Kotkaniemi15
Registered User
Adding Oliwer Kaski and Schuldt would be great and we have a good shot at both.
Speculation: Undrafted FA Thread (NCAA/CHL/Euro) II
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Agreed, our left side is wide open, and Kaski would have a shot on the right side too. Not saying Schuldt is ready (or Kaski for that matter), but at least, in their eyes, they know they'd have a chance.
Adam Michaels
Registered User
I can see us have a feeling that Habs can land Schuldt since he's attended a Development Camp and is teammates with Poehling.
I may have missed something, but has Montreal been linked to Kaski somewhere? Or is it because he's teammates with Ylönen?
Kotkaniemi15
Registered User
The fact that he’s teammates with Ylönen as well as the Finnish factor in Montreal should be very intriguing for a Finnish free agent.
Adam Michaels
Registered User
Kotkaniemi15
Registered User
Adam Michaels
Registered User
Stéphane Leroux on the Laval Rocket broadcast on RDS said that two undrafted players that could interest the Habs are Samuel Harvey and Peter Abbandonato. Both of them play with Teasdale at Rouyn-Noranda.
Harvey has attended the last two development and rookie camps with Montreal.
Abbandonato is currently the top scorer in the Q. It's his 4th year at Junior and his numbers have always progressed. Leroux specified that Abbandonato is an offensive player and would not be suited for a 3rd or 4th line. He'd need to be in the Top-6 to be effective.
Two interesting names. Also, Timmins, Boisvert, and Bouillon were at the Rouyn-Noranda game this afternoon.
Harvey has attended the last two development and rookie camps with Montreal.
Abbandonato is currently the top scorer in the Q. It's his 4th year at Junior and his numbers have always progressed. Leroux specified that Abbandonato is an offensive player and would not be suited for a 3rd or 4th line. He'd need to be in the Top-6 to be effective.
Two interesting names. Also, Timmins, Boisvert, and Bouillon were at the Rouyn-Noranda game this afternoon.
Adam Michaels
Registered User
All good. That's why I asked. There's a very good chance you saw it somewhere I didn't. He'd definitely be a great add if they sign him.
Even if he doesn't pan out for Montreal, as someone who follows the Rocket closely, I'd be very happy to have him in Laval.
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Pronman: Ranking the top free agents from the CHL, college...
1. Tye Felhaber, LW, Ottawa-OHL
Aug. 5, 1998 | six-foot | 190 pounds
When Felhaber initially started lighting up scoresheets like nobody else in the CHL this season, I was skeptical. I always saw him as a highly skilled, yet small forward without a ton of speed. However, Felhaber added a step to his skating this season, leading to him becoming one of the top scorers in major junior. He’s not the most technically smooth in that area, but he has speed to skate with pros. Despite his incredible goal totals this season, I wouldn’t call him a pure sniper, but he has a good shot to go along with great hands and intelligence, and he competes. Felhaber signed with Dallas.
2. Nico Sturm, C, Clarkson-ECAC
May 3, 1995 | 6-foot-3 | 207 pounds
Sturm is a player who could project to the NHL as a fourth-line center due to the fact he’s 6-foot-3, skates well for a big man and has decent offensive tools. He’s by no means a playmaker, but he moves the puck well and has decent hands in tight. Sturm competes hard, gets to the net consistently and can kill penalties. He’s been one of the best players in the ECAC this season and I could see a quick transition in how he plays to the pro level.
3. Oula Palve, C, TPS-Liiga
Feb. 19, 1992 | six-foot | 176 pounds
I watched a lot of TPS this season due to that being Kaapo Kakko’s club team, so I had a lot of opportunity to see what Palve can do as one of the top players in Liiga. He’s a high-end playmaker who will be able to move pucks and make plays at the NHL level. He’s an average skater who is fine but not great off the puck, so the question for NHL teams is will Palve be a player you slot lower in your lineup. He’s 27, so I enter his NHL projection with skepticism, but I do see tools that can translate to the top level.
4. Andrew Shortridge, G, Quinnipiac-ECAC
April 26, 1995 | 6-foot-4 | 185 pounds
Shortridge was dominant in the ECAC this season. He immediately makes an argument that he projects to the pro level because of his big frame and high-end athleticism. He can make the tough saves to steal a game. His decision making and positional play give me cause for concern at time, and there may be an adjustment period when he hits the pros and mistakes are exploited more often, but I like his upside.
5. Peter Abbandonato, C, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL
March 25, 1998 | 5-foot-11 | 192 pounds
Abbandonato was an important part of one of the best teams in the CHL. He’s a very smart puck-mover who can run a power play with his vision and skill. He skates fine, but for a smaller guy Abbandonato lacks a real dangerous gear. He’s probably an AHLer, but with his hockey sense I wouldn’t write him off from playing games at some point.
6. Oliwer Kaski, D, Pelicans-Liiga
Sept. 4, 1998 | 6-foot-3 | 187 pounds
Kaski is a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates and moves the puck well for a big guy, and has a hard shot. He has value on the power play. He’s been one of the best defensemen in Liiga this season. I don’t think his skill is high-end, nor do I think he’s that good a defender or all that physical, which may limit his value if he goes to a tougher level.
7. Mat Robson, G, Univ. of Minnesota-Big 10
March 26, 1996 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds
Robson was excellent for the Gophers for the past two seasons. He’s listed at 6-foot-3 but arguably looks bigger in net with how well he plays his angles. He’s not that athletic, but he moves fine and doesn’t have much extra movement in his game. He’s subtle and squares up a lot of pucks due to his very good hockey sense. He has pro attributes that should translate right away.
8. Justin Brazeau, RW, North Bay-OHL
Feb. 2, 1998 | 6-foot-6 | 225 pounds
Brazeau is a 6-foot-6 winger with a good skill level and very good offensive IQ. At the junior level he showed the ability to create offense and to get to the hard areas. And he was so tough to contain once he was in the offensive zone. What will keep him from the NHL is his skatingm which is very far removed from being NHL caliber. With his size and skill he doesn’t need to get it to NHL average, but he does need to get to at least AHL average.
9. Jimmy Huntington, C, Rimouski-QMJHL
Nov. 18, 1998 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Huntington played well with Alexis Lafreniere this season but created offense without the help of the elite prospect. Huntington’s got very good hockey sense, he makes plays and he skates fine. He was pretty good around the net and scored a lot of goals in the tough areas. He signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
10. Connor Mackey, D, Minnesota State-WCHA
Sept. 12, 1996 | 6-foot-2 | 183 pounds
Mackey is a solid two-way defenseman. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who moves the puck and is mobile. Mackey jumps up into plays quite often, creating offense with his feet. His skill level is just OK. I don’t see him producing that much offense as a pro, but he’s a big, hard defender who can transition the puck at the pro level.
11. Joakim Nygard, LW, Farjestad-SHL
Jan. 8, 1993 | six-foot | 193 pounds
Nygard is an older player at age 26, but he’s got good skill and speed, and competes well. There are some scouts who don’t see him as a real prospect, but some teams gave him attention, and folks in Sweden think he has the right skill set to produce offense in North America.
12. Taro Hirose, LW, Michigan State University-Big 10
June 30, 1996 | 5-foot-10 | 161 pounds
Hirose is the top scorer in college hockey this season. He’s a skilled forward with great hockey sense who moves the puck creatively and can run a power play. He’s not that big, though, and his skating is very average, which might limit him at the next level.
13. Max Veronneau, RW, Princeton-ECAC
Dec. 12, 1995 | six-foot | 181 pounds
Veronneau opened eyes last season with his play in the ECAC. This season wasn’t as productive, but NHL teams are still very interested. What stands out about Veronneau is his skating; he can lead a rush at the NHL level with his speed. My concern is, outside his speed, there isn’t much that screams NHL caliber. He can kill penalties, but he’s slight and not physical. His skill is average, but he does see the ice well. The Kings are believed to be the favorite to sign Veronneau.
14. Ilya Mikheyev, RW, Omsk-KHL
Oct. 10, 1994 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Mikheyev is intriguing because he’s a 6-foot-2, strong winger who can get to the net and score goals. He skates fine and has some skill, but I don’t love his puck game or vision as plus attributes. He’ll compete, score a few for you and had a great season in the KHL with an expiring contract; but for the NHL he’s a bottom of the lineup type, if that.
15. Ryan Kuffner, LW, Princeton-ECAC
June 12, 1996 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Kuffner, like Veronneau, saw his counting numbers take a step back this season. He’s a goal-scorer who can snipe from a distance and has good hockey sense. For me his talent level isn’t all that amazing. He has some skill and speed, but his pace isn’t always the best. I see some offense translating but I don’t see him as a driver at the pro level.
16. Vasili Demchenko, G, Traktor-KHL
March 16, 1994 | 6-foot-2 | 165 pounds
Demchenko put up great numbers in the KHL the past few seasons. He has some qualities that could translate to the NHL. He’s 6-foot-2, he moves well, he has good hockey sense, he reads shooters effectively and he plays aggressively. Nothing about his game wows me. He can have a little extra movement in his crease, but his technical base is fine.
17. Otto Leskinen, D, KalPa-Liiga
Feb. 6, 1997 | 5-foot-11 | 187 pounds
I like the way Leskinen plays the game. He’s quick and skilled, able to push the pace and lead a rush. He can run a power play with his skill and vision. He’s not dynamic but he has traits that could translate to North America. My concerns with him are his size and he’s not all that strong of a defender.
18. Tristan Langan, C, Moose Jaw-WHL
Oct. 15, 1998 | six-foot | 205 pounds
Langan was a part of one of the best lines in the WHL this season. He’s got good skill and hockey sense, but I wouldn’t call him a pure skill guy. Rather Langan plays the hard minutes. He scores a lot of goals around the net and can kill penalties. I don’t think he’s slow but for a smaller forward his skating doesn’t stand out.
19. Kevin Hancock, LW, London-OHL
March 2, 1998 | 5-foot-11 | 181 pounds
Hancock was good for Owen Sound and London this season. He’s smart and skilled with the puck. He flashes top-end skill, but not consistently. I like his shot and compete level, as well. He’s not the biggest guy, and while not slow, his speed is only average.
20. Alex Limoges, C, Penn State-Big 10
Sept. 16, 1997 | 6-foot-1 | 201 pounds
Limoges had a huge season on one of the best lines in the NCAA. He’s a very smart offensive player who can make plays, is creative with his distributions and gets to the net. With his size and puck game, Limoges looks like a player with a chance, however he has a wonky skating stride that may limit his potential and doesn’t have a ton of pace in his game.
21. Alexander Yelesin, D, Yaroslav-KHL
Feb. 7, 1996 | 5-foot-11 | 192 pounds
Yelesin is a solid two-way defenseman. He’s not dynamic but he skates well, can move the puck well and has some value on the power play. He’s not the biggest guy but he plays hard and doesn’t mind engaging in the physical aspects of the game.
22. Grant Hutton, D, Univ. of Miami (Ohio)-NCHC
July 25, 1995 | 6-foot-3 | 205 pounds
Hutton is an interesting prospect because he’s a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates well for a big man and has a cannon of a shot. He can help a pro power play with his trigger man abilities. His puck game is so-so. His hands and vision are not his selling point, but his feet allow him to bring pucks up the ice and dish it off to someone off an entry.
23. Joseph Cecconi, D, Univ. of Michigan-Big 10 (Dallas draft pick)
May 23, 1997 | 6-foot-2 | 209 pounds
Cecconi shouldered the load for Michigan the past two seasons alongside top prospect Quinn Hughes. He moves well for a 6-foot-2 defenseman and has good vision with the puck. He can project to make stops versus men, but scouts question if he will have any offense at the higher levels.
24. Arttu Ruotsalainen, LW, Ilves-Liiga
Oct. 29, 1997 | 5-foot-8 | 181 pounds
Ruotsalainen is one of the better forwards in Finland as a 21-year-old and fared fine at the international men’s level, which is intriguing. He has talent, and he’s quick, skilled and smart. The question for me for the NHL is whether his skill level is dynamic enough. He has flashes but is not consistent for me, and I don’t see him breaking a game open, which is tough to make an NHL bet at for a 5-foot-8 forward.
25. Chase Priskie, D, Quinnipiac-ECAC (Washington draft pick)
March 19, 1996 | six-foot | 192 pounds
Priskie was one of the top defensemen in the ECAC this past season. He’s a skilled defender who moves the puck well and could man a power play at the pro level. Priskie joins attacks a lot and plays like a fifth forward at times. I do have questions about how his average pace and defensive play will translate to the higher levels.
26. Lukas Bengtsson, D, Linkoping-SHL
April 14, 1994 | 5-foot-10 | 172 pounds
In talking to some scouts Bengtsson’s name was thrown around as a potential return to North America. He previously was with the Penguins organization. I see some merit. He’s a skilled puck-mover with a decent shot who can help a power play, and his defense showed some improvements. However, I have my doubts. He’s looked a little slower from when I watched him earlier, he’s not that big and he’s had a rough history with his health.
27. Jakob Lilja, LW, Djurgarden-SHL
July 23, 1993 | six-foot | 194 pounds
Lilja is a smart forward who competes well and has decent speed. He makes plays in hard areas, but overall I don’t see much skill in his game nor any real projectable offense to the NHL level.
28. Jimmy Schuldt, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC
May 11, 1995 | 6-foot-1 | 205 pounds
Schuldt was the top defenseman on the top team in the nation. I like his hockey sense and he has some two-way value. While he has some speed and skill, his game is a bit vanilla for the NHL, though
29. Anton Wedin, LW, Timra-SHL
March 1, 1993 | 5-foot-11 | 194 pounds
I talked to some Swedish scouts who pumped Wedin’s tires. I’m somewhat skeptical of a now breaking out 26-year-old who is small with average feet. But I do appreciate his skill and hockey sense.
30. Dakota Joshua, LW, Ohio State University-Big 10 (Toronto draft pick)
May 15, 1996 | 6-foot-2 | 198 pounds
Joshua is a 6-foot-3 forward with skill, which made him interesting for years. He hasn’t produced much in college, though, with scouts citing concerns over his sense and compete level.
31. Josh Teves, D, Princeton-ECAC
Feb. 18, 1995 | six-foot | 170 pounds
Teves is a mobile defenseman with good hockey sense and vision, but for an average sized defender, nothing about his skill set really stands out and I have questions about how much offense he’ll produce as a pro.
32. Samuel Asselin, C, Halifax-QMJHL
July 1, 1998 | 5-foot-10 | 185 pounds
Asselin has good hockey sense, skates fine and competes hard, but is small and his skill level is very average.
33. Reese Johnson, RW, Red Deer-WHL
July 10, 1998 | 6-foot-1 | 198 pounds
Johnson didn’t kill it in the WHL for an overage player, but he’s got more skill than his stat line would suggest. He’s got slippery puck skills, good instincts and skates OK with a good compete level and shot. I don’t see any aspect of his game that truly jumps out at you. Johnson signed with Chicago.
34. Colton Poolman, D, Univ. of North Dakota-NCHC
Dec. 18, 1995 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Poolman, the younger brother of Jets defenseman Tucker Poolman, has good hockey sense and moves rather well, but I don’t see him making many plays with the puck at the pro level.
35. Lukas Craggs, C, Bowling Green State University-WCHA
May 16, 1996 | six-foot | 196 pounds
Craggs plays a hard style of game with a lot of energy. He makes some plays but his speed and skill are just OK. I don’t see him producing much offense at the pro level.
Pronman: Ranking the top free agents from the CHL, college...
1. Tye Felhaber, LW, Ottawa-OHL
Aug. 5, 1998 | six-foot | 190 pounds
When Felhaber initially started lighting up scoresheets like nobody else in the CHL this season, I was skeptical. I always saw him as a highly skilled, yet small forward without a ton of speed. However, Felhaber added a step to his skating this season, leading to him becoming one of the top scorers in major junior. He’s not the most technically smooth in that area, but he has speed to skate with pros. Despite his incredible goal totals this season, I wouldn’t call him a pure sniper, but he has a good shot to go along with great hands and intelligence, and he competes. Felhaber signed with Dallas.
2. Nico Sturm, C, Clarkson-ECAC
May 3, 1995 | 6-foot-3 | 207 pounds
Sturm is a player who could project to the NHL as a fourth-line center due to the fact he’s 6-foot-3, skates well for a big man and has decent offensive tools. He’s by no means a playmaker, but he moves the puck well and has decent hands in tight. Sturm competes hard, gets to the net consistently and can kill penalties. He’s been one of the best players in the ECAC this season and I could see a quick transition in how he plays to the pro level.
3. Oula Palve, C, TPS-Liiga
Feb. 19, 1992 | six-foot | 176 pounds
I watched a lot of TPS this season due to that being Kaapo Kakko’s club team, so I had a lot of opportunity to see what Palve can do as one of the top players in Liiga. He’s a high-end playmaker who will be able to move pucks and make plays at the NHL level. He’s an average skater who is fine but not great off the puck, so the question for NHL teams is will Palve be a player you slot lower in your lineup. He’s 27, so I enter his NHL projection with skepticism, but I do see tools that can translate to the top level.
4. Andrew Shortridge, G, Quinnipiac-ECAC
April 26, 1995 | 6-foot-4 | 185 pounds
Shortridge was dominant in the ECAC this season. He immediately makes an argument that he projects to the pro level because of his big frame and high-end athleticism. He can make the tough saves to steal a game. His decision making and positional play give me cause for concern at time, and there may be an adjustment period when he hits the pros and mistakes are exploited more often, but I like his upside.
5. Peter Abbandonato, C, Rouyn-Noranda-QMJHL
March 25, 1998 | 5-foot-11 | 192 pounds
Abbandonato was an important part of one of the best teams in the CHL. He’s a very smart puck-mover who can run a power play with his vision and skill. He skates fine, but for a smaller guy Abbandonato lacks a real dangerous gear. He’s probably an AHLer, but with his hockey sense I wouldn’t write him off from playing games at some point.
6. Oliwer Kaski, D, Pelicans-Liiga
Sept. 4, 1998 | 6-foot-3 | 187 pounds
Kaski is a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates and moves the puck well for a big guy, and has a hard shot. He has value on the power play. He’s been one of the best defensemen in Liiga this season. I don’t think his skill is high-end, nor do I think he’s that good a defender or all that physical, which may limit his value if he goes to a tougher level.
7. Mat Robson, G, Univ. of Minnesota-Big 10
March 26, 1996 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds
Robson was excellent for the Gophers for the past two seasons. He’s listed at 6-foot-3 but arguably looks bigger in net with how well he plays his angles. He’s not that athletic, but he moves fine and doesn’t have much extra movement in his game. He’s subtle and squares up a lot of pucks due to his very good hockey sense. He has pro attributes that should translate right away.
8. Justin Brazeau, RW, North Bay-OHL
Feb. 2, 1998 | 6-foot-6 | 225 pounds
Brazeau is a 6-foot-6 winger with a good skill level and very good offensive IQ. At the junior level he showed the ability to create offense and to get to the hard areas. And he was so tough to contain once he was in the offensive zone. What will keep him from the NHL is his skatingm which is very far removed from being NHL caliber. With his size and skill he doesn’t need to get it to NHL average, but he does need to get to at least AHL average.
9. Jimmy Huntington, C, Rimouski-QMJHL
Nov. 18, 1998 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Huntington played well with Alexis Lafreniere this season but created offense without the help of the elite prospect. Huntington’s got very good hockey sense, he makes plays and he skates fine. He was pretty good around the net and scored a lot of goals in the tough areas. He signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
10. Connor Mackey, D, Minnesota State-WCHA
Sept. 12, 1996 | 6-foot-2 | 183 pounds
Mackey is a solid two-way defenseman. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who moves the puck and is mobile. Mackey jumps up into plays quite often, creating offense with his feet. His skill level is just OK. I don’t see him producing that much offense as a pro, but he’s a big, hard defender who can transition the puck at the pro level.
11. Joakim Nygard, LW, Farjestad-SHL
Jan. 8, 1993 | six-foot | 193 pounds
Nygard is an older player at age 26, but he’s got good skill and speed, and competes well. There are some scouts who don’t see him as a real prospect, but some teams gave him attention, and folks in Sweden think he has the right skill set to produce offense in North America.
12. Taro Hirose, LW, Michigan State University-Big 10
June 30, 1996 | 5-foot-10 | 161 pounds
Hirose is the top scorer in college hockey this season. He’s a skilled forward with great hockey sense who moves the puck creatively and can run a power play. He’s not that big, though, and his skating is very average, which might limit him at the next level.
13. Max Veronneau, RW, Princeton-ECAC
Dec. 12, 1995 | six-foot | 181 pounds
Veronneau opened eyes last season with his play in the ECAC. This season wasn’t as productive, but NHL teams are still very interested. What stands out about Veronneau is his skating; he can lead a rush at the NHL level with his speed. My concern is, outside his speed, there isn’t much that screams NHL caliber. He can kill penalties, but he’s slight and not physical. His skill is average, but he does see the ice well. The Kings are believed to be the favorite to sign Veronneau.
14. Ilya Mikheyev, RW, Omsk-KHL
Oct. 10, 1994 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Mikheyev is intriguing because he’s a 6-foot-2, strong winger who can get to the net and score goals. He skates fine and has some skill, but I don’t love his puck game or vision as plus attributes. He’ll compete, score a few for you and had a great season in the KHL with an expiring contract; but for the NHL he’s a bottom of the lineup type, if that.
15. Ryan Kuffner, LW, Princeton-ECAC
June 12, 1996 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Kuffner, like Veronneau, saw his counting numbers take a step back this season. He’s a goal-scorer who can snipe from a distance and has good hockey sense. For me his talent level isn’t all that amazing. He has some skill and speed, but his pace isn’t always the best. I see some offense translating but I don’t see him as a driver at the pro level.
16. Vasili Demchenko, G, Traktor-KHL
March 16, 1994 | 6-foot-2 | 165 pounds
Demchenko put up great numbers in the KHL the past few seasons. He has some qualities that could translate to the NHL. He’s 6-foot-2, he moves well, he has good hockey sense, he reads shooters effectively and he plays aggressively. Nothing about his game wows me. He can have a little extra movement in his crease, but his technical base is fine.
17. Otto Leskinen, D, KalPa-Liiga
Feb. 6, 1997 | 5-foot-11 | 187 pounds
I like the way Leskinen plays the game. He’s quick and skilled, able to push the pace and lead a rush. He can run a power play with his skill and vision. He’s not dynamic but he has traits that could translate to North America. My concerns with him are his size and he’s not all that strong of a defender.
18. Tristan Langan, C, Moose Jaw-WHL
Oct. 15, 1998 | six-foot | 205 pounds
Langan was a part of one of the best lines in the WHL this season. He’s got good skill and hockey sense, but I wouldn’t call him a pure skill guy. Rather Langan plays the hard minutes. He scores a lot of goals around the net and can kill penalties. I don’t think he’s slow but for a smaller forward his skating doesn’t stand out.
19. Kevin Hancock, LW, London-OHL
March 2, 1998 | 5-foot-11 | 181 pounds
Hancock was good for Owen Sound and London this season. He’s smart and skilled with the puck. He flashes top-end skill, but not consistently. I like his shot and compete level, as well. He’s not the biggest guy, and while not slow, his speed is only average.
20. Alex Limoges, C, Penn State-Big 10
Sept. 16, 1997 | 6-foot-1 | 201 pounds
Limoges had a huge season on one of the best lines in the NCAA. He’s a very smart offensive player who can make plays, is creative with his distributions and gets to the net. With his size and puck game, Limoges looks like a player with a chance, however he has a wonky skating stride that may limit his potential and doesn’t have a ton of pace in his game.
21. Alexander Yelesin, D, Yaroslav-KHL
Feb. 7, 1996 | 5-foot-11 | 192 pounds
Yelesin is a solid two-way defenseman. He’s not dynamic but he skates well, can move the puck well and has some value on the power play. He’s not the biggest guy but he plays hard and doesn’t mind engaging in the physical aspects of the game.
22. Grant Hutton, D, Univ. of Miami (Ohio)-NCHC
July 25, 1995 | 6-foot-3 | 205 pounds
Hutton is an interesting prospect because he’s a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates well for a big man and has a cannon of a shot. He can help a pro power play with his trigger man abilities. His puck game is so-so. His hands and vision are not his selling point, but his feet allow him to bring pucks up the ice and dish it off to someone off an entry.
23. Joseph Cecconi, D, Univ. of Michigan-Big 10 (Dallas draft pick)
May 23, 1997 | 6-foot-2 | 209 pounds
Cecconi shouldered the load for Michigan the past two seasons alongside top prospect Quinn Hughes. He moves well for a 6-foot-2 defenseman and has good vision with the puck. He can project to make stops versus men, but scouts question if he will have any offense at the higher levels.
24. Arttu Ruotsalainen, LW, Ilves-Liiga
Oct. 29, 1997 | 5-foot-8 | 181 pounds
Ruotsalainen is one of the better forwards in Finland as a 21-year-old and fared fine at the international men’s level, which is intriguing. He has talent, and he’s quick, skilled and smart. The question for me for the NHL is whether his skill level is dynamic enough. He has flashes but is not consistent for me, and I don’t see him breaking a game open, which is tough to make an NHL bet at for a 5-foot-8 forward.
25. Chase Priskie, D, Quinnipiac-ECAC (Washington draft pick)
March 19, 1996 | six-foot | 192 pounds
Priskie was one of the top defensemen in the ECAC this past season. He’s a skilled defender who moves the puck well and could man a power play at the pro level. Priskie joins attacks a lot and plays like a fifth forward at times. I do have questions about how his average pace and defensive play will translate to the higher levels.
26. Lukas Bengtsson, D, Linkoping-SHL
April 14, 1994 | 5-foot-10 | 172 pounds
In talking to some scouts Bengtsson’s name was thrown around as a potential return to North America. He previously was with the Penguins organization. I see some merit. He’s a skilled puck-mover with a decent shot who can help a power play, and his defense showed some improvements. However, I have my doubts. He’s looked a little slower from when I watched him earlier, he’s not that big and he’s had a rough history with his health.
27. Jakob Lilja, LW, Djurgarden-SHL
July 23, 1993 | six-foot | 194 pounds
Lilja is a smart forward who competes well and has decent speed. He makes plays in hard areas, but overall I don’t see much skill in his game nor any real projectable offense to the NHL level.
28. Jimmy Schuldt, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC
May 11, 1995 | 6-foot-1 | 205 pounds
Schuldt was the top defenseman on the top team in the nation. I like his hockey sense and he has some two-way value. While he has some speed and skill, his game is a bit vanilla for the NHL, though
29. Anton Wedin, LW, Timra-SHL
March 1, 1993 | 5-foot-11 | 194 pounds
I talked to some Swedish scouts who pumped Wedin’s tires. I’m somewhat skeptical of a now breaking out 26-year-old who is small with average feet. But I do appreciate his skill and hockey sense.
30. Dakota Joshua, LW, Ohio State University-Big 10 (Toronto draft pick)
May 15, 1996 | 6-foot-2 | 198 pounds
Joshua is a 6-foot-3 forward with skill, which made him interesting for years. He hasn’t produced much in college, though, with scouts citing concerns over his sense and compete level.
31. Josh Teves, D, Princeton-ECAC
Feb. 18, 1995 | six-foot | 170 pounds
Teves is a mobile defenseman with good hockey sense and vision, but for an average sized defender, nothing about his skill set really stands out and I have questions about how much offense he’ll produce as a pro.
32. Samuel Asselin, C, Halifax-QMJHL
July 1, 1998 | 5-foot-10 | 185 pounds
Asselin has good hockey sense, skates fine and competes hard, but is small and his skill level is very average.
33. Reese Johnson, RW, Red Deer-WHL
July 10, 1998 | 6-foot-1 | 198 pounds
Johnson didn’t kill it in the WHL for an overage player, but he’s got more skill than his stat line would suggest. He’s got slippery puck skills, good instincts and skates OK with a good compete level and shot. I don’t see any aspect of his game that truly jumps out at you. Johnson signed with Chicago.
34. Colton Poolman, D, Univ. of North Dakota-NCHC
Dec. 18, 1995 | 6-foot-1 | 194 pounds
Poolman, the younger brother of Jets defenseman Tucker Poolman, has good hockey sense and moves rather well, but I don’t see him making many plays with the puck at the pro level.
35. Lukas Craggs, C, Bowling Green State University-WCHA
May 16, 1996 | six-foot | 196 pounds
Craggs plays a hard style of game with a lot of energy. He makes some plays but his speed and skill are just OK. I don’t see him producing much offense at the pro level.
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Pompeius Magnus
Registered User
I'm not 100% behind the idea that Felhaber should be the number one FA, for what it's worth. He plays in Ottawa so I'm quite familiar with him and I just don't see a ton of pro upside to his game. We'll see I guess but I actually like Brazeau quite a bit more pro projection wise.
Agalloch
EliteProspects
Pompeius Magnus
Registered User
Oh for sure, plus it doesn't cost any asset so it's all low risk. If we're giving people ELCs though I do think we should go with guys that have upside.
Agalloch
EliteProspects
Agree. I hope we signe 2-3 of these guys.
Poehling, Tyszka and Walcott will be signed so we do have some place for undrafted players.
Vachon23
Registered User
Whitesnake
If you rebuild, they will come.
- Jan 5, 2003
- 91,582
- 41,427
Joseph Duszak also getting some recognition from some people. Diminutive d-man with a lot of skills.
Whitesnake
If you rebuild, they will come.
- Jan 5, 2003
- 91,582
- 41,427
Walford you mean? ON the fence with him, I wouldn't sign him....but maybe they will if they think he's better than any UFA junior or college we can get. I'M sure there are better out there.
Agalloch
EliteProspects
Oops , yes. Well, if we signed Pezzetta and I'm almost sure we will sign Walford.
Vachon23
Registered User
Gaylord Q Tinkledink
Registered User
- Apr 29, 2018
- 36,054
- 40,114
Gaylord Q Tinkledink
Registered User
- Apr 29, 2018
- 36,054
- 40,114
montreal
Go Habs Go
- Mar 21, 2002
- 59,696
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with a large incoming rookie class next year, I don't think they will sign too many undrafted FA's. There are a ton of goalies and we could use one. We need some quality AHL vets that can bring a lot of offense like Terry, Agostino, etc...
Don't want to see Hirose go to the leafs though.
Don't want to see Hirose go to the leafs though.
WeThreeKings
Demidov is a HAB
If Lindgren is our back up next year that leaves McNiven in the AHL kind of by himself. Primeau has another year or two in the NCAA, so yeah I'd like to see them sign one or two FA goalies to have someone in the AHL and ECHL next year. We need to draft some goalies this year and it's a great year to do it: Hlavaj, Wolf, Ellis, Maier, etc.
I understand what you are saying, but the Habs are in no position to not go after a high end undrafted FA and it is quite depressing to never hear them in on any. With the utter lack of talent this team has, you would think that they would pull all the stops to sign the best ones, but i'm pretty sure we will go after some unranked smurf from Quebec just to show we are not neglecting our back yard after Tampa Bay embarrassed us in this area.
Agalloch
EliteProspects
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