With Minten, and Grebenkin out, there's definitely less to look forward to on this prospect pool. I hate to say it, but we're likely bottom 3 in the league now.
Outside of
Cowan, the goalies (Akhtyamov & Hildeby) and
Danford there isn't much screaming out at me.
I do think we've had a lot of guys step in the right direction..
Prospect Risers:
- Victor Johansson: An absolute offensive explosion from him. This is tiny, but man can he skate. Would love to see him marinate next year in the SHL, then we can bring him over.
- Sam Mccue: Really nice step forward in production. He's physical, he agitates and he can score. I've really liked what I've seen from him and I think we should see him getting an ELC very shortly.
- William Villeneuve: Honestly, last year I was starting to right him off. But he's been playing pretty well this year. His skating seems to be less of a problem.
- Alex Steeves: Look he's 24, but I think there's something there. He looked good in his call-up, and he's been arguably the best forward in the AHL.
- Noah Chadwick: Another good season, almost made team Canada. Will be interested to see how he fairs in the A next year.
Others: Quillian has had a nice first pro-season,
Joe Miller is likely worth a contract, and
Miroslav Holinka had a nice WJC, and has good bottom 6 skills.
The issue is - I think more players are trending poorly, then in the right direction.
Prospect Fallers:
- Ty Voit: Injuries have set him back immensely. At this point, I'm pretty much writing him off, abysmal stats for an offensive forward. Yes Cincinnati sucks, but he's gotta be doing better at this stage.
- Ryan Tverberg: Huge step backwards. Has all the intangibles to be a good bottom 6er, but man has he stepped backwards.
- Topi Niemela: I still like this kid, but we're now on year 3 and he still hasn't put on the weight, and his production has taken a big step backwards.
- Nick Moldenhauer: At this point, I'd expect more from him as a sophomore. Probably not even worth signing to a contract.
- Roni Hirvonen: Expected more from him. He does things really well, but it's just again, limited progression by year 3, is disappointing.
Others: Plesovikh I know folks have been posting about him, but not many players in their d+1 with that production in the MHL do much at the next level.
Peksa has been brutal, and the rest have been unremarkable.