I believe that I speak for a large number of fans whose main interest in these relatively unfamiliar names remains on their hockey abilities, more so than the years-long route taken to the Brossard arena this Monday.
I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to hear again about years past. I don't want to hear about how the guys feel (sorry, but it's predictably optimistic and thrilled). I want to know how they skated, passed, positioned themselves and shot.
It would be nice to get a scouting report before a life story. After a summer of manufactured stories, it would be a bit of sweet music to read about a slick deke or crisp passing play.
For the most part, the very capable observers are set back to default. The score is reported, the scorers and the story is peppered with quotes. I know that Alain Berger scored twice in a meaningless scrimmage, but most sites tell me little about the player we've been waiting months to see in a Canadiens uniform. Forget about the guys that did not score.
I know it's only been a day, and I would be the fiercest critic of anyone who wanted to read too much from 45 minutes of meaningless shinny, but it's been a really long time since we laid a path for Brutes to win a championship.
If like me you do want to know about how the guys play (all of them, not just favoured picks) then do yourself a favour and check out Dan's Daily Dose.
Dan is doing the diligence that we'd all love to do by attending the rookie camp. Not only that, he's also breaking free of the mould and delivering impressions on the players he is watching on the ice before him.
Yesterday, he didn't cover every player, but he did cover a lot more than anyone else. Moreover, where else are we going to hear that Palushaj didn't look so great or that Ian Schultz still exists.
It's a true breath of fresh air for the Habs fan who's waited a summer for skates to scratch ice and needs to look beyond coincidences to the mundane aspects of hockey like skating and skills. For the fan who wants to know and rate the chances that we'll ever hear these names again, there simply isn't a better way.
What I'm taking away
I'll begin by saying one day is far too soon to form full impressions. One scrimmage as insignificant as one NHL shift in the scheme of things. But even so, trends begin to form:
- Bournival started on the right foot. The plucky Quebecois is someone I'll keep my eye on for sure.
- If it takes baseline skill level to break through to the NHL then Gallagher might be the man. Can the Habs afford to start another small forward? Well that's another question altogether
- Berger is fascinating. Forget two goals. He is big and clearly kept up with his peers that were drafted. Let's count him in the bigger mix.
- Palushaj likely not destined for first line duty. Not to dismiss a player after a day, but let's be honest, we've seen him before and we all thought the same. If you don't stand out with lower level players, it's a rare thing to stand out with high level ones. That said, I already thought he could ably play on a fourth line, so should we care?
- Olivier Fortier injured again. The end of the road sign squarely in his rearview surely now?
- Louis Leblanc generates far too much fuss for what he is, especially on a first day of camp where he played in a diminished capacity and still got headlines
- Goalies? Anyone? Everyone realises that 3rd in line for the Canadiens crease is not really locked up right? Everyone remembers how for every season in recent memory the Canadiens relied on a goalie to take them wherever they went right? Over-the-top monikers aside, it would be nice to hear about someone, anyone that might grab a mantle.
Showing posts with label rookies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rookies. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Friday, September 10, 2010
Canadiens Invite Rookies To Camp
Canadiens Rookie camp is just around the corner. 31 players are invited in all.
While I'm sure you'll all get your fill of PK Subban highlights and Louis Leblanc worship elsewhere, I wanted to offer a look beyond to some of the more unfamiliar names involved with this upcoming camp.
The way I see it, the camp for rookies is multi-tiered. For players of the required age who have already played for the Bulldogs and the Canadiens, this camp is a warm-up. For returning players not already ensconced in the organization's own plans, it is the chance to jump up the depth chart, and for first-timers it's both a try-out and the opportunity to learn what separates them from pros like Subban, Weber and the gang.
Canadiens and Bulldogs
Andrew Conboy, Dany Masse, Ben Maxwell, Max Pacioretty, Aaron Palushaj, Ryan White, Frederic St. Denis, PK Subban, Yannick Weber
These players have some places already sewn up. The very fact they are present at this rookie camp should mean that barring a disaster they will be at the main camp as well. Main camp is where they must shine. Underwhelm here, though, and it's a strike on the count.
The returnees
Alexander Avstin, Hunter Bishop, Gabriel Dumont, Andreas Engqvist, Olivier Fortier, Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Dustin Walsh, Joe Stejskal, Robert Mayer
This group contains some of the more interesting names of the whole group. Leblanc and Avtsin top many lists of course, but let's not also forget that Robert Mayer is 4th on the whole organization's depth chart (2 injuries away from NHL duty).
For me the name of the group is Olivier Fortier. He's a rare QMJHL draft pick, and a Quebecois one to boot. Not only that, he's a Team Canada U18 alum. The story recently on Fortier has been injuries. An injury cause him to miss the Canadian U20 tryouts and last season an injury cost him the entire year. He's been pegged as a two-way centre, largely because he won an award to acknowledge his all-around play in the Q, but that might slight him.
In the book I was reading on scouting, Gare Joyce went out of his way to praise the young 17-year-old in his draft year, noting his on-ice intelligence was paired with off-ice academic prowess. If hockey is to be a career for Fortier, he will have to show intelligence and perseverance, just like anyone else. Where others might have trouble, Olivier already has lots of adversity to call on. I think he'll be an interesting one to watch.
The first looks - Draftees
Brendan Gallagher, Ian Schultz (StL), Morgan Ellis, Brandon Nash, Jarred Tinordi
It will be interesting to see how these junior players will stack up. But this probably isn't the year any one of them takes the Canadiens fandom by storm.
The first looks - Free agents
Kyle Klubertanz (Djurgardens)
This guy is more interesting than the draftees to me simply because he wasn't drafted. The move to earn an NHL contract from an undrafted position impresses me a lot more than being selected in the late rounds. Klubertanz had to perform well against men in the Swedish league to get a look at this camp. Last season was a breakout for Kyle, as he was 5th in defencemen scoring in the SEL. Prior to that, however, he was a drafted player and went a bit David Fischer for the Ducks. Unlike Fischer, he never had a 6 point season, however. And, as the Canadiens will know from watching Ryan McDonagh played a big role for Wisconsin in 2007-08.
The first looks - Try-outs
Jonathan Brunelle (Drummondville, dev’t camp), Sebastien Bisaillon (Kassel), Marc-Antoine Desnoyers (Drummondville, dev’t camp), Nicolas Champion (Rouyn-Noranda), Peter Delmas (Halifax)
Call it the Voltigeurs season-opening camp. Or maybe Habs goalie search 2010. This group of players is actually the most interesting of all the groups for me.
First, there's Jonathan Brunelle who played for Drummonville last season and was eligible for the draft but went overlooked. He actually ignored Don Cherry's advice, went to the draft and heard 210+ names but not his own.
The Canadiens used one of their now infamous 8th round picks to claim another Quebecer off the floor. What they have here is anyone's guess at the moment. But at the least they have a decent-sized forward who has played on a team with most of their other French-Canadian prospects. He himself went from 7 goal, 19-point man to 23 goal, 49-point man after he turned 17. If history is any guide, he might emulate Gabriel Dumont and become a scoring star in the QMJHL at 18. It can't hurt to have him in the wings.
Desnoyers is Brunelle's teammate, and teammate of Phil Lefebvre and Gabriel Dumont. Like them, he's a former companion of Dany Masse. 5 season in the Q, there aren't many he hasn't played with. His draft year he played with Mathieu Carle on the Titan and so has been on the radar for at least a few seasons. DesnoyersVoltigeurs. A Guy Boucher player and a local talent, he's another with a bit of intrigue.
Sebastien Bisaillon is the other defenceman. He's no spring chicken and not an unknown. In fact, he was an Oilers prospect for a while and even played for the NHL club. Comparisons were made by Oilers people to Marc-Andre Bergeron, so you get the idea.
Finally, the goalies. This time it's Halifax's Peter Delmas (a former Avalanche pick) and Nicolas Champion (a small undrafted goalie). Delmas is an interesting case as he was a second-rounder only two years ago for the Avs (a team not exactly stacked between the pipes). In 2008, he was a hot commodity for a while, and ended up the 5th goalie taken in his draft. He's slipped a bit, so I think the Habs are hoping for a rebound on his part. Given the organization's depth, he may not have to rebound too high to earn a contract. Champion is the better statistical guy. But he's small and we know how that hurts a goalie's career prospects. Since his draft (undrafted), he's gone the other way improving season by season. And last year, he put up some great totals by QMJHL standards. His play after his trade from Acadie-Bathurst to the contending Rouyn-Noranda Huskies was eye-opening. He usurped the number one role at once and posted 16 wins with a healthy 0.911 SV% (which is good if you've ever seen a QMJHL defence).
NCAA Absentees
Mac Bennett, Michael Cichy, Danny Kristo, Steve Quailer, Patrick Johnson, Mark MacMillan, Scott Kishel, Greg Pateryn
This group contains some of the more ineteresting prospects, or as we like to call then now, trade bait.Kristo is one of the team's top prospects and will be missed at this camp.
Conspicuous absentees
Petteri Simila (came to dev’t camp), Joonas Nattinen (came to dev’t camp), Maxim Trunev, John Westin (came to dev’t camp)
Apart from those with legitimate roadblocks, there were a few players who either weren't invited or didn't accept to attend. All are Europeans, so have actually begun playing (camps and such). Still, if making the NHL is a goal, it must be pursued wholeheartedly. I give a pass to Westin as an 18-year-old. At the very least Nattinen and Simila visited Montreal once this off-season, even if I do feel Simila's failed Niagara experiment is the end of the road for him with the Habs. Trunev was not expected as he's under KHL contract, but as time ticks on his road to Montreal only gets harder and harder. i'm ot sure who's been advising him, but no camps and KHL contracts - that's the way to play right out of the equations.
Unsuccssful try-outs
Tanner House, Myles Harvey, Thomas Baumle, Jean-Christophe Blanchard, Riley Gill, Francois Brisebois, Joseph Quattrocchi
The last group are those that tried out at development camps but didn't get this invitation. Four (Baumle, Blanchard, Gill and Q) are goalies, giving you all some idea about the trouble Montreal is having establishing some depth at this position.
While I'm sure you'll all get your fill of PK Subban highlights and Louis Leblanc worship elsewhere, I wanted to offer a look beyond to some of the more unfamiliar names involved with this upcoming camp.
The way I see it, the camp for rookies is multi-tiered. For players of the required age who have already played for the Bulldogs and the Canadiens, this camp is a warm-up. For returning players not already ensconced in the organization's own plans, it is the chance to jump up the depth chart, and for first-timers it's both a try-out and the opportunity to learn what separates them from pros like Subban, Weber and the gang.
Canadiens and Bulldogs
Andrew Conboy, Dany Masse, Ben Maxwell, Max Pacioretty, Aaron Palushaj, Ryan White, Frederic St. Denis, PK Subban, Yannick Weber
These players have some places already sewn up. The very fact they are present at this rookie camp should mean that barring a disaster they will be at the main camp as well. Main camp is where they must shine. Underwhelm here, though, and it's a strike on the count.
The returnees
Alexander Avstin, Hunter Bishop, Gabriel Dumont, Andreas Engqvist, Olivier Fortier, Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Dustin Walsh, Joe Stejskal, Robert Mayer
This group contains some of the more interesting names of the whole group. Leblanc and Avtsin top many lists of course, but let's not also forget that Robert Mayer is 4th on the whole organization's depth chart (2 injuries away from NHL duty).
For me the name of the group is Olivier Fortier. He's a rare QMJHL draft pick, and a Quebecois one to boot. Not only that, he's a Team Canada U18 alum. The story recently on Fortier has been injuries. An injury cause him to miss the Canadian U20 tryouts and last season an injury cost him the entire year. He's been pegged as a two-way centre, largely because he won an award to acknowledge his all-around play in the Q, but that might slight him.
In the book I was reading on scouting, Gare Joyce went out of his way to praise the young 17-year-old in his draft year, noting his on-ice intelligence was paired with off-ice academic prowess. If hockey is to be a career for Fortier, he will have to show intelligence and perseverance, just like anyone else. Where others might have trouble, Olivier already has lots of adversity to call on. I think he'll be an interesting one to watch.
The first looks - Draftees
Brendan Gallagher, Ian Schultz (StL), Morgan Ellis, Brandon Nash, Jarred Tinordi
It will be interesting to see how these junior players will stack up. But this probably isn't the year any one of them takes the Canadiens fandom by storm.
The first looks - Free agents
Kyle Klubertanz (Djurgardens)
This guy is more interesting than the draftees to me simply because he wasn't drafted. The move to earn an NHL contract from an undrafted position impresses me a lot more than being selected in the late rounds. Klubertanz had to perform well against men in the Swedish league to get a look at this camp. Last season was a breakout for Kyle, as he was 5th in defencemen scoring in the SEL. Prior to that, however, he was a drafted player and went a bit David Fischer for the Ducks. Unlike Fischer, he never had a 6 point season, however. And, as the Canadiens will know from watching Ryan McDonagh played a big role for Wisconsin in 2007-08.
The first looks - Try-outs
Jonathan Brunelle (Drummondville, dev’t camp), Sebastien Bisaillon (Kassel), Marc-Antoine Desnoyers (Drummondville, dev’t camp), Nicolas Champion (Rouyn-Noranda), Peter Delmas (Halifax)
Call it the Voltigeurs season-opening camp. Or maybe Habs goalie search 2010. This group of players is actually the most interesting of all the groups for me.
First, there's Jonathan Brunelle who played for Drummonville last season and was eligible for the draft but went overlooked. He actually ignored Don Cherry's advice, went to the draft and heard 210+ names but not his own.
The Canadiens used one of their now infamous 8th round picks to claim another Quebecer off the floor. What they have here is anyone's guess at the moment. But at the least they have a decent-sized forward who has played on a team with most of their other French-Canadian prospects. He himself went from 7 goal, 19-point man to 23 goal, 49-point man after he turned 17. If history is any guide, he might emulate Gabriel Dumont and become a scoring star in the QMJHL at 18. It can't hurt to have him in the wings.
Desnoyers is Brunelle's teammate, and teammate of Phil Lefebvre and Gabriel Dumont. Like them, he's a former companion of Dany Masse. 5 season in the Q, there aren't many he hasn't played with. His draft year he played with Mathieu Carle on the Titan and so has been on the radar for at least a few seasons. DesnoyersVoltigeurs. A Guy Boucher player and a local talent, he's another with a bit of intrigue.
Sebastien Bisaillon is the other defenceman. He's no spring chicken and not an unknown. In fact, he was an Oilers prospect for a while and even played for the NHL club. Comparisons were made by Oilers people to Marc-Andre Bergeron, so you get the idea.
Finally, the goalies. This time it's Halifax's Peter Delmas (a former Avalanche pick) and Nicolas Champion (a small undrafted goalie). Delmas is an interesting case as he was a second-rounder only two years ago for the Avs (a team not exactly stacked between the pipes). In 2008, he was a hot commodity for a while, and ended up the 5th goalie taken in his draft. He's slipped a bit, so I think the Habs are hoping for a rebound on his part. Given the organization's depth, he may not have to rebound too high to earn a contract. Champion is the better statistical guy. But he's small and we know how that hurts a goalie's career prospects. Since his draft (undrafted), he's gone the other way improving season by season. And last year, he put up some great totals by QMJHL standards. His play after his trade from Acadie-Bathurst to the contending Rouyn-Noranda Huskies was eye-opening. He usurped the number one role at once and posted 16 wins with a healthy 0.911 SV% (which is good if you've ever seen a QMJHL defence).
NCAA Absentees
Mac Bennett, Michael Cichy, Danny Kristo, Steve Quailer, Patrick Johnson, Mark MacMillan, Scott Kishel, Greg Pateryn
This group contains some of the more ineteresting prospects, or as we like to call then now, trade bait.Kristo is one of the team's top prospects and will be missed at this camp.
Conspicuous absentees
Petteri Simila (came to dev’t camp), Joonas Nattinen (came to dev’t camp), Maxim Trunev, John Westin (came to dev’t camp)
Apart from those with legitimate roadblocks, there were a few players who either weren't invited or didn't accept to attend. All are Europeans, so have actually begun playing (camps and such). Still, if making the NHL is a goal, it must be pursued wholeheartedly. I give a pass to Westin as an 18-year-old. At the very least Nattinen and Simila visited Montreal once this off-season, even if I do feel Simila's failed Niagara experiment is the end of the road for him with the Habs. Trunev was not expected as he's under KHL contract, but as time ticks on his road to Montreal only gets harder and harder. i'm ot sure who's been advising him, but no camps and KHL contracts - that's the way to play right out of the equations.
Unsuccssful try-outs
Tanner House, Myles Harvey, Thomas Baumle, Jean-Christophe Blanchard, Riley Gill, Francois Brisebois, Joseph Quattrocchi
The last group are those that tried out at development camps but didn't get this invitation. Four (Baumle, Blanchard, Gill and Q) are goalies, giving you all some idea about the trouble Montreal is having establishing some depth at this position.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
No Respect
Sergei Kostitsyn Evaluated Unfairly, Considering
Last game was Sergei Kostitsyn's 87th in the NHL, 2 years ago at this time, he was lining up beside Sam Gagner and Patrick Kane on the London Knights.
It seems that these two little pieces of information may have gotten lost in the brief prepared for RDS commentators Benoit Brunet and Pierre Houde, not to mention Joel Bouchard and Jacques Demers. They were particularly harsh on him two games ago, and then gave him little credit following a plus 4, 2 assist night on the de facto best line of the night.
It is especially interesting when you juxtapose Sergei's "plight" against the "return to dominance" of teammate Guillaume Latendresse. Guillaume for his part had a very good game a couple of night ago (his 184th in the NHL). In fact, he has had a good string of games. But all in all, his season has been no better or no worse really than Sergei Kostitsyn's.
A look at their stats will show you that both players are in the same neighbourhood:
Kostitsyn 35GP 6G 9A +4
Latendresse 31 GP 5G 9A +3
Last game, we were told that along with Molson Cup winner Lapierre, Latendresse was a stand-out for December. A look again shows that Sergei kept pace here too:
Kostitsyn 10GP 3G 2A E
Latendresse 9GP 3G 1A E
If I look to subjective records, such as 3 stars, I find that Sergei had a first and a second star game, whereas Guillaume only had one mention – a third star (in the non-Bell Centre rankings that is*)
The two players, in a nutshell, have both had dry spells and boons, benchings and streaks. Yet one is left wanting for praise and the other has his name singing from the pressbox.
What's up?
My take is that it all comes down to expectations and a certain flexibility and generosity in the setting of them. Expectations for Sergei are set rather high, given the way he took to the NHL last season and the way he led the team in playoff scoring. Guillaume, in contrast, has commentators lauding his capable checking and occasional goals from the third line.
Personally, I think this is a bit unfair. While I do agree Guillaume is turning a corner and we must acknowledge his actual potential and adjust our expectations, I feel Sergei is not being given the same lee-way. I would think that it's time to accept certain things about Sergei in order that we judge him in a fair light:
1) He is being thrust into uncomfortable situations at a very young stage of his career. While, it's natural for us fans to holler at the TV for greater PP success. It is hardly reasonable to expect a 21-year-old forward barely a year into a career to man the open point and turn the PP around, certainly not without a bit of a grace period to learn the position.
2) He tries things on. By this I mean he tries to be creative to take the defenders by surprise. Sometimes this means he makes a move and his pass hits a shin pad for a clearance. Given time to develop, it could mean great things.
3) He's still learning NHL defence. As we said, two years ago he was in junior, on the highest scoring team, on the highest scoring line. He didn't come in with a feel for NHL defensive play, and a season is an awfully short opportunity t perfect the task. That said, he still earns the coaches' trust on the PK, which is more than you could say for some of his peers.
So, if you're reading this Ben or Joel (ha), the next time Sergei lines up on the number one offensive unit, on the ice for 4 goals for and none against, perhaps you two could offer him a bit of slack, and hey, maybe even praise (not of the backhanded nature, like that montage of him last game). And Joel, if you insist on naming him every time a player goes down with injury as THE PLAYER who must step up, it might be nice if you recognised his 100-game older teammate as well.
Finally, for the love of everything sacred, we don't call you guys Benjamin, Peter, Jack and Joe; do you think you could extend yourselves to the point you might at least show his name some respect and stop calling him Serge?
* Does anyone know where one can get hold of the three stars that are announced after the Canadiens games at the Bell Centre. In my calculations from the "official" NHL archival rankings for December, Lapierre comes out tied third with 8 points, behind both Andrei Kostitsyn and D'Agostini on 10 each.
It seems that these two little pieces of information may have gotten lost in the brief prepared for RDS commentators Benoit Brunet and Pierre Houde, not to mention Joel Bouchard and Jacques Demers. They were particularly harsh on him two games ago, and then gave him little credit following a plus 4, 2 assist night on the de facto best line of the night.
It is especially interesting when you juxtapose Sergei's "plight" against the "return to dominance" of teammate Guillaume Latendresse. Guillaume for his part had a very good game a couple of night ago (his 184th in the NHL). In fact, he has had a good string of games. But all in all, his season has been no better or no worse really than Sergei Kostitsyn's.
A look at their stats will show you that both players are in the same neighbourhood:
Kostitsyn 35GP 6G 9A +4
Latendresse 31 GP 5G 9A +3
Last game, we were told that along with Molson Cup winner Lapierre, Latendresse was a stand-out for December. A look again shows that Sergei kept pace here too:
Kostitsyn 10GP 3G 2A E
Latendresse 9GP 3G 1A E
If I look to subjective records, such as 3 stars, I find that Sergei had a first and a second star game, whereas Guillaume only had one mention – a third star (in the non-Bell Centre rankings that is*)
The two players, in a nutshell, have both had dry spells and boons, benchings and streaks. Yet one is left wanting for praise and the other has his name singing from the pressbox.
What's up?
My take is that it all comes down to expectations and a certain flexibility and generosity in the setting of them. Expectations for Sergei are set rather high, given the way he took to the NHL last season and the way he led the team in playoff scoring. Guillaume, in contrast, has commentators lauding his capable checking and occasional goals from the third line.
Personally, I think this is a bit unfair. While I do agree Guillaume is turning a corner and we must acknowledge his actual potential and adjust our expectations, I feel Sergei is not being given the same lee-way. I would think that it's time to accept certain things about Sergei in order that we judge him in a fair light:
1) He is being thrust into uncomfortable situations at a very young stage of his career. While, it's natural for us fans to holler at the TV for greater PP success. It is hardly reasonable to expect a 21-year-old forward barely a year into a career to man the open point and turn the PP around, certainly not without a bit of a grace period to learn the position.
2) He tries things on. By this I mean he tries to be creative to take the defenders by surprise. Sometimes this means he makes a move and his pass hits a shin pad for a clearance. Given time to develop, it could mean great things.
3) He's still learning NHL defence. As we said, two years ago he was in junior, on the highest scoring team, on the highest scoring line. He didn't come in with a feel for NHL defensive play, and a season is an awfully short opportunity t perfect the task. That said, he still earns the coaches' trust on the PK, which is more than you could say for some of his peers.
So, if you're reading this Ben or Joel (ha), the next time Sergei lines up on the number one offensive unit, on the ice for 4 goals for and none against, perhaps you two could offer him a bit of slack, and hey, maybe even praise (not of the backhanded nature, like that montage of him last game). And Joel, if you insist on naming him every time a player goes down with injury as THE PLAYER who must step up, it might be nice if you recognised his 100-game older teammate as well.
Finally, for the love of everything sacred, we don't call you guys Benjamin, Peter, Jack and Joe; do you think you could extend yourselves to the point you might at least show his name some respect and stop calling him Serge?
* Does anyone know where one can get hold of the three stars that are announced after the Canadiens games at the Bell Centre. In my calculations from the "official" NHL archival rankings for December, Lapierre comes out tied third with 8 points, behind both Andrei Kostitsyn and D'Agostini on 10 each.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Tonic Youth
The Habs Youth Movement: The Repeaters
Yesterday, we had a look at the graduates form the Habs youth movement, those that have found success and tenure on the team. Today, as promised, I will look at the other members of the youth club, the ones that will have to wait for another day to graduate, to clinch a roster place, to fashion a place for themselves in the minds of coaches, teammates and fans.
There's no shame in repeating. Not when you are a rookie. It's the norm, the expected. Even the graduates above were repeaters once. Here they are, the remaining second/third years:
The Repeaters
Sergei Kostitsyn – Sergei was the final piece of the youth movement. We have spoken about the SK74 era before, on a few occasions. His addition to the team was a renewed commitment to youth, to Andrei Kostitsyn and to 6/7 defenders and not 8. As last year went, it was a defining moment.
Despite Sergei's affiliation with this date, the player himself was more peripheral to the renaissance than central. He played well for a rookie, but he did not threaten for any trophies. He found a place on the lower lines, but did not lay stake to Koivu's wing on a permanent basis. His playoffs were good again, but he like everyone else left us wanting when we needed goals in Philly.
Still, the 21 year-old with 75 regular season games and 87 games all told is green. He hasn't even been in Montreal a year. He's a young young sophomore, and we could call him rookie and be forgiven. As such, it is natural that he is a repeater. After all, you need to be pretty special as to make the jump in a year.
Where does the delay come from? Simple really, time. Sergei needs more time. With time (and even some of the generous patience doled out to his older brother), he should be an NHLer. Tantrums or not, I don't think there's any doubt about this issue.
Guillaume Latendresse – Young in years, old in experience. Guillaume is the second-youngest Hab, but has seen more action than anyone we've mentioned so far with 173 games.
After a successful jump to the league in 2006 (at 19), he followed up with much the same in 2007. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but on the Habs thing are on the up. good youngsters are coming through, and roster places must be earned with effort and performance.
Coming into this season, Guillaume knew that. It looked like he had worked out how to get more form his game, how to be a contributor, not a passenger. 20 games into the year and Gui is benched and we are left wondering what all the optimism was about in September.
Where does the delay come from? It pains to admit it, but I think Guillaume has a talent deficit. Oh, he works hard and could be a proficient NHLer if he were left to learn the ropes of defence. But isn't he meant to be a goalscorer? I mean not in the way that Kovalev is (i.e., still affecting games when he doesn't score). isn't goalscoring Guillaume's reason for being here? And if the goalscoring isn't there, then why is he?
I say a talent deficit because, he is deficient in areas of skating, awareness and playmaking right now and he is not making up for it by being an average scorer.
Guillaume knew coming into this year, as we all did, that the Canadiens don't need a 16 goalscorer who can't do much else (ask Ryder). Guillaume knew as we did that the way out of this was: a) to become a 24 goalscorer or b) to become a better all-rounder. Frankly, plan B was always a long shot there are better all-rounders throughout the ranks. He has to score more somehow. When you are shooting 8%, and not bringing to mind any memories of Vezina worthy saves, you'd better be taking more than 25 shots Guillaume. I think he would like to. I think he's finding shooting opportunities as hard to come by as the smooth skating stride.
Where can we go with Guillaume from here? Personally, I see two routes:
1) Commit to him as a scorer, put him back on a scoring line and be patient with him for the next 40 games. see where it leads.
2) Trade him while he still has some value on the market.
If you asked me at the beginning of the year, my answer was Route 1. Given that it's only been 20 games for him, with little patience, I would like to extend him for another 20. But I am a heck of a lot closer to Route 2 than I ever have been in the past.
Kyle Chipchura – Forgotten man. Recently made captain in Hamilton. You know what? He is also excelling in Hamilton at the moment.
A lot was expected from Chipchura the rookie last season and he delivered on most counts. UNfortunately for Kyle, his demotion coincided with the ascension of the Kostitsyns and the Canadiens through the standings. he was never the cause of their lethargy, nor would he have been able to cause a turnaround, but he was a solid Canadien last season. He is now a repeater, as his second chance is still in the offing.
Where does the delay come from? Gainey. As Price has benefited from decisions, Kyle has suffered. Last off-season, Gainey signed Smolinski and Kostopoulos. This off-season he signed Lang and Laraque. Both sets ultimately cost Kyle his place on the team. Combine that with Carbonneau's folly of Dandenault in the lineup at all costs and the young forward has nowhere to go.
All this, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. Kyle is clearly becoming a seasoned player down on the farm. The Bulldogs are winning, scoring and Kyle is the leader of the show. He is scoring and playing +15 hockey. It's excellent for Habs fans. he should be able to jump right in at any point we need him now. It appears that this will be next season.
Ryan O'Byrne – O'Boy. Ryan started with such promise. But then we were all surprised when he showed himself to be a rookie.
To be honest, considering his errors all come before the 80-game mark of his young career, I can't be too concerned. Defence in this league is hard work, and time is what everyone needs to make it. Repeating a year is par for the course among defenders. Heck, repeating only one year would be under-par.
Where does the delay come from? Time. This question for Ryan is a bit of a misnomer, in that his development hasn't really been delayed, but is on track, considering. There is some question whether the coaches wish to be patient with Ryan this year in particular, but apart from that there's no need to panic. I would hope that if they decide to keep him around they will tutor him, and if they decide not to, that they will make him deputy to Kyle Chipchura on the farm
I have to be fair. I hate Ryan's mistakes, but when he plays soundly, I like his style. He seems to base his game on positioning (what better basis?) and minimises exposure to foot races, puck-handling and complicated play. I think the team should stick it out with Ryan this year, as I feel he might be playoff ready if they do...
Jaroslav Halak – Can't win, can he? There is nothing Jaroslav can, could, or ever will be able to do to topple Carey Price.
Jaroslav has already manned one last ditch playoff drive (all pressure games), performed well in two training camps and put up statistics each time out that would make GMs turn heads. This year (in what some might think is a bad year for him given Price's 234 consecutive starts), he has good, bordering on great, numbers again. Yet here he sits, waiting for a graduation at some point in the future.
Where does the delay come from? Timing. Simple as that. Jaroslav's parents were too slow in conceiving. Gainey was too slow in trading Theodore. Aebischer didn't crumble soon enough. TIt was the wrong year to leave the Bulldogs for the playoffs. And Carey Price comes along.
Halak is probably just too close in age to Carey Price. He will never be the starter in Montreal, because Carey has been anointed and so long as he is good/great himself, then Jaro backs up. If Jaro plays better, no matter. the only way in is Carey's fall or injury. Neither of which any sane Habs fan would wish for. No, if he is going to be an NHL starter (and he is good enough to be one), it will be elsewhere. Personally, I can only hope it won't be in Toronto, Boston or Philly and preferably somewhere far, far away.
Youth moving forward
It's astonishing having taken stock of the second and third years how many youngsters the Habs have in the squad. It's exciting that there are successes and exciting that some look like successes for the future. Equally great is the lineup waiting to be on this list next year and future rookies.
It's easy to forget how young the players are, but it's worth reminding ourselves once in a while when we go off on one about Sergei or Guillaume. The more we as fans are willing to let these guys learn, the more they inevitably will learn. And in a league where trading has dried up completely, patience and mentoring of young prospects like these nine is the way forward.
There's no shame in repeating. Not when you are a rookie. It's the norm, the expected. Even the graduates above were repeaters once. Here they are, the remaining second/third years:
The Repeaters
Sergei Kostitsyn – Sergei was the final piece of the youth movement. We have spoken about the SK74 era before, on a few occasions. His addition to the team was a renewed commitment to youth, to Andrei Kostitsyn and to 6/7 defenders and not 8. As last year went, it was a defining moment.
Despite Sergei's affiliation with this date, the player himself was more peripheral to the renaissance than central. He played well for a rookie, but he did not threaten for any trophies. He found a place on the lower lines, but did not lay stake to Koivu's wing on a permanent basis. His playoffs were good again, but he like everyone else left us wanting when we needed goals in Philly.
Still, the 21 year-old with 75 regular season games and 87 games all told is green. He hasn't even been in Montreal a year. He's a young young sophomore, and we could call him rookie and be forgiven. As such, it is natural that he is a repeater. After all, you need to be pretty special as to make the jump in a year.
Where does the delay come from? Simple really, time. Sergei needs more time. With time (and even some of the generous patience doled out to his older brother), he should be an NHLer. Tantrums or not, I don't think there's any doubt about this issue.
Guillaume Latendresse – Young in years, old in experience. Guillaume is the second-youngest Hab, but has seen more action than anyone we've mentioned so far with 173 games.
After a successful jump to the league in 2006 (at 19), he followed up with much the same in 2007. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but on the Habs thing are on the up. good youngsters are coming through, and roster places must be earned with effort and performance.
Coming into this season, Guillaume knew that. It looked like he had worked out how to get more form his game, how to be a contributor, not a passenger. 20 games into the year and Gui is benched and we are left wondering what all the optimism was about in September.
Where does the delay come from? It pains to admit it, but I think Guillaume has a talent deficit. Oh, he works hard and could be a proficient NHLer if he were left to learn the ropes of defence. But isn't he meant to be a goalscorer? I mean not in the way that Kovalev is (i.e., still affecting games when he doesn't score). isn't goalscoring Guillaume's reason for being here? And if the goalscoring isn't there, then why is he?
I say a talent deficit because, he is deficient in areas of skating, awareness and playmaking right now and he is not making up for it by being an average scorer.
Guillaume knew coming into this year, as we all did, that the Canadiens don't need a 16 goalscorer who can't do much else (ask Ryder). Guillaume knew as we did that the way out of this was: a) to become a 24 goalscorer or b) to become a better all-rounder. Frankly, plan B was always a long shot there are better all-rounders throughout the ranks. He has to score more somehow. When you are shooting 8%, and not bringing to mind any memories of Vezina worthy saves, you'd better be taking more than 25 shots Guillaume. I think he would like to. I think he's finding shooting opportunities as hard to come by as the smooth skating stride.
Where can we go with Guillaume from here? Personally, I see two routes:
1) Commit to him as a scorer, put him back on a scoring line and be patient with him for the next 40 games. see where it leads.
2) Trade him while he still has some value on the market.
If you asked me at the beginning of the year, my answer was Route 1. Given that it's only been 20 games for him, with little patience, I would like to extend him for another 20. But I am a heck of a lot closer to Route 2 than I ever have been in the past.
Kyle Chipchura – Forgotten man. Recently made captain in Hamilton. You know what? He is also excelling in Hamilton at the moment.
A lot was expected from Chipchura the rookie last season and he delivered on most counts. UNfortunately for Kyle, his demotion coincided with the ascension of the Kostitsyns and the Canadiens through the standings. he was never the cause of their lethargy, nor would he have been able to cause a turnaround, but he was a solid Canadien last season. He is now a repeater, as his second chance is still in the offing.
Where does the delay come from? Gainey. As Price has benefited from decisions, Kyle has suffered. Last off-season, Gainey signed Smolinski and Kostopoulos. This off-season he signed Lang and Laraque. Both sets ultimately cost Kyle his place on the team. Combine that with Carbonneau's folly of Dandenault in the lineup at all costs and the young forward has nowhere to go.
All this, however, is not necessarily a bad thing. Kyle is clearly becoming a seasoned player down on the farm. The Bulldogs are winning, scoring and Kyle is the leader of the show. He is scoring and playing +15 hockey. It's excellent for Habs fans. he should be able to jump right in at any point we need him now. It appears that this will be next season.
Ryan O'Byrne – O'Boy. Ryan started with such promise. But then we were all surprised when he showed himself to be a rookie.
To be honest, considering his errors all come before the 80-game mark of his young career, I can't be too concerned. Defence in this league is hard work, and time is what everyone needs to make it. Repeating a year is par for the course among defenders. Heck, repeating only one year would be under-par.
Where does the delay come from? Time. This question for Ryan is a bit of a misnomer, in that his development hasn't really been delayed, but is on track, considering. There is some question whether the coaches wish to be patient with Ryan this year in particular, but apart from that there's no need to panic. I would hope that if they decide to keep him around they will tutor him, and if they decide not to, that they will make him deputy to Kyle Chipchura on the farm
I have to be fair. I hate Ryan's mistakes, but when he plays soundly, I like his style. He seems to base his game on positioning (what better basis?) and minimises exposure to foot races, puck-handling and complicated play. I think the team should stick it out with Ryan this year, as I feel he might be playoff ready if they do...
Jaroslav Halak – Can't win, can he? There is nothing Jaroslav can, could, or ever will be able to do to topple Carey Price.
Jaroslav has already manned one last ditch playoff drive (all pressure games), performed well in two training camps and put up statistics each time out that would make GMs turn heads. This year (in what some might think is a bad year for him given Price's 234 consecutive starts), he has good, bordering on great, numbers again. Yet here he sits, waiting for a graduation at some point in the future.
Where does the delay come from? Timing. Simple as that. Jaroslav's parents were too slow in conceiving. Gainey was too slow in trading Theodore. Aebischer didn't crumble soon enough. TIt was the wrong year to leave the Bulldogs for the playoffs. And Carey Price comes along.
Halak is probably just too close in age to Carey Price. He will never be the starter in Montreal, because Carey has been anointed and so long as he is good/great himself, then Jaro backs up. If Jaro plays better, no matter. the only way in is Carey's fall or injury. Neither of which any sane Habs fan would wish for. No, if he is going to be an NHL starter (and he is good enough to be one), it will be elsewhere. Personally, I can only hope it won't be in Toronto, Boston or Philly and preferably somewhere far, far away.
Youth moving forward
It's astonishing having taken stock of the second and third years how many youngsters the Habs have in the squad. It's exciting that there are successes and exciting that some look like successes for the future. Equally great is the lineup waiting to be on this list next year and future rookies.
It's easy to forget how young the players are, but it's worth reminding ourselves once in a while when we go off on one about Sergei or Guillaume. The more we as fans are willing to let these guys learn, the more they inevitably will learn. And in a league where trading has dried up completely, patience and mentoring of young prospects like these nine is the way forward.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Play Keeps Messing Up My Depth Charts
If the Canadiens rookies could stop putting on surprising shows of excellence, maybe I could get my depth charts to stick.
First Weber, now Pacioretty. I shouldn't have been so keen ad done the charts a couple of weeks ago.
I'm just kidding of course. Pacioretty actually playing well is not unexpected, except in how soon he ha been able to turn the trick. Seeing how he went from fresh-faced rookie to scoring star at the most serious US College hockey program in less than a few months, I guess we shouldn't be surprised.
Needless to say, Pacioretty jumps ahead of D'Agostini and Stewart and Dandenault. I don't think that gives him a starting place. To do that, he must set Guillaume in his sights...
First Weber, now Pacioretty. I shouldn't have been so keen ad done the charts a couple of weeks ago.
I'm just kidding of course. Pacioretty actually playing well is not unexpected, except in how soon he ha been able to turn the trick. Seeing how he went from fresh-faced rookie to scoring star at the most serious US College hockey program in less than a few months, I guess we shouldn't be surprised.
Needless to say, Pacioretty jumps ahead of D'Agostini and Stewart and Dandenault. I don't think that gives him a starting place. To do that, he must set Guillaume in his sights...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Chipchura and the Invisible Ceiling
Kyle Chipchura has been a revelation so far this season for the Canadiens. He has come to Montreal and delivered on exactly what was promised us: intelligence, poise and leadership.
There are still rookie growing pains, but is this the player we will be seeing for years and years to come? Or, will he develop into more once he has 80 games under his belt? 400?
If you listen to Pat Hickey on the Habs Inside/Out Puckcast, then you'd hear that Kyle is a great player, and indeed a revelation. But, alas, Chipchura has a ceiling that will limit his progress through the team and the league. Apparently, he only has third line talent. Sorry Kyle, enjoy the next 20 years doing what you do.
I disagree.
And, I really take issue with people, like Hickey, who want to rush to judgment on players based on a portion of one season in the league.
Let's start at the root of my gripe: Kyle has been unfairly pigeon-holed as a defensive forward.
It's easy to see why. It's what we were told to assuage our fears when he was selected 18th overall in 2004. He was, afterall taken ahead of Wojtek Wolski, who looked like becoming a big scorer in the OHL even then.
So Timmins tell us about his leadership and his all-around play. What do we hear? Future checking line forward, future captain. And we thought, for a first round defensive forward, he'd better be a captain one day... While Timmins never set limits on Chipchura's potential, why did the media?
His next year in junior, he was among league leaders in scoring before his achilles tendon was severed in a practice. The next season, he led his team in scoring despite missing a significant number of games. That year we all got to see him excel in a do-or-die situation for Canada at the WJC as well.
As far as I can tell, Kyle is an intelligent hockey player with exceptional determination and commitment. Although he was labelled early on and did not go triple digits in junior scoring, I see no reason to cap his potential. In fact, he's shown a few times that he can be the type of player that rises to the occasion – a trait you can usually associate with all the great players. I might not lobby to get him on line 1 or 2 just yet, but I don't see why he couldn't be used with Michael Ryder for example to generate some offense as well as his usual responsible play. And I would not be averse to moving him up one day to centre a scoring line. If he succeeded as a checking-line forward in a scoring role, it wouldn't be the first time a line thrived with an intelligent pivot. I don't have to go beyond Canadiens alumni to come up with Brian Skrudland (Richer and Corson), Guy Carbonneau (Courtnall and McPhee) and Craig Conroy (Iginla).
Afterall, hockey intelligence of the type we see in Kyle is something you usually wait 10 years to see in a player (we're still waiting Jumbo Joe) and something that should be encouraged to succeed in all aspects of the game, not reined in before he's even begun.
Luckily there are a couple of defensive guys in charge (with multiple 20 goal seasons) who know what his potential might be...
There are still rookie growing pains, but is this the player we will be seeing for years and years to come? Or, will he develop into more once he has 80 games under his belt? 400?
If you listen to Pat Hickey on the Habs Inside/Out Puckcast, then you'd hear that Kyle is a great player, and indeed a revelation. But, alas, Chipchura has a ceiling that will limit his progress through the team and the league. Apparently, he only has third line talent. Sorry Kyle, enjoy the next 20 years doing what you do.
I disagree.
And, I really take issue with people, like Hickey, who want to rush to judgment on players based on a portion of one season in the league.
Let's start at the root of my gripe: Kyle has been unfairly pigeon-holed as a defensive forward.
It's easy to see why. It's what we were told to assuage our fears when he was selected 18th overall in 2004. He was, afterall taken ahead of Wojtek Wolski, who looked like becoming a big scorer in the OHL even then.
So Timmins tell us about his leadership and his all-around play. What do we hear? Future checking line forward, future captain. And we thought, for a first round defensive forward, he'd better be a captain one day... While Timmins never set limits on Chipchura's potential, why did the media?
His next year in junior, he was among league leaders in scoring before his achilles tendon was severed in a practice. The next season, he led his team in scoring despite missing a significant number of games. That year we all got to see him excel in a do-or-die situation for Canada at the WJC as well.
As far as I can tell, Kyle is an intelligent hockey player with exceptional determination and commitment. Although he was labelled early on and did not go triple digits in junior scoring, I see no reason to cap his potential. In fact, he's shown a few times that he can be the type of player that rises to the occasion – a trait you can usually associate with all the great players. I might not lobby to get him on line 1 or 2 just yet, but I don't see why he couldn't be used with Michael Ryder for example to generate some offense as well as his usual responsible play. And I would not be averse to moving him up one day to centre a scoring line. If he succeeded as a checking-line forward in a scoring role, it wouldn't be the first time a line thrived with an intelligent pivot. I don't have to go beyond Canadiens alumni to come up with Brian Skrudland (Richer and Corson), Guy Carbonneau (Courtnall and McPhee) and Craig Conroy (Iginla).
Afterall, hockey intelligence of the type we see in Kyle is something you usually wait 10 years to see in a player (we're still waiting Jumbo Joe) and something that should be encouraged to succeed in all aspects of the game, not reined in before he's even begun.
Luckily there are a couple of defensive guys in charge (with multiple 20 goal seasons) who know what his potential might be...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Habs get it right with the rookies
Carey Price, Janne Lahti, Kyle Chipchura all had one thing in common this weekend: they didn't play any hockey games. That's because the Canadiens have bucked a trend they started by opting not to have a rookie tournament. The first few sessions for the rookies were dedicated to drills:
From the Gazette:
Want to know why Canadian players rise to the top in the playoffs, why their scoring doesn't tail off like Europeans in March?
Well it's because from the age of 6 onwards, Canadians play hockey games from autumn to spring. Ice time is scarce, so it's games >> practices. Juniors get an NHL-type gameload in their seasons before entry into the bigs.
But, want to know why Europeans figure in the scoring leaders, can skate so well and have actually figured out how to get over the blueline without lobbing the puck into the corner?
Practice, practice, practice.
That's why I was happy to hear the Habs rookies were actually practicing (and maybe even learning a bit) before the other training camp starts. In my opinion, a few days dedicated to practicing skills is going to be a whole lot more valuable than 4 games against other rookies – most of whom will never ever pull on an NHL sweater anyway.
Carey Price will have to stop Crosby, Elias and Alfredsson to make the Canadiens. Stopping shots from Toronto's third tier can't help him prepare for that anymore than his seasons in junior did.
The young defensemen will have to hone their puck skills if they hope to play in Montreal, a frantic game with dumpouts and 17 minutes of ice (most without the puck) isn't going to greatly help them either.
There are enough games already, so it'snice to see the Habs realise this and work to help their prospects improve. Well done management, another positive decision...
From the Gazette:
There hasn't been a chance to evaluate Lahti in game situations because the first two days of the rookie camp have been devoted to drills. Stickhandling was the focus for the skaters yesterday as Sean Skinner showed his expertise.
Want to know why Canadian players rise to the top in the playoffs, why their scoring doesn't tail off like Europeans in March?
Well it's because from the age of 6 onwards, Canadians play hockey games from autumn to spring. Ice time is scarce, so it's games >> practices. Juniors get an NHL-type gameload in their seasons before entry into the bigs.
But, want to know why Europeans figure in the scoring leaders, can skate so well and have actually figured out how to get over the blueline without lobbing the puck into the corner?
Practice, practice, practice.
That's why I was happy to hear the Habs rookies were actually practicing (and maybe even learning a bit) before the other training camp starts. In my opinion, a few days dedicated to practicing skills is going to be a whole lot more valuable than 4 games against other rookies – most of whom will never ever pull on an NHL sweater anyway.
Carey Price will have to stop Crosby, Elias and Alfredsson to make the Canadiens. Stopping shots from Toronto's third tier can't help him prepare for that anymore than his seasons in junior did.
The young defensemen will have to hone their puck skills if they hope to play in Montreal, a frantic game with dumpouts and 17 minutes of ice (most without the puck) isn't going to greatly help them either.
There are enough games already, so it'snice to see the Habs realise this and work to help their prospects improve. Well done management, another positive decision...
Friday, September 07, 2007
Canadiens rookie camp
So the Canadiens rookie camp is just around the corner (see habsinsideout.com). The invitations have been sent. And seeing as how everyone is intent on arguing that we are a better team thanks to all our young talent, I thought it would be worth a look.
There are three basic classes of rookie: drafted players, free agents and try-out players. Of the three, the drafted players get the longer looks, since they have been touted for some time, so even a slip in form could be seen as just that, a slip.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the try-outs have this one shot to make the team. Not all of them will, and it is surprising when even a single try-out player makes it. Free agents (like Janne Lahti) fall somewhere in the middle, but make the team with high enough frequency (e.g., Mark Streit, Pierre Dagenais, Oleg Petrov (second time)).
The way I see it, no more than 10 of these guys will see a game this year. And no more than 15 will probably ever see a game. This is simply because we already have some young players who will be very hard to budge for the next ten years (Andrei Kostitsyn, Maxim Lapierre, Guillaume Latendresse and Tomas Plekanec among others). However, there are a couple of permanent roster spots that may be up for grabs, so a lucky few may be plying their trade in the NHL full-time in 2007/2008.
The 5 candidates that stand-out for me as players that could make the team outright this year are:
1) Kyle Chipchura (stats)
By all accounts, Chipchura sounds like a third-line forward. What I like about him is that he has been a captain of his teams and even his country. What's more in that final of the WJCs he really stood out for me – something big game players tend to be able to do. He may fit nicely on the third or fourth line while he learns, but could probably be called upon for scoring line duties if asked. A player to watch for.
2) Janne Lahti (stats)
For one thing, he's 25 – so he wouldn't be invited if there weren't a real chance for him. For another, he scored 20 goals in the Finnish league, which is quite good in only 56 games. And he caught fire a bit in the playoffs. However, the main reason I think he might make the team is because while not huge, he's not little. He was also targeted by a few other NHL teams, which is a good sign.
3) Carey Price (stats)
What needs to be said here? A great WJC and a great Calder Cup run have put him into the spotlight. I think a season in the minors would be better, but he has a realistic chance if for no other reason than Gainey having said so. Plus we only have 2 other legitimate goalie candidates, so the competition isn't really thick.
4) Ryan White (stats)
“He’s not a great physical specimen he’s not necessarily in great physical condition, but when we put him on the ice, he does nothing but win battles,” said Hitmen GM and head coach Kelly Kisio. He just sounds like the type of player who will go to camp and win himself a spot. If he plays his cards right, he could wave Garth Murray goodbye on his way into the dressing room.
5) Ryan O'Byrne (stats)
Because defensemen get injured, he will get himself high enough in the line to see some games. From his Calder Cup play, he has the quality to stick if he gets in the door.
Those with a realistic chance (in my opinion) of a game or two this year, and full NHL seasons on their horizons include:
1) Sergei Kostitsyn (stats) – not quite his time yet.
2) Mathieu Aubin (stats) – big enough to make the team for size alone, he'll have to show he can play.
3) Mathieu Carle (stats) – maybe San Jose will get confused and trade us their Matt Carle?
4) Pavel Valentenko (stats) – again, not quite time for him.
5) Matt D'Agostini (stats) – could break through, but probably needs another season to impress.
6) Ben Maxwell (stats) – will be in Hamilton.
7) PK Subban (stats) – despite his attitude, he's probably not quite star enough to make thee league straight from Junior.
and to a lesser extent Thomas Beauregard (who may turn out to be a goalscorer in the big leagues after all), Yannick Weber and Cedrick Desjardins.
As for the rest, they need to unseat some of the guys ahead of them to even have a shot at being on the teamsheet one day. But that is what this camp is for – to see what everyone can do. I for one am looking forward to it and hoping we have a few guys coming through to the big camp with intentions of making the team...
There are three basic classes of rookie: drafted players, free agents and try-out players. Of the three, the drafted players get the longer looks, since they have been touted for some time, so even a slip in form could be seen as just that, a slip.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the try-outs have this one shot to make the team. Not all of them will, and it is surprising when even a single try-out player makes it. Free agents (like Janne Lahti) fall somewhere in the middle, but make the team with high enough frequency (e.g., Mark Streit, Pierre Dagenais, Oleg Petrov (second time)).
The way I see it, no more than 10 of these guys will see a game this year. And no more than 15 will probably ever see a game. This is simply because we already have some young players who will be very hard to budge for the next ten years (Andrei Kostitsyn, Maxim Lapierre, Guillaume Latendresse and Tomas Plekanec among others). However, there are a couple of permanent roster spots that may be up for grabs, so a lucky few may be plying their trade in the NHL full-time in 2007/2008.
The 5 candidates that stand-out for me as players that could make the team outright this year are:
1) Kyle Chipchura (stats)
By all accounts, Chipchura sounds like a third-line forward. What I like about him is that he has been a captain of his teams and even his country. What's more in that final of the WJCs he really stood out for me – something big game players tend to be able to do. He may fit nicely on the third or fourth line while he learns, but could probably be called upon for scoring line duties if asked. A player to watch for.
2) Janne Lahti (stats)
For one thing, he's 25 – so he wouldn't be invited if there weren't a real chance for him. For another, he scored 20 goals in the Finnish league, which is quite good in only 56 games. And he caught fire a bit in the playoffs. However, the main reason I think he might make the team is because while not huge, he's not little. He was also targeted by a few other NHL teams, which is a good sign.
3) Carey Price (stats)
What needs to be said here? A great WJC and a great Calder Cup run have put him into the spotlight. I think a season in the minors would be better, but he has a realistic chance if for no other reason than Gainey having said so. Plus we only have 2 other legitimate goalie candidates, so the competition isn't really thick.
4) Ryan White (stats)
“He’s not a great physical specimen he’s not necessarily in great physical condition, but when we put him on the ice, he does nothing but win battles,” said Hitmen GM and head coach Kelly Kisio. He just sounds like the type of player who will go to camp and win himself a spot. If he plays his cards right, he could wave Garth Murray goodbye on his way into the dressing room.
5) Ryan O'Byrne (stats)
Because defensemen get injured, he will get himself high enough in the line to see some games. From his Calder Cup play, he has the quality to stick if he gets in the door.
Those with a realistic chance (in my opinion) of a game or two this year, and full NHL seasons on their horizons include:
1) Sergei Kostitsyn (stats) – not quite his time yet.
2) Mathieu Aubin (stats) – big enough to make the team for size alone, he'll have to show he can play.
3) Mathieu Carle (stats) – maybe San Jose will get confused and trade us their Matt Carle?
4) Pavel Valentenko (stats) – again, not quite time for him.
5) Matt D'Agostini (stats) – could break through, but probably needs another season to impress.
6) Ben Maxwell (stats) – will be in Hamilton.
7) PK Subban (stats) – despite his attitude, he's probably not quite star enough to make thee league straight from Junior.
and to a lesser extent Thomas Beauregard (who may turn out to be a goalscorer in the big leagues after all), Yannick Weber and Cedrick Desjardins.
As for the rest, they need to unseat some of the guys ahead of them to even have a shot at being on the teamsheet one day. But that is what this camp is for – to see what everyone can do. I for one am looking forward to it and hoping we have a few guys coming through to the big camp with intentions of making the team...
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