The American Hockey League announced this week that Milwaukee Admirals left winger Timofei Shishkanov was selected as the AHL Rookie of the Month for February.  The 20-year-old notched nine goals and five assists and a +11 rating through the month’s 15 games. 

The 6’1”, 213-pounder has registered 41 points and 30 penalty minutes in 57 games this season for the Admirals.  The Nashville Predators drafted Shishkanov in the second round of the 2001 Entry draft.  The Russian native skated in two games with the Predators this season without registering a point. 

Shishkanov currently leads all AHL rookies in shots (151), plus/minus (+23) and is tied for the rookie lead in points.  He is second among rookies in goals scored with 22.  The young forward is also second on the Admirals in plus/minus, trailing only teammate Curtis Murphy (+25). 

Shishkanov is a featured weapon for the improved Milwaukee offensive attack this season; an offense ranked first in the AHL with 197 goals scored.  The rookie leads the team in goals scored.

Shishkanov is expected to complete the season in Milwaukee and help its playoff push and then compete for a full-time spot on the Nashville Predators squad next fall. 

The Predators, whose system has never produced a sniper, are hoping this is only the beginning for the talented Nashville prospect.

Nashville News and Notes

Hamhuis Sets Rookie Record

Nashville rookie defenseman Dan Hamhuis set a rookie record Thursday night notching five points, one goal and four assists, in Nashville’s nine-goal clobbering of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Hamhuis, 21, set a franchise record for points by a rookie in a single game and was also the first rookie to post five points in a game since January 2002 when Atlanta forward Ilya Kovalchuk did it.

Tootoo Scores Too

Perhaps at home in the Igloo of Pittsburgh, Nashville rookie forward Jordin Tootoo netted his fourth goal of the season.  Tootoo, 21, may only have four goals and four assists this season, but the energetic rookie owns a team-leading 127 PIM. 

Dandy Andy

Nashville rookie defenseman Andrew Hutchinson, 23, makes the most of each opportunity to shine when called up by the Predators.  Hutchinson again netted a goal Thursday against the Penguins to give him four goals and four assists in only 17 games with the Nashville Predators.  Despite traveling back and forth from Milwaukee and Nashville, Hutchinson remains a consistent performer at each level for the Predators.  Hutchinson could become a power play fixture, however, his defensive shortcomings could hinder his ability to stick at the NHL level.  Hutchinson is rumored to be involved in trade talks as the Predators look to pick up another player for its playoff push.  Clearly, other teams are interested in Hutchinson’s offensive instincts and strong slap shot, but the Predators would be wise to hold onto the young defenseman as he can only improve his play on the blueline. 

Jarrett Continues Superior Season

Center Patrick Jarrett continues his stellar play with the Owen Sound of the OHL.  The 20-year-old leads his team with 65 points in 62 games.  He also has a team-high 42 assists.  Jarrett was selected in the 2002 Entry Draft.