CheckingLineCenter
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- Aug 10, 2018
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Pittsburgh Penguins Prospects Thread
- Thread starter ColePens
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JTG
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- Sep 30, 2007
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Agreed. Then again, Kuhnhackl had the injury bug too before he turned pro. I'm never against signing a guy of his pedigree, but I if he has pudding brain, a contract is better use somewhere else.
Dux917
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- Feb 22, 2018
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Highlights of Kasper Bjorkqvist's last season at Providence College.
Jack Dugan looking like a steal for the Knights? Probably had the primary on most of the goals in that clip.
WayneSid9987
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- Nov 24, 2009
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UnrealMachine
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Dangles78
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dogthateats
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WayneSid9987
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- Nov 24, 2009
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Yea it was a nice finish but Bjork demolished that D-Man and it started the whole thing.
dogthateats
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Randy Butternubs
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Yup, think that makes a huge amount of sense for him. And who know? Do 2-3 years, get back on track, maybe make up for lost time development wise, he wouldn't be too old to make an NHL career of it.
steelcityassault
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Gumbercules
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- Oct 11, 2007
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Canadian University Hockey is pretty good caliber and UNB is the top program (along with Alberta). Not many make it to the NHL from that level of hockey, but it has happened (Joel Ward, Derek Ryan). Most guys that go through UNB do end up having pro careers though. Hopefully it works out for him.
Agreed, sounds like the best move for his hockey development while also getting a degree. Guessing he'd accumulated enough time in the Q to cover his fees at UNB? Glad the Pens are bringing him to development camp too, guy has had a rough ride.
FreeBobbyFarnham
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I'm just happy that even though he's not signed it still feels like he's still part of our organization
CheckingLineCenter
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Classy move from the org
UNB hockey is the only show in town in Fredericton. For a player of his stature the community would find a way to see him taken care of with a sweetheart summer job if the hockey camp circuit wasn't enough to pay the bills.
Tacitus Kilgore
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Never tracked the final months, but wanted to do one last update, and adding all the new prospects we've added since then - numbers in brackets the difference to last season.
WHL
Jordy Bellerive (C/W, Lethbridge) GP68 (-3) G33 (-13) A50(+4) P83(-9) PIM59 (-23) +27 (+29) -
PO GP7 (-9) G2 (-7) A6 (-10) P8 (-17) PIM10 (-10) -2 (-7)
WBS GP3 G0 A0 P0 PIM0 -3
An undeniable step back that culiminated in a disappointing playoff run and non-instant impact at WBS but that has to be set against the accident that had people fearing for his future as a hockey player and might have ruled him out for a year. His determination is unquestionable. His overall talent level and future ceiling aren't, but answers will wait until he's had a full off-season to recover; Bellerive can at least point to an increase in assists and ES points, and according Mackey, the org are excited to see him in WBS.
Bellerive finished 12th in WHL scoring and 2nd on the Hurricanes behind Dylan Cozens. The hope should be for a productive first AHL season - over .5 ppg would be a good start. As trade bait, I imagine lingering fears over his injury/possible plateauing will kill his value until proven otherwise.
Justin Almeida (C, Moose Jaw) GP64 (-8) G33 (-10) A78 (+23) P111 (+13) PIM14 (+4) +28 (-14)
PO GP4 (-10) G0 (-6) A0 (-7) P0 (-13) PIM0 -4 (-2)
Almeida celebrated getting drafted with a rampage as he adjusted seamlessly to being the best forward on the team. His post-season left much to be desired but the news afterwards that he'd achieved said rampage playing all season with a torn labrnum made that seem excusable. The tenacity there is almost as pleasing as the points totals. There might be a slight fear that away from the WHL's best line he's not the same force, but there's good reason to believe he was the driver and not the passenger there.
Almeida finished 3rd in WHL scoring and 2nd on the Warriors. The hope should be for a productive AHL season - over .5 ppg would be a good start, but one hopes for a little more. As trade bait, he'd have some minor value, but that will rocket if AHL points start coming and questions over his slight frame are erased.
Calen Addison (D, Lethbridge) GP67 (-1) G11 A54 P65 PIM52 (-1) +2 (+20)
PO GP7 (-9) G2 (-5) A7 (-5) P9 (-10) PIM4 (-16) -6 (+5)
WBS GP3 G0 A2 P2 PIM0 0
The model of consistency; Addison cemented his status as a potential offensive dman of note. He made an impression on WBS watchers too, with one poster here comparing his attacking style to Letang. There was a report that he was scratched earlier in the season at Lethbridge due to defensive lapses but there was no more talk of that later in the season. Was the last of our WHL boys to have the WJC dream denied.
Addison finished 6 in WHL scoring among dmen and 1st on his team. While there probably should be growth in his points totals next season, the main hope is for news of increased defensive responsibility and involvement with Canada U20 (I believe he's young enough). As trade bait, being a productive RHD will hold a lot of value, but one suspects Rutherford will be reluctant to let go of a potential solution to the Schultz problem
QMJHL
Jan Drozg (W, Shawinigan) GP60 (-1) G21 (+5) A41 (+7) P62 (+12) PIM48 (+4) -35 (-14)
PO GP6 G4 A2 P6 PIM8 +1
SLO-U20 GP5 G4 (-1) A8 (+4) P12 (+3) PIM14 (+4) +3
SLO GP7 (+2) G5 (+5) A3 (+3) P8 (+8) PIM6 (+4) +7 (+7)
Steady progress for the Drozg on one of the Q's worst teams, even featuring a first post-season appearance for him as he took it to the Huskies behemoth. Arguably the greatest sign of his growth happened though with his country, as he went from "young guy who showed up" to "tied highest scorer with Kopitar at worlds". His defensive game improved too in his opinion, unsurprisingly given how much he had to do with it.
Drozg finished 35th in QMJHL scoring and 1st on his team by 8 points. The hope is that he will establish himself in the AHL next season - he is behind the curve of his peers so instant production is not such a demand, but getting game time will be key. As trade bait, he is yet to form any significant value.
Alex D'Orio (G, Saint John/Baie-Comeau) GP49 (+5) GAA 3.57 (+ .44) .889 (- o.004)
PO GP7 GAA 2.47 .910
WBS GP1 GAA 5.01 .848
D'Orio spent the season getting shelled for Saint John, had a brief reprieve with Baie-Comeau, then got shelled again for an encore. Nobody can mistake those numbers for being encouraging in and of themselves but Baie-Comeau liked his Saint John work enough to bring him in and his post-season work for them was of about average, maybe slightly above, quality going by the raw numbers. There were tributes to his character when he left Saint John.
D'Orio finished 22nd in the Q for save percentage (2o or more games played). The hope is for him to do well with Wheeling at this stage of his development - he may be ready for back up duty in WBS, but more regular game time seems a better chance for him. As trade bait he might as well not exist.
Samuel Poulin (W, Sherbrooke) GP67 (+12) G29 (+13) A47 (+18) P76 (+31) PIM46 (+4) +8 (-5)
PO GP10 (-1) G8 (+3) A6 (+5) P14 (+8) PIM4 (-2) +8 (+10)
CAN-u18 GP12 G1 A2 P3 PIM2 -1
Our Quebec interest just got renewed! Poulin secured his 1st round place with a big scoring increase from last year, including dragging a not great Sherbrooke side as far into the playoffs as possible. Scouts have constantly talked about how he got better and better as the season went on and we'll be tracking that capacity for improvement next season on what is hopefully a stronger Sherbrooke side. Wearing a letter for his team and playing in both the WJC-18 and Hlina-Gretzky are also positive signs.
Poulin finished 20th in QMJHL scoring and 1st on his team in points by 17. Yeah. The hope is for him to keep improving everything - everybrows will be raised approvingly if he gets to around the 1.5 ppg mark - and maybe see if he can make his way into the U20 squad. As trade bait, Poulin already has some value, but it will fluctuate markedly with this season.
Nathan Legare (W, Baie-Comeau) GP68 (+6) G45 (+35) A42 (+23) P87 (+58) PIM52 (+9) +37 (+41)
PO GP7 (+2) G3 (+3) A1 P4 (+8) PIM6 (+4) +1 (+3)
CAN-u18 GP7 G4 A0 P4 PIM4 +3
Nathan Legare took giant strides as a hockey player last year to establish himself as an exciting goal scoring prospect and more importantly, Pittsburgh's 3 round choice. I'd love to know the story behind that. In any case, the giant production didn't quite translate in Baie-Comeau's disappointing post-season, but he did play in the WJC-18 where he wore an A and was tied 3rd for goals for Canada.
Legare finished 8th in QMHJL scoring and 2nd on his team. The hope is for him to keep improving in all facets but it will be particularly interesting to see if, as a pure goal scorer, he can keep up with the pace set by Daniel Sprong as he has so far. A slight regression might be expected though given his team's status. Further international participation would also be welcomed. As trade bait, his fall to the 3rd suggests teams aren't in love with him yet, but further big numbers will change that.
SHL
Filip Hallander (W, Timra) GP45 G7 A14 P21 PIM4 -2
PO GP7 G5 A3 P8 PIM0 -1
SWE U20 - GP13 G0 A1 P1 PIM2 0
Hallander had a very solid introduction to Sweden's top league, basically equalling his production in the division below, and finished with a valiant attempt to help his side avoid relegation with Timra's 2nd highest points total in the post-season. His international numbers are the opposite of gaudy but he received a lot of credit for his defensive play at World Juniors. His discipline for a two-way forward is incredible and that is just one of the many tools that will serve him well as he continues.
Hallander finished 6th on his team for scoring and 4th among U20 players in the SHL. He will stay there but with Lulea, and the hope is that this will give him increased opportunity to bring out his offensive skillset. It would be very exciting if he got 30 points. As trade bait, he doesn't seem to be the type of player to send teams silly with lust, but there's definitely value there.
Liiga
Niclas Almari (D, HPK) GP42 G1 A4 P5 PIM6 -4
PO GP18 Go A0 P0 PIM2 0
HPK U20s - GP2 G0 A1 P1 PIM2 +3
What's the Finnish for plateau? Almari's third year in HPK produced numbers very similar to his first two, just a tad lower. The highlight of his year was dressing for every game in HPK's championship winning run and that sort of experience is great for a young dman, so happy days there, but it will be interesting to see what the org can do with him and that early potential for points once he gets to WBS. Going by the boxcars, his game was the platonic ideal of defensive boringness - nothing happened.
I cba to look up where Almari finished for scoring. The hope is that in WBS he rediscovers the aspect of that to go along with the defensive solidity he almost certainly has built up in Finland. As trade bait he's not worth mentioning.
Antti Palojarvi (D, Lukko) GP16 G0 A2 P2 PIM4 +2
U20s - GP29 (-13) G4 (+2) A9 (-1) P13 (+3) PIM10 (-6) -6 (+17)
Mestis - GP6 G1 A1 P2 PIM0 +3
Mestis POs - GP5 G0 A2 P2 PIM0 -2
Palojarvi finally broke out a little this season with an okay U20s season and plenty of time in men's leagues. For a smaller puck moving guy though, his numbers don't exactly pop off the charts; I guess the hope is he's learning to defend very well and can maybe become a poor man's Dumo down the line.
Palojarvi was the third for points on Lukko U20 for dmen despite playing about half the season. The hope is that he's a lot better than his numbers suggest, which arguably isn't hard for dmen in Finland, and makes a case for getting his ELC next year. As trade bait... well, we'd have to give him an ELC to be trade bait.
Emil Larmi (G, HPK) GP46 (-10) GAA 1.94 (+ .35) .909 (- o.009)
PO GP18 GAA 1.72 .932
The team needed a new AHL goalie given Jarry's waiver situation and the European scouts have delivered. Larmi's numbers in his third HPK season were respectable but nothing special, and indicate a very good defence in front of him. What do sing though are his play-off numbers where he was extraordinary and by all accounts, a big part of HPK winning it all. Combine that with tales of his amazing athleticism and this is an interesting pick up with plenty of hope there.
Larma finished 7th in the Q for save percentage (2o or more games played). The hope is for him to take that WBS job and run with it, although allowances must be made for an adjustment to North America. As trade bait he will not have any particular value until he makes big claims about his ability on American ice.
Valtteri Puustinen (W, HPK) GP47 G10 A3 P13 PIM14 +8
PO GP16 G2 A3 P5 PIM4 +5
HPK U20s - GP11 G3 A6 P9 PIM6 -1
FIN U20s - GP14 G2 A5 P7 PIM12 0
Remember that time when we tried to bring over HPK's whole team? Puustinen only broke through to the Liiga this season but had a whale of a time doing so, winning the playoffs and the WJC with Finland to boot. According to Allvin he's a late bloomer and that's arguably visible with a playoff where he exceeded his regular season scoring and ended on the top line.
Puustinen finished 13th in scoring on his team. The hope is that he can build on his numbers and physicality in HPK and the maybe come over to WBS next season. As trade bait he's not really there yet.
Santeri Airola (D, SaiPa) GP3 G0 A0 P0 PIM2 -1
S-PA U20 GP41 G4 A27 P31 PIM20 +1
S-PA U18 GP10 G4 P11 P15 PIM0
FIN U20s - GP7 G2 A2 PIM0
Another late bloomer, Airola got a taste of men's hockey but the real tale of his season was in the points he put up at junior grades, culminating in late inclusion in the Finnish U20 team, where his 4 points in 7 games stands good comparison with better known names.
Santeri had the 5th highest ppg of any dmen playing real time in his U20 division. The hope is that he remains productive in men's hockey in the Mestis and kicks on with Finland U20. As trade bait he's nothing today but as a points scoring RD, that could go up quick if he shows the ability to repeat the trick at a higher level.
NCAA
Nikita Pavlychev (C, Penn) GP39 (+4) G14 (+5) A15 (+10) P29 (+15) PIM57 (+21) +2 (+9)
Pavlychev doubled his numbers in a big stride forwards that had , but the stride needs to be put into some context. A lot of the points came in an early rush before his numbers died down. He was on a stacked offensive team. At least we don't need to consider the possibility that he was scoring goals with his size in a way that won't work at the next level up, because Pavlychev's size advantage will remain all the way. Caveats aside, seeing the big man demonstrate his ability to be more than big was refreshing and a timely booster to belief in him, although he's probably still no more than a 4th liner in the NHL.
Pavlychev was t-6 for scoring on his team. The hope is for another push forwards in terms of offensive numbers and responsibility, but also simply that he'll sign with the team at the end of four years of college where he doesn't have to be. As trade bait, he might have some small value due to rarity, but probably not while the prospect of UFA awaits.
Kasper Bjorkqvist (W, Providence) GP42 (+2) G17 (+1) A13 (+6) P30 (+7) PIM20 (+4) +13 (-1)
Bjorkqvist's little jump forwards is the sort of thing I'd hope to see with Pavlychev. Before the season, it was acknowledged that Bjorkqvist needed to work on his playmaking and skating. Judging from numbers and reports, that happened. This is good because the Pens love for him is undoubted given just how often we hear about it.
Bjorkqvist was 4th on scoring on his team and 17 goals was good for t-26th across the entire NCAA. The hope is for a productive first AHL season - .5 would be a good starting point, but given his age maybe more should be expected - and that maybe he can be a truly combative bottom 6er for us sooner rather than later. As trade bait, he might have some small value at this point.
Clayton Phillips (D, Minnesota) GP31 G1 A9 P10 PIM18 -11
The big story about Phillips' year is the decision to leave Minnesota, a decision that will see him probably return to the WHL or USHL for a year, followed by transferring to another school in the case of the latter. This is probably driven by the coaching change in Minnesota and numbers that, while not a nightmare, maybe underwhelm for a high offence defence prospect. He has at least grown into a frame more suitable for the NHL (6', 195 lbs) and Guerin praised how he handled he coaching change (according to Taylor Haase), but its very faint silver linings.
Phillips was 3rd on his team in scoring among dmen. The hope is that in a org better suited for him, he channels his frustration and starts fulfilling his potential, but it is not hugely expected at this point. As trade bait, his value has sunk.
William Reilly (D, RPI) GP33 (-4) G5(-2) A13 (+9) P18 (+5) PIM16 -1
Reilly probably attracted little more than a shrug when drafted, but the big puck-mover is continuing to tick gently upwards in his numbers and might even invite a little hope now. It is difficult to have more than a little hope when so little is known about him particularly as his numbers, while vaguely fun to watch, have little bearing on his pro future unless they explode - he is going to have to make it on his D. Having the team's 2nd best +/- might be a good sign there. Or might not.
Reilly was 3rd on his team for points and 1st among dmen. The hope is that his numbers do explode, or we start hearing great stories about his D as his numbers go up a little more, but it doesn't sound like he'll get much help from his team either way.
Ryan Jones (D, Nebraska) GP36 G0 A12 P12 PIM41-32
The last from two year spate of drafting as many big responsible dmen as possible; Jones played big minutes on a bad Nebraska team and got punished as a result. How much of that's on him is unknown. He returns there for another year of punishment; hopefully we don't have to wash too much loser stench off of him should he arrive in Pens hockey. His numbers offer little cheer of that happening to any meaningful extent, d-first player or no.
Jones was blah. The hope is that in his final year at school he takes a big stride forwards like Dane Birks did - something around 20 points would be good - or he might have to settle for an AHL deal somewhere. Trade bait only if a deal requires a completely expendable prospect.
Jake Lucchini (C/W, Michigan Tech) GP38 (-6) G11 (-5) A15 (-8) P26 (-13) PIM14 -6 (-17)
WBS GP15 G6 A1 P7 PIM2 -1
Lucchini saw a big fall from last season but still impressed the Pens enough to get an ELC. One suspects that Michigan Tech got vastly weaker between his last two seasons there. In any case, a decent start at WBS and a funny surname means that's all in the past and we'll be looking to see if the kid can make something of himself.
Lucchini was 1st on his team in points by 4. The hope is that he can build on that start at WBS and start doing some Lafferty-esque numbers while establishing his 2-ways credentials. No trade bait value yet.
USHS
Liam Gorman (C, St Sebastian's) GP24 (-6) G16 (-1) A22 (+6) P38 (+5)
USHL GP1 (-1) G0 A0 P0 PIMo -1
EP finally gave his numbers. I think the fact I included that one UHSL game suggests I might have OCD. Because, you know, doing all these numbers is super normal. Anyway, a modest increase. The most interesting part of his season was the switch in commitment from Boston to Princeton, probably driven by a change in coach. Good on him for avoiding the Phillips situation now and we'll see how that pans out.
He finished 3rd on his team for points. I dunno how the Prep School league works and whether EP putting all the teams together is accurate, but he didn't finish anywhere near the top of that for points; the leading scorer had a 101 points for Shattuck. His trade bait status is maybe the worst out of all Pens prospects.
USNTDP
Judd Caulfield (W, USNTDP Juniors) GP28 (-4) G6 (+1) A19 (+3) P25 (+4) PIM18 (+1) +11 (-1)
USDP U18 GP64 G12 A24 P36 PIM53
USA U18 GP7 G0 A0 P0 PIM2 +1
The increase in numbers is modest but we're not here with the Juddernaut for numbers. Oh sir no. The Pens latest 5th rounder is here because he proved very good at the small important details. There is hope that in North Dakota he'll start to come into his own as an offensive force away from playing a supporting role to half of this year's first round - not often people associate North Dakota with hope - but either way, it is continuing to do the details well that'll decide his fate.
Caulfield picked up more points as a junior than 1st rounder John Beecher, so that's kinda cool. As mentioned, the hope is to see him put up some numbers in college, but that might be a process just like it was for Kasper Bjorkqvist. Trade bait status isn't all that but being part of the US program might add a tiny amount to it. So it might consist of a tiny amount.
WHL
Jordy Bellerive (C/W, Lethbridge) GP68 (-3) G33 (-13) A50(+4) P83(-9) PIM59 (-23) +27 (+29) -
PO GP7 (-9) G2 (-7) A6 (-10) P8 (-17) PIM10 (-10) -2 (-7)
WBS GP3 G0 A0 P0 PIM0 -3
An undeniable step back that culiminated in a disappointing playoff run and non-instant impact at WBS but that has to be set against the accident that had people fearing for his future as a hockey player and might have ruled him out for a year. His determination is unquestionable. His overall talent level and future ceiling aren't, but answers will wait until he's had a full off-season to recover; Bellerive can at least point to an increase in assists and ES points, and according Mackey, the org are excited to see him in WBS.
Bellerive finished 12th in WHL scoring and 2nd on the Hurricanes behind Dylan Cozens. The hope should be for a productive first AHL season - over .5 ppg would be a good start. As trade bait, I imagine lingering fears over his injury/possible plateauing will kill his value until proven otherwise.
Justin Almeida (C, Moose Jaw) GP64 (-8) G33 (-10) A78 (+23) P111 (+13) PIM14 (+4) +28 (-14)
PO GP4 (-10) G0 (-6) A0 (-7) P0 (-13) PIM0 -4 (-2)
Almeida celebrated getting drafted with a rampage as he adjusted seamlessly to being the best forward on the team. His post-season left much to be desired but the news afterwards that he'd achieved said rampage playing all season with a torn labrnum made that seem excusable. The tenacity there is almost as pleasing as the points totals. There might be a slight fear that away from the WHL's best line he's not the same force, but there's good reason to believe he was the driver and not the passenger there.
Almeida finished 3rd in WHL scoring and 2nd on the Warriors. The hope should be for a productive AHL season - over .5 ppg would be a good start, but one hopes for a little more. As trade bait, he'd have some minor value, but that will rocket if AHL points start coming and questions over his slight frame are erased.
Calen Addison (D, Lethbridge) GP67 (-1) G11 A54 P65 PIM52 (-1) +2 (+20)
PO GP7 (-9) G2 (-5) A7 (-5) P9 (-10) PIM4 (-16) -6 (+5)
WBS GP3 G0 A2 P2 PIM0 0
The model of consistency; Addison cemented his status as a potential offensive dman of note. He made an impression on WBS watchers too, with one poster here comparing his attacking style to Letang. There was a report that he was scratched earlier in the season at Lethbridge due to defensive lapses but there was no more talk of that later in the season. Was the last of our WHL boys to have the WJC dream denied.
Addison finished 6 in WHL scoring among dmen and 1st on his team. While there probably should be growth in his points totals next season, the main hope is for news of increased defensive responsibility and involvement with Canada U20 (I believe he's young enough). As trade bait, being a productive RHD will hold a lot of value, but one suspects Rutherford will be reluctant to let go of a potential solution to the Schultz problem
QMJHL
Jan Drozg (W, Shawinigan) GP60 (-1) G21 (+5) A41 (+7) P62 (+12) PIM48 (+4) -35 (-14)
PO GP6 G4 A2 P6 PIM8 +1
SLO-U20 GP5 G4 (-1) A8 (+4) P12 (+3) PIM14 (+4) +3
SLO GP7 (+2) G5 (+5) A3 (+3) P8 (+8) PIM6 (+4) +7 (+7)
Steady progress for the Drozg on one of the Q's worst teams, even featuring a first post-season appearance for him as he took it to the Huskies behemoth. Arguably the greatest sign of his growth happened though with his country, as he went from "young guy who showed up" to "tied highest scorer with Kopitar at worlds". His defensive game improved too in his opinion, unsurprisingly given how much he had to do with it.
Drozg finished 35th in QMJHL scoring and 1st on his team by 8 points. The hope is that he will establish himself in the AHL next season - he is behind the curve of his peers so instant production is not such a demand, but getting game time will be key. As trade bait, he is yet to form any significant value.
Alex D'Orio (G, Saint John/Baie-Comeau) GP49 (+5) GAA 3.57 (+ .44) .889 (- o.004)
PO GP7 GAA 2.47 .910
WBS GP1 GAA 5.01 .848
D'Orio spent the season getting shelled for Saint John, had a brief reprieve with Baie-Comeau, then got shelled again for an encore. Nobody can mistake those numbers for being encouraging in and of themselves but Baie-Comeau liked his Saint John work enough to bring him in and his post-season work for them was of about average, maybe slightly above, quality going by the raw numbers. There were tributes to his character when he left Saint John.
D'Orio finished 22nd in the Q for save percentage (2o or more games played). The hope is for him to do well with Wheeling at this stage of his development - he may be ready for back up duty in WBS, but more regular game time seems a better chance for him. As trade bait he might as well not exist.
Samuel Poulin (W, Sherbrooke) GP67 (+12) G29 (+13) A47 (+18) P76 (+31) PIM46 (+4) +8 (-5)
PO GP10 (-1) G8 (+3) A6 (+5) P14 (+8) PIM4 (-2) +8 (+10)
CAN-u18 GP12 G1 A2 P3 PIM2 -1
Our Quebec interest just got renewed! Poulin secured his 1st round place with a big scoring increase from last year, including dragging a not great Sherbrooke side as far into the playoffs as possible. Scouts have constantly talked about how he got better and better as the season went on and we'll be tracking that capacity for improvement next season on what is hopefully a stronger Sherbrooke side. Wearing a letter for his team and playing in both the WJC-18 and Hlina-Gretzky are also positive signs.
Poulin finished 20th in QMJHL scoring and 1st on his team in points by 17. Yeah. The hope is for him to keep improving everything - everybrows will be raised approvingly if he gets to around the 1.5 ppg mark - and maybe see if he can make his way into the U20 squad. As trade bait, Poulin already has some value, but it will fluctuate markedly with this season.
Nathan Legare (W, Baie-Comeau) GP68 (+6) G45 (+35) A42 (+23) P87 (+58) PIM52 (+9) +37 (+41)
PO GP7 (+2) G3 (+3) A1 P4 (+8) PIM6 (+4) +1 (+3)
CAN-u18 GP7 G4 A0 P4 PIM4 +3
Nathan Legare took giant strides as a hockey player last year to establish himself as an exciting goal scoring prospect and more importantly, Pittsburgh's 3 round choice. I'd love to know the story behind that. In any case, the giant production didn't quite translate in Baie-Comeau's disappointing post-season, but he did play in the WJC-18 where he wore an A and was tied 3rd for goals for Canada.
Legare finished 8th in QMHJL scoring and 2nd on his team. The hope is for him to keep improving in all facets but it will be particularly interesting to see if, as a pure goal scorer, he can keep up with the pace set by Daniel Sprong as he has so far. A slight regression might be expected though given his team's status. Further international participation would also be welcomed. As trade bait, his fall to the 3rd suggests teams aren't in love with him yet, but further big numbers will change that.
SHL
Filip Hallander (W, Timra) GP45 G7 A14 P21 PIM4 -2
PO GP7 G5 A3 P8 PIM0 -1
SWE U20 - GP13 G0 A1 P1 PIM2 0
Hallander had a very solid introduction to Sweden's top league, basically equalling his production in the division below, and finished with a valiant attempt to help his side avoid relegation with Timra's 2nd highest points total in the post-season. His international numbers are the opposite of gaudy but he received a lot of credit for his defensive play at World Juniors. His discipline for a two-way forward is incredible and that is just one of the many tools that will serve him well as he continues.
Hallander finished 6th on his team for scoring and 4th among U20 players in the SHL. He will stay there but with Lulea, and the hope is that this will give him increased opportunity to bring out his offensive skillset. It would be very exciting if he got 30 points. As trade bait, he doesn't seem to be the type of player to send teams silly with lust, but there's definitely value there.
Liiga
Niclas Almari (D, HPK) GP42 G1 A4 P5 PIM6 -4
PO GP18 Go A0 P0 PIM2 0
HPK U20s - GP2 G0 A1 P1 PIM2 +3
What's the Finnish for plateau? Almari's third year in HPK produced numbers very similar to his first two, just a tad lower. The highlight of his year was dressing for every game in HPK's championship winning run and that sort of experience is great for a young dman, so happy days there, but it will be interesting to see what the org can do with him and that early potential for points once he gets to WBS. Going by the boxcars, his game was the platonic ideal of defensive boringness - nothing happened.
I cba to look up where Almari finished for scoring. The hope is that in WBS he rediscovers the aspect of that to go along with the defensive solidity he almost certainly has built up in Finland. As trade bait he's not worth mentioning.
Antti Palojarvi (D, Lukko) GP16 G0 A2 P2 PIM4 +2
U20s - GP29 (-13) G4 (+2) A9 (-1) P13 (+3) PIM10 (-6) -6 (+17)
Mestis - GP6 G1 A1 P2 PIM0 +3
Mestis POs - GP5 G0 A2 P2 PIM0 -2
Palojarvi finally broke out a little this season with an okay U20s season and plenty of time in men's leagues. For a smaller puck moving guy though, his numbers don't exactly pop off the charts; I guess the hope is he's learning to defend very well and can maybe become a poor man's Dumo down the line.
Palojarvi was the third for points on Lukko U20 for dmen despite playing about half the season. The hope is that he's a lot better than his numbers suggest, which arguably isn't hard for dmen in Finland, and makes a case for getting his ELC next year. As trade bait... well, we'd have to give him an ELC to be trade bait.
Emil Larmi (G, HPK) GP46 (-10) GAA 1.94 (+ .35) .909 (- o.009)
PO GP18 GAA 1.72 .932
The team needed a new AHL goalie given Jarry's waiver situation and the European scouts have delivered. Larmi's numbers in his third HPK season were respectable but nothing special, and indicate a very good defence in front of him. What do sing though are his play-off numbers where he was extraordinary and by all accounts, a big part of HPK winning it all. Combine that with tales of his amazing athleticism and this is an interesting pick up with plenty of hope there.
Larma finished 7th in the Q for save percentage (2o or more games played). The hope is for him to take that WBS job and run with it, although allowances must be made for an adjustment to North America. As trade bait he will not have any particular value until he makes big claims about his ability on American ice.
Valtteri Puustinen (W, HPK) GP47 G10 A3 P13 PIM14 +8
PO GP16 G2 A3 P5 PIM4 +5
HPK U20s - GP11 G3 A6 P9 PIM6 -1
FIN U20s - GP14 G2 A5 P7 PIM12 0
Remember that time when we tried to bring over HPK's whole team? Puustinen only broke through to the Liiga this season but had a whale of a time doing so, winning the playoffs and the WJC with Finland to boot. According to Allvin he's a late bloomer and that's arguably visible with a playoff where he exceeded his regular season scoring and ended on the top line.
Puustinen finished 13th in scoring on his team. The hope is that he can build on his numbers and physicality in HPK and the maybe come over to WBS next season. As trade bait he's not really there yet.
Santeri Airola (D, SaiPa) GP3 G0 A0 P0 PIM2 -1
S-PA U20 GP41 G4 A27 P31 PIM20 +1
S-PA U18 GP10 G4 P11 P15 PIM0
FIN U20s - GP7 G2 A2 PIM0
Another late bloomer, Airola got a taste of men's hockey but the real tale of his season was in the points he put up at junior grades, culminating in late inclusion in the Finnish U20 team, where his 4 points in 7 games stands good comparison with better known names.
Santeri had the 5th highest ppg of any dmen playing real time in his U20 division. The hope is that he remains productive in men's hockey in the Mestis and kicks on with Finland U20. As trade bait he's nothing today but as a points scoring RD, that could go up quick if he shows the ability to repeat the trick at a higher level.
NCAA
Nikita Pavlychev (C, Penn) GP39 (+4) G14 (+5) A15 (+10) P29 (+15) PIM57 (+21) +2 (+9)
Pavlychev doubled his numbers in a big stride forwards that had , but the stride needs to be put into some context. A lot of the points came in an early rush before his numbers died down. He was on a stacked offensive team. At least we don't need to consider the possibility that he was scoring goals with his size in a way that won't work at the next level up, because Pavlychev's size advantage will remain all the way. Caveats aside, seeing the big man demonstrate his ability to be more than big was refreshing and a timely booster to belief in him, although he's probably still no more than a 4th liner in the NHL.
Pavlychev was t-6 for scoring on his team. The hope is for another push forwards in terms of offensive numbers and responsibility, but also simply that he'll sign with the team at the end of four years of college where he doesn't have to be. As trade bait, he might have some small value due to rarity, but probably not while the prospect of UFA awaits.
Kasper Bjorkqvist (W, Providence) GP42 (+2) G17 (+1) A13 (+6) P30 (+7) PIM20 (+4) +13 (-1)
Bjorkqvist's little jump forwards is the sort of thing I'd hope to see with Pavlychev. Before the season, it was acknowledged that Bjorkqvist needed to work on his playmaking and skating. Judging from numbers and reports, that happened. This is good because the Pens love for him is undoubted given just how often we hear about it.
Bjorkqvist was 4th on scoring on his team and 17 goals was good for t-26th across the entire NCAA. The hope is for a productive first AHL season - .5 would be a good starting point, but given his age maybe more should be expected - and that maybe he can be a truly combative bottom 6er for us sooner rather than later. As trade bait, he might have some small value at this point.
Clayton Phillips (D, Minnesota) GP31 G1 A9 P10 PIM18 -11
The big story about Phillips' year is the decision to leave Minnesota, a decision that will see him probably return to the WHL or USHL for a year, followed by transferring to another school in the case of the latter. This is probably driven by the coaching change in Minnesota and numbers that, while not a nightmare, maybe underwhelm for a high offence defence prospect. He has at least grown into a frame more suitable for the NHL (6', 195 lbs) and Guerin praised how he handled he coaching change (according to Taylor Haase), but its very faint silver linings.
Phillips was 3rd on his team in scoring among dmen. The hope is that in a org better suited for him, he channels his frustration and starts fulfilling his potential, but it is not hugely expected at this point. As trade bait, his value has sunk.
William Reilly (D, RPI) GP33 (-4) G5(-2) A13 (+9) P18 (+5) PIM16 -1
Reilly probably attracted little more than a shrug when drafted, but the big puck-mover is continuing to tick gently upwards in his numbers and might even invite a little hope now. It is difficult to have more than a little hope when so little is known about him particularly as his numbers, while vaguely fun to watch, have little bearing on his pro future unless they explode - he is going to have to make it on his D. Having the team's 2nd best +/- might be a good sign there. Or might not.
Reilly was 3rd on his team for points and 1st among dmen. The hope is that his numbers do explode, or we start hearing great stories about his D as his numbers go up a little more, but it doesn't sound like he'll get much help from his team either way.
Ryan Jones (D, Nebraska) GP36 G0 A12 P12 PIM41-32
The last from two year spate of drafting as many big responsible dmen as possible; Jones played big minutes on a bad Nebraska team and got punished as a result. How much of that's on him is unknown. He returns there for another year of punishment; hopefully we don't have to wash too much loser stench off of him should he arrive in Pens hockey. His numbers offer little cheer of that happening to any meaningful extent, d-first player or no.
Jones was blah. The hope is that in his final year at school he takes a big stride forwards like Dane Birks did - something around 20 points would be good - or he might have to settle for an AHL deal somewhere. Trade bait only if a deal requires a completely expendable prospect.
Jake Lucchini (C/W, Michigan Tech) GP38 (-6) G11 (-5) A15 (-8) P26 (-13) PIM14 -6 (-17)
WBS GP15 G6 A1 P7 PIM2 -1
Lucchini saw a big fall from last season but still impressed the Pens enough to get an ELC. One suspects that Michigan Tech got vastly weaker between his last two seasons there. In any case, a decent start at WBS and a funny surname means that's all in the past and we'll be looking to see if the kid can make something of himself.
Lucchini was 1st on his team in points by 4. The hope is that he can build on that start at WBS and start doing some Lafferty-esque numbers while establishing his 2-ways credentials. No trade bait value yet.
USHS
Liam Gorman (C, St Sebastian's) GP24 (-6) G16 (-1) A22 (+6) P38 (+5)
USHL GP1 (-1) G0 A0 P0 PIMo -1
EP finally gave his numbers. I think the fact I included that one UHSL game suggests I might have OCD. Because, you know, doing all these numbers is super normal. Anyway, a modest increase. The most interesting part of his season was the switch in commitment from Boston to Princeton, probably driven by a change in coach. Good on him for avoiding the Phillips situation now and we'll see how that pans out.
He finished 3rd on his team for points. I dunno how the Prep School league works and whether EP putting all the teams together is accurate, but he didn't finish anywhere near the top of that for points; the leading scorer had a 101 points for Shattuck. His trade bait status is maybe the worst out of all Pens prospects.
USNTDP
Judd Caulfield (W, USNTDP Juniors) GP28 (-4) G6 (+1) A19 (+3) P25 (+4) PIM18 (+1) +11 (-1)
USDP U18 GP64 G12 A24 P36 PIM53
USA U18 GP7 G0 A0 P0 PIM2 +1
The increase in numbers is modest but we're not here with the Juddernaut for numbers. Oh sir no. The Pens latest 5th rounder is here because he proved very good at the small important details. There is hope that in North Dakota he'll start to come into his own as an offensive force away from playing a supporting role to half of this year's first round - not often people associate North Dakota with hope - but either way, it is continuing to do the details well that'll decide his fate.
Caulfield picked up more points as a junior than 1st rounder John Beecher, so that's kinda cool. As mentioned, the hope is to see him put up some numbers in college, but that might be a process just like it was for Kasper Bjorkqvist. Trade bait status isn't all that but being part of the US program might add a tiny amount to it. So it might consist of a tiny amount.
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Top stuff Peat, hadn't twigged until reading your post that 3 of our Finns played for HPK.
Yup. I saw that we were after their highest points scorer too but that nothing happened there - this season at least.
Metric crapton of forward talent, a tiny amount of defensive talent.
UnrealMachine
Registered User
Appreciate all the hard work @Peat, and the honest analysis of each player in regards to expectation/progression. The sobering truth is that most (all?) of the prospects (excluding 2019 picks for obvious reasons) didn't take huge strides forward. Many of them even regressed a bit in one or more aspects of their game. It seemed like many were quick to anoint Bjorkqvist as the top forward prospect after a hot start to the season, but he finished with only 1 goal more than the previous season and was 4th on his team in scoring. Hard to imagine him having much more than a 4th line impact at the NHL level.
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True dat. I'd say only Almeida, Pavlychev, Hallander, maybe Drozg and Palojarvi took huge strides forwards; in the case of Palojarvi its from such a low base he's not really interesting, Drozg also has a lot more growth to go, Pavlychev still isn't likely to be more than a 4th liner... I think Almeida and Hallander are the only two by the numbers where a bit of excitement seems warranted. At least there's very few horror shows there either.
As for Bjork - I'm encouraged by the growth in assists, I think I'd have been less impressed if he'd added another 5 goals than another 5 assists. He has to be able to move the puck to the right player at the right time if he's going to be anything at NHL level; the assists says that's happening. I agree that right now he looks like a bottom six type guy but the org love him, so maybe there's something about him that'll translate straight to pro level? That'd be nice at least.
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