OHL Prospects Sunday Top 10 - Unheralded Rookies Who Could Make an Impact in 2009-10
I posted this on the prospects board, but I know that many of you only really check this board here. So I wanted to get your opinion on it as well (mods I hope this is OK on a one time basis).
I had no idea what to call the list this week. After mentioning Dalton Smith last week, it got me thinking about other players in a similar situation who could make an impact. Those players being, 1992 and 1991 born players who didn't play or played very sparingly in the OHL last year. So I did a lot of researching to drum up 10 guys who could fit that description.
Of course, any list like that could include guys like Cam Fowler, Jeremy Morin or Brandon Maxwell. But I decided against including them. Instead I went with more unheralded guys. Every year, lesser knowns like Calvin de Haan (3rd rounder in 2007) and Matt Clark (11th rounder in 2006) make OHL teams with little hype, only to emerge as impact players.
However, since I had to do a lot of research for this week's list, it will not appear as the usual top 10 list. The players will not be ranked according to their potential impact, because I simply have not seen most of these guys play. Instead, it will be a list of 10 guys who could make such impacts. No order, just 10 guys whom you may not know right now, but could know by this time next year.
Here are 10 potential 1992 and 1991 born rookies to look out for next season:
David Searle - Guelph Storm
Searle is a gigantic defenceman who played for the GOHL's Guelph Dominators (Junior B) last season. Listed at 6'5, 225lbs, Searle was the 32nd overall pick by Guelph in the 2008 Priority draft. While probably not a threat to be a big contributor offensively, judging by his 9 points in 50 games last year, Searle could supply Guelph's defense with a towering and imposing stay at home presence. Considering the uncertainty around Guelph's goaltending situation next season, the addition of a more mature Searle could help keep pucks out.
Shayne Rover - Niagara IceDogs
Rover is another big defenceman and a fellow 2nd round pick in 2008. Rover did see some limited time with Niagara last year when they were experiencing injury trouble on the backend. At 6'3, 200lbs, Rover played well in a limited role, showcasing a solid skating ability and defensive presence. He played the majority of the season with the York Simcoe Express Midget AAA team, where he was a AAA all star. If Rover can play well early in the season, he could easily slip into the IceDogs top 4 defenceman and have a Matt Clark type impact for Niagara.
Aaron Pearce - Peterborough Petes
Pearce, a talented offensive forward, was the last pick of the 2nd round in 2008. The 5'11 forward was an OPJHL junior all star last season, where he posted 47 points in 49 games for Georgetown. The problem is that Pearce isn't yet committed to coming to the OHL. Still undecided on his future, Pearce has been talking to NCAA schools as well. The fact that Pearce has yet to sign a letter of intent anywhere, and that he's still in active talks with Peterborough, bodes well for their chances to convince him to play. If he does play, Pearce could be an immediate impact forward in their top 6.
Steven Beyers - Sudbury Wolves
Beyers, the first pick of the third round in 2008, is an undersized center who played with Orangeville of the OPJHL. Beyers was also an OPJHL junior all star, after posting 31 points in 34 games in 2008-09. Although slightly undersized at 5'10, Beyers could make an impact in Sudbury by giving them more scoring depth and rounding out their top 3 forward lines.
Chris Brown - Owen Sound Attack
Brown was the team's 3rd round pick in 2008 out of the York Simcoe Express. Brown is a 6'1 winger with speed, offensive ability and grit. While he only played Junior C this past year with Alliston, Brown did finish in the top 10 of league scoring with 52 points in 37 games. With Owen Sound hoping to make a climb in the West, Brown could be a welcome addition to the teams forward lines, where he could be an offensive catalyst for the second or third line.
Matt Solomon - Erie Otters
This talented offensive defenceman was a 12th round pick of Erie in 2008. He was a OPJHL junior all star this year while playing for Upper Canada. The 6'0 Solomon nearly led his team in scoring as a defenceman with 8 goals and 23 points in 40 games. He is a slick skating, puck mover who could fit very well into an Erie line up which badly needs more offense from its backend.
Phil Lane - Brampton Battalion
Lane is a real wildcard. He could have been a first rounder in 2008 had it not been for the scares that he'd go NCAA. The New York native ended up going in the 4th round to Brampton. However, he spurned the NTDP to play in Buffalo of the OPJHL last year, where his 42 points in 45 games led him to become an OPJHL junior all star. Lane is a 6'2 forward with speed, skill and grit. The total package. At the recent US Select 17 Camp, he outperformed Windsor's Austin Watson, whom is obviously a very talented player. The question remains as to whether he's going to play in Brampton or play with Omaha in the USHL to keep his NCAA options open. If he does decide to play in Brampton, he could be an immediate impact player.
Dalton McGrath - Barrie Colts
McGrath is a goaltender who was Barrie's 6th round pick in 2008. He was an OPJHL junior all star this year while playing for the dominate Couchiching Terriers. In fact, Mcgrath lost only one game all year (in the playoffs) and was a perfect 16-0 in the regular season. His numbers are quite sparkling, with a 1.65 GAA and .937 SV%. His performance earned him a share of the Rookie of the Year in his Division. With Barrie trading Michael Hutchinson to London, Barrie has opened up a spot for Mcgrath to likely back up Peter Di Salvo. However I wouldn't be surprised to see them split games, similar to how Hutchinson and Di Salvo did last year.
Branden Morris - Kitchener Rangers
Morris, a 6'3 defenceman, was a 4th round pick of Kitchener in 2008. He was a OPJHL junior all star this year playing for Cobourg. Morris is a tall and lanky two way defender who put up 13 points in 50 games. He's also not afraid to use his size and is an aggressive defender. He could be a welcomed addition to the improving Kitchener Rangers blueline, if he can fight through the log jam.
Domenic Alberga - Brampton Battalion
Alberga was actually a 5th round pick of Brampton in 2009, as a draft overager (1992 born). This 6'1 forward led Villanova of the OPJHL in scoring with 40 points in 49 games. He also posted 104 penalty minutes which leads you to believe he's got some feistyness in him. After a very strong season, Alberga actually shared his Division Rookie of the Year award with the aforementioned Dalton McGrath. The door is open for Alberga to have big impact in the OHL this year, with Brampton likely losing Cody Hodgson, Evgeni Grachev, and Matt Duchene to the NHL (or AHL in Grachev's case).
Two Honorable Mentions Worth Noting:
Nick Quinn - Sudbury Wolves
The first pick of the 2nd round in 2008, Quinn has thus far rejected Sudbury's wishes for him to play for them. Quinn, a 6'0 defenceman, is apparently looking for an NCAA scholarship, with Boston College being the most talked about destination. So while his OHL prospects are looking suspect at best (since he has yet to show for a Sudbury camp), I think he's still worth noting because of the impact he could have. As an OPJHL junior all star for Dixie, Quinn put up 25 points in 45 games. He is an excellent two way blueliner who could immediately make Sudbury's defence better should he change his mind.
Brock Higgs - Kingston Frontenacs
Higgs could possibly make the biggest impact of any player on this list. The 5'11 forward, and Kingston native, was a 5th round pick of the Frontenacs in 2008. A dynamic offensive player, Higgs finished second in scoring for OPJHL Champions Kingston, with 28 goals and 58 points in 49 games. Higgs was especially incredible for Kingston on their quest for the RBC Cup, where he had 22 goals in 25 playoff games. This led all OPJHL players in playoff scoring. Higgs would be an immediate impact player in the OHL and would be a big boost to an improving Kingston team. However, for whatever reason, the Kingston native does not appear to want to play for his hometown OHL team. He's verbally committed to Canisius for 2010, which could obviously change the same way Ethan Werek's commitment to Boston University did.
Got any other under the radar guys who could make an impact on your team this year? Leave a comment!
I posted this on the prospects board, but I know that many of you only really check this board here. So I wanted to get your opinion on it as well (mods I hope this is OK on a one time basis).
I had no idea what to call the list this week. After mentioning Dalton Smith last week, it got me thinking about other players in a similar situation who could make an impact. Those players being, 1992 and 1991 born players who didn't play or played very sparingly in the OHL last year. So I did a lot of researching to drum up 10 guys who could fit that description.
Of course, any list like that could include guys like Cam Fowler, Jeremy Morin or Brandon Maxwell. But I decided against including them. Instead I went with more unheralded guys. Every year, lesser knowns like Calvin de Haan (3rd rounder in 2007) and Matt Clark (11th rounder in 2006) make OHL teams with little hype, only to emerge as impact players.
However, since I had to do a lot of research for this week's list, it will not appear as the usual top 10 list. The players will not be ranked according to their potential impact, because I simply have not seen most of these guys play. Instead, it will be a list of 10 guys who could make such impacts. No order, just 10 guys whom you may not know right now, but could know by this time next year.
Here are 10 potential 1992 and 1991 born rookies to look out for next season:
David Searle - Guelph Storm
Searle is a gigantic defenceman who played for the GOHL's Guelph Dominators (Junior B) last season. Listed at 6'5, 225lbs, Searle was the 32nd overall pick by Guelph in the 2008 Priority draft. While probably not a threat to be a big contributor offensively, judging by his 9 points in 50 games last year, Searle could supply Guelph's defense with a towering and imposing stay at home presence. Considering the uncertainty around Guelph's goaltending situation next season, the addition of a more mature Searle could help keep pucks out.
Shayne Rover - Niagara IceDogs
Rover is another big defenceman and a fellow 2nd round pick in 2008. Rover did see some limited time with Niagara last year when they were experiencing injury trouble on the backend. At 6'3, 200lbs, Rover played well in a limited role, showcasing a solid skating ability and defensive presence. He played the majority of the season with the York Simcoe Express Midget AAA team, where he was a AAA all star. If Rover can play well early in the season, he could easily slip into the IceDogs top 4 defenceman and have a Matt Clark type impact for Niagara.
Aaron Pearce - Peterborough Petes
Pearce, a talented offensive forward, was the last pick of the 2nd round in 2008. The 5'11 forward was an OPJHL junior all star last season, where he posted 47 points in 49 games for Georgetown. The problem is that Pearce isn't yet committed to coming to the OHL. Still undecided on his future, Pearce has been talking to NCAA schools as well. The fact that Pearce has yet to sign a letter of intent anywhere, and that he's still in active talks with Peterborough, bodes well for their chances to convince him to play. If he does play, Pearce could be an immediate impact forward in their top 6.
Steven Beyers - Sudbury Wolves
Beyers, the first pick of the third round in 2008, is an undersized center who played with Orangeville of the OPJHL. Beyers was also an OPJHL junior all star, after posting 31 points in 34 games in 2008-09. Although slightly undersized at 5'10, Beyers could make an impact in Sudbury by giving them more scoring depth and rounding out their top 3 forward lines.
Chris Brown - Owen Sound Attack
Brown was the team's 3rd round pick in 2008 out of the York Simcoe Express. Brown is a 6'1 winger with speed, offensive ability and grit. While he only played Junior C this past year with Alliston, Brown did finish in the top 10 of league scoring with 52 points in 37 games. With Owen Sound hoping to make a climb in the West, Brown could be a welcome addition to the teams forward lines, where he could be an offensive catalyst for the second or third line.
Matt Solomon - Erie Otters
This talented offensive defenceman was a 12th round pick of Erie in 2008. He was a OPJHL junior all star this year while playing for Upper Canada. The 6'0 Solomon nearly led his team in scoring as a defenceman with 8 goals and 23 points in 40 games. He is a slick skating, puck mover who could fit very well into an Erie line up which badly needs more offense from its backend.
Phil Lane - Brampton Battalion
Lane is a real wildcard. He could have been a first rounder in 2008 had it not been for the scares that he'd go NCAA. The New York native ended up going in the 4th round to Brampton. However, he spurned the NTDP to play in Buffalo of the OPJHL last year, where his 42 points in 45 games led him to become an OPJHL junior all star. Lane is a 6'2 forward with speed, skill and grit. The total package. At the recent US Select 17 Camp, he outperformed Windsor's Austin Watson, whom is obviously a very talented player. The question remains as to whether he's going to play in Brampton or play with Omaha in the USHL to keep his NCAA options open. If he does decide to play in Brampton, he could be an immediate impact player.
Dalton McGrath - Barrie Colts
McGrath is a goaltender who was Barrie's 6th round pick in 2008. He was an OPJHL junior all star this year while playing for the dominate Couchiching Terriers. In fact, Mcgrath lost only one game all year (in the playoffs) and was a perfect 16-0 in the regular season. His numbers are quite sparkling, with a 1.65 GAA and .937 SV%. His performance earned him a share of the Rookie of the Year in his Division. With Barrie trading Michael Hutchinson to London, Barrie has opened up a spot for Mcgrath to likely back up Peter Di Salvo. However I wouldn't be surprised to see them split games, similar to how Hutchinson and Di Salvo did last year.
Branden Morris - Kitchener Rangers
Morris, a 6'3 defenceman, was a 4th round pick of Kitchener in 2008. He was a OPJHL junior all star this year playing for Cobourg. Morris is a tall and lanky two way defender who put up 13 points in 50 games. He's also not afraid to use his size and is an aggressive defender. He could be a welcomed addition to the improving Kitchener Rangers blueline, if he can fight through the log jam.
Domenic Alberga - Brampton Battalion
Alberga was actually a 5th round pick of Brampton in 2009, as a draft overager (1992 born). This 6'1 forward led Villanova of the OPJHL in scoring with 40 points in 49 games. He also posted 104 penalty minutes which leads you to believe he's got some feistyness in him. After a very strong season, Alberga actually shared his Division Rookie of the Year award with the aforementioned Dalton McGrath. The door is open for Alberga to have big impact in the OHL this year, with Brampton likely losing Cody Hodgson, Evgeni Grachev, and Matt Duchene to the NHL (or AHL in Grachev's case).
Two Honorable Mentions Worth Noting:
Nick Quinn - Sudbury Wolves
The first pick of the 2nd round in 2008, Quinn has thus far rejected Sudbury's wishes for him to play for them. Quinn, a 6'0 defenceman, is apparently looking for an NCAA scholarship, with Boston College being the most talked about destination. So while his OHL prospects are looking suspect at best (since he has yet to show for a Sudbury camp), I think he's still worth noting because of the impact he could have. As an OPJHL junior all star for Dixie, Quinn put up 25 points in 45 games. He is an excellent two way blueliner who could immediately make Sudbury's defence better should he change his mind.
Brock Higgs - Kingston Frontenacs
Higgs could possibly make the biggest impact of any player on this list. The 5'11 forward, and Kingston native, was a 5th round pick of the Frontenacs in 2008. A dynamic offensive player, Higgs finished second in scoring for OPJHL Champions Kingston, with 28 goals and 58 points in 49 games. Higgs was especially incredible for Kingston on their quest for the RBC Cup, where he had 22 goals in 25 playoff games. This led all OPJHL players in playoff scoring. Higgs would be an immediate impact player in the OHL and would be a big boost to an improving Kingston team. However, for whatever reason, the Kingston native does not appear to want to play for his hometown OHL team. He's verbally committed to Canisius for 2010, which could obviously change the same way Ethan Werek's commitment to Boston University did.
Got any other under the radar guys who could make an impact on your team this year? Leave a comment!
higgs has de-committed to canisius and has told the fronts "no". but anything could happen.
player to watch is harrington. 40 games of tier II experience as a top pairing guy and heading into london and will likely be paired with del zotto.
I'm not sure if Jared Knight would fit into this group. But he should have a big year. I'm looking 30+ goals and 30+ assists....Most London fans didn't understand the reason why he was sitting on the bench most of the year when he created more in his limited ice time the just about anyone else on the team.
I'm not sure if Jared Knight would fit into this group. But he should have a big year. I'm looking 30+ goals and 30+ assists....Most London fans didn't understand the reason why he was sitting on the bench most of the year when he created more in his limited ice time the just about anyone else on the team.
Guys like Harrington (a 1993) and Jared Knight (played in the OHL last year) were not guys I was targeting with this list.
This was meant to be an examination of guys who did not play in the OHL last year, but were previously drafted in the priority draft. Or guys who played very sparingly (1-10 games). All of these guys spent their time playing Tier 2 or AAA last season, and look to break into the OHL full time this year after being cuts last year.
Guys like Harrington (a 1993) and Jared Knight (played in the OHL last year) were not guys I was targeting with this list.
This was meant to be an examination of guys who did not play in the OHL last year, but were previously drafted in the priority draft. Or guys who played very sparingly (1-10 games). All of these guys spent their time playing Tier 2 or AAA last season, and look to break into the OHL full time this year after being cuts last year.
well then your conversation should begin and end with fowler and moore the two american defencemen. as a sens fan the goalie in the soo excites me
well then your conversation should begin and end with fowler and moore the two american defencemen. as a sens fan the goalie in the soo excites me
Perhaps you should have actually read the article
Quote:
"Of course, any list like that could include guys like Cam Fowler, Jeremy Morin or Brandon Maxwell. But I decided against including them. Instead I went with more unheralded guys. Every year, lesser knowns like Calvin de Haan (3rd rounder in 2007) and Matt Clark (11th rounder in 2006) make OHL teams with little hype, only to emerge as impact players."
Another player under the radar for the Rangers is defenceman Jeff Paulley a RD 9 - 2008 draft pick. He brings physcial play with a mean streak that the Rangers were lacking last season. But you're right about the logjam on the Ranger D this coming season and it will come down to either Morris or Paulley. Perhaps Spott will move Paulley to 4th line forward?
IMHO, both of them will be playing somewhere in the OHL this coming season.
for us in Sudbury, we have stopped hoping to get either Quinn or Beyers here, since neither want to play here we wish them luck. We are instead putting our hopes around other talented 2008 prospects that do want to play here and are expected to make the team this sept, guys like Collinson and Gamache.
Great list btw, interesting names to follow.
Where would you rank someone like Cody Alcock who alot of people in Belleville think could explode next year? He was great for us in the time he saw..and really was playing solid hockey by the end of the year.
Where would you rank someone like Cody Alcock who alot of people in Belleville think could explode next year? He was great for us in the time he saw..and really was playing solid hockey by the end of the year.
Well Alcock wasn't someone considered for a list like this, as he was a regular contributor at the OHL level last season. But he is an interesting player.
Things in Belleville should be very interesting this year. The spots in the top 6 have to be considered very wide open (even more so if Cameron doesn't return). You'd have to assume Tipoff and Johnston are expected to be the forward leaders, but after that you've got the likes of Bathgate, Judson, Alcock, Howe, Mackie, and Goddard (a guy I considered for this list) all fighting for ice time. In the times I saw Belleville this year (which was actually a fair bit), all of these guys impressed me in one game or another, however none were impressive every single time. Ultimately, those who show they can contribute consistently, will be the ones who shine.
And to answer your question, I'd expect Judson and Alcock to be the two who step forward from the group I listed. They appear to have the most potential to play at a high level in this league.
Brock Higgs - Kingston Frontenacs
Higgs could possibly make the biggest impact of any player on this list. The 5'11 forward, and Kingston native, was a 5th round pick of the Frontenacs in 2008. A dynamic offensive player, Higgs finished second in scoring for OPJHL Champions Kingston, with 28 goals and 58 points in 49 games. Higgs was especially incredible for Kingston on their quest for the RBC Cup, where he had 22 goals in 25 playoff games. This led all OPJHL players in playoff scoring. Higgs would be an immediate impact player in the OHL and would be a big boost to an improving Kingston team. However, for whatever reason, the Kingston native does not appear to want to play for his hometown OHL team. He's verbally committed to Canisius for 2010, which could obviously change the same way Ethan Werek's commitment to Boston University did.
Werek changed his mind, not because of anything Kingston offered or said to him, but because Boston U couldn't commit to a roster spot for him this past season. Basically, he (Werek) indicated that had he pursued his original plan of going to Boston University, he'd have had to play one year in the USHL and join Boston U for the 2009-10 season. And with this past season being his draft year, Werek wanted the exposure and ice time associated with playing in the OHL, rather than play in a lower scoring, and lower profile league like the USHL.
In Higgs' situation, that might not be the case. I don't know too much about Canisius College, but I'm guessing their hockey program isn't as stacked as Boston University's. Thus, Higgs will be able to play on their squad the year in which he'd go to university, whereas that wasn't the case for Werek.
Additionally, Higgs isn't rated as highly as Werek in terms of NHL potential, so for someone like him it's probably better to get the full-ride scholarship and get a degree, than it is to put up some huge numbers in his draft year. He'd likely, at best, be a 4th round or later pick in the NHL draft, whereas Werek had the chance to actually break the 1st round. So there was more incentive for Werek to forgo the scholarship, than there would be for Higgs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Juice
higgs has de-committed to canisius and has told the fronts "no". but anything could happen.
May I ask where you heard the bolded part from? I'm just curious, because I've been following the Higgs situation and the last news I'd heard is he still intended to go to Conisius College.
May I ask where you heard the bolded part from? I'm just curious, because I've been following the Higgs situation and the last news I'd heard is he still intended to go to Conisius College.
for us in Sudbury, we have stopped hoping to get either Quinn or Beyers here, since neither want to play here we wish them luck. We are instead putting our hopes around other talented 2008 prospects that do want to play here and are expected to make the team this sept, guys like Collinson and Gamache.
Great list btw, interesting names to follow.
I knew about Quinn but Beyers too? I haven't heard that one. From what I recall, he was among the last cut during training camp last season and would be a lock for the Wolves this year.
Hope it's not true, Wolves offense would really benefit from him.
Things in Belleville should be very interesting this year. The spots in the top 6 have to be considered very wide open (even more so if Cameron doesn't return). You'd have to assume Tipoff and Johnston are expected to be the forward leaders, but after that you've got the likes of Bathgate, Judson, Alcock, Howe, Mackie, and Goddard (a guy I considered for this list) all fighting for ice time. In the times I saw Belleville this year (which was actually a fair bit), all of these guys impressed me in one game or another, however none were impressive every single time. Ultimately, those who show they can contribute consistently, will be the ones who shine.
And to answer your question, I'd expect Judson and Alcock to be the two who step forward from the group I listed. They appear to have the most potential to play at a high level in this league.
Looking forward to actually seeing more of the Alcock, Howe, Mackie group. They were great for fresh legs when they hit the ice in the playoffs. They all seemed to pick up their games but the lack of ice time was painful. Judson seemed to be less physical at the end of the season than the start and I'd like to see him get back to making more hits. (we need someone in the line up that the other team is actually worried about!)
David Searle, Shayne Rover, Branden Morris, Chris Brown and Dalton McGrath are battling for spots on rosters.
Dominic Alberga and Phil Lane have both recently signed with Brampton and should be mainstays in their line up.
Meanwhile, Beyers, Pearce, and Matt Soloman are no shows for their team's respective camps. Surprised about Beyers and Soloman. Not surprised about Pearce.
David Searle, Shayne Rover, Branden Morris, Chris Brown and Dalton McGrath are battling for spots on rosters.
Dominic Alberga and Phil Lane have both recently signed with Brampton and should be mainstays in their line up.
Meanwhile, Beyers, Pearce, and Matt Soloman are no shows for their team's respective camps. Surprised about Beyers and Soloman. Not surprised about Pearce.
An interesting aside about Branden Morris is that he may not make the Rangers because of an unheralded rookie (undrafted) Charlie Dodero. The Rangers signed him as a free agent out of the USHL.
My understanding is that David Searle had shoulder surgery in the spring. I see on the Guelph site that he's in camp but only participating in practices (no scrimages). Guelph could use his size but I expect he'll start with the Hurricanes (Jr A club).
Branden Morris - Kitchener Rangers
Morris, a 6'3 defenceman, was a 4th round pick of Kitchener in 2008. He was a OPJHL junior all star this year playing for Cobourg. Morris is a tall and lanky two way defender who put up 13 points in 50 games. He's also not afraid to use his size and is an aggressive defender. He could be a welcomed addition to the improving Kitchener Rangers blueline, if he can fight through the log jam.
Morris has been re-assigned back to Cobourg, which is really a shame. I watched this guy in preseason action and he really looked like he belonged in this league. I guess the logjam at defense was too great. He really wouldn't look out of place on any other OHL team, other than maybe Ottawa.
So the Rangers' are down to 8 defensemen - Kelly, Moore, Murphy, Stevens, Jasper, Andersson, Fanelli, and Dodero. The locks are Kelly, Moore, Andersson and Murphy, leaving Jasper, Fanelli, Stevens and Dodero duking it out for the last 2 spots. Dodero would likely be re-assigned this week as it's looking like he has the most outside chance of cracking this team.
Anyone's thoughts on who gets the last 2 spots? I'll go with Stevens and Fanelli, or Jasper and Fanelli. But man, is this Rangers blueline ever crowded.
Morris has been re-assigned back to Cobourg, which is really a shame. I watched this guy in preseason action and he really looked like he belonged in this league. I guess the logjam at defense was too great. He really wouldn't look out of place on any other OHL team, other than maybe Ottawa.
So the Rangers' are down to 8 defensemen - Kelly, Moore, Murphy, Stevens, Jasper, Andersson, Fanelli, and Dodero. The locks are Kelly, Moore, Andersson and Murphy, leaving Jasper, Fanelli, Stevens and Dodero duking it out for the last 2 spots. Dodero would likely be re-assigned this week as it's looking like he has the most outside chance of cracking this team.
Anyone's thoughts on who gets the last 2 spots? I'll go with Stevens and Fanelli, or Jasper and Fanelli. But man, is this Rangers blueline ever crowded.
I see all eight D-men staying with the Rangers this year. In times when the front six are all healthy and playing, look for Fanelli and Dodero to get icetime in JrB.
There will be enough time however, for these guys to get lots of icetime with the big club. Moore and maybe Andersson will be off to the WJC and Fanelli and Murphy will see U17 time and during times of injuries.
Take for instance, the 03-04 season. D-men and games played:
Benoit -65
Lashoff - 62 rookie
Valabik - 68 rookie
Smith - 27 OA. Sustained season ending injury
Harrison - 44
Heshmatpour - 55 rookie
Gravelding - 54 rookie
McDonnell - 23 OA acquired after Smith injury
Duff - 10 Traded to Brampton early in the season
Pepe - 15 rookie, spent most of year at JrB
Four rookie d-men saw significant games played in this season while a fifth, underager Pepe, was up and down all year. I don't believe any of these d-men missed time due to WJC or U17. That means you can expect the 7th and 8th d-men on this team get more gametime than the 7th and 8th from 03-04.
Therefore, if you compare bluelines,:
Smith/McDonnell - Kelly
Benoit - Moore
Lashoff - Andersson
Valabik - Murphy
Harrison - Stevens
Heshmatpour - Jasper
Gravelding - Dodero
Pepe - Fanelli
... there will be lots of minutes for all eight of these guys over the course of the season.
Not many games to compare yet, but so far the only 92 defensemen with any points and a positive plus/minus are O'Connor, Levi, Buonomo, and Gudbranson. Given that this thread is about "unheralded" players or those who saw limited ice last season, that excuses Gudbranson (very "heralded") and O'Connor (played 62 games last year). Levi (Plymouth) has 1 assist and is a plus 2 in one game. Buonomo had 1 goal and is a plus 1 in one game. The other 92 D-corps either have not played, did not register a point and/or are in negative plus/minus so far (including some of the "heralded" players like Windsor's Posa). Of all the 92 D's, Gubranson is about the only one who's consistently been hyped, from that perspective I guess you could say all of the rest of them are unheralded, however, there are quite a few who didn't see much ice last year. I'm excited to see what will happen this year as the others have an opportunity to step forward. Guys like Buonomo, Levi, and Shane Rover (Niagara) had about 12-15 games last year- enough to get some seasoning, but also enough to technically still be considered rookies. It's way too early to tell, but it'll be interesting to compare these guy's numbers to their 92 peers who saw 50-60 games last season.
