2008 Draftees to Sign by June 1st

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It's decision time for NHL teams that still have unsigned players that they drafted in 2008. Clubs will lose the rights to those players who they haven't yet gotten under contract and those players will return to the pool and be eligible to be drafted once again when the 2010 event gets underway on June 25th and 26th. There are still some significant names of the 'to do' list and with less than a week to go you should expect a flurry of contract activity... or trades over the next few days.

CHL Trade Frenzy Gaining Steam

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The CHL trade deadlines are rapidly coming up and as with the NHL, the deals are rolling in at an increasing pace. With the World Junior Championship now in the rear view mirror, big name players have already been dealt and there will be more to come in the next few days.

Here is a bit of a recap of some of the notable trades we've seen in the last few weeks.

Top 5 Tuesday: Seen & Heard in St. Albert

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The 3rd Annual Edmonton Oil Kings Invitational Pre-season tournament was held this past weekend in St. Albert. There were 6 teams involved although Red Deer only played one game and Moose Jaw played twice. Swift Current, Regina, Medicine Hat and the host side were the other four clubs in attendance.

As always, with so many teams in one place there were a number of scouts around and the conversations that go on in the stands or between periods and games is quite interesting. I had an interesting conversation with some scouts, including one from a NHL club, about the NHL combine interviews from last year - specifically about the "gay" questioning of Tomas Tatar and the Islanders alcohol inquisition of Zack Kassian. The latter seemed to be OK with everyone I asked but the former, everyone agreed that whoever asked Tatar if he was gay was crossing the line.

I missed most of the tournament because of a wedding but being able to take in the event on Sunday still provided me with enough for a Top 5 things I saw and heard about from the weekend.

5. Keegan Lowe

The Oil Kings are going to have some really tough decisions to make over the next few weeks. It's a good problem to have obviously but now, three years into their existence, they genuinely have young players who are skilled and talented enough to give some veterans a real challenge at making the team. Keegan Lowe is one of them.

He's 16-years-old and when he was taken in the 6th round of the 2008 draft, you could hear the skeptics with their calls of nepotism. (Lowe is the son of Oilers president Kevin Lowe). well no one is claiming anymore that Keegan wasn't worthy of being drafted because everyone that I have spoken with over the last week or so is telling me that not only is he vastly improved from a year ago but that they expect him to make the final Oil Kings roster.

For a team that has 9 blueliners still in camp with WHL experience plus two other guys who could factor in somehow, scouts suggesting Lowe is probably going to make the team definitely took me by surprise. (Lowe is wearing the cage in the photo above).

Lowe was injured in Sunday's game so we didn't get much of a read on him in that one but we did speak with him afterwards, a conversation you can hear tonight on TPS, and liked what we heard. He's soft spoken but intelligent and the fact that he has played in WHL exhibition games means that any possible chance of going the NCAA route is now a thing of the past. Normally a 16-year-old doesn't make that choice unless he knows he's got a future in major junior and evidently, Keegan Lowe's could start much sooner than most expected.

4. Tyler Ennis

Another guy that Dean and I spoke with on Sunday was Tyler Ennis who was in attendance as a spectator and not as a player. He still has a year of eligibility left but even Tigers head coach Willie Desjardins told us that his club is moving on as though their star forward won't be back. Ennis hasn't yet signed on with Buffalo but everyone seems to think that will happen sometime this month.

Ennis, or K-Billy as he's known around the TPS studio, hopes to follow in the footsteps of past Sabres who have overcome apparent size issues to have NHL success. Guys like Daniel Briere and prospect Nate Gerbe immediately come to mind. OH, and why K-Billy? Because Ennis sounds exactly like this:


3. Mike Brown

Honestly, one of the guys from the Swift Current Broncos who catches my every year at this tournament is Mike Brown, an undrafted 6'2 200 lb winger. He skates well, uses his body, looks strong and aggressive and in my mind is a guy I would like to see more of. His stats over the last year and a half suggest he might be playing with a ringuette stick, he's only got 16 points in 105 WHL games, but I think this could be a big year for him. Just a guy I'll be interested to watch this year.

2. Torrie Jung to Brandon?

I was talking with a NHL scout recently and was asking him if he was surprised that Tampa Bay didn't sign him. We chatted a bit and then out of the blue he said to me "He probably ends up in Brandon wouldn't you think?". To be honest, the thought had never even occurred to me.

My response was that if the Oil Kings traded Jung, their MVP last year, they'd be screwed. The scout basically agreed with me. However, that conversation was before this past weekend and with the way both Cam Lanigan and Laurent Brossoit played, perhaps Edmonton wouldn't be as bad off as I first imagined. I still would be shocked if Bob Green pulled a trigger though unless we get closer to the deadline and the Oil Kings are clearly not a league contender... getting something for Jung in that situation would be smart asset management but at the same time, this team should be in the top half of the Eastern Conference.

Brandon could definitely use a stud netminder this year as they host the Memorial Cup. They traded away James Priestner last week and are left with Andrew Hayes, former Oil King castaway Dalyn Flette and a pair of would-be rookies. Jung would be a massive step up from what they currently have.

By the way, I floated the idea to GM Bob Green... "Would you even consider trading Torrie Jung to Brandon" and his quick response: "For who... Brayden Schenn?"

1. Drew Nichol vs Geordie Wudrick

This was what everybody was talking about on Sunday - the licking that Oil Kings defencemen Drew Nichol gave Swift Current forward Geordie Wudrick (LA) on Saturday night. As the story goes, Nichol hammered another Broncos player and Wudrick, a tough hombre himself, stepped in to challenge the Edmonton defenceman.

As its been described to me, and I wasn't there so I'm going on second hand information but from about 20 different people, Wudrick was clocked by Nichol above the left eye (see photo above) and immediately started leaking crimson. Nichol, 6'2 and 200ish lb, is on the bubble as one of five 20-year-olds in camp but may have helped his cause with this fight that will undoubtedly make it's way through the league's grapevine.

The damage: Wudrick was taken for sewing and I've heard various reports as to how many stitches it took to close the wound. I've been told somewhere between 28-34 stitches but I asked the trainer from Medicine Hat (always good sources for that sort of stuff, they all talk to each other) and he said that Swift's trainer told him that there were 12 stitches inside and 18 more on the outside to close the cut. Another person told me that the gash went bone-deep which above the eye isn't all that shocking I guess. You can tell from the second photo though that the damage was extensive and the quick fight was certainly on eveyone's hot topic list a day later.

By the way, clicking on the photo gives you a bigger version... you can really get an idea of how that first punch opened up Wudrick's forehead.

(Photos Courtesy: Andy Devlin of the Edmonton Oil Kings and oilkings.ca)

Top Prospects Report Card (Pt. 2)

Same format as with the blueliners and the masked men but obviously this time I'm looking up front.

Jamie Arniel, Sarnia Sting (OHL) : (23/46) Arniel was a standout at the U18's last spring alongside Steve Stamkos but really, what he'll be remembered for at the Top Prospects game is being the recipient of Colby Robak's sensational long-bomb pass. Credit to Arniel for finishing off the play but outside of that, he had a pretty quiet night. Grade -C

Josh Bailey, Windsor Spitfires (OHL): (19) He scored twice, one being gift wrapped by Hodgson, but Bailey was an integral part of White's top line. Has a lot of hustle and decent size at 6'1 190lbs. He's an aggressive skater and on that line, that was the perfect fit to match with Hodgson and Boychuk, two guys who are probably more skilled than him but needed a worker with hands. That might be a good, simple description of Bailey; a worker with hands. Grade B

Mikkel Boedker, Kitchener Rangers (OHL): (13/11) (and it is pronounced as 'Mikhail' as though he were Russian ) I really enjoyed my conversations with Boedker and outside of Stamkos was team Red's best forward. The Dane had a goal and a helper in the 8-4 loss. In the skills competition he wasn't entered in the fast lap, a shame because he has great wheels, but he did clock in a 92mph slap shot which was 4th best of the 8 entries. Boedker will be gone by the mid point of round 1. Grade +B

Zach Boychuk, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL): (11/10) He was named Player of the Game for Team White after his 1G, 2A performance. He had some serious chemisty with Hodgson and Bailey which was great to see. I've been a Boychuk backer for a while now so I was pleased to see him put together a week that would help erase a WJC tournament where he was a it player. Hands, vision, speed, hockey sense... everything you'd want but unfortunately in a 5'10 package. Grade -A

Phillipe Cornet, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): (31/72) Based only on this game I'd say the ISS number is more appropriate. He apparently had a goal but I swear I didn;t notice this guy even in the skills competition where he was 1/7 in the accuracy shooting. Grade D

Joel Champagne, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL): (87/80) Here's an example of a guy that only got an invite to the game because enough NHL teams voted him in for a closer look. His line with Chicoutimi teammate Deschamps and Val d'Or's Maxime Sauve were terrific for their hard work and forecheck. He had a second assist on the opening goal of the game but more telling for me was how he and his line became the #1 power play unit because they were having their way with Red's best. Grade +C

Nicolas Deschamps, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL): (28/107) See Champagne because they're pretty much interchangeable write ups. Unlike Champagne though, Deschamps did not register a point. Grade +C

Chris Doyle, PEI Rocket (QMJHL): Honestly, I had to look at the roster twice to double check that this player was even in the game. Put it this way; his team won 8-4 and he ended up a minus-2. Grade F

Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): (17/12) The one guy on the ice brave enough to try and get creative and fancy during the game but just couldn't pull it off. One scout put it to me pretty sucinctly when he said "All the talent in the world but he's getting pushed around in junior... I don't think he's got a chance in the NHL." He's listed as 5'9 and 160 lbs but let's be honest, he's 146 lbs soaking wet (confirmed) and 5'9 if his hair is standing up. Grade +C

Jordan Eberle, Regina Pats (WHL): (24/17) He's one of my personal favorites and I know some folks thought he played well in the game but I have to admit I was disappointed. I didn't see the things I like most from Eberle; the one-on-one attacking and creative dekeing especially. He can pass and skate and shoot but in this game he was held off the scoresheet and he did not standout on skills day either. Grade +C

Cody Hodgson, Brampton Battalion (OHL): (10/6) I'm on record as saying that Hodgson was my pick for Player of the Game. To me he was responsible for two tap-in goals that Team White scored and on top of that his 3 points in all were equalled only by Boychuk. He's fast, showed unreal vision and passing skill and he's on the top power play and top PK unit for the Battalion. He leads his team in scoring and plays against the opposition's top lines... sensational. Grade A

A.J. Jenks, Plymouth Whalers (OHL): (20/26) I don't think he's a first rounder but he's a 2-3rd line power forward with OK hands but an above average sandpaper grit. He's a former 7th round pick that is delivering for the Whalers (albeit it he probably dropped that low because he was committed to the Michigan Wolverines). 6'2 and 21-, he was one of the bigger guys in the game and wasn't shy about playing the body. I liked him, but maybe not enough for the 1st round. Grade +C

James Livingston, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): (42/39) Personally, I really like what Livingston showed in thie game. He and big Tyler Myers were going at it all night and Livingston was clearly the one trying to keep that kettle on the burner throughout the game. He finished minus-2 but I still liked him. Grade -B

Brandon McMillan, Kelowna Rockets (WHL): (44/68) A late edition to cover for the injured Kyle Beach but couldn't fill those big shoes. McMillan's claim to fame will be that he smoked the field in the fast lap as the only guy to break the 14 second mark with a blistering 13.897. Half a second off the NHL record, that's impressive. Outside of that, he didn't do much outside of getting pasted by teammate Luke Schenn in an open ice collision. Grade -C

Phil McRae, London Knights (OHL): (38/49) Bar none, worst interview that I had that week. Chalk it up to nerves maybe but Basil's son seemed like an introvert compared to the rest of the guys here. He had a second assist on the final goal of the game and was one of the only Red players to end with a plus-rating but really did little to impress me. Grade -C

Greg Nemisz, Windsor Spitfires (OHL): (25/16) His first attempt in the hard shot competition came it at 81mph which was slower than one of the media guys... not an impressive feat there. He redeemed himself with a 88mph seocnd attempt but even that was 7th of 8 entries. He scored on Pickard in the breakaway challenge but I think he might have slept in and missed the game because I didn't notice him or his assist. Grade -C

Maxime Sauve, Val d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL): (36/55) The best individual on the Flying Frenchmen trio as he played between the two Chicoutimi forwards. Had an assist and ended plus-1 but I remember him as a quick, shifty ball of energy with some flair. I think he helped his stock go up a bit with his play here. Grade +C

Jared Staal, Sudbury Wolves (OHL): (32/57) No he's not going to be the best Staal brother, but he might not be a bust like some are saying either. I was impressed with the goal he scored because he was outstretched and scored on a backhand shot that he actually lifted into the top half of the net - not easy to do when you're completely stretched already. Patiently answered the endless "brothers/family name/genetics" questions with a smile. For some reason I found myself looking for flaws and came away pleasantly suprised. Grade -B

Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting (OHL): (1/1) Gordie Howe hat trick has captured some attention but his goal was practically a tap in. I didn't see the blazing speed or the incredible puck skills in this game even though you know that they're in there. Even in the skills competition he failed to score in the breakaway relay depite a creative between-the-legs shot attempt. He'll go 1st overall but for his performance in this game alone... Grade -B

Mikhail Stefanovich, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL): (16/29) The knock on him is that he's very inconsistent and sometimes lazy. I hope that's why I didn't really come away with a great impression because this is a player I was looking forward to seeing. Very limited in his English, answered all of my questions in 2 words or less, and I can;t say I ever noticed a smile. He's got size and talent. One scout told me he's the best player available from the Q and another said he'd be gone by the midway point of the first round but to be honest, although I don't doubt it, it didn't look like it here at the TPG. Grade C

Kelsey Tessier, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL): (33/32) Stefanovich's teammate with the Remparts is a self described "Mike Cammalleri type player". He's small but quick and can definitely put up some points. The New Brunswick native was a terrific interview and I really think that he'll be a first round pick because some team will become enamored with his off ice personality. He's enthusiastic, was excited to be here, says all the right things and knows that at 5'9 and 172 lbs he's got an uphill battle. I liked him. Grade -B

Mitch Wahl, Spokane Chiefs (WHL): (37/25) Directly involved in the incident that led to Kyle Beach's concussion (see 2 blog entries below this one), I enjoyed hearing his side of the events. For the record, Wall says he knows Beach a bit away from the rink and that he's "not a bad guy". Anyway, Wahl is another smaller skilled guy which seems to be the theme amongst the forwards this year. I like him but not as much as some of the others like Boychuk, Hodgson, Eberle and Bailey. cored his goal on a really sweet redirection from a point shot after winning the faceoff back to the blueline. Grade +C

James Wright, Vancouver Giants (WHL): (43/35) I didn't notice him in the skills competition, he was a slow 15.245 seconds in the fast lap and failed to score on his breakaway relay chance. In the game I don't think we said his name more than once (I was doing colour on the Fan 590's webcast of the game). Grade D

Geordie Wudrick, Swift Current Broncos (WHL): (69/69) Might have been the guy to bolster his stock the most with the way he performed in the skills and the game. He was really off the radar coming in but scored twice in the 3x3 game, was robbed after a brilliant breakaway relay attempt, and showed some hustle in the big game as well. Speaks a mile-a-minute but thatmight have been nerves as most media weren't asking to speak with him. Have to admit that in the games I've seen the Broncos play this year, Wudrick was a no-show but he caught my eye here. Grade -B


That's it. If you saw the game or skills competition and want to tell me you agree or that I'm on crack, please do!