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December 12, 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.
Fast-rising Lashoff close to NHL-ready
TOP 2006 PICK Phil Kessel, 19, C, fifth overall. Broken in at left wing with experienced centers Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron, Kessel has moved to his more familiar center position. His ice time was reduced slightly as a result, but Petr Tenkrat and Stanislav Chistov were brought in to give him fast, offense-oriented linemates. Early results were mixed, what with a teenage center between wingers returning to the NHL from Europe, but the line was undeniably quick and creative. KEY PROSPECT Matt Lashoff, 20, D, Providence (AHL), 22nd overall, 2005. The rookie pro played well for much of an early seven-game call-up to Boston, but needs more all-situations time in the minors. An excellent skater with top-notch offensive skills, Lashoff is all but alone in Boston’s system when it comes…
Brassard joins Brule as promising pivot
TOP 2006 PICK Derick Brassard, 19, C, Drummondville (QMJHL), sixth overall. Brassard’s playmaking ability and the fact he plays center made him highly attractive to the Blue Jackets. Other than Gilbert Brule, who’s already in the NHL, the Jackets don’t have a big-time prospect at center. They may have wait an extra year before Brassard arrives, as he sustained a pre-season shoulder dislocation that required surgery. He likely won’t be back until at least late January, but Brassard hopes to play 20 games and the playoffs for Drummondville. He had 44 goals and 116 points in 58 games with the Voltiguers last season. KEY PROSPECT Kris Russell, 19, D, Medicine Hat (WHL), 67th overall, 2005. Size will always be an issue with Russell, who is listed at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds.…
Ignoring headshots is stone cold crazy
When the NHL set about to rid itself of the obstruction that was slowly choking the game to death, it used a weapon it had always had in its arsenal. Something called the rulebook. Now that it is faced with the prospect of watching one of its players carried off the ice every couple of weeks because of devastating body checks – see Letowski, Trevor; Franzen, Johan; Downey, Aaron; or Williams, Jason – it has access to the same rulebook and the power contained in it to put an end to those kinds of hits. The question is, does it have the willingness to do so? So far, the answer has been no. The GMs recently met in Toronto and discussed the headshot issue at length and came to the consensus they don’t…
D-man progressing after slight Staal
TOP 2006 PICK Bobby Sanguinetti, 18, D, Owen Sound (OHL), 21st overall. Unaccountably snubbed by USA Hockey for even an invite to the junior evaluation camp, the offense-minded and skilled native of New Jersey led OHL blueliners in goals. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Sanguinetti has displayed excellent hockey sense in his second junior season, but needs to bulk up and improve his play defending the rush and in his own end. KEY PROSPECT Marc Staal, 19, D, Sudbury (OHL), 12th overall, 2005. He started slowly in the aftermath of an average performance at the Rangers camp and his subsequent assignment to Sudbury. But Staal remains on track to compete for an NHL job next season. The 19-year-old, who will surely represent Canada for the second time at the World Junior Championship,…
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