Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

Add to Favorites  |  RSS

Featured Article

Mighty Ducks consider 2002 draftees

Written by: Kevin Forbes on 05/20/2004

In less then two weeks, on June 1, NHL teams face a deadline for signing CHL players drafted in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, the Mighty Ducks left it to the final two weeks before the deadline to sign prospects such as Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, Igor Pohanka and Joel Stepp. This season, they find themselves in a similar situation with five prospects needing contract offers to retain their rights. Here's a look at the one forward and four defensemen who could either re-enter the draft this year or become unrestricted free agents if not signed.

Tim Brent, 37th Overall (2nd round) in 2002
The 20-year-old center had a career season this year. A captain in Toronto for St. Micheal's Majors, Brent was also an alternate captain for Canada's silver medal winning team at the World Juniors. An OHL All-Star and the captain of Team OHL in the RE/MAX Challenge, he has the potential to be a second liner in the NHL. Although he is only average in size, Brent plays a strong two-way game and is team captain material.
Prediction: Anaheim would be foolish not to do whatever it takes to sign him.

Brian Lee, 71st Overall (3rd round) in 2002
Lee is still just 19, turning 20 in June. He found an offensive side to his game this year. With 40 points, he completely demolished his previous career high of 19. Mainly a defensive defenseman, Lee plays the body often and skates well. He has good size and was an alternate captain for the Erie Otters.
Prediction: For a team lacking in NHL quality blueliner prospects, Lee is a player who could make the grade and play in Anaheim sometime down the road.

Luke Fritshaw, 173rd Overall (6th round) in 2002
Fritshaw will be an unrestricted free agent if he isn't signed by the deadline, because of his age. A physical, stay at home defender, the Prince Albert Raider reached a career high in points this season. He has great size, but overall, he may lack the skills to make an impact in the NHL.
Prediction: Fritshaw would be another addition to a collection of depth defensemen in Cincinnati. It is doubtful that he will be signed.

Francois Caron, 261st overall (9th round) in 2002
At the draft, Caron was expected to be a one of the top players selected from the QMJHL. Instead, he fell to Anaheim in the ninth round. He was traded early in his QMJHL career for fellow Ducks prospect Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, and in a way, his fate may be similar. Parenteau was also a ninth round selection, now looking to be a late round gem, after a strong rookie season in the AHL. Caron is a puck-moving defenseman who skates extremely well and is great handling the puck.
Prediction: Anaheim lacks blueliners who can move the puck. Caron could be signed and developed slowly.

Chris Petrow, 267th overall (9th round) in 2002
As has been mentioned before, Petrow's rights aren't even confirmed to belong to Anaheim, right now. Oshawa news has reported that he is an unrestricted free agent, but according to most major media outlets, his rights are still in Anaheim's possession. Petrow has had significant trouble with injuries that have limited his ability to play. When he is healthy, he plays a tough, two-way game.
Prediction: Doubtful he will be signed; his injuries prevented him from making much of an impression.

Other News

Center Tony Martensson has signed a two-year deal with Linkoping of the Swedish Elite League. The 23-year-old has led the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in the past two seasons in scoring with a total of 103 points in 146 AHL games. An RFA this offseason, he made his NHL debut with Anaheim this season, playing in six games and registering a goal and an assist. Reports indicate that Martensson may yet stay in North America, depending on how negotiations with Anaheim go for a new contract. He is expected to inform Linkoping of his decision on July 15th, the deadline for qualifying restricted free agents.

The Mighty Ducks have signed another undrafted college free agent. Dustin Penner was signed to a three-year deal after a season with Maine. The 21-year-old Manitoba native is a gritty player with some offensive skills and should see time next year in Cincinnati. Penner is the second college free agent to be signed this offseason by the Ducks, after Curtis Glencross was signed in April.

Corey Perry opened some eyes with a three-game tryout in the AHL playoffs after his London Knights were eliminated from the OHL playoffs. The 18-year-old right winger saw time in three games and recorded a goal and an assist. Perry played on the top line for Cincinnati and also played on their top powerplay unit.

Discuss the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on Hockey's Future's Message Boards.

Copyright 2004 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.