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Future Watch 2011
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.
AN AVALANCHE OF YOUTH
The Colorado Avalanche entered the home stretch as the NHL’s youngest team, much of their prospect cupboard having been raided for use at the top level. There is more youth coming up, but how good is the talent? “We think we’ve got some real good ones on the way,” said Avalanche director of player development Craig Billington. “There’s a lot to feel good about.” On many teams, players aged 19 or 20 would still be in the development pipeline. On the Avs, Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene are already being counted upon. And Kevin Shattenkirk has been fabulous as a rookie call-up. 1 | JOEY HISHON C, 19, O. Sound (Ohl) 5-10, 170, 41-31-41-72-56 While questions about his size will never go away, there is no doubt Hishon’s scoring numbers have been big. OVERALL 42 When he was…
SKINNER JUMPS QUEUE
The Hurricanes had a roster spot open in training camp this fall for any one of the young forwards they’ve been carefully grooming the past few years. As it turns out, none of them made the roster. First round draft pick Jeff Skinner walked straight out of the OHL and into Calder Trophy contention. But the Carolina system, which was unproductive for years, is starting to bear fruit. Zach Boychuk, Zac Dalpe, Drayson Bowman or Riley Nash could have stepped up and claimed the spot Skinner won. Justin Peters, an early pick ian 2004, is Cam Ward’s backup. On the blueline, Jamie McBain made the jump this year and some of the Canes top long-range prospects are defensemen. 1 | ZAC DALPE C, 21, Charlotte (AHL) 6-1, 195, 33-15-20-35-13 In his first full year of…
BIG POTENTIAL FOR BIG KID
Finding the next archetypal NHL prospect is a fun game for both pundits and scouts, particularly when comparisons are made. Everyone’s always on the lookout for the next Sidney Crosby, the next Nicklas Lidstrom or the next Alex Ovechkin. And while the mantle of being the next Chris Pronger is an imposing one, it’s an accolade that has gone from a whisper to a din of noise when it comes to one young prospect. Darnell Nurse of the Don Mills Flyers in Toronto studies Philly’s Nastiest whenever he can and even wears No. 25. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 176 pounds, Nurse isn’t quite Pronger’s size, but give the kid some time: he’s only 15. “He’s a pretty imposing guy, with his size and the way he moves on the ice,” said Don…
YOUNGSTERS ALMOST READY
Darcy Regier is very familiar with Buffalo’s prospect list and not only because he’s the GM who put it together. Regier has an idea what the future Sabres can accomplish in the NHL because he’s already seen most of them perform there. Luke Adam, Jhonas Enroth and Marc-Andre Gragnani have played for Buffalo this season. Zack Kassian dressed in the preseason and joined Marcus Foligno for the world juniors. “It’s given us some insight,” Regier said. “They’ve shown pretty well. I think that what you are seeing around the league is there is an opportunity for young players to make contributions to an NHL team at an earlier age.” 1 | ZACK KASSIAN RW, 20, Windsor (Ohl) 6-3, 215, 39-21-38-59-57 Kassian’s been known as a powerful hitter throughout his junior career. He’s used this season to…
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