AHL: Rockford Files

Statistics don't always tell the story, as is the case with Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nathan Davis, who hasn't produced nearly as well offensively as he did in College and has been a minus player this season. Despite his statistical shortcomings, Davis is still a promising prospect that has grown on McKeen's and NHL scouts alike this season. McKeen's director of scouting Max Giese was in Rockford recently and filed these notes on several IceHogs

Nate Davis (Chi), C, Rockford IceHogs

An underrated prospect that should begin to blossom once he adds requisite strength .. a rookie, Davis has struggled to produce offensively and has been a minus player this season while adjusting to the pro game .. a productive skater with enough speed to get a step on unsuspecting defenders .. does a nice job getting open and presenting his stick for the pass .. sees the ice well and can also surprise goaltenders with a fast slapshot .. his puck smarts stand out in a positive light, as he properly supports the puck and then judiciously manages it .. comes deep into his own end to support in defensive coverage and makes sharp defensive marks, although he loses some puck battles along the wall because of his lack of strength .. competes, works hard to get pucks, and has solid lower body force, but he needs to add upper body bulk .. can bear down and win draws .. just taking his time to adjust to the pro game and will need to become stronger, but once those concerns are sorted out he could be a solid checking-line center in the NHL.

Jack Skille (Chi), RW, Rockford IceHogs

The seventh overall pick in 2005, Skille has already established career highs in goals, assists, and points this season .. powerful skater with a wide start-up stride and an outside separation gear of speed .. looks like he's shot out of a cannon coming through the neutral zone .. his long stick sucks up loose pucks onto his dangerous blade that propels his explosive release and missile of a shot .. becoming more menacing on the forecheck, although he still noticeably gives more of an effort offensively than he does defensively .. prone to becoming invisible for long durations at a time, as it seems like the slower the game the less effective he is .. physically superior than most of his peers in the AHL, but his brains don't always equal the brawn .. plays on the IceHogs first line and switches to the left wing for the first powerplay unit.

Evan Brophey (Chi), C, Rockford IceHogs

Has already more than tripled his goal total from a year ago while enjoying an increased offensive role this season .. a smooth skater with healthy speed .. has a decent skill set, but he's not that creative and lacks the ability in tight to generate offense in traffic .. supportive defensive pivot that covers the lowest open man and is polished in exchanging assignments with his defenders around the crease .. needs to become more physically assertive and aggressive, especially considering how effective he could be with his size .. gets hit but doesn't always push back .. on the first powerplay unit and wins more draws than he loses .. his combination of size and skating ability could make him an ideal checking-line center if he becomes tougher and more competitive.

Corey Crawford (Chi), G, Rockford IceHogs

Splitting the starts this season with Antti Niemi, who recently played in three games for the Chicago Blackhawks, Crawford hasn't played for Chicago since last year .. a butterfly puck stopper that allows his size and positioning to make most of the saves for him .. his first move is always down and his butterfly serves as the base for every save he makes .. a strong first save goaltender that isn't always prepared for secondary chances .. must improve his rebound control, as he's still prone to kicking out some bad ones into the slot .. lacks the high-end reactionary quickness to adjust to tips in front, although his blocker is very direct .. still a quality goaltending prospect that has been hurt by the suspect defense in front of him.