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Home , Alexander Burmistrov, Brandon Gormley, Brayden Schenn, Brett Connolly, Cam Fowler, Cody Hodgson

Young Bucks Report 2010-11: A Look at the SCHL’s junior aged prospects

Overview: With the upcoming World Junior Championships, I thought it would be appropriate to pen a little write-up on each team’s young bucks/prospects. The only stipulation is that players should be 20 years of age or younger. Barracudas:

Kyle Beach: Controversy has always seemed to follow the Blackhawks prospect. Picked 11th overall in the 2008 Entry , Beach clearly has power forward potential. The knock on his has been undisciplined and erratic play. He didn’t endear himself to many by punching out a much smaller ‘Hawks prospect in camp. So far this year, Beach has put up average (12 points in 28 games). Do the Barracudas farm him for another year?

Jared Cowan: Spokane junior is one of only four returnees for team at the World Juniors. He’s more of a shut-down defensive type, but he’s got a smooth stride and has also shown a nasty stride. This in the WHL, Cowan has had a breakthrough campaign, with 21 points through 26 games. Still, don’t expect huge numbers at the NHL level. Battalion:

Taylor Hall: The first overall pick has been scoring of late after some early season inconsistency. Hall still has to use his teammates better, as his solo rushes have become predictable and ineffective. Nonetheless, the future is bright for this big-lipped, big shooting standout. Day Express:

Jordan Schroeder: native had a curiously disappointing camp with the ‘Nucks before being dispatched to . No one questions his offensive creativity and jam, but Schroedar needs to work on his overall game. He has been very average this year with Manitoba and could be a few seasons away given the jogjam at center in .

Joe Colborne: Lanky native has had a mediocre offensive season to date with the , Boston’s top minor-league affiliate. Colborne has the offensive skills to one day become a decent player, but has to fill out considerably. Will he be more Blake Wheeler or ?

Brett Connolly: Plagued by injury woes in his draft year, the ’ winger is a pure scorer and has accumulated 22 tallies in 30 games to date. Look for him to be one of Canada’s main threats at the WJC. Stevie Y could look like a genius with this selection in a few years. Devils:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: OEL as he is known has played quite well with Phoenix despite being demoted to the San Antonio for 10 games. He has outstanding skating, passing, and hockey sense. Often compared to Nicklas Lidstrom, the sky is the limit for the talented Swede. The Devils have definitely built their D for years to come.

Evander Kane: It’s hard to believe the Vancouver native is just 19 years old. Kane has a scorer’s touch combined with a punishing physical style. Just ask Matt Cooke. It looks as though Atlanta has a burgeoning power forward in the mold. It’s quite possible that Kane becomes a 40-40 player in a few years.

Steven Stamkos: What more can be said about the other great Steve in Tampa. Stamkos has elevated his game this season to the where some have put him in the Ovy- Crosby category. Currently on pace for an astonishing 65 goals, Stamkos has also shown a willingness to compete in all zones of the ice. The Devils definitely have a nice cornerstone with this nugget.

Mikael Granlund: Finnish sniper from the SM- is probably one of the most mature and battle ready forwards from the 2010 draft crop. He suffered a concussion in a Finnish league game and remains doubtful for the WJC. Still, the Wild (and Devils) look like they’ve landed a future stud. Spartans:

Nikita Filatov: The enigmatic yet talented Russian has disappointed this year after spending part of last year with CSKA . Filatov seems to have all the tools but is missing the toolbox. Could a possible be on the horizon? For now at least, Filatov is with Springfield of the AHL.

Chris Kreider: Rangers’ first rounder from 2009 enjoyed a coming out part at last year’s WJC where he showcased his tremendous speed and . Kreider is having a decent season with Boston College and looks to be one of the key cogs in the Americans’ offense at the World Juniors in Buffalo. Could this be his last year of college hockey? Shrubdogs:

Jacob Markstrom: Decorated Swedish ‘tender has been a workhorse for Rochester of the AHL. Though his numbers are average for the middling Americans, Markstrom is definitely the of the future in Florida. The question is when Markstrom gets a chance to unseat incumbent Tomas Vokoun. Nonetheless, GM Tallon has stated that youth is a priority in Florida and Markstrom is on track to at least claim the backup job next year. Flash:

Marcus Johansson: The two-way Swedish rookie has played in a mostly third role in Washington. Nonetheless, it appears Bruce Boudreau has faith in the youngster as Tomas Fleischmann was shipped to Colorado in part because of Johansson’s versatility. Eventually, a second line role is within reach for Johansson.

John Carlson: The hero of last year’s American gold-medal winning side at the WJC has been solid in his first full NHL season. Carlson displays skating, passing and an absolute howitzer from the point. He will be a mainstay on Washington’s blueline for years to come.

Erik Gudbranson: Brawny all around defenseman has been rather disappointing offensively with Kingston of the OHL. Gubranson managed to capture a spot as part of Canada’s defense at this year’s WJC. Will he follow the career path of Shea Weber and have his offense develop in the NHL, or will he strictly be a shut-down guy? Goldminers:

Mattias Tedenby: Swedish version of Saku Koivu played extremely well in his first NHL action before cooling off. Tedenby, like all the Devils, has struggled to put the puck in the net. Regardless, Tedenby is an offensive dynamo with tremendous skating and puckhandling.

Erik Karlsson: The mobile Swedish youngster has been lights out offensively for . Currently on pace for close to 50 points, Karlsson could become an elite offensive defenseman sooner rather than later. Tycoons:

Derek Stepan: Last year’s leading scorer at the WJC has played very well for the Rangers. Currently sitting at 19 points, Stepan displays a keen sense for the game combined with tremendous passing ability. Stepan also plays both ends of the ice, which makes him a favorite with coach Torts.

Beau Bennett: Californian drafted from the BCHL has played decent hockey with Denver of the WCHA. He sustained a knee injury before being cut from the U.S. team at the WJC. Still, Bennett is a dynamic offensive player who could be playing with Sid and Malkin. Do the Tycoons have the patience to farm this talented youngster for a few more years? Dmitry Kulikov: The talented Russian defenseman has been average offensively for Florida (8 points through 30 games), but Kulikov remains a key piece of Florida’s youth movement. A tremendous skater and shooter, Kulikov will be manning the point on Florida’s PP for many years. Akulas:

Victor Hedman: The big man from Sweden has looked better of late while averaging around 20 minutes of ice time. He’ll be in the 30-35 point range this year, but Hedman is a future stud. Triads:

Scott Glennie: Glennie has had an up-and-down season with Brandon of the WHL and was left off Canada’s WJC selection roster. He’s a good young player, but how much of his junior success has come from playing with ? Tornadoes:

Magnus Paajarvi: The talented Swedish youngster has been overshadowed by the Eberle-Hall show in , but has nonetheless produced some jaw-dropping rushes and decent production (14 points in 31 games). Paajarvi is a stud and along with Eberle and Hall will be a key figure in Edmonton’s resurgence.

Braydenn Schenn: Luke’s younger brother played six games in LA before being sent to Manchester (AHL), and eventually back to Brandon (WHL). He is a great all-round center in the mold. Look for Brayden to play a key role for Canada at this year’s WJC.

Cody Hodgson: Injuries have derailed the development of the 2008-09 CHL player of the year. Hodgson has looked pretty good thus far with Manitoba, producing 16 points in 24 AHL games. Hodgson remains a key part of the Canucks future, along with . Vanguard:

Kirill Kabanov: The Islanders (and Vanguard) took a flyer on the talented yet erratic Russian forward. Once tabbed as a first rounder in last June’s NHL draft, Kabanov has fallen greatly. Kabanov has an obsession with tattoos, a history of being late for practices, and a string of bizarre media comments, all of which have done nothing to prove his skeptics wrong. He’s been traded to Lewiston in the QMJHL, where he has produced less than stellar numbers (7 points in 13 games). Assassins:

Jordan Eberle: Mr. Clutch has played very well for the most part and scored perhaps the goal of the year—his first in the NHL. It’s a testament to the type of scorer Eberle is. He’s also picking up steam with 7 points in 8 December games. Eberle could walk away with the Calder at season’s end.

Alexander Burmistrov: “Burmi” surprised a few by sticking with the Thrashers after one season of OHL hockey. He’s rewarded the team with some decent offensive production. Most impressive has been his compete level. Once Burmistrov fills out, look out.

Tyler Sequin: The second overall selection from the 2010 NHL entry draft has had his ups-and-downs, but there is no denying the talent level of the Brampton native. Sequin, despite what some observers predicted, remains with the B’s and will not play for team Canada at the WJC. Look for Sequin to have a more productive second half in Beantown.

Taylor Doherty: The Assassins surprised almost everyone at the draft by selected behemoth 6-8 Doherty. Only the Rowdy Kilts lauded the pick, but it turns out Doherty is not a bad prospect. Playing with Kingston of the OHL, Doherty has been the Frontenacs’ best d-man, ahead of higher profile teammate Erik Gudbranson. He’s also signed to an entry-level contract with San Jose, a team weak on defense. Still, it’s doubtful the Assassins will have enough protection room to keep the prospect.

Jack Campbell: The goaltender from last year’s American winning entry at the WJC is back to repeat. Campbell numbers are very mediocre with Windsor of the OHL, but he’s a big game goalie. Look for him to battle Lehtonen for the starting job in a few years. Gryphons:

Matt Duchene: Duchene is playing lights out hockey, leading the high-octan Avs in points. Duchene has sublime offensive skills and will be one of the league’s scoring leaders sooner rather than later. If the 2009 draft were held again, would Duchene go third again? Doubt it.

Michael Del Zotto: MDZ has suffered the dreaded sophomore slump after busting out of the gates in his rookie campaign. A power play quarterback, Del Zotto still has great offensive potential. Bullies:

Nazem Kadri: Gifted passer has played ok since getting called up from the Marlies. It’s too bad Kadri has Wilson and Burke to deal with in . There is immense pressure on the 20 year old to deliver. He’ll be good, but it is doubtful Kadri will become a franchise player.

Nino Niederreiter: The sturdy Swiss forward suited up for 9 games before being sent back to Portland (WHL). He plays on a very good Portland squad that includes and Brad Ross. Niederreiter has excellent size and skills and will be probably be on Long Island for good next year. Look for him to carry the Swiss entry at this year’s WJC.

Brandon Gormley: Poised and reliable, Gormley is averaging more than a point a game with Moncton of the QMJHL. He’ll never be a top point producer, but he’ll chip in when needed. Think Mark Staal with a little more mobility. Rowdy Kilts:

Tomas Tatar: It looks as though the Kilts have found a diamond in the rough in Tatar. He has good speed and puckhandling, along with excellent hockey sense. Tatar will likely land a top 6 role in Detroit in a few years. Tatar made headlines earlier this year when he scored 7 points in an AHL game.

Calvin Dehaan: The Kilts were banking on the Mark Streit injury to open a roster spot for the talented Dehaan. While it didn’t work out that way, Dehaan is having a good offensive season with Oshawa. He’ll be on the powerplay for Canada at this year’s WJC. Look for him to make the jump to Long Island next year or in two years. Platinum Pros:

Evgeny Grachev: Grachev has shown very little of the offensive ability he exhibited with Brampton in 2008-09. He got into six games this year wit the Rangers but failed to register a point.

Ryan Johansen: The Port Moody native has developed into quite a player over the last couple of years. He displays excellent poise and puck protection skills. Johansen could develop into a Ryan Getzlaf type player once he fills out. He’ll be a key contributor for Canada at this year’s WJC.

Vladimir Tarasenko: Vladimir “tank” Tarasenko is a skilled and physical player. He’ll likely the Russian entry at this year’s WJC. He’s having a pretty good season with Novosibirsk of the KHL. Tarasenko : Fowler slipped fortuitously to the , who are the current benefactors of the smooth skating defenseman. He currently sits 2nd in NHL rookie defenseman points with 18.

Luca Sbisa: The all-purpose Swiss defender struggled with Anaheim before regaining his confidence with Syracuse of the AHL. He’s back with Anaheim, although Sbisa will never be a top point producer. He’s a drop at season’s end.

John Moore: The smooth skating defenseman has been producing a point every two games. He’s very mobile, but the Pros may have landed more Bret Hedican than Scott Niedermayer. Smith Swordsmen:

Simon Despres: Despres is an underrated all around defenseman who has over a point per game in the “Q.” He is skilled, big, and mobile. Despres will never put up a ton of points, but he could find himself with fellow Francophone blueliner Kris Letang in Pittsburgh. Uptown Heartbreakers:

Jeff Skinner: Skinner jumped out of the gates to take the early lead in the NHL rookie- scoring race, but has since been overtaken by . Skinner is a pure sniper who displays an excellent head for the game. Skinner is Sidney Crosby lite as he has sniping ability combined with extreme competitiveness. He does lack first step quickness, but Skinner looks like a superstar in the making.

P.K. Subban: P.K. has had an up-and-down season thus far. He was benched for a few games, in addition to being called out for cockiness by Flyers forward Mike Richards. P.K. has to simplify his game to be effective and cut down on costly defensive zone giveaways. Still, he oozes offensive potential.

Ryan Ellis: It seems like Ellis has spend a decade in junior. He’ll captain Canada’s entry at the WJC, his third tourney. Ellis has great offensive instincts, but he is stuck behind some great defensive prospects in Nashville. Bullets:

Tyler Myers: Last year’s Calder trophy winner has played decent hockey this year. He’s on pace for around 30 points which is probably what most scouts projected prior to his rookie season. Myers is still a great all around defenseman to have as he continues to refine his game.