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Phoenix Coyotes Hockey’s Future Top 20 - 2006-2007 Mid-Season Rankings
Phil Kessel retains the #1 position on Phoenix’s Top 20 Rankings, however 5 of the top 10 are new, so lets get right to the new look Coyotes’ rankings.
1 - Phil Kessel - C
Last Rank - #1
HFRK: 8.5-C
From: Madison, WI USA
DOB: October 2nd, 1987
HT: 6’0”
WT: 189 lbs.
NHL: 53GP - 22PTS
Drafted: 1st Round - 5th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 5th Overall by Boston in 2006
GM Says: After a huge scare with cancer, Phil Kessel is back and has really started out where he left off, he continues to progress and get better as the season wears on, and showing that he is healthy. Kessel is still on pace to make his debut with the Coyotes, however with losing about 25 games this year may impact his experience going into the season and may keep him out of being on the 1st line, however that seems to be where he’s destined to land.
2 - David LeNeveu - G
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 8.0-C
From: Fernie, B.C.
DOB: May 23rd, 1983
HT: 6’1”
WT: 187 lbs.
NHL: 2W - 3.86 GAA
AHL: 11W - 2.99 GAA
Drafted: 1st Round - 10th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 13th Overall by Toronto in 2006
GM Says: David LeNeveu who was acquired earlier this season in the deal that saw Al Montoya leave the franchise, he was clearly brought in due to the fact that he is closer development wise, on a team who at the start of the year had 2 marginal back-ups as their only two starting options. David is a great athlete however is very raw, once he rounds out his game it is hard to determine where he will go, but he has the potential to be an All-Star goaltender, who could arrive sooner rather than later. After a slow start in the AHL David has allowed more than 3 more goals only 3 times over the last 3 months, LeNeveu could be the future in net for the Phoenix Coyotes.
3 - Jiri Tlusty - C
Last Rank - #3
HFRK: 8.0-B
From: Slany, Czech Rep.
DOB: March 16th, 1988
HT: 6’0”
WT: 196 lbs.
AHL: 6GP - 4PTS
OHL: 32GP - 33PTS
Drafted: 1st Round - 10th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 13th Overall by Toronto in 2006
GM Says: Three months after the Kopitar deal, Phoenix may have gotten the shaft end of the deal, but that is nothing against Jiri Tlusty who is still looking like a very solid top six forward. Jiri remains in the top 3 and has been doing a decent job of developing down in Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL. I personally have been fortunate enough to catch a couple games involving the SOO in person, with still atleast one more to go, and have noticed Tlusty making a quick adjustment to the North American game. Although in all likelihood he won’t debut until 2008-2009 he is clearly a big part of the future success of the Phoenix Coyotes.
4 - Jeff Schultz - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.5-B
From: Calgary, AB
DOB: , February 25th, 1986
HT: 6’6”
WT: 225 lbs.
NHL: 24GP - 3PTS
AHL: 37GP - 8PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 39th Overall by Carolina in 2004
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 27th Overall by Washington in 2004
GM Says: Jeff is a towering defenseman that can hit, and can blast the puck better than some already in the NHL. Still only 20 and developing his abilities the franchise has a big future in mind for him, believing that the former 1st round pick could be a future top 2 defenseman, due to the fact that he has all the tools offensive and defensively to be that good at this level. Schultz hasn’t found his offensive touch yet but still young and developing it may come to him soon, and he should be able to contribute in the HFNHL with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-2008 since the team will still be developing and bringing in several young players on the roster next season.
5 - Ivan Vishnevskiy - D
Last Rank - #4
HFRK: 7.5-C
From: Barnaul, Russia
DOB: February 18th, 1988
HT: 5’11”
WT: 176 lbs.
QMJHL: 30GP - 27PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 35th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 27th Overall by Dallas in 2006
GM Says: Ivan was left off the Russian Jr. team this year, which many believe hurt them in their chances of winning gold, and just turning 19 he should be available but there is a chance he could turn pro in 2007-2008. Visnnievskiy has the capabilities to become a power play quarterback at the highest level, he needs to work on his defensive abilities though.
6 - Ryane Clowe - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-B
From: Barnaul, Russia
DOB: February 18th, 1988
HT: 6’2”
WT: 215 lbs.
NHL: 42GP - 31PTS
Drafted: Signed as a Free Agent by Detroit in 2005
NHL Draft: 6th Round - 175th Overall by San Jose in 2001
GM Says: Clowe was acquired in a trade that saw former #6 prospect Jamie McBain getting moved, Clowe was seen as a 4th line grinder with offensive potential up until this season when he broke out and showed that he could be a 2nd line power forward at the highest level, Clowe is playing for San Antonio but in all likelihood will be a full time player for the Coyotes starting next year, and is a contender to debut on the 1st line.
7 - Oskar Osala - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-D
From: Vassa, Finland
DOB: December 26th, 1987
HT: 6’4”
WT: 217 lbs.
OHL: 49GP - 37PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 45th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 97th Overall by Washington in 2006
GM Says: Oskar Osala is the boom or bust prospect in the Phoenix Coyotes organization, a player who took a lot of time adjusting to the north American game, is almost like a European Todd Bertuzzi, huge frame and uses it well, is able to fight on occasion, but at the same time can score at will, which he proved this year leading the World Junior Championships in goals despite the fact that if he was born a week later he would have been eligible to play in the 2008 WJC tournament. There aren’t very many knocks against Osala, he has the skating, shooting, passing, physical and defensive game, but the big question is if he can transfer all these skills to the professional game, he has lacked scoring in Mississauga, but is playing more of a physical and defensive role on the offensively gifted Ice Dogs in the OHL, and is the kind of player who could power forward on a top 2 line and put up 50-60 points, time will tell on what Osala becomes but he has the potential to be anything from a 1st Line Power Forward, to a minor leaguer that can’t transfer his talent at the highest level.
8 - Blair Jones - C
Last Rank - #7
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: Central Butte, SK Canada
DOB: September 27th, 1986
HT: 6’0”
WT: 175 lbs.
NHL: 18GP - 3PTS
AHL: 45GP - 21PTS
Drafted: 4th Round - 105th Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 102nd Overall by Tampa Bay in 2005
GM Says: Blair Jones continues to look like a potential roster player for next year as he’s switching between NHL and AHL this year, he has the potential to succeed as a 2nd line center in the league, has all the size, strength, playmaking and hockey sense to become a top 6 forward at the NHL level.
9 - Matt Jones - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-D
From: Vassa, Finland
DOB: December 26th, 1987
HT: 6’0”
WT: 215 lbs.
NHL: 34GP - 4PTS
Drafted: 4th Round - 94th Overall by Ottawa in 2002
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 80th Overall by Phoenix in 2002
GM Says: Jones was a big part of the Phillips pick, due to the fat that he is projected to be a 2nd pairing defenseman and should be able to step in next season. Jones will never be a threat on the score sheet but is already proving to be a very solid defenseman with decent size.
10 - Theo Peckham - D
Last Rank - #9
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Richmond Hill, ON
DOB: November 10th, 1987
HT: 6’2”
WT: 216 lbs.
OHL: 51GP - 35PTS
Drafted: 5th Round - 125th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 75th Overall by Minnesota in 2006
GM Says: Despite the addition of solid prospects Peckham drops only 1 position on the list, he has set an impressive offensive course for someone seen as strictly a physical defenseman, has even been used on the wings occasionally for Owen Sound, his big shot has seemed to finally found it’s accuracy as he’s blasted 10 goals so far this season, should have a huge impact if Owen Sound is to make any noise during the playoffs, may get early call-up to the minors or be dealt to a contender next year for his overage season. At the draft combine was said to be in better shape than anyone there.
11 - Richard Clune - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Toronto, ON
DOB: November 10th, 1987
HT: 5‘11”
WT: 195 lbs.
OHL: 65GP - 76PTS
Drafted: 5th Round - 127th Overall by NY Islanders in 2005
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 76th Overall by Dallas in 2005
GM Says: Despite not playing on Barrie’s top line with Bryan Little, he has set career highs as a 19 year old in every statistical category for himself, Clune projects to be a 2nd or 3rd line Power Forward, has offensive and physical ability, and is usually called upon to shut down the opposing team’s top player. His maturity may be in question due to the pre-season issue when his demands were not met with his former OHL team, he demanded a trade and had an article printed in the local newspaper bashing the organization/city.
12 - Raymond Sawada - LW
Last Rank - #11
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Richmond, BC Canada
DOB: February 19th, 1985
HT: 6’2”
WT: 195 lbs.
NCAA: 31GP - 21PTS
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2004
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 52nd Overall by Dallas in 2004
GM Says: Sawada is the lone NCAA player in the top 20 rankings for Phoenix, playing very consistent in his sophomore season in Cornell however will not be playing in the tournament this season as his team got knocked out of the quarter-finals. Sawada is seen as somewhat of a project but could turn into a solid two-way forward.
13 - Brad Winchester - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-B
From: Richmond, BC Canada
DOB: March 1st, 1981
HT: 6’5”
WT: 230 lbs.
NHL: 47GP - 8PTS
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2004
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 52nd Overall by Dallas in 2004
GM Says: Winchester has reached the end of his rankings this will be his final one, and he is ranked #13 as a newcomer for Phoenix. Finally getting the consideration he has been looking for, Winchester is a full time NHLer and should make his full time debut in the coyotes line-up starting next season. The towering forward looks to be very useful at the power forward position.
14 - Reto Berra - G
Last Rank - #12
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Bulach, Switzerland
DOB: January 3rd, 1987
HT: 6’4”
WT: 189 lbs.
SUI-A: Stats Unavailable
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 106th Overall by St. Louis in 2006
GM Says: With the added strength since the last rankings Berra has fallen two spots despite a very solid WJC tournament where he did rack up a shutout and was really the impact player that helped them finish as well as they did, Berra is a bit of a boom or bust due to the fact that he could be the next Aebischer or another European that never crosses the pond.
15 - Mario Scalzo - D
Last Rank - #14
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: St. Hubert, PQ Canada
DOB: November 11th, 1984
HT: 5’9”
WT: 187 lbs.
AHL: 57GP - 21PTS
Drafted: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Colorado in 2005
NHL Draft: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Dallas in 2005
GM Says: Scalzo is a very solid two-way defenseman, and has sacrificed some of his offensive game this year to improve defensively, but still remains a top 3 scorer among defensemen in the minors, Scalzo has a lot of intriguing upside that could really turn him into a 2nd pairing top 4 defenseman at the highest level.
16 - Derek Joslin - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: St. Hubert, PQ Canada
DOB: November 11th, 1984
HT: 5’9”
WT: 187 lbs.
OHL: 64GP - 44PTS
Drafted: 7th Round - 205th Overall by Vancouver in 2005
NHL Draft: 5th Round - 149th Overall by San Jose in 2005
GM Says: Joslin has been having a very solid year in the OHL and is seen as a two-way defenseman in the organization and has possibly the hardest slap shot in the OHL at the moment. Could speed up his development and be ready as early as 08-09 but he needs to fine tune some of his defensive game first.
17 - Ben Ondrus - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: Sherwood Park, AB
DOB: June 25th, 1982
HT: 6‘0”
WT: 185 lbs.
NHL: 16GP - 2PTS
Drafted: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Detroit in 2005
NHL Draft: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Toronto in 2004
GM Says: Ondrus was added earlier this year, and has been a regular on the 4th line and has found a place on left wing next to Wyatt Smith and Krys Kolanos. Ondrus looks like a 3rd or 4th line all around contributor, but must stay consistent to stay with the team, he will soon lose his prospect status.
18 - Stephen Dixon - C
Last Rank - #13
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Halifax, NS Canada
DOB: September 7th, 1985
HT: 5’11”
WT: 185 lbs.
AHL: 64GP - 31PTS
Drafted: 6th Round - 178th Overall by Vancouver in 2003
NHL Draft: 9th Round - 229th Overall by Pittsburgh in 2003
GM Says: Dixon still looks like a player with a lot of potential, he has reached new highs in points, but at the same time is a big time defensive contributor. Dixon also has great leadership skills and with all that combined could turn into a 3rd or possibly even a 2nd line center over time if he continues with his development.
19 - Wacey Rabbit - C
Last Rank - #17
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: Lethbridge, AB Canada
DOB: November 16th, 1986
HT: 5’10”
WT: 180 lbs.
AHL: 22GP - 3PTS
WHL: 27GP - 34PTS
Drafted: 6th Round 182nd Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 5th Round - 154th Overall by Boston in 2005
GM Says: Rabbit is looking more and more like a great 6th round pick up for the Coyotes. He has the offensive and defensive talent to be a solid player, but his size is really affecting his potential generously ranked at 5’10”. Rabbit is like his name; very quick, which is his biggest asset, could end up seeing time in the HFNHL as soon as the 08-09 season.
20 - Dan Collins - RW
Last Rank - #18
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: Syracuse, NY USA
DOB: February 26th, 1987
HT: 6’1”
WT: 185 lbs.
AHL: 32GP - 28PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round 44th Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 90th Overall by Florida in 2005
GM Says: Dan Collins falls two spots but keeps his place in the Top 20 rankings rounding out at #20. Collins seems very inconsistent due to the fact that some nights he looks like a 1st round pick and others he is almost a ghost on the ice, Collins has been a very solid contributor for Plymouth thus far in the season, at both ends of the ice, and could make his AHL debut next year.
The Recap
#1 - Phil Kessel - C
#2 - David LeNeveu - G
#3 - Jiri Tlusty - LW
#4 - Jeff Schultz - D
#5 - Ivan Vishnievskiy - D
#6 - Ryane Clowe - LW
#7 - Oskar Osala - LW
#8 - Blair Jones - C
#9 - Matt Jones - D
#10 - Theo Peckham - D
#11 - Richard Clune - LW
#12 - Raymond Sawada - RW
#13 - Brad Winchester - RW
#14 - Reto Berra - G
#15 - Mario Scalzo - D
#16 - Derek Joslin - D
#17 - Ben Ondrus - RW
#18 - Stephen Dixon - C
#19 - Wacey Rabbit - C
#20 - Dan Collins - RW
Phil Kessel retains the #1 position on Phoenix’s Top 20 Rankings, however 5 of the top 10 are new, so lets get right to the new look Coyotes’ rankings.
1 - Phil Kessel - C
Last Rank - #1
HFRK: 8.5-C
From: Madison, WI USA
DOB: October 2nd, 1987
HT: 6’0”
WT: 189 lbs.
NHL: 53GP - 22PTS
Drafted: 1st Round - 5th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 5th Overall by Boston in 2006
GM Says: After a huge scare with cancer, Phil Kessel is back and has really started out where he left off, he continues to progress and get better as the season wears on, and showing that he is healthy. Kessel is still on pace to make his debut with the Coyotes, however with losing about 25 games this year may impact his experience going into the season and may keep him out of being on the 1st line, however that seems to be where he’s destined to land.
2 - David LeNeveu - G
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 8.0-C
From: Fernie, B.C.
DOB: May 23rd, 1983
HT: 6’1”
WT: 187 lbs.
NHL: 2W - 3.86 GAA
AHL: 11W - 2.99 GAA
Drafted: 1st Round - 10th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 13th Overall by Toronto in 2006
GM Says: David LeNeveu who was acquired earlier this season in the deal that saw Al Montoya leave the franchise, he was clearly brought in due to the fact that he is closer development wise, on a team who at the start of the year had 2 marginal back-ups as their only two starting options. David is a great athlete however is very raw, once he rounds out his game it is hard to determine where he will go, but he has the potential to be an All-Star goaltender, who could arrive sooner rather than later. After a slow start in the AHL David has allowed more than 3 more goals only 3 times over the last 3 months, LeNeveu could be the future in net for the Phoenix Coyotes.
3 - Jiri Tlusty - C
Last Rank - #3
HFRK: 8.0-B
From: Slany, Czech Rep.
DOB: March 16th, 1988
HT: 6’0”
WT: 196 lbs.
AHL: 6GP - 4PTS
OHL: 32GP - 33PTS
Drafted: 1st Round - 10th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 13th Overall by Toronto in 2006
GM Says: Three months after the Kopitar deal, Phoenix may have gotten the shaft end of the deal, but that is nothing against Jiri Tlusty who is still looking like a very solid top six forward. Jiri remains in the top 3 and has been doing a decent job of developing down in Sault Ste. Marie of the OHL. I personally have been fortunate enough to catch a couple games involving the SOO in person, with still atleast one more to go, and have noticed Tlusty making a quick adjustment to the North American game. Although in all likelihood he won’t debut until 2008-2009 he is clearly a big part of the future success of the Phoenix Coyotes.
4 - Jeff Schultz - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.5-B
From: Calgary, AB
DOB: , February 25th, 1986
HT: 6’6”
WT: 225 lbs.
NHL: 24GP - 3PTS
AHL: 37GP - 8PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 39th Overall by Carolina in 2004
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 27th Overall by Washington in 2004
GM Says: Jeff is a towering defenseman that can hit, and can blast the puck better than some already in the NHL. Still only 20 and developing his abilities the franchise has a big future in mind for him, believing that the former 1st round pick could be a future top 2 defenseman, due to the fact that he has all the tools offensive and defensively to be that good at this level. Schultz hasn’t found his offensive touch yet but still young and developing it may come to him soon, and he should be able to contribute in the HFNHL with the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-2008 since the team will still be developing and bringing in several young players on the roster next season.
5 - Ivan Vishnevskiy - D
Last Rank - #4
HFRK: 7.5-C
From: Barnaul, Russia
DOB: February 18th, 1988
HT: 5’11”
WT: 176 lbs.
QMJHL: 30GP - 27PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 35th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 1st Round - 27th Overall by Dallas in 2006
GM Says: Ivan was left off the Russian Jr. team this year, which many believe hurt them in their chances of winning gold, and just turning 19 he should be available but there is a chance he could turn pro in 2007-2008. Visnnievskiy has the capabilities to become a power play quarterback at the highest level, he needs to work on his defensive abilities though.
6 - Ryane Clowe - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-B
From: Barnaul, Russia
DOB: February 18th, 1988
HT: 6’2”
WT: 215 lbs.
NHL: 42GP - 31PTS
Drafted: Signed as a Free Agent by Detroit in 2005
NHL Draft: 6th Round - 175th Overall by San Jose in 2001
GM Says: Clowe was acquired in a trade that saw former #6 prospect Jamie McBain getting moved, Clowe was seen as a 4th line grinder with offensive potential up until this season when he broke out and showed that he could be a 2nd line power forward at the highest level, Clowe is playing for San Antonio but in all likelihood will be a full time player for the Coyotes starting next year, and is a contender to debut on the 1st line.
7 - Oskar Osala - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-D
From: Vassa, Finland
DOB: December 26th, 1987
HT: 6’4”
WT: 217 lbs.
OHL: 49GP - 37PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round - 45th Overall by Ottawa in 2006
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 97th Overall by Washington in 2006
GM Says: Oskar Osala is the boom or bust prospect in the Phoenix Coyotes organization, a player who took a lot of time adjusting to the north American game, is almost like a European Todd Bertuzzi, huge frame and uses it well, is able to fight on occasion, but at the same time can score at will, which he proved this year leading the World Junior Championships in goals despite the fact that if he was born a week later he would have been eligible to play in the 2008 WJC tournament. There aren’t very many knocks against Osala, he has the skating, shooting, passing, physical and defensive game, but the big question is if he can transfer all these skills to the professional game, he has lacked scoring in Mississauga, but is playing more of a physical and defensive role on the offensively gifted Ice Dogs in the OHL, and is the kind of player who could power forward on a top 2 line and put up 50-60 points, time will tell on what Osala becomes but he has the potential to be anything from a 1st Line Power Forward, to a minor leaguer that can’t transfer his talent at the highest level.
8 - Blair Jones - C
Last Rank - #7
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: Central Butte, SK Canada
DOB: September 27th, 1986
HT: 6’0”
WT: 175 lbs.
NHL: 18GP - 3PTS
AHL: 45GP - 21PTS
Drafted: 4th Round - 105th Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 102nd Overall by Tampa Bay in 2005
GM Says: Blair Jones continues to look like a potential roster player for next year as he’s switching between NHL and AHL this year, he has the potential to succeed as a 2nd line center in the league, has all the size, strength, playmaking and hockey sense to become a top 6 forward at the NHL level.
9 - Matt Jones - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-D
From: Vassa, Finland
DOB: December 26th, 1987
HT: 6’0”
WT: 215 lbs.
NHL: 34GP - 4PTS
Drafted: 4th Round - 94th Overall by Ottawa in 2002
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 80th Overall by Phoenix in 2002
GM Says: Jones was a big part of the Phillips pick, due to the fat that he is projected to be a 2nd pairing defenseman and should be able to step in next season. Jones will never be a threat on the score sheet but is already proving to be a very solid defenseman with decent size.
10 - Theo Peckham - D
Last Rank - #9
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Richmond Hill, ON
DOB: November 10th, 1987
HT: 6’2”
WT: 216 lbs.
OHL: 51GP - 35PTS
Drafted: 5th Round - 125th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 75th Overall by Minnesota in 2006
GM Says: Despite the addition of solid prospects Peckham drops only 1 position on the list, he has set an impressive offensive course for someone seen as strictly a physical defenseman, has even been used on the wings occasionally for Owen Sound, his big shot has seemed to finally found it’s accuracy as he’s blasted 10 goals so far this season, should have a huge impact if Owen Sound is to make any noise during the playoffs, may get early call-up to the minors or be dealt to a contender next year for his overage season. At the draft combine was said to be in better shape than anyone there.
11 - Richard Clune - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Toronto, ON
DOB: November 10th, 1987
HT: 5‘11”
WT: 195 lbs.
OHL: 65GP - 76PTS
Drafted: 5th Round - 127th Overall by NY Islanders in 2005
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 76th Overall by Dallas in 2005
GM Says: Despite not playing on Barrie’s top line with Bryan Little, he has set career highs as a 19 year old in every statistical category for himself, Clune projects to be a 2nd or 3rd line Power Forward, has offensive and physical ability, and is usually called upon to shut down the opposing team’s top player. His maturity may be in question due to the pre-season issue when his demands were not met with his former OHL team, he demanded a trade and had an article printed in the local newspaper bashing the organization/city.
12 - Raymond Sawada - LW
Last Rank - #11
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Richmond, BC Canada
DOB: February 19th, 1985
HT: 6’2”
WT: 195 lbs.
NCAA: 31GP - 21PTS
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2004
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 52nd Overall by Dallas in 2004
GM Says: Sawada is the lone NCAA player in the top 20 rankings for Phoenix, playing very consistent in his sophomore season in Cornell however will not be playing in the tournament this season as his team got knocked out of the quarter-finals. Sawada is seen as somewhat of a project but could turn into a solid two-way forward.
13 - Brad Winchester - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.0-B
From: Richmond, BC Canada
DOB: March 1st, 1981
HT: 6’5”
WT: 230 lbs.
NHL: 47GP - 8PTS
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2004
NHL Draft: 2nd Round - 52nd Overall by Dallas in 2004
GM Says: Winchester has reached the end of his rankings this will be his final one, and he is ranked #13 as a newcomer for Phoenix. Finally getting the consideration he has been looking for, Winchester is a full time NHLer and should make his full time debut in the coyotes line-up starting next season. The towering forward looks to be very useful at the power forward position.
14 - Reto Berra - G
Last Rank - #12
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Bulach, Switzerland
DOB: January 3rd, 1987
HT: 6’4”
WT: 189 lbs.
SUI-A: Stats Unavailable
Drafted: 3rd Round - 68th Overall by Phoenix in 2006
NHL Draft: 4th Round - 106th Overall by St. Louis in 2006
GM Says: With the added strength since the last rankings Berra has fallen two spots despite a very solid WJC tournament where he did rack up a shutout and was really the impact player that helped them finish as well as they did, Berra is a bit of a boom or bust due to the fact that he could be the next Aebischer or another European that never crosses the pond.
15 - Mario Scalzo - D
Last Rank - #14
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: St. Hubert, PQ Canada
DOB: November 11th, 1984
HT: 5’9”
WT: 187 lbs.
AHL: 57GP - 21PTS
Drafted: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Colorado in 2005
NHL Draft: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Dallas in 2005
GM Says: Scalzo is a very solid two-way defenseman, and has sacrificed some of his offensive game this year to improve defensively, but still remains a top 3 scorer among defensemen in the minors, Scalzo has a lot of intriguing upside that could really turn him into a 2nd pairing top 4 defenseman at the highest level.
16 - Derek Joslin - D
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: St. Hubert, PQ Canada
DOB: November 11th, 1984
HT: 5’9”
WT: 187 lbs.
OHL: 64GP - 44PTS
Drafted: 7th Round - 205th Overall by Vancouver in 2005
NHL Draft: 5th Round - 149th Overall by San Jose in 2005
GM Says: Joslin has been having a very solid year in the OHL and is seen as a two-way defenseman in the organization and has possibly the hardest slap shot in the OHL at the moment. Could speed up his development and be ready as early as 08-09 but he needs to fine tune some of his defensive game first.
17 - Ben Ondrus - LW
Last Rank - NR
HFRK: 7.0-C
From: Sherwood Park, AB
DOB: June 25th, 1982
HT: 6‘0”
WT: 185 lbs.
NHL: 16GP - 2PTS
Drafted: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Detroit in 2005
NHL Draft: Undrafted - Signed as a free agent by Toronto in 2004
GM Says: Ondrus was added earlier this year, and has been a regular on the 4th line and has found a place on left wing next to Wyatt Smith and Krys Kolanos. Ondrus looks like a 3rd or 4th line all around contributor, but must stay consistent to stay with the team, he will soon lose his prospect status.
18 - Stephen Dixon - C
Last Rank - #13
HFRK: 6.0-C
From: Halifax, NS Canada
DOB: September 7th, 1985
HT: 5’11”
WT: 185 lbs.
AHL: 64GP - 31PTS
Drafted: 6th Round - 178th Overall by Vancouver in 2003
NHL Draft: 9th Round - 229th Overall by Pittsburgh in 2003
GM Says: Dixon still looks like a player with a lot of potential, he has reached new highs in points, but at the same time is a big time defensive contributor. Dixon also has great leadership skills and with all that combined could turn into a 3rd or possibly even a 2nd line center over time if he continues with his development.
19 - Wacey Rabbit - C
Last Rank - #17
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: Lethbridge, AB Canada
DOB: November 16th, 1986
HT: 5’10”
WT: 180 lbs.
AHL: 22GP - 3PTS
WHL: 27GP - 34PTS
Drafted: 6th Round 182nd Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 5th Round - 154th Overall by Boston in 2005
GM Says: Rabbit is looking more and more like a great 6th round pick up for the Coyotes. He has the offensive and defensive talent to be a solid player, but his size is really affecting his potential generously ranked at 5’10”. Rabbit is like his name; very quick, which is his biggest asset, could end up seeing time in the HFNHL as soon as the 08-09 season.
20 - Dan Collins - RW
Last Rank - #18
HFRK: 6.5-C
From: Syracuse, NY USA
DOB: February 26th, 1987
HT: 6’1”
WT: 185 lbs.
AHL: 32GP - 28PTS
Drafted: 2nd Round 44th Overall by Phoenix in 2005
NHL Draft: 3rd Round - 90th Overall by Florida in 2005
GM Says: Dan Collins falls two spots but keeps his place in the Top 20 rankings rounding out at #20. Collins seems very inconsistent due to the fact that some nights he looks like a 1st round pick and others he is almost a ghost on the ice, Collins has been a very solid contributor for Plymouth thus far in the season, at both ends of the ice, and could make his AHL debut next year.
The Recap
#1 - Phil Kessel - C
#2 - David LeNeveu - G
#3 - Jiri Tlusty - LW
#4 - Jeff Schultz - D
#5 - Ivan Vishnievskiy - D
#6 - Ryane Clowe - LW
#7 - Oskar Osala - LW
#8 - Blair Jones - C
#9 - Matt Jones - D
#10 - Theo Peckham - D
#11 - Richard Clune - LW
#12 - Raymond Sawada - RW
#13 - Brad Winchester - RW
#14 - Reto Berra - G
#15 - Mario Scalzo - D
#16 - Derek Joslin - D
#17 - Ben Ondrus - RW
#18 - Stephen Dixon - C
#19 - Wacey Rabbit - C
#20 - Dan Collins - RW
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