WHL: Russell up some offense

Kris Russell and the Medicine Hat Tigers put up a strong effort in their season-opener despite playing without Cam Barker. A third-round pick by Columbus in June, Russell showed why he's ready to put up some big numbers offensively this season, whether Barker returns from the NHL or not. We also have notes on Calgary Flames prospect Gord Baldwin and the undrafted David Schlemko.

Kris Russell (CBJ), D

Started the season as the No. 1 defenseman for the Tigers while Cam Barker was away .. relied on in all situations and likely played half the game despite a 10-minute misconduct in the second period .. paired with Gord Baldwin on the team's first pairing at even-strength, and with David Schlemko on the power play .. Russell displays outstanding vision as his outlet passes are always crisp and on target .. assisted on the second goal of the game when he flipped the puck into the neutral zone to spring Kevin Undershute for a breakaway .. uses the no red line rule to perfection as he set up two more breakaways during the game .. his vision is so good, often times the forwards aren't prepared for his breakaway passes .. probably one of the fastest skaters in junior hockey with a smooth, effortless stride .. does not hesitate to jump into the play offensively and is able to do so with his tremendous recovery speed .. does not have much of a physical game however as he uses his body more for positioning .. needs to improve his defensive awareness as he is prone to being caught out of position.

Gord Baldwin (Cgy), D

Received a lot of ice time during Cam Barker's absence .. played on the top pairing with Kris Russell and likely surpassed the 30-minute mark .. saw some powerplay time .. point shots are always low, often creating scoring chances for his teammates .. skating remains an issue as he can get beaten by smaller, faster forwards .. also has a tendency to overcommit and pinch in to throw a hit when an opposing player's head is down .. would be more effective if he stayed back instead of fixating on getting the hit .. while he is aggressive physically, his hits are predominantly legal .. doesn't do anything especially fancy, but is effective in his own end.

David Schlemko (2006), D

His ice time has increased this season .. plays on the second pairing, second power-play unit and the second penalty killing unit .. has some vision offensively, but his puck control is still a concern at this point .. often loses control of the puck when carrying it up the ice with his head up .. needs to improve his first touch when receiving a pass .. also must improve his outlet passes as he does not always make the right play while being pressured .. allowed a partial breakaway when he tried intercepting a pass at his blueline, leaving his forward room to move in .. at this point, he still needs plenty of work.