04-5 Online Prospect Magazine - U - V

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U-V

R.J. Umberger, Phi, C, (Rating: 3.5), Philadelphia (AHL) - Pennsylvania native and Vancouver first-rounder opted to forego his senior year at Ohio State in search of an NHL contract, but sat out the entire `03-4 season unable to reach agreement with either the Canucks or Rangers, who had acquired his rights in a March trade, eventually signing as an unrestricted free agent in Philadelphia .. A brawny, highly-skilled forward, Umberger can be a one-on-one nightmare thanks to his fast, powerful stride and ability to deftly execute slick moves in full flight, though he suffers lapses in intensity, and doesn't always fully exploit his abundant talents .. AHL-bound to work on conditioning, timing and defense.

Scottie Upshall, Nsh, LW, (Rating: 3.5), Milwaukee (AHL) - Engaging former Kamloops captain just couldn't stay healthy in his first pro term, injuring his knee upon a December NHL call-up, which required surgery and cost him close to three months, and then suffering a broken hand and more knee troubles in the playoffs .. Quick, skilled and feisty, Upshall is an intelligent puckhandler with a tricky shot and a flair for creating space, but must continue to add muscle and mass to his unimposing frame if he hopes to survive playing a gritty 'inside' game .. Must physically mature before realizing potential.

Boris Valabik, Atl, D, (Rating: 3.0), Kitchener (OHL) - Gargantuan Slovakian made a spirited North American debut, gradually building up his draft stock with a reputation for a no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach that was also reflected in his altercations with opposing players, prompting comparisons to countryman Zdeno Chara ..Tough and mean, Valabik is a ferocious hitter with a massive frame, but is awkward and rough on his turns, often struggling against smaller, quick opposing forwards, although he impresses with fluid puck skills and surprising playmaking savvy .. Knows his role and place.

Thomas Vanek, Buf, LW, (Rating: 4.0), Rochester (AHL) - Austrian sniper sagged after winning a national title and Frozen Four MVP honours in `03, but still led the Golden Gophers in scoring for a second straight year, and finished the campaign competing against NHL players at the World Championship, where he led his country in scoring (6-2-5-7) .. A prodigious finisher with great size, reach and hands, Vanek possesses a well-developed sense of how to score goals and can elevate his speed and urgency whenever he senses an opportunity, however, he can be a liability in his own end due to suspect skating and a lack of overall speed .. Thrives on being the difference-maker, but will need to develop a more well-rounded game to survive the inevitable NHL valleys.

Julien Vauclair, Ott, D, (Rating: 2.5), Lugano (Sui) - After earning an NHL debut in late October, Swiss third-rounder went on to be selected for his first AHL all-star game, which triggered an eye-catching emergence over the final month, highlighted by five goals in a six-game span (6-5-5-10) .. The steady Vauclair is a most attractive skater with fast, powerful strides, and last season started asserting himself in the offensive zone, and has looked increasingly more comfortable with the physical aspects, though he is by no means an instigator .. Knocking on NHL door thanks to continued progress over three North American seasons.

Linus Videll, Col, LW, (Rating: 2.0), Sodertalje (Swe) - After turning heads at camp last fall, Swedish seventh-rounder blossomed and finished tied for third in scoring in the J-20 SuperElit league, and also impressed during frequent auditions with the senior team .. A big, skilled winger, Videll vastly improved his work ethic and first-step quickness last season, and has matured into a consistent physical presence around the opposition goal, though he still could use better intensity, as he still takes the odd shift off .. Steadily shedding the 'bad boy' image that hurt his draft-day stock.

Pavel Vorobiev, Chi, RW, (Rating: 3.0), Norfolk (AHL) - Kazakh first-rounder cracked the opening lineup with an encouraging preseason (7-1-3-4), but fizzled and was demoted in November to Norfolk, where, aside from the odd flash of brilliance, he struggled to adjust in his North American debut and was even a healthy scratch in the playoffs .. Vorobiev is a slick puckhandler with excellent individual skills and lateral quickness, however, he frequently lost the one-on-one puck battles last season, and seldom displayed his abrasive and determined side .. Needs to improve his strength, team play, and English skills.

Petr Vrana, NJ, LW, (Rating: 2.5), Halifax (QMJHL) - Big things were expected from Halifax captain after capturing the Q's 'top rookie' award in `02-3, however, the Czech native was either sidelined or hampered by a nagging shoulder problem for much of his sophomore year .. An elusive, undersized waterbug with great speed, agility and balance, Vrana is surprisingly strong on the puck and very persistent around goal, even to the point of aggravating, but must continue to bulk up and refine his shooting skills .. Should get back on track after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery.