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USHL Gaining Top Players With Canadian Junior Leagues Out Of Action

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The United States Hockey League, USHL, is the top junior league in the U.S. and has been growing as a top developmental destination in recent years. Yet, they have never seen an influx of talent as they have this season. Early on, it was NCAA players whose teams (mostly Ivy League programs) canceled play this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, as the CHL leagues – OHL, WHL, and QMJHL – and other Junior-A Canadian leagues remain out of action, the flow of top players has continued. The USHL season is ongoing and has thus far operated without much delay, making it the greatest beneficiary on the other side of the border from the stalled Canadian leagues. This past week has shown that talented players throughout Canada are running low on patience with their current leagues and are now making the move south.

On Tuesday, the trend really began to pick up steam when the BCHL announced nine departures, four to the USHL including two top players from the powerhouse Penticton Vees. Buffalo Sabres forward prospect Matteo Costantini, who had joined Penticton this season before heading to the University of North Dakota next year, has now joined the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. Well-regarded 2021-eligible defenseman Owen Murray is also headed to the NCAA next season as a University of Massachusetts commit, but instead of staying with the Vees this year, he has now joined the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers.

On Wednesday, Penticton lost another top defenseman, as projected 2021 second/third-round pick Jack Bar left for the USHL’s Chicago Steel and will not return to the Vees next season with Harvard University in his sights. However, the bigger story was the exodus from the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Detroit Red Wings 2020 second-round pick Cross Hanas and potential 2021 first-round forward Jack O’Brien, along with two other teammates, all left for the USL’s Lincoln Stars. Lincoln also picked up 2021 defenseman and Boston University commit Charles-Alexis Legault from the BCHL’s West Kelowna Warriors.

The biggest move to date is a major addition for the Sioux Falls Stampede. Forward Cole Sillinger, a consensus 2021 first-round pick, left the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers to head to the U.S. Sillinger recorded 53 points in 48 games with the Tigers last year and may just be one of the best players in the USHL now that he has arrived in Sioux Falls.

The question of course with all of these transfers is whether any of these players will leave if their Canadian teams are able to play this season. These USHL clubs undoubtedly hope they can retain their newfound talent throughout their season and postseason and they almost certainly will if junior play in Canada is unable to return. However, the WHL is already taking steps toward a possible return and other leagues will try to follow. Regardless, this influx of talent is great for the competition level of the USHL this year and its reputation moving forward as it looks to compete for top players with the CHL elite in the future.

Luke Martin Signs In The ECHL

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If there was ever a year not to turn down a contract offer, it was 2020. Former Carolina Hurricanes prospect Luke Martin may have just learned that the hard way. Although there is no definitive proof that Martin not signing with the Hurricanes was entirely one-sided, it at least appeared that way. Now, months after his draft rights expired and he became an unrestricted free agent, the University of Michigan product has had to settle for an ECHL contract. The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have signed Martin, as well as Wolverines teammate Jake Slaker, to one-year contracts, the league announced.

Martin, 22, was a second-round selection by Carolina back in 2017 out of the U.S. National Team Development Program. However, he had actually played his freshman season at Michigan in his draft year. So while some have been critical of Martin’s offense in the NCAA compared to his junior numbers, the Hurricanes knew what they were getting after watching a full season of Martin at the college level. The true hallmarks of Martin’s game lie in his size and defensive ability. The 6’2″, 220-lb. defenseman plays a physical yet smart checking style and has sound defensive awareness. He was a net +29 over four years at Michigan. However, in that time he did only contribute 30 total points. If there was hesitation on Carolina’s part about a contract, it was based on his lack of skill and offensive upside.

At 22, Martin still has room to grow and improve, but not as much as most prospects seeking an entry-level contract. In a quiet off-season, where even seasoned veterans are struggling to find minimum deals, teams likely felt their contract limit and salary dollars could be better spent. Yet, Martin not even finding an AHL deal is a surprise, though an ECHL pact does allow him to get started right away without any additional roster moves. The NHL parent club of the Swamp Rabbits, the Florida Panthers, will certainly keep an eye on Martin and the taxi squad pulling would-be AHLers from the roster could open up space for Martin to spend much of the season with the Charlotte Checkers once the AHL returns to action. Whether or not these opportunities produce results and an NHL contract next time around remains to be seen. For now, Martin’s case serves as a warning to draft picks to think twice before spurning your drafted NHL club’s contract offer.

 

Flyers Prospect Jack St. Ivany Transfers To Boston College

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There have been a handful of college players that have transferred in recent days and among them is Flyers prospect Jack St. Ivany as Jeff Cox of the New England Sports Journal reports that the defenseman has transferred from Yale to Boston College and will be eligible to play immediately.

The move was prompted with the Ivy League cancelling their 2020-21 season and the Eagles will be the beneficiaries of this transfer.  The 21-year-old was a fifth-round pick of Philadelphia (112th overall) back in 2018 in his second year of draft eligibility.

While St. Ivany was a productive blueliner in the USHL which helped him get drafted, that hasn’t been the case in the first half of his college career.  Last season, he had one goal and 15 assists with the Bulldogs after putting up six tallies in his freshman year.  Nevertheless, he’ll likely be asked to step into an important role with Boston College right away and a change of scenery might help get that part of his game back on track.

After sitting since March when the college season was shut down due to the pandemic, St. Ivany will be eligible to suit up in Boston College’s first game following the winter break which is January 8th.

Flames’ Jake Boltmann Commits To Notre Dame, To Join Team This Season

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One of the most recent additions to the Calgary Flames’ pipeline has made a decision on the next step in his development, one that he plans to act on immediately. Defenseman Jake Boltmann, a third round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has announced his commitment to the University of Notre Dame. The Lincoln Stars standout is expected to enroll for the spring semester and join the Fighting Irish in the coming weeks.

Boltmann, 19, is a Minnesota high school star who had initially committed to the University of Minnesota many years ago. After opting not to join the Gophers for the fall semester, Boltmann officially de-committed recently. He will now make his move to South Bend, joining a Notre Dame program that also recruited him heavily alongside Minnesota.

Boltmann became somewhat of a viral sensation when video emerged of the young defender finding out he had been drafted in the middle of practice, much to the excitement of his Lincoln teammates and coaches. Boltmann has now wrapped up his time with the Stars and is ready to join the Irish. The dependable defenseman will bring his strong defensive game to a team that already boasts considerable NHL prospect depth. The current group includes Boltmann’s fellow 2020 picks Landon Slaggert (CHI) and Ryder Rolston (COL) while the 2021 recruiting class includes first round hopeful Sasha Pastujov. The Flames hope that Boltmann can quickly establish himself as one of the top defenseman for Notre Dame, a team that should compete for NCAA titles during his tenure.

Russia Finalizes World Junior Roster

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Next up, Russia has submitted a final roster for the upcoming World Junior Tournament in Edmonton later this month. As usual for Russia, the roster contains a number of prospect names familiar to NHL fans, but also has a few players who have made their name in their native country but have not been drafted into the NHL. Below is the 2020 Russian entry:

F Mikhail Abramov (TOR)
F Yegor Afanasyev (NSH)
F Rodion Amirov (TOR)
F Zakhar Bardakov (undrafted)
F Daniil Bashkirov (undrafted)
F Yegor Chinakhov (CLB)
F Vladislav Firstov (MIN)
F Arseniy Gritsyuk (NJD)
F Maxim Groshev (TBL)
F Marat Khusnutdinov (MIN)
F Vasili Podkolzin (VAN)
F Vasili Ponomaryov (CAR)
F Ilya Safonov (undrafted)
F Yegor Spirodonov (SJS)

D Roman Bychkov (BOS)
D Daniil Chayka (2021)
D Semyon Chistyakov (NSH)
D Kirill Kirsanov (2021)
D Artemi Knyazev (SJS)
D Yan Kuznetsov (CGY)
D Shakir Mukhamadullin (NJD)
D Yegor Shekhovstov (undrafted)

G Artur Akhtyamov (TOR)
G Yaroslav Askarov (NSH)
G Vsevolod Skotnikov (undrafted)

This is a deeper Russian roster compared to some more recent entries, especially on defense – often a weak area – where arguably every player will be an NHL draft pick by this time next year. The team contains 18 existing NHL selections from 11 different clubs. The Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs lead the way with three prospects apiece, including several of the team’s best players. The Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and San Jose Sharks each have two different members of the squad.

Unsurprisingly, all but four of Russia’s selections are currently playing in the country, participating at various levels including the KHL, VHL, and MHL. Abramov and Ponomaryov are currently playing in the QMJHL. Interestingly, the University of Connecticut notes that teammates Firstov and Kuznetsov are the first ever NCAA selections to Russia’s WJC roster.

USA Hockey Announces Final World Junior Roster

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A number of final rosters for the upcoming 2020 World Junior Championship have been revealed this morning, as the best U-20 players in the world prepare to compete later this month. Team USA gets us started, as USA Hockey has announced their finalized group. The roster is entirely comprised of NHL draft picks and presumptive 2021 selections, including sixteen players drafted in the first or second round, as well as 22 NCAA players. Below is the final roster:

F Matthew Beniers, Univ. of Michigan (2021)
F Brett Berard, Providence College (NYR)
F Matthew Boldy, Boston College (MIN)
F Bobby Brink, Univ. of Denver (PHI)
F Brendan Brisson, Univ. of Michigan (VGK)
F Cole Caufield, Univ. of Wisconsin (MTL)
F Sam Colangelo, Northeastern Univ. (ANA)
F John Farinacci, Harvard Univ. (ARI)
F Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs (LAK)
F Patrick Moynihan, Providence College (NJD)
F Landon Slaggert, Univ. of Notre Dame (CHI)
F Alex Turcotte, Los Angeles Kings
F Trevor Zegras, Boston Univ. (ANA)

D Brock Faber, Univ. of Minnesota (LAK)
D Drew Helleson, Boston College (COL)
D Ryan Johnson, Univ. of Minnesota (BUF)
D Tyler Kleven, Univ. of North Dakota (OTT)
D Jackson LaCombe, Univ. of Minnesota (ANA)
D Jake Sanderson, Univ. of North Dakota (OTT)
D Hunter Skinner, London Knights (NYR)
D Henry Thrun, Harvard Univ. (ANA)
D Cam York, Univ. of Michigan (PHI)

G  Spencer Knight, Boston College (FLA)
G Logan Stein, Ferris State Univ. (2021)
G Dustin Wolf, Everett Silvertips (CGY)

The roster, which includes eight holdovers from last year’s squad and Knight returning for a third go-round, includes few surprises. As expected, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson will not be a member of the team as he is instead expected to compete for a roster spot in NHL camp, anticipated to begin toward the conclusion of the WJC. The L.A. Kings’ Turcotte was not given the same treatment, as he will compete for Team USA and then head to camp.

The other glaring omission is Boston Bruins prospect Johnny Beecher, who played for the WJC entry last year and had been in camp this year. The Boston Globe’s Matt Porter reports that Beecher tested positive for COVID-19, ending his bid for a roster spot. The loss could hurt the U.S., as teammate Caufield told The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler recently that he expected Beecher to play a big role for the team this year.

While the University of Michigan boasts an impressive three WJC selections for Team USA, Beecher and Thomas Bordeleau (SJS) were among the final cuts. The other player left off the final roster was undrafted defenseman Cam McDonald, who would have been the third inclusion from Providence College to join head coach Nate Leaman’s WJC team. Wheeler reports that Team USA GM John Vanbiesbrouck would have preferred 14 forwards and eight defenseman to their 13 forwards and nine defensemen, but that COVID protocols led to this final roster, insinuating that Beecher’s positive test likely led to roomate Bordeleau’s cut as well.

Among the 15 NHL teams represented on Team USA are four prospects from the Anaheim Ducks, a trio from the L.A. Kings, and four other clubs with multiple selections.

 

Snapshots: Liiga, Paajarvi, Bradley

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Just days after the QMJHL announced a month-long pause due to the heightened spread of the Coronavirus, another league is set to make a similar call, but this time it’s a pro league out of Europe. According to a number of sources including The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf, the Finnish Liiga is expected to halt all play through the month of December. This move is expected to carry over to Finland’s junior leagues as well. A number of NHL prospects will be impacted, as will NHL players currently on loan who will return to North America sooner than expected. It does seem as though the shut down will end in January, but the COVID numbers in Finland will ultimately determine when play resumes.

  • Veteran NHL forward Magnus Paajarvi opted to take his talents to Russia last summer, signing a two-year deal with the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. His first season fell short of expectations, as Paajarvi played in only 39 games and recorded just 19 points. His second season has started off much better, as Paajarvi already has 11 ponts through 26 games and will far exceed last season if he stays healthy. Yaroslavl decided to take advantage of the success of the impending free agent, as they have traded Paajarvi to Dynamo Moscow in exchange for another name familiar to NHL fans, Teemu Pulkkinen. Given that Paajarvi was still a serviceable bottom-six forward when he left the NHL, is on pace for a superior season this year with his contract expiring, and has now abandoned any loyalty he might have felt to the KHL club he initially signed with, this could all be leading to an NHL comeback for the skilled power forward next year.
  • Detroit Red Wings prospect Chase Bradley has made his collegiate selection. The 2020 seventh-round pick out of the USHL has committed to the University of Connecticut, the program announced. The St. Louis native is a hard-working forward who is expecting to take a big step forward offensively in his final junior season before moving to the NCAA. Bradley becomes the second NHL prospect commitment for the Huskies this month, as fellow 2020 seventh-rounder Ryan Tverberg (TOR) will also join UConn next season.

Prospect Notes: Dostal, Abruzzese, Stienburg

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Lukas Dostal’s time in the Finnish SM-liiga has been nothing short of dominant this season as he leads the league in GAA (1.64) and SV% (.941) by quite a large margin.  However, his time there has come to an end as Ilves, the team he was on loan to, announced that the Ducks have recalled him, suggesting that they believe that NHL training camps are going to be getting underway soon despite the lack of discussions between the league and NHLPA in recent days.  The 20-year-old was a third-round pick of Anaheim back in 2018 (63rd overall) but has yet to play in North America, instead spending last year with Ilves and his post-draft year with them and three different levels in the Czech Republic.

More prospect news from around the hockey world:

  • Maple Leafs prospect Nick Abruzzese is someone that isn’t lamenting the cancellation of the Ivy League season. As Postmedia’s Terry Koshan notes, the forward was likely to miss most of the 2020-21 season anyway as he works his way back from hip surgery.  His recovery is on track but instead of rehabbing towards trying to return for the NCAA playoffs, he can focus on prepping for next season already.  The 21-year-old led Harvard in scoring last season with 14 goals and 30 assists in 31 games, good for a tie for third-overall among Division I scorers.
  • Avalanche prospect Matthew Stienburg suffered a broken leg while playing with West Kelowna of the BCHL, reports Mike Chambers of The Denver Post. As a result, the Colorado third-rounder (63rd overall in 2019) was going to miss all of the NCAA season before the Ivy League shut things down.  Stienburg played his rookie season with Cornell and will return there for the 2021-22 campaign as his time in the BCHL did not affect his college eligibility.

Detroit’s Jack Adams Transfers To Providence College

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After three seasons at Union College, Detroit Red Wings prospect Jack Adams is on the move. Adams missed the entire 2019-20 season due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered in Detroit development camp, and has been seeking a fresh start this off-season. He has finally announced that he will join Providence College this season with two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Adams, 23, is a hulking power forward who was selected in the sixth round by the Red Wings in 2017. The 6’6″ right wing recorded 35 points in 66 games with Union through his first two seasons and now takes his two-way talents to PC. It’s a program that Jack is familiar with, as older brother Mark Adams spent five years in Providence, including winning an NCAA Championship in 2015.

The current iteration of the Friars may not be a title favorite, but is still home to eight NHL draft picks, now including Adams. Up front, Adams will join fellow Eastern Conference prospects Brett Berard (NYR), Patrick Moynihan (NJD), Tyce Thompson (NJD), and Chase Yoder (PIT), a group that could grow more dangerous if they all stay through next season.

Minor Transactions: 11/23/20

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As the NHL off-season wears on without much activity, free agents are facing some difficult decisions as they look for employment for next season. Among other minor moves, Monday witnessed a number of payers leaving NHL contracts for minor league pacts and a stagnant market could mean that this is just the beginning.

  • Defenseman Devante Stephens will return to Syracuse next season, but on an AHL contract with the crunch rather than a two-way NHL deal. The 23-year-old, a draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres, was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning last season and for the first time in his pro career became a regular in the AHL lineup. However, this was not enough to convince the Bolts that he was worthy of a second look. At least the Crunch were willing to bring him back, announcing a one-year contract.
  • For someone who was traded three times in a nine-month span last season, one would think that forward Aaron Luchuk would be in demand. However, the 23-year-old center will not be getting a new NHL deal with his entry-level contract expiring. In fact, Luchuk was unable to even find an AHL deal. The former Senators’, Maple Leafs’, and Canadiens’ prospect has signed a one-year deal with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, the team announced.
  • University of New Brunswick product Alex Dubeau upgraded to an AHL contract last season and made three appearances with the Belleville Senators. However, he still played the majority of his games in the ECHL and will return to league next season. Dubeau has signed a one-year deal with the South Carolina Stingrays, the team announced.
  • Cam Knuble, son of former NHLer Mike Knuble, will follow in his father’s footsteps to the NCAA, though not to the same school. While Mike attended the University of Michign prior to his 16-year NHL career, Cam is headed to Western Michigan University, effective immediately according to the program. Knuble had previously been commited to nearby Michigan State University, but recently decided not only to change his commitment but to move up his timeline. The undrafted forward hopes that the move puts him on the fright track for a pro future.

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