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Future Watch 2016
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.
PAIN BEFORE PLEASURE
GRADE B+ | RANK 6 A LOT OF TEAMS – BETTER TEAMS THAN THE TORONTO MAPLE Leafs – would probably have William Nylander playing in the NHL already. The kid is that good. But Nylander is living proof of the Leafs' vow to develop their prospects so that when they finally make it to the NHL, they are there to stay. That is the mantra of an organization that for too many years tried for the quick fix via trades. Under team president Brendan Shanahan, GM Lou Lamoriello and coach Mike Babcock, the Blue and White are reshaping the culture of the organization with an emphasis on professionalism. 1 WILLIAM NYLANDER C, 19, 5-11, 174 Toronto (AHL) 34–16–26–42–10 2014 draft, 8th overall The right-shooting center was leading the AHL in scoring when he left to…
OVERRIPE IS JUST RIGHT
A FRACTURED LARYNX is horrible news for anyone. Merely writing about such a gruesome, frightening injury churns the stomach. For Providence Bruins goaltender Malcolm Subban, though, taking a puck to the throat Feb. 6 was especially discouraging. After all, he was somewhere he didn’t think he should be. If it were up to Subban, 22, he would’ve been far away from Portland, Maine and the Providence warmup, where he sustained the injury before a game against the Pirates. Subban spoke to THN shortly before training camp, and he Young goaltenders may be champing at the bit to reach the NHL, but goalie gurus caution against rushing net prospects overripe is just right By matt larkin made it clear he would rather be an NHL backup, fighting for scraps behind Tuukka Rask…
ACCELERATE THE BUILD
GRADE B | RANK 13 BOASTING A TALENTED YOUNG FORWARD TRIO OF JOHNNY GAUDREAU, Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett, who are already impacting the NHL, the Flames appear strong for the future. Big areas of concern are finding a No. 1 netminder and strengthening the defense. The focus at last year’s draft was undoubtedly on the blueline, with the addition of Dougie Hamilton from Boston, but the Flames believe picks Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington helped stock the cupboard. Looking forward, they need more size and skill on the wings, although another top center would be a welcomed addition. 1 JON GILLIES G, 22, 6-6, 225 Stockton (AHL) 2–3–1, 2.31, .920 2012 draft, 75th overall With two shutouts in his first three pro games, the big and athletic Gillies looked every bit the goalie of…
WORLD STAGE
THIS YEAR’S WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONship showcased most of the best teenaged talent each country had to offer. While these youngsters don’t make up an NHL organization’s entire prospect list, they have the ability to make a difference. Arizona, Philadelphia and Boston had seven WJC reps affiliated with their teams, more than any other NHL team (see chart). But how much does that impact Future Watch team rankings? Back in 2012, the Florida Panthers led the NHL with seven WJC reps, including Jonathan Huberdeau, who put up nine points in six games at the tournament. Anaheim and Minnesota followed with six prospects each. All three teams earned a top-10 ranking in that year’s Future Watch issue. Florida and Anaheim ranked second and third, while Minnesota was seventh. Fast-forward to the 2014-15 season where some…
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