
Photo: Harvard University forward and Nashville Predators prospect Jimmy Vesey was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2015, and is likely to be in the mix when the 2016 nominees are announced (courtesy of Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images)
In this week’s Prospect Impressions, a trio of NCAA hockey’s brightest young stars create highlight-reel goals. Robby Fabbri and Sam Bennett prove the OHL is in their past, and plenty more highlights await.
Throughout the course of this season, there has been a lot of conjecture about whether or not Harvard University forward Jimmy Vesey will sign with the Nashville Predators. As a third round pick of the team in 2012, Vesey is quickly approaching potential free-agency if the Predators are unable to agree to terms on an entry-level deal. That’s just fine for 29 other franchises, as the 2014-15 ECAC Player of the Year is again contending for that title and a shot at winning the Hobey Baker Award. He was a finalist last year, and with 27 points in just 16 games, he is well on his way towards another nomination. If Vesey continues to score goals like this, the next team he plays for may very well be in the NHL.
@Buccigross 1st career hat trick for Jimmy Vesey including this gem where I almost fell out of broadcast booth. pic.twitter.com/e2s51W6G5K
— Scott Sudikoff (@Sudikoff) January 16, 2016
Lot of NHL teams paying attention to BU senior, and Bruins prospect Matt Grzelcyk. Him and Vesey could lead the FA class if they go to FA.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) January 17, 2016
GOAL Harvard: Jimmy Vesey has his first career hat trick.
— Crimson Sports (@THCSports) January 16, 2016
Affectionately referred to as “JFK,” Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (BOS) is a smooth-skating, two-way center plying his trade at Boston University. His freshman season has gone quite well, rewarding his team with solid play in transition and a capable defensive presence. Where Forsbacka-Karlsson really excels, however, is in the offensive zone where he maintains possession better than most and is able to create offense on the fly. With three multi-point games in his last four, the talented Swede is one-to-watch for the Terriers.
What a pass by JFK. (Future Bruin) https://t.co/BBi2B0fd3m
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) January 16, 2016
Bruins prospect Jacob Forsbacka Karlsson now has 5 points over last 2+ games.
— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) January 15, 2016
With the duo of Brock Boeser and Nick Schmaltz away at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Drake Caggiula proved that he is more than just the product of his linemates by continuing to score in their absence. With the trio reunited at the University of North Dakota, the most dangerous line in college hockey is creating highlight-reel goals on a nighty basis. Take a look as Caggiula makes an unbelievable move right in front of the net to draw the team even against the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Instead of a new investigation on @drakecaggiula maybe we will just continue with our other one! @Buccigross pic.twitter.com/tZJqQKt8TJ
— UND Police (@UNDPoliceDept) January 17, 2016
UND PPG: Drake Caggiula finishes off another great play by Stecher to tie the game at 1-1 with 6.3 to play in the first!
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) January 17, 2016
The Kitchener Rangers made some noise at the OHL’s trading deadline when they acquired the rights to Robby Fabbri from the Guelph Storm. Less than a week later, Fabbri is still suiting up for the St. Louis Blues on a regular basis, and it is looking very unlikely that he is going to be returned to the OHL. You can’t blame Kitchener for trying, but Fabbri isn’t coming back, especially when he is creating goals like this in the NHL.
Robby Fabbri dangles & Jori Lehtera buries the OT winner! #stlblues pic.twitter.com/nlkIXUsSvf
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) January 17, 2016
Lehtera wins it 4-3 after a great play by Fabbri taking the puck to the net.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) January 17, 2016
The 2014 draft class is looking better and better as the year rolls on, and Sam Bennett is making sure he isn’t just another name at the top of the draft board. Taken fourth overall by the Calgary Flames, Bennett was snake-bitten at the beginning of the season but is heating up recently. This week alone, Bennett scored six goals in three games and was named as the NHL’s Second Star of the Week. He recorded four goals against the Florida Panthers, becoming the third-youngest player in NHL history to record a four-goal game. During that game, Bennett saved the best for last, scoring a fantastic goal after beating two defenders by himself.
Not only did @SBennett93 score four goals, he also saved the best for last. https://t.co/IpWD9ai6EH
— NHL (@NHL) January 14, 2016
Per @EliasSports: Sam Bennett is the 3rd youngest player ever to score 3 goals in a 1st period- also youngest Flame ever to get a hat trick
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 14, 2016
Most teen NHLers can only dream of a 4 goal game. Only 2 have ever done it at a younger age than Sam Bennett tonight pic.twitter.com/ImyPWHjO0b
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 14, 2016
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech. Joining the team for a critical rivalry game against their crosstown rivals, the New York Rangers, Pelech took Derek Stepan’s skate blade in a freak accident in front of the net. Just a few minutes later, Pelech returned to notch his first and second assists in the NHL.
Adam Pelech gets a skate blade right in his face! by @EverySport100 – https://t.co/JefvoFTWk0 via @DailymotionUSA
— Every Sport (@EverySport100) January 15, 2016
What’s a hockey player? #Isles Adam Pelech is a great example…takes skate 2 face & returns 2 get his 1st career pt pic.twitter.com/YYcCZCC4Mi
— Hockey Chats (@NHLHockeyChats) January 15, 2016
There have been a number of older goaltenders that have come over to North America after a few successful seasons overseas. The next potential transfer, Lars Johansson, is a 28-year-old goaltender having a career-year with Frolunda. Johansson started seven times for Frolunda in Champions Hockey League competition, winning all of them while posting a .917 save percentage. He shutout HC Davos in the first leg of their CHL semi-final matchup, making one incredible glove save in the process.
Lars Johansson with an incredible glove save during the CHL Semi-Final between Frölunda and Davos tonight… pic.twitter.com/1SAqWKTjvq
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) January 12, 2016
Lars Johansson, Frölunda, with a stellar save vs HC Davos in Champions Hockey League semifinal. @frolunda_hc https://t.co/MnSCHmI7hv
— Marie Lehmann (@svtlehmann) January 12, 2016
Giving a new take on the term “benched,” Linkoping defenseman Daniel Rahimi decided it was time for Farjestad forward Joakim Nygards to take a seat. It is the worst case scenario for Nygards, who returned to the game unscathed, except for a slight hit to his pride.
Daniel Rahimi hit Joakim Nygårds into the penalty box in a game between Färjestad and Linköping in the SHL today… pic.twitter.com/3unhHR4Icp
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) January 16, 2016
Last week’s Prospect Impressions feature
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