Numerous positives found in disappointing Penguins post-season

by Ian Altenbaugh
on
London Knights defenseman Scott Harrington

Photo: Finishing the season with an OHL championship and an appearance at the Memorial Cup, defenseman Scott Harrington easily saw the most post-season success of any Penguin prospect. (Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

 

Only two years ago an extended run in the NHL post-season was a seeming right of passage for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and their rabid fanbase. But after two consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008 and 2009, the Penguins have experienced dramatic early post-season upsets, the first in 2011 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and most recently in 2012 to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Read more»

Ottawa Senators prospects gained valuable post-season experience

by John Henkelman
on
Defenseman Chris Wideman

Photo: Defenseman Chris Wideman was one of many Senators prospects to ink an entry-level deal at the conclusion of his season. Expected to start 2012-13 in the AHL, Wideman brings a two-way puck-moving presence to the Ottawa organization. (Tim G. Zechar/Icon SMI)

 

As an organization, the Ottawa Senators were able to gain invaluable experience during the recent playoff season. The NHL club exceeded most predictions and made the playoffs in what was supposed to be a rebuilding season. Many observers credited a portion of their success to a core group of young players who played a major role in the Binghamton Senators championship run in the 2010-11 AHL playoffs.

Read more»

Several St. Louis Blues CHL prospects enjoyed long 2012 post-season

by Brad Gardner
on

Photo: Goaltender Jordan Binnington had a rough post-season posting an 0-2 record and a 5.00 goals against average. (CHL Images)

 

Plenty of St. Louis prospects made noise during their team's respective postseason runs with several bringing home league championships. Two prospects were integral to Saint John's run toward their second consecutive QMJHL Championship while a third Quebec League prospect came out on top at the Memorial Cup. The Blues were also represented on the Swedish Elite League champion Brynas team. Several other prospects ranked among their league's top scorers during the playoffs despite falling short of the championship.

Read more»

Video: 2012 NHL Combine – Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia Sting

by Ken McKenna
on
Alex Galchenyuk - Sarnia Sting

Photo: Center Alex Galchenyuk of the OHL's Sarnia Sting could be a hot commodity at the 2012 NHL Draft (courtesy of OHL Images)

 

If there is a true “wild card” prospect for the forthcoming 2012 NHL Draft, that player would have to be center Alex Galchenyuk of the OHL's Sarnia Sting.  Galchenyuk has been been rated anywhere from first overall to the mid-teen's by various scouting services, so it is anyone's guess right now where the talented forward will land in the pecking order.

Read more»

The 2012 NHL Combine and how it may influence the NHL Draft

by Leslie Treff
on
The 2012 NHL Combine Tests

Photo: The NHL Combine has long been an important event leading up to the Draft. This year it was particularly important as many of the top eligible prospects had their seasons cut short by injury. (Ken McKenna/HF)

 

Last week, the National Hockey League engaged in its annual ritual of interviewing, testing, and examining the top players eligible for the 2012 Entry Draft. The 105 prospects that attended the Combine were poked, prodded and questioned, as well as given psychological tests. The difference this year is that there were many more second-year eligible prospects in attendance, and maybe more importantly, many draft eligible prospects had endured injury shortened seasons, which resulted in different concerns on the part of the NHL teams.

Read more»

Top Prospects

  1. Darnell Nurse
  2. Sean Monahan
  3. Zach Nastasiuk
  4. Chris Bigras
  5. Bo Horvat
  6. Ryan Hartman
  7. Kerby Rychel
  8. Max Domi
  9. Jimmy Lodge
  10. Nikita Zadorov
  11. Spencer Martin
  12. Jason Dickinson
  1. Justin Bailey
  2. Jordan Subban
  3. Nick Moutrey
  4. Nick Baptiste
  5. Ryan Kujawinski
  6. Remi Elie
  7. Dakota Mermis
  8. Henri Ikonen
  9. Dane Fox
  10. Max Iafrate
  11. Frank Palazzese
  12. Luke Cairns
HF Boards