par les Red Wings de Detroit (11/127) en 2017. " Between his fantastic 2017-18 QMJHL season and his performance on the world stage at the 2018 WJHC, there was some hope that The Drake might be able to step right into the NHL as early as this season. But alas, he with start his professional career in the AHL as he has been cut from training camp and sent to the Belleville Senators. It’s been a meteoric rise for Batherson over the past 12 months and should be given prime opportunity down on the farm and will be in the mix for a call up as the season progresses." - Brad Phillips, September 2018. Adam Fox 2018-19 - Crimson de l'Université Harvard (NCAA) Défenseur 7 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 12 AIDES - 15 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+4) 5'11 181 lbs Repêché par les Red Wings de Detroit (10/114) en 2017. " Fox was traded to Carolina along with Dougie Hamilton and Micheal Ferland (for Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin). Fox will find things more wide open in terms of the depth chart of his organization, and his future role as an offensive defenseman becomes more clear." - Joel Henderson, June 2018. Jordan Kyrou 2018-19 - Blues de St.Louis Centre - Ailier Droit 9 MATCHS - 0 BUTS - 1 AIDE - 1 POINT - 2 PIM - (-3) 6'0 2018-19 - Rampage de San Antonio (AHL) 174 lbs 8 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 2 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+1) Repêché par les Red Wings de Detroit (4/42) en 2017. " What can be said about Jordan Kyrou that already hasn’t? The 19-year-old has been completely dominant in the OHL this year. With 109 points in 56 games for the Sarnia Sting can Kyrou transition his game to pro ice? That was the question last year when Kyrou would look borderline uninterested for certain portions of a game. Fast forward to this season and he looks more focused and competitive as ever. He’s accomplished almost everything you can at the junior level, most recently the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy as the top producing right-winger in the OHL. Kyrou is ready for his next test, that being the AHL." - Josh Epstein, March 2018.
Miro Heiskanen
2018-19 - Stars
de Dallas Défenseur 21 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 6 AIDES - 8 POINTS - 6 PIM - (+0) 6'0 170 lbs Repêché par les Whalers de Hartford (2/16) en 2017. " At just 19 years of age, Miro has already earned a top-four role on a very skilled Dallas Stars team, as well as being one of two defensemen on the team’s powerplay units. He has impressed early with his smarts and ability to move the puck up the ice quickly and easily. These traits translate very well to the offensive side of his game which is an asset to the fantasy players among us. Even though the stats are not there at this point in the season, it is only a small sample size. His offensive instincts will eventually have him linking up with the Stars high-scoring forwards. Heiskanen should be a player to anchor the Dallas Stars defence corps and your fantasy team for many years to come. " - Nate Duffett, October 2018. Quinn Hughes 2018-19 - Wolverines de l'Université du Michigan (NCAA) Défenseur 11 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 10 AIDES - 13 POINTS - 6 PIM - (-5) 5'10 174 lbs Repêché par les Whalers de Hartford (1/3) en 2018. " Hughes returned to College for his sophomore campaign and is off to a
strong start. Despite playing through a nagging groin injury early on,
the dynamic defender is clipping away at a point-per-game through nine
contests. His skating has somehow reached another level and it affords
him and his teammates’ countless chances each game. This is a player who
could’ve been playing a sizable role in the NHL this year but chose to
build his strength and all-around game in college for one more season.
He and the Canucks will likely be all the better for it. Hughes will
shine at the upcoming World Junior tournament that just happens to be
hosted by Vancouver and Victoria. Expect a hero’s welcome from the fans.
All of the sudden Vancouver is a fun team to watch; one that can
apparently rack up some big goal totals. The glaring weakness is a
puck-moving, power play quarterback. Hughes is coming and will take that
role in short order. His upside remains sky-high." Jack Roslovic 2018-19 - Jets de Winnipeg Centre - Ailier Droit 18 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 2 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (+2) 6'1 187 lbs Repêché par les Whalers de Hartford (31/362) dans le repêchage inaugural en 2017. " Roslovic collected 49 points in 63 games between the AHL and NHL last season. He even found his way into the Jets’ Western Conference Final run where he played another 10 games and picked up three assists. " - Jamie Zadow, June 2018. Sam Steel 2018-19 - Ducks d'Anaheim Centre 13 MATCHS - 1 BUT - 2 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 4 PIM - (-3) 5'11 2018-19 - Gulls de San Diego (AHL) 185 lbs 5 MATCHS - 0 BUT - 3 AIDES - 3 POINTS - 2 PIM - (-3) Repêché par les Whalers de Hartford (3/33) en 2017. " After starting the year with the Ducks and playing 13 games, Steel has been sent to the AHL. Many of Anaheim’s top wingers have been hurt to start the year and Steel was stuck playing with depth wingers so don’t be wary of him only having three points. He was receiving almost 15 minutes a night, with two of those coming on the power play, so it’s best to have him develop and play in all situations for the time being. There is a bright future for Steel in the show, as he showed tons of poise with the puck and protected it very well, along with his vision and playmaking abilities. In leagues with face-off wins, he went 10-0 in a game against Vegas earlier in the year. No need to sell low, keep him stashed on your farm teams because when he comes back it will be with a bang. " - Lucas Main, November 2018. Jordan Greenway 2018-19 - Wild du Minnesota Ailier Gauche - Ailier Droit 20 MATCHS - 2 BUTS - 4 AIDES - 6 POINTS - 10 PIM - (-4) 6'6 2018-19 - Wild de l'Iowa (AHL) 227 lbs 2 MATCHS - 3 BUTS - 1 AIDE - 4 POINTS - 0 PIM - (+1) Repêché par les Whalers de Hartford (7/81) en 2017. " Greenway has done all the right things in camp and the preseason making the Wild’s opening day roster. Lots of ink has been spilled about the big-bodied power forward and deservingly so. Coach Boudreau mused moving Greenway from right wing to center early in camp and that’s exactly what happened. He has received a long look at center flanked by Joel Eriksson-Ek and Charlie Coyle during preseason action. The line showed great chemistry and that should continue into the season. The only hiccup to a permanent spot at center is his work in the dot, which needs to improve. Greenway has also been featured as the net front on the power play which should excite poolies. To stack on more praise, his size and strength has been drawing opposing team penalties at a good clip as well. All and all he’s a great own in dynasty leagues especially those that count hits. Power forwards are notorious for taking longer to peak and I don’t expect Jordan to be any different. That being said, he will get results early and often this season and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him flirt with 35 points or more. " - Tyler Matson, October 2018. |