Joakim Lindstrom - Center – MoDo Hockey Ornskoldsvik (SEL) – Selected in the Second Round (41st Overall) in 2002
Height: 6’0
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: December 5th, 1983
Birthplace: Skelleftea, Sweden
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 01-02 |
MoDo |
Sweden |
10 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| 02-03 |
MoDo |
Sweden |
42 |
4 |
3 |
7 |
20 |
14 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
Joakim Lindstrom struggled through the 2002-03 season while playing for MoDo of the Swedish Elite League. His play did not meet up with expectations and was unable to take significant strides in his development. While he did manage to stay with MoDo the entire season, his point production was horrid, and well below expectations. The lone bright spot in his season may very well be his postseason, in which he recorded more points in 14 postseason games than he managed to in 42 regular season games.
Despite his poor season, Lindstrom is still a very talented forward, who has showed his ability to adapt, displaying his ability to play both the wing and center. He has fine offensive skills, which were on display in the postseason, and like many other Blue Jacket prospects, he isn’t one to shy away from heavy traffic. His offense-first attitude may need to be adjusted to round out his entire game, which will come as he continues to mature as a player. Lindstrom’s game still needs a significant amount of refinement, and should not be expected to come across to play in North America until 2005-06, as he just signed a two year contract with MoDo in February.
Raffaele Sannitz – Center – Lugano (LNSw) – Selected in the Seventh Round (204th Overall) in 2001
Height: 6’1
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: May 18th, 1983
Birthplace: Mendrisio, Switzerland
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 99-00 |
Lugano |
Swiss |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|||||
| 00-01 |
Lugano |
Swiss |
13 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 01-02 |
Lugano |
Swiss |
35 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
37 |
|||||
| 02-03 |
Lugano |
Swiss |
14 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
35 |
Raffaele Sannitz, much like Joakim Lindstrom, had a difficult season, but for different reasons. Sannitz missed a large portion of the 2002-03 season, including the World Junior Championships sidelined with a separated shoulder. Raffaele managed to participate in only 14 games with Lugano. Sannitz was unable to put up any numbers at all offensively in what is regarded as one of Europe’s less spectacular leagues. Sannitz’s shoulder could also be an issue of concern, as Raffaele looks to put the 2002-03 season behind him.
Should Sannitz be able to put together a strong campaign for himself during the 2003-04 season, he may be able to put himself back into the plans of the Blue Jackets organization. As of now, there is no estimated projection to get Sannitz in North America.
Artem Vostrikov – Center – Spartak Moscow (RUS) – Selected in the Sixth Round (187th Overall) in 2001
Height: 6’1
Weight: 175 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: March 23rd, 1983
Birthplace: Togliatti, Russia
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP | G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 01-02 |
Lada
Togliatti |
Russia |
12 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
|||||
| 01-02 |
Samara |
Russia |
17 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
36 |
|||||
| 02-03 |
Spartak
Moscow |
Russia |
20 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
Artem Vostrikov, a center, was made the 187th selection in the 2001 Entry Draft. The sixth rounder from Togliatti, Russia is a dynamic playmaker, when given the opportunity to see icetime. Finding time on the ice for a regular shift has not been a problem for Vostrikov, however quality minutes are something that Vostrikov had lacked with Togliatti Lada. With Spartak Moscow, Vostrikov had a much more successful campaign, with five points in twenty games.
Vostrikov is also no stranger to international competition. He boasts a resume complete with an appearance at the 2002 World Junior Championships, as well as well as the Under 18 Five Nations Tournament. Unspectacular but steady, Vostrikov has become a dependable player that Russia can call on in international play.
Jaroslav Balastik – Right Wing – Zlin ZPS HC (CZECH) – Selected in the Sixth Round (184th Overall) in 2002
Height: 6’0
Weight: 198 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: November 28th, 1979
Birthplace: Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 98-99 |
Zlin
ZPS HC |
Czech |
41 |
4 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| 99-00 |
Zlin
ZPS HC |
Czech |
48 |
7 |
10 |
17 |
14 |
|||||
| 00-01 |
Zlin
ZPS HC |
Czech |
52 |
8 |
17 |
25 |
32 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
| 01-02 |
Zlin
ZPS HC |
Czech |
50 |
25 |
19 |
44 |
32 |
11 |
3 |
5 |
8 |
14 |
| 02-03 |
HPK
Hameenlinna |
Finland |
13 |
5 |
7 |
12 |
2 |
|||||
| 02-03 |
Zlin
ZPS HC |
Czech |
31 |
14 |
8 |
22 |
26 |
Jaroslav Balastik has the size and aggressiveness to fit in with the North American style of play. Standing at 6’0", and weighing in at close to 200 lbs, Jarsolav does not need to add too much size in order to survive the rigors of a professional season in North America. The question remains whether or not Balastik will in fact make the trip across the ocean, however. He’s shown amazing loyalty to his current club. No arrival date is expected for this Czech.
Balastik, who has spent parts of the previous six seasons with his club team Zlin ZPS HC, couldn’t duplicate the magic he displayed the previous season when he set career marks in goals, assists and points. Splitting his season between the Finnish team HPK Hameenlinna and his Czech team could have played a fair role in this, as Balastik had an entirely new set of teammates to adjust to for 13 games.
Jaroslav is also no stranger to international competition. Just recently, Balastik, hailing from Uherske Hradiste, competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Cup. Recording one goal in eight games, the former sixth round selection saw limited action, but represented his country proudly nonetheless.
Jaroslav Kracik – Right Wing – Plzen HC (CZECH) – Selected in the Eighth Round (231st Overall) in 2002
Height: 6’0
Weight: 178 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: January 18th, 1983
Birthplace: Prague, Czech Republic
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 99-00 |
Plzen
Jr |
Czech
Jr |
51 |
32 |
36 |
68 |
32 |
|||||
| 00-01 |
Plzen
Jr |
Czech
Jr |
47 |
20 |
28 |
48 |
16 |
|||||
| 01-02 |
Plzen
Jr |
Czech
Jr |
39 |
14 |
35 |
49 |
46 |
|||||
| 01-02 |
Plzen
HC |
Czech |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| 02-03 |
Plzen
HC |
Czech |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Jaroslav Kracik, the Jackets 12th selection in the 2002 Entry Draft, has had trouble playing in 2002-03. Participating in only four games is difficult on the development of a 20-year-old, especially one looking to make the jump to the Czech Senior League. Kracik’s offensive talent should not be questioned. He has a nose for the net and strong playmaking skills. He will have to prove himself all over again, however, when he is able to make the jump from Plzen Jr, to Plzen HC.
The native of Prague, Kracik isn’t counted on to come to North America anytime soon. His next step is to secure a regular role with Plzen HC. Once he is able to do that, the next step would be considering a trip overseas. One should not expect Kracik over to North America anytime in the near future.
Arsi Piispanen – Right Wing – Jokerit Jr (FIN JR) – Selected in the Fifth Round (138th Overall) in 2003
Height: 6’3
Weight: 163 lbs
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: July 23rd, 1985
Birthplace: Jyvaskyla, Finland
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 02-03 |
Jokerit
Jr |
Finnish
Jr |
32 |
8 |
9 |
17 |
8 |
Arsi Piispanen could very well be one of the most interesting selections in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and one of the more intriguing Jacket prospects. Hockey’s Future Magazine had projected Arsi to go from the mid-to-late second round. The potential surrounding Piispanen is phenomenal for a fifth rounder, however his ability to reach his potential has come into question. In fact, it isn’t likely that Piispanen will reach his potential at all. Standing at a towering 6’3″, Arsi weighs in at a meager 165 pounds, and isn’t likely to balloon past the 200 pound mark.
Coupled with the weight issue is also an issue of time. Piispanen is still playing with Jokerit Jr, and has yet to taste competition against men. A regular spot on SM-Liiga doesn’t seem to be in the immediate future for Piispanen, who will likely return to playing in the junior ranks. Expect Piispanen to master his craft while playing in Finland, with no estimated time of arrival to see Arsi in a Blue Jackets uniform.
Nikolai Zherdev – Right Wing – HC CSKA Moscow (RUS) – Selected in the First Round (4th Overall) in 2003
Height: 6’1
Weight: 186 lbs
Shoots: Right
Birthplace: Kiev, Ukraine
Birthdate: November 5th, 1984
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 00-01 |
Elemash |
Russia
1 |
18 |
5 |
8 |
13 |
12 |
|||||
| 01-02 |
Elemash |
Russia
1 |
53 |
13 |
15 |
28 |
60 |
|||||
| 02-03 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
44 |
12 |
12 |
24 |
34 |
What is there left to say about Nikolai Zherdev that hasn’t already been said? He is clearly the top prospect in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. The offensive tools at the disposal of Zherdev are seemingly endless. In fact, his prowess in the offensive end is second to none in his draft class. His stickhandling ability, excellent speed, and superb on-ice vision, Zherdev has the ability to step into the Blue Jackets line-up at any time.
While Zherdev still remains unsigned, there is still the opportunity for him to suit up in a Blue Jackets uniform. He currently has no obligations to CSKA, as he is not under contract for the 2003-04 season. Columbus fans shouldn’t hold their breath, however, as it appears likely that the Kiev, Ukraine native will spend another year under the watchful eye of skilled coach Viktor Tikhonov.
Sergei Mozyakin – Left Wing – HC CSKA Moscow (RUS) – Selected in the Ninth Round (263rd Overall) in 2002
Height: 5’10
Weight: 165 lbs
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: March 30th, 1981
Birthplace: Yaroslavl, Russia
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 98-99 |
Val
D’or Foreurs |
QMJHL |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|||||
| 99-00 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
44 |
23 |
25 |
48 |
10 |
|||||
| 00-01 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
46 |
22 |
28 |
52 |
18 |
|||||
| 01-02 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
54 |
34 |
30 |
64 |
10 |
12 |
9 |
12 |
21 |
4 |
| 02-03 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
33 |
12 |
15 |
27 |
18 |
Sergei Mozyakin is a fine offensive player. His statistics show that he has neither a problem finding the back of the net, nor helping his teammates do the same. He has fast hands, and NHL-caliber speed. The fact that Mozyakin stands at only 5’10″ places a concern on whether or not the Yaroslavl native has the size to play North American hockey. Even worse, Mozyakin tips the scales at a lean 165lbs. Mozyakin has obstacles to overcome if he desires to play in the NHL.
Despite his size, Mozyakin displays undeniable offensive talent. It is this reason, and this reason alone that makes the Blue Jackets ninth round selection in 2002 an interesting one. There should be no expected date of arrival for the CSKA scorer.
Ivan Tkachenko – Left Wing – Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (RUS) – Selected in the Fourth Round (98th Overall) in 2002
Height: 5’10
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: November 9th, 1979
Birthplace: Yaroslavl, Russia
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 99-00 |
Nizhnekamsk
Neftekhimik |
Russia |
5 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 00-01 |
Nizhnekamsk
Neftekhimik |
Russia |
28 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
14 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
| 01-02 |
Yaroslavl
Lokomotiv |
Russia |
43 |
13 |
21 |
34 |
53 |
9 |
5 |
2 |
7 |
4 |
| 02-03 |
Yaroslavl
Lokomotiv |
Russia |
44 |
11 |
6 |
17 |
57 |
Ivan Tkachenko, previously the highest selected Russian selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets, saw his special distinction fall with the selection of Nikolai Zherdev. Nonetheless, it does not take away from the abilities of the Yaroslavl native. Tkachenko may compete for a spot down the left wing as early as 2003-04.
It was Tkachenko’s speed and agility that made him such an attraction. Ivan has been described as having a quick set of hands, and an even faster set of feet. His rapid acceleration and lateral movement makes him an explosive skater, who isn’t afraid to dart in and out of traffic. In fact, the only downside of the crafty winger seems to be his lack of size, standing in at 5’11″, and his mediocre shot.
Dimitri Kosmachev – Defense – HC CSKA Moscow (RUS) – Selected in the Third Round (71st Overall) in 2003
Height: 6’3
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: June 7th, 1985
Birthplace: Nizhni-Novgorod, Russia
| Season |
Team |
League |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
GP |
G |
A |
P |
PIM |
| 01-02 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
49 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
12 |
|||||
| 02-03 |
HC
CSKA Moscow |
Russia |
27 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
CSKA Moscow is certainly well represented within the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. With the likes of Zherdev and Mozyakin already in the organization, Columbus felt the need to bring in another member of the club. Dimitri Kosmachev, the third round selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets adds a unique flavor to the back end of the Columbus organization. The hulking 6’3″ blueliner already possesses the physical attributes to contribute at at NHL level. His ‘cool and calm’ demeanor shows that his mental game is as tough as any 18 year old. The only unflattering comment that the defensive defenseman could receive is his lack of physical play, despite his stature. Nonetheless, Kosmachev is still effective in his own end, in both clearing the front of the net, and suffocating opposing players along the boards.
Kosmachev is best suited to spend the next few seasons under Viktor Tikhonov. There is no need to rush Kosmachev to the National Hockey League, no sense in spoiling what could eventually become the Blue Jackets third or fourth defenseman for years to come. Expect his arrival date to North America to be 2005-06.
