NFHL Future’s

1981 Team Rankings

In this second issue, NFHL Future will take a look at each organization’s prospects. There is a slight change to our definition of prospect this issue. With the lowering of the draft age, prospects are now defined as players 22 and under, whether playing in the NFHL or NMFHL.

Prospects are given a rating that is a combination of the following two ratings:

POTENTIAL ABILITY

10 Hall of Fame material player 9 Elite player, Perennial All Star 8 Top 3 Forward/Top 2 Defenseman/#1 Goalie 7 Top 6 Forward/Top 4 Defenseman/Borderline #1 Goalie 6 Third Line Forward/3rd Pair Defenseman/Back up Goalie 5 Fourth Line Forward/7th Defenseman/Depth Goalie 4 Elite Minor League Forward/Defenseman/Goalie 3 Average Minor League Forward/Defenseman/Goalie 2 Below Average Minor League Forward/Defenseman/Goalie 1 Beer League or Retirement Looms

PROBABILITY OF REACHING DEVELOPMENT

A Has already reached projected development or certain to reach projected development. B Likely to reach projected development, though may drop one level. C Could reach projected development, though may drop up to 2 levels. D Unlikely to reach projected development and could drop up to 3 levels. E Little potential for reaching projected development.

With these ratings in mind, here are the team prospect rankings for the 1981 season. Click on a team to go directly to their page.

Team Rankings 1 California Golden Seals 7 13 18 2 Oilers 8 Rangers 14 19 Canadiens 3 St. Louis Blues 9 15 Jets 20 4 10 16 Canucks 21 Flames 5 11 17 22 Colorado Rockies 6 12

California Golden Seals

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects The California Golden Seals climb to the top of the prospect ratings thanks to already 1 Michel Goulet RW claiming two players starring in the NFHL as well as a sickening number of players coming down the pipe who will play significant Denis Savard C 2 roles on the team in the not-too-distant future. But really, you can’t 3 Michael Thelven D talk California prospects without starting with Michel Goulet. 4 Craig Hartsburg D Prospect is also taking the term very figuratively because Goulet is 5 James Patrick D only a prospect in terms of his age. Make no mistake, he has 6 Brian Mullen RW arrived. He is already a top 10 player in this league and is only going to get better. Two years in the league is early to stamp his 7 RW inclusion in the Hall of Fame, but there is no better candidate in 8 Dion Ciccarelli RW this report than him. He simply has every offensive skill that you 9 RW would want from a player. He is fast, strong on the puck, dazzling 10 Mike Ridley C puck skills, and possesses a laser shot. Really, the only thing lacking in his game is a back checking presence. In fact, he probably doesn’t even know what his own zone looks like. He is very bad defensively. But, he is very, very good offensively.

Forwards

Denis Savard looks to keep the Calder Trophy in California as he Left Wing Centre Right Wing has exploded on to the scene in the Doug Lecuyer 6B Denis Savard 9A Michel Goulet 10B NFHL. Smaller than Goulet, Savard Doug Sulliman 7C Brian Mullen 8C adds intensity and feistiness to his Mike Ridley 7C Tony Tanti 7B game that often gets him in trouble. 7C Dino Ciccarelli 7B However, when not resting in the sin bin, Savard is also a master of the 6B Brent Ashton 7B puck. He has terrific puck skills and Dan Frawley 6B Vladimir Krutov 6C a deceiving shot. This tandem could go down as the deadliest duo since Smith and Wesson joined forces. While those two star in the NFHL, the farm team has talent bursting, too. While certainly not as high end as Goulet and Savard, there are players will become fixtures in the top six. Brian Mullen will certainly be one. Mullen does everything well. There isn’t one aspect of his game that you can say he is great at. But you can’t really find anything wrong with any part, either. He is that type that will work perfectly on the top line to balance against purely offensive players, providing some stability and presence in a back checking role. The right side is actually crowded with talent after Mullen. Tony Tanti, Dino Ciccarelli, and Brent Ashton all have top six make up, though obviously one or more will need to move to the opposite wing, where there is little in the pipe, to get regular playing time. Ciccarelli and Ashton are 21 now, so they have a smaller window to make it, but both have a decent shot. While Ciccarelli is faster and stronger, Ashton is better with the puck and plays a good defensive game. Tanti is 3 years younger and may be the best shooter of the farmers, but his discipline issues catch up to him and limit his playing time. He also needs to bulk up a bit to be effective. Down the middle, Doug Sulliman, Mike Ridley, and John Chabot have top six potential as well, though there are enough blemishes in their game to fear they may not reach it. Ridley, the youngest of the trio, has the best shot to make it, possessing offensive skills that will translate well in the big leagues. He never seems to really try, though, especially defensively. His booming shot, though, will eventually be his ticket to the show.

Seals Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 1st Prospects Ranked: 21 Average Score: 7.00 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 2nd Defense

The blue line is ridiculous. Michael Thelven is already playing in the NFHL and

Defense projects to be a top pairing guy. Quick with his stick and with a high hockey IQ, Michael Thelven 8B Thelven needs to get a bit stronger still, but at just 20, he has time. Craig Hartsburg Craig Hartsburg 8B and James Patrick also project to be top pairing guys while they still ply their trade James Patrick 8B on the farm. Hartsburg looks to be a top offensive player, but he is also a mean son Dean Turner 7C of a gun. He likes to get physical and has the strength to be effective and the speed Paul Reinhart 6C to make up for it when he is not effective. Patrick is a little more docile, but very Reijo Ruotsalainen 6C sound defensively and will provide some offense. Each looks like they will be spending another year in the NMFHL, but when they arrive, along with Thelven, 6C they will give the Seals version 2.0 of the big 3, after Gusev, Lapoint, and Savard are all gone.

Goaltending

The goaltending situation is basically non-existent, though they do have Doug Soetaert up on the big team, which will give them time to work on Darrel May. May will likely never Goaltending reach NFHL potential, but will most likely be anchoring the NMFHL powerhouse Portland Darrell May 5B team until the next hot shot prospect comes along.

Edmonton Oilers

Top Prospect Top Ten Last year’s top ranked prospect system, the , fall just short of the title this Prospects year. The team addressed two of the weaknesses we noted in their system last year, that being offensive defensemen and too many 1 Jari Kurri RW prospects to develop. With trades to bring in veterans Brad 2 Steve Larmer LW Selwood, Ken Dryden, and , the Oilers lost five 3 Al MacInnis D prospects, though only 2 of their top 15. While they no longer have 4 Laurie Boschman C the sheer numbers of prospects as last year, partly due to of our 5 Peter Andersson D lowering of the age of eligibility as well as recent trades, they still boast a plethora of future NFHL stars. Their top prospect is Jari 6 Don Beaupre G Kurri. Kurri, hurt by criticism of his play last season that saw many 7 D question his #1 overall draft status, has come back to the NMFHL 8 Rick Wamsley G and is among the leaders in goals and points, while now projecting to be a very special 9 Gerard Gallant LW player. He has a good shot, great puck management skills and is a great skater. His 10 C defensive awareness isn’t great, but it can be glossed over if he can produce like it appears he can.

Forwards

Up front, the Oilers have incredible Left Wing Centre Right Wing top line talent, though they do suffer Steve Larmer 9B Laurie Boschman 8B Jari Kurri 9A from a lack of depth now. Steve Gerard Gallant 7B Dale Hunter 7B Tim Kerr 7C Larmer leads the way on the left 6C Bobby Carpenter 7C Dave Hannan 6C wing. Larmer doesn’t have the Carey Wilson 6B offensive skills of Kurri, his shot is fairly weak, but he is very good back checking, has a nose for the puck, and won’t back down in the corners. He is also better with the puck than Kurri, so his offense will come, but he will be a set up guy more than a scorer. The same can be said for center Laurie Boschman. He has pro-ready passing and stick handling skills, but has a very weak shot. But, like Larmer, he is intense and strong, likes to play it a bit rough. With these two on a line, Kurri could score in buckets just by standing in the slot and letting those two feed him saucers he can blast away at. Tim Kerr and Gerard Gallant make up secondary scoring on the wings. Both players are big and tough, but they can each score as well. They could make up 2nd line wingers, though they would also fit in nicely on the third wing as bangers and crashers who can score. Neither is within a couple of years of promotion, though, so that time period will determine how far they can develop.

Defense

Edmonton’s biggest off season moves to address their weaknesses happened at the draft table when they brought in defensemen Al MacInnis and Chris Chelios. These young blue liners provide the offense that was missing from the system, while also being solid defensively.

Oilers Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 2nd Prospects Ranked: 17 Average Score: 7.41 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 1st

They are still a couple seasons from making the big club, but, combined with last year’s Defense #1 prospect, Doug Wilson, and Peter Andersson, the Oilers will have a top four that Al MacInnis 9C will be comparable to any in the league. With potential 3rd pairing blue liners like Craig Chris Chelios 8B Muni and Tom Kurvers, the blue line is a big strength. Peter Andersson 8B Craig Muni 7B Tom Kurvers 6C

Goaltending

Goaltending is also rock solid. While Dryden will have the helm for a couple seasons, Don Beaupre and Rick Wamsley are both chomping at the bit to get in action. Both have #1 goalie potential, but with only one spot available, one has to think one or the other will be dealt at one . Fortunately, there is no Don Beaupre 8B rush for management and they can let them battle for ice time over the next season and keep Rick Wamsley 8C the one that shows the most promise.

St. Louis Blues

Top Prospect Top Ten It’s been a long, tough road for the Blues, but it won’t be long before Prospects they are competitive in the Campbell Conference. While they don’t 1 Kelly Hrudey G have any superstars coming down the pipe, they do have a lot of 2 Igor Larionov C quality talent. All that is needed is some patience. And they need it Viacheslav in the most important position, . Kelly Hrudey will be there 3 D Fetisov solution in net, it just won’t be for a season or two. Hrudey has the 4 Kjell Dahlin RW rough skills needed to be a #1 goalie, but still needs some refinement 5 Risto Siltanen D in his game. He is very quick, but needs work on rebound control and getting around in net. Learning to keep calm will only help. If 6 C he can hone these skills, the Blues will have the goalie they have 7 Dave Christian RW seemingly been looking for since they had Ken Dryden. 8 Bruce Driver D Normand 9 RW Forwards Leveille 10 Jerome Dupont D The top forward prospect is Igor Larionov, who is already playing with the parent club. He has terrific vision and is a master of the puck with an underrated shot. He’s not big and can get pushed around, but he never backs down. He is a very good skater. Ken Linseman plays behind him and could develop into a nice complement to him on the second line. Feisty and quick, Linseman also has good passing ability, but he suffers in his own end. Adding a few extra pounds Left Wing Centre Right Wing would help. The right wing is also Mike McPhee 6B Igor Larionov 8B Kjell Dahlin 8C promising, led by Kjell Dahlin. Dahlin Evgeny Shtepa 6B Ken Linseman 7C Normand Leveille 7C has one of the best shots among those just drafted and may turn out to be a Aaron Broten 6C Dave Christian 7C steal. He is fast and makes plays at high Greg Gilbert 6C speed. However, like many young Europeans coming over, he needs to get more aggressive, put a little more passion into his game. It seems like he only wants to play when he feels like it and he never seems to feel like back checking. But his offensive potential projects him to be a top liner. Dave Christian and Normand Leveille are in the mix for top six minutes. Christian is a pure sniper, while Leveille, 4 years younger, looks to be more play maker. The left side isn’t as strong, though. Mike McPhee and Evegeny Shtepa could develop into 3rd liners. Shtepa has the better offensive instincts but there are certainly concerns he isn’t big enough to play in North America. Aaron Broten and Greg Gilbert could also make it on to the team, but as defensive role players at best as neither has shown the ability to put the puck in the net.

Defense

On the blue line, they boast one of the soundest defensive defenseman in the game in Viacheslav Fetisov already playing in St. Louis. Fetisov has uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, but there is still ways he can improve his game. He needs to get a bit stronger and work on his skating, but at just 22, there is still time for improvement. He looks like a lock to be a top pairing shut down defenseman.

Blues Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 3rd Prospects Ranked: 18 Average Score: 6.72 th Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 4

A trio of blue liners playing on the farm all have the ability to be in the top four mix as Defense well, though they have varying degrees of concern in their game that could prevent that Viacheslav Fetisov 8B from happening. Risto Siltanen appears the safest bet, though he is also the oldest at 22. Risto Siltanen 7B Not the strongest or most intense player, Siltanen plays a subtle game dependent more upon using his skating and stick to get him out of trouble. He has sound offensive Bruce Driver 7C instincts, as well. Bruce Driver is solid in all areas, but doesn’t stand out in any. This, Jerome Dupont 7D depending on your view, could mean he is developing nice and even, or for the more Rick Lanz 6C pessimistic, means he has work to do in all areas. The answer is probably some where in Gaston Therrion 6C the middle. Jerome Dupont is the riskiest of the three. He is only 19 and possesses some 5B very good offensive skills and is a decent skater. However, defensively he is a mess. If he can work his defensive prowess up to even average levels, his offensive skill can carry him to a top four role. Without it, though, he will have a tough time cracking the lineup as anything more than a power play specialist. Rick Lanz, Gaston Therrion, and Lee Norwood all have chances at bottom pairing time. The forward ranks will get a boost when the influx of talent arrives in the next few seasons.

Goaltending: is just 22 and looks like he can act as an average back up, though he could also end up being a career minor-leaguer.

Goaltender Kelly Hrudey 8B Doug Keans 6C

Pittsburgh Penguins

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects The Pittsburgh Penguins’ blue line looks to be set for years to come with the 1 D prospects they have coming down the pipeline. They are led 2 Charlie Huddy D by Dave Babych, who is already logging minutes in the Sergei Makarov C NFHL. Tough, intense, and with some solid offensive 3 instincts, Babych is the type of blue liner every team with 4 LW championship aspirations needs. 5 Tom Fergus C 6 Steve Smith D Forwards 7 Kevin Lowe D 8 Ryan Walter C The Penguins have strength down the middle, with Sergei 9 G Makarov already leading the way on the big club. Ranked Craig MacTavish C #7 in last year’s organizational rankings, Makarov, as predicted, made the jump to the 10 NFHL, where his speed and sniping ability have already paid dividends. The next couple seasons will see the arrival of the likes of Tom Fergus and Ryan Walter, giving the team a lot of options. Fergus looks to be the best bet to become a #1 centre, though there is no superstar in the making here. Just solid 2-way players. Walter looks like he could become a very good defensive forward who can chip in offensively. A terrific 3rd line pivot who can fill in on the top six when required. There is a less promise on the wings, however. John Ogrodnick could be in Pittsburgh next year if he can work on his shot and intensity. He has the speed and strength to be a solid scorer at that level with a little work. The same can’t be said for the others. and Steve Payne will need to develop niche roles to fill to move up. Payne has some decent puck moving skills and the strength to work along the boards well, while Hunter has speed enough to allow Left Wing Centre Right Wing him to be good in a defensive role. Mark John Ogrodnick 7C Sergei Makarov 7C 6D Hunter is the only prospect on the right Dave Hunter 6C Tom Fergus 7C side and has a good shot. But there are Steve Payne 6D Ryan Walter 6B simply too many warning signs that his 5C Craig MacTavish 6C discipline problems, combined with his injury concerns, will derail his progress. 5C

Defense

As mentioned, the blue line also looks set. Dave Babych is already playing with the Penguins, Defense while the baby Pens have a trio in Steve Smith, Kevin Lowe, and Charlie Huddy, all of whom Dave Babych 8B provide size and strength. Huddy may be the best offensive blue liner of the bunch, arguably Charlie Huddy 7B better than Babych, though he has 2 years of development on Babych. Kevin Lowe is the same Steve Smith 7C age as Huddy, both are 22, but isn’t quite as developed. That being said, there is no reason both of them won’t develop into top 4 blue liners. Young Steve Smith also holds promise, though Kevin Lowe 7C his discipline issues will hamper him.

Goaltending Defense In net, graduated and gives the Pens luxury in their ability to groom John Vanbiesbrouck 6C recently drafted John Vanbiesbrouck slowly.

Penguins Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 4th Prospects Ranked: 15 Average Score: 6.40 th Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 5 DDeettrrooiitt RReedd WWiinnggss

Top Prospect Top Ten With Glenn Anderson, the Red Wings have one of the best young Prospects players in the game. Fresh off a 38 goal season, Anderson has 1 Glenn Anderson LW developed into a star. He is lightning quick, strong, has a sneaky, 2 Curt Giles D yet powerful shot, and a burning desire to get to the net and not let 3 Paul Boutilier D anyone stop him. He is already and All-Star and he could become 4 Ric Natress D one of the best snipers ever.

5 C 6 Rik Wilson D Forwards

7 Doug Crossman D Outside of Anderson, though, the forward ranks lack depth. Barry 8 Steve Tambellini RW Pederson is a question mark. He has the puck movement skills, is blazing fast, and likes to 9 Paul MacDermid RW bang bodies. Yet, he can’t shoot the puck and is very poor in his own end. So much 10 Alan Haworth LW potential, but so many big weaknesses. He could become a top six forward or he may never see the NFHL. One of the biggest mysteries in the league. Alan Haworth is the only prospect left winger in the organization not playing in the NFHL. Also weak in his own end, Haworth needs to work on his shot and play away from the puck. The other ingredients are there, though. The same can be said of Steve Tambellini, Paul MacDermid, and Mike Moller. Tambellini has some decent offensive instincts, but his lack of intensity and willingness to fight for his space leaves a lot to be desired. MacDermid and Moller are still in their teens, so there is time for improvement. MacDermid Left Wing Centre Right Wing has shown himself to be average in all areas of Glenn Anderson 9B Barry Pederson 7D Steve Tambellini 6B the game. Nothing stands out, but there is Alan Haworth 6C Paul MacDermid 6B nothing glaring, either, other than what every Mike Moller 6D teen needs to be able to play in the NFHL, to bulk up. Moller doesn’t have the offensive chops to be in the top 6 of a team, but he is solid in his own end and is simply scary strong.

Defense

The Wings recognized their weakness at defense and did a bit to address it this season. There Defense was no lack of bodies, just a lack of defensive responsibility. Curt Giles looks to be a solid Curt Giles 7B contributor, but actually looks like he will have a higher ceiling than previously thought. Giles Paul Boutilier 7B has very good offensive instincts and has shown the ability to be a very good defensive Ric Natress 7C defenseman. With the addition of Paul Boutilier and Larry Trader, the Wings have a couple of players who at least know their own end. Ric Natress and Rik Wilson are both young and lots of Rik Wilson 7D time to develop, but both look promising. Natress has the benefit of extra bulk and a nasty Doug Crossman 6B disposition, which will certainly help his chances. They do have similar offensive capabilities Valeri Shiryaev 6C and decent shots, along with solid defensive play. There are a couple of prospects who are more Larry Trader 5B offensively bent in Doug Crossman and Valeri Shiryaev. Neither is a lock to make the pro club, but if they ever need a little dose of offense, either could be called up for at least short periods of play. Crossman’s problem is his poor decision making in his own zone often leads to goals or at least gold star chances. He simply needs to be smarter in his own zone. Shiryaev is better in his own zone, but needs to get bigger.

Red Wings Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 5th Prospects Ranked: 13 Average Score: 6.54 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 12th Goaltending

The Wings graduated 3 goalies out of this review from last year, so looking to develop another young goalie should be tops on their scouts list. The three that were on the list last year weren’t going to be franchise saviours by any stretch.

Buffalo Sabres

Top Prospect Top Ten After shocking the NFHL world by surging to their first Wales Conference regular season championship in 1980, they were equally Prospects surprised by following up their terrific regular season performance by 1 G being dispatched in 4 straight games by the #8 seeded Pittsburgh 2 Anton Stastny C Penguins. That seemed to be enough for management to call for a Brad 3 D massive organizational rebuild. Gone are stars Valery Kharlamov, Ken McCrimmon Dryden, Ulf Nilsson, and Lee Fogolin. The returns on these players 4 Keith Brown D certainly stocked the cupboards in Buffalo and give them hope for the 5 Steve Konroyd D future. There are no superstars developing, but certainly some players Kevin who will be key for Buffalo’s future. Goalie Pat Riggin is the most 6 RW McClelland anticipated prospect as he attempts to replace a legend like Ken Dryden. He has already ascended to the NFHL and is getting regular duty, but it is a tough learning curve. He has 7 Curt Fraser LW Gaetan lightning fast reflexes, though, and moves around the net well. Conditioning, mental and 8 C physical, will help his development, but he has all the skills necessary to be a #1 goalie in Duchesne this league. 9 Glenn Healy G 10 Keith Acton RW Forwards

Up front, another newcomer, Anton Stastny, has the best chance at making an impact in Buffalo. Already possessing elite level passing ability, Stastny needs to work on his shooting to become a true offensive force. His play away from the puck also leaves more to be desired, but he is Buffalo’s #1 centre in the making. A trio of forwards will join Stastny on the parent club in the near future. Curt Fraser is already there, actually, though he could benefit from more time in the minors. He has good speed and great passing, while also strong enough to make his Left Wing Centre Right Wing presence known around the net. Curt Fraser 7C Anton Stastny 8C Kevin McClelland 7C Unfortunately, he has discipline Perry Anderson 6C Gaetan Duchesne 7C Keith Acton 6C issues and is completely inept Dave Hindmarch 5C Ron Carter 6C in his own end. These things Jody Gage 4C 4C can be worked on, though, and Fraser does project to be in their top six, top nine at worst. Kevin McClelland and Gaetan Duchesne should also be in the mix in the top six forwards one day. McClelland is clearly the better offensive player, arguably the best offensive prospect in the organization, but is hampered by continued undisciplined play. He also suffers from a lack of intensity and needs to learn to bring it every night. The speedy Duchesne needs to bulk up, but is well developed in all areas. Keith Action is already seeing action in the NFHL, but his diminutive size and lack of offensive skills mean he will have to settle for fighting for time on the bottom two lines with the likes of Perry Anderson and Ron Carter.

Sabres Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 6th Prospects Ranked: 19 Average Score: 6.11 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 13th

Defense

Helping their development is a group of defensemen who should grow together as a group. Brad McCrimmon and Keith Brown appear to have the biggest upside. Both are already Defense playing in Buffalo with Riggin and learning the ropes the hard way. Brown is a solid Brad McCrimmon 7B offensive defenseman with the ability to get the puck to the net or find an open man. He is Keith Brown 7B able to make that first pass out of the zone, too, which makes him underrated defensively. Steve Konroyd 7C McCrimmon has a little offense to his game, but defense is where he shines. Not the Joel Quenneville 7C toughest customer out there, McCrimmon uses his body to get in the right position, though he won’t get pushed around either. Both should be in Buffalo’s top four for years. Steve Behn Wilson 6C Konroyd and Joel Quenneville could also be battling for top 4 positions, Quenneville 5B especially. Similar to McCrimmon, Quenneville has great hockey IQ in getting in position Lowell Loveday 3B defensively, but is actually better offensively. He needs to get stronger, though. Konroyd, just 20, is more offensive, but has the speed and strength needed to be a force on the defensive side, too. He should learn lots in that respect playing with the likes of Quenneville and/or McCrimmon. Behn Wilson and Gilbert Delorme will also be fighting for time on the bottom pairing, though each looks to be more a 7th defenseman or emergency call up material.

Goaltending

Goaltending Along with young Pat Riggin, The Capitals also have his future back up in Glenn Healy. Healy doesn’t have enough to be a starter in this league, but he will be able to get the spot Pat Riggin 8B start and give Riggin some rest when required. Glenn Healy 6B

Los Angeles Kings

Top Prospect Top Eight Prospects What was already a thin prospect group in Los Angeles was cut in half over a season. 1 Troy Murray C Granted, lowering the eligibility for this article played a part, as did inevitable aging. However, with the recent announcement of plans to Mats Naslund C 2 rebuild and the acquisition of a couple strong prospects, Los Angeles 3 Mark Hardy D does have some things to look forward to. Acquired from Toronto in 4 Paul MacLean C the deal that sent the other way, Troy Murray is a 5 Doug Lidster D defensive forward, though with decent enough offensive skills to 6 Igor Stelnov D make him dangerous. He won’t light the scoreboards on fire, but he has the potential to be a great 2-way centre on one of the top two Lou RW 7 Franceschetti lines.

8 RW

Forwards

Another player acquired in the Kings’ purge, Mats Naslund, acquired in the Left Wing Centre Right Wing Marcel Dionne deal, was the top prospect Troy Murray 8C Lou Franceschetti 5B in Chicago, though this jewel isn’t Mats Naslund 7B Dan Geoffrion 5C shining quite as bright as last year. Paul MacLean 7C Naslund’s development seems to have stalled. While he is still a sure-fire major leaguer, his ceiling looks to be a top six position rather than the top line forward we pegged him at last year. Obviously that can change as there is just no escaping his wizardry with the puck. He can make it dance and he can do it at high speed. Naslund simply hasn’t developed a good enough shot to make him an overall threat, and he still lacks presence in his own end. He just doesn’t score enough to make up for his defensive lapses. However, that could make him a great complement to Troy Murray. Paul MacLean had a good off season and now looks like he will make the big club. He isn’t a superstar in the making, but more of an overall, steady player. He has decent puck skills, knows his way around his end of the ice, and uses his size and strength well. Dan Geoffrion has developed a good shot, but he needs to work on his skating, while Franceschetti has almost the exact opposite problem.

Defense: All of the Kings’ defensive prospects, Doug Lidster, Mark Hardy, and Igor Stelnov, have come recently via big deals with Chicago, Toronto, and Detroit. Hardy is the most likely to make a move to the parent Defense club as he possesses competent all around play, while Lidster won’t be far behind with his strong Mark Hardy 7B defensive zone play and a mean disposition and even a little offensive flair. At 21, we would have Doug Lidster 6B liked to have seen a little more development from Lidster, but he has the look of a third pairing blue liner in the not too distant future. He has a good stick, too, so he could see some time on the Igor Stelnov 6C PK units. Stelnov won’t offer any offense, but is tough, likes to hit, and plays a solid enough defensive game.

Goaltending: Goaltending seems to have been an issue in Los Angeles for most of its history. With no prospect goalies on the horizon, it will be imperative that they continue to develop Rick St. Croix, but they will still need to address this weakness in the near future.

Kings Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 7th Prospects Ranked: 8 Average Score: 6.38 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 22nd

New York Rangers

Top Prospect Top Ten The Rangers are in for a few years of pain. While management strips the parent club of talent in their rebuilding attempt, their prospect Prospects pool isn’t very deep. Fans may want to get used to losing streaks like 1 C the 12-game losing streak they experienced earlier this season. Take 2 Grant Fuhr G away Mark Messier and the Rangers’ prospect pool is shallow. 3 Ilya Byakin D Messier is the complete package, combining speed, grit, toughness, passing ability, a wicked wrist shot, and surprising leadership ability 4 Michel Galarneau D for a 20-year old. He is a franchise cornerstone that you build around. 5 Andy Brickley LW Or, as the Rangers seem to be doing, build behind. 6 Greg C. Adams C 7 Len Hachborn RW Forwards 8 Randy Wood LW

9 Keven LaVallee LW Andy Brickley is the top winger prospect since graduated. We don’t think his 10 Corrado Micalef G top end is as high as it once was, but he has become more consistent and he should at worst become a 13th forward or frequent injury call up. Kevin LaVallee has the intensity and strength to be a significant energy player on the team, but his lack of Left Wing Centre Right Wing finish and lapses in defensive Andy Brickley 6B Mark Messier 10B Len Hachborn 6C awareness limit how high he can Randy Wood 6C Greg C. Adams 6C Steve Ludzik 4C really go. Randy Wood has similar Kevin LaVallee 6C Tim Tookey 3C Jimmy Mann 3C issues, though isn’t quite as intense or strong. And the other wingers aren’t as advanced as that. New York has to make forwards an area of concentration as they rebuild. They need to surround Messier with some talent. He simply can’t do it on his own, though you know he wants to!

Defense

The blue line has a couple of prospects who look like they could become 3rd pairing defenders. Ilya Byakin was just drafted and has a solid skill set, but won’t wow you with Defense anything. Michel Galarneau has developed to the point where making the Rangers isn’t a Ilya Byakin 7C long-shot anymore. He plays a solid defensive game with adequate offensive potential. Michel Galarneau 7C Glen Cochrane 4B Goaltending

Goaltending Management did address a glaring need for a goalie by drafting Grant Fuhr this year and he Grant Fuhr 8B has all the talent to become a #1 goalie for the team. Just that it won’t be for another 3-4 Corrado Micalef 6C years. Mark Messier, of course, will still only be 23 or 24 by that time and will keep adding to his potential Hall of Fame career. Corrado Micalef will struggle to have any significant time in the NFHL. He doesn’t move well in the net and has poor rebound control, instead relying purely on his reflexes, which are just average anyways. Some intensive work in the minors over the next 4 or 5 years might improve him to the point he could be an adequate back up to Fuhr.

Rangers Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 8th Prospects Ranked: 14 Average Score: 6.14 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 8th

Boston Bruins

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects 1 G Not a lot of change from last year’s prospect list and, for the Bruins, that is mostly a 2 Brian Propp LW good thing. Bob Froese may be the biggest hope on the farm for a 3 Mike Foligno RW long and stellar career in the NFHL. And there is a lot of pressure on the man who was traded for All-Star . This will 4 Bengt Gustafsson C undoubtedly be his last year in the NMFHL. There is simply 5 Keith Crowder RW nothing left for him to learn at this level and he should make the 6 Fred Boimistruck D jump to the NFHL next year, at least as a back up. Look for 7 Timo Blomqvist D regular #1 duty for the Bruins no later than 1983. 8 C 9 Hakan Loob C Forwards

10 Wayne Babych LW Right at the top of their list are two players who are already making their mark in the NFHL. Mike Foligno is a grizzled veteran compared to Brian Propp, but the two of them are ready to form one of the better combos in the NFHL for the next decade. They are both fast, strong, and play with a high degree of intensity that does get the attention of the refs too often. Propp is blessed with a little higher-end skill when it comes to moving the puck, but Foligno has the superior shot. Both will be stars in this league. The farm team has a few players management will be keeping an eye on and have at least one player from almost every position that they can expect to make the jump to the big club in the near future. Bengt Gustafsson continues to develop into a solid 2-way forward and with his speed, he should be a great PK asset soon enough. Doug Shedden and Hakan Loob also look Left Wing Centre Right Wing like they could become NFHLers, though Loob’s shine has begun to fade a little as Brian Propp 7B Mike Foligno 7B Keith Crowder 7C he hasn’t quite developed as hoped. Wayne Babych 6C Bengt Gustafsson 7C Brad Smith 5C Shedden’s big shot, though, will keep him Brad Palmer 5B Doug Shedden 6B in the mix when spots on the big club Mike Gillis 3B Hakan Loob 6C open up. There are a couple of wingers with promise in Wayne Babych and, especially Keith Crowder. Management should be looking forward the most to Crowder’s ascension as he possesses the sheer nastiness, along with the ability to back it up, combined with enough skill to become a fearsome power forward. Babych has similar offensive instincts, but without the grit to his game.

Defense

Timo Blomqvist and Fred Boimistruck have potential, but there is no top four blue liner Defense in their system. There is hope Boimistruck can harness his energy and realize his Fred Boimistruck 7C potential has a puck mover, but does tend to let his emotions get the better of him. Blomqvist uses his speed to break up the passing lanes and has a good first pass, but Timo Blomqvist 6B th Ed Hospodar 5C seems to lack that extra gear. Ed Hospodar looks like he will solely be a 7 defenseman or injury call up when a stay at home defenseman is required. He is big, strong, and intense, but while he has a big shot, he has no offensive creativity. The puck usually dies with him unless he has lumbered himself to an area he can actually get his shot off from.

Bruins Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 9th Prospects Ranked: 15 Average Score: 6.07 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 9th

Goaltending

Goaltending Despite a great junior career, Penney isn’t looked at as someone who will take the reigns in Boston. And he won’t be expected to with Froese ahead of him. He has average Bob Froese 8B speed and quickness and will also need to develop his mental approach to the game if he Steve Penney 6C wants to see the NFHL as a back up.

Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs

Top Prospect Top Ten Recent draftee is their best prospect, a sure-fire All-Star caliber centre who Prospects already possesses very good puck distribution skills, good speed, and aggressiveness. 1 Ron Francis C He needs work on his shot and, like most junior age players, will require time to develop a defensive game. But he is about as close 2 G to a sure-thing top line forward as there is. 3 Rick Vaive RW 4 Sean McKenna RW Forwards 5 LW 6 Andy Schliebener D Their forward ranks also have some players who will push for time 7 Marty McSorley D with the big club eventually. The wings should see a few players graduate to the big club and offer a variety of talents for coaches to 8 Al Secord LW work with. Rick Vaive can provide some scoring punch, Brent 9 RW Sutter will chip in offensively, while he uses his speed and strength to pester the 10 Dave Feamster D opposition to cough up the puck, and Sean McKenna will be the defensive heart, using his big frame to crash and bang, while also having relatively soft hands. All three have the potential to be top six forwards, though Sutter’s skill set may be better suited for the 3rd line. And as with any prospect, they may never develop how management would like. Al Secord offers an intriguing mix that management will Left Wing Centre Right Wing certainly hope can develop properly. He is Brent Sutter 7C Ron Francis 9B Rick Vaive 7B big, tough, and mean. He likes to hurt Al Secord 6C Paul Guay 4C Sean McKenna 7B people, but he also has a very good shot. He Claude Loiselle 5C Dirk Graham 6C obviously has a lot of work to do on his skating and play away from the puck, but management likes the upside of this type of player. Dirk Graham is another such player, though his strength lies in his defensive game. He is a much better skater and can move the puck better, but he has a weak shot.

Defense

The blue line offers another couple of players who fans could see in top four roles, though their future is a little cloudier than the forwards. The likes of Andy Schliebener Defense has the talent to be top four defensemen, but still has holes enough in his game that he Andy Schliebener 7C may never be more than depth player. Marty McSorley has the toughness you want Marty McSorley 6B from a blue liner, but he goes overboard too often. Dave Feamster is solid all around, Dave Feamster 6C but may not have developed enough to be in the team’s long range vision at 22 already. Bob McGill 4B

Goaltending

The Maple Leafs have done a masterful job of remaining an annual SMJ Cup threat while also bringing in prospects to develop and replenish their ranks. And they are developing them well. While there is some uneasiness as to how a couple of their prized prospects are developing, it is clear that their high-end capabilities are increasing.

Maple Leafs Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 10th Prospects Ranked: 15 Average Score: 6.07 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 6th

It will be up to the player to determine if he meets them. Goalie Andy Moog is a prime Goaltending example of this. Last year we were saying he would become a #1 in time but cautioned Andy Moog 8C that by saying he may only develop into a top flight back up goalie. While that remains Peter Sidorkiewicz 5B true in our estimation, we now think he could develop into an elite, All-Star goalie at the Greg Stefan 4C high end. Fortunately for the Leafs, they have time to develop him and find out. Unfortunately, though, he isn’t going to be pushed by anyone as Peter Sidorkiewicz and Greg Stefan are career minor leaguers, and their careers may not last long.

Washington Capitals

Top Ten Prospects Top Prospect 1 Adam Oates C The Washington Capitals have been a surprise at the pro level, Larry Murphy D 2 exceeding everyone’s expectations. But they better start 3 Alexei Kasatonov D getting used to seeing them up there as they already have 3 4 Bobby Smith LW “prospects” playing at the pro level and they still don’t have 5 Guy Carbonneau C their top prospect there, yet. Their top prospect is last year’s 6 Stewart Gavin LW first round pick, Adam Oates. Oates could have probably played in Washington this year, but management decided to Bob Parent G 7 give him the extra time to develop in the NJFHL. But there is 8 Pat Conacher C no question Oates already possesses elite level passing skills. 9 Merlin Malinowski LW He also shows a surprising amount of grit in his game and is 10 Larry Playfair D solid in his own end. He won’t blow anyone away with his shot, but it is good enough to ensure goalies can’t cheat too much. Oates will always be a pass-first player, he is just too good at that.

Forwards

One of the three prospects Left Wing Centre Right Wing already earning their stripes in Bobby Smith 8B Adam Oates 9B Dean Hopkins 5C the NFHL, Bobby Smith is is Stewart Gavin 6C Guy Carbonneau 6B showing he belongs with a Merlin Malinowski 6D Pat Conacher 6D terrific offensive game. He is big and fast and uses it to get Gilles Hamel 5C himself into position to unleash Bill Gardner 5C a powerful shot. Or dish it to Greg Terrion 3B someone else as he has shown to be very generous with the puck. Management would like to have seen a little more development on his defensive game as at 22, he is still a liability. But at 22, he still has time to learn and develop. Guy Carbonneau should also be playing in Washington relatively soon. An extraordinary penalty killer, Carbonneau has elite level puck handling skills and combines that with good defensive zone awareness, good speed, strength, and tenacity to be a bull dog on the PK. He is a sure fire 3rd liner as his offensive abilities don’t compare well with his defensive capability. He has a very weak shot and doesn’t do well in puck distribution. After Carbonneau, though, the rest of the Capitals prospects are depth players or those who have their work cut out for them if they hope to play a game in the NFHL. Speedy Pat Conacher also plays down the middle, but may have a worse shot than Carbonneau and doesn’t possess the other intangibles. Despite the depth on the left wing, there isn’t anyone who stands out. As a group, they don’t provide much offense. Stewart Gavin has some defensive awareness and puck management skills that may allow him to be in a PK role in a couple seasons. However, Gavin, along with Merlin Malinowski, Greg Terrion, Gilles Hamel, and Bill Gardner are all either 21 or 22, so their window of opportunity is quickly closing. Dean Hopkins is the only prospect on the right wing and he fits in well with those on the left side.

Capitals Leafs Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 11th Prospects Ranked: 15 Average Score: 6.07 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 3rd

Defense

With Larry Murphy and Alexei Kasatonov, the Capitals have their top pairing set for the Defense next decade. They play a very similar style, though Murphy may have an advantage Larry Murphy 8B offensively and Kasatonov defensively. But each is very adept in any zone and combine that Alexei Kasatonov 8B with speed and grit. They are only 20, though, so there is still learning to go. They still need Larry Playfair 5C to work on their defensive zone positioning, but that comes with experience on the job. With them manning the blue line, there is less pressure on the other two blue line prospects, Graeme Nicolson 5C Larry Playfair and Graeme Nicolson. Which is good, because, like the wingers, these two see their window closing, and they will soon no longer be considered prospects. Both are 22 years old and will have to fight hard to see 3rd pairing duties in the future.

Goaltending

Bob Parent in net won’t produce a starter, but he should become a solid backup in 2 or 3 Goaltending seasons. He moves around the net well, has good speed, and solid puck control. It is simply experience and a dedication to the craft that will be needed for him to make the Bob Parent 6C jump to the NFHL.

Hartford Whalers

Top Prospect Top Ten The Hartford Whalers entered the NFHL with a clear vision to build Prospects from the back up. That strategy won’t win you many games right away, 1 D but it is certainly bearing fruit now. The Whalers have two of the best young blue liners in the game that will give them stellar play at both 2 D ends of the ice for a long, long time. Ray Bourque has a year of 3 Dale Hawerchuk C development on Paul Coffey and it does show. He is stellar defensively 4 Jacques Cloutier G and plays a much more patient game. He isn’t as fast as Coffey, but is 5 Rob Ramage D economical in his skating and can seemingly doesn’t need to take a rest. Daryl Evans LW He is a franchise corner stone. 6 7 Jim Benning D Forwards 8 Craig Levie D 9 Rick Paterson C Now that Hartford has set up their defense for the future, the team must address their 10 Bennett Wolf D forward ranks, which they began doing last draft with the pick of Dale Hawerchuk first overall. Already arguably the best pure sniper in the organization, Hawerchuk is hard to knock off the puck and plays the game with a high level of urgency. However, like most offensive stars coming in from the NJFHL, Hawerchuk needs to work on his defense to gain the trust of his coaches to play in all situations. He also needs to simply grow up and into his body. He’s 18, though, and he will be leading this team within 2 seasons. And that is about how long they will need to supply him with some help up front. They will be getting another top 3 pick this season to fill the cupboards that are, otherwise, pretty bare. No other center looks ready to join Hawerchuk in Hartford in the near future, if ever. Rick Paterson could provide a safe, 4th line presence, while Don Nachbaur can shoot the puck, but not much else. Gord Salt is actually playing in Hartford, but he is just filling in space for a bad team. He Left Wing Centre Right Wing has decent speed and plays well away from the puck, but offers Daryl Evans 7C Dale Hawerchuk 8B Dave Donnelly 6D little to no offense and simply isn’t Ed Cooper 3B Rick Paterson 5B Gord Sherven 5C strong or energetic enough to play Gord Salt 5C Jim Fox 4C a bottom six role. Don Nachbaur 4B Marc Habscheid 3B and Mike Eagles will need Walt Poddubny 3B miracles to make the big league Mike Eagles 3C and will eventually star in local beer leagues. The wings are only slightly more promising. Daryl Evans is the 5th prospect to be gaining experience with the parent club. Playing on the left side, Evans has the look of a promising power forward, combining a mean disposition, decent speed, and good hands. He is only 20 and will need work on his defensive zone play, but otherwise should stick long term with the club, maybe even as high as a top 6 forward, but most likely destined to the 3rd line. Ed Cooper is the only other prospect left winger and that is all that needs to be said about his chances. On the right side, Dave Donnelly possesses a good shot and, like Evans, is strong on the puck and likes to go to dirty areas of the ice. Skating is certainly a huge issue for him, but even more so is his penchant for taking stupid penalties. And a lot of them. The notorious Jim Fox, Gord Shervan, and Marc Habscheid will not see the NFHL except on the TV.

Whalers Leafs Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 12th Prospects Ranked: 24 Average Score: 5.25 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 10th

Defense

Ray Bourque and Paul Coffey play similar styles that complement each other. While Bourque, a year older at 21, is more adept at the defensive side of the game, Coffey has Defense stellar speed that allows him to unleash a better shot. Not that the other one isn’t just as Ray Bourque 9A good at that role as the other. The fact is, they are both terrific in all aspects of the game Paul Coffey 9B and will only get better. They have a little help, too. Rob Ramage is also playing on the Rob Ramage 7C big club with these two and may be the best of the bunch at moving the puck, though he Jim Benning 6B does need to work on his defensive positioning. All three, though, use their strength well. Craig Levie 6C On the farm, 18 year old Jim Benning looks to have a future with the big club once he finishes growing and hitting the weights. He has all the tools, though, to be as much as a Bennett Wolf 5B top four defenseman, but there are concerns about his fitness levels. Craig Levie could Tom Laidlaw 5C develop into a 5/6/7 defenseman as he already plays a sound defensive game, but just needs Andre Dore 5C work on his skating. The farm team in general could use a fitness consultant. Andre Dore Randy Moller 4B and Tom Laidlaw, like Benning, has the skills needed to at least get a look in the NFHL, Willie Huber 4C but fitness levels and desire questions plague him, whereas Barrett Wolf also needs to work with Levie on his skating. Unfortunately, as with Randy Moller, it is unlikely many of them will really get steady playing time in the NFHL as most are either too old to realistically develop enough or have just too many holes in their game. But, with Coffey, Bourque, and Ramage already playing with the big club, picking up the rest of the blue line can be done through trades and free agency.

Goaltending

Jacques Cloutier provides the organization their first legitimate prospect in net, though his Defense underdeveloped ability to move around the net will keep him from ever being a #1 goalie. Ray Bourque 9A He should develop into an adequate backup, though. He has quick reflexes and excellent Paul Coffey 9B rebound control. Wendell Young does not, though, resulting in his lot in life being a farm team goalie and nothing more.

Quebec Nordiques

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects 1 G It has been quite a few years now since Quebec 2 Patrick Sundstrom C management’s massive screw up in failing to protect Dan 3 Jamie Macoun D Bouchard from being claimed in the expansion draft. And they have heard about it basically every day since then. C 4 Pressure from fans, the media, and other teams has been 5 Mike Vernon G overbearing in telling them they needed to trade for a top 6 G goalie in order to compete. They resisted and Quebec has 7 Joe Cirella D not been a factor in the Wales Conference since. However, 8 Steve Kasper C their search for a goalie is going to end very soon as the long- awaited emergence of Pelle Lindbergh as an elite goalie is 9 Duane Sutter LW nearly upon us. While he is earning his stripes in the NFHL now and putting up some 10 D impressive performances, he is still young and his best years are to come. He will be a dominant goalie.

Forwards

After Lindbergh, there aren’t a lot of other prospects to look forward to helping Left Wing Centre Right Wing him out. Patrick Sundstrom has some Duane Sutter 6B Patrick Sundstrom 7C Dave Silk 4B promise down the middle. He is lightning Jan Erixon 5C Stan Smyl 7C quick, plays solid defense, and moves the Steve Kasper 6B puck well, but he has a terrible shot, Bob Brooke 6C which probably limits how far he can go. He still has potential to line up in the first Steve Bozak 5C two lines, but we’re not as confident in that as we once were. Stan Smyl is a couple years older and that development shows. Aside from a much better shot, Smyl has the strength and speed to make lives miserable on opponents. That may get him to the show quicker. But he is not good in his own end and takes way too many undisciplined penalties. The wings are thin pickings, but Duane Sutter could carve himself a niche on the bottom six forwards with his banging ability and just enough offensive ability to keep his spot. Steve Kasper also looks like he could emerge as a 3rd line centre who can take shifts on the penalty kill with his above average defensive sense and good speed.

Defense Defense Jamie Macoun 7C The blue line could see up to 4 players in the NFHL at one point, but none is really Joe Cirella 6B projected to be much more than a 3rd pairing or depth defenseman. Jamie Macoun has the Brad Marsh 6C best shot at regular duty as he combines a very good defensive awareness, with a nasty 6C edge and an ability to get the puck out of danger. He won’t supply offense, but he can Randy Velischek 4C prevent it. Joe Cirella, Brad Marsh, and Gaston Gingras have varying levels of talent and strengths, but all could see some action with Quebec, but none look to rise higher than the Tim Watters 3B rd 3 pairing.

Nordiques Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 13th Prospects Ranked: 17 Average Score: 5.94 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 14th Goaltending

After Lindbergh in net, the team has time to develop Mike Vernon and Steve Weeks. Either Defense could develop into capable back ups, with Vernon having the best chance at actually Pelle Lindbergh 9B supplanting Lindbergh. However, Lindbergh is only 2 years older, but infinitely more Mike Vernon 7C advanced. Vernon, if he develops enough, will have to go elsewhere to search for playing Steve Weeks 7D time. Steve Weeks could become the back up in a couple seasons as it stands now.

Minnesota North Stars

Top Prospect Top Ten The development of Neil Broten must be a concern for Minnesota management. Once thought a sure-fire #1 or #2 centre, Broten hasn’t had the opportunity to Prospects earn time on the big club thanks to the elite level talent that has put the 1 Neil Broten C North Stars in the last two SMJ Cup finals. He is now 22 and while he 2 Greg Adams LW has good passing and puck control skills, he hasn’t developed his shot 3 Craig Ludwig D and remains a liability in his own end. He is still a prospect, though, but 4 Jay Wells D he is in jeopardy of losing his place atop the Minnesota prospect plan. Dave Morrison RW 5 Forwards 6 Gord Dineen D 7 Tony McKegney RW At just 18, Greg Adams is already one of their best shooters and has 8 Scot Bjugstad RW shown the ability to play at both ends of the ice. He has average speed and management 9 D would love for him to play with a bit more of an edge, but there is no doubt they should have 10 John Hynes G a top six forward on their hands. On the right side, Dave Morrison has developed the way they had hoped Broten would. Morrison has a terrific shot and is adept in his own end, while playing with strength and intensity. He is a straight shooter who could be in the NFHL within a season or two. Tony McKegney plays a straight north- south game, using his good speed to bang bodies and muck in the corners. When he gets the puck, he can make things happen. Other than score goals, that is. He doesn’t have a great shot and remains a defensive liability. He isn’t good enough to make a top 6 role and if he doesn’t improve his defense, a bottom six role may also be hard to obtain. Scott Bjugstad, on the other hand, while in similar jeopardy of seeing the light of the NFHL day, suffers from the opposite Left Wing Centre Right Wing problems. He is a shooter and has OK speed, Greg Adams 7C Neil Broten 7C Dave Morrison 7C but doesn’t get involved in the play enough. Gates Orlando 6C Tony McKegney 6C They also share an unwillingness to go into Scott Bjugstad 6C their own zone. With Bob Crawford, you get Bob Crawford 5C another player who does everything OK, but nothing really well. A good emergency call up when a team is devastated by injuries. Gates Orlando lines up behind Broten in the center position. And like a repeating record, he suffers from defensive deficiencies. He is also too much of a perimeter player for the North Stars organization, something he will need to rectify. Otherwise, he has a good shot, decent speed, and can handle the puck at speed.

Defense Defense The blue line continues to be the strength of the club as it does have a couple of players that could be North Stars in the future and add some always welcome toughness. Craig Ludwig Craig Ludwig 7C and Jay Wells are both tough, play with an edge, and can move the puck reasonably well. Not Jay Wells 7C elite level talents, but the type of player teams need in the bottom half of the roster to do the Gord Dineen 6B dirty work. Gord Dineen plays a solid positional game and cane move the puck fairly well, but Mike Ramsey 6C there are concerns about his skating. Those concerns are multiplied when discussing Mike Gord Donnelly 5B Ramsey. Plodding is one word to describe it. Which is unfortunate as Ramsey would Pierre Lacroix 4B

North Stars Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 14th Prospects Ranked: 16 Average Score: 5.94 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 16th otherwise arguably be their best blue line prospect. He moves the puck well, is strong, and has a good shot. He is also very good defensively, though he could also add some nastiness to his game. But it is that skating that is going to keep him out of the big league until it can be brought up to snuff. Gord Donnelly and Pierre Lacroix also lumber along, but have enough talent that they might serve as 7th defensemen or injury call ups, but discipline issues and the fact they are already in their 20s and have been surpassed by a number of others suggests their window has probably been closed.

Goaltending

Goaltending In net, the club brought in 3 goalies (compared to none on this list last season), though none can really be counted on to step into the big time. John Hynes looks to cap out as a back up, while John Hynes 6C Bernhardt and Ellicott are destined for long careers in the NMFHL. Tim Bernhardt 5C Ken Ellicott 5C

Winnipeg Jets

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects 1 C The Jets are similar to the Toronto Maple Leafs in that they have managed to put together a pro squad that can compete for the NFHL title, while also developing star 2 Steve Thomas RW players that can step in when needed and not miss a beat. They haven’t done it as long 3 RW as the Leafs, but that is certainly the trend that is developing on the Prairies. Right now, 4 Normand Rochefort D when a player like Mike Gartner isn’t able to crack your pro lineup, you know that 1) 5 Doug Morrison C you are stacked, and 2) you aren’t going to notice any drop off 6 Luc Dufour LW when he comes in to the lineup. Gartner is pro-ready right now, though the Jets are letting him get top line minutes on the Karri Takko G 7 farm instead of 3rd or 4th line minutes with the big club. But 8 RoB McClanahan LW when he finally makes the big club, which he may have 9 Robert Nordmark D already, they will have one of the fastest players in the game. 10 Darren Veitch D He combines that with a deceptively sneaky shot and terrific passing ability. Are there deficiencies to his game? More like areas to improve on than deficiencies. Management would surely like him to get a little dirtier, go to the tough areas of the ice, and he could work on his defensive role as well. With his skating ability, defense shouldn’t be a problem for him to pick up. He is certainly a star in the making.

Forwards

Jim Peplinski plays a Left Wing Centre Right Wing completely different Luc Dufour 5C Mike Gartner 8B Steve Thomas 7B type of game but may Rob McClanahan 5C Doug Morrison 6C Jim Peplinski 7B not be long behind Gartner in Winnipeg. Peplinski is all about brute force and has the build and strength to back it up. He loves getting dirty, getting involved in scrums, and basically just making life miserable for the enemy. That he can also move the puck and has a good shot is gravy. He will give management a little concern as he doesn’t quite have the offensive skills of a top six forward, but he is that complementary type of player that can make room for the skill players. He may start out on the 3rd line early in his career, but he can be a top six player eventually. Steve Thomas is also on the right with Peplinski and is more in the mold of Gartner. Thomas has a good shot, probably the equal of Gartner at his age, but is just a terrible skater. He does have all the offensive skills, though, and is even good in his own end. At just 18, though, he has a couple years to work on his skating, and you know management will be ensuring he gets that training. Those are clearly the top 3 prospects in Winnipeg’s system and the only ones that will be surely playing with the parent club. Left wing is a weak spot. Luc Dufour is the younger of the two at just 19, but there are simply too many questions about his desire to actually play, despite some decent enough ability. With an attitude adjustment, he could see action on the fourth line. Rob McClanahan, though, has terrific ability to pass the puck, but has no shot and also seems to avoid action and contact in general. Doug Morrison plays behind Gartner down the middle and has shown glimpses of potential 3rd line material. He can skate, has shown some truculence, and can move the puck. He needs significant work on defensive play, though, something someone n the bottom 6 of any team needs. He simply doesn’t have the offensive skills to be a top 6 player, especially with his below average shot.

Jets Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 15th Prospects Ranked: 10 Average Score: 5.60 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 17th

Defense

On defense, 20-year old Normand Rochefort is tough and can skate well, but is Defense otherwise fairly nondescript in his play. He doesn’t stand out in any one area, which means he could become a bottom pairing or 7th defenseman for the team. And he is Normand Rochefort 6B the most promising of the three. Robert Nordmark and Darren Veitch will have Robert Nordmark 4B trouble becoming anything more than farmers really. Darren Veitch 3B

Goaltending

In net, Karri Takko has gotten this far on his terrific reflexes and athletic ability. However, technically, he has challenges and simply doesn’t move well enough to become a consistent starter in the NFHL. If the Goaltending Jets are lucky, he could become a back up down the road. Karri Takko 5C

Vancouver Canucks

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects One wonders if GM Mike Kastner really new what he was getting into when taking over 1 Thomas Steen LW the helm of the Canucks. After several seasons of inept management that left both the 2 Jeff Larmer LW pro and farm teams’ cupboards bare, Kastner has to have a lot of patience until this team 3 Torrie Robertson LW can come around. While the farm team did rank an impressive Clint Malarchuk G 7th in our standings last year, this year they rank in the bottom 4 third of teams. Thomas Steen remains the organization’s top 5 Jim Pavese D prospect and could see action in Vancouver on a permanent 6 RW basis next season. He is probably miscast as a winger 7 Steve Patrick LW currently, as we mentioned last season, as he doesn’t have a 8 Mark Reeds RW good enough shot, but he is developing some good playmaking skills. He can control the puck at a pro level, but needs some 9 Steve Christoff LW work distributing it. But he has a strong 2-way game and uses 10 Mats Thelin D his speed to create and disrupt chances.

Forwards

Newcomer Jeff Larmer could become a shooter the team desperately needs to develop. He has a booming shot, but needs time to fill out. We don’t know that he can withstand the rigours of NFHL action at this point, especially with his only average skating. However, the raw skills are there. Torrie Robertson was thought to be the next closest after Steen to graduate one day. That is still the case, but he appears to be a solid 3rd liner as a best case scenario. Everything he does is good, not great. Of the Left Wing Centre Right Wing two others on left wing, Steve Christoff and Steve Patrick, only Patrick has a Thomas Steen 7C Doug Wickenheiser 6C shot at pro level hockey. He has an OK Jeff Larmer 7C Mark Reeds 6D shot and decent passing ability, but has Torrie Robertson 6B inept in his own end. Christoff is Steve Patrick 6C already 22 and plays an energy role, but Steve Christoff 5C just doesn’t provide enough of anything else. Doug Wickenheiser provides similar issues to Steen, though isn’t quite as developed. Like Steen, Wickenheiser has a terrible shot but is responsible enough in his own end and has some puck management skills. However, he provides a little bit more robust energy on the ice. Just not enough to off set his otherwise weak offensive tendencies. Mark Reeds is actually the best play maker of the prospects, but is of little value in any other area of the ice. The team has no true prospects at centre, something they will have to key on in the draft, whenever they actually get to take a pick.

Defense

The blue line has three prospects, none of whom can be counted on to play better than 3rd pairing minutes. Jim Pavese is that contender as he has a great first pass out of the zone and can quarterback a power play. Unfortunately, he is not good defensively and really needs to time to bulk up. Time is on his side, though, as he is just 19. So the Canucks have a lot of

Canucks Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 16th Prospects Ranked: 11 Average Score: 5.64 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 7th time to develop him. Mats Thelin improved the most of any blue liner in the organization last year. He was very noticeable in camp and, despite being the last Defense player taken in the draft, got some attention for his play. However, it can’t take away Jim Pavese 6C from the fact that he was the last player taken for a reason. Mark Renaud plays a Mats Thelin 4B similar game to Thelin, meaning not much of one, but is also 2 years older and is not Mark Renaud 3B likely to spend much time in the NFHL.

Goaltending

The organization was void of prospect goalies last year, so the addition of Clint Malarchuk is certainly a positive. Malarchuk won’t be a #1 goalie without a lot of help, though. He is a little slow with his reflexes Goaltending and has poor rebound control. However, he is an exceptional skater and the Canucks Clint Malarchuk 6C will certainly give him loads of time to develop. At the worst, he should be able to eventually step in as the back up.

Philadelphia Flyers

Top Prospect Top Ten The Flyers were 20th in last year’s rankings, but as noted, they Prospects had 3 superstars playing on Philly who were just one year too 1 Mike Moffat G old to qualify for the rankings. With those players, they 2 Geoff Courtnall RW would have been the #1 ranked team. And those three 3 Tom Hirsch D players backed it up by leading the Flyers to the SMJ Cup. This year, they still don’t qualify, obviously, so the prospect 4 Jiri Dudacek C pool remains thin. Goalie Mike Moffat remains the top 5 Grant Ledyard D prospect and has the potential to be a #1 in this league, 6 Hannu Virta D though we feel he could regress to back up material unless 7 Rollie Melanson G he is developed. He isn’t going to take over for Don 8 Chris Nilan RW Edwards, arguably the best goalie in the NFHL this year, but he could use time in the pros as a learning tool. We don’t doubt that it will be soon Moffat gets called up for good, most 9 Ron Meighan D likely next season. 10 Brian Young D

Forwards

Philadelphia drafted Geoff Courtnall Left Wing Centre Right Wing this year and he looks like he could be Jiri Dudacek 6B Geoff Courtnall 7C another steal as a late-round pick. He’s 6B quick and has good hands, while playing Chris Nilan 5C both ends of the ice. He isn’t going to light up the league, but they may a solid 2nd liner developing in Sulphur. Ray Neufeld and Jiri Dudacek could make impacts on the lower lines in the future for different reasons. Neufeld is quite good at moving the puck, Dudacek has a good shot. Flaws in other areas of the game prevent them from being considered top prospects, though.

Defense

The blue line is a glut of minor leaguers, though Tom Hirsch is the best bet to make the jump and stick. Hannu Virta and Grant Ledyard will need to address some glaring weaknesses if they hope to have regular spots, but Defense they do have certain valuable skills that could translate into call ups. Despite the shallow Tom Hirsch 6B prospect pool, there can’t be any sort of panic in Philadelphia. With a young team that is the Grant Ledyard 6C class of the Wales Conference, management has the ultimate luxury of bringing prospects along Hannu Virta 6C slowly. While there is little to look forward to in the current crop, drafts and prospects come every year. They can develop them properly and have them ready for prime time about the time Ron Meighan 5C their current young studs are reaching their prime. It is a very nice situation in Philly’s system. Brian Young 5C Just not right now. Randy Hillier 4B 4B

Flyers Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 17th Prospects Ranked: 13 Average Score: 5.62 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 20th

Goaltending

Rollie Melanson will look forward to the day Moffat is moved to Philadelphia as it may give him a chance to develop his skills. It isn’t physical skills he needs, though. Defense He is quick, plays the angles well, and is quick with his glove. However, his Mike Moffat 8C commitment to the game is a huge question mark. He needs to get in much better Rollie Melanson 5C shape and add some muscle to his frame, yet he doesn’t seem to want to put in the effort. Without that effort, if he stays in the league, it will be in the minors. If he gets his mind in the right frame, with his natural physical ability, he could see the NFHL one day.

New Jersey Devils

Top Prospect Top Ten The Devils possess arguably the best 1-2 punch of young centers in the league. and Bernie Nicholls will allow the Prospects Devils to draft for other positions for the next 15 years as they 1 Wayne Gretzky C already play on the pro club and are significant factors there. 2 Bernie Nicholls C While one can argue Gretzky’s numbers are disappointing, there is 3 Moe Mantha D no doubt he has the skills to put up big numbers in the league. He 4 Randy Johnston D is just 20, so he still has lots of room to get better, though it is an 5 Paul MacKinnon D effort to find an area he needs to improve. He is an elite passer, has Dean Kennedy D an even better shot, especially that patented slap shot while 6 screaming down the left wing, and is an exceptional skater. If he 7 Petri Skriko C can improve his defense, he could become the best player in the 8 C game. And his numbers will only back it up as the Devils improve. 9 Mike Bullard C 10 Jon Casey G Forwards

Nicholls, after an amazing start to his career, seems to have leveled off a bit and management would still like him to work on his defensive play and to spend more of his attention on offense rather than in the penalty box. More importantly, though, management needs to address the lack of Left Wing Centre Right Wing prospect wingers in the organization. Dan Lucas 4B Wayne Gretzky 10B Mike Meeker 3B Currently, there is only Dan Lucas on the left side and Mike Meeker on the Bernie Nicholls 8A right. Lucas may have a shot at injury Petri Skriko 5B call up for 4th line duties, but Meeker Ted Nolan 5B better get used to the long bus rides in Gary Yaremchuk 5C the MFHL. They may be able to help Mike Bullard 5C themselves by moving a couple of their Larry Melnyk 3C centers to play wing. Mike Bullard and Petri Skriko have good shots and are more suited to the wing. Neither can move the puck, though, and really, lack much else besides their shot. But that is still more to offer than Gary Yaremchuk, Ted Nolan, or Larry Melnyk.

Defense

The blue line does offer some promise that a player or two may graduate. Moe Mantha may Defense offer the best and earliest possibility. While not a true offensive defenseman because he Moe Mantha 6C doesn’t have a good shot, Mantha moves the puck well and does an adequate job in his own Randy Johnston 6C end. He also adds some toughness, though he spends too much time in the penalty box. Paul MacKinnon 6C Mantha could take a regular shift on the bottom pairings one day with some PP time thrown Dean Kennedy 5B in. Randy Johnston should also get a long look with New Jersey in a few seasons. He is Marc Chorney 4B better rounded than Mantha and certainly a better defender, but doesn’t have quite enough of Thomas Eriksson 4C

Devils Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 18th Prospects Ranked: 16 Average Score: 5.25 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 11th anything to stand out. Another 3rd pairing guy. Dean Kennedy was just drafted but will be in tough to see regular time in the NFHL, while Paul MacKinnon’s lack of foot speed will also keep him out of the league despite owning some solid offensive skills. Marc Chorney and Thomas Eriksson, both 22, have most likely seen the window of opportunity slam shut on them.

Goaltending

Jon Casey is the only prospect goalie on the roster but is undersized and needs to bulk up to Defense withstand the rigors of the pro game. That said, even with his slight frame, he has trouble Jon Casey 5C moving around the crease and isn’t terribly quick. Making it to the show as a back up will be a feat for the youngster.

Montreal Canadiens

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects The Habs are in desperate need of an infusion of young talent. A history of dealing away picks and youth has given them terrific top 1 Mike Krushelnyski LW line talent and has made them perennial contenders, but their 2 Mark Osborne RW prospect pool has suffered as a result. The only two prospects who 3 Gerry Minor C do project to be NFHLers are actually the two that are playing with 4 Lindsay Carson C the Montreal club. Mike Krushelnyski is performing well with the 5 Mitch Lamoureux C big club and will be a regular with them for years. He could become a fixture on the second line as he provides a little bit of 6 Alain Lemieux C everything. He’s big, can move well, has a bit of an edge, while 7 Rich Chernomaz RW also playing well at both ends of the ice. He can also move the 8 Brent Peterson C puck well. 9 Richard David LW 10 Miroslav Horava D Forwards

On the right wing, Mark Osborne is the other Left Wing Centre Right Wing prospect getting time with Mike Krushelnyski 7B Gerry Minor 6B Mark Osborne 7C the parent club. He could Richard David 4B Lindsay Carson 6C Rich Chernomaz 5C nd also be in line for 2 line Glenn Hicks 4B Mitch Lamoureux 6C playing duty, though his Alain Lemieux 5B ceiling isn’t as high. He is Brent Peterson 4B more likely to see time on the 3rd line as his better puck handling skills and defensive awareness, but lack of offensive talent, are better used on that line. Of the prospects playing on the farm, only three project to be serviceable pros, third liners at best. However, even they could fail to be anything more than depth players. Gerry Minor, Lindsay Carson, and Mitch Lamoureux all patrol the middle and all could eventually see time on the 3rd or 4th lines. Minor, the oldest of the three at 22, has the best shot as he brings a good defensive game to the table, while Carson can provide some puck moving skills, but not shot to speak of. Mitch Lamoureux, at 20 the youngest, has a very good shot which may be good enough to get him some PP time eventually, but lacks in enough areas, and especially in discipline, that he remains a long shot.

Defense

Miroslav Horava plays a safe, defensive game. But that is about it. He can move the puck Defense adequately, but isn’t going to put up points. He is timid and slow, but also lazy, which leads to Miroslav Horava 4B a lot of unnecessary penalties. If he gets a call up, the Habs are in trouble.

Goaltending

Billy Smith isn’t getting any younger and Jim Craig has yet to prove to be an everyday #1 goalies. And there is nothing coming down the pipe. This needs to be addressed in the very near future.

Canadiens Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 19th Prospects Ranked: 11 Average Score: 5.27 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 18th

Chicago Blackhawks

Top Prospect Top Nine Chicago’s recent dealing of two of their top prospects, Mats Naslund and defenseman Doug Prospects Lidster, robbed the team of much of their prospect talent. Part of that 1 Darryl Sutter RW is due to graduations as John Tonelli, Val James, and Eddy Godin, 2 Mike Allison C three of their top four prospects from a year ago have moved on. That leaves a lot of potential depth players such as Darryl Sutter. Sutter is 3 Norm Schmidt D the only forward to project to be an NFHLer one day. Like all the clan 4 Garth Butcher D Sutter, Darryl plays with unbridled intensity, which combined with 5 Dale DeGray D stellar speed, make him a ferocious fore checker. He has some 6 Pat Graham LW offensive upside, though he won’t be setting off the red light with Chris Valentine LW rd 7 abandon. He is a solid 3 line project with an upside of about 15 goals 8 Basil McRae RW per year. At 22 years of age, though, Sutter’s window of opportunity is slowly shutting, so Tim Hunter RW he needs to turn that potential into action on the ice soon. 9

Forwards

Mike Allison has a couple Left Wing Centre Right Wing years on Sutter, but projects Pat Graham 6D Mike Allison 6C Darryl Sutter 6C to about the same level. Chris Valentine 5C Basil McRae 5C While he doesn’t have the Tim Hunter 3B shooting ability of Sutter, he does handle the puck better, but still possesses that dogged determination and speed that could cause trouble for opposing blue liners. Pat Graham uses his strength well to dig the puck out of the corners and he is able to make something happen once he does. However, his skating isn’t up to par and he is a mess in his own zone.

Defense

Norm Schmidt, Garth Butcher, and Dale DeGray, could develop into serviceable pros, but will probably end up as depth blue liners at best. Despite being a penalty waiting to happen, Defense Butcher may have the best chance of getting at least a cup of coffee in the NFHL. He is Norm Schmidt 6C very good defensively, plays the puck well, and uses his stick to break up passes, as well as Garth Butcher 6C opponents’ wrists. He just can’t keep up with the play his skating is so bad. Norm Schmidt Dale DeGray 6C has significantly more offensive potential than Butcher thanks to a great shot. But he suffers from the same deficiencies, terrible skating and undisciplined penalties.

Goaltending

Goaltending continues to be a problem for the Hawks. With uncertain goaltending at the pro level, the franchise doesn’t have anyone at the prospect level to groom for future use. With a dearth of goalies coming in the next few drafts, Chicago will need to balance this need with a general need for improvements at the other areas, as well.

Blackhawks Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 20th Prospects Ranked: 9 Average Score: 5.44 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 19th

Calgary Flames

Top Prospect Top Ten Prospects Nothing much has changed in terms of prospects for Calgary since last season. It is still an organizational weakness brought upon themselves in their quest 1 Tomas Jonsson D for NFHL supremacy. Of course, it is hard to argue when you 2 Lindy Ruff D use it to gain the likes of Marc Tardif and Bobby Orr and gets 3 Paul Gagne LW you to the 2nd round of the playoffs. The 2nd round is no longer 4 Darren Jensen G satisfactory, though, and what little the team has in prospects will certainly be used to help the parent club take the next step. The 5 Tim Lockridge D blue line is one area that bears watching for a top prospect to be 6 Larry Lozinski G moved. Tomas Jonsson will be in the NFHL one day. He won’t 7 Paul Mulvey LW be a superstar, but he manages the puck well and has a great 8 Joe Patterson LW shot. He is good enough defensively to play a regular shift, even 9 Doug Smith RW on the penalty kill. While he is strong enough to get involved, management would still like him to play with a bit more 10 Rick Zombo D emotion.

Forwards Left Wing Centre Right Wing Paul Gagne 6C Joe Ward 4B Doug Smith 5C Joe Ward and Billy Carroll are all that Paul Mulvey 5B Billy Carroll 3B Paul Marshall 5C is left up the middle in terms of Joe Patterson 5B prospects. While Carroll has some Tim Trimper 3B skills with the puck and both play with a lot of energy and intensity, they simply lack enough offensive or defensive skills to be able to crack the pro roster. The left side is deep, but not particularly strong. Paul Gagne is the youngest and could be the only one to have a chance at a pro spot, but only as a 4th liner. He has the requisite defensive awareness with decent speed, but his offensive instincts are not well developed. If he can improve further on his defensive game, it may be his ticket up. Tim Trimper, Paul Mulvey, and Joe Patterson also lack any offensive instincts and they are 2-3 years older than Gagne. Mulvey has some puck skills, but is the oldest at 22 and who has probably seen the window close on his aspirations. Trimper is an enforcer with little else to offer and Patterson provides little. Recently drafted Doug Smith skates well and management likes how he can manage the puck at high speeds. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown a lot of what he can do once he has the puck. There is time to develop him as he is just 18. Paul Marshall, though, is 21 and simply hasn’t progressed enough.

Defense

Lindy Ruff should also graduate to Calgary in a couple seasons. He likes to play rough and Defense has the strength to back him. He also has a very good shot and solid overall offensive skills. Tomas Jonsson 7B He does need to cut down on ill-advised penalties, though. Tim Lockridge is the best Lindy Ruff 6B defensive blue line prospect and looks to be a good stay at home defenseman. He will be a Tim Lockridge 6C solid 3rd pairing guy though he needs to embrace that quickly as he could be overtaken by Rick Zombo 5C younger players coming up. He is 22 already, so management won’t wait too long to see him John Barrett 4B get to that level. Rick Zombo was also just drafted and has some smarts in his own end, but doesn’t offer much more, while John Barrett simply has too many people above him to overcome.

Flames Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 21st Prospects Ranked: 15 Average Score: 5.07 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 15th Goaltending

In net, neither Darren Jensen nor Larry Lozinski looks to be able to take control of the Defense Calgary nets, though Jensen could develop into a back up. He does move well but needs to Darren Jensen 6C get more technically sound in his game play and certainly needs to get in better shape. Larry Lozinski 6C Lozinski needs to work on the same things, but is a year older and will have to work even harder to get past his younger teammate on the depth chart.

Colorado Rockies

Top Prospect Top Five

The Rockies organization finished 21st out of 22 teams last year based on prospect strength. Prospects They go all the way to the bottom this year as they continue to 1 G bankrupt their prospects in favour of elite talent at the pro level. 2 D And when you see the talent they have in Denver, it is hard to 3 Michel Bolduc D argue against them. With just 5 eligible players for these rankings, 4 Marc Crawford RW the silver lining is that 20% of their prospects look to make the eventual move to the NFHL. Many teams would like that stat. Al 5 Dave Watson RW Jensen has the ability to make it as a top goalie for the big club, though there is certainly no rush for anyone, other than Jensen. With Denis Herron and on the big club, goaltending is not an issue. So Jensen will have a couple more seasons to percolate in Aurora. He already moves well enough and has the natural quickness you like to see in goalies, but could work on his rebound control and, of course his mental game. It would also help see him fill out his frame and really up his fitness levels. There are rumours that the Rockies will deal one of their star goalies. If that is the case, Jensen could see action as a back up as early as next season.

Forwards

Left Wing Centre Right Wing The two forward prospects on the team, Marc Crawford and Dave Watson have a long way Marc Crawford 4B to go to even see call-up injury replacement Dave Watson 3B duty in their futures.

Defense

On the blue line, Fred Arthur has some toughness and can play his zone adequately. He can move the puck well enough and has nice speed. He could see time on the big club and eventually stick as a 3rd pairing replacement. Michel Bolduc needs to work on his puck skills before ever seeing a cup of Defense coffee. Fred Arthur 6C Michel Bolduc 5C Goaltending

Al Jensen is the only goalie prospect in the organization, but is also their best prospect.

Defense Al Jensen 7B

Rockies Trivia:

Team Prospect Rank This Season: 22nd Prospects Ranked: 5 Average Score: 5.00 Team Prospect Rank Last Season: 21st