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Future Watch 2006
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.
Crease cram about to hit
It has been almost 30 years since the Vancouver Canucks drafted a goaltender – Glen Hanlon in 1977 – who eventually became their No. 1 puck stopper, a dual indictment on their scouting and development systems. That lengthy shutout could end in the next few seasons. The Canucks are ecstatic about a pair of promising goalies, in Cory Schneider and Julien Ellis. “In terms of prospects and guys who have a chance, our goaltending has never been as deep as it is right now,” said GM Dave Nonis. The Canucks don’t appear to have much coming up front, but they’re looking good on defense. Here are the top five prospects: 1. LUC BOURDON D, MONCTON (QMJHL) Bourdon, traded from Val d’Or to Moncton during the world junior event, is an outstanding skater with good offensive instincts and…
The dark side of playoff run
The Blues’ run of 25 straight playoff berths has also assured them of 25 straight low picks in the NHL entry draft. Because of past trades and blunders, the Blues have had just three top-20 picks in the past 16 seasons, so the organization’s depth isn’t what it could be. Even with a lottery last time, the Blues ended up 24th in draft order. Progress is being made under Jarmo Kekalainen, who took over in 2002 as the team’s director of amateur scouting. The Blues’ struggles have led to many prospects from Peoria getting called up ahead of schedule. Defenseman Dennis Wideman and left winger Lee Stempniak would have been on this list, but were recalled to St. Louis and established themselves as regulars. St. Louis does appear set in goal, where the team…
Filling the nest with promise
The Blackhawks certainly are not short on prospects. After drafting 29 players over the last two years – including a whopping 17 in 2004 – Hawks GM Dale Tallon believes he is well on his way to achieving his objective: an organization capable of producing a steady stream of prospects to the NHL level. Already the Hawks had four rookies playing regularly and contributing, in defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, and wingers Rene Bourque and Pavel Vorobiev. They used a fifth forward, Matt Ellison, to trade for promising young center Patrick Sharp. “The foundation has to be built,” Tallon said. “We’ve got to keep developing the minor league system and get deeper at all positions.” Here are the top five prospects: 1. CAM BARKER D, MEDICINE HAT (WHL) Barker was the last player cut from the…
Slick Schremp heading west
A team that has long traded better than it has drafted (just six of their starting 18 skaters are Oilers draft picks), the Edmonton Oilers are beginning to show a little progress in developing their own talent. Ales Hemsky is on the verge of becoming something special, while Jarret Stoll and Shawn Horcoff are emerging into key contributors. A little farther away, Rob Schremp, Marc-Antoine Pouliot and Devan Dubnyk are expected to make an impact. Here are the top five prospects: 1. ROB SCHREMP C, LONDON (OHL) Many thought he’d sulk after coming a whisker away from making the big team on his first try, but he went back to the London Knights and took his frustrations out in the OHL instead, turning the league into his own personal chew toy. A highly skilled player, Schremp has…
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