Whos Hot/Whos Not
The second monthly edition of "Who's Hot and Who's Not" is out, as
an early sneak peak, consisting of regular dosage of rants and raves about NHL
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draft-eligible prospects.
The criteria for "hot' players constitutes a draft-eligible performer
with a worthy breakthrough to his season in the last month or two, which causes
a rise in his stock in the eyes of McKeen's Draft
Insider. Conversely the "cold' performers are those coming off unimpressive
stretches, injuries and whatever else might alter their stock negatively.
On the Rise
Bissonnette - Saginaw (OHL) - It is about time this hard-hitting rearguard
got his due. Bissonnette's inspired play and excellent positioning game has
earned him a jump to McKeen's top 60 rankings.
At first we were not convinced about his overall makeup, but Paul has shown
that he has all the makings to be a solid second or third round pick in the
draft. His vision is excellent, he is not afraid to play the body and he's willing
to get those knuckles bruised occasionally.
Corey Crawford - Moncton (QMJHL) - Making a strong case to establish
himself as the second best netminder after Marc-Andre Fleury. Although we currently
have him third, there is no doubt that Corey has served Quebec (the motherland
of butterfly goaltending) proud. Has kept him save percentage right around .920
this season, showcasing increased consistency and maturity. An outstanding Top
Prospects game underscored his abilities. Certainly a player to get excited
about.
Colin Fraser - Red Deer (WHL) - Just think Colby Armstrong with a chippier,
yet a less defined all-around game. Hard-working with all the necessary intangibles
to be a solid third-line type at the NHL level - work ethic, grit and above-average
hands. The only drawback to him is his size - at 5-11, 175. While his frame
might make some wonder about his durability, we are not concerned. This kid
is primed for success.
Glazachev - Lokomotiv (Russian Superleague) - A dynamic offensive talent,
Konstantin has made tremendous strides over the past month. After earned a call-up
from Junior, he made the best of the opportunity by posting impressive numbers
(1 goal, 4 points in 6 games, and this is on the fourth line). The most impressive
thing about this is Lokomotiv's depth - Pavel Vorobiev and Ivan Nepriyaev are
Glazachev's linemates, none of whom are on special teams units. Wonderful hands,
good wheels and impressive shot. Someone could pick him up higher than expected
at the draft. Watch out.
Josef Hrabal - HC Vsetin (Czech Extraliga) - A defenseman, Hrabal was
able to fight out a spot on the Vsetin senior team for himself and looks like
he is adjusting admirably to the senior level of play. A smart player with impressive
puck skills, Joseph is getting very little press, but should be a well-known
name come draft time. Learning a lot of things from more experienced teammates
with the goal to improve his defensive zone coverage and positional play. If
he upgrades his game in the toughness and skating departments, he will be picked
up in the first couple of rounds of the draft.
Ryan Kesler - Ohio State (NCAA) - The two-way collegian left quite an
impression at the Under-20 World Junior Championships in Halifax. After a somewhat
slow start to his year, the tournament helped his confidence as he has returned
to Ohio State and stepped up his play quite a bit. A fine skater with good stride
for his size, Kesler is a competitor along the wall. Kesler possesses potent
skills and should make a seamless adjustment to pro hockey eventually.
Andrei Kostitsyn - CSKA Moscow (Russian
Superleague) - A strong World Junior tournament earned Andrei plenty of
accolades and a loan from Khimik Voskresensk of the High League to CSKA Moscow.
Now a teammate of Nikolai Zherdev (McKeen's #1 rated prospect for the draft),
Kostitsyn is adjusting to the Superleague with mainly spot play for the time
being. After getting a glimpse of his abilities with a rather weak Belorussian
team, it is no secret that Andrei might have upped his stock by a good round
or two in a matter of two weeks. A puck wiz with blinding speed, Kostitsyn was
like "the sky and the earth' (as a Russian saying goes) among his Belorussian
comrades.
Munce - Sarnia (OHL) - Started the year as a backup to the highly regarded
Robert Gherson, but his scorching-hot play has created a platoon in net for
the Sting. Has started five out of ten games in January after suiting up less
than one-third of the time prior to the month. Makes clutch saves and makes
it looks easy - very confident, his technique has no glowing flaws. In the top
three in the league on both goals-against average as well as save percentage.
Tambellini - Michigan (NCAA) - Forget about the size issue. While Tambellini
does not tower over many guys (right around 5-10, 180), this is a guy who knows
how to use his size to his advantage. Very shifty, smart and conscious of the
play around him. We like to say that Jeff has more twists and turns in his game
than James Brown. Has a quick stick, good anticipation and vision. While his
size might keep him out of the first round, whoever drafts him might have a
jewel on their hands.
Dragan Umicevic - Södertälje (Swedish Elite League) - There
is so much to like about this kid, we don't know where to start. Possesses exceptional
technical skills - good puck control and playmaking ability. Not big (5-11,
195), but burly and willing to get involved physically and go hard to the net.
Seeing regular icetime in the SEL (which is impressive for his age) and proving
himself as a two-way force. No major weaknesses to his game.
Taking a Fall
Belle - Tri-City (WHL) - Who cares if he's fast? This guy is supposed
to be producing, yet he's not. Belle definitely has the upside of a potentially
scary two-way blueliner - and good size to boot. Has a great physical body,
yet no one at the controls. His decision-making with the puck has been improving
slightly, but he doesn't jump into the rush much anymore, simply due to his
inability to read the play well. We're not giving up, but there's reason to
be concerned.
Jonathan Boutin - Halifax (QMJHL) - He has his moments once in a while,
but is very inconsistent. So far he has shown the tendency to be either very
good or very bad. A very impressive technical goalie, but his confidence seems
low at the moment and he was only average at the top prospects game. Good prospect,
but not top-two round material at the moment.
Anton Dubinin - Elemash (High League) - Could not keep it up in CSKA
of the Superleague, so he gave up and went back down to Elemash. Now he's pretty
much a guarantee to stay down for the rest of the hockey season. As far as we're
concerned, this is a bad trait - a talented guy with a rather questionable work
ethic and dedication to the game.
Fritsche - Sarnia (OHL) - Tends to look good every single time we monitor
him, but we don't see satisfactory finish from him. Fritsche is a feisty forward
with excellent determination and willingness to mix it up physically. From the
goal-scoring perspective, Dan just does not measure up with the likes of O'Sullivan
and Carter. Is he a potential top-liner in the NHL? We're not convinced.
Gino Guyer - Minnesota (NCAA) - A former Minnesota Mr. Hockey, Guyer
was a non factor at the WJC. Guyer is still learning the ropes in college hockey
and might not put it all together until his junior or senior year. Does he have
talent? Without question. Can he play? Sure. What would we project based on
what he's done so far? First line forward in the ECHL, third or fourth liner
in the AHL. The NHL is not in the equation right now.
Ivo Kratena - HC Sparta Praha Jr. - The Left Winger in the Sparta system
was once a highly touted linemate of Petr Vrana and Vojtech Polak. Kratena simply
does not elevate his game to a level suitable for a sophomore junior Extraleague
forward. Durable and blessed with excellent hands, but this pint-sized warrior
took too many games off during the last weeks. He needs to find consistency
and improve his play in traffic if he plans to become an NHL some day.
Mikael Oberg - MoDo Juniors (Sweden) - A center with good potential
has been unable to put it together this season in the Junior League of all places.
Was expected to average right around a point-a-game on the year, but has instead
amassed a grand total of 6 assists in 18 games.
Rimouski's Marc-Antoine Pouliot made a quick return to the lineup, as his concussion (suffered in the top prospects' game) was not serious, as originally anticipated. Pouliot recorded a goal and an assist on the February 7 in a 6-3 loss to Val d'Or.