Prospect Info: Marlies/Prospects Thread - Vote Miettinen for the Hobey Baker!

[diehardleafsfan9878]

Question for everyone.

What does everyone think is the reason that all the top goalie prospects seem to be coming from Russia and or Europe?

Now I had a thought that it is due to exposure. Much like forwards and defenders need experience to get better so do goalies. But goalies in NA have to get their experience where? In major junior, college, then finally the AHL.

Meanwhile European goalie are getting experience in the KHL, SHL, LIIGA, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th best in the world.

And NA goalies are expected to get the required experience to become good players at the AHL level when it is ranked 8th.
https://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-best-ice-hockey-l

There have obviously been exceptions, Carter Hart being the most recent, but to that I'd argue, Hart might just be a generational talent which is why he's succeeded.

My thinking is that goalies development is considered voodoo because they are never given a chance against the best competition. I think it would be beneficial for teams to start giving young goalies games in the NHL for them to see the speed difference. Give them a few games each year and have the coach be able to better identify what they need to work on for the next level.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

The first thing I would say is that the AHL being ranked 8th is simply incorrect...

USA and Canada are probably two of the top 3 countries in terms of developing goalies, and are probably the best in terms of providing the quantity of goalies (you even see a lot of American and Canadian goalies who can't hack it in North America go over and dominate in Europe). Canada struggled to develop some guys in the late 2000's and early 2010's, but may be back on track since Hart and Blackwood have come around. They are also going to dominate the upcoming draft with both depth and quality to the point that despite every other country having practically nothing to offer outside of Sweden, it is still one of the better goalie drafts in recent years.

Russia has done the best, but mostly on the back of some really high end guys (Bobrovsky, Vasilevsky, Varlamov, Samsonov, etc.) and not with providing quantity.

 

[acrobaticgoalie]

Based off upside and likelihood of reaching their respective ceilings.

1. Sandin
2. Robertson
3. Amirov
4. Liljegren
5. Niemela
6. Abruzzese
7. Abramov
8. Hallander
9. Hirvonen
10. Anderson
11. Miettinen
12. Hollowel
13. Kral
14. Koster
15. SDA
16.Kokkonen
17. Ovchinnikov
18. Villeneuve
18. Rindell
19. Holmberg
20. Rubins

 

[LeafsOHLRangers98]

The first thing I would say is that the AHL being ranked 8th is simply incorrect...

USA and Canada are probably two of the top 3 countries in terms of developing goalies, and are probably the best in terms of providing the quantity of goalies (you even see a lot of American and Canadian goalies who can't hack it in North America go over and dominate in Europe). Canada struggled to develop some guys in the late 2000's and early 2010's, but may be back on track since Hart and Blackwood have come around. They are also going to dominate the upcoming draft with both depth and quality to the point that despite every other country having practically nothing to offer outside of Sweden, it is still one of the better goalie drafts in recent years.

Russia has done the best, but mostly on the back of some really high end guys (Bobrovsky, Vasilevsky, Varlamov, Samsonov, etc.) and not with providing quantity.

I think the biggest issue with developing goalies in Canada is the amount of import picks coming in. Would have been nice to get two more years of a gap between allowing teams to select import goalies so the existing goalies could graduate and we could have an influx of Canadian kids getting an opportunity. They way it set up there were still a fair amount of overagers taking up import spots while the next crop came in the year after.

 

[Prominence]

Keep in mind that I have many cognitive bias' and there's a huge chance I'm wrong about my assessments. This is my 2nd viewing of fusco.

John Fusco:

1. An aggressive pincher, often a 4th forward, but doesn't really generate much (no scoring opportunities, high danger scoring chances). He doesn't just pinch to keep pucks in, he goes deep into the offensive zone and you would be confused he is a defenseman. I haven't seen Koster do this and he pretty much dominated high school.
2. No elite passing skills. Okay, but not great skater (take this with a grain of salt as it's becoming clear I don't know how to measure skating). I don't consider him explosive. Shot's okay (I consider tyler kleven to have a great shot), vision is meh.
   
3. He receives more offensive zone starts than defensive zone starts
4. I found his gap control to be okay and he does keep forwards on the outside, but he is soon to be 20 years old in the ushl
5. His preferred method of zone exit is to pass it out or shoot it out. He will need to learn to skate it out as nhl forwards know how to poach center ice (a la zaitsev). If John Tavares and Jason Spezza know how to do zone entries, there's no excuse fusco can't learn to exit his zone by skating.
6. 5v5: I would be shocked if he was an analytics darling. He should do poorly by rapm metrics as I have thought it's his linemates who generate the scoring opportunities. He doesn't really prevent zone entries. He does try hard in defense though. He's not physical and relies on his stick to knock pucks away, but I have not seen success in this department. He doesn't break up plays or cycles. Often, the attacking forward will be kept on the outside and prolong the cycle until the shot misses the net.
7. Powerplay: Plays the point, shoots quite a bit, has an okay shot. Horrible at keeping the line and I don't see his vision (comparison to rielly who is very good at this. When I have watched him on the pp, he doesn't execute controlled zone entries. Leafs usually have 3+ guys who can enter the zone safely and statistics have shown that controlled zone entries lead to more scoring. From stat-watching: 4 of His points are from the powerplay.
8. He doesn't pk much.

Conclusion:
I'm surprised he was selected by the leafs. It's not that I think he's a bad player, but rather that his skill set is inconsistent with what I believe the leafs are trying to build. He's aggressive offensively, but doesn't generate high danger scoring chances. He doesn't skate his zone exits and his 5v5 play is driven by his linemates. His optimistic upside is a 3rd pairing offensive dman with 2nd unit pp time. I sound like an a******, but remember, I do like Mike Koster as a prospect (and toyberg too).

 

[BM14]

Question for everyone.

What does everyone think is the reason that all the top goalie prospects seem to be coming from Russia and or Europe?

Now I had a thought that it is due to exposure. Much like forwards and defenders need experience to get better so do goalies. But goalies in NA have to get their experience where? In major junior, college, then finally the AHL.

Meanwhile European goalie are getting experience in the KHL, SHL, LIIGA, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th best in the world.

And NA goalies are expected to get the required experience to become good players at the AHL level when it is ranked 8th.
https://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-best-ice-hockey-l

There have obviously been exceptions, Carter Hart being the most recent, but to that I'd argue, Hart might just be a generational talent which is why he's succeeded.

My thinking is that goalies development is considered voodoo because they are never given a chance against the best competition. I think it would be beneficial for teams to start giving young goalies games in the NHL for them to see the speed difference. Give them a few games each year and have the coach be able to better identify what they need to work on for the next level.

Canadian kids grow up being target practice every game/practice. All focus is on high end skill/plays and the young Canadian Gs are nothing more than glorified puck retrievers. It's not an enviable position to soak even more money than a F/D.

I think the Euros do well because they have had some really good goalies the last 20 years. Kids grow up wanting to be Hasek and Lunqvist etc. There's a national sense of pride in that.

 

[Byron Bitz]

Anyone know how long it’s been since Ian Scott last played a hockey game? They should have lent him somewhere in Europe.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I think the biggest issue with developing goalies in Canada is the amount of import picks coming in. Would have been nice to get two more years of a gap between allowing teams to select import goalies so the existing goalies could graduate and we could have an influx of Canadian kids getting an opportunity. They way it set up there were still a fair amount of overagers taking up import spots while the next crop came in the year after.

They only allowed imports back in the CHL in like 2019 after 5 years, and they are not taking away spots.

Either way, a local goalie should be able to usurp an import if they are good enough.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Anyone know how long it’s been since Ian Scott last played a hockey game? They should have lent him somewhere in Europe.

He was expected back by summer 2020, but that was best case for his rehab, and who knows how covid affects that recovery. Probably focusing more on regaining his strength than getting into games.

Its also more difficult to find spots for goalies. Not too many teams loaned goalies out.

 

[Byron Bitz]

He was expected back by summer 2020, but that was best case for his rehab, and who knows how covid affects that recovery. Probably focusing more on regaining his strength than getting into games.

Its also more difficult to find spots for goalies. Not too many teams loaned goalies out.

So how long has it been? Almost 2 years? I wonder what affect that would have on a prospects development

 

[SeaOfBlue]

So how long has it been? Almost 2 years? I wonder what affect that would have on a prospects development

I am not a goalie expert, but I imagine not getting into games for a goalie is not as bad as it is for a player. They don't have to worry about skating and technique (or can do so without needing to get into games), learning systems, etc. so it's more about strength and conditioning, which he has probably done at full speed the entire time he has not been recovering.

If the Marlies play this year, which I imagine will happen eventually, he is likely one of the goalies (with Woll being the other). His first year back may be a little bit rough, but he hopefully should be back on track for 2021-2022, and the 2020-2021 AHL season is a complete write-off anyways. The Marlies are probably going to get as many prospects into the lineup as possible and don't really care about winning as much as development for this year.

 

[stickty111]

Goal and assist for Hallander

Another snipe. He needs to be more aggressive because his offense tools are more then fine.

 

[Twine Tickler]

Question for everyone.

What does everyone think is the reason that all the top goalie prospects seem to be coming from Russia and or Europe?

Now I had a thought that it is due to exposure. Much like forwards and defenders need experience to get better so do goalies. But goalies in NA have to get their experience where? In major junior, college, then finally the AHL.

Meanwhile European goalie are getting experience in the KHL, SHL, LIIGA, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th best in the world.

And NA goalies are expected to get the required experience to become good players at the AHL level when it is ranked 8th.
https://thehockeywriters.com/top-10-best-ice-hockey-l

There have obviously been exceptions, Carter Hart being the most recent, but to that I'd argue, Hart might just be a generational talent which is why he's succeeded.

My thinking is that goalies development is considered voodoo because they are never given a chance against the best competition. I think it would be beneficial for teams to start giving young goalies games in the NHL for them to see the speed difference. Give them a few games each year and have the coach be able to better identify what they need to work on for the next level.

Here is what I think on this, and mind you this is just a theory. I could be completely off on this.

I think Euro countries have been so successful lately at developing goalies because of their junior affiliations to the big clubs. For example, Artur Akhtyamov has been affiliated with the KHL organization Ak Bars Kazan from 2016-17 as per eliteprospects. He has been under their developmental umbrella since he was 15 years old. From their perspective, they are developing their next KHL starter, and as an organization they have likely given him the leash he needs to succeed to get there. Also, I am not sure how much external moving there is in the euro leagues, so you are really only competing against your own organizational depth. Easier to maintain the net.

in NA, there is no affiliation from Junior to the show. So the Maple Leafs have zero ability to handle those years until they get drafted by us, and then turn pro. So if we were hot on a goalie at age 15, we could not invest in his growth until we draft him, and further when he turns pro.

My cousin for example, was the goalie of he year in BC major midget before entering the BCHL. He then started as a 16 year old, which is virtually unheard of in the BCHL. The team he had signed with was very bad and he along with everyone on the team hads a statistically poor year. However he still had the best stats of all goalies on his team. After his first year, they shipped him outta town, and he became a suitcase in canadian Jr.A...never really getting a shot thereafter. Had his rights been owned by a club at that point, I am sure his development would have been different.

All that said, my cousin was never going to make it to the show, but that's a small scale version of how this might effect higher end NA goalie prospects. Because their development depends on oppourtunity, and unlike forward and D, there is only 1 net to fill per team

 

[diehardleafsfan9878]

Here is what I think on this, and mind you this is just a theory. I could be completely off on this.

I think Euro countries have been so successful lately at developing goalies because of their junior affiliations to the big clubs. For example, Artur Akhtyamov has been affiliated with the KHL organization Ak Bars Kazan from 2016-17 as per eliteprospects. He has been under their developmental umbrella since he was 15 years old. From their perspective, they are developing their next KHL starter, and as an organization they have likely given him the leash he needs to succeed to get there. Also, I am not sure how much external moving there is in the euro leagues, so you are really only competing against your own organizational depth. Easier to maintain the net.

in NA, there is no affiliation from Junior to the show. So the Maple Leafs have zero ability to handle those years until they get drafted by us, and then turn pro. So if we were hot on a goalie at age 15, we could not invest in his growth until we draft him, and further when he turns pro.

My cousin for example, was the goalie of he year in BC major midget before entering the BCHL. He then started as a 16 year old, which is virtually unheard of in the BCHL. The team he had signed with was very bad and he along with everyone on the team hads a statistically poor year. However he still had the best stats of all goalies on his team. After his first year, they shipped him outta town, and he became a suitcase in canadian Jr.A...never really getting a shot thereafter. Had his rights been owned by a club at that point, I am sure his development would have been different.

All that said, my cousin was never going to make it to the show, but that's a small scale version of how this might effect higher end NA goalie prospects. Because their development depends on oppourtunity, and unlike forward and D, there is only 1 net to fill per team

This is what I was talking about. European goalies have a shot to play in a TOP 5 league when they are 16. Whether they do good or not, it allows the coaches there to better identify what they need to work on so they can be successful. But I don't necessarily think the development has to happen before they are drafted. I think we could start to a better trend in NHL goalie projections if these young kids were to be given a few games when they are 18-19 years old, much like forwards and defenders are.

 

[Macman]

So how long has it been? Almost 2 years? I wonder what affect that would have on a prospects development

I believe his last game was at the 2019 Memorial Cup, which would make it May of that year.

 

[Byron Bitz]

I believe his last game was at the 2019 Memorial Cup, which would make it May of that year.

Wow

 

[Morgs]

I'm just gonna do monthly updates close to the end of each month as I've gotten a bit busier. Ranked by NHLe:

Player Name	Age	Pos	League	GP	Goals	Points	PPG	NHLe	rel.CF%	Rel.FF%	ATOI	OZS%	oiSH%
Korshkov, Yegor	24.6	W	KHL	50	15	30	0.60	30.4	-	-	15:28	-	-
Der-Arguchintsev, Semyon	20.4	C	KHL	10	1	5	0.50	25.3	-	-	14:04	-	-
Abramov, Mikhail	19.9	C	QMJHL	11	5	16	1.45	19.0	-	-	-	-	-
Ovchinnikov, Dimitri	18.5	C/W	MHL	34	17	45	1.32	18.5	-	-	23:50	-	-
Hallander, Filip	20.6	C/W	SHL	35	7	16	0.46	18.3	5.2%	4.7%	16:31	-	6.8%
Holmberg, Pontus	21.9	W	SHL	34	6	15	0.44	17.7	7.2%	5.2%	16:04	-	8.5%
Rindell, Axel	20.8	RHD	Liiga	29	4	17	0.59	17.4	7.0%	-	20:13	49.1%	9.7%
Kral, Filip	21.3	LHD	CZE	35	5	17	0.49	15.8	4.3%	-	21:12	43.5%	-
Amirov, Rodion	19.3	W	KHL	32	6	10	0.31	15.8	-	-	13:58	-	-
Miettinen, Veeti	19.4	W	NCAA	17	9	18	1.06	15.4	-	-	-	-	-
Hirvonen, Roni	19.1	C/W	Liiga	26	6	12	0.46	13.7	-4.2%	-	15:47	49.6%	10.7%
Bobylev, Vladimir	23.8	W	VHL	32	8	18	0.56	12.4	-	-	15:44	-	-
Hollowell, Mac	22.4	RHD	Mestis	6	2	6	1.00	11.4	9.3%	-	22:08	44.7%	11.3%
Chebykin, Nikolai	23.5	W	VHL	21	2	10	0.48	10.5	-	-	14:44	-	-
Kizimov, Semyon	21.0	W	VHL	28	6	13	0.46	10.2	-	-	15:44	-	-
Niemela, Topi	18.9	RHD	Liiga	9	0	3	0.33	9.9	8.0%	-	14:18	63.2%	11.3%
Koster, Mike	19.8	LHD	NCAA	17	2	8	0.47	8.9	-	-	-	-	-
Kara, Vladislav	22.8	W	KHL	20	1	3	0.15	7.6	-	-	12:41	-	-
Fusco, John	19.6	RHD	USHL	13	2	10	0.77	7.4	-	-	-	-	-
Tverberg, Ryan	19.0	C/W	NCAA	5	1	2	0.40	6.7	-	-	-	-	-
Schingoethe, Wyatt	18.5	C	USHL	17	7	11	0.65	6.3	-	-	-	-	-
O'Connell, Ryan	21.8	LHD	NCAA	17	0	5	0.29	5.6	-	-	-	-	-
Loponen, Kalle	19.9	RHD	Fin J20	32	8	28	0.88	5.2	-	-	18:52	-	-
Villeneuve, William	18.9	RHD	QMJHL	15	1	6	0.40	5.2	-	-	-	-	-
Greenway, J.D.	22.8	LHD	NCAA	8	1	2	0.25	4.2	-	-	-	-	-
Miller, Joe	18.4	C/W	USHL	14	2	6	0.43	4.1	-	-	-	-	-
Kokkonen, Mikko	20.0	LHD	Liiga	24	0	3	0.13	3.7	4.6%	-	20:42	44.4%	5.9%
Rubins, Kristians	23.2	LHD	ML	21	2	5	0.24	3.7	-	-	-	-	-
Rasanen, Eemeli	21.9	RHD	Liiga	18	0	0	0.00	0.0	-8.0%	-	13:20	45.2%	1.7%

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

 

[LeafChief]

Hoefenmayer with 5 points in his first 8 pro games (ECHL - Wichita). Not a bad start.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Hoefenmayer with 5 points in his first 8 pro games (ECHL - Wichita). Not a bad start.

He should be getting closer to a PPG, and the main concern is his defense.

He will have a lot of competition next year so he will need to bring it if he wants to move up.

 

[Magic Man]

Any news on if LeafsTV will cover the Marlies games like in the past couple season's with the on-going pandemic? I would like to see a schedule of televised games before adding it back to my satellite dish.

 

[Duke16]

Any names available (young or vet) we'd like to see the Marlies bring in (@SeaOfBlue)? I've kind of lost track of who is where now, but I noticed a few 2015 guys (Bittner, Yan, and Spacek) signed in lower-tier Euro leagues. In addition, our remaining vets from last year (Wilson, Gravel, Lorito) have caught on with new AHL teams, as has MacMaster.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Any names available (young or vet) we'd like to see the Marlies bring in (@SeaOfBlue)? I've kind of lost track of who is where now, but I noticed a few 2015 guys (Bittner, Yan, and Spacek) signed in lower-tier Euro leagues. In addition, our remaining vets from last year (Wilson, Gravel, Lorito) have caught on with new AHL teams, as has MacMaster.

I had a whole list of young guys... They are mostly gone now

First off, we don't really need defense. We have too many defenseman as it is I would say. This is all I have on my list right now, but as you can see, they are mostly guys who are likely going to be back as OA's once the WHL and OHL seasons start up.

1) G Shane Farkas - WHL - 1999
2) C/LW Riley Stotts – WHL – 2000 *TOR 2018 3rd round pick
3) C Eli Zummack – OHL – 2000 *Invited to 2018 Leafs Development Camp
4) C Mitchell Hoelscher – OHL – 2000 *NJD 2018 6th round pick
5) LW Ryan Chyzowski – WHL – 2000
6) LW Tristen Nielsen - WHL – 2000
7) RW Eric Uba – OHL - 2000

The other thing is that we have quite a few good depth guys, but our top 9 gets thin quick and we need an extra goalie. Since this year is somewhat of a write-off, guys like Conrad, Elynuik, Brazeau, and Chartier may get larger roles (since they are still fairly young) than they would have in a normal year. Regardless, they need more than 13 forwards and as of right now, both Boyd and Anderson are on the taxi squad too, but I assume both will go back down once Robertson and Thornton are healthy.

LW Kenny Agostino – C Travis Boyd – RW Joey Anderson
LW Nic Petan – C Rourke Chartier – RW Justin Brazeau
LW Hudson Elynuik – C Kalle Kossila – RW Scott Pooley
LW Tyler Gaudet – C Colt Conrad – RW Scott Sabourin
LW Rich Clune
RW Gordie Green (ECHL); RW Jeremy McKenna (ECHL); C Bobby McMann (ECHL)

LD Martin Marincin – RD Timothy Liljegren
LD Calle Rosen – RD Mac Hollowell
LD Teemu Kivihalme – RD Joseph Duszak
LD Kristians Rubins – RD David Warsofsky
LD Riley McCourt/RD Sergei Sapego
LD Noel Hoefenmayer (ECHL)

G Joseph Woll – G Ian Scott

Not too worried about finding a 3rd stringer in the AHL. Shane Farkas is out there from my list. Ken Appleby is free right now too. We can get pretty much anyone who gets cut from another team, or maybe another NHL team will want to loan us one too. Woll and Scott will get plenty of playing time though.

In terms of our options at forward, there are not many. There may be some guys who shake through after other teams finish off their camps, but most likely they will not be the kind of guys we need anyways.

1) RW/LW Beau Bennett - Think Bracco, with worse shooting and skating ability, but with more defensive ability and noticeable effort. He could comfortably step into Bracco's old role.
2) C/LW Greg Carey - Consistently scored 25-30 goals for 4 years before this past one. Don't know much about him, but scouting reports say he is a solid playmaker and works hard in tight areas. Defensive liability, but may have the best offensive skill set on this list and may be able to play center in our top 6.
3) LW/RW Gabriel Bourque - Tons of NHL experience, works really hard, leader, solid in his own zone and can PK, questionable offensive upside but should be able to do well in the AHL.
4) C/LW/RW Blake Pietila - Versatile defensive forward. Inconsistent offense. Would be a nice addition to our 4th line or as depth who can slot in various spots. Would also work well if we want to give Elynuik a legit chance in the top 9.
5) C/LW Thomas DiPauli - Worse (or at least less proven) version of Pietila, but a more natural fit down the middle. 6) LW Michael Mersch - Struggled this past year, but has proven 20 goal ability at the AHL level in a 6'2", 210 lbs frame. I remember Kings fans being excited about him, but scouting reports generally agree that he is a pure offensive guy, not overly physical for his size, and a terrible skater. Would probably be better to groom Elynuik in whatever role you give Mersch instead.7) RW Ryan Haggerty - Struggled last year, but 20 goals the year before. Solid depth scorer, but nothing spectacular, so go for the better versions in Bennett or Carey first.
8) LW Morgan Klimchuk - He only lasted a couple of months in our organization the last time, so not sure if we have much interest in bringing him back. Klimchuk struggled to produce offensively the past few years, but is a solid player profile. Like Haggerty, look at the better options first.

All of these guys would take AHL contracts more than likely. The top three guys are easily the best options for our top 9, but Pietila and Di Pauli wouldn't be bad for our 4th line and PK. We could also sign a Brian Boyle or Michael Grabner for our taxi squad, which could make our current taxi squad guys available for the Marlies. I wouldn't look at Mersch, Haggerty, or Klimchuk unless you absolutely need bodies. Give our current young guys a chance instead, or even try to get some of those 2000 guys I had on my list an opportunity to compete for an AHL contract in camp or something. Now would be a perfect time to evaluate some young guys for the next wave of AHL contract handouts, especially since there will likely be huge turnover and plenty of open spots (especially at forward) on the Marlies next year.

 

[daethfromabove1979]

Artur Akhtyamov made 36 saves in a 3-2 OT win today in the VHL.

 

[Twine Tickler]

I had a whole list of young guys... They are mostly gone now

First off, we don't really need defense. We have too many defenseman as it is I would say. This is all I have on my list right now, but as you can see, they are mostly guys who are likely going to be back as OA's once the WHL and OHL seasons start up.

1) G Shane Farkas - WHL - 1999
2) C/LW Riley Stotts – WHL – 2000 *TOR 2018 3rd round pick
3) C Eli Zummack – OHL – 2000 *Invited to 2018 Leafs Development Camp
4) C Mitchell Hoelscher – OHL – 2000 *NJD 2018 6th round pick
5) LW Ryan Chyzowski – WHL – 2000
6) LW Tristen Nielsen - WHL – 2000
7) RW Eric Uba – OHL - 2000

The other thing is that we have quite a few good depth guys, but our top 9 gets thin quick and we need an extra goalie. Since this year is somewhat of a write-off, guys like Conrad, Elynuik, Brazeau, and Chartier may get larger roles (since they are still fairly young) than they would have in a normal year. Regardless, they need more than 13 forwards and as of right now, both Boyd and Anderson are on the taxi squad too, but I assume both will go back down once Robertson and Thornton are healthy.

LW Kenny Agostino – C Travis Boyd – RW Joey Anderson
LW Nic Petan – C Rourke Chartier – RW Justin Brazeau
LW Hudson Elynuik – C Kalle Kossila – RW Scott Pooley
LW Tyler Gaudet – C Colt Conrad – RW Scott Sabourin
LW Rich Clune
RW Gordie Green (ECHL); RW Jeremy McKenna (ECHL); C Bobby McMann (ECHL)

LD Martin Marincin – RD Timothy Liljegren
LD Calle Rosen – RD Mac Hollowell
LD Teemu Kivihalme – RD Joseph Duszak
LD Kristians Rubins – RD David Warsofsky
LD Riley McCourt/RD Sergei Sapego
LD Noel Hoefenmayer (ECHL)

G Joseph Woll – G Ian Scott

Not too worried about finding a 3rd stringer in the AHL. Shane Farkas is out there from my list. Ken Appleby is free right now too. We can get pretty much anyone who gets cut from another team, or maybe another NHL team will want to loan us one too. Woll and Scott will get plenty of playing time though.

In terms of our options at forward, there are not many. There may be some guys who shake through after other teams finish off their camps, but most likely they will not be the kind of guys we need anyways.

1) RW/LW Beau Bennett - Think Bracco, with worse shooting and skating ability, but with more defensive ability and noticeable effort. He could comfortably step into Bracco's old role.
2) C/LW Greg Carey - Consistently scored 25-30 goals for 4 years before this past one. Don't know much about him, but scouting reports say he is a solid playmaker and works hard in tight areas. Defensive liability, but may have the best offensive skill set on this list and may be able to play center in our top 6.
3) LW/RW Gabriel Bourque - Tons of NHL experience, works really hard, leader, solid in his own zone and can PK, questionable offensive upside but should be able to do well in the AHL.
4) C/LW/RW Blake Pietila - Versatile defensive forward. Inconsistent offense. Would be a nice addition to our 4th line or as depth who can slot in various spots. Would also work well if we want to give Elynuik a legit chance in the top 9.
5) C/LW Thomas DiPauli - Worse (or at least less proven) version of Pietila, but a more natural fit down the middle. 6) LW Michael Mersch - Struggled this past year, but has proven 20 goal ability at the AHL level in a 6'2", 210 lbs frame. I remember Kings fans being excited about him, but scouting reports generally agree that he is a pure offensive guy, not overly physical for his size, and a terrible skater. Would probably be better to groom Elynuik in whatever role you give Mersch instead.7) RW Ryan Haggerty - Struggled last year, but 20 goals the year before. Solid depth scorer, but nothing spectacular, so go for the better versions in Bennett or Carey first.
8) LW Morgan Klimchuk - He only lasted a couple of months in our organization the last time, so not sure if we have much interest in bringing him back. Klimchuk struggled to produce offensively the past few years, but is a solid player profile. Like Haggerty, look at the better options first.

All of these guys would take AHL contracts more than likely. The top three guys are easily the best options for our top 9, but Pietila and Di Pauli wouldn't be bad for our 4th line and PK. We could also sign a Brian Boyle or Michael Grabner for our taxi squad, which could make our current taxi squad guys available for the Marlies. I wouldn't look at Mersch, Haggerty, or Klimchuk unless you absolutely need bodies. Give our current young guys a chance instead, or even try to get some of those 2000 guys I had on my list an opportunity to compete for an AHL contract in camp or something. Now would be a perfect time to evaluate some young guys for the next wave of AHL contract handouts, especially since there will likely be huge turnover and plenty of open spots (especially at forward) on the Marlies next year.

I donno if i am alone on this, but I really liked what I saw from Rourke Chartier in the Blue vs White. High energy, puck hound. Maybe he looked good only because he was playing hard while everyone was just out for a rip. Nonetheless, I'd like to see him on the Marlies if he isn't playing elsewhere

 

[SeaOfBlue]

I donno if i am alone on this, but I really liked what I saw from Rourke Chartier in the Blue vs White. High energy, puck hound. Maybe he looked good only because he was playing hard while everyone was just out for a rip. Nonetheless, I'd like to see him on the Marlies if he isn't playing elsewhere

He will be on the Marlies, it's just a matter of whether the Marlies want to give him such a large role. We will have Kossila and likely one of Boyd or Brooks down the middle as well, but Kossila rarely played last year and wasn't great when he did. Chartier has been injured a lot himself. We get really thin down the middle and we would be taking a major risk with Chartier in the top 6 without any kind of serious insurance policies in place (both if he gets hurt and if he sucks).