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Leafs Notes: Bracco, Woll, Dzierkals

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As the Toronto Sun’s Lance Horby reports, highly-regarded Toronto prospect Jeremy Bracco is curiously absent from Leafs’ development camp for the second day in a row with an undisclosed illness. Bracco reported for camp, but has not seen the ice and the team has yet to make an announcement regarding his whereabouts or condition. Bracco, the team’s second-round pick in 2o15, is a candidate to make the Leafs roster for the 2017-18 season, but a development camp appearance would go a long way to securing that spot. After scoring 83 points in 57 games in the OHL last season, Bracco has shown that he can score at a high level. Nevertheless, the undersized winger has a long way to go to prove that he’s NHL-ready and missing valuable time with the Toronto coaches could hinder his chances of making the team.

  • Development camp lost another big name today, as goaltender Joseph Woll left with a leg injury. The Leafs’ third-round selection in 2016, the 18-year-old Woll just finished his freshman year at Boston College and is years away from NHL enlistment. However, there will surely be concern over the extent of the injury and the loss of valuable ice time at camp for Toronto’s goalie of the future.
  • One player looking to take advantage of some more attention with other big name sidelined is Martins Dzierkals. The 20-year-old winger told Michael Augello that his goal this off-season is to earn a spot in the organization, rather than return to the QMJHL for his overage season. Dzierkals was selected in the third round in 2015 and has been better than a point-per-game scorer for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies ever since, but still may not be a shoo-in for a roster spot with the AHL’s Marlies. Toronto has 48 players signed out of a possible 50 already and that roster crunch, perhaps even more than Dzierkals’ ability, could keep him in juniors for another year.

CHL 2017 Import Draft Results

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The CHL is holding its annual import draft today, where teams from across the Canadian junior leagues get to select the rights to players around the world. Often these are recently drafted prospects, or those seen to have good chances at next year’s draft. Being selected has no guarantee that the player will actually ever suit up for the team, as Klim Kostin (the 31st-overall pick in this year’s NHL entry draft) has made very clear. Kostin was selected first-overall in the import draft last year, but has said that he has no intention of ever playing for the Kootenay Ice, instead hoping to play in the AHL or NHL next season.

Sometimes though, you can get an immense talent. Nico Hischier was selected sixth-overall by Halifax last season, and quickly rose to the first-overall pick in the 2017 Entry Draft. Mikhail Sergachev was also selected sixth in the 2015 draft before eventually being the return for Jonathan Drouin this summer. To be sure, there will be a name or two out of this year’s draft to make a huge impact in the NHL. Each team can only carry two import players on the roster, meaning many will pass on the opportunity to select another one. The results are below (including the NHL team that drafted them this weekend):

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Coaching Notes: Woods, McFarland, Desjardins, Weight

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Yesterday, while 217 individuals took their first step toward fulfilling their dreams of being NHL players one day, two others took a major step toward becoming NHL head coaches:

The Minnesota Wild announced that they have hired Bob Woods as an assistant coach for the 2017-18 season. Woods was an assistant for the Buffalo Sabres under Dan Bylsma in 2016-17, but was not retained by the Sabres after Bylsma and GM Tim Murray were fired and replaced with Phil Housley and Jason Botterill respectively. Buffalo was not Woods’ first NHL experience; he previously worked for the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals as an assistant, both under current Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau. Woods also worked for Boudreau in the AHL, replacing him as head coach of the Hersey Bears when Boudreau was promoted to the Capitals open position. Woods led the Bears to Calder Cup championships in 2006 and 2009, before being called up to Washington himself. In the brief time after working alongside Boudreau for nine years and being hired by Buffalo, Woods was also the head coach and general manager of the Saskatoon Blade of the WHL. Equipped with years of experience coaching at all levels, as well as a prolific playing resume in the minor leagues – Woods is an ECHL Hall of Famer and holds the record for most career goals by a defenseman – Woods is a great addition for the Wild and should fit in perfectly alongside his long-time friend and mentor.

Not long after Minnesota tabbed their new assistant, the Florida Panthers named Paul McFarland as a new member of their coaching staff. On the other end of the spectrum to a guy like Woods, McFarland is relatively new to the coaching game. The 31-year-old was once an OHL prospect with dreams of being an NHL player, but upon realizing that his playing aspirations were a long shot, instead attended Acadia University, continued to play and study the game, and got into coaching after graduating in 2010. McFarland returned to the OHL served as an assistant coach for the Oshawa Generals for three years and then spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs. McFarland led the junior club to a 111-71-22 record, qualified for the playoffs all three years, and helped to develop highly-regarded prospects Lawson Crouse, Roland McKeown and Warren Foegele, as well as two second-round selections yesterday, Jason Robertson and Eemeli Rasanen. Panthers’ coach Bob Boughner, a rookie NHL head coach himself, is reportedly very excited about bringing McFarland aboard and his ability to assist with the development of young players in Florida.

  • Willie Desjardins might not be a head coach in the NHL for a while after being fired by the Vancouver Canucks back in April, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have an important team to lead. Desjardins has been tabbed as the head coach for Team Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics, a great honor regardless of the fact that the NHL won’t be participating in the Games. Desjardins will be looked upon to lead a talented, young Canadian team against a similarly young and talented American team as well as several different European squads that will have veteran professionals on their rosters. However, Desjardins has had major success at the junior and AHL level and is a strong pick for the position. He likely left NHL assistant offers on the table to take the job, but his name will certainly be back up for NHL head coach consideration if he can get it done on the big stage come this winter.
  • New York Islanders’ coach Doug Weight made an exciting announcement today, as his son, 16-year-old Danny Weight, committed to powerhouse college hockey program Boston College. The Eagles will get Weight’s services beginning in 2019-20, after he plays for the U.S. National Development Program for the next two seasons. At 6’0″, 170-lbs. already, Weight projects to be a power forward just like his dad, but will have an edge in development at BC versus his father’s time at Lake Superior State University in the early 90’s.

2017 NHL Draft Results

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Pro Hockey Rumors will be following and updating every selection of the 2017 NHL Draft. Stay here for every pick made in the draft this weekend:

Round One

  1. New Jersey Devils: Nico Hischier (C) – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
  2. Philadelphia Flyers: Nolan Patrick (C) – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
  3.  Dallas Stars: Miro Heiskanen (D) – HIFK (Finland)
  4. Colorado Avalanche: Cale Makar (D) – Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
  5. Vancouver Canucks: Elias Pettersson (C) – Timra (Sweden)
  6. Vegas Golden Knights: Cody Glass (C) – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
  7. New York Rangers (from AZ): Lias Andersson (C) – HV71 (Sweden)
  8. Buffalo Sabres: Casey Mittelstadt (C) – Eden Prairie High School
  9. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Rasmussen (C) – Tri-City Americans (WHL)
  10. Florida Panthers: Owen Tippett (RW) – Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
  11. Los Angeles Kings: Gabe Vilardi (C) – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
  12. Carolina Hurricanes: Martin Necas (C) – Brno (Czech)
  13. Vegas Golden Knights (from WPG): Nick Suzuki (C/RW) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
  14. Tampa Bay Lightning: Cal Foote (D) – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
  15. Vegas Golden Knights (from NYI): Erik Brannstrom (D) – HV71 (Sweden)
  16. Calgary Flames: Juuso Valimaki (D) – Tri-City Americans (WHL)
  17. Toronto Maple Leafs: Timothy Liljegren (D) – Rogle (Sweden)
  18. Boston Bruins: Urho Vaakanainen (D) – JYP (Finland)
  19. San Jose Sharks: Josh Norris (C) – USA U-18 National Development Program
  20. St. Louis Blues: Robert Thomas (C/RW) – London Knights (OHL)
  21. New York Rangers: Filip Chytil (C/LW) – Zlin (Czech)
  22. Edmonton Oilers: Kailer Yamamoto (RW) – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
  23. Arizona Coyotes (from MIN): Pierre-Olivier Joseph (D) – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
  24. Winnipeg Jets (from CLB via VGK): Kristian Vesalainen (LW) – Frolunda (Sweden)
  25. Montreal Canadiens: Ryan Poehling (C) – St. Cloud State (NCAA)
  26. Dallas Stars (from CHI): Jake Oettinger (G) – Boston University (NCAA)
  27. Philadelphia Flyers (from STL): Morgan Frost (C) – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
  28. Ottawa Senators: Shane Bowers (C) – Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
  29. Chicago Blackhawks (from DAL via ANA): Henri Jokiharju (D) – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
  30. Nashville Predators: Eeli Tolvanen (LW/RW) – Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
  31. St. Louis (from PIT): Klim Kostin (LW/RW) – Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Round 2

32. Colorado Avalanche: Conor Timmins (D) – Saulte Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
33. Vancouver Canucks: Kole Lind (RW) – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
34. Vegas Golden Knights: Nicolas Hague (D) – Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
35. Philadelphia Flyers (from AZ): Isaac Ratcliffe (LW) – Guelph Storm (OHL)
36. New Jersey Devils: Jesper Boqvist (C) – Brynas (Sweden)
37. Buffalo Sabres: Marcus Davidsson (C) – Djurgardens (Sweden)
38. Detroit Red Wings: Gustav Lindstrom (D) – Altuma (Sweden)
39. Dallas Stars: Jason Robertson (LW/RW) – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
40. Florida Panthers: Aleksi Heponiemi (C) – Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
41. Los Angeles Kings: Jaret Anderson-Dolan (C) – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
42. Carolina Hurricanes: Eetu Luostarinen (C) – KalPa (Finland)
43. Winnipeg Jets: Dylan Samberg (D) – Team North (USHS)
44. Arizona Coyotes (from PHI): Filip Westerlund (D) – Frolunda (Sweden)
45. Columbus Blue Jackets (from TB via VGK): Alexandre Texier (C) – Grenoble (France)
46. New York Islanders: Robin Salo (D) – Sport (Finland)
47. Ottawa Senators (from CGY): Alex Formenton (LW) – London Knights (OHL)
48. Tampa Bay Lightning (from TOR): Alexander Volkov (LW) – SKA St. Petersburg (Russia)
49. San Jose Sharks (from BOS via NJD): Mario Ferraro (D) – Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
50. Anaheim Ducks (from SJS via TOR): Maxime Comtois (LW) –  Victoriaville Tigres (QMHL)
51. Pittsburgh Penguins (from STL): Zachary Lauzon (D) – Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
52. Carolina Hurricanes (from NYR): Luke Martin (D) – Michigan (NCAA)
53. Boston Bruins (from EDM): Jack Studnicka (C) – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
54. Buffalo Sabres (from MIN): Ukko-Pekka Luukonen (G) – HPK (Finland)
55. Vancouver Canucks (from CLB): Jonah Gadjovich (LW) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
56. Montreal Canadiens: Josh Brook (D) – Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
57. Chicago Blackhawks: Ian Mitchell (D) – Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
58. Montreal Canadiens (from WAS): Joni Ikonen (C) – Frolunda (Sweden)
59. Toronto Maple Leafs (from OTT): Eemeli Rasanen (D) – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
60. Anaheim Ducks: Antoine Morand (C) – Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)
61. Nashville Predators: Grant Mismash (C) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
62. Vegas Golden Knights (from PIT via CAR): Jake Leschyshyn – Regina Pats (WHL)

Round 3

63. New Jersey Devils (from COL): Fabian Zetterlund (RW) – Farjestad (Sweden)
64. Vancouver Canucks: Michael DiPietro (G) – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
65. Vegas Golden Knights: Jonas Rondbjerg (RW) – Vaxjo (Sweden)
66. Florida Panthers (from AZ): Max Gildon (D) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
67. Carolina Hurricanes (from NJD): Morgan Geekie (C/RW) – Tri-City Americans (WHL)
68. Montreal Canadiens (from BUF): Scott Walford (D) – Victoria Royals (WHL)
69. Arizona Coyotes (from DET via SJS): MacKenzie Entwistle (RW) – Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
70. Chicago Blackhawks (from DAL): Andrei Altybarmakyan (C) – SKA St. Petersburg (Russia)
71. Detroit Red Wings (from FLA): Kasper Kotkansalo (D) – Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
72. Los Angeles Kings: Matt Villalta (G) – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
73. Carolina Hurricanes: Stelio Mattheos (RW/C) – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
74. Winnipeg Jets: Johnny Kovacevic (D) – Merrimack (NCAA)
75. Arizona Coyotes: Nate Schnarr (C) – Guelph Storm (OHL)
76. Tampa Bay Lightning: Alexei Lipanov (C) – Dynamo Balashik (Russia)
77. New York Islanders: Ben Mirageas (D) – Chicago Steel (USHL)
78. Edmonton Oilers (from CGY via AZ): Stuart Skinner (G) – Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
79. Detroit Red Wings (from TOR): Lane Zablocki (C) – Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
80. Philadelphia Flyers (from BOS): Kirill Ustimenko (G) – MHK Dynamo (Russia)
81. New Jersey (from SJS): Reilly Walsh (D) – Chicago Steel (USHL)
82. Arizona Coyotes (from STL via EDM): Cameron Crotty (D) – Brockville Braves (CCHL)
83. Detroit Red Wings (from NYR): Zach Gallant (C) – Peterborough Petes (OHL)
84. Edmonton Oilers: Dmitri Samorukov (D) – Guelph Storm (OHL)
85. Minnesota Wild: Ivan Lodnia (RW) – Erie Otters (OHL)
86. Columbus Blue Jackets: Daniil Tarasov (G) – Russia
87. Montreal Canadiens: Cale Fleury (D) – Kootenay Ice (WHL)
88. Detroit Red Wings (from CHI via CAR): Keith Petruzelli (G) – Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
89. Buffalo Sabres (from WAS): Oskari Laaksonen (D) – Ilves (Sweden)
90. Chicago Blackhawks (from OTT via CAR): Evan Baratt (C) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
91. Anaheim Ducks: Jack Badini (LW) – Chicago Steel (USHL)
92. Nashville Predators: David Farrance (D) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
93. Pittsburgh Penguins: Clayton Phillips (D) – Fargo Force (USHL)

Round 4

94. Colorado Avalanche: Nicholas Henry (RW) – Regina Pats (WHL)
95. Vancouver Canucks: Jack Rathbone (D) – Dexter (USHS)
96. Vegas Golden Knights: Maxim Zhukov (G) – Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
97. Minnesota Wild (from AZ): Mason Shaw (C) – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
98. New Jersey Devils: Nikita Popugaev (RW) – Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
99. Buffalo Sabres: Jacob Bryson (D) – Providence (NCAA)
100. Detroit Red Wings: Malte Setkov (D) – Malmo (Sweden)
101. Dallas Stars: Liam Hawel (C) – Guelph Storm (OHL)
102. San Jose Sharks (from FLA via NYR): Scott Reedy (RW/C) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
103. Los Angeles Kings: Mikey Anderson (D) – Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
104. Carolina Hurricanes: Eetu Makiniemi (G) – Jokerit (Finland)
105. Winnipeg Jets: Santeri Virtanen (C) – TPS (Finland)
106. Philadelphia Flyers: Matthew Strome (LW) – Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
107. Philadelphia Flyers (from TB): Maxim Shushko (RW) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
108. Arizona Coyotes (from NYI via PHI): Noel Hoefenmayer (D) – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
109. Calgary Flames: Adam Ruzicka (C) – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
110. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ian Scott (G) – Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
111. Boston Bruins: Jeremy Swayman (G) – Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
112. Chicago Blackhawks (from SJS via VAN): Tim Soderlund (LW/C) – Skelleftea (Sweden)
113. St. Louis Blues: Alexei Toropchenko (LW): HK MVD (Russia)
114. Colorado Avalanche (from NYR): Petr Kvaca (G) – HC Ceske (Czech Rep.)
115. Edmonton Oilers: Ostap Safin (RW) – HC Sparta (Czech Rep.)
116. Minnesota Wild: Bryce Misley (C) – Oakville Blades (OJHL)
117. Columbus Blue Jackets: Emil Bemstrom (C/RW) – Leksands (Sweden)
118. Los Angeles Kings (from MTL via DAL): Markus Phillips (D) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
119. Chicago Blackhawks: Roope Laavainen (D) – Jokerit (Finland)
120. Washington Capitals: Tobias Geisser (D) – EVZ Academy (Switzerland)
121. Ottawa Senators: Drake Batherson (C) – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
122. Anaheim Ducks: Kyle Olsen (C/RW) – Tri-City Americans (WHL)
123. New York Rangers (from NSH via NJD & SJS): Brandon Crawley (D) – London Knights (OHL)
124. Toronto Maple Leafs (from PIT): Vladislav Cara (C) – Irbis Kazan (Russia)

Round 5

125. Colorado Avalanche: Igor Shvyryov (C) – Stalnye (Russia)
126. Arizona Coyotes (from VAN via EDM): Michael Karow (D) – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
127. Vegas Golden Knights: Lucas Elvenes (RW) – Rogle (Sweden)
128. Arizona Coyotes: Tyler Steenbergen (C) – Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
129. New Jersey Devils: Gilles Senn (G) – Davos (Switzerland)
130. St. Louis Blues (from BUF): David Noel (D) – Val-d’Or Foreur (QMJHL)
131. Detroit Red Wings: Cole Fraser (D) – Peterborough Petes (OHL)
132. Dallas Stars: Jacob Peterson (C) – Sweden
133. Florida Panthers: Tyler Inamoto (D) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
134. Los Angeles Kings: Cole Hults (D) – Madison Capitol (USHL)
135. Vancouver Canucks (from CAR via CHI): Kristoffer Gunnarsson (D) – Ik Oskarshamn (Sweden)
136. Winnipeg Jets: Leon Gawanke (D) – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)
137. Philadelphia Flyers: Noah Cates (LW) – Stillwater (USHS)
138. Los Angeles Kings (from TB): Drake Rymsha (C) – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
139. New York Islanders: Sebastian Aho (D) – Skelleftea (Sweden)
140. Calgary Flames: Zach Fischer (RW) – Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
141. Toronto Maple Leafs: Fedor Gordeev (D) – Flint Firebirds (OHL)
142. Vegas Golden Knights (from BOS via CAR): Jonathan Dugan (C) – Northwood (USHS)
143. New Jersey Devils (from SJS): Marian Studenic (RW) – Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
144. Chicago Blackhawks (from STL): Parker Foo (C) – Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
145. New York Rangers: Calle Sjalin (D) – Ostersunds (Sweden)
146. Edmonton Oilers: Kirill Maximov (LW) – Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
147. Minnesota Wild: Jacob Golden (D) – London Knights (OHL)
148. Columbus Blue Jackets: Kale Howarth (C) – Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL)
149. Montreal Canadiens: Jarret Tyszka (D) – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
150. Chicago Blackhawks: Jacob Galvas (D) – HC Olomouc (Czech Rep.)
151. Washington Capitals: Sebastian Walfridsson (D) – MODO (Sweden)
152. Pittsburgh Penguins (from OTT): Jan Drozg (RW/LW) – Leksands (Sweden)
153. Anaheim Ducks: Olle Eriksson Ek (G) – Farjestad (Sweden)
154. Nashville Predators: Tomas Vomacka (G) – Corpus Christi (NAHL)
155. Pittsburgh Penguins: Linus Ohlund (C) – Byrnas (Sweden)

Round 6

156. Colorado Avalanche: Denis Smirnov (LW) – Penn State (NCAA)
157. New York Rangers (from VAN): Dominick Lakatos (C/LW) – Billi Tygri (Czech Rep.)
158. Vegas Golden Knights: Nicholas Campoli (C) – North York Rangers (OJHL)
159. San Jose Sharks (from AZ): Jacob McGrew (RW) – Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
160. New Jersey Devils: Aarne Talvitie (C) – Espoo (Finland)
161. Vegas Golden Knights (from BUF): Jiri Patera (G) – Ceske (Czech Rep.)
162. Detroit Red Wings: Jack Adams (RW) – Fargo Force (USHL)
163. Dallas Stars: Brett Davis (C) – Kootenay Ice (WHL)
164. Detroit Red Wings (from FLA): Reilly Webb (D) – Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
165. New York Islanders (from LA): Arnaud Durandeau (LW) – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
166. Carolina Hurricanes: Brandon De Jong (D) – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
167. Winnipeg Jets: Arvid Holm (G) – Karlskrona (Sweden)
168. Philadlephia Flyers: Olle Lycksell (C) – Linkoping (Sweden)
169. Tampa Bay Lightning: Nick Perbix (D) – Elk River (USHS)
170. Columbus Blue Jackets (from NYI via CHI): Jonathan Davidsson (RW) – Djurgardens (Sweden)
171. Calgary Flames: D’Artagnan Joly (RW) – Baie-Comeau Drakkar
172. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ryan McGregor (C/LW) – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
173. Boston Bruins: Cedric Pare (LW) – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
174. New York Rangers (from SJS): Morgan Barron (C) – St. Andrew’s (CISAA)
175. St. Louis Blues: Trenton Bourque (D) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
176. Nashville Predators (from NYR): Pavel Kolygin (LW/C) – Drummondville Voltiguers (QMJHL)
177. Edmonton Oilers: Skyler Brind’Amour (C) – Selects (USPHL)
178. Minnesota Wild: Andrei Svetlakov (C) – CSKA Moscow (Russia)
179. Columbus Blue Jackets: Carson Meyer (RW) – Miami (OH) (NCAA)
180. Tampa Bay Lightning (from MTL): Cole Guttman (C) – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
181. Vancouver Canucks (from CHI via CLB): Petrus Palmu (RW/LW) – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
182. Washington Capitals: Benton Maass (D) – Elk River (USHS)
183. Ottawa Senators: Jordan Hollett (G) – Regina Pats (WHL)
184. Florida Panthers (from ANA): Sebastian Repo (RW) – Tappara (Finland)
185. San Jose Sharks (from NSH via NJ): Alexander Chmelevski (C) – Ottawa 67’s
186. Pittsburgh Penguins: Antti Palojarvi (D) – Lukko (Finland)

Round 7

187. Colorado Avalanche: Nick Leivermann (D) – Eden Prairie (USHS)
188. Vancouver Canucks: Matthew Brassard (D) – Oshawa Generals (OHL)
189. Vegas Golden Knights: Ben Jones (C) – Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL)
190. Arizona Coyotes: Erik Walli Walterholm(RW) – Djurgardens (Sweden)
191. New Jersey Devils: Jocktan Chainey (D) – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
192. Buffalo Sabres: Linus Weissbach (LW/RW) – Tri-City Storm (USHL)
193. Detroit Red Wings: Brady Gilmour (C) – Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
194. Dallas Star: Dylan Ferguson (G) – Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
195. Boston Bruins (from FLA): Victor Berglund (D) – MODO (Sweden)
196. Philadelphia Flyers (from LA via TB): Wyatt Kalynuk (D) – Bloomington Thunder (USHL)
197. Carolina Hurricanes: Ville Rasanen (D) -Jokipojat (Finland)
198. Winnipeg Jets: Skyler McKenzie (C) – Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
199. Montreal Canadiens (from PHI): Cayden Primeau (G) – Lincoln Stars (USHL)
200. Tampa Bay Lightning: Samuel Walker (C) – Edina (USHS)
201. New York Islanders: Logan Cockerill (RW) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
202. Calgary Flames: Filip Sveningsson (LW) – HV71 (Sweden)
203. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ryan O’Connell (D) – St. Andrew’s (CISAA)
204. Boston Bruins: Daniel Bukac (D) – Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
205. New Jersey Devils (from SJS): Yegor Zaitsev (D) – Dynamo Moskva (Russia)
206. St. Louis Blues: Anton Andersson (D) – Lulea (Sweden)
207. New York Rangers: Patrik Virta (C/RW) – TPS (Finland)
208. Edmonton Oilers: Phillip Kemp (D) – U.S. U-18 National Development Program
209. Minnesota Wild: Nick Swaney (C) – Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
210. Columbus Blue Jackets: Robbie Stucker (D) – St. Thomas (USHS)
211. Winnipeg Jets (from MTL): Croix Evingson (D) – Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL)
212. San Jose Sharks (from CHI): Ivan Chekhovich (LW) – Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
213. Washington Capitals: Kristian Roykas Marthinsen (LW) – Almtuna (Sweden)
214. New Jersey Devils (from OTT via SJS): Matthew Hellickson (D) – Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
215. Chicago Blackhawks (from ANA): Josh Ess (D) – Lakeville (USHS)
216. Nashville Predators: Jacob Paquette (D) – Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
217. Pittsburgh Penguins: Will Reilly (D) – RPI (NCAA)

Zach Leach contributed to this post (Day Two)

Best Players Available On Day Two Of NHL Draft

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Two of the biggest slides in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft belonged to Eeli Tolvanen and Klim Kostin. Tolvanen, a Finnish winger ranked #17 by International Scouting Services, was regarded as one of the top offensive talents of the draft thanks to his heavy shot and great speed. However, recent news that Boston College admissions turned him down for 2017-18 enrollment coupled with concerns over his lack of any defensive ability sent him tumbling. Kostin, a big winger from Russia ranked #16 by International Scouting Services, fell victim to the “Russian factor” as well as a lack of a 2016-17 resume due to injury, which overshadowed his potential to be an elite power forward. Both players were considered likely top ten picks at one point, but for a while looked like they would drop out of the first round. Unfortunately for the lowly teams at the top of the second round, Tolavanen was selected by the Nashville Predators at #30 and the St. Louis Blues traded up to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final first round slot at #31 and took Kostin. So who is still available? Here are the ten best prospects remaining on Day Two:

Nicolas Hague
Position: Left Defense
Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #18
Scouting Report: The closest thing to a top-pair shutdown defenseman in this draft, Hague will never be a smooth-skating puck-mover at the NHL level, but possesses the defensive instincts and vision to dominate the defensive zone. At 6’6″, 214-lbs. already, Hague is a big kid who will fill out into a monster on the back end, equipped with a long reach and powerful checking ability. He also packs a punch with his slap shot.

Isaac Ratcliffe
Position: Left Wing
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #22
Scouting Report: At 6’5″, 203-lbs., Ratcliffe is bigger than any player selected in the first round, nevertheless forward. However, don’t let the size deceive you; Ratcliffe is a powerful skater and has great hands for someone of his stature. He simply has a lot of frame to fill out before he can put it all together and be an elite power forward.

Kole Lind
Position: Right Wing
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
ISS Ranking: #24
Scouting Report: Lind is not a flashy, high-skill player, but he is consistent and efficient. Equipped with one of the more accurate shots in this draft class, Lind puts in the effort, wins battles, and puts up points. He has the ability to be a solid albeit unexciting top-six forward down the road.

Conor Timmins
Position: Right Defense
Team: Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
ISS Ranking: #29
Scouting Report: After a run on talented, two-way defenseman in Round One, Timmins is still on the board. A top-end puck-mover who can start the rush, make a great outlet pass, and more-or-less play mistake-free transition defense, Timmins offensive ability is unquestioned. He is an asset on the power play and capable of playing major even strength minutes. However, concerns remain about his compete level and reluctance to play physically and set the tone of the game.

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Early Notes: Tolvanen, Capuano, Hamonic

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Top draft prospect Eeli Tolvanen, a Finnish winger who has played hockey in the USHL for the past two years, was expected to go to Boston College in the fall. That will no longer happen, as according to USHR Tolvanen has failed to pass the admission standards for BC and will not be admitted. He’ll instead have to look for an opportunity elsewhere.

The Oshawa Generals own his rights in the CHL, or he could find a home at a lesser university or in Europe. He had been climbing up boards, even ranked 8th among North American skaters by CSS. He finished 17th on Bob McKenzie’s final list for TSN, but may end up in the bottom third of the first round after this news. Though it obviously looked bad from the outside, teams will have a much better insight from their meetings with him.

  • Darren Dreger of TSN confirms something that Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet has been chasing, that Jack Capuano will join the Florida Panthers as an associate coach. Capuano was fired from the New York Islanders midway through the 2016-17 season, the only organization he’s ever coached for. After coming up through the AHL system, Capuano took over in 2010-11 and led the Islanders to three playoff experiences. He’ll take care of the defense and penalty kill in Florida.
  • Discussion around Travis Hamonic continues, with Friedman saying on radio (via Chris Nicholls of FanRag Sports) that the Flames and Leafs are both interested. Friedman believes the Islanders are looking for two first-round picks for the defenseman, who has three years left at a reasonable $3.8MM cap hit. Hamonic’s actual salary is $4.9MM for the next few years, which may deter some teams from going after him.

Life Without Hossa: Looking At Chicago’s Options

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Following the stunning news that Marian Hossa would miss the entire 2017-18 season, much has been written, spoken, and analyzed regarding the loss of an impactful player. At 38, Hossa still put up great numbers (26-19-45) with the Hawks and continued to be the two-way forward whose best contributions often came away from the puck. It goes without saying that Hossa’s signing prior to the 2009-10 season was the missing piece that fulfilled the Chicago machine that won three Stanley Cups over the next six seasons.  Often described as a true gentleman and all-around great human being, one can’t help but feel bad for a guy who appeared to still have several good years of hockey left in him–not to mention the effect it’s had on his life.

So now what?

There are a myriad of issues at play here, some of which have already begun to discussed. Long rumored to be traded to Vegas, center Marcus Kruger still finds himself a member of the Blackhawks. While it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll still be in the Windy City come training camp, it’s very likely that the loss of Hossa gave the Blackhawks brass pause in terms of ensuring their depth isn’t totally wiped out. Though Kruger hasn’t put up the numbers that earned him the $3.08MM contract he owns, he’s still a very worthy center who like Hossa, makes his impact felt off the scoresheet, mostly on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle.

But his contract is still cumbersome for a player who hasn’t cracked 20 points since the 2013-14 season. Unloading the contract, if they can, would help with additional cap issues and that was apparently the plan until the Hossa announcement. But it’s anyone guess as to what Chicago will do.

Chicago Sportsnet’s Tracey Myers goes  writes that general manager Stan Bowman feels it’s unfair to speculate about a player’s status.  Having Kruger off the books along with Hossa’s contract would certainly free up over $8MM. But if Kruger isn’t moved, it’s not an issue since Hossa’s contract will come off the books.

Not exactly.

Should the Blackhawks get cap relief from placing Hossa on the LTIR, it would relieve north of $5MM. This would allow Chicago to fill it with another player or two in theory. But it’s not as cut and dry as it sounds. Myers goes on to explain:

Here are two basics about the cap: a team can be 10 percent over it during the summer, and a team must be at or below it the day the regular season begins. If the Blackhawks place Hossa on LTIR, it wouldn’t take effect until the second day of the regular season. So on Day 1 of the season, the Blackhawks would still be carrying Hossa’s $5.275 cap hit.

Once the LTIR would take effect, though, the Blackhawks would have wiggle room. If they spent to the $75 million cap, they could utilize Hossa’s entire $5.275 million cap hit on other players.

It’s not about the Blackhawks finding a guy this summer that makes an equal cap hit.

The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Hine doubles down on this, tweeting that Chicago most likely won’t be major players after July 1. Hine wrote earlier today that one other option the Hawks would have would be trading the contract to another team, to completely escape the hit should the league deny the move to the LTIR, though this seems unlikely.

Apr 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) with the puck during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Teams eager to reach the cap floor would stuff the contract away, and Hossa, if this truly ends his career, would never take the ice for that team. The Arizona Coyotes have done this in the past, taking Pavel Datsyuk and Chris Pronger’s contracts when it was known their playing days were over.

The reality is that the Blackhawks are not only losing a great player, but also a leader. And that’s not instantly replaceable. Though there are options in free agency, adding a Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau should they become available would still garner considerable cost, one that doesn’t seem justified. Players like T.J. Oshie would require a longer deal team for a lot of dollars, a spot the Blackhawks can’t possibly be in. As for Kevin Shattenkirk, he’s rumored to be heavily interested in the New York Rangers and while it would be an upgrade on the blueline, he would fall under the category of too expensive as well.

So what options are left? Thankfully, help is on the way in the name of Alex DeBrincat, who set the OHL on fire as a member of the Erie Otters. Though the Hawks will exercise patience with him, he at least is a glimmer of hope with a scoring prowess and coming in at the age of 19. But don’t doubt Bowman’s to find a deal. The most likely upgrade will come from a trade, one that will address some of the concerns while keeping things economically viable.

Few players are irreplaceable, but Hossa certainly seems to be. Between the contract issues and the loss of him on the roster, the Blackhawks certainly have a number of interesting decisions ahead to try and fill the void.

Darren Raddysh Signs AHL Deal With Rockford

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Amazingly, the reigning Defenseman of the Year from the OHL has settled on an AHL deal with the Rockford IceHogs, minor league affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Darren Raddysh was reported to have many suitors around the league after an outstanding season with the Erie Otters, but either decided the chance to join teammate Alex DeBrincat in the Blackhawks system was too good to pass up, or wasn’t offered an entry-level contract by anyone around the league.

We profiled Raddysh earlier this month when there was apparently league-wide interest in him, examining his status as an over-aged junior free agent. His evolution from “brother of Taylor Raddysh” (a top Tampa Bay Lightning prospect) to league-best defender was an incredible one, seeing his point total jump all the way to 81 this season. The Otters won an OHL Championship but couldn’t finish off the Memorial Cup as they lost to the hometown Windsor Spitfires.

There is no guarantee he’ll find success at the next level but there isn’t a glaring weakness in his offensive game, and he’s not dramatically undersized like other undrafted or overlooked players. Should he be able to take any of his scoring dominance to the AHL level, the Hawks could have another young prospect right in front of them for virtually nothing.

Vegas Expected To Hire Rocky Thompson As AHL Coach

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Just after Kris Knoblauch was hired by the Philadelphia Flyers, another OHL head coach is heading to the professional ranks. The Vegas Golden Knights have hired Rocky Thompson to coach their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Thompson is fresh off a Memorial Cup victory with the Windsor Spitfires, and has history in the AHL as an assistant head coach.

A Calgary, Alberta native Thompson was drafted by the Flames in the third round in 1995, but really only ever made an impact with his fists in the professional ranks. Scoring just 69 points in the AHL and being held scoreless in 25 NHL contests, Thompson nevertheless recorded over 2,000 penalty minutes in the two leagues combined and played for more than ten seasons. His head coaching tenure has been a bit more successful, winning 40+ games with the Spitfires in back to back seasons and this year winning the Memorial Cup on home ice.

Thompson took over from San Jose assistant Bob Boughner who has recently been linked to the vacant head coaching jobs in Florida and Buffalo. At just 39-years old, Thompson is on a similar path to helm an NHL bench one day but with a different style that gave him a playing career. Just last week, he spoke with Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald for a story:

You’ve got to understand — I don’t coach this way. That way of playing is gone. My team had the fewest fights in the OHL, and believe it or not, if you ask anybody who knows me, I’ve never been in a fight off the ice.

Indeed his team was filled with skilled players instead of enforcers, littered with first round picks like Mikhail Sergachev and Logan Stanley, and led by a potential top-5 pick in the upcoming draft Gabe Vilardi. In moving to the Chicago Wolves, Vegas has hired a coach that can grow and develop with the franchise. He’ll have to work with Gerard Gallant on instituting organizational systems, but should be somewhat familiar with him. Thompson spent part of the 1999-00 season with the Louisville Panthers of the AHL, of which Gallant was an assistant coach at the time.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet was first to report the hiring.

Morning Notes: Letang, Knoblauch, Vegas

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Though he’s already been ruled out for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Finals, Kris Letang was on the ice today before Penguins practice skating alone and without equipment. Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star provided some video evidence, but it’s safe to say he wasn’t going full out.  Letang is just two months into his rehab following neck surgery, which originally came with a four to six month recovery timetable.

It’s a great sign to see Letang back on the ice after such a disastrous season. Missing time with various ailments, the 30-year old defender only played in 41 regular season games and has missed the entire Cup run. With five years remaining on his current contract, the Penguins need him to come back strong and healthy next season.

  • Kris Knoblauch has been hired in Philadelphia as an assistant coach, joining Dave Hakstol’s team. Knoblauch has been the head coach of the Erie Otters for the past five seasons, coaching players like Connor McDavid, Connor Brown, Andre Burakovsky, Dylan Strome and many others. Before that, he was the bench boss for the Kootenay Ice for two seasons, and won a WHL championship as a first-year head coach. His squads qualified for the Memorial Cup twice (including this year), but weren’t able to capture the trophy. He’ll replace the outgoing Joey Mullen and could even provide the Flyers with some extra OHL insight for the upcoming draft. Though it’s unlikely the Flyers would take an OHL player at #2, they do have ten other picks in the draft this year.
  • Vegas is setting up to do some dealing this week, as George McPhee told Dan Marrazza of NHL.com. In all of his talks with the media, McPhee has seemed confident that several deals will be completed before the expansion draft. “We’ve had some real good discussions and I expect some things will start happening next week,” McPhee told Marrazza, a similar sentiment to the one he shared with Pierre LeBrun in their recent sit-down for TSN. There is even a mention of three-way deals that Vegas could facilitate, transactions that are rarely seen in the NHL. The Golden Knights could potentially sign free agents for teams ahead of time as well, during their exclusive negotiating window starting June 17th. There will be a freeze placed on any transactions around the league, except for the ones Vegas can make with UFAs or unprotected RFAs. It should make for an exciting week.

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