04-5 Online Prospect Magazine - T

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

T

Maxime Talbot, Pit, C, (Rating: 2.5), Wilkes-Barre (AHL) - Among the fastest-rising prospects last season was speedy Gatineau captain, who thrived as a defensive specialist for Canada’s silver medal-winning World Junior squad, and led all QMJHL scorers (15-11-16-27) in leading the Olympiques to a berth at the Memorial Cup .. A quick, darting skater with exceptional lateral agility, Talbot displays impressive instincts in all zones and possesses a keen sense for when to hold onto the puck and when to pass .. A universal player on the path to becoming a solid NHL checker and penalty-killer once he attains pro-level strength.

Jeff Tambellini, LA, RW, (Rating: 3.0), Michigan (CCHA) - Slippery first-rounder was on pace to shatter his 26-goal freshman totals with nine goals in his first ten games last fall, but immediately plunged into a 16-game scoreless drought, which coincided with an enticing offer by the WHL Kelowna Rockets to lure him away from Ann Arbor .. A stealth-like sniper with excellent two-way skills, Tambellini boasts an explosive first step plus superb speed and balance, yet is also a savvy defender often used at the point on the power play due to his slick passing abilities and sizzling shot .. Proved his versatility in a defensive role on Canada's silver-medal World Junior team (6-2-3-5).

A.J. Thelen, Min, D, (Rating: 3.5), Michigan State (CCHA) - The Wild struck first-round gold when Minnesota native fell to No. 12, in spite of a spectacular freshman campaign that saw the second youngest player in Division 1 finish fifth in the nation in scoring among blueliners, while garnering All-American Second-Team and CCHA 'Best Offensive Defenseman' honours, among numerous other awards .. A big, hard-shooting thoroughbred, Thelen possesses a keen sense of when to join the attack and is an excellent, full-range skater with impressive dexterity and first-step speed, yet also plays a determined, physical game, effectively supported by his quick feet and powerful arms .. Needs to learn intricacies of NHL defense, but has the physical tools to be fast-tracked.

Mathias Tjarnqvist, Dal, RW, (Rating: NR), HV 71 (Swe) - Swedish torpedo enjoyed a successful North American premiere, earning an extended NHL debut in November, and delivering an impact stretch run (27-9-9-18) to finish as Utah's top rookie .. A physical, hard-working energizer with good complementary skills, Tjarnqvist is a well-balanced skater who excels as a forechecker and as a crease-crasher on the power play due to his excellent tenacity and fearlessness .. Possible fourth-line role ahead, yet could also see time as a scoring-line foil.

Hannu Toivonen, Bos, G, (Rating: 4.0), Providence (AHL) - In an eye-opening AHL debut, teenage first-rounder made the transition to North America look easy, ably sharing the load in Providence with veteran Tim Thomas, while also backstopping Finland to a World Junior bronze medal at mid-season (4-2, 1.85, .920) .. Tall and dexterous with superb agility, reflexes, and leg speed, Toivonen always stays tall and composed in the nets, utilizing an acrobatic butterfly style, supported by astounding quickness and fluidity both vertically and horizontally .. Exudes the skill, consistency and mental toughness to be an elite NHL starter, and, most critically, the proper attitude to patiently learn his craft.

Lauri Tukonen, LA, RW, (Rating: 3.5), Espoo Blues (Fin) - Sturdy Finn experienced a surprise drop out of the top 10 of the draft, despite a dominating performance at the U18 World Juniors (6-5-6-11-10) and removed all doubt of his blue-chip status by following up a disappointing 2002/2003 campaign with a breakthrough year, overpowering junior competition in the fall, en route to becoming a mainstay in the SM-Liiga .. Tukonen is a smooth-skating forward with rangy stickhandling skills and powerful take-off speed who is a hardy, powerful forechecker due to a strong lower body and excellent balance, but does not possess a power forward’s swagger and mean streak .. At his best when he throws his frame around.

Fedor Tyutin, NYR, D, (Rating: 4.0), Hartford (AHL) - Coveted Russian progressed steadily with the Wolf Pack and, following a five-week injury absence (knee), was promoted in mid-February to the Rangers, where he played exceptionally well during his NHL debut under adverse circumstances .. A big, intelligent two-way rearguard with strong finesse skills and a heavy shot, Tyutin also possesses a powerful skating stride and impressive lateral agility for a big man, and continues to improve his physical intensity and decision-making .. Displayed the poise of an NHL veteran and will only grow in stature.