WHL Prospect Update
Mikhail Yakubov
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NHL Rights: Chicago Blackhawks
Center, 6-3, 187 lbs.
2001-02: Red Deer (WHL), 45GP, 21-34-55, 36 PIM
The 10th overall selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2000 NHL Entry
Draft, Yakubov spent last season in an offensive drought playing for Lada Togliatti
in his native Russia, failing to tally a point in 28 regular and post-season
games. Selected 53rd overall by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2001 CHL Import Draft,
Yakubov made his way to the Western Hockey League this season.
"Mikhail has had to adjust to the North American style of play,"
explains Red Deer head coach and general manager Brent Sutter. "He has
started to make this adjustment and in the last three weeks has taken his game
to a different level, which has been very important for his development as a
player in the Western Hockey League."
A center with good size, skating ability, and puck control skills, Yakubov
was named the WHL's Player of the Week on Monday after posting three goals -
including one game winner - and six assists in three games. Through 45 games
this season he leads the Rebels in goals (21), assists (34), and is tied for
the lead in game-winning goals with four.
Matthew Spiller
NHL Rights: Phoenix Coyotes
Defense, 6-4, 200 lbs.
2001-02: Seattle (WHL), 45GP, 5-16-21, 86 PIM
A strong skating defenseman with improving quickness, Spiller has always been
effective defensively - especially along the boards - and has continued to improve
in this area since being drafted 31st overall by the Phoenix Coyotes at the
start of the second round in 2001. Passing is a strong aspect of his game, and
one that has started to flourish in the offensive zone this season. After posting
just 11 points in each of his first two seasons in the WHL, he has already tallied
16 assists and 21 points through 45 games this year. This can be contributed
in part to improved decision-making in the opposition's zone.
A leader on the ice, Spiller's discipline has improved dramatically over last
season, and he continues to see great amounts of ice time as the top defenseman
on the Seattle Thunderbirds' roster. His skating and increased level of improvement
this season makes it all the more likely that he will experience a favorable
transition to the pro game in 2003.
Paul Gaustad
NHL Rights: Buffalo Sabres
Center, 6-5, 220 lbs.
2001-02: Portland (WHL), 43GP, 26-29-55, 110 PIM
Drafted as a long shot prospect by Buffalo in 2000, Gaustad is one of those
rare late-round gems that is starting to seriously tap his potential. After
a 14-point draft year, he improved his production to 41 points last season,
and was a point per game player for Portland during the 2001 WHL playoffs. Despite
scoring just 11 tallies in the regular season, he posted 10 in 16 playoff contests.
This season Gaustad has continued his strong offensive development as the captain
of the 2001-02 Portland squad. He is a reliable faceoff man with excellent size
that he uses well, a huge slapshot, and good checking ability; he is also one
of the most effective defensive forwards in the WHL. While his skating is average
and his offensive game is still developing, Gaustad is a motivated player, and
has turned himself into a legitimate NHL prospect.
Erik Christensen
NHL Rights: Pittsburgh Penguins
Center, 6-1, 185 lbs.
2001-02: Kamloops (WHL), 42GP, 15-22-37, 30 PIM
The 101st overall pick in the 1998 WHL Bantam Draft, Christensen managed to
make the Kamloops Blazers as a 16-year-old after scoring 76 points in 37 games
in Bantam AAA the season prior. After posting 14 points in 66 games as a rookie,
he increased his output last year to 21 goals and 44 points, although he was
still plagued by a great deal of inconsistency. He is ranked 21st among North
American skaters for the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the NHL's Central Scouting
Bureau.
An above average skater with improving acceleration, Christensen has good offensive
skills, and is blessed with very strong puckhandling and passing abilities.
However, his accurate wrist shot could use more power, his defense could stand
to be more consistent, and he lacks elite hockey sense. Currently Christensen
projects as a second round draft pick this June.