Maple Leafs Prospect Snap Shot

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It sounded like when Brian Burke took over in the ‘Big Smoke’ that he was going to stoke the fire and build it back up into a raging inferno. Then he dealt a 2010 first and second round pick along with a 2011 first round pick for Phil Kessel. Burke did however do a nice job of signing players like Christian Hanson, Tyler Bozak and the monster Jonas Gustavsson in the off season, making up for the team’s average drafting (Luke Schenn aside) in the past. The first cup since 1967 won’t be coming for a few years as the Leafs will have a tough time restocking a baron prospects cupboard.

There are a few guys to watch for though, and here they are.

Oiler Prospects Sharing "Top Line"

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As The Pipeline Show has speculated about for months now, Edmonton prospects Jordan Eberle and Philippe Cornet are starting Team Canada camp on the same line.

As Dean mentioned last week, Eberle had told head coach Willie Desjardins about the past chemistry the two wingers have developed over the last few years and obviously he's listening to his star player.

Wednesday Reset - TPS S05E04

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September has always been preview month for us and for the last few weeks we've been breaking down the CHL. Every week we try and introduce listeners to another prospect that is eligible for the next NHL draft and we did that again yesterday. Lastly, over the last few episodes we've taken a closer look at the Canadian NHL teams and their training camps and on Tuesday we ticked another team off the list.

In case you're wondering about the title... that would be The Pipeline Show Season 5, Episode 4.

We began the program talking about Oiler camp and which young players we've been impressed with or disappointed in and interestingly enough, Dean and I chose different players in both categories.

Dean and I also announced the start of a couple new contests for the year - our annual Name the Opening Night Roster contest as well as the yearly Pipeline Show Hockey Pool. For details on the pool, just click on the link and you'll be taken to the site's contest page where you can see the instructions and the groups of players to start building your own team.

The Opening Night Roster contest is pretty straight forward: email us the 23 names you believe will be with the Oilers on opening night. We don't care who the healthy scratches are or what the line combos are either - just the 23 names who are with the team when game #1 gets underway on Saturday October 3rd. But you don't want to wait to enter... as always, the tie breaker goes to the earliest entry so get your 23-man list in to us today. Email us at pipeup@thepipelineshow.com

Segment two saw us head out East and welcome Adam Proteau of The Hockey News back tot he program. Adam tore the lid off of Toronto Maple Leafs camp and gave us a breakdown of who will, who won't and who might make the team out of camp. We also talked about Phil Kessel and what that trade means to the Leafs, a club supposedly in a rebuild that willingly gave up significant building blocks to acquire a single player. Nazem Kadri played a central role in our discussion in regards to his balancing his career with his religious priorities. You can hear Adam Proteau's Maple Leafs preview HERE.

Our 2010 eligible prospect this week is already considered a top-10 pick. Brandon Gormley is a blueliner with the Moncton Wildcats and joined us to talk about the outlook for the season in the Q as well as his experience at the Ivan Hlinka tournament wearing the Maple Leaf for Canada. Gormley comments on Russian forward Kirill Kabanov and goalie Louis Domingue - both teammates in Moncton, as well as Mark Pysyk all of whom are eligible this June for the draft. Hear what Brandon Gormley had to say HERE.

Over the last couple of weeks we've previewed the OHL and the QMJHL so this week we turned our attention to the Western Hockey League. To give us a rundown on the Eastern Conference we tapped the shoulder of Cam Moon, the voice of the Red Deer Rebels and analyst for Shaw TV. Covering the Western Conference for us is Allan Bristowe from PGTV in Prince George. You can hear Part 1 and Part 2 of our WHL previews by clicking on the links.

We also played an interesting round of Bad Ass Trivia during which a "frustrated" Bob Stauffer called in to show up the list of failed callers that came before him. Unfortuantely for Bob... he proved he wasn't quite as Bad Ass as he'd hoped. Our AJHL Alumni Player of the Week and Game of the Week were also announced earlier in that segment.

NEXT WEEK: We will preview the USHL as well as one of the 6 NCAA Conferences as hockey south of the border gets going in early October. we'll also meet another top prospect for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and more!

A Top Ten Pick, At Least

So the Oilers finish 21st in the league, leaving them picking atleast 10th barring Tuesday's draft lottery, which for some reason is on TV.

The Oilers can move up to as high as 6th overall and here are some players that might be available in the 6-10 spots where they could be drafting this June in Montreal.

Jacob Josefson is a centre who plays in Sweden. He's 6.0 - 187 pounds and is a well rounded player, which is probably code for good but not great offensively. He did have 5 points at the 5 nations in February, but none were goals. Josefson is pretty fast and is playing for his country at the U-18's right now. So far he has a goal and 3 assists in 2 games. Josefson is ranked 10 by ISS.

Dmitri Kulikov is a Russian defenceman who plays for Drummondville of the QMJHL. Kulikov's club has cruised to the Q league semi-final after back to back sweeps and now take on Memorial Cup hosts Rimouski. So far the 6.0 190 pound left shooting rearguard leads all blueliners in playoff scoring with 2 goals and 12 assists in 8 games. This after a 61 point regular season effort in just 54 games. He missed time this season while playing for Russia at the World Juniors where he notched 4 assists, and was plus 4 in 7 games. Kulikov is a potential power play qb who loves eying up forwards with their head down in the neutral zone. He's ranked 9th by ISS.

Nazem Kadri is hoping to play in a second straight Memorial Cup this year after helping Kitchener put on a great show as hosts last year. Kadri was part of the Steve Mason trade that sent this year's NHL rookie of the year hopeful to the Rangers from London. The odd part of the deal was that Kadri stayed in Kitchener until the start of this year and played in the tournament last year. Now he's the Knights second leading playoff scorer with 14 points in 9 games as London gets set to face Windsor in the OHL's semi-final. Kadri was hurt at Canada's World Junior camp and thus didn't make the squad, but he's had a terrific season with 25 goals and 76 points in just 55 games. He's only a shade over 5.11 and tips the Toledos at 180 pounds and while his skating won't wow you he is able to pull away from defenders with an extra gear when he has to. Kadri also isn't afraid to drive to the net. ISS has him slotted at 8.

Jared Cowen at one point was a consensus top 5 pick, with some people slotting him in at #3, but the old saying "out of sight, out of mind" rings true with the Spokane Chief defenceman. Cowen suffered a season ending knee injury in January and since then has fallen in the rankings. Luckily scouts saw him quite a bit last year as Spokane won the Memorial Cup. The skinny on Cowen is anything but. He's over 6.04 and weighs in at 220, and is the prototypical shut down D-man.

Evander Kane, nicknamed after Evander Holyfield is also the real deal. His grandfather was a big boxing fan and scouts are liking what they see from this World Junior champ. Kane who skates with Vancouver of the WHL was originally cut from Canada's squad, but joined the team after Dana Tyrell was injured in pre tournament action. He played a nice enery role for Canada. With the Giants he's Mr. Offence with 47 goals and 95 points in just 60 games, the second best totals of any draft eligible player in the CHL behind only London's John Tavares. Kane is tough, smart and has terrific hands. He's right now ranked 6th by ISS.

Here a two other guys that the Oilers could be looking at, one would have to slip a little, the other the Oilers might be taking earlier than he's ranked or trading down for.

Brayden Schenn is 5th by ISS. He plays for Brandon and can score, hit and and play defence. Jordan Schroeder is 11th by ISS. He plays for Minnesota and has a wicked shot, but is a little on the small side. There are some questions about Schroeder's competitiveness as he put up big points against weaker teams in the WJC while he was less visible in the big games for team U.S.A.

If the Oilers want to trade down even later, guys like Scott Glennie, Zach Kassian and Carter Ashton are big forwards with some pretty nice skill that might fit the bill. And here's a second round pick for you to watch for. Tomas Vincour. The Edmonton Oil King has a lot of what the Oilers are either looking for or has worked for them in the past:

1. He's from the Czech Republic.
2. Has nice size-6.02, 200 pounds.
3. He's a LW with a good shot.
4. He doesn't shy away from tough areas.
5. They will never get a more honest scouting report, as the Oilers own the OK kids.

One final note, I've been reading here or there that Kevin Prendergast should take the fall for the Oilers struggles. I don't understand why some regular media members and some bloggers think this. I can't speak for the Oilers but I do think KP and his staff have done a nice job. Guy might have more on this soon, so I don't want to steal his thunder, but I will point out the following players that Prendergast has been responsible for.

-Sam Gagner-drafted 6th overall 2007
-Andrew Cogliano-drafted 25th overall 2005
-Tom Gilbert-acquired for Tomi Salo
-Denis Grebeshkov-acquired for Marc-Andre Bergeron

Time will only tell whether Taylor Chorney(2nd), Jeff Petry (2nd) or Theo Peckham (3rd) will pan out, but in the last 4 years Prendergast and his staff have done a pretty nice job, with players like Jordan Eberle and Phillipe Cornet enjoying good junior seasons this year.

Tavares tops 200 as the Knights edge the Rangers in O.T.

Just finished watching the London Knights/Kitchener Rangers tilt on Rogers Sportsnet with TPS favorites Peter Loubardias and Sam Cosentino calling the game and it was a beauty.

John Tavares won it for London in overtime with his 200th career goal and 43rd this season, it was a power play goal. I haven't watched many Windsor games, and I know they have supreme talent and a massive lead in the standings, but I'm wondering out loud if they'll be able to beat the Knights in the playoffs, especially if London gets a wack of power play time. Sure London has struggled somewhat lately with just 4 wins in their past 10 but I mean when you can throw out Tavares, Nazim Kadri, Michael Del Zotto, John Carlson,(pictured) Phillip McCrae or Justin Taylor on the power play it's deadly. They have 367 points between them, and 54 goals with the man advantage, heck the super 6 have 17 shorthanded goals this year. Carlson has a cannon of a shot, can sneak down low and dish the puck, making him the perfect pp quarterback. The League's 2nd leading rookie scorer and Washington Capitals prospect will join us Tuesday on TPS, click here to find out who else will be on the show.

Having said all that, the guy I might have been the most impressed with was Kitchener's Jeff Skinner. A guy who will be a high end pick in the 2010 draft is 4th on team scoring with 41 points in 51 games, including 22 goals. He's also plus 5 on a team 5 games below 500. Skinner is 10th in rookie scoring as a 16 year old and showed a never quit attitude during the game, especially on the game tying goal in which he fired 2 shots on net before wrapping it around to send it to overtime. Skinner also added an assist, a penalty minute and was plus 1 in the loss.

2009 Draft Performers of the Week - Jan 11/09

Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) / International Scouting Services (ISS) 2009 Draft Prospect Performers of the Week presented by The Pipeline Show & Hockey Now ending Sunday, January 11, 2009.

Each week, International Scouting Services (ISS), Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Hockey Now, and The Pipeline Show recognize the Top Draft Eligible player from each of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft based on their play over the course of the week. Players are nominated and the selected by graduates of the SMWW Hockey GM & Scouting with each of the winners receiving a gift acknowledging their selection.

OHL – Nazem Kadri, London Knights

Nazem Kadri earns his third draft performer of the week award after posting a goal and 6 assists in 3 games for the Knights who currently sit first in their division and second in the OHL’s Western Conference. Kadri is amongst the top scorers in the OHL with 16 goals and 47 points in 30 games. Kadri is a London native and known for his creative playmaking and is currently ranked among the top ten draft prospects by ISS.

WHL – Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants

Evander Kane returned from the World Junior Hockey Championship with a bang recording 4 goals and adding 2 assists in 2 games and earning another draft performer of the week award. Kane, who is currently ranked 7th by ISS amongst NHL draft prospects has 26 goals, 54 points and a plus- 31 rating in 30 games for Vancouver. Kane is a player with great speed and who works hard despite his small stature.

QMJHL – Steven Anthony, Saint John Sea Dogs

Steven Anthony earns his first nomination as draft performer of the week after posting 3 goals and 5 assists in 2 games including a 6 point night in an 8-1 win over Gatineau. Anthony, a native of Halifax, NS and Saint John’s 1st Round pick in 2007 has 23 points in 37 games this season and is known for his smooth skating ability.

USHL – David Gerths, Lincoln Stars

David Gerths earns his first draft performer of the week nomination after posting 2 goals and 2 assists in two wins for the first place Stars. Gerths has 8 goals and 23 points in 26 games for Lincoln this season and was a member of Team USA at the World Jr A Challenge held in Camrose, AB this past November.

2009 Draft Prospect Performers Of The Week

Each week, International Scouting Services (ISS), Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW), Hockey Now, and The Pipeline Show recognize the Top Draft Eligible player from each of the WHL, OHL, QMJHL, & USHL leagues for the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft based on their play over the course of the week. Players are nominated and the selected by graduates of the SMWW Hockey GM & Scouting with each of the winners receiving a gift acknowledging their selection.


In the OHL it's Nazem Kadri of the London Knights. The 6.01, 170 pound centreman is ranked 8th in the October scouting report from ISS. Kadri notched 3 goals and added 4 helpers for London in just 3 games last week. He's currently riding a 10 game point streak and has put up 17 points in the Knights first 12 games. Kadri was picked up from Kitchener (seen with Rangers celebrating a goal from last year's playoffs ) as part of the Steve Mason trade last year, but didn't join London until this season, giving him valuable Memorial Cup experience, something the Knights are hoping will come in handy as they make a run for their 2nd Canadian Junior Hockey championship since 2004.


In the QMJHL, defenceman Gabriel Lemieux of the Shawinigan Cataractes gets the nod after 2 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 outings. Aside from the point per game performance, Lemieux was plus 6, and has amassed 13 points in 15 games, which is only 3 shy of his totals from last year. Lemieux makes a good first pass and has above average vision, which has made him the 17th ranked Q league player by ISS for the upcoming draft.

In the Western Hockey League, while the Red Deer Rebels may be struggling with just 4 wins on the season, their top draft eligible player is having a terrific start to the season. Centerman Landon Ferraro scored 3 times, set up another in 4 games last week and was plus 2 for Jesse Wallin's Rebels. The 2nd overall pick from 2006 Bantam draft has a wicked shot and has used it to light the lamp 8 times this year while adding 6 assists in Red Deers first 13 games. The son of former NHLer and current TSN analyst Ray Ferraro, Landon may earn an invite to Canada's World Junior camp in December, and is projected to be a late first round pick in this June's draft.

In the USHL, it's a Canadian kid playing junior hockey in the states. Louis Leblanc of Kirland, Quebec could have stayed home and played with Val d'Or of the QMJHL, but seems to be leaning towards the college route and is suiting up with Omaha of the USHL right now. The move seems to be agreeing with the 17 year old. He sniped 4 times and added 3 assists in the Lancers 3 games last week, while compiling a plus 4 rating. Known as a strong skating, hard working centerman, Leblanc will have to bulk up his 5.11 170 pound frame before his next step in hockey, but the former midget hockey scoring (pictured with the Lac St. Louis Lions) star has still attracted plenty of attention from NHL scouts, and is currently ranked 27th by ISS for next June's draft in Montreal.

By the way, one of last week's award recipients, Brett Chartier of the Lincoln Stars will join Guy and I Tuesday night to discuss his season thus far. Chartier is ranked 16th among those playing in the States for the upcoming draft. The Pipeline Show can be heard Tuesday nights from 7-9 PM Mountain time on the TEAM 1260 in Edmonton, or online at www.thepipelineshow.com.