Rookie Watch: Buffalo Sabres

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Each day until September 15th TPS will take a look at one team from the Eastern conference and one club from the West, spotlighting a rookie or two to watch for this season. This afternoon we explore the freshmen candidates of the Buffalo Sabres.

Kassian Fight Stalls Contract Talks With Sabres

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So a 19 year old gets into a bar fight and leaves his opponent with a chipped tooth and a bleeding mouth. Normally it wouldn't' be that big of news, but that 19 year old is 13th overall draft pick in 2008 and a Memorial Cup champion Zack Kassian.

Now it appears the incident at a Windsor night club may be giving the Buffalo Sabres second thoughts on signing him.

You can read the story here.

I highly doubt this will make the Sabres bail on Kassian all together, unless there is more to the story.

Sabres Prospect Snap Shot

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The Sabres reside in the city of hard luck, thanks to the Bills 4 straight Super Bowl losses and Brett Hull’s skate in 1999. The Sabres have developed a lot of great talent of the years, but because the team hasn’t shelled out big bucks, they’ve developed players for other teams.

The Sabres joined up with the Portland Pirates 2 years ago. The Pirates were born in 1993-94 when they were the baby club of the Washington Capitals. That’s also the year they won their one and only Calder Cup title.

Here now is a look at the top prospects of the Buffalo Sabres

Kassian Gets 20 Games

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OHL commish David Branch today announced that Windsor Spitifires forward Zack Kassian has been suspended for 20 games after his hit on Barrie's Matt Kennedy.

The official release is here.

When Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino was on the program Tuesday, he spoke about an angle he saw that night that showed, frame by frame, Kassian not leaving his feet.

So what do you think... too light, too heavy or just right? we offer up 2 different video replays of the incident and our thoughts after 'Read More'.

Wednesday Re-Set

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I think every week I start the Wednesday Re-set by saying something like "Big show last night." Well... while I do think we have a pretty solid line up on our weekly radio program I don't think there is a soul alive who could argue that last night's guest list more than qualified as "A Big Show".

We started things off with one of the biggest power forwards available for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Zack Kassian of the OHL's Peterborough Petes. We'd tried to have Zack on a few times over the last several weeks but for one reason or another it never happened. We're glad it finally did last night as the probable top-20 pick went into detail about his NHL combine experience including some rather interesting interview tactics by one club in particular (which he actually names!). We also talked about his year with the Petes and the way it wrapped up with Canada's U18 squad in Fargo. Hear from Zack Kassian HERE.

Last week we began our cross-Canada tour with the Calgary Flames and Assistant GM Tod Button. This week's first stop was Ottawa where we had a conversation with Senators Assistant GM Tim Murray. We spoke about the team's combine strategy and what their fans could expect at the draft. Several key Ottawa prospects were also discussed and an array of fan emails were directed Murray's way as well. Hear from Tim Murray HERE.

Jeremy Morin was a standout for the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and represented his country at the U18s in Fargo. We talked with the likeable forward about his year, the US-NTDP, teammate Kyle Palmieri's exile from the program, his decision to play for the Kitchener Rangers next year and also about his impression of the growing trend that sees NCAA-bound prospects bolting for the Canadian Hockey League. Hear from Jeremy Morin HERE.

Next stop: Vancouver. Mike Gillis is the GM of the Canucks and he willingly answered a lot of questions that we received from Vancouver fans inclduing some fairly critical ones. Everything from draft and scouting strategy to prospect updates to his draft experience as a scout was covered including the impending signing of a top prospect. Hear more from GM Mike Gillis HERE.

We played a couple rounds of Bad Ass Trivia and also chatted about a couple recent blogs we wrote like the Ryan Ellis feature I did and Dean's Tomas Tatar piece debating the merits of his being asked if he was GAY at the NHL combine.

We closed the show with the biggest name of the night, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. This year is the 10th anniversary of the fantastic draft day deals he made in 1999 that resulted in the Canucks landing both of the Sedin brothers and Burke gave us the "Cole's Notes" version of how the trades came to fruition including a great recap of his dealings with Rick Dudley. Burke went on to talk about Toronto's much-publicized desire to trade up in the draft, who he definitely won't trade, if it's true that Toronto is going to pass on Justin Pogge, are the Buds still hunting for Jonas Gustavsson, and much much more.

It was Brian Burke at the top of his form with zero B.S. and plenty of great sound bites as well as answers to questions posed by Leafs Nation. Hear from GM Brian Burke HERE.

I don't think we could have possibly fit anymore into our two hours this week but we've already got some work done for our June 16th show. We were able to speak with dynamic Swedish prospect Magnus Pääjärvi Svensson (or is it Svensson Pääjärvi... he sets the record straight) and we'll air that exclusive interview on next week's show. Plus we hope to complete our pre-draft cross Canada tour by checking in with both the Edmonton Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens.

Recently we've been getting asked about a podcast... here is the link to our FREE RSS subscription page which will take you to everything you need to get all set up with your TPS fix every week.

KHL draft, big Vic on TPS, and the Flames opt into the first round

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Here's a few interesting notes from the world of prospect hockey. The KHL held it's entry draft and a few players who were selected stood out for me. Jonathan Willis has a nice write up on this here at copper and blue.com. The complete list can be found courtesy of Nathan Fournier with World Of Junior Hockey
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Most of the players grabbed were European who are playing overseas, there were some Euros who are skating with CHL and AHL teams, and even an NHL team in the case of Juri Tlusty. But a few Canadian juniors were grabbed in Taylor Hall and Zach Kassian. Would Hall head to the KHL next year? He'd play against better competition and make some cash, and if he was able to sign a one year deal could come back and play in the NHL after getting selected first or second overall in 2010. But why would the KHL only sign him to a one year deal. I don't see whichever NHL team drafts Kassian advising him to play in the KHL, but it could be an interesting bargaining chip for the player Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson is another high end draft pick for the NHL selection in June. He was taken 19th overall by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, and he's a player I could see suiting up for a year in Russia if he doesn't get a suitable contract offer by whichever NHL team grabs him.

Speaking of talented Swedes. Guy and I just got off the phone with Victor Hedman. You'll be able to hear that interview Tuesday night on TPS We discussed everything from the combine to how he wasn't used properly at the WJC and how he's cheering for team Sweden in the Stanley Cup finals.

We also pre taped an interview with Flames Director of Scouting Tod Button about how Calgary will approach the draft now that they have a first round pick again. The Flames had the option of keeping this year's first rounder and giving Phoenix next year's pick as part of the Olli Jokinen deal. That will also alter our draft preview as we'll be including the Flames now.

One final note, Gregg Drinnan had this up at Taking Note and one of my WHL sources just let me know as well, that Marc Habscheid is about to be named head coach in Chilliwack. Habscheid's name has come up for just about every WHL job in the last few years, so we can finally stop speculating where he might land. He's been out of work (but still getting paid) since being fired as an assistant coach with Boston.

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.

Wednesday Re-Set

Last night on The Pipeline Show...

We began the program with a bang. Matt Gilroy is a 24-year-old senior with the Boston University Terriers and is being followed by NHL scouts who want to get his under contract next month much the same way Fabian Brunnstrom was pursued this time last year.

Gilroy's story is extremely interesting including chapters that could be called "Why I Turned Down the NHL", "No scholarship, no problem!" and "Tribute to Lost Brother". Last night Gilroy talked about it all but we still had time to talk about the NCAA national Tournament and winning the Hockey East title too.

From there we couldn't connect with Dave Starman so Dean and I decided to go through our respective NCAA Hockey National Tournament brackets. We'll post them here before the tournament starts on Friday just so we have documented proof of our prognosticating prowess.

It was then time for another monthly installment of the ISS Draft Countdown where head scout Mike Oke joins us to discuss the newest release from Internation Scouting Services. Last night we discussed teamless Kyle Palmieri, The World U18s, Cape Breton netminder Olivier Roy, Zach Kassian (pictured) of the Peterborough Petes and Brandon forward Scott Glennie.

We also chatted with Edmonton Oil Kings GM Bob Green. We talked about the team's plight in their series against the mighty Calgary Hitmen, got updates on some key injuries and discussed the stellar play of netminder Torrie Jung and if there was optimism he may return as a 20-year-old. Green also gave us some insight into the WHL's Bantam draft which will be held in Edmonton for the next several years.

Finally we ran some exclusive interviews with a handful of Hitmen including 50-goal scorer Joel Broda, defencemen Paul Postma and Alex Plante as well as 100-point man Brett Sonne.

If you missed it live, you can click the archive... HERE!

CSB Mid-Term Rankings (NA - skaters)

There is lots of movement on the list of skaters in North America but there is no surprise at the top where John Tavares is ranked #1. Seen here as he joined the London Knights last week, Tavares had a terrific WJC that answered a lot of questions scouts had.

Matt Duchene is now #2 on the list which is a bit of a eyebrow-raiser for me. Despite not playing in the WJC he moves ahead of Jared Cowan (falls to #7) and is still above Evander Kane (#3) who has more points and did play for Canada in the WJC. Jordan Schroeder comes in at #4.

The top ranked defenceman in North America isn't Cowan or Ryan Ellis or even Russian Dmitri Kulikov... it's someone named Simon Despres! Despres plays for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL and I know zippo about him but will get educated tomorrow night on The Pipeline Show as we are slated to welcome beat writer Nathan White to the program.

Speaking of Ellis, he's rated the 15th best skater in N.A. and that's behind Chicago Steel blueliner John Moore (8th).

A couple high school kids make a big impact on the list coming in at #14 and #16. Chris Kreider is a 6'2 forward and Zach Budish is an even bigger winger weighing in at 6.2" and 229 lbs.


The Brandon Wheat Kings are well represented at the top of the list with Brayden Schenn #5 and Scott Glennie #12. Glennie (pictured) is someone I think would be of interest to the Edmonton Oilers who I expect to be on the hunt for a scoring forward with above average size.

A few other guys fitting that category are Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Carter Ashton #10 (6'4, 210 lbs.), Zack Kassian #24 from Peterborough (6'2.5, 212 lbs.) and further down is Kamloops Blazers forward Jimmy Bubnick (6'1.5, 190 lbs.).

The top rated forward available in the USHL is Louis Leblanc, a Quebec-born product who plays for the Omaha Lancers this year and is committed to Harvard in the NCAA. He'll also join us tomorrow night on The Pipeline Show after recetnly being named a 2009 Draft Prospect Performer of the Week.

Some other local notables: Edmonton Oil Kings forward Tomas Vincour obviously didn't have a WJC that impressed the scouts as he's tumbled from 1st round consideration all the way down to #79 on the list... Edmonton products rate well with Dylan Olsen of the Camrose Kodiaks coming in at #23 and Levko Koper from Spokane at #44... The top ranked Oil Kings property is actually Philip Samuelsson of the Chicago Steel. The big blueliner is ranked #59 but has yet to officially committ to a NCAA program so a future with the Oil Kings (who drafted him back in 2007) is still possible...