CBJ Prospect Thread III

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major major

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Terrific article. I have only heard good things about Jenner. Reminds me of MacKenzie with more skill. Both guys are all out effort.

Only good things? I've heard he's slow. Seen it too. Also saw him bail out of a check in the WJC's in embarrassing fashion.

I'm really intrigued by him as a prospect, though. Great strength and finish. He had that "third-line ceiling" issue a year ago, but now I could see him as potentially a second line center, or maybe even a power forward winger who can play on any line and terrorize the other team.

But a lot depends on how much faster he can get.
 

CBJWerenski8

Rest in Peace Johnny
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Only good things? I've heard he's slow. Seen it too. Also saw him bail out of a check in the WJC's in embarrassing fashion.

I'm really intrigued by him as a prospect, though. Great strength and finish. He had that "third-line ceiling" issue a year ago, but now I could see him as potentially a second line center, or maybe even a power forward winger who can play on any line and terrorize the other team.

But a lot depends on how much faster he can get.

I've also seen Crosby get the puck taken from him, and get thrown around in the slot. You point out one play where he bailed out of a check, that's not fair.

Jenner is going to be a better scoring less agitating Derek Dorsett. The dude can play on any line, and succeed.
 

Roadman

Moving On
Sep 9, 2009
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Write up on Curcuruto from a guest of Glen Miller's over at Hockey Buzz

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=52144&blogger_id=176#.UcB_qfnCktF

I have seen Curcuruto play live about eight times this year, including in the OHL playoffs against the London Knights, Owen Sound Attack, and Sarnia Sting. As you know, I am just a fan and, therefore, will undoubtedly miss some of the subtleties that could make the difference in a player's long term prospects, but here is my objective analysis of Curcuruto.

Gianluca Curcuruto (Plymouth Whalers)
Age: 19
Height: 6'2
Weight: 192
Shoots: Left
Draft Position: 7th Round (182nd overall)
2012-2013 Stats: 67 games, 9 goals, 38 assists, 47 points, and +36. 6th in the league in +/- and 10th in the league in scoring amongst defensemen
2011-2012 Stats: 63 games, 3 goals, 13 assists, 16 points, and -14.
Nicknames: The Chin or Chinner (for his Jay Leno like chin).

Why even waste a write up on a guy that was drafted in the 7th round/182nd overall? He won't be any more than a late round flyer, with a small percentage shot of ever cracking an NHL lineup, right? Not so fast. In his draft year, Curcuruto was a huge disappointment on the Greyhounds blue line, posting a pedestrian stat line, and showing little or no potential to be able to make the jump to the NHL. As a result, Curcuruto's draft status plummeted from a possible 2nd/3rd round selection into the 7th round.

With Ryan Sproul (Red Wings draft pick) and Darnell Nurse (projected Top 15 pick) scheduled to play top line minutes on the Greyhounds blue line, Curcuruto was traded to the Plymouth Whalers where he experienced an immediate renaissance playing alongside of several NHL first rounders, including Tom Wilson (Washington Capitals), Stefan Noesen (Ottawa Senators), and Rickard Rakell (Anaheim Ducks), and OHL MVP Vince Trocheck (Florida Panthers). To say that Curcuruto blossomed, would be an understatement as he finished 6th in the entire OHL in +/- and 10th among defensemen in scoring.

So, what type of player is he? Curcuruto is a great straight line skater with above-average to great top end speed. As a result, he rarely ever gets beat to the outside, even by some of the OHL's elite skaters. He is the type of player that is good at everything, but perhaps not great at one particular thing, with the possible exception of his shot. Curcuruto has a cannon, which tops out in the mid-90's. If he adds a little weight and strength, I am pretty confident that he will serve as an effective point man on an NHL power play. With Plymouth, he saw a great deal of power play time, and along with Conner Carrick (Washington Capitals), effectively led a potent Whalers' attack with the extra man.

As for weaknesses, I think he needs to get bigger and stronger, insofar as I have noticed that bigger forwards can have their way with him at times along the defensive back walls. Moreover, while not a weakness, Curcuruto's breakout game, particularly his first pass out of the defensive zone can use some work. He is by no means deficient in these areas, but he will need to improve to play at the NHL level.

On a whole, I see Curcuruto as a second/third pair NHL defensemen that can play on an NHL power play, as he has an elite shot. I think the Jackets got a steal with this guy.
 

JacketsFanWest

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Jun 14, 2005
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According to CBJ Prospects, Anton Blomqvist has been loaned to the SEL.

Actually, Allsvenskan (2nd tier) to the Malmö Redhawks, who he played for before.

According to Blomqvist in the Expressen, he wanted to break the contract but he says it's funny that Columbus wanted to keep him and how much they believe in him.

He says his ultimate dream is still the NHL.

http://www.expressen.se/kvp/sport/anton-blomqvist-ska-forstarka-redhawks/

His development was really hindered by the injuries, including 2 concussions. Odds are, he won't be back in North America, but he should get plenty of ice time in Malmö. Perhaps he might be able to have a turn around and finally reach his potential.
 

Fro

Cheatin on CBJ w TBL
Mar 11, 2009
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he tweeted me back saying it may be sooner than later that he's back...which I hope, he's been one of my favs since we got him...
 

InjuredChoker

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Dec 25, 2011
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LTIR or golf course
Josh Anderson – Columbus Blue Jackets

Who?

Anderson is a budding power forward who is also very solid in all three zones according to Otten. He’s already very accomplished defensively, and he blocks a ton of shots, too. Anderson made some great strides from year one to year two in the OHL, improving his goal total by 11, his assist total by 16, and his points total by… 27. He also registered 43 more PIM.

Columbus will be patient with him, as they have a number of young forwards ready to make the jump to the NHL (including another OHL multi-category standout, Boone Jenner, who I will profile a bit more extensively in the coming weeks).

Why?

Anderson is already a very good two-way player, and that will be his meal ticket to ice time as his career progresses to the pro level. If he can continue to make huge strides with his offensive game, the Jackets may be wanting to see what he can do at the NHL level sooner rather than later.

When?

Don’t expect to see Anderson in the NHL until at least 2015. Unless your league has very deep farm rosters, it probably isn’t worth using a pick or a spot on him. But he is a guy who you need to keep tabs on next season.

http://hockey.dobbersports.com/inde...multi-category-ohl-prospects-you-need-to-know
 

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major major

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just a guess here, but after being suspended by IIHF for some questionable hits, might it be that Boone is a bit gunshy around international officials?

No, he bailed instead of taking a hit, gave up the puck and it went the other way for a goal. I've only seen him do it once though, so I don't want to make a big deal of it unless we see that again.
 

Fro

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@CBJProspects just came up with one hell of a line for the traverse city tourney...

Rychel - Jenner - Anderson

!!!!!! bring the pain !!!!!
 

CBJWerenski8

Rest in Peace Johnny
Jun 13, 2009
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Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 5m

ICYMI: #CBJ development camp is July 8-11 (skaters/goalies), plus July 12-13 for just goalies. Free, open to the public, and chilly. #ahhhhh
 

major major

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Feb 18, 2013
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@CBJProspects just came up with one hell of a line for the traverse city tourney...

Rychel - Jenner - Anderson

!!!!!! bring the pain !!!!!

Color me unimpressed with Anderson (he's at least not in the same league with Rychel or Jenner). In his draft+1 season he scoored 3 pts in 18 playoff games playing against boys, which makes me think he won't be a scorer of any kind in the NHL.
 

CBJWerenski8

Rest in Peace Johnny
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Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 17m

Told #CBJ will not extend qualifying offer to G Allen York, making him an unrestricted free agent.
 

Mayor Bee

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Dec 29, 2008
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Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 17m

Told #CBJ will not extend qualifying offer to G Allen York, making him an unrestricted free agent.

So the only goalies under contract as of right now are Bobrovsky, McElhinney, and Anton Forsberg. And McElhinney was just re-signed on a one-way deal. And this is a really weak year for goalies in free agency.

I'm thoroughly confused.
 

blahblah

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Nov 24, 2005
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Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 17m

Told #CBJ will not extend qualifying offer to G Allen York, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Yeah, not a surprise. Too bad for him. He didn't have a bad run with the Jackets back in 2011/12.
 

CBJx614

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So the only goalies under contract as of right now are Bobrovsky, McElhinney, and Anton Forsberg. And McElhinney was just re-signed on a one-way deal. And this is a really weak year for goalies in free agency.

I'm thoroughly confused.

Maybe JK knows something we don't?! :dunno:
 

JacketsFanWest

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Too bad about York. He just couldn't stay healthy.

Next season the goalie depth will improve with Forsberg probably coming over. Ouellette will graduate this spring, maybe get signed. Dansk and Korpisalo could factor in.

In the meantime, they just need to find a McElhinney type to fill the net in Springfield. Considering what being the starter for Springy did for McElhinney's career, it might be more attractive to former NHLers who can't get a backup role. I wonder if Garon is going to get signed by an NHL team?

Also, it's not quite clear about Forsberg and MODO (who have 2 goalies who could be the starter and backup next season, but their starter has been looking at NHL options). I'm not sure if Forsberg could get out of his contract to play in the AHL, but things seem up in the air. MODO fans aren't assuming Forsberg will be playing there next season.
 
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