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Flyers Top 20 prospects

Written by: Al Alven on 10/01/2004

Flyers Top 20 Prospects at a Glance

1.  Jeff Carter, Center
2.  Mike Richards, Center
3.  Antero Niittymaki, Goaltender
4.  Stefan Ruzicka, Right Wing
5.  Dennis Seidenberg, Defenseman
6.  R.J. Umberger, Center
7.  Patrick Sharp, Center
8.  Rejean Beauchemin, Goaltender
9.  Rosario Ruggeri, Defenseman
10.  David Tremblay, Goaltending
11.  Alexandre Picard, Defenseman
12.  Ryan Potulny, Center
13.  Alexander Drozdetsky, Right Wing
14.  Bernd Bruckler, Goaltender
15.  Ben Eager, Left Wing
16.  Randy Jones, Defenseman
17.  Jussi Timonen, Defenseman
18.  Mathieu Brunelle, Left Wing
19.  Dov Grumet-Morris, Goaltender
20.  Konstantin Rudenko, Left Wing

Key: Rank, (Previous Rank), Name, Position, Rating/Grade

1.  (1) Jeff Carter, Center, 9.0 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
S.S. Marie Greyhounds	OHL	57	36	30	66	+4	26	11	6
Team Canada	WJC	6	5	2	7	+5	2	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	12	4	1	5	-2	0	1	1

Count Carter among the many players who have or will be affected in a major way by the NHL lockout. The London, Ontario native – arguably the top 19-year-old hockey player in the world – was a virtual lock to make the Flyers' roster this season. He has next to nothing to prove at the major junior level, where he has developed as an elite prospect over the past three seasons with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL. However, due to the lockout and the controversial agreement that prohibits CHL trained players under the age of 20 from playing in the AHL, Carter has no choice but to return to the Greyhounds for one more campaign. Already one of the OHL's top performers, he is one of a handful of players who could challenge for several of the circuit's scoring records this season. With no professional obligations, Carter will also get another chance to lead Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, after serving as a member of the silver medal-winning squad that was upset by the United States at last year's event. No one can deny Carter's world class skills and virtually endless potential. It is simply unknown, however, when he will be able to display his talents on the world's biggest hockey stage.

2.  (2) Mike Richards, Center, 8.0 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Kitchener Rangers	OHL	58	36	53	89	+21	82	7	4
Team Canada	WJC	6	2	3	5	+11	2	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Kitchener Rangers	OHL	1	0	0	0	E	0	0	0

Richards may be a notch below Jeff Carter in terms of talent and expected potential, but he brings so many positive qualities to the table that he is an elite prospect in his own right. The 19-year-old pivot is a born leader, a player mature beyond his age who does all of the subtle things necessary to help his teams win. In fact, the only notable weaknesses in his game are his lack of size and superior skating ability. Otherwise, Richards is a world class talent with what looks to be a solid NHL career ahead of him. Like Carter, the Kenora, Ontario native will return for a fourth OHL season in 2004-05. If not for the lockout, Richards would have had about a 50/50 chance of making the Flyers out of training camp. As it is, he will be back in his role as captain of the Kitchener Rangers, a team he helped guide to a Memorial Cup championship two seasons ago. Richards finished seventh in the OHL in scoring in 2003-04, despite missing 10 games. Expect to see him at or near the top of virtually every offensive stat list at the end of this season as well. Richards is also an absolute lock to be selected by Team Canada for another crack at the WJCs in December, most likely to center the team's second line behind Carter.

3.  (3) Antero Niittymaki, Goaltender, 8.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	49	24	13	6	7	2.02	.924
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	3	3	0	0	0	1.00	.961

Postseason

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	12	6	6	–	0	1.81	.926

Niittymaki answered his critics in a big way last season. After a subpar first North American campaign in 2002-03, the Turku, Finland native took over for veteran Neil Little as AHL affiliate Philadelphia Phantoms' undisputed starter and emerged as one of the top goaltenders in the American Hockey League, finishing fifth in the league in wins (24), tied for fifth with a club-record seven and ninth in GAA (2.02). The highlight of his season came in February, when he received his first taste of NHL action. Subbing for the injured Robert Esche (prior to the team's acquisition of Sean Burke from Phoenix), Niittymaki ran up an impressive three wins in three starts. This included a stellar 4-1 victory over the Devils on Feb. 10, which endeared him to the Philadelphia fans. "Frank" (nicknamed after the 1930s gangster Frank Nitty by Ken Hitchcock) returned to the Phantoms for a stellar stretch drive and playoff run. He was even credited with a goal in the season finale at Hershey, becoming the first Phantom and just the seventh AHL goaltender to do so. Niittymaki was actually set to replace Burke as Esche's backup for the upcoming season, but the NHL lockout obviously has altered those plans. As it is, he will return for at least one more season of AHL play with the Phantoms.

4.  (5) Stefan Ruzicka, Right Wing, 7.5 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	2	0	0	0	E	0	0	0
Owen Sound Attack	OHL	62	34	38	72	+2	63	5	0
Team Slovakia	WJC	6	3	3	6	+1	2	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Owen Sound Attack	OHL	7	1	6	7	+3	8	1	0
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	3	1	0	1	-1	2	1	0

The Flyers scored something of a coup with their first round selections of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards (11th and 24th overall, respectively) in 2003. The team just may have hit the jackpot, however, with their third round selection of Stefan Ruzicka (81st overall) in that same draft. The mega-talented Slovakian forward burst onto the North American scene last season, posting huge numbers as a rookie with the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. Scouts and observers were pleasantly surprised to see "Rosie" make such a quick, easy transition to the North American-style game. By the end of his first month at Owen Sound, he was already considered an impact player, a dangerous gamebreaker who opposing teams were forced to gameplan against. Ruzicka's production stayed consistent throughout the campaign. He was also Team Slovakia's top performer at the WJCs in Finland, and did very well in his first (albeit brief) pro tryout stint with the Phantoms in the springtime. With a full OHL season under his belt, Ruzicka appears ready to take his game to yet another level. He should move into the realm of the league's elite this season.

5.  (n/a) Dennis Seidenberg, Defenseman, 7.5 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	33	7	12	19	+11	31	2	0
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	5	0	0	0	-4	2	0	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	9	2	2	4	-3	4	2	0
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	3	0	0	0	+1	0	0	0

The 2003-04 campaign did not pan out as Seidenberg had envisioned it. A surprise Flyers regular in his rookie North American season two years ago, the German-born rearguard fell victim to a numbers crunch last fall. He was assigned the Phantoms of the AHL, where he performed to mixed reviews during the first half of the season. There were some games where Seidenberg looked like the world class defenseman, particularly with his work on the power play. In far too many contests, however, he simply looked either complacent or disinterested on the ice. The big blow to his season came on January 15th, when he suffered a broken left leg during practice. The injury would cost him the final 42 games of the regular season and any real chance he had to reclaim his spot on the Flyers roster before the playoffs. Seidenberg impressed the organization by rehabbing ferociously, and did indeed return for the Phantoms' Calder Cup Playoff run. He was also rewarded for his hard work by getting into three Flyers postseason games. At any rate, the pressure is now on Seidenberg to prove to the organization that he belongs. He must turn in an impressive season with the Phantoms if he hopes to have a future shot at a permanent NHL roster spot.

6.  (n/a) R.J. Umberger, Center, 7.0 B

Umberger opted not to return for his senior season at Ohio State in 2003-04, instead seeking to turn pro. His well-documented gamble did not work out, as he was unable to come to terms with the Vancouver Canucks and wound up spending the entire campaign on the sidelines (he was acquired by the New York Rangers at the trade deadline, but remained unsigned). The question now is, can the talented Pittsburgh native fulfill his potential as a member of the Flyers' organization? Additionally, what kind of impact (if any) will the year away from the rink have on his game, in both the short and longterm? Of course, those questions can only be answered over time. What we know for sure is that Umberger was one of the NCAA's top players during his three seasons with the Buckeyes. He was a first round pick of the Canucks (16th overall in 2001) and has long been touted as a potential scoring-line player in the NHL. The 22-year-old will officially begin his pro career with the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) in mid October.

7.  Patrick Sharp, Center, 7.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	41	5	2	7	-3	55	0	0
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	35	15	14	29	+5	45	7	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	12	1	0	0	-2	2	0	0
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	1	2	0	2	E	0	0	0

Sharp played well in his first extended, injury-motivated stint with the Flyers last season. He was used by head coach Ken Hitchcock in mostly a checking line role, though he also saw spot duty on the first and second lines while the team remained in a state of flux. At any rate, the former University of Vermont standout continued to impress the organization with his smart, steady play, solid work ethic and versatility. He also provided the veteran-laden squad with fresh legs and a youthful exuberance on every shift. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native struggled a bit down the stretch, but still got into 12 playoff games with the Flyers, quite a feat for a rookie on a Hitchcock-coached team. Sharp was expected to become a full-time NHL in 2004-05, but the lockout obviously changed those plans. As it is, he will join fellow would-be Flyers Joni Pitkanen and Dennis Seidenberg on the Phantoms roster. Now entering his third professional season, Sharp is maturing into a fine all-around player. He is not flashy and is not expected to put up anything resembling big numbers in the NHL. However, he has the look and makeup of a third line center capable, at times, of moving up a line or two or even shifting to wing when necessary.

8.  (14) Rejean Beauchemin, Goaltender, 7.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Prince Albert Raiders	WHL	62	30	21	6	6	2.32	.911

Postseason

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Prince Albert Raiders	WHL	6	2	4	–	0	2.33	.909
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

The Flyers brass thought so much of Beauchemin's play last season that he was summoned out of his job as a teacher's aid in Manitoba to join the team as an emergency third string goaltender during the team's playoff run. Of course, the 19-year-old netminder did not see any game action, but the experience he gained while practicing with and against NHL players is immeasurable. Beauchemin put his name on the map last season by guiding the Prince Albert Raiders (perennial WHL doormats) to their first postseason appearance in four years in just his first season as a starter at the major junior level. He is now regarded as one of the top amateur goaltenders in North America and, thus, will have much more pressure and responsibility placed upon his shoulders this season. Beauchemin will return to "Hockeytown North" for at least one more junior season. He was the most impressive goaltender at both the Flyers' July prospect mini-camp and at Team Canada's recent national development camp. Based on his performance at the latter, the Winnipeg native is likely to get a shot at starting for his country at the WJCs in December/January. That alone is proof of how far he has come over the past year.

9.  (7) Rosario Ruggeri, Defenseman, 7.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Chicoutimi Sagueneens	QMJHL	65	12	36	48	+13	98	9	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Chicoutimi Sagueneens	QMJHL	18	2	2	4	-4	28	2	0

Ruggeri will make his professional debut with the Phantoms this season after a rock solid, four-year junior career with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the QMJHL. A steady rearguard who employs more of a stay-at-home style, Ruggeri plays the game with a remarkably high level of confidence and self-assurance. He always has his head up, sees the ice very well and, more often than not, makes excellent decisions with the puck. He is not expected to put up notable numbers in the pro ranks, though he does possess a fine shot from the point and good passing skills. While not a world class puckhandler by any stretch, Ruggeri protects the puck well and rarely commits costly turnovers. He also brings a lot of aggressiveness to the table, and, while not a big open ice hitter, will punish opposing forwards along the boards or in front of his goaltender. Ruggeri is not a top prospect, but he is fundamentally sound and, thus, looks to be a safe bet. Look for him to make a rather quick adjustment to the pro game.

10.  (13) David Tremblay, Goaltender, 6.5 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Gatineau Olympiques	QMJHL	47	33	10	3	3	2.63	.908

Postseason

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Gatineau Olympiques	QMJHL	15	12	2	–	2	1.96	.916

Like Beauchemin, Tremblay thrived in his first season as a starting goaltender at the major junior level. In fact, he led his hometown team all the way to the Memorial Cup Tournament, Canada's national junior championship event. The Olympiques fell short, but Tremblay earned rave reviews for his play, just as he did during the regular season and throughout the QMJHL playoffs. The Gatineau native was selected by the Flyers in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was the first of three netminders taken by the team, preceding Beauchemin (sixth round, 191st overall) and Ville Hostikka (sixth round, 193rd overall). The 6-2, 185 lb. backstop is cut in the mold of the “traditional” French Canadian goaltender. That is, he is a butterfly, paddle-down stylist who takes away the low shot and relies on his athleticism and reflexes to make the difficult saves. Tremblay, again like Beauchemin, will return for at least one more season of junior play in 2004-05. At present, he appears to be slightly below his contemporary on the Flyers depth chart, but that could all change. For the first time in years, the organization has a host of promising young goaltending prospects in the fold. Only time will tell who emerges as the best of the group.

11.  Alexandre Picard, Defenseman, 6.5 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
C. B. Screaming Eagles	QMJHL	57	10	26	36	+23	44	9	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
C. B. Screaming Eagles	QMJHL	5	0	0	0	+2	0	0	0

Though the Flyers owned the right to make 11 total selections at the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, the team picked only one defenseman. Chief Quebec scout Simon Nolet explained shortly thereafter that he had had his eyes on Alexandre Picard (3rd round, 85th overall) for some time. The Gatineau native can best be described as a "jack of all trades, master of none." While he is not particularly proficient in any one aspect of the game, he has been praised by Nolet and other scouts for his ability to do virtually everything well. Picard's game is so smooth and sound that it is difficult to pinpoint any of his weaknesses. The 19-year-old blueliner returns this season to the Halifax Mooseheads after a unique arrangement that saw him and a few other players essentially loaned to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for one season. This will be the young defenseman's fourth and likely final junior season. He was invited to Team Canada's national development camp in August, and is likely to join Jeff Carter, Mike Richards and Rejean Beauchemin on the country's roster for the world junior championships.

12.  (19) Ryan Potulny, Center, 6.5 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
University of Minnesota	WCHA	9	1	5	6	–	6	0	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
University of Minnesota	WCHA	6	5	3	8	–	4	2	0

Potulny is the epitome of a darkhorse forward candidate, simply because many scouts and observers differ on their assessment of his longterm potential. An elite player at the high school and junior B levels, the jury is still out as to just how good the Grand Forks, North Dakota native will be in the NCAA. The early returns have been quite promising, however. Potulny wrecked his knee just eight games into his collegiate career at Minnesota last season, but led the team with five assists at the time. He was expected to redshirt the season, but instead refused and rehabbed himself back to health. He returned to the Golden Gophers' lineup at the end of the regular season and went on to lead the team in playoff scoring with eight points (five goals, three assists) in six games. Potulny never got the chance to become a fixture in Minnesota's lineup last season, but, if he can stay healthy, that will happen in 2004-05. A dynamic player with the ability to bring a crowd to its feet with his dazzling array of tricky shots and dekes, Potulny put in a great showing at the Flyers' prospect mini-camp in July. He is certainly a player to watch this season.

13.  (6) Alexander Drozdetsky, Right Wing, 6.5 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Ak Bars Kazan	Rus-1	57	16	13	29	–	62	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Ak Bars Kazan	Rus-1	1	0	0	0	–	2	–	–

Drozdetsky’s absence from the Flyers’ July prospect mini-camp was glaring, yet far from unexpected. With every passing year, fans, observers and the Flyers organization itself continues to wait on the arrival of the talented Russian forward. For a variety of reasons, however, it is starting to look like he may never cross the pond at all. More than five years have gone by since chief European scout Inge Hammarstrom made his infamous "next Igor Larionov" comment upon the team's drafting of Drozdetsky. At the time, "Droz" was a promising, albeit one-dimensional 19-year-old in the St. Petersburg SKA system. He has steadily improved since, transforming from a primarily offensive player to a more complete player in the Russian Super League. Even so, no player in the Flyers system elicits the volume of conflicting projections that Drozdetsky does. Despite his apparent physical skills and abilities, many observers continue to question whether he possesses the desire and/or mental makeup necessary to succeed in the NHL. Unfortunately, we may never get the chance to find out for sure.

14.  (10) Bernd Bruckler, Goaltender, 6.5 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
University of Wisconsin	WCHA	33	17	7	8	2	2.15	.924

Postseason

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
University of Wisconsin	WCHA	3	1	2	–	1	2.35	.889
University of Wisconsin	NCAA	2	1	1	–	1	–	.964

World Championships

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Team Austria	IIHF	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

The University of Wisconsin hockey program, not too long ago one of the most consistently successful in the nation, has fallen on hard times in recent years. Poor play on the ice and scandals off of it have been the primary culprits, but there are sure signs that things are beginning to turn around in Madison. Last season, junior Bernd Bruckler provided the program's faithful with a reason for optimism, carrying the team back to the NCAA tournament while establishing himself as one of the top collegiate netminders in the nation. The Graz, Austria native not only won games and turned pucks aside for the Badgers, he helped re-instill a confidence and a sense of pride in the program that seemed to have been lacking in recent years. Bruckler has steadily improved over the past three years while working with legendary goaltending coach Bill Howard, the man also responsible for grooming Mike Richter, Curtis Joseph and Jim Carey for the NHL. He will return to the Badgers for his senior season, but must not rest on his laurels. After all, with the likes of Antero Niittymaki, Rejean Beauchemin and David Tremblay ahead of him on the organizational depth chart, Bruckler appears to be fighting an uphill battle for a future roster spot with the Flyers.

15.  (8) Ben Eager, Left Wing, 6.0 B

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	5	0	0	0	E	0	0	0
Oshawa Generals	OHL	61	25	27	52	-3	204	6	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Oshawa Generals	OHL	7	2	3	5	E	31	0	0

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–

A handful of players turned in standout performances at the Flyers' prospect mini-camp in July. Jeff Carter, Ryan Potulny and Mathieu Brunelle all looked sensational at times, but it was Ben Eager who came away as the session's top performer in the eyes of many observers. It is important, of course, to remember that Eager is 20 years old and is coming off of a four-year junior career with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. Thus, from a maturity standpoint, he is in a better position to look dominant in comparison to a group made up of mostly 18 and 19-year-olds. Still, Eager's performance speaks for itself. The ultra-physical forward will be one of several new faces on the Phantoms roster this season. He is expected to make a smooth transition to the pro game, as his game is much suited to the American Hockey League's style of play. Eager, acquired from Phoenix in the big Sean Burke/Mike Comrie trade last spring, is the Flyers' de facto top left wing prospect. Ideally, the Flyers are holding out hope that the Ottawa native turns out to be a late-blooming power forward in the John LeClair mold. More realistically, however, he looks to be on track to develop into a decent NHL checking line winger one day.

16.  (15) Randy Jones, Defenseman, 6.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	55	8	24	32	E	63	2	0
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	5	0	0	0	+1	0	0	0

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Philadelphia Flyers	NHL	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	12	0	1	1	-1	17	0	0

Of the four undrafted free agents signed by the Flyers last summer (Joey Hope, James Laux and Freddy Meyer being the others), Jones had the most impressive season. The former Clarkson University standout battled inconsistency and concussion problems in the early going, but soon emerged as a top four defenseman for the Phantoms. Head coach John Stevens repeatedly praised Jones for his steady play and leadership, and used the young defender in all game situations throughout the campaign. Jones struggled a bit down the stretch for the Phantoms and his offense all but completely disappeared in the postseason. Still, he remained solid in his own end and his work ethic remained very strong. Jones appeared in five games with the Flyers as an injury recall during the regular season and did not look at all out of place. If not for the NHL lockout, Jones would have entered training camp season with, at worst, an outside shot at making the NHL outright. As it is, however, he will remain with the Phantoms for at least one more season. The AHL team's blueline will be crowded this season, with a number of returning starters and the recent additions of would-be Flyers Joni Pitkanen and Dennis Seidenberg. Thus, it will be interesting to see both where Jones fits in and whether or not he can improve upon his fine freshman campaign.

17.  (NR) Jussi Timonen, Defenseman, 6.0 D

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Jukurit Mikkeli	Mestis	24	7	9	16	–	10	–	–
TPS Turku	Fin-1	20	0	0	0	-3	4	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Jukurit Mikkeli	Mestis	13	0	4	4	–	0	–	–

The Flyers enjoyed many pleasant surprises within their farm system last year, the emergence of Stefan Ruzicka and the dominance displayed by first year junior starting goaltenders Rejean Beauchemin and David Tremblay chief among them. There were also, however, a number of disappointments. No prospect falls into that latter category more accurately than Timonen. The skilled Finnish defenseman was, by most accounts, developing steadily and was thought by some to be poised for a breakout season in SM-liiga. It did not happen, however. In fact, Timonen struggled so mightily on the crowded TPS Turku blueline that the previously unthinkable occurred – he was demoted to the Mestis, Finland's equivalent of the minor leagues. Once he suited up with perennial second-tier powerhouse Jukurit, it became apparent that Timonen's troubles all along stemmed mostly from a lack of confidence. He quickly rediscovered his game and became a vital component of the team's blueline unit during the stretch run. Timonen will look to rebound this season with a new SM-liiga team, having signed a contract with SaiPa during the offseason. He remains a talented performer, but only time will tell whether or not he can get back on track and re-establish himself as a top NHL prospect.

18.  (12) Mathieu Brunelle, Left Wing, 5.5 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Trenton Titans	ECHL	64	26	30	56	-6	100	11	0
Philadelphia Phantoms	AHL	7	0	1	1	+1	2	0	0

Brunelle has spent the better part of his young hockey career listening to the critics tell him he is too small to succeed in the professional game. Though he was an offensive star during his junior days in the QMJHL, scouts and observers have always tempered their projections of the feisty forward's future. Brunelle is listed as being 6 ft., 190 lbs. by the Phantoms, figures that appear to be a bit exaggerated. After the success the Warwick, Quebec native enjoyed during his first pro season, however, some observers are beginning to change their tune. As a 20-year-old, Brunelle put up very strong numbers with the ECHL's Trenton Titans and appeared in seven games with the Phantoms. While he still figures to be a longshot to one day become an NHL regular, he has already shown signs of developing into a potentially dominant AHL player. Brunelle has the tools to succeed with the Phantoms, but he merely needs more experience. He should get all he can handle this season, as he is scheduled to join the team full-time for the 2004-05 season.

19.  (18) Dov Grumet-Morris, Goaltender, 5.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Harvard University	ECAC	26	10	13	3	2	2.43	.912

Playoffs

Team	League	GP	W	L	T	SO	GAA	SP
Harvard University	ECAC	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
Harvard University	NCAA	1	0	1	–	0	5.00	.891

The names Aaron Israel and Tripp Tracey mean nothing to the vast majority of hockey fans, and for good reason. Both were reasonably talented goaltenders drafted out of Harvard University by the Flyers in the 1990s. Israel and Tracey were thought to have decent post-collegiate careers ahead of them, but both fizzled quickly as professionals. It is their "legacy" and the lingering impression that an Ivy League goaltender cannot succeed in the NHL that Grumet-Morris is hoping to overcome. Like Bernd Bruckler, the Illinois native is entering his senior year and third campaign as an NCAA starter. Grumet-Morris has guided the Crimson to three straight national tournament appearances and is regarded as one of, if not the best goaltender in the ECAC. He is a smart player who relies on savvy and positioning, though he glaringly lacks the standout elements that scouts look for in a future NHL netminder.

20.  (17) Konstantin Rudenko, Left Wing, 5.0 C

2003-04 Statistics - Regular Season

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl	Rus-1	42	10	12	22	–	18	–	–

Postseason

Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts.	+/-	PIMs	PPG	SHG
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl	Rus-1	3	0	0	0	–	0	–	–

Rudenko finally got a chance to show the Russian Super League what he was capable of last season. Remaining relatively injury-free for essentially the first time in his pro career, the 23-year old forward quickly established himself as one of the top third line wingers in the circuit. He was an invaluable player for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, emerging as a solid player at both ends of the ice. The native of Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan has always played with an offensive bent to his game, and he continues to develop as a fine playmaker. However, his defensive game has also come a long way, to the point where he is now considered one of Lokomotiv's most reliable all-around players. The upcoming season figures to be a pivotal one for Rudenko, as he is still a little rough around the edges and needs to prove that he can continue to improve and mature. If he does so, and can remain healthy, he is likely to get a crack at the North American minor pro ranks in a year or two.

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