Kris Versteeg

History

2002-03: Versteeg began his junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and completed the season with a total of 18 points and 32 penalty minutes in 57 games.

2003-04: Increased his production when he played 68 games and finished the season tied with Tampa Bay prospect Nick Tarnasky for the most points on the team with 49 (16g, 33a).

2004-05: Versteeg completed 68 games totaling 52 points (22g, 30a) and 68 penalty minutes.

2005-06: He began the season with the Kamloops Blazers, and totaled 12 points (6g, 6a) and 24 penalty minutes in 14 games, before being traded to the Red Deer Rebels in October of 2005. His combined total for the season was 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) and 127 penalty minutes in 71 games. The skilled winger had nine games with two or more points and a total of five power-play goals. It wasn’t his highest-scoring season in the WHL, but then again, Versteeg spent more than a third of the season playing defense for the Rebels. Earned a tryout contract with the Providence Bruins following the close of the WHL season. Versteeg had two goals and four assists in 13 games with the P-Bruins.

2006-07:

2007-08: Versteeg helped light the lamp on a regular basis in Rockford, as he was third on the team in points per game and second in playoff scoring. He also racked up 174 penalty minutes, which was a team high. Versteeg has always played with a chip on his shoulder, partly due to his small stature, but his growing physical presence last season did not go unnoticed. His gritty game and playmaking abilities made him one of Rockford’s most reliable players during the regular season and playoffs.  

Read Hockey’s Future’s January 2004 interview with Versteeg here.

2006 HF Article on Versteeg.

Talent Analysis

A speedy, skilled forward with good agility, Versteeg drives hard to the net and will go into traffic. He possesses a natural scoring ability, and has been successful on the power play and in the shootout. More of a passer by nature, Versteeg has improved his goal scoring output, and has turned into a legitimate scoring threat on the ice.

Future

As a smaller player, he was often overlooked, but it seems his star could be on the rise. Versteeg has grown an inch and added some bulk since he was drafted, and continues to improve his overall offensive performance. He may never be a top line scorer, but could see third or fourth line duty, and possibly time on the power play in the NHL.