302 replies to this topic

[Jas0nMacIsaac]

Jiri Hudler is another player who I remember being talked about as a top 10 pick, and he is one of the best players from the 2002 draft.

But someone with poor conditioning habits isn't a good fit.

As for college FAs, no chance we get DeKeyser, but boy does that J.T. Brown sound like a good fit. Problem is, with a low cap on money, NJ will not get that many top college free agents.

There is always exceptions. Hudler fell because he was slow and small, there are a lot of players who fit that mold this season. Kamaev is very similar to Hudler with less finishing ability and better playmaking at the time of the draft.

[thefiestygoat]

I'm not trying to make excuses for Frk but couldn't his lengthy absence from a concussion be the main reason he is out of shape rather than a lack of work ethic? I'd be curious to read what people that get to watch him think.

[thefiestygoat]

Saturday 3/3
NCAA:
Minnesota defeated Wisconsin 2-1* Minnesota wins WCHA Regular Season
Seth Helgeson (D): +1

Joe Faust (D): E
Patrick Daly (D): DNP

Michigan Tech lost to Colorado College 2-0
Blake Pietila (LW): E, 5 Shots, 2 Blocks, Won 6 of 13 faceoffs - 3rd Star

CCHA Tournament 1st Round:
Ohio State lost to Notre Dame 4-2 (Lose Series 2-0)
Curtis Gedig (D): Assist (PP), E, 2 Shots, 2 Blocks

OHL:
Plymouth defeated Windsor 2-0
Scott Wedgewood (G): DNP

WHL:
Swift Current lost to Edmonton 2-1
Reece Scarlett (D): Assist (PP), E, 2 PIM (Tripping)

Swiss-A Playoffs:
HC Lugano lost to Fribourg 4-2 (Series tied 1-1)
Mauro Jörg (RW): Assist, E

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Future Considerations: March 2012 NHL Draft Top 30 Rankings

Interesting to see Grigorenko dropping in this ranking and in others I've seen. I believe it was Hockey Prospectus who I first saw rank Teravainen fairly high, looks like his stock is rising amongst other list now.

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Random prospect update:

19 year old Nolan Zajac leads USHL defensemen in points (31) and assists (24), and is tied 7th in goals (7). He is committed to the University of Denver.

[thefiestygoat]

Sunday 3/4
OHL:
Plymouth defeated Sarnia 5-4
Scott Wedgewood (G): 30 Saves on 34 Shots* Gave up 2 PPG
Season: 38 GP 23-9-2-1 2.99 GAA .912 SV% 3 SO

Reid Boucher (LW): Assist (PP), E, 5 PIM (Fighting)* First OHL fight
Season: 61 GP 25 G 19 A 44 Pts -22 19 PIM

[thefiestygoat]

In Lou We Trust takes a look at potential NCAA Free Agents in addition to their weekly prospect update.

Buzzing the Net takes a look at 2012 draft eligibles with family ties to the NHL.

[justdo3043]

I'm not trying to make excuses for Frk but couldn't his lengthy absence from a concussion be the main reason he is out of shape rather than a lack of work ethic? I'd be curious to read what people that get to watch him think.

how about we get his teammate Nathan MacKinnon

[thefiestygoat]

Tuesday 3/6
Swift Current defeated Kootenay 4-3
Reece Scarlett (D): Assist, +2
Season: 67 GP 8 G 39 A 47 Pts -19 74 PIM

Swiss-A:
HC Lugano defeated Fribourg 4-2 (Lead Series 2-1)
Mauro Jörg (RW): E

Wednesday 3/7
OHL:
Plymouth defeated Erie 10-6
Scott Wedgewood (G): 17 Saves on 20 Shots in 52:12 of relief
Season: 39 GP 25-9-2-1 3.00 GAA .912 SV% 3 SO

[thefiestygoat]

Thursday 3/8
Swiss-A:
HC Lugano lost to Fribourg 2-0 (Series tied 2-2)
Mauro Jörg (RW): -1, 1 Shot

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McKenzie: The case for 15 year old Connor McDavid in the OHL

It is not the norm to be talking about recently-turned 15-year-old hockey players on a national level, but Newmarket, Ontario teen Connor McDavid is not exactly a normal 15-year-old.

The major bantam-aged player who is playing with the Toronto Marlboro minor midgets in the Greater Toronto Hockey League is turning heads and earning rave reviews as a special talent. Ontario Hockey League scouts strongly believe if the speedy and skilled offensive centre were available in this year's OHL draft, he would clearly be the top prospect - No. 1 in an entire draft class that is one year older than him.

It also happened last year when towering defenceman Aaron Ekblad was deemed "exceptional" by Hockey Canada and went first overall to the Barrie Colts as an underage player.

Here is Ekblad's stats for this year:(16, Defenseman, OHL): 59 GP 9 G 18 A 27 Pts -7 30 PIM - Shoots righty, already 6'3 207

how about we get his teammate Nathan MacKinnon

It should be interesting to see if MacKinnon can live up to the hype. Here is how his stats look thus far: (16, Center, QMJHL): 53 GP 29 G 46 A 75 Pts +12 36 PIM

[thefiestygoat]

Friday 3/9
CCHA Quarterfinals (Best of 3):
Michigan defeated Notre Dame 2-1 (Lead Series 1-0)
Jon Merrill (D): +2, 5 Shots, 4 Blocks, Won 1 faceoff
David Wohlberg ©: E, 2 Shots, Won 7 of 19 faceoffs

Miami defeated Michigan State 6-0 (Lead Series 1-0)
Blake Coleman ©: Goal, Assist, +2, 1 Shot, 2 PIM (Roughing), Won 5 of 9 faceoffs

WCHA 1st Round (Best of 3):
Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage 2-1 (Lead Series 1-0)
Seth Helgeson (D): E, 2 Shots, 1 Block

Wisconsin defeated Denver 1-0 (Lead Series 1-0)
Patrick Daly (D): DNP
Joe Faust (D): E, 3 Shots, 2 PIM (Holding)

Michigan Tech defeated Colorado College 3-1 (Lead Series 1-0)
Blake Pietila (LW): E, 2 Shots, 14 PIM (Roughing x2, Misconduct), 1 Block, Won 3 of 13 faceoffs

ECAC Quarterfinals (Best of 3):
Colgate defeated Quinnipiac 4-2 (Lead Series 1-0)
Corbin McPherson (D): +1, 1 Shot

OHL:
Plymouth defeated Kitchener 5-2
Scott Wedgewood (G): 30 Saves on 32 Shots

Sarnia defeated Sault Ste. Marie 5-4
Reid Boucher (LW): Goal, Assist, +1 - Nice to see him scoring at EV

WHL:
Swift Current lost to Prince Albert 5-2
Reece Scarlett (D): Assist, -1

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Saturday 3/10
CCHA Quarterfinals (Best of 3):
Michigan defeated Notre Dame 3-1 (Win Series 2-0)
Jon Merrill (D): +1, 1 Shot, 2 PIM (High Sticking), 1 Block
David Wohlberg ©: 2 Goals, +1, 6 Shots, Won 7 of 18 faceoffs - 1st Star

Miami defeated Michigan State 4-1 (Win Series 2-0)
Blake Coleman ©: Assist, +1, 5 Shots, 2 PIM (Holding), 2 Blocks, Won 4 of 10 faceoffs

WCHA 1st Round (Best of 3):
Minnesota defeated Alaska-Anchorage 7-3 (Win Series 2-0)
Seth Helgeson (D): Goal, +1, 2 Shots, 2 PIM (Elbowing)

Wisconsin lost to Denver 3-1 (Series Tied 1-1)
Patrick Daly (D): DNP
Joe Faust (D): -1

Michigan Tech defeated Colorado College 4-3 (OT) (Win Series 2-0)
Blake Pietila (LW): Assist (Tying goal with 1:05 left in 3rd), +1, 7 Shots, Won 6 of 12 faceoffs

ECAC Quarterfinals (Best of 3):
Colgate lost to Quinnipiac 4-2 (Series Tied 1-1)
Corbin McPherson (D): E, 1 Shot

OHL:
Sarnia defeated Owen Sound 4-0
Reid Boucher (LW): +1

WHL:
Swift Current defeated Prince Albert 6-3
Reece Scarlett (D): +2

Swiss-A:
HC Lugano lost to Fribourg 6-2 (Trail Series 3-2)
Mauro Jörg (RW): +1, 1 Shot

[thefiestygoat]

Sunday 3/11
WCHA 1st Round (Best of 3):
Wisconsin lost to Denver 3-2 (OT) (Lose Series 2-1)
Patrick Daly (D): DNP
Joe Faust (D): +1

ECAC Quarterfinals (Best of 3):
Colgate defeated Quinnipiac 4-0 (Win Series 2-1)
Corbin McPherson (D): Assist, +3, 1 Shot, 4 PIM (Hitting After Whistle, Unsportsmanlike Conduct)

OHL:
Plymouth defeated Owen Sound 4-3
Scott Wedgewood (G): 33 Saves on 36 Shots
Season: 41 GP 27-9-2-1 2.97 GAA .913 SV% 3 SO

Sarnia lost to Windsor 7-5
Reid Boucher (LW): Goal, Assist, E* 9 points in his past 8 games (4 goals, 5 assists). 4 even strength points in his past 3 games (2 goals, 2 assists).
Season: 64 GP 27 G 21 A 48 Pts -20 19 PIM

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Buzzing the Net: Top NHL draft prospect Nail Yakupov knocked out by elbow to head

[thefiestygoat]

In Lou We Trust: Corbin McPherson Q and A with Colgate Radio PBP Announcer John McGraw

Interesting interview and as usual they have the updated season statistics for the Devils prospects. The statistics for Curtis Gedig, Joe Faust, and Patrick Daly are final as Ohio State and Wisconsin have ended their season as well as Derek Rodwell who was injured quite some time ago for North Dakota.

The NCAA conference tournaments run this Thursday through Saturday. In the WCHA, Minnesota has earned a bye to the semifinal and will play the winner of the St. Cloud State/North Dakota quarterfinal on Friday. Michigan Tech will play Denver in a quarterfinal match up on Thursday and if they win that would go on to play Minnesota Duluth in a semifinal game Friday. The championship is Saturday.

In the CCHA, Michigan will play Bowling Green in a semifinal game and Miami will play Western Michigan in the other semifinal game on Friday. The championship game is Saturday.

In the ECAC, Colgate will take on Union on Friday in a semifinal game with the winner advancing to play the winner of Harvard/Cornell in the championship on Saturday.

[thefiestygoat]

Tuesday 3/13
Swiss-A:
HC Lugano lost to Fribourg 5-4 (OT) (Lose Series 4-2)
Mauro Jörg (RW): E

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https://twitter.com/#!/AndyBaggotWSJ/status/179673293006188544

"As expected, Wisconsin loses an underclassman off its blue line. The surprise is that it's sophomore Patrick Daly. Wants to focus on school."

Devils lose their 7th round pick from last year. He was a real long shot to make it though so this is nothing to really get upset about.

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Craig Button's Updated Top 60 for 2012 Draft

As usual his list differs from most of them out there, though I noticed that he has dropped Grigorenko to 7th - lately Grigorenko has been getting some unfavorable reviews.

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Could top prospect Justin Schultz (Right Handed Defenseman) become a free agent this summer?

There's a chance Schultz could exercise a little used loophole in the collective bargaining agreement and become a free agent over the summer.

Schultz is widely considered one of the best players in the world not currently playing in the NHL. Hockey Prospectus, a very well regarded hockey scouting service recently ranked Schultz as the #10 overall NHL prospect in the world.

Since Schultz played a year of junior hockey after being drafted, he can become a free agent over the summer if he chooses. The NHL CBA has a loophole that says if you officially withdraw from school (simply has to tell UW he's leaving) and it's the fourth summer after you've been drafted, you can choose to become a free agent.

Not many players do this, but Jason Gregoire from North Dakota chose this route last year. Other players like Bill Sweatt from Colorado College have done the same.

In this scenario, Schultz could earn $925,000 in salary each season with a $92,500 signing bonus both years.

Unlikely to happen but we can dream. He would a have a ton of teams lining up for him and with the Devils defensemen depth they probably wouldn't be on the top of that list. Here are his stats if you are interested.

[thefiestygoat]

Hockey's Future New Top 20 Devils Rankings

[thefiestygoat]

Thursday 3/15
WCHA Final Five Quarterfinal:
Michigan Tech lost to Denver 3-2 (OT)* Season Over
Blake Pietila (LW): Goal, E, 3 Shots, Won 9 of 19 faceoffs

[thefiestygoat]

Friday 3/16
CCHA Semifinals:
Michigan defeated Bowling Green 3-2 (2 OT)* Will play Western Michigan for CCHA Championship
Jon Merrill (D): Goal, +2, 5 Shots, 3 Blocks
David Wohlberg ©: Goal, +2, 3 Shots, 2 Blocks, Won 9 of 23 faceoffs* Tied game with 2:45 left in 3rd

Miami lost to Western Michigan 6-2* Will play Bowling Green in the 3rd Place Game
Blake Coleman ©: -2, 1 Shot, 7 PIM (Interference, Charging Major), Won 2 of 11 faceoffs

WCHA Final Five Semifinal:
Minnesota lost to North Dakota 6-3* Still heading to NCAA Tournament
Seth Helgeson (D): -1, 2 Shots, 3 Blocks

ECAC Semifinal:
Colgate lost to Union 6-2* Will play Cornell in 3rd Place Game
Corbin McPherson (D): E, 5 Shots

OHL:
Sarnia lost to London 3-2
Reid Boucher (LW): +1

WHL:
Swift Current lost to Saskatoon 5-3
Reece Scarlett (D): Goal (PP), E

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TG: Devils Sign G Scott Wedgewood to ELC

The Devils have signed goaltender Scott Wedgewood to a three-year entry level contract worth a total of $1.92 million (NHL salary).

The first two seasons of Wedgewood’s contracts carry an NHL salarry of $615,000. The final season has an NHL salary of $690,000.

[thefiestygoat]

Saturday 3/17
CCHA Championship:
Michigan lost to Western Michigan 3-2* Will Play in NCAA Tournament
Jon Merrill (D): E, 5 PIM (Kneeing Major), 2 Blocks
David Wohlberg ©: E, 1 Shot, 1 Block, Won 4 of 11 faceoffs

CCHA 3rd Place Game:
Miami defeated Bowling Green 4-1* Will Play in NCAA Tournament
Blake Coleman ©: Assist, E, 3 Shots, 1 Block, Won 8 of 13 faceoffs

ECAC 3rd Place Game:
Colgate lost to Cornell 3-0* Season Over - McPherson's College Career Over
Corbin McPherson (D): -1, 1 Shot, 2 PIM (Cross-Checking)
Season: 39 GP 4 G 6 A 10 Pts +8 28 PIM 6.78 SH% 1.51 SH/GP

OHL:
Plymouth lost to Sarnia 6-2* Regular Season Over, Both Teams Advance to Playoffs
Scott Wedgewood (G): 28 Saves on 33 Shots* Allowed 3 goals in 3rd
Season: 43 GP 2482 MIN 28-10-2-1 3.02 GAA .911 SV% 3 SO 1278 SV 125 GA
*Plymouth will play Guelph in Round 1 as the #2 Seed

Reid Boucher (LW): Goal (EN), Assist, +1
Season: 67 GP 28 G 22 A 50 Pts -19 19 PIM
*Sarnia will play Saginaw in Round 1 as the #4 Seed

WHL:
Swift Current defeated Saskatoon 7-3* Season Over
Reece Scarlett (D): +3
Season: 71 GP 9 G 40 A 49 Pts -14 74 PIM - Double his point production from last year

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Other final stats for prospects and players the Devils own rights to whose seasons have ended.
Curtis Gedig (D - Sophomore - Ohio State): 34 GP 2 G 12 A 14 Pts -1 10 PIM 3.57 SH% 1.65 SH/GP
Joe Faust (D - Sophomore - Wisconsin): 37 GP 2 G 3 A 5 Pts E 16 PIM 6.90 SH% 0.78 SH/GP
Blake Pietila (LW - Freshman - Michigan Tech): 39 GP 10 G 14 A 24 Pts -3 46 PIM 8.70 SH% 2.95 SH/GP
Mauro Jörg (RW - Age 21 - HC Lugano): 48 GP 4 G 3 A 7 Pts -7 8 PIM 7.14 SH% 1.17 SH/GP
Maxim Noreau (D - Age 24 - Ambri-Piotta): 44 GP 7 G 23 A 30 Pts -1 22 PIM 6.54 SH% 2.43 SH/GP
Petr Vrana (C - Age 26 - Amur Khabarovsk): 46 GP 19 G 24 A 43 Pts +18 12 PIM 15.7 SH% 2.63 SH/GP 53.3 FO% 17:45 TOI/GP
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HF: ISS Top 30 Risers and Fallers, March 2012

Edited by thefiestygoat, 17 March 2012 - 11:04 PM.

[thefiestygoat]

NCAA Tournament Announced, here is the bracket.

Minnesota (Helgeson) will play Boston University on March 24 at 5:00. Miami (Coleman) will play UMass-Lowell on March 23 at 6:30. Michigan (Merrill, Wohlberg) will play Cornell on March 23 at 9:00.

[thefiestygoat]

Horrible start postseason play for the Devils prospects. Coleman, Merrill, and Wohlberg saw their seasons, and in the case of Wohlberg and maybe Merrill, college careers end in the 1st round. Both the OHL guys lost their first games of the playoffs. Only Helgeson for Minnesota is left in the NCAA to follow.

Friday 3/23
NCAA Tournament 1st Round:
Michigan lost to Cornell 3-2 (OT)* Season Over
Jon Merrill (D): -1, 1 Shot, 4 PIM (Tripping, Holding Stick, PS for Cornell), 3 Blocks* On for season ending goal in OT
Merrill's Stats: 19 GP 2 G 9 A 11 Pts +11 15 PIM 6.45 SH% 1.63 SH/GP 1 PPG 3 PPA 4 PP Pts
David Wohlberg ©: E, Won 5 of 10 faceoffs
Wohlberg's Stats: 41 GP 16 G 17 A 33 Pts +16 30 PIM 16.84 SH% 2.32 SH/GP 2 PPG 3 PPA 5 PP Pts
Wohlberg's Career: 162 GP 56 G 55 A 111 Pts 201 PIM

Miami lost to UMass Lowell 4-3 (OT)* Season Over
Blake Coleman ©: -2, 3 Shots, Won 11 of 14 faceoffs* On for season ending goal in OT
Coleman's Stats: 39 GP 12 G 11 A 23 Pts +13 56 PIM 11.32 SH% 2.72 SH/GP 2 PPG 2 PPA 4 PP Pts

OHL Quarterfinals:
Plymouth lost to Guelph 4-2 (Trail Series 1-0)
Scott Wedgewood (G): 26 Saves on 29 Shots

Sarnia lost to Saginaw 5-1 (Trail Series 1-0)
Reid Boucher (LW): E

News: Mauro Jörg has agreed to a contract with Swiss-A club Rapperswil-Jona Lakers.

Edited by thefiestygoat, 24 March 2012 - 01:22 AM.

[thefiestygoat]

Saturday 3/24
NCAA Tournament 1st Round:
Minnesota defeated Boston University 7-3
Seth Helgeson (D): Goal, +2, 3 Shots,1 Block

OHL Quarterfinals:
Sarnia defeated Saginaw 4-3 (OT) (Series Tied 1-1)
Reid Boucher (LW): -1

[thefiestygoat]

Sunday 3/25
NCAA Tournament 2nd Round:
Minnesota defeats North Dakota 5-2* Advances to Frozen Four
Seth Helgeson (D): E, 1 Shot, 1 Block

OHL Quarterfinals:
Plymouth lost to Guelph 5-3 (Trail Series 2-0)
Scott Wedgewood (G): 25 Saves on 29 Shots in 58:23* Pulled with 1:37 left in 1st after Guelph scored 2 goals in 25 seconds to go up 3-0. Returned at start of 2nd. Guelph outshot Plymouth 36 to 17, including 22 to 6 in 1st.