Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

By Paula Cochrane

Ryan Kesler, C - Aug 31, 1984

At 20 years old, Ryan Kesler is the youngest player on the Manitoba Moose roster and Vancouver’s top prospect. He was the Canucks first choice and 23^rd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. In his second professional season, he has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in only 28 games with the Moose. Kesler’s quiet, calm demeanor allows him to shine under pressure. At the 2004 World Junior Championship, he scored the tying goal for Team USA in the gold medal game. Having already played in 28 games for the Canucks, he is poised to continue in the NHL when it resumes.

Alex Auld, G - Jan 7, 1981

Waiting out the NHL lockout, Alex Auld shares the net almost equally with veteran teammate Wade Flaherty, posting consistent statistics. In 15 games played with Manitoba this season, he has 9 wins and just 4 losses and 1 shutout loss. This year, his third pro season, the netminder has honed his skills to perfection and filled in the gaps. After a remarkable performance with the Canucks in last year’s NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, earning a spot with the team won’t be a problem for Auld.

Kirill Koltsov, D - Feb 1, 1983

Some might ask what kind of defenseman does a 5’11, 176-pound Russian make? His teammates agree that while not the tallest player, Koltsov has obvious talent and with continued improvement, a successful NHL career will become a reality. Areas of improvement include his attitude and knowing his place within the team. In contrast, his greatest asset is his offensive skill.  He has 17 points in 28 games this season.

Jason King, LW - Sept 14, 1981

Tied for first on the Moose in goals with 16, and second in points with 27, Jason King’s third pro season is off to an excellent start. King has cited mental focus and consistency as two aspects of his game he’s concentrating on this year with no NHL hockey. With 47 games played with the Canucks, he knows developing these two skills will be key in earning more NHL action.

Kevin Bieska, D - June 16, 1981

Transitioning to the fast-paced action of the AHL from college hockey is no easy task. This rookie seems to be handling it well. Bieska is tied for third in assists with 13, has 1 power play goal and one game winning goal. But there is still a lot to learn. He will need to improve his skating and agility to adapt to the faster paced game. One thing that has remained consistent; his penalty minutes. He currently leads the Moose with 72.

Tomas Mojzis, D – May 2, 1982

A solid, capable defenseman, Mojzis continues to improve at the AHL level. He has strong offensive and defensive skills. Using those skills reliably will be his biggest obstacle. If he can overcome that, the possibilities are endless. He needs to concentrate on basics at this point.  He has a solid 11 points and is +4 on the season.

Brandon Nolan, C – July 18, 1983

In 26 games played, Nolan has 2 goals, 4 assists and 1 power play goal. With excellent passing and puck handling, he can and should be scoring more. In 2002-03 with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, he posted 36 goals and 52 assists in just 68 games. If he can bring his scoring up, his future will be bright.

Alexandre Burrows, RW – April 11, 1981

Confusion and chaos at the net is Burrows’ style, and it’s worked well for him. While not posting excessive numbers himself, he creates opportunities for the team. He has played only 20 of the team’s 28 games.

Jesse Schultz, RW – Sept 28, 1982

Off to a decent start, Schultz has 1 goal and 6 assists. Last season, with the ECHL’s Columbia Inferno he posted 72 penalty minutes in 52 games, whereas this season, he has just two penalty minutes in his 22 games. Developing a better defensive game will be key to his future success. He is currently -3.

Nathan Smith, C - Feb 9, 1982

Nathan Smith has had a poor start to the season on the scoresheet with just four points. In his best season with Swift Current of the WHL where he posted 90 points. In his three years in the AHL, his point per game scoring has gone from .32, to .26, now to only .19. He currently has the worst plus/minus among Vancouver prospects, with -4.

Tim Smith, C - July 21, 1981

Tim Smith’s record indicates he has great scoring potential. He had 95 points last year in the ECHL, the league’s top scorer. However, he has played 17 games with Manitoba so far this season and only registered 1 goal. At 5’9, he’s the smallest player on the Moose roster. Perhaps transitioning to right or left wing will afford him more opportunity to showcase his skill at the AHL level.

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