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June 1, 2002
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.
Bulking up draft plan
When Mike Smith was hired as GM in December of 1999 with the edict to rebuild the Chicago Blackhawks, he knew his formidable task had to begin at the draft table. Two years and two solid drafts later, Smith has the Hawks and their fans optimistic that even better days are ahead after this season’s surprising 96-point finish. In The Hockey News 2002 Future Watch, the Hawks were the only team with four prospects ranked in the top 50. Three of them were drafted on Smith’s watch, including the No. 1-rated prospect, Finnish center Tuomo Ruutu. Smith’s objective for this entry draft is to add to an already healthy list of prospects, which is headed by Ruutu, center Mikhail Yakubov, right winger Pavel Vorobiev, defenseman Steve McCarthy, goaltender Michael Leighton, left winger Igor…
Star search underway
The Pittsburgh Penguins need only look back to their last non-playoff year to know that a miserable season can have its rewards. In 1990 the Pens drafted Jaromir Jagr fifth overall and subsequently won two Stanley Cups and qualified for 11 consecutive post-seasons. Even if there are no Jagr-types available with the fifth pick this season - and it sure doesn’t look like it - the Penguins are excited about their position. They haven’t drafted higher than 16th since nabbing Jagr. “We haven’t been in this position in a long time,” said head scout Greg Malone. “Before, when we’d talk about the top end, we’d have guys (rated) at four and five and say, ‘Who cares, we’re not going to see him.’ Now, it’s different.” This should be a much less eventful offseason…
MEET THE CANES
FORWARDS KEVYN ADAMS Defensive specialist plays on fourth line, but can move up if required to do so. He’s an excellent penalty-killer. BATES BATTAGLIA Struggled offensively against Leafs, but still led team in scoring heading into final. ROD BRIND’AMOUR Deadly in the faceoff circle, Brind’Amour wasn’t his usual self upon joining the Hurricanes last year, but is back to being one of the best two-way players in the game. ERIC COLE Was a scoring star through the first two rounds, then maldied Toronto veteran Gary Roberts hit for hit in Eastern Conference final. JEFF DANIELS He doesn’t get many minutes, but Daniels is a valuable veteran who is at his best killing penalties. RON FRANCIS Veteran center continues leading the team on and off the ice. Hasn’t lost a step as the playoffs rolled on. MARTIN GELINAS…
Good picks emerging
With his big hits, game-winning goals and feisty power-forward play, rookie Erik Cole was the sensation of Carolina’s first round playoff win over the New Jersey Devils. But Cole is only one of a number of homegrown players who made a difference for Carolina this season. For the first time in years, the Hurricanes are seeing their system produce NHL players in bunches. Josef Vasicek, in his second season, is the team’s future at center. His good friend and Czech Republic countryman Jaroslav Svoboda, with 10 games of NHL experience to his credit, was among the leading rookie scorers in the playoffs. And don’t forget 1999 top pick David Tanabe, the smooth-skating defenseman who missed all but one playoff game with a broken wrist. Even the Canes’s much-maligned recent No. 1 draft picks, Nikos…
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