04-5 Online Prospect Magazine - L

A

| B

| C

| D

| E

| F

| G

| H-I

| J

| K

| L

| M

| N-O

| P-Q

| R

| S

| T

| U-V

| W-X

| Y-Z

L

Jason LaBarbera, NYR, G, (Rating: NR), Hartford (AHL) - Imposing Prince George native put it all together in his fourth pro term, leading the league with 34 wins and an AHL-record 13 shutouts to capture the Les Cunningham Award as AHL MVP, and then backstopping the Wolf Pack to within a goal of the Calder Cup finals (11-5, 1.73, .935) .. A quick, aggressive goalie with excellent lateral agility, LaBarbera uses his big frame and sharp reactions to effectively cover the net, and has learned to play a more patient, controlled game .. Earned a chance to make up for last season's forgettable NHL debut.

Andrew Ladd, Car, LW, (Rating: 3.5), Calgary (WHL) - Straight out of Coquitlam of the BCHL, the rookie experienced a rapid ascent with a productive campaign, showcasing exceptional chemistry with Ryan Getzlaf, which was enough to convince the Hurricanes to trade up to fourth to draft the forward who got better as the year went on and never lost steam .. A hard-working winger with surprising finesse, Ladd possesses excellent vision and playmaking game, always finding ways to position himself due to his offensive savvy and effortless skating skills and, while not overpowering physically, he creates space for his linemates with a determined, no-holds-barred style .. A quick learner who sucks in the intricacies of the game very well, thus could challenge for a job at camp.

Brooks Laich, Wsh, C, (Rating: 2.5), Portland (AHL) - Despite an early bout of mononucleosis, prized Ottawa sixth-rounder was among the AHL's top rookie scorers (44-15-18-33) when his rights were acquired in February's Peter Bondra sell-off, but struggled badly in his new Portland home (28-1-3-4, minus-9 incl playoffs) .. A smart, hard-working pivot with solid two-way skills, Laich displays impressive patience around goal and knows how to use his good size to protect and distribute the puck in traffic, although he must keep upgrading his first step and overall quickness .. A checking spot awaits with a strong camp.

Pascal Leclaire, CBJ, G, (Rating: 3.5), Syracuse (AHL) - Former eighth-overall pick got back on track following a miserable pro debut in `02-3, but was still erratic as a sophomore, alternating between spectacular and shaky, and never locking down the No. 1 spot .. The gangly Leclaire is an aggressive, butterfly goalie with exceptional athleticism and lateral quickness, and can be impenetrable when he finds a zone, yet still suffers major lapses in confidence and focus, and also needs better strength and conditioning .. Ended the year on a sour note, getting blown out twice in the opening-round playoff loss to Rochester.

Kari Lehtonen, Atl, G, (Rating: 4.5), Chicago (AHL) - Finnish phenom was everything and more in a sensational North American intro that saw him rebound from a pair of injuries (concussion and hamstring) to enjoy a flawless NHL debut in March, and then followed up a strong regular AHL season with a spellbinding playoff performance for the Wolves (6-4, 2.08, .942) .. A poised, gifted athlete with remarkable agility and lower-body quickness, Lehtonen possesses an extraordinary sense for how to position his imposing frame, and a rare ability to elevate his play at crucial times in a game .. On a steeper curve than most.

David LeNeveu, Phx, G, (Rating: 4.0), Utah (AHL) - Record-setting Cornell star adjusted quickly in his pro debut, earning a spot at the AHL all-star game, while sharing Team MVP honours with platooning partner Jean-Marc Pelletier .. A quick, fluid goalie with superb focus and post-to-post agility, LeNeveu plays a thrifty butterfly style, relying on his strong technical skills and airtight positioning, and is very adept at maintaining a tight shape as he moves .. Has demonstrated the mental and technical skills to be an NHL starter, though his apprenticeship may still be a year away.

Junior Lessard, Dal, RW, (Rating: 2.5), Houston (AHL) - After nearly drowning in a swimming mishap last August, former Canadian Jr A Player-of-the-Year scripted a sensational senior finale, leading the nation in goals and points to capture the Hobey Baker Award, while guiding the Bulldogs to the Frozen Four for the first time in 19 years .. A skilled and creative goal scorer with excellent instincts, Lessard knows how to use his body to gain positional advantage, and is a very patient shooter with a knack for finding holes, however, despite steady improvements in conditioning and quickness, he lacks an explosive skating stride, especially his first few steps .. A sturdy, smart player, but not a flashy, sure-fire NHL star.

Joakim Lindstrom, CBJ, RW, (Rating: 2.5), MoDo (Swe) - After impressing at last summer's development camp, talented Swede saw his season come to end after opting for shoulder surgery in November, his second such procedure having missed part of `02-3 to surgery on his other shoulder .. A crafty puckhandler with good speed and excellent hockey sense, the versatile Lindstrom plays well in traffic and has a knack for getting his body into prime scoring positions and unleashing a hard, accurate shot, though his consistency and defensive game still need work .. One to watch.

Stefan Liv, Det, G, (Rating: 3.0), HV 71 (Swe) - Making amends for a subpar `02-3 campaign, spirited fourth-rounder restored his status with a consistent gem of a regular season, and made the ultimate playoff statement by backstopping HV to the Elitserien championship, highlighted by four shutouts in the final series .. An acrobatic and unorthodox goalie who relies heavily on his quick feet and exceptional reflexes, Liv is learning to challenge shooters more consistently, while steadily upgrading his positioning and rebound management, though his puckhandling needs work .. Ready for the next challenge.

Corey Locke, Mtl, C, (Rating: 2.5), Hamilton (AHL) - Diminutive fourth-rounder had a tough act to follow after a breakout 151-point sophomore campaign, yet, despite the loss of pro-bound accomplice Matt Foy, still managed to defend his OHL scoring crown last season, highlighted by a league-best 51 goals .. A naturally-gifted playmaker with extraordinary vision and a pinpoint-accurate shot, Locke has worked diligently to upgrade his strength and skating explosiveness, but still lacks the pace and power to fully translate his talents at the next level .. One of those players who will find a way to overcome his impediments.

Henrik Lundqvist, NYR, G, (Rating: 3.5), Vastra Frolunda (Swe) - Talented Swede was a solid workhorse last season, appearing in 48 of 50 games, but made bigger headlines with a sensational performance at the World Championships, where he was named to the media all-star team (5-1-2, 1.64, .925), despite allowing five goals to Canada in the gold-medal game .. An agile, technically-sound goalie with fast reflexes and a sharp glove, Lundqvist effectively blends both butterfly and standup, and is a fierce competitor who maintains good shape and positioning as he moves, and stays cool under pressure .. Ready for North American challenge.

Doug Lynch, Edm, D, (Rating: 3.0), Edmonton (AHL) - Acclimatizing quickly to the pro game, robust second-rounder took charge from the outset to lead the club's blueline in scoring and plus-minus, and was recognized with a selection to the AHL All-Star Game and the All-Rookie Team .. An aggressive, all-weather blueliner with excellent size, strength, and toughness, Lynch always wants the puck or to engage himself physically, and, though not the prettiest skater, moves well for his size and is competent puckmover with a heavy wristshot .. Enterprising leader also displayed uncommon poise during his January NHL debut.