Still Grenier. His elevation from a lost cause to a key contributor on a successful Utica team is damn impressive.
And still: add Joe Cannata. He has every chance to finally prove himself this season as Utica's #1.
First off, most posters here have not really seen Grenier play on a regular basis. Their opinion is based largely on his development since being in the Canucks system. His stats are largely what people judge him by. Last season was an explosion of his innate talent. Late bloomer? Don't know what you call it, but he all of a sudden GOT IT!
Secondly, he is no longer a shiny new toy and thus automatically slides back down the list. He is the most competent forward currently on the prospect list. Utility special team guy is only half possible. He could play on the PP, but he is not a penalty killer. He has just become somewhat defensively responsible, but not PK worthy.
He has become a very good passer. He has a wicked wrist shot, the best on Utica's team. He has good hands, good speed, and decent moves, and skates well. His physical side of the game has developed way beyond his past performance output. His IQ has increased with his confidence. He plays through a mistake instead of moping over it. He is the best forward prospect coming up the pipe right now. Baertschi is not considered a prospect in my way of thinking. He is on the roster due to his waiver situation. Incidentally, during the Comets' amazing playoff run, Grenier and Shinkaruk/Jensen played on the first line centered by O'Reilly. Baertschi played on the second line. Both were on the first PP unit. The two finished the playoffs tied for second in points with 15 each.
Now I get hammered. Grenier is a better all around hockey player than Virtanen at this stage of Jake's development. Alex scores goals!
He is the most mature of the prospects. He has been well coached to the level he is now prepared for. He also has moves and maneuvers well vs. close checking.
Jake goes up and down the wing. He is a straight ahead, North/South winger. That's the reason for his reverse checks. He doesn't veer off his path to avoid a hit, he just lowers his shoulder and tries to go through the defender. Methinks this will hurt him in the future. Running over every checker will eventually result in injury to himself. The bull in the china shop mentality only goes so far. I know everyone wants to see the #6 draft pick play in the NHL, but I seriously believe he would benefit from another season in Jrs. Give him his 9 games if you must, but then let him hone his scoring touch and develop a more skilled game, become a true power forward, not just a bottom 6 crash and bang guy. He's a #6 pick and should evolve into something better than that. That's a position for a 3rd rounder or worse.
Grenier can contribute the most as a complete player right now.
Of course we all know that can evaporate in the midst of NHL pressure, but that is true with any player coming up. You have to give them the ice and see what happens.
Training camp will be a proving ground for several guys, Grenier should be among those who get the chance to make or break themselves. I think he at least becomes the first call-up from Utica.
