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Future Watch 2010
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
BUYING INTO THEIR ROOTS
VIRTUALLY EVERY HOCKEY player talented and fortunate enough to play in Canada’s major junior system leaves the experience holding fond memories of the organizations with which they played and the cities in which they became young men. And though many of those players go on to the bright lights, boffo paydays and brass rails of the NHL, rarely do they lose touch with their junior teams and towns. That fact – coupled with the financial where-withal that five-and six-year contract extensions provide to the game’s top talents these days – has led to an increase in the number of retired and current NHLers who are at least part owners of Canadian League junior franchises. The best known of this growing group, arguably, are Dale and Mark Hunter, former NHLers who now own the…
BULLISH ON BULLDOG: P.K. MORE THAN OK
The road between Hamilton and Montreal has been well traveled this season, with a dozen players recalled by the Habs – sometimes through injuries and, occasionally, to send a message to the big-leaguers. There are many reasons why the Canadiens have been inconsistent this season, one complaint being there’s no quick fix on the farm. And yet the Bulldogs remain a very competitive team, despite a roster that’s constantly in flux. “We’ve got a lot of young prospects in Hamilton,” said Trevor Timmins, the Canadiens’ director of player development. “There’s a lot of depth at all positions.” 1 P.K. SUBBAN, D, 20, Hamilton (AHL) OVERALL 17 6-0, 206, 49-10-23-33-54 The Canadiens can’t help but drool over the potential of this burgeoning defenseman. Subban will bring an offensive dimension to Montreal – once he’s ready to make…
PENS HOPEFULS EAGER TO FILL GAPS
In a salary cap world, every team has to make tough choices. The Penguins have allocated mega resources up the middle of their roster lately. It’s hard to argue with that decision – they are the defending Cup champions – but it left some hard-to-fill holes on the wings. GM Ray Shero has been attempting to fill those holes mostly with short-term, veteran acquisitions. At some point, the Pens will look inward for players to skate with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. It’s no coincidence, then, that three of the top four prospects and five of the top 10 are wingers, including a few former pivots. 1 ERIC TANGRADI, LW, 20, Wilkes-Barre (AHL) OVERALL 65 6-4, 221, 39-10-11-21-15 Imagine a bigger Chris Kunitz. Some see it when they watch Tangradi, who plays an…
FARM FOCUS SHIFTS TO ROLE PLAYERS
There are no first round draft picks on the Flyers’ top 10 prospect list, mainly because the most recent ones are either on their roster or were part of trades. But that’s OK with GM Paul Holmgren, who sounds content to work on developing depth players. First-rounders Claude Giroux (2006) and James van Riemsdyk (2007) are making NHL contributions while Steve Downie (2005) and Luca Sbisa (2008), along with the 2009 pick, were packaged in trades. “In this age, you need role players – third- and fourth-liners that (don’t) tie up a lot of cap space,” Holmgren said. 1 JON KALINSKI, LW, 22, Adirondack (AHL) 6-1, 175, 36-4-8-12-8 After surviving a severe leg cut last season that only quick medical attention prevented from being life-threatening, Kalinski has recovered for a standout showing with the Phantoms…
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