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Old 01-06-2017, 09:12 AM   #1
sureLoss
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Don't think this year's class has anything really eye popping, but free asset is a free asset.

D Daniel Brickley 6'3'' 205lbs shoots L 21y/o Sophomore
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=216251
Dreger identified him as someone multiple NHL teams have interest in including the Oilers and Jets. He is currently 2nd in points per game for NCAA d-men only behind Fox. Went to Sabres development camp last summer who had recently signed teammate Casey Nelson. Could be a front runner for top college free agent.

D Gavin Bayreuther 6'1'' 194lbs shoots L 22y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=178941
A few people were surprised no one took him in the 2014 draft. This is his last season in college. 3rd in points per game for NCAA d-men after Fox and Brickley. Attended Devils camp in 2016 and Leafs camp in 2015.

LW/C Hampus Gustafsson 6'4'' 205lbs shoots L 23y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=35336
A large Swedish forward that likes to use his size and physicality and can put up points, at least at the college level. Praised for his 2 way play, grit, and faceoff ability. In 2014, 2015, 2016 attended Detroit, Ottawa, and Sabres camps respectively.

D Jordan Gross 5'10'' 185lbs shoots R 21y/o Junior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=118435
Undersized defenceman that puts up points. While he doesn't put up as many points as Brickley or Bayreuther, he shoots right and supposedly a great skater with high hockey IQ.

G Parker Gahagen 6'2'' 192lbs catches L 23y/o Senior

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=149171
He plays in what is considered one of the weakest NCAA divisions, but the numbers he is putting up are insane. .942sv% 1.68GAA in 19 games this season. And if you look at last season's numbers of .937sv% and 2.01gaa in 34 games, it doesn't look like a fluke. There will be Hobey Baker buzz around him, and he would be the first goaltender since Ryan Miller to win that award. His numbers look similar to Alex Lyon last year whom the Flames reportedly had interest in before he signed with the Flyers.

C/RW Mike Vecchione 5'10'' 194lbs shoots R 23y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=98845
Feels like I have been following Vecchione forever. After great freshman and sophomore seasons, Vecchione struggled last year. This year he is back to his old self. Currently leading the NCAA with 39pts with a great 1.86 points per game. Good 2 way player, playmaker, and penalty killer.

RW/C Spencer Foo 6'0'' 185lbs shoots R 23 y/o Junior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=107388
If the name sounds familiar, it should be. Attended Flames development camp in July 2016. He is an Edmonton boy. He and Vecchione are lighting it up in Union. Currently 2nd in the NCAA with 36 points and 1.71 points per game.

RW Tyler Kelleher 5'6'' 161lbs shoots R 22y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=151832
Very small player but puts up a ton of points. Leads the NCAA in pts per game with 1.94. The issue will be if NHL teams believe he can overcome his size disadvantage in the pros.

LW/RW Matthew Gaudreau 5'9'' 146lbs shoots L 22y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=121912
Yes the brother of Johnny and they are close. John returned for his 3rd year of college mainly to play with Matty. Matt and the Gaudreau family are not expecting any NHL offers this spring and seem willing to accept a AHL/ECHL deal. Currently at a point per game pace and leads BC in scoring.

C/RW Justin Kloos 5'9'' 179lbs shoots R 23 y/o Senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=113322
Kloss was once a very highly though of player in Minnesota high school. Captain of the University of Minnesota team and currently has 22 points in 18 games.

More to come later.

Last edited by sureLoss; 01-06-2017 at 09:49 AM.
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Old 01-06-2017, 09:23 AM   #2
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NHL draft picks to watch that might exercise their rights to become free agents:

C/RW John Hayden 6'3'' 223lbs shoots R 21y/o senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=151828
3rd round pick by Chicago in 2013 74th OA.
Scouting reports on Hayden from 2013
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Red Line Report: "Big bull likes the physical aspect of the game. Hits hard along the walls and drives through his checks. Dominates down low in the offensive corners, winning the 1-on-1 puck battles and making power moves to the crease. Has soft hands for such a horse, and uses his [size] effectively to gain and hold position around the slot, keeping defenders off his back. Also uses big body and long reach to protect the puck when cycling. But he is playing a bit too heavy and it's affecting his skating, which was never his strong suit. Lacks both first step burst and a top-end gear. Feet are very heavy and he does not stop/start quickly. He is tough to move off the puck and uses twists/spins in tight areas to gain separation. Provides good puck support and has good hockey sense in all three zones. Understands defensive zone positioning and sells out his body to clear zone along the boards."

Hockey Prospectus: "Hayden is a power forward who drew attention this year due to the solid amount of offensive skill he displayed, along with his power elements. He already has the body of an NHLer, as he is 6'2" and 210 pounds, and he uses his frame well. He is a tough player who will drive the net, shoulder off checks, and grind it out for pucks in board battles. His offensive touch with the puck is intriguing. Hayden will not blow anyone away with a flashy move or highlight reel pass, but he can flash above-average potential, and he has some creativity to his game. He is not selfish, as he can make plays. His power elements, combined with the fact that he can make a man miss, make him a desirable prospect. His skating is roughly average; while he is not lumbering, he is not a player will blow past a defenseman. One scout thinks that he is average skater, and another thinks he needs some work in that area. He will be attending Yale University in the fall."

TheScoutingReport.org: "Stocky Yale commit brings an intriguing combination of size and skill. Excellent cycle based forward who keeps his feet moving and is difficult for the opposition to contain due to his large stature. At his best below the hashmarks, Hayden is willing to stand in front of the net and sacrifice his body in a physically punishing scoring area. Skating needs to improve for him to make an impact at the pro level. We see Hayden having a real chance one day as his competitiveness should allow him to play a number of different roles."

D Will Butcher 5'10'' 185lbs shoots L 22y/o
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=97590
5th round pick by Colorado Avalanche in 2013 123rd OA
Offensive d-man that was part of the 2013 gold medal WJC team that had Gaudreau and Gillies.
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Old 01-06-2017, 10:34 AM   #3
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Kelleher would be an easy choice. Too bad there isn't a Danny DeKeyser available this year.
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Old 01-08-2017, 12:18 PM   #4
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I think Brickley seems like the most valuable asset, puts up points and from his NAHL year looks like he has some toughness too, wonder what his mobility is like. Seems like a longshot for the Flames to land the top NCAA kid though especially with him being american born.

Otherwise adding a natural right shot forward with some skill like Kelleher, Vecchione etc makes sense and seems likely.

Flames mgmt has done an admirable job building up the prospect depth from the Sutter years, I feel like Goalie, D and Left Wing are reasonably stocked now, and they drafted four centres in the last draft as they obviously saw that as an area of need (though quality remains to be seen). RW is an obvious next area of focus over the next year or two now and seeing them sign Pribyl last summer I think they recognize that need and will at least pursue one of these guys.
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Old 01-08-2017, 08:29 PM   #5
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Flames need one of Vecchione, Foo, or Kelleher in the fold. Hopefully they sign at least one
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Old 01-08-2017, 08:47 PM   #6
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Gaudreau would make some sense out of familial stuff like with Hamilton.
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Old 01-10-2017, 06:02 PM   #7
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Just a small note, but according to LeBrun, the Golden Knights have already started talking to college free agents. They can't make any official offers yet, but in terms of opportunity they can offer more guaranteed NHL spots next season to these college guys.
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Old 01-10-2017, 07:53 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss View Post
Just a small note, but according to LeBrun, the Golden Knights have already started talking to college free agents. They can't make any official offers yet, but in terms of opportunity they can offer more guaranteed NHL spots next season to these college guys.
What they can't offer though is to burn a year of their ELC. Calgary will be in the midst of a playoff run so they likely wouldn't offer that, but they could if they really wanted the player, just have to play him in 1 game.
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Old 01-10-2017, 08:59 PM   #9
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What they can't offer though is to burn a year of their ELC. Calgary will be in the midst of a playoff run so they likely wouldn't offer that, but they could if they really wanted the player, just have to play him in 1 game.
Don't have to even play him. As long as the contract is registered to start with the league this season.

But most college free agents don't get a 2nd contract, so a promise of a full time NHL salary for year(s) can be more attractive than a few weeks of NHL salary followed by a year or two of AHL salary at $70k.

The burning of an ELC would only be attractive if the college player is very confident that he can and will earn another contract with minimal AHL time.
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Old 01-10-2017, 09:25 PM   #10
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Brickley would be a nice addition. You can never have too many quality defensemen.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:02 AM   #11
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Still doing research on more players, but another likely that will draw attention:

RW/C Zach Aston-Reese 6'0'' 190lbs Shoots L 22y/o senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=98068
Aston-Reese is intriguing because in 2012 he was ranked the 76th North American skater in Central Scouting's mid term rankings. However he had an extremely bad second half of the season that led to him being left off the rankings by the time the draft came around. This season he has 19 goals in 20 games and is putting up 1.7 points per game. Is he again showing some NHL traits that scouts first noticed 4 years ago? In the last 4 years he has attended Devils camp, Blackhawks camp (twice), and last summer Oilers camp. For a guy who puts up a lot of points he racks up the PIMs as well with 50 in 20 games which is good for 15th in the NCAA.
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Old 01-11-2017, 09:19 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss View Post
Still doing research on more players, but another likely that will draw attention:

RW/C Zach Aston-Reese 6'0'' 190lbs Shoots L 22y/o senior
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=98068
Aston-Reese is intriguing because in 2012 he was ranked the 76th North American skater in Central Scouting's mid term rankings. However he had an extremely bad second half of the season that led to him being left off the rankings by the time the draft came around. This season he has 19 goals in 20 games and is putting up 1.7 points per game. Is he again showing some NHL traits that scouts first noticed 4 years ago? In the last 4 years he has attended Devils camp, Blackhawks camp (twice), and last summer Oilers camp. For a guy who puts up a lot of points he racks up the PIMs as well with 50 in 20 games which is good for 15th in the NCAA.
Now that's someone to be really interested in. Multiple years of elite level scoring at the NCAA level, had some draft buzz about him, fiestiness (for those who care about such) if the PIMs are a measure of it, heck for those folk who get boners over "leadership qualities" he even wears a letter.
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Old 01-12-2017, 07:28 PM   #13
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Here's a list from sbn college hockey. Adding some profiles that have t been mentioned above.

4. Neal Pionk, Defenseman, Minnesota Duluth

In his sophomore season, the Duluth-area native has developed into the top defenseman for the Bulldogs, who have spent much of the season as one of the top teams in the country.

Pionk is a very good two-way defenseman thanks to his excellent skating ability and agility. He moves the puck up the ice reliably thanks to an ability to spin his way out of traffic and is an excellent outlet passer. His quickness also gives him the confidence to hold the line in the offensive zone, rather than giving up ice to give himself more cushion defensively.

He’s just an okay defender one-on-one against the rush, but has an above average amount of toughness and physicality for a guy that will classify as a smaller defenseman at the next level.

5. Blake Winiecki, Center, St. Cloud State

Winiecki is a big centerman—always a valuable commodity at the NHL level—that has started to contribute more offensively now that he is playing a bigger role and seeing more ice time in his junior season with St. Cloud State. Winiecki is solid on face-offs, plays good defense, and has the size to provide a net-front presence, while still having the skill to not be a drain on possession when he gets the puck.

He’ll be a grinder at the next level, but the type of player that plays a valuable role for a team.

6. John Stevens, Center, Northeastern

John Stevens is the son of an NHL coach, and that really shows in his game. He’s not the most physically-gifted athlete, but he makes up for that with incredibly high hockey IQ. He’s a smart, two-way centerman that plays a very complete game. He doesn’t have tremendous upside, but lots of potential to be a reliable defensive centerman at the NHL level.

7. Peyton Jones, Goalie, Penn State

Jones has a prototypical NHL-size frame for a goalie, and like most bigger prospects, it took him a little longer to develop. After a shaky first year in the USHL, Jones was very solid in his second year with the Lincoln Stars, but it wasn’t quite enough of a track record to get him drafted in his final year of draft eligibility. Now at Penn State, Jones is proving last year wasn’t a fluke. He quickly took command of the starting job for the Nittany Lions and is helping to lead them to their best performance in school history. Jones’ has the size and athleticism to compete for a job in the NHL.

8. Mitch Hults, Center, Lake Superior State

Late in his recruitment, Hults passed on the opportunity to play as a near-walk-on at Minnesota in order to take a bigger scholarship offer at Lake Superior State. That move has really paid off because Hults receives a ton of ice time—top line center, point on the top power play unit, top PK unit—and has ample opportunity to show off his skills. Hults is listed at 6-2 205 lbs., which gives him the size to use long reach and protect the puck effectively, but what separates him and makes him an NHL prospect is that he has extremely light feet and is a very fast skater.

Discipline is the biggest concern with Hults, but he has all the physical traits to be an effective winger at the NHL level.

9. CJ Smith, Left Wing, UMass Lowell

CJ Smith’s combination of first step speed and puck-handling ability makes him a dangerous offensive threat, especially when working off the wall in the offensive zone. Smith is a bit of a tweener, because he definitely plays more of an offensive-minded skill game, but isn’t likely to make it as a top-six forward in the NHL.

10. Adam Johnson, Center/Right Wing, Minnesota Duluth

Johnson was a prospect that drew serious attention from NHL Central Scouting in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility, way back in 2012, due in large part to his explosive skating ability. But ultimately teams backed off because of a lack of physical maturity and a lack of toughness he showed playing against weak high school competition.

Five years later, two years of junior hockey and two years in college hockey has really matured Johnson’s game. He has filled out his frame a bit and plays a much heavier game while still maintaining that explosive quickness. He has the tools to be a very effective winger at the NHL level.

11. Dominik Shine, Right Wing, Northern Michigan

Shine is a bit off the radar because he plays at Northern Michigan, which is currently struggling through one of the worst seasons in school history. But despite that, Shine has managed to remain effective, scoring 12-4-16 in 18 games with minimal help. Shine has an excellent combination of speed and toughness, which makes him difficult to defend. He missed the first six games of his team’s season for an unspecified violation of team rules, which may be a minor red flag, but could be a great find for a team willing to look off the beaten path.

Honorable Mention

Justin Kloos, Forward, Minnesota

Gavin Bayreuther, Defenseman, St. Lawrence

Sebastian Vidmar, Forward, Union

Joe Gambardella, Forward, UMass Lowell

Griffen Molino, Forward, Western Michigan

Chris Nell, Goalie, Bowling Green

Gerald Mayhew, Forward, Ferris State

Jimmy Schuldt, Defenseman, St. Cloud State

http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2017...pionk-kelleher

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Old 01-15-2017, 08:14 AM   #14
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Spencer Foo had a good weekend for Union College...

Foo had a hand in all 6 goals that the Dutchmen scored against Dartmouth and Harvard, scoring 2 goals himself and assisting on the other 4.
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Old 01-15-2017, 07:40 PM   #15
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I liked what I saw from Spencer Foo at development camp. Hope the Flames offer him a contract.
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Old 02-13-2017, 01:32 PM   #16
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McKenzie: Josh Healey is making a name for himself

http://www.tsn.ca/healey-stands-out-...class-1.670748

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In what's been described as a relatively thin year for U.S. college free agents, (The) Ohio State University defenceman Josh Healey is making something of a name for himself.

He’s a throwback blueliner; a big open-ice hitter of some renown.
"Old school – keep your head up when he's on the ice," one NHL executive said of the 22-year-old from Edmonton who has generated interest from almost every NHL club.

Healey is listed at 6-feet and 196 pounds. Scouts say he's a decent first-pass defenceman but his forte is open-ice hitting and playing a hard, physical game. He projects as a depth or perhaps third-pairing type defenceman. He’s not a sure bet to play in the NHL, but certainly worth a shot.

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Old 02-13-2017, 01:56 PM   #17
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McKenzie: Josh Healey is making a name for himself

http://www.tsn.ca/healey-stands-out-...class-1.670748
I feel like I am reading something about Sieloff back in the day. I guess how would his skating compare would be a big thing. And how well does he avoid random disease?
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Old 02-13-2017, 08:26 PM   #18
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Spencer Foo is from Edmonton, My friend from Edmotnon is buddies with him. He is in his Jr Season at Union and plans to return for his senior season to finish his degree and his little brother is committed to union as well so he wants to play with him.
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Old 02-14-2017, 09:59 AM   #19
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From Friedman's 30 thoughts:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/3...oms-canadiens/

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22. Always check in on potential NCAA signings at this time of year. There are a few teams hoping John Hayden, a 2013 Chicago Blackhawks pick who is finishing his fourth year at Yale, will go the Jimmy Vesey route — not sign, choosing free agency instead. But two NHL clubs who were looking into it say they are losing hope it will happen.

The Blackhawks are now making room for young players, showing there is a route available. The Bulldogs need a big run to qualify for the NCAAs, so the opportunity is there to play in the NHL this season, which burns a year of his entry-level contract.

23. There isn’t one particular jewel. But, there are some who intrigue, although most will need AHL seasoning. There’s a wide variety of opinion; players some teams really liked and others didn’t. Union College gets scouted a bit, because the Dutchmen have at least three on the radar.

Their top two scorers are Michael Vecchione and Spencer Foo. Vecchione is a senior, so he’s ready to come out. Foo, from Edmonton, has another year, and his younger brother Parker is committed to join. So teams wonder if he wants to wait. Union has a defenceman named Nick DiSimone a few teams grudgingly admitted they were watching, but he also has another year remaining and the school wants him to stay. He may need a year or two in the AHL, but there is definitely interest.

24. One of the first to go pro is expected to be New Hampshire’s Tyler Kelleher. He’s five-foot-six, but a talented player, and, barring upsets, the Wildcats are not going far in the post-season. He’s similar to several of the other forwards NHL teams are watching. They put up good numbers but aren’t physically imposing. Others to watch: Zach Aston-Reese (Northeastern); Alex Iafallo (Minnesota-Duluth); Griffen Molino (Western Michigan); Nicholas Schilkey (Ohio State); C.J. Smith (Lowell); John Stevens (Northeastern). He is the son of Los Angeles associate coach John Stevens. Brother Nolan, a St. Louis pick, is also on the team.

25. On defence, in addition to DiSimone, there’s Daniel Brickley of Minnesota State. (Every time I hear “Minnesota State” I think of Hayden Fox coaching them in the Pineapple Bowl.) Brinkley got hurt early in the year, but has 24 points in 22 games. He doesn’t have to come out, but teams will try to get him to do it.

Add: Kristofers Bindulis (a Latvian who plays at Lake Superior State); Josh Healey (Ohio State); Michael Kapla (Lowell).

Not a great year for goalies, but tortured scouts for some names. A couple suggested Cam Johnson of North Dakota, simply because that school tends to develop potential pros. Also: Brampton’s Hayden Lavigne (Michigan); Montreal’s Brett Magnus (Sacred Heart).
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Old 02-20-2017, 04:43 PM   #20
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I pity the Foo who doesn't sign for Calgary.
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