May 18, 2011
Dobber Sports
2011-05-18
Angus here again – covering the week for Dobber.
The final OHL ramblings of the year – a great read to get a good idea of what is going on with several top prospects in Ontario’s best junior league.
Prospect Report – about two weeks away. Putting the final touches on hundreds of player profiles – goalies, defensemen, forwards, sleepers, and more. The fantasy guide helps you win each year, but this guide helps you win each year over the long run.
Tyler Seguin had two beautiful goals and two assists last night – he's stepping up with Bergeron out. Seguin's speed and shot make him an electrifying offensive player – similar to #91 on the team he is facing.
Dennis Seidenberg played over 30 minutes last game – a full five minutes more than Chara.
Vinny Lecavalier's return to stardom continues – a goal and three helpers for the Lightning last night.
Manny Malhotra skated in full gear yesterday. He's working his way back in to game shape. Look for him to return either late in this series, or early in the next (if the Canucks advance).
Malhotra's vision is improving each day. Still far from perfect, but he was taking part in line rushes and looking pretty good doing it.
I feel like the Sharks are wasting Joe Pavelski on the third line. They can’t bump Couture down, but perhaps they slide Pavelski up to line two with Clowe and Couture?
Mem Cup – Saint John's (QMJHL), Mississauga (host), Owen Sound (OHL), and Kootenay (WHL). Kootenay has a ton of depth, but the Saint John's Sea Dogs are stacked.
The Sea Dogs are led by 2011 top prospect Jonathan Huberdeau, who has 16 goals and 30 points in 19 playoff games.
Kirill Kabanov had a solid postseason for Lewiston, scoring eight goals and 20 points in 15 games. I'd only consider owning him in a deep keeper league with a deep farm roster. Huge risk, and not really sure his upside outweighs it.
Joey Hishon is the offensive catalyst for the Owen Sound team – 19 assists in 22 games. He's had a huge postseason and his development has gone very well since the Avs surprised most of the hockey world by reaching to take him in the first round.
Mississauga has a deep offensive attack, led by Justin Shugg (going for his third straight Memorial Cup), Casey Cizakas, and Devante Smith-Pelly.
Undrafted (and unsigned) forward Bobby Mignardi has 15 goals for Owen Sound in the playoffs. He has two consecutive 30-goal regular seasons.
Ryan Johansen (who is out of the playoffs as his Portland team lost in the final) led the WHL in playoff scoring. I'd place his odds at making the Jackets at 90% this training camp.
Among Kootenay players, I'd say Cody Eakin has the most NHL upside. He's a third round pick of the Caps – quick, feisty, and skilled offensively. Could develop into a solid 20-25 goal secondary scorer.
Eakin was dealt from Swift Current for a whopping eight players. The Broncos GM said that Eakin was the best player who has suited up for the team since Joe Sakic. Solid company, no?
Surprised more isn't being made of Brayden McNabb's season. Originally drafted as a defensive/two-way guy, he had 22 goals and 72 points in the regular season, and he added 27 points in 19 playoff games.
McNabb is a Buffalo draft pick – he's got great size and is a solid skater. Will be interesting to see if he can continue his positive development.
Radulov stuff – if he does return, Nashville still holds his rights. How would his return impact what is looking to be a very interesting offseason for the Preds? Does it change Shea Weber's mindset regarding a long term contract (for better or worse)?
Nashville is probably a gamebreaking forward away from making the next step… I'd say Radulov has that upside.
The more I see Logan Couture play, the more he reminds me of Jonathan Toews. Skilled, big, strong, and does all of the little things well every single shift.
Far and away the best read in hockey – Elliotte Friedman's 30 thoughts. The latest one is right here.
I could post my thoughts on all 30 of his, but I'll stick to one. Brendan Smith is NHL ready. His upside is huge – 12-15 goals, 50-60 points, 100+ PIM. Minute eating defenseman who plays with a nasty edge and loves to create offensively. He'll be a fan favourite after a shift or two.
Seguin looking an awful lot like Stamkos with this beauty of a goal: