HF Articles

[HF Article]

Prospect Impressions: A pair of goalies set records, Johnson's big night, and other h

Photo: Erie Otter forward and 2015 prospect Connor McDavid recently topped the 100-point mark in the 2014-15 season, doing so in just 38 games (courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images)


*

This past week has been full of creative and jaw-dropping NHL prospect highlights. One QMJHL goaltender sets an unusual new standard in goal scoring, while another has yet to lose since making his NHL debut. A hometown hero breaks hearts by scoring with the “Forsberg move†in a clutch situation, and the future first overall pick displays why he deserves that accolade yet again. Two European forwards showcase their elite skill, and a former prospect scored one of the best goals that didn’t make the scoresheet in this week’s Prospect Impressions.… read more

The post Prospect Impressions: A pair of goalies set records, Johnson’s big night, and other highlights appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

2015 NHL Draft: Marner breaks into a top 5 that otherwise remains unchanged in the Ma

Photo: Boston University forward and 2015 prospect Jack Eichel hoists The Beanpot trophy after the Terriers won the 2015 Beanpot by defeating Northeastern University 4-3 in the championship game (courtesy of Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)


 

While the top four players in the ISS Hockey March rankings for the 2015 NHL Draft remain unchanged, one player managed to move up a few slots to land among the top five prospects.

London Knights forward Mitchell Marner, the OHL’s leading scorer, has moved up three places to fifth in this month’s rankings. In a different year, Marner might well be a candidate to be chosen first overall given his offensive ability.… read more

The post 2015 NHL Draft: Marner breaks into a top 5 that otherwise remains unchanged in the March ISS Hockey rankings appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Prospect Impressions: Boston College duo shines, two impressive AHL goals, more plays

Photo: New York Rangers rookie forward Kevin Hayes has turned in a solid rookie season in 2014-15 after signing with the Rangers as a free agent in August of 2014 (courtesy of Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)


 

Boston College may have been eliminated from Hockey East playoff contention, but a pair of prospects showed why the future is bright in Boston. Two NHL rookies showed off their skill and creativity last week, while a pair of players in the AHL work to adjust to life in professional hockey. Finally, one of the best draft-eligible goaltenders shows why he was ranked as the top North American goalie available this June.… read more

The post Prospect Impressions: Boston College duo shines, two impressive AHL goals, more plays of the week appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

SHL Prospects Notebook, March, 2015: Skelleftea takes regular season points title, pl

Photo: Timra IK forward and Nashville Predators prospect Emil Pettersson has had a good 2014-15 season in the Allsvenskan, posting 35 points in 52 games (courtesy of City-Press via Getty images)


 

The 2014-15 SHL regular season has concluded and, as is usually the case, the cream floated to the top once the final siren rang.

Leksand and Modo were the teams at the bottom of the totem pole, so both will face-off with no less than four teams from the Allsvenskan to try to stick in the SHL. It is widely felt that Leksand, a team that came on strong at the end of the season, thanks in good part to the strong contributions of 22-year-old undrafted defenseman Linus Hultstrom (10-23-33 in 48 games), will have little problem dominating this relegation round.… read more

The post SHL Prospects Notebook, March, 2015: Skelleftea takes regular season points title, playoffs begin appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Prospect Faceoff: CHL playoff implications on the line, other playoff games in Europe

Photo: Oshawa Generals forward and Montreal Canadiens prospect Mike McCarron (L) goes head-to-head against Kingston Frontenacs forward and Calgary Flames prospect Sam Bennett (R) in a marquee NHL prospect matchup this weekend (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images)


 

Jam packed with intriguing NHL prospect matchups, this week’s Prospect Faceoff is one you don’t want to miss.

In the OHL, Oshawa and Kingston meet for the eighth time this season, where one of the league’s premier power forwards meets a top draft pick returning from injury. Also, read on as top teams in the QMJHL and WHL battle for playoff positioning with a handful of games left.… read more

The post Prospect Faceoff: CHL playoff implications on the line, other playoff games in Europe and in NCAA hockey appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

2015 NHL Draft: McDavid, Eichel locked into top slots, Strome just behind in ISS Hock

Photo: Erie Otters forwards Connor McDavid (R) and Dylan Strome (L) are ranked #1 and #3 respectively in the ISS Hockey April rankings for the 2015 NHL Draft (courtesy of Aaron Bel/OHL Images and Terry Wilson/OHL Images)


 

There are no surprises at the very top of ISS Hockey’s April rankings for the 2015 NHL Draft, but there was some movement outside the top two positions.

Holding fast as the top-rated duo for this year’s draft is Erie Otters’ center Connor McDavid and Boston University forward Jack Eichel. McDavid just completed a successful regular season with the Otters and is currently competing in the 2015 OHL playoffs.… read more

The post 2015 NHL Draft: McDavid, Eichel locked into top slots, Strome just behind in ISS Hockey’s April rankings appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Prospect Faceoff: Pivotal CHL playoff showdowns, SHL champs look to move on, and more

Photo: Niagara IceDogs forward Graham Knott (L) and Ottawa 67’s forward Travis Konecny (R) faceoff in a crucial Game Five encounter this weekend in the 2015 OHL Playoffs (courtesy of Aaron Bell/OHL Images)


 

In this week’s playoff edition of Prospect Faceoff, all three CHL leagues have series that are facing pivotal fifth games. Meanwhile, with the NCAA on hiatus, there’s a strong NAHL matchup featuring two college recruits worth keeping an eye on. Also, the SHL’s juggernaut squad in Skelleftea may have an opportunity this weekend to advance to the finals with one more win, but a top prospect for a rival will have something to say about that.… read more

The post Prospect Faceoff: Pivotal CHL playoff showdowns, SHL champs look to move on, and more prospect matchups appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

On the Rush – April 2015

Photo: Andrew Agozzino scored 58 points in 71 games during his first season as an alternate captain with the Lake Erie Monsters. (Courtesy of Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)


The 2014-15 regular season has come to a close. For our final month of On the Rush, we have a mixture of both season-long leaders and trailers, as well as a few players who either slumped or stood up during a crucial time—the final stretch. With the playoffs wrapping up for most leagues around the world and the NHL playoffs*getting ready to kick into gear, take a look at this month’s group.


Leading


Pro

Shane Prince, LW, Binghamton Senators (AHL)

Drafted by the Ottawa Senators
2nd Round, 61st overall, 2011*

While the minor-league Senators will not make the postseason, they can take solace in the development of Shane Prince.… read more

The post On the Rush – April 2015 appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

2015 U18 World Championship: Sweden should be in the hunt for a medal

Photo: Brynas forward and 2015 prospect Jens Looke was a part of Sweden’s 2015 U20 squad, and he’ll also compete for his country at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship (courtesy of Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)


</p>In the spring of 2014, Team Sweden headed to the homeland of archrival Finland with visions of grandeur, knowing full well that their blueline of redwoods would provide lots of support for not only a cast of hardworking forwards, but all-in-one weapon William Nylander, their all-star and a go-to guy like no other available to them for that U18 World Championship.

</p>Things began very promisingly, culminating in them blowing out host Finland 10-1 in playoff action.… read more

The post 2015 U18 World Championship: Sweden should be in the hunt for a medal appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

(Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Oliver Kylington, Sweden

Photo: AIK defenseman and 2015 prospect Oliver Kylington began the 2014-15 season with Farjestads of the SHL before being loaned to AIK (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt)


</p> A country that has been an international hockey power the past few seasons has looked very ordinary so far at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. Team Sweden stumbled through the preliminary round of this year’s tournament with just one win in four games, albeit in a Group A that also features Russia and the USA.

Perhaps it is fitting that this Swedish squad features a 2015 NHL Draft prospect who has struggled to live up to lofty expectations this season.… read more

The post (Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Oliver Kylington, Sweden appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

(Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Sebastian Ohlsson, Sweden

Photo: Skelleftea forward and 2015 prospect Sebastian Ohlsson has produced three goals and two assists at the U18 tournament for Team Sweden (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt)


</p> For Team Sweden, the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship has so far been a disappointment. The country’s roster heading into the tournament had the look of a squad that would contend for a medal, but the results so far suggest otherwise. The good news for the Swedes is that they have made it to the playoff round, so it is a clean slate going forward. The bad news – they face Canada in their quarter-final match.… read more

The post (Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Sebastian Ohlsson, Sweden appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

(Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Joel Eriksson Ek, Sweden

Photo: Farjestad forward and 2015 prospect Joel Eriksson Ek posted four goals and six points in 36 SHL games in 2014-15 (courtesy of Chapin Landvogt)


</p> Team Sweden is averaging four goals per game at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, but they are also averaging four goals against after the four preliminary round games. After winning just one game in the opening round, Sweden will face Canada in a quarter-final match that will take place Thursday in Lucerne, Switzerland.

A player that has produced a quarter of Sweden’s goals at this tournament is forward Joel Eriksson Ek. The Farjestad product has scored four goals on 13 shots while adding an assist to tie for the team lead in scoring at the U18.… read more

The post (Video) 2015 U18 World Championship: Joel Eriksson Ek, Sweden appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Role expanded for Hagg as season progressed with Lehigh Valley

Photo: Lehigh Valley Phantoms defenseman and Philadelphia Flyers prospect Robert Hagg (L) posted two assists in seven games for Sweden at the 2015 U20 World Junior Championship (courtesy of Corey Silvia/Icon Sportswire)


</p> With his first regular season of AHL hockey now completed, Robert Hagg will have 79 AHL games under his belt (including 10 games from 2013-14). While he’s showed flashes of brilliant play in the offensive zone, Hagg seemed to spend the second half of the season really focusing on expanding his identity to a two-way defender who can shut down opposing team’s scorers as well.

“You can’t ever forget he is 20 years old,†Lehigh Valley Phantoms head coach Terry Murray said of Hagg.… read more

The post Role expanded for Hagg as season progressed with Lehigh Valley appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[Nordic*]

Cool! Tx for the update

 

[HF Article]

The Top Five goalies not affiliated with NHL teams...yet

Photo: Lulea goaltender Joel Lassinantti won the Honken Trophy this season as the SHL’s Goalie of the Year (courtesy of Lulea Hockey/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)


</p>You only have to look as far as the NHL playoffs to see how important a goalie is. Every time a team harmlessly bumps into an opposing netminder, it’s the NHL equivalent to World War 3.

A good goalie is invaluable to a team’s success. They are without a doubt one of the most important pieces to building a great team, and yet goaltending prospects at the NHL Draft seem to be a devalued commodity.… read more

The post The Top Five goalies not affiliated with NHL teams…yet appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[joe89]

Lassinantti "by far the best goalie not playing in the NHL." I think we all know that's not even remotely true. Top5 Swedish goalie playing in Europe if we stretch it..

 

[HF Article]

Prospect Impressions: Panarin, Eichel shine at IIHF Worlds, more highlights from the

Photo: Former SKA St. Petersburg forward and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Artemi Panarin signed his first NHL contract fresh off winning the 2015 Gagarin Cup, the KHL’s championship trophy (courtesy of Matej Divizna/Getty Images)


</p> Artemi Panarin, the newest Chicago Blackhawk appears ready for the NHL, but before he gets there, an appearance at the 2015 IIHF World Championship is on tap. Likewise, top prospect Jack Eichel is playing in the tournament, and performing well at that. The human highlight reel strikes again for the Erie Otters, as Connor McDavid creates another present for the hockey world. The Washington Capitals are headed to Game Seven soon, but they wouldn’t have made it there if not for McDavid’s former teammate in Erie, Andre Burakovsky.… read more

The post Prospect Impressions: Panarin, Eichel shine at IIHF Worlds, more highlights from the OHL, AHL appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Top 50 NHL Prospects: Islanders, Ducks each land two prospects in 11-20 group

Photo: Toronto Marlies forward and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander produced 32 points in 37 games for the Marlies during the 2014-15 regular season (courtesy of Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)


</p>The Spring edition of the Hockey’s Future ranking of the Top 50 NHL prospects continues with the 11 thru 20 section. All of the players in this section of the ranking are projected to have bright NHL careers ahead of them, and several – with hard work and a little luck – could develop into stars.

Seven forwards and three defensemen make up this part of the ranking. A couple of the players in this section saw extensive time in the NHL this season while others are expected to push for spots in 2015-16.… read more

The post Top 50 NHL Prospects: Islanders, Ducks each land two prospects in 11-20 group appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

NHL Draft Primer: Samsonov tops among European goalies, fan favorites not far behind

Photo: HK Orange 20 goaltender and 2015 prospect Denis Godla led his country to a bronze medal at the 2015 U20 World Junior Championship, where he was named that tournament’s Best Goaltender (courtesy of Claus Andersen/Getty Images)


</p> As the focus shifts to European goaltending, there are a bevy of top talents available, but a few lingering fan favorites may have an opportunity to hear their name called at the 2015 NHL Draft. Among them, Ilya Samsonov leads the pack, with a pair of talented Czechs not far behind him. Those who attended or watched the 2015 World Junior Championship should recognize fan favorites George Sorensen and Denis Godla, two of a strong list of European options in net in this week’s NHL Draft Primer.… read more

The post NHL Draft Primer: Samsonov tops among European goalies, fan favorites not far behind appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

2015 World Championship: Interviews with Sweden forwards Jacob Josefson and Anton Lan

Photo: New Jersey Devils forward Jacob Josefson netted two goals and added two assists in eight games for Sweden at the 2015 IIHF World Championship (courtesy of Xavier Laine/Getty Images)


</p>Jacob Josefson is coming off his first full season with the New Jersey Devils, who drafted him in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft, although he had seen time in the previous four seasons. With just 11 points and a zero rating in 62 games, it’s felt that Josefson is showing himself to more likely be a lower-line player for the time being, and that was been the case at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.… read more

The post 2015 World Championship: Interviews with Sweden forwards Jacob Josefson and Anton Lander appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Djurgarden's Eriksson looks to youth, NHL prospects to improve team's SHL fortunes

Photo: Djurgarden Strategic General Manager Joakim Eriksson played for that club in his final pro season, posting seven goals and 25 points in 53 SHL games in the 2014-15 season (courtesy of Djurgarden Stockholm/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)


</p>After several seasons mired in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, the country’s second-highest pro league, the famed Djurgarden program of Stockholm, Sweden was back in SHL action and managed to finish ninth in the league in the 2014-15 season. This was not only a huge success in avoiding any chance of winding up in the relegation, but also of special note due to the fact that the team relied on many young, drafted players to achieve their success.… read more

The post Djurgarden’s Eriksson looks to youth, NHL prospects to improve team’s SHL fortunes appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

NHL Draft Primer: Breaking down the top re-entry candidates on defense and in goal

Photo: Ottawa 67’s goaltender and 2015 prospect Liam Herbst posted a 24-8-3-1 record in 39 regular season games for the 67’s in 2014-15 (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images)


</p>Throughout the 2014-15 season, Hockey’s Future has released a monthly article entitled “Off the Radar”, a look at players who were passed over in previous iterations of the NHL Draft. While these players are often disappointed, being shrugged off in favor of other players, there is still hope in their second, or perhaps third time through the process.

It’s a growing trend, as over 20% of all players drafted over the last three seasons have been players who re-entered the draft.… read more

The post NHL Draft Primer: Breaking down the top re-entry candidates on defense and in goal appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

SHL Prospects Notebook, June, 2015: A new champion, NHL Draft prospects, and more in

Photo: Skelleftea AIK forward and Detroit Red Wings prospect Axel Holmstrom had a breakout season in the SHL in 2014-15 and was a driving force in Skelleftea’s run to the SHL finals (courtesy of Skelleftea AIK/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)


</p>The 2014-15 season in Sweden wrapped up a good month ago and was quickly followed by an exciting World Championship tournament that featured a Swedish team with a number of SHL, NLA, and KHL-based players – one that couldn’t get further than the quarterfinals, however.

SHL Champion Vaxjo Lakers

The SHL final featured the Vaxjo Lakers against the reigning champs, Skelleftea AIK, who were seeking their third straight league championship.… read more

The post SHL Prospects Notebook, June, 2015: A new champion, NHL Draft prospects, and more in this 2014-15 wrap-up appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

Vrana, Holmstrom the top NHL-drafted forwards in the SHL in 2014-15

Photo: Linkoping HC forward and Washington Capitals prospect Jakub Vrana produced 12 goals and 24 points for the SHL club in the 2014-15 season (courtesy of Sparta Prague/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)


</p>The 2014-15 season is now a thing of the past and a boatload of drafted Swedes just finished off a full season of hockey, primarily with SHL clubs. The list of topflight talent dotting the Swedish hockey landscape is quite impressive and might have even been more so if William Nylander (TOR) and Swiss-born Kevin Fiala (NSH) had actually completed the season in the SHL.

For both, the 2015 World Junior Championship*ended their European sojourn and each continued their season playing for their NHL organization’s respective AHL clubs.… read more

The post Vrana, Holmstrom the top NHL-drafted forwards in the SHL in 2014-15 appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...

 

[HF Article]

NHL Draft Primer: Finnish star on top among European skaters despite strong Swedish c

Photo: TPS Turku forward and 2015 prospect Mikko Rantanen produced nine goals and 28 points in 56 games in Liiga in 2014-15 (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)


</p> NHL Central Scouting hasn’t been able to nail down a consistent list among European skaters eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft, with wide-ranging fluctuations occurring among these talented prospects. Once ranked as the top European skater during the middle of the season, Oliver Kylington has fallen out of the top five, and right out of the first round according to some draft pundits.

On his heels all season is a strong contingent of Swedish prospects, especially on defense, where two high-end prospects are pushing to be the first Swede drafted this year.… read more

The post NHL Draft Primer: Finnish star on top among European skaters despite strong Swedish crop appeared first on Hockey's Future.



More...