Report from Tampas prospects

[Tampa GM]

Over the last couple of years, Tampa Bay have recieved alot of critiscm over drafting. Alot of people has claimed that all Tampa was intrested in was players who played for MODO in the SEL. That might have been the case but this season alot of Tampa Bay drafted players(even players who hasnt played for MODO) have started the season very well and the future might be bright after all in Tampa.

Marcus Paulsson
The 21 years old Swede played for the Saskaaton Blades in the WHL for two season without scoring more then 34 points in a season. Last season he struggle in the SEL with Malmö and only scoring 1 goal. Malmo was relegated and Paulsson felt he needed a new challenge. He ended up playing for Lathi Pelicans in the Finnish Elite League and after 14 games he has scored 9 goals. Watch out for Paulsson next year since he might be playing minor league hockey.

Dan Ryder
Dan, younger brother of Michael Ryder was drafted by Tampa Bay earlier this summer. So far has the center 22 points in his first 12 games and it looks like he might be able to score 100 before the season is over. The younger Ryder is still a few years away until he sees some HFNHL action.

Patrick Thoresen
Was not drafted by Tampa, was aquired in a trade a few seasons ago. The 21 years old Norweigan born player has scored 10 points in the first 12 games for a struggling Djurgårdens IF in the SEL.

Alexander Edler
Maybe the biggest surprise of the season. Last year Edler played for MODO(theres that team again) Juniors and this season is his first in North America, playing for Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. After this first 15 games he has already impressive 18 points.

Oscar Hedman
An early pick in 2004, was drafted together with two other Swedes in the two first rounds by Tampa. Is playing as a regular in the SEL for MODO for the third season in a row. Has only one assist so far.

Carl Söderberg
Another one of those early picks of the summer of 04. Is still playing for Malmo, though they are playing in the 1st Division in Sweden this season. Carl is currently the leading scorer in the league with 13 points in 9 games.

Johannes Salmonsson
The third one of the early picks of 04. Struggles in the Western Hockey League and hasnt produce those numbers that where expected before the season started.

Corey Locke
Drafted by Tampa a few years ago after some great seasons in the CHL. Is playing for Hamilton in the AHL this season and has 4 points in as many games.

For the moment it looks like Ryder, Edler, Paulsson, Locke and Thoresen might be able to score the jackpot on the Mountain Due award and bring 4M$ to Tampa.

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[Tampa GM]

Latest update on Tampas prospects

Marcus Paulsson
If Marcus Paulsson was hot for the first 14 games in the FEL(where he scored 9 goals) he is cold as now. After 30 games he has 10 goals and 2 assist for 12 points, only three points in the last 16 games. For a while it looked like he could score 30 points that is required for the endorsement deals, now he should be lucky if he can score 15.

Dan Ryder
Dan, the younger brother of Mike Ryder has also been cold for the last month or so. After scoring 22 points in his first 12 games he has only produced 16 points in his latest 17 games. Total of 38 in 22 games and it doesnt look like he will score 100 points anymore.

Patrick Thoresen
Maybe the hottest Tampa prospect for the moment? 11 points in the last 19 games for Djurgården in the SEL. Djurgården have been struggling the entire season so far but Patrick T has been one of the best players on the team. Total of 21 points and it looks like he will reach 30 points in the near future.

Alexander Edler
Started the season great and he is still scoring. 11 points in his last 13 games for a totalt of 29 points in 28 games. Edler is one of the best rookies in the league and are currently the best producing defenceman. He is currently in Sweden for a tryout for the Swedish WJC team. Sweden will actually play a few games in his new hometown of Kelowna.

Oscar Hedman
Oscar scored his first goal of the season a few weeks ago, that goal was also the game winning goal. Total of one goal and one assist in the 28 games he has been playing. Will play for Team Sweden in the upcoming WJC in Vancouver.

Carl Söderberg
The young superstar in the 2nd tier in Sweden. 22 points in the first 17 games and it looks like Calle might be the person who brings Malmö back to the SEL.

Johannes Salmonsson
Still very cold and it seems like he will be a bust for the moment. Only 9 points in 26 games for Spokane. Is on tryout in Sweden for the WJC but should he really make the team after this season?

Corey Locke
Drafted by Tampa a few years ago after some great seasons in the CHL. One of Hamiltons best players so far, 24 points in 29 games and Corey will once again reach 40 points.

Right now it seems like Thoresen and Locke will reach the goal and earn 2000000$ to the team. Edler might also reach it but he will miss up to 10 games during the WJC. I doubt that Ryder and Paulsson will reach it anymore. On the other hand Hedman, Salmonsson or Edler could reach the all star team at the WJC.