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Future Watch 2009
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.
ALL LACED UP… NOWHERE TO GO
The Dallas Stars have big plans for their new Tom Hicks-owned AHL affiliate in Cedar Park, Texas, which will help sell the game across the state. But in making the move next season, the Stars are without a designated affiliate this season. Instead, they are spreading their prospects among five AHL franchises and have no place to put their goalies. “It’s not an ideal situation, but we’re trying to make the best of it,” said Stars co-GM Les Jackson. “And I think once we get through this, we’ll have a lot of opportunities to make our affiliate even better.” 1 JAMIE BENN, LW, 19, Kelowna (WHL) 6-2, 203, 37-31-25-56-50 OVERALL 33 The most exciting offensive prospect the Stars have produced in a while, Benn is a pure goal-scorer. He began this season on nearly a goal-a-game…
SUCCESS ON FARM SPURS CONFIDENCE
Some of the Thrashers’ top prospects have experience doing what many of their future teammates in Atlanta have never done: Winning post-season games. No. 1 prospect goalie Ondrej Pavelec, who spent last summer celebrating with the Calder Cup, may be the stabilizing force that the big club is looking for. One star of that Chicago Wolves playoff run, Bryan Little, has already made a splash in Atlanta, as well as Boris Valabik, Joey Crabb and Nathan Oystrick who have also been called up. As many as four of their fellow AHL champions could join them within a year. 1 ONDREJ PAVELEC, G, 21, Chicago (AHL) 6-2, 215, 7-7-1, 2.31, .919 OVERALL 18 This looked to be the season Pavelec stayed in the NHL, but after being named the AHL goalie of the month for October,…
CAPS NOT AFRAID OF THE CAP
Washington has been pinched by the salary cap and the most promising talent has remained in the development system, while journeymen have plugged holes caused by injury. Even so, the Capitals’ strength lies in home-grown talent. GM George McPhee will eventually need to offset the expensive deals given to Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green (and soon Alexander Semin). Rookies will be affordable so expect the Capitals to keep getting younger. “Our best players, they’re the youngest,” Ovechkin said. “That’s good for the future.” 1 SIMEON VARLAMOV, G, 20, Hershey (AHL) 6-1, 183, 16-5-0, 2.43, .913 OVERALL 12 The first of two goalies chosen by the Capitals in 2006 was the first to make it to the NHL, winning a pair of starts in December. He’s a promising butterfly specialist with good hands, quick reflexes and confidence.…
MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME
Skill is the common denominator that links the most recent string of Rangers’ draft selections. This represents a change of pace and good thinking from the front office. The Rangers have no one but themselves to blame for the 2003 debacle in which they chose Hugh Jessiman 12th overall when Zach Parise, Dustin Brown, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Brent Seabrook (among others) were still on the board. But the organization was struck by tragedy when 19-year-old Alexei Cherepanov, their blue-chip 2007 selection, succumbed to a heart condition last October. 1 EVGENY GRACHEV, C, 18, Brampton (OHL) 6-4, 220, 42-28-27-55-14 OVERALL 19 An eye-opening NHL camp has provided the foundation for a season that Rangers assistant GM Jim Schoenfeld believes marks Grachev as, “the most improved player in the organization from the fall until now.” Originally projected…
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