WEEK ROUND-UP: "Pre-Season"

The NHL Preseason is officially underway and although the games may not provide the action you may be used to on Hockey Night in Canada or deep in the playoffs, it's still a good chance to watch some games and catch a glimpse of some familiar players in new surroundings, new line combinations, this year's rookie crop, and just how good will your team do this season?

Just a few things going on in the world of the National Hockey League:

This week will be a busy one for Saskatchewan, as both Regina and Saskatoon will play host to a total of 3 NHL Preseason games. As part of the ongoing New York Islanders' training camp, which has been going on at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon all week, The Calgary Flames will take on the Isles tomorrow night, and 24 hours later, the Oilers will be in town against the Islanders. On Monday, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ottawa Senators will be in Regina for a preseason matchup. Although it is never known who exactly you may see in preseason games, Saskatchewan fans will be hoping to see the likes of Jarome Iginla, Dion Phaneuf, Jay Bouwmeester, Sam Gagner, John Tavares, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Alex Kovalev, and Jason Spezza. Certainly one of these great players would be a treat to watch. There is also a large collection of "home-grown" talent on these 5 clubs that we may get see play, such as:

OTTAWA

Ryan Keller - Saskatoon
Zack Smith - Maple Creek
Jeremy Yablonski - Meadow Lake
Craig Schira - Spiritwood
Eric Gryba - Saskatoon
Jared Cowen - Allan

TAMPA BAY

Dustin Tokarski - Watson
Blair Jones - Central Butte
James Wright - Saskatoon

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Blake Comeau - Meadow Lake
Jeremy Reich - Craik
Brendan Witt - Humboldt
Scott Munroe - Moose Jaw

CALGARY FLAMES

Riley Armstrong - Lloydminster
Curtis Glencross - Kindersley
Garth Murray - Regina
Keith Aulie - Rouleau
Cory Sarich - Saskatoon
Theoren Fleury - Oxbow (we'll get to this in a bit)

EDMONTON OILERS

Jordan Eberle - Regina
Steve MacIntyre - Brock
Devan Dubnyk - Regina
Matt Glasser - Saskatoon

So you can see that these franchises have their fair share of SK-born talent.

Making headlines this week:

THEOREN FLEURY ATTEMPTS A RETURN TO THE NHL

At the ripe young age of 41, Theoren Fleury, once the Calgary Flames all time scoring leader has been working on a return back to the NHL. Fleury has been away from the league for quite some time after he violated the NHL's substance abuse policy and was suspended indefinitely. How fitting is it that Fleury is trying to go back where it all began...back to Calgary. Now, many believe that Fleury may not be able to keep up with today's game, but maybe the veteran presence of Fleury on the ice and in the locker room may be what the team needs to make a serious run at the cup. Fleury helped the Flames win the cup in '89. He left the team 10 years later in a trade to Colorado that involved fellow SK players Robyn Regehr and Wade Belak, and now, 10 years later, he is attempting to return, and inject some identity into the Flames in their 30th Anniversary season.
I guess Fleury scoring the shootout winner in a game 2 days ago says something.


TYLER BOZAK IS MAKING A STATEMENT

Toronto Maple Leafs' rookie hopeful Tyler Bozak flew right under the PrairiePuck's radar, and we completely forgot about him on our players to watch, because he is from SASKATCHEWAN!! This Regina native took the college route in his hockey career, playing for the University of Denver for the past 2 years. This tough and very skilled 23 year old forward was one of the most coveted NCAA free agents this season, and Brian Burke once again made a good move to improving and transforming the culture of the Leafs.

Just take a peak at this goal from Bozak in an earlier preseason matchup against Boston this week:






BRIAN BURKE GETS WHAT HE WANTS

After weeks, and possibly months of speculation and rumors, Leafs' GM Brian Burke made a huge move on Friday, completing a trade with the Boston Bruins, sending a collection of questionably high draft picks for Bruins' forward Phil Kessel. We say questionable picks, because according to TSN, Toronto gave up 2 first round picks and a second round pick for Kessel. Probably a good move in the long run though. Kessel, a restricted free agent, who was unable to generate a deal with Boston, was traded to the Leafs, and immediately signed a reported 5 year deal worth approximately $27 million.


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PLAYERS ON THE RISE: Players that could make or break your Fantasy Drafts

The selection of talent to choose from when picking players for your Fantasy Draft is endless. But after you expire your 1st and 2nd picks, the bulk of your team is going to made up of the young players on the rise, and players that will consistently surprise you and generate points.

Kicking off the countdown is.....


#10 DREW STAFFORD - BUFFALO SABRES (Drafted 13th overall, 2004)

Although it is uncertain as to whether Stafford will end up with the Sabres this season, we think his skill will follow him wherever he ends up playing. The Sabres are still in the process of negotiations with the Milwaukee native, as he is currently a Restricted Free Agent. If the Sabres were smart, they would find a way to sign Stafford, before they start receiving offer sheets from teams that are in the market for a skilled top-6 forward (particularly from teams like the lowly Leafs, Kings, or Panthers). Before last year, Stafford divided his time between the Sabres and the AHL's Rochester Americans, but has started to make a name for himself in Buffalo. Last season, he eclipsed the 20 goal plateau for the first time, ammassing 45 points in 79 games. This year, let's see if he can get up to that 55-60 point mark.


#9 CHRIS KUNITZ - PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (Undrafted)

Last year at this time we were talking about Kunitz in the SK-born players to watch segment, and he didn't disappoint. Traded just before the trade deadline to the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Ryan Whitney, Kunitz helped the Penguins all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Red Wings in 7 games to capture his 2nd stanley cup in 3 years. Once traded to the Pens, Kunitz nearly tallied a point in each of his 20 final regular season games, totalling 53 points for the season (by the way, we predicted a 50-60 point total), and added 14 points in the Pens' Stanley Cup run. Expected to contribute on the top 2 lines, probably more-so with Sidney Crosby, we can expect this point total to go up this year. +65? We think so.

#8 DERRICK BRASSARD - COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS (Drafted 6th overall, 2006)

Like we said before, the Blue Jackets seem like they are finally understanding how to develop their young prospects and make wise decisions at the draft. Brassard is a quick, very skilled forward who adds a lot of young talent to a very young team. Last season, before Brassard went down to injury early in the year, he totalled 25 points in 31 games, on his way to Calder Trophy contention. If he was healthy, he could have put up 60 points. After sitting on the sidelines, watching his squad make history in making the playoffs for the first time, we're willing to bet that he would like to be a part of the action this season, and will be a nice scoring complement on a line with superstar Rick Nash. Let's say 55 points for Derrick Brassard.

#7 BOBBY RYAN - ANAHEIM DUCKS (Drafted 2nd overall, 2005)

57 points in 64 games last season? Definitely a rookie campaign to remember. Ryan played his first few games in the league one year prior to last year, but even then he produced well for the team. Ryan is expected to begin the season on the top line with forwards Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, making this one of the most dangerous front 3 in the league. For the guy who was drafted 1 spot after Sidney Crosby, he's definitely starting to make a name for himself in Anaheim, and with a 31-goal rookie season, it's not crazy to think that Bobby Ryan could have a 40-goal year, could it? Expect this youngster from Cherry Hill, NJ to go between 65-70 points this year, with the possibility of eclipsing 35-40 goals.

#6 DEVIN SETOGUCHI - SAN JOSE SHARKS (Drafted 8th overall, 2005)

A solid 35 goal scorer in Junior hockey between the Saskatoon Blades and Prince George Cougars, Setoguchi has translated this talent into the NHL, after amassing the 30 goal and 60 point mark for the year With the possibility that The Sharks may be shipping away SK-born Patrick Marleau, the club may get to see this young star produce with the likes of say...Dany Heatley? Although Heatley has lost our respect in the last couple months, seeing him, Setoguchi, and Joe Thornton play together could be a treat to many. Let's watch Setoguchi to notch 75 points this season.

#5 SAM GAGNER - EDMONTON OILERS (Drafted 6th overall, 2007)

Easily the youngest of this group of players, Sam Gagner is entering his 3rd year in the league and won't even be legal to drink in the United States until next Summer! This season should be the bounce-back season that Gagner needs after being bitten a bit by the sophomore jinx. Both seasons were similar in numbers, but Gagner it is time that Gagner needs to produce the way we all know he can. Most likely headlining the 2nd line or making the jump to the #1 line with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky, we can see Gagner tallying between 60 and 65 points this season, leading the team in goals. He is the type of diverse player that can be plugged into many lines, despite his small size, as he has proven to work well with Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner, Robert Nilsson, and Patrick O'Sullivan as well.

#4 PHIL KESSEL - BOSTON BRUINS (Drafted 5th overall, 2006)

It is unknown at this time whether we will see Kessel in a Bruins uniform this season. Recently, the young American star has made headlines for the interest he has been generating from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kessel has been linked to rumors with the Leafs ever since the club was rumored to be shopping around defenseman Tomas Kaberle. This could be the best or worst thing for Kessel. In Boston, he is not dependent on generating all of the scoring, while in Toronto he will be relied on much more. Perhaps the new change of scenery could spark this young forward to generate points in the 70-80 range, after a 60 point season in 2008-2009 (which we predicted right on the money by the way)

#3 PAUL STASTNY - COLORADO AVALANCHE (Drafted 44th overall, 2005)

Paul Stastny was born in Quebec City, but has dual citizenship, and has chosen to play for the United States on the world stage. One of the only reasons why Stastny wasn't chosen as the Calder Trophy recipient with 78 points was that he was up against Evgeni Malkin, so it is understandable. Since then, Stastny's last 2 years have been stricken with injuries, forcing him to miss more than 50 games. When healthy, we could see Stastny help bring back the Avalanche to playoff contention after a rocky year. 80 points? Sure, if he remains healthy.

#2 JONATHAN TOEWS - CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (Drafted 3rd overall, 2006)

It seems very fitting that Jonathan Toews is the captain of this team now, because he will be relied on to lead this team through the good and bad for years to come. Toews was one player, along with teammate Patrick Kane who were not bitten by the sophomore jinx, and tallied 69 points last season to help his squad to a Western Final birth. What could he do next year? We are thinking around the 80 point plateau. The funny thing about the Hawks is that if they do not win the Stanley Cup this year, the entire season was a disappointment, and it is tough to say when they will be back in the same position in a while. Poor management decisions, showcased by the signing of Marian Hossa to a mammoth 12 year contract spark questions as to whether the club can afford both young superstars Kane and Toews next summer when they become restricted free agents. We believe Toews needs to stay to make this team a contender.

#1 BRYAN LITTLE - ATLANTA THRASHERS - (Drafted 12th overall, 2006)

Last season was Bryan Little's first full season in the NHL with the Trashers, and he is definitely on the radar now. He is a solid forward and has proved that this Thrashers team have secondary scoring behind Ilya Kovalchuk. Little scored 31 goals last year, which is definitely a step up from the 6 he scored in a previous stint with the club. This young Thrashers team is on the rise, and with prospects like Zach Bogosian, Evander Kane, Angelo Esposito, and Regina's Riley Holzapfel, we may see this squad back in the playoffs soon. Expect Little to generate 75 points this season.





HONOURABLE MENTION:


1. RENE BOURQUE - CALGARY FLAMES

2. MATTHEW LOMBARDI - PHOENIX COYOTES (For now?)

3. MATT D'AGOSTINI - MONTREAL CANADIENS



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2009/2010 ROOKIE CLASS : Who to watch

Every year we have unbelievable young talented players that make their mark in the league. Just look at the Calder trophy winners in the past 50 years, such as Bobby Orr, Mike Bossy, Mario Lemieux, Luc Robitaille, Ray Bourque, Teemu Selanne, Alex Ovechkin, etc. Definitely exclusive company right? What we will be taking a look at is the 10 players this year that will be the next great Calder trophy winner, and the remainder of this year's star-studded rookie class that will be exciting to watch, nonetheless:

Starting off at number #10:

#10. LINUS OMARK - EDMONTON OILERS (Drafted 97th overall, 2007)

We've said it once, and we'll say it again. Edmonton has the best collection of young talent in their system in the entire league. And that may be a bold statement considering the unbelievable youngsters in the league. We have all heard of guys like Youtube sensation Rob Schremp, and of course the Canadian Junior hero and hometown Regina boy Jordan Eberle, but on top of that, Swedish youtube sensation Linus Omark can be added to the mix.

Just check this out:






You can't teach some of these sick skills, and creativity like this is just what the league and the Oilers need. Along with guys like Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano, the Oilers have an awesome group of top 6 forwards in development. Expect the 22-year old Omark to make a splash with the roster this year.

#9 JUSTIN ABDELKADER - DETROIT RED WINGS (Drafted 42nd overall, 2005)

Abdelkader's breakout performance cam in last year's playoffs, when team injuries landed him a spot on the roster in the Wings' second straight run to the Stanley cup finals. Categorized as a tough, gritty forward who has an exceptional work ethic, we think his style of play would fit on Detroit's 4th line perfectly this season. Pair him with young up-and-coming stars such as Darren Helm and SK product Jeremy Williams, you have one of the quickest and skilled 4th lines in the league, meaning if there's one thing the Wings have this year, it's depth. Don't expect Abdelkader to be a calder candidate, but he may be working his way up to a mainstay on the Wings' lineup, particularly in clutch situations, such as the PK team.

#8 COLIN WILSON - NASHVILLE PREDATORS (Drafted 7th overall, 2008)

The Prairiepuck proudly gives the "Owning the snow-blower in California" award to the Nashville Predators. They have all of this great young talent, but have no idea what to do with it. They do a great job in goaltender development and in the defense department, but they need to make a franchise overall in a hurry, before the team inevitably relocates. Colin Wilson may be the answer to this dilemma. Once a star on his collegiate team (Boston University), Wilson is a talented young forward who has excellent ability in clutch situations, particularly on the International stage in IIHF World Men's, U20, and U18 championships.


#7 NIKITA FILATOV - COLUMBUS BLUEJACKETS (Drafted 6th overall, 2008)

Drafted just before Wilson in 2008 was Russian sensation Nikita Filatov. If everything goes well for Filatov and he can produce the numbers we all know he can, he may be the dark horse for Calder trophy contention this season. Filatov began the season last year in Columbus, impressing many people along the way, but was sent back to Syracuse for the remainder of the season for development, as he was still only a small, 18 year old. If there's one thing that we know from these situations, it's that experience makes a hell of a difference when developing young prospects. After years of only having Rick Nash on their draft record to impress everyone, the BlueJackets are finally learning how to develop their own and make a run into the post season, with players like Filatov, Steve Mason, and Derrick Brassard on their resume in the last couple years.

#6 VICTOR HEDMAN - TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (Drafted 2nd overall, 2009)

A team like Tampa Bay really shouldn't be known for defense after last season, but kudos to the franchise for addressing this problem and drafting an impact defenseman like Victor Hedman from the Swedish Elite leagues. We actually believe that if Tampa Bay had the number one pick, they still would have chosen Hedman over the heavily favourited John Tavares of the London Knights (We'll get to him later). Not only did they lock up Hedman, but the team went out and signed all-around defenseman and fellow countryman Mattias Ohlund from the Vancouver Canucks. With Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Hedman, and Ohlund to run the powerplay, we could see a huge improvement this year from the Bolts. Ohlund is expected to be a mentor to Hedman, and the two together will be a good fit.

#5 MATT DUCHENE - COLORADO AVALANCHE (Drafted 3rd overall, 2009)

If there is one player who impressed at the right time during last year's draft process, it was Matt Duchene of the OHL's Brampton Batallion. Many thought the Duchene could rival Hedman and Tavares for the top draft choice, but along with Tampa Bay, Colorado addressed a major concern and drafted the best possible player they could in Duchene. Already being compared to a "Joe Sakic with unbelievable speed", Duchene is going to work extremely well with forwards like Paul Stastny and Wojtek Wolski. We don't see him being the guy to win the Calder quite yet, but we have been wrong before.

#4 CODY HODGSON - VANCOUVER CANUCKS (Drafted 10th overall, 2008)

Coming off a year that was capped off with the CHL Player of the Year award, Cody Hodgson is the complete deal. He is a quick, gritty, skilled forward who can score, and just as importantly LEAD his team. Hodgson is said to possibly crack the 2nd or even top line this season, and we believe his strong play with the Brampton Batallion last season will continue with the Canucks, and could be another face for this growing franchise. Fellow Batallion allumni, now divison rival Matt Duchene and Cody Hodgson will provide some very entertaining rivalries in years to come. **CALDER CANDIDATE**

#3 SIMEON VARLAMOV - WASHINGTON CAPITALS (Drafted 23rd overall, 2006)

Last year's playoffs were this young Russian's chance to prove himself after assuming the starting job over Jose Theodore, and he didn't disappoint. Maybe he did in game 7 against the eventual Cup Champion Penguins, but let's blame that on inexperience. This young goaltender has an incredible opportunity this season, in proving that he can remain the #1 guy, and take the Caps deeper in the playoffs, which we believe he will do. A solid first half of the season will also see the young Russian as a candidate to be the 3rd goaltender for the Russian Olympic team behind San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov and Edmonton's Nikolai Khabibulin. **CALDER CANDIDATE**

#2 JOHN TAVARES - NEW YORK ISLANDERS (Drafted 1st overall, 2009)

You may think we're crazy not having Tavares as #1, but this does not mean that he's not the guy to watch. We all know that Tavares is one of the greatest Canadian players every to play on the World Junior stage, and that he also broke some of Wayne Gretzky's Junior Hockey scoring records. He is an excellent player, with excellent potential, and he will bring a winning tradition back to Long Island. The only thing is that Tavares does not have a very good supporting cast, and he will not be a saviour to this team quite yet, so don't expect them to make a push to the playoffs for a couple years, but still, definitely a **CALDER CANDIDATE**

#1. JONAS GUSTAVSSON - TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (Signed as Free Agent)

How's that for irony eh? The team we all love to despise actually has shown rays of hope for the future. In signing perhaps the most coveted free agent from both the NCAA and European Elite Leagues combined, Brian Burke is actually accomplishing what he set out to do. He is rebuilding this team from the inside out by weaning out the bad and bringing in quality players. Sure, guys like Colton Orr aren't quality players, but the Leafs have completely revamped their blue line, and added some extra help with the signing of Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson. The Monster was highly regarded as the top goaltender in the world outside the NHL last season, and his numbers prove it. Standing at 6"3, we believe this keeper will contend for the starting position, when we all know that Toskala is going to choke. It's simple. Vesa Toskala does not have the capacity, nor ability to be a starting goaltender, and Jonas Gustavsson will steal the starting job from him this season. Will he be a candidate for the Calder? Only time will tell. Will he take the Leafs to the playoffs this year? Probably not, but he really can't hurt their chances.



HONOURABLE MENTION


TUUKKA RASK - BOSTON BRUINS - (Drafted 21st overall, 2005)

Tuukka Rask is an excellent European goaltender, and really hasn't yet been given the opportunity to show his stuff in the league. The 22 year old netminder was drafted 21st overall by of all teams, the Leafs in 2005. In a bonehead move, the Leafs fell head over heels for the flavour at the week of the time, Calder trophy winner Andrew Raycroft, and traded their #1 prospect Rask to Boston for Raycroft. Well we all know how that turned out. The Leafs haven't made the playoffs since and Boston won the Eastern conference last year. With no contract offered to Manny Fernandez at this time, we must assume that Rask may be getting the opportunity to backup Vezina-winner Tim Thomas, and will be seen as the new goaltender of the future in bean town.


SK HONOURABLE MENTION


1. Jordan Eberle - EDMONTON OILERS (Drafted 22nd overall, 2008)
2. Brayden Schenn - LOS ANGELES KINGS (Drafted 5th overall, 2009)
3. Dustin Tokarski - TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (Drafted 122nd overall, 2008)
4. Jared Cowen - OTTAWA SENATORS (Drafted 9th overall, 2009)
5. Keith Aulie - CALGARY FLAMES (Drafted 116th overall, 2007)
6. Riley Holzapfel - ATLANTA THRASHERS (Drafted 43rd overall, 2006)

It is interesting to note here that out of the top prospects from Saskatchewan, Riley Holzapfel is currently tagged as the player that has the best chance of cracking the lineup this season. Holzapfel, a native of Regina, is a rugged forward that would fit in nicely on an Atlanta team that really needs his presence. Most likely a 3rd or 4th line centreman, it will be interesting to see what this 21 year old can do. Of course, we are overlooking a great deal of talent here. We all hope that Jordan Eberle will be able to crack the Oilers lineup this season, however a player like Eberle should not be rushed into the spotlight unless he is 100% ready. A season with Springfield in the AHL could make a world of difference in his development. Tokarski is another interesting player, because goaltending seems to be the one area that is unnaddressed in Tampa Bay coming into the 2009/2010 campaign. Mike Smith has yet to prove he really is a starter in this league, so who knows, maybe we will see this Allan, SK. native between the pipes in Tampa sooner than we think.



PP