Team USA played their second game in as many days at the World Under-18 Championship.
As was the case against Switzerland, the Americans started slowly, taking two early penalties and having a hard time generating much offense. However, once the Americans killed their first couple of penalties, they blew the game open en route to an 8-1 beating that gives them a 2-0-0-0 record thus far.
They thought they took a lead in the opening frame when Henrik Samuelsson fired a shot past (goalie) but Blake Pietila was ruled in the crease and it was waved off.
Rocco Grimaldi put action to words from the previous day when he was critical of his own performance against Switzerland, scoring USA's first goal on the power play.
Barret Kaib, D- Made one terrible pass while on the PK, but the Slovaks couldn't capitalize. Has some wheels, but is a small defender without the elite skill set NHL teams want from undersized guys at that position. Kaib may have to make his pro bones going the free agency route after playing at Providence College, because we don't see much of a shot of him being drafted.
Rocco Grimaldi, F- Got his 1st goal of the tourney in the first on the power play when he darted into the slot between the hashmarks and buried the rebound of a Reid Boucher shot. He didn't play poorly in Game 1, but didn't accomplish much and called himself out for not playing well. You have to love his passion and accountability, but we think Roc was being a bit tough on himself. He can really fly and handle the puck at top speed, and you get an appreciate for that when you watch him. If we have an issue with his play int he first couple of games it is that he tends to take the puck wide most times instead of driving into traffic and using his quickness to cross up defenders and open up some space. We know he's an energetic, passionate player, but hanging out on the perimeter isn't the best use of his prodigious talents.
Adam Reid, F- Didn't see much ice in the first game, but did get his first goal of the the tournament on the power play to make it 6-0, USA after the Americans did a terrific job of puck possession and movement, holding the zone and working it smartly before getting a shot on net that Reid put past Patrik Rybar. He's got very good physical tools, but hasn't really put it all together and is a pretty raw project player at this point. At the same time, those measurables are bound to intrigue an NHL team enough to grab him in the draft at some point, we just don't know where that will be. He's not been a key player in this tourney for the Americans thus far.
Travis Boyd, F- This September 14, 1993 born forward made the 2011 cutoff by just one day! He's small but quick and intelligent. He scored a beautiful shorthanded goal after taking a pass from Zac Larraza and beating the Slovak defense through the neutral zone. As he streaked in on goaltender Richard Sabol, he made a quick head fake, then tucked the puck to his backhand and as Sabol bit on the initial fake, slid the puck past the helpless keeper and into the cage. Boyd is another one of USA's many intelligent, skilled, interchangeable forwards. He may not project as a strong NHL prospect right now, but has some interesting attributes.
Reid Boucher, F- Along with Grimaldi, gave Slovakia fits all day with their quickness and aggressive driving to the net. They each tallied, and Reid missed at least one tip-in on a nice cross-ice feed from Grimaldi, but he has the look of a natural scorer with his quick hands, release and good body position when the puck's on his stick in the o-zone. He's not the blazer Grimaldi is, but has excellent anticipation and is able to create on his own.
Dan Carlson, F- Minnesota State- Mankato recruit scored a highlight reel goal when he sliced through the Slovakia defense, but on a quick burst of speed to cut past the last defender and fired a bullet past the netminder for his first goal of the tourney. Not a top-end skater, but has deceptive speed and quickness. More of an energy guy, but after that goal, showed that he can create a little nifty offense. A draft longshot, but may be someone to watch next season and beyond if he doesn't get a call in June.
Connor Murphy, D- It's always good news when your best offensive defenseman is also one of your best defensive players, and that's what Murphy did against the Slovaks. He made a beautiful block on a 2-on-1 in the 1st period to deny a scoring chance, and was in position all day. Showed nice gap control, an active stick and took the body when it warranted. He's big but doesn't lay a lot of crushing hits, yet is still pretty effective in the angles he takes and the defensive awareness he shows. Really nasty on the point during the power play. Moved it smartly with partner Jacob Trouba all game long, forcing the Slovaks to open up the umbrella and create some shooting lanes. USA's success with the man advantage today was no accident and it started with their PP point men: Murphy, Trouba, Seth Jones and Robbie Russo.
Robbie Russo, D- Another strong offensive game for the captain. He ripped a point shot for a goal in the second period, his first of the tournament. Named player of the game for this one, he earned it, playing an effective two-way game and staying involved throughout. Highly effective on the power play in terms of moving the puck well with partner Seth Jones, and made smart decisions. This is the kind of performance from Russo that had certain draft sources projecting him as a second-round pick. He needs to keep it up, but credit where due for games 1 and 2.
Mike Paliotta, D- Steady and unspectacular today as he was in Game 1. Watching these two games, we can appreciate why he's fallen down in the rankings a bit after coming into the season looking at a potential first-round grade. He's got nice size and is a fluid skater with good four-way directional mobility, but he's not the kind of passer/puck-mover that jumps out at you along with some of the higher-profile players in the the class. He plays a pretty conservative game and doesn't jump into the play much. With the power play defensive rotation having so much success and the team on special teams as much as they were against Slovakia, Paliotta's ice time suffered. He's a great kid and character player, but there isn't much upside based on what we've seen in the first two games.
John Gibson, G- Another strong game from the frontrunner to be the first goaltender off the board in June. Wasn't tested a great deal, but sometimes a goalie can make things look easier than they appear. Was in position the entire time, controlled the rebounds and did a great job of making some of the tougher shots look routine. He blanked the Slovaks and gave way to backup McNeely for the third period. In two games, Gibson has given up just one goal in five periods of action.
Matt McNeely, G- Came into the game during garbage time in the third period. Greatly resembled Gibson in terms of size and style- if you didn't catch on to their pad color scheme, you could go the entire game thinking Gibson was in the net the whole time. Gave up a goal on a weird bounce that went to Marko Dano for the layup in front. It was good for him to get into some action even at garbage time, but this is Gibson's team and if the USA is going to three-peat it will have to be Gibson who gets them there.
Martin Gernat, D- Slovakia's best defender has excellent size (6-5) and good mobility for such a big kid. He's fluid in his movements and still a little gangly, but had a couple of memorable plays where he jumped in from the point to get a good shot off, but was denied by Gibson. He was burned on a couple of missed coverages, but overall, was one of Slovakia's better players in a thrashing. Lack of physical play and strength is his biggest shortcoming right now, but he has the kind of projectable upside that makes him a solid sleeper for the 2011 draft.
Peter Ceresnak, D- Nothing major to report on this defense-first player. He kept things pretty simple, but had trouble handling the smaller, quicker U.S. forwards especially when they forced him to move away from the boards and into the open ice. Has a pretty good stick for breaking up plays, but doesn't do a great deal to stand out either way.
*(Not affiliated with the Boston Bruins or the New England Hockey Journal)
Showing posts with label Martin Gernat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martin Gernat. Show all posts
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Central Scouting European final rankings: Goalies and Sleepers
We're here with the final installment on our Central Scouting final rankings series for Europe, closing out the overseas players with observations and notes on goalies and sleepers.
1. Samu Perhonen, G Jyvaskyla Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- The top netminder in class deserves his spot at the top. He's got the lively size, athleticism and solid butterfly technique to be an NHL stopper in time. He reminds us of Tuukka Rask in terms of his body type and playing style and competes with the same kind of swagger and confidence when on top of his game. Like John Gibson, Perhonen will likely see a drop in where he is drafted compared to where he might have gone even last year simply because of the emerging trend for NHL clubs to focus on skill positions early and grab project goalies later because of the disparity in developmental timelines and the quality netminders who have been picked in the mid-to-late rounds as opposed to early on.
2. Magnus Hellberg, G Almtuna (SWE-2)- Huge late-bloomer will likely be the top-three or four goalies off the board in June because he's older and more advanced in his development. Teams may be hoping to grab the Swede and put him immediately into the AHL with potential for him to see NHL action sooner rather than later. Takes up so much of the net, but is also extremely agile and recovers well. Plays with some laudable focus and concentration and that is borne out in his numbers, which are terrific. The April 1991 birthdate is 6-5, 200 pounds and posted an insane .935 save percentage and 2.04 GAA in 31 games for the Allsvenskan club Almtuna. Don't be surprised to see him go off the board first or even second after Gibson. This is the kind of player that could easily be rated the top goaltender on multiple teams' boards. Central didn't even have him on their mid-term rankings. That's how quickly Hellberg's star has risen this season.
3. Jaroslav Pavelka, G Hradec Kralove Jr. (CZE- Jr.)- The best Czech goalie not named David Honzik stayed home this season and has the size, athleticism and tools to be a solid NHL goalie one day. What he lacks in pure technique and training, he makes up for in competitiveness and a solid work ethic. Not an instinctive player, so his positioning needs to be near-flawless sometimes. That could work against him as he continues to move up the ladder of progression, but if he fails, it won't be for a lack of trying. Kid wants to be a player and will put in the work to get there.
4. Benjamin Conz, G Langnau (SUI)- Passed over twice previously, this should be the year that Conz gets the draft call because he's proven himself to be a big-time gamer in not one but two of the previous WJCs in '10 and '11. He's short and isn't the most physically fit goalie to hit the scene (anyone remember Norm Maracle?), but if your ultimate criteria is stopping the puck and displaying grace under fire, there aren't many goalies better with those attributes than Conz is. He doesn't have great technique, but damn, son- he gets the job done! We thought he might get picked last summer, but that didn't happen. After another excellent WJC we expect someone to take a chance on him, albeit with a late pick.
5. Lars Volden, G Espoo Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- Last time we saw this guy, he was going in for the starter who pulled himself against Canada in the WJC and getting lit up himself. The 6-3 Norweigian is a July 1992-born goalie who was passed over in 2010 and we suspect will get passed up again even though he played OK for the Blues' Jr. team. He may have some decent raw tools, but we can't get behind mentally soft goalies who come apart in big games. Yes, Norway vs. Canada was a lot like David vs. Goliath, but the goalies could have at least given Denmark a fighting chance. Neither guy did and it was a total gong show in the process. Can't imagine that any scout who watched that Canada game and how lousy Volden played would have much confidence in him to be an NHL player one day.
European Sleepers
29. Adam Pettersson, RW Skellefteå (SWE)- Another '92 who was passed up in 2010, this player has average size (6-0, 194), but is shifty and creative. Strong on his skates and a lower center of gravity with powerful leg drive and tough to knock off stride. Exploits seams in defenses with his quickness, intelligence and ability to find the open man. More of a passer than a scorer, he nonetheless finds the back of the net in big moments. Scored 8 goals in 24 games with Skellefteå's J20 team, and even saw time in the SEL to the tune of 22 games, going 1-1-2. Not the star that scouts saw potential in several years back, but an interesting enough prospect worth a later flyer as a sleeper.
36. Dean Kukan, D GCK Zurich (SUI 2)- A bit of a forgotten man this season, this defenseman is a jack-of-all-trades type who doesn't stand out in any one area, but brings a solid all-around presence at 6-2, 200 pounds. He's a good, not great skater. He plays solid, not exceptional defense. And he can move the puck up the ice, but mostly plays a conservative style. Like many Swiss, he would need to prove to NHL clubs he's committed to playing in North America before anyone spends a pick on him, but there's enough there we think that he should draw some interest.
53. Lukas Sedlak, C Ceske Budejovice (CZE- Jr.)- Czech pivot scored 14 goals, 27 points in 47 games with Budejovice's U20 team this season. Industrious and plays with passion and intensity, but lacks the elite skills and natural creativity to present the kind of upside that excites NHL clubs. Played well in the Ivan Hlinka for Czech Republic, but his production on a junior squad was pretty average all things considered. He's an effective two-way player and could develop into something as a lower-line guy, but lacks the kind of dynamic presence that will earn him a lot of attention leading up to the draft.
60. Norman Hauner, RW Koln (Germany)- He's an older player with a December 1991 birthdate, but B2011DW loved this guy's game at the WJC. He's not very big, but plays bigger than his 5-11, 176-pouund listed vitals. He skates well, though has a short choppy stride that he could stand to lengthen. He manages to get from A to B, however and plays a real high-energy, opportunistic game. Hauner was one of the more noticeable forwards on a weak German entry in Buffalo. He's an obvious longshot, but you never know- when the team needed a goal or a big play, he was usually involved, along with fellow overager Marcel Noebels.
91. Oula Palve, C Jyvaskyla Jr. (FIN)- Little guy is fast, shifty, creative and tenacious. Another overager who was passed up in the last draft, but if he can add some mass and strength, might be worth a look as a late-round option. Can really fly and brings a high hockey IQ to the mix along with a passion for the game and willingness to get his nose dirty. Score 18 goals and 40 points in 32 games and then tore it up in the J20 playoffs with 2 goals and 9 points in just 4 games. This guy can play, and like Perhonen and Auvinen, the Bruins will have gotten a good, long look at him, so you never know.
104. Martin Gernat, D Kosice (SVK- Jr.)- Possibly one of the more underrated players on Central's list, and he firmly belongs in the sleeper category based on his ranking. RLR scout Radim Jelinek gave Gernat a strong review in an interview we did with him earlier this season. Gernat is 6-4, but lacks the weight and strength to be all that effective physically right now, but sees the ice well and plays a strong positional game. He's got some legitimate upside as a passer and puck mover and he's going to develop a powerful shot when he reaches his physical maturity.
NR- Richard Ullberg, G SaiPa Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- What the hell happened to this guy? Like Perhonen, Ullberg is the stereotypical Finnish butterfly goalie with size and a wide stance who takes up huge portions of the net and brings terrific reflexes and blocking/recovery abilities to the table. He started strong in some international competition, but faded fast and the wheels completely came off as his season on the HIFK J20 season progressed (.887 save percentage, 3.35 GAA in 15 GP). Ullberg was dominant as a 15- and 16-year-old, so scouts are left scratching their heads over his disastrous season. Did he peak too soon and this sieve what Ullberg really is, OR- do you spend a late pick on him in hopes that he gets his head back on straight and gets back on the developmental track. If you believe the latter, you could end up with a steal of a prospect, because he certainly has the physical attributes to be a top prospect. It's one gamble that just might be worth taking, but only if a team thinks he can pull it together with some good coaching and handling. (EDIT- See comment section for an update on Ullberg's status)
Well, that's a wrap on the European list.
We'll let this percolate a bit and then be back with some notes on a few key fallers like Brandon Saad and others with an attempt to explain what is going on with him after having talked to several people about his stalled development.
1. Samu Perhonen, G Jyvaskyla Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- The top netminder in class deserves his spot at the top. He's got the lively size, athleticism and solid butterfly technique to be an NHL stopper in time. He reminds us of Tuukka Rask in terms of his body type and playing style and competes with the same kind of swagger and confidence when on top of his game. Like John Gibson, Perhonen will likely see a drop in where he is drafted compared to where he might have gone even last year simply because of the emerging trend for NHL clubs to focus on skill positions early and grab project goalies later because of the disparity in developmental timelines and the quality netminders who have been picked in the mid-to-late rounds as opposed to early on.
2. Magnus Hellberg, G Almtuna (SWE-2)- Huge late-bloomer will likely be the top-three or four goalies off the board in June because he's older and more advanced in his development. Teams may be hoping to grab the Swede and put him immediately into the AHL with potential for him to see NHL action sooner rather than later. Takes up so much of the net, but is also extremely agile and recovers well. Plays with some laudable focus and concentration and that is borne out in his numbers, which are terrific. The April 1991 birthdate is 6-5, 200 pounds and posted an insane .935 save percentage and 2.04 GAA in 31 games for the Allsvenskan club Almtuna. Don't be surprised to see him go off the board first or even second after Gibson. This is the kind of player that could easily be rated the top goaltender on multiple teams' boards. Central didn't even have him on their mid-term rankings. That's how quickly Hellberg's star has risen this season.
3. Jaroslav Pavelka, G Hradec Kralove Jr. (CZE- Jr.)- The best Czech goalie not named David Honzik stayed home this season and has the size, athleticism and tools to be a solid NHL goalie one day. What he lacks in pure technique and training, he makes up for in competitiveness and a solid work ethic. Not an instinctive player, so his positioning needs to be near-flawless sometimes. That could work against him as he continues to move up the ladder of progression, but if he fails, it won't be for a lack of trying. Kid wants to be a player and will put in the work to get there.
4. Benjamin Conz, G Langnau (SUI)- Passed over twice previously, this should be the year that Conz gets the draft call because he's proven himself to be a big-time gamer in not one but two of the previous WJCs in '10 and '11. He's short and isn't the most physically fit goalie to hit the scene (anyone remember Norm Maracle?), but if your ultimate criteria is stopping the puck and displaying grace under fire, there aren't many goalies better with those attributes than Conz is. He doesn't have great technique, but damn, son- he gets the job done! We thought he might get picked last summer, but that didn't happen. After another excellent WJC we expect someone to take a chance on him, albeit with a late pick.
5. Lars Volden, G Espoo Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- Last time we saw this guy, he was going in for the starter who pulled himself against Canada in the WJC and getting lit up himself. The 6-3 Norweigian is a July 1992-born goalie who was passed over in 2010 and we suspect will get passed up again even though he played OK for the Blues' Jr. team. He may have some decent raw tools, but we can't get behind mentally soft goalies who come apart in big games. Yes, Norway vs. Canada was a lot like David vs. Goliath, but the goalies could have at least given Denmark a fighting chance. Neither guy did and it was a total gong show in the process. Can't imagine that any scout who watched that Canada game and how lousy Volden played would have much confidence in him to be an NHL player one day.
European Sleepers
29. Adam Pettersson, RW Skellefteå (SWE)- Another '92 who was passed up in 2010, this player has average size (6-0, 194), but is shifty and creative. Strong on his skates and a lower center of gravity with powerful leg drive and tough to knock off stride. Exploits seams in defenses with his quickness, intelligence and ability to find the open man. More of a passer than a scorer, he nonetheless finds the back of the net in big moments. Scored 8 goals in 24 games with Skellefteå's J20 team, and even saw time in the SEL to the tune of 22 games, going 1-1-2. Not the star that scouts saw potential in several years back, but an interesting enough prospect worth a later flyer as a sleeper.
36. Dean Kukan, D GCK Zurich (SUI 2)- A bit of a forgotten man this season, this defenseman is a jack-of-all-trades type who doesn't stand out in any one area, but brings a solid all-around presence at 6-2, 200 pounds. He's a good, not great skater. He plays solid, not exceptional defense. And he can move the puck up the ice, but mostly plays a conservative style. Like many Swiss, he would need to prove to NHL clubs he's committed to playing in North America before anyone spends a pick on him, but there's enough there we think that he should draw some interest.
53. Lukas Sedlak, C Ceske Budejovice (CZE- Jr.)- Czech pivot scored 14 goals, 27 points in 47 games with Budejovice's U20 team this season. Industrious and plays with passion and intensity, but lacks the elite skills and natural creativity to present the kind of upside that excites NHL clubs. Played well in the Ivan Hlinka for Czech Republic, but his production on a junior squad was pretty average all things considered. He's an effective two-way player and could develop into something as a lower-line guy, but lacks the kind of dynamic presence that will earn him a lot of attention leading up to the draft.
60. Norman Hauner, RW Koln (Germany)- He's an older player with a December 1991 birthdate, but B2011DW loved this guy's game at the WJC. He's not very big, but plays bigger than his 5-11, 176-pouund listed vitals. He skates well, though has a short choppy stride that he could stand to lengthen. He manages to get from A to B, however and plays a real high-energy, opportunistic game. Hauner was one of the more noticeable forwards on a weak German entry in Buffalo. He's an obvious longshot, but you never know- when the team needed a goal or a big play, he was usually involved, along with fellow overager Marcel Noebels.
91. Oula Palve, C Jyvaskyla Jr. (FIN)- Little guy is fast, shifty, creative and tenacious. Another overager who was passed up in the last draft, but if he can add some mass and strength, might be worth a look as a late-round option. Can really fly and brings a high hockey IQ to the mix along with a passion for the game and willingness to get his nose dirty. Score 18 goals and 40 points in 32 games and then tore it up in the J20 playoffs with 2 goals and 9 points in just 4 games. This guy can play, and like Perhonen and Auvinen, the Bruins will have gotten a good, long look at him, so you never know.
104. Martin Gernat, D Kosice (SVK- Jr.)- Possibly one of the more underrated players on Central's list, and he firmly belongs in the sleeper category based on his ranking. RLR scout Radim Jelinek gave Gernat a strong review in an interview we did with him earlier this season. Gernat is 6-4, but lacks the weight and strength to be all that effective physically right now, but sees the ice well and plays a strong positional game. He's got some legitimate upside as a passer and puck mover and he's going to develop a powerful shot when he reaches his physical maturity.
NR- Richard Ullberg, G SaiPa Jr. (FIN- Jr.)- What the hell happened to this guy? Like Perhonen, Ullberg is the stereotypical Finnish butterfly goalie with size and a wide stance who takes up huge portions of the net and brings terrific reflexes and blocking/recovery abilities to the table. He started strong in some international competition, but faded fast and the wheels completely came off as his season on the HIFK J20 season progressed (.887 save percentage, 3.35 GAA in 15 GP). Ullberg was dominant as a 15- and 16-year-old, so scouts are left scratching their heads over his disastrous season. Did he peak too soon and this sieve what Ullberg really is, OR- do you spend a late pick on him in hopes that he gets his head back on straight and gets back on the developmental track. If you believe the latter, you could end up with a steal of a prospect, because he certainly has the physical attributes to be a top prospect. It's one gamble that just might be worth taking, but only if a team thinks he can pull it together with some good coaching and handling. (EDIT- See comment section for an update on Ullberg's status)
Well, that's a wrap on the European list.
We'll let this percolate a bit and then be back with some notes on a few key fallers like Brandon Saad and others with an attempt to explain what is going on with him after having talked to several people about his stalled development.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Red Line Report scout Radim Jelinek interview: 2011 Eastern Europe draft prospects midseason report Pt. 2
We're back with the second part of the interview with Red Line Report Czech/Slovak scout Radim Jelinek.
Be sure to check out Part 1 if you haven't seen it yet.
This is a pretty lean year for Czech and Slovak players in the NHL draft who aren't already over in North America this season, playing major junior hockey and in Czech forward Petr Placek's case, prep hockey in New England for Damon White's Hotchkiss club.
Radim will now detail the Slovak and Russian crops and we'll look ahead to 2012 and beyond, with a taste of things to come in the future out of Eastern Europe.
Bruins 2011 Draft Watch: With Slovak forwards Tomas Jurco and Marek Tvrdon (among others) in North America this season (and Tvrdon injured for the rest of the year), is defenseman Peter Ceresnak someone to keep an eye on as a draft option from Slovakia who is still playing in Europe this season?
Radim Jelinek: I won´t be surprised if Ceresnak is first and the only one Slovak still playing in Europe selected in June in Minnesota. However I´m not a big fan of him and I´m personally much more interested in 6-4 tall D from Kosice Martin Gernat who also belongs into the group of sleepers I mentioned in previous answer. Gernat is a smooth skater with fluid stride and decent footwork for his size. Has very good vision and hands, moves the puck well, handles the puck with confidence making solid decision with puck. Likes to join the rush regularly and shows good instinct in sliding from the point into scoring positions. Just started developing physical play in his game, still very inconsistent using his body, needs to play aggressive, physical game all the time. When he uses it then he is tough to beat 1 on 1, angles forwards to the outside, tights forward up at the boards, hits hard. Lacks strength right now and still growing but has frame to fill it out. D-zone coverage is still very average, needs to read the play better defensively, improve positional play and play much tighter game. Very raw but I like his progress throughout the season and see some similar things in his game as in Martin Marincin´s. He is far from him as Marincin was first rounder in my eyes while Gernat is later-round pick but upside is there.
On the other hand, Ceresnak is already well built physically, strong on skates. Feet are a bit slow and heavy, passes are firm and can make good outlet but not smart or creative with puck. Defensively he is strong in battles and is tough to beat in 1 on 1 situations. However doesn´t read the play in own zone, when opposing forwards start cycling, collide each other, shift spots then he is not able to read those situations properly, picks up wrong player consistently, gets out of position, wanders around own zone without his player.
B2011DW: How does the crop of Russian players look to you this season? Maxim Shalunov and Zakhar Arzamastsev are the highest-ranked players who stayed in Russia-- can you talk about those two and what chances they have to be drafted in June?
RJ: As I already said before, I personally consider Russian crop without all CHL-ers as extremely weak. I don´t see many NHL prospects behind Shalunov and Arzamastsev, at least those who are first year eligible. Both mentioned guys are the best Russians, at least for now.
Shalunov has first round tools but no toolbox, classical Russian enigmatic player. February´s Five nation tournament and then World U-18 champs could have great impact on where he is selected in June. He is a big, powerful winger built like a tank, when he plays with passion he goes through checks, finishes checks and drives the net hard. Soft hands, can beat D with variety of moves off the rush and cuts to the net from wide. Hard wrist shot with quick release. Deceptive skater, first steps are very short and stride is wide and a bit short but has actually good speed and strong on skates. Problem is that he lacks intensity, invisible for longer periods with zero effort off the puck. Lazy on backcheck and plays very selfishly trying low percentage 1 on 1 flashy moves all the time.
Arzamastsev is more of offensive D who runs the PP well, sees the ice well and can make good first pass out of zone. Handles the puck well and good thought process with puck. Okay skater, doesn´t initiate contact much but not afraid of physical play. From mid to later-round prospect. Last guy I should mention is winger Nikita Kucherov. Not big but doesn´t stop trying to make something offensively, good skills. Has good hands and quick and shifty skater, creates separation and moves his feet. Not more then potential late-rounder though.
B2011DW: With high-end Russians like Alexander Khokhlachev and Vladislav Namestnikov in North America this season, have you heard talk of more Russian and Eastern European players like G David Honzik leaving their clubs to play in the CHL to try and improve their chances of being picked high in the NHL?
RJ: I haven´t heard anything particular yet, no specific names but I don´t doubt that tendency from several previous seasons will continue and some of the top Czechs and Russians(and also some other who should better stay home) will come over next summer. One of the reason for so many Russians coming over to play in CHL nowadays could be the fact the if they leave as 17 year old and spend three years there, then they become free agent in KHL.
By the way, annual exodus of majority of top Czech/Slovakian NHL prospect to CHL before their draft year became big problem(along with outdated system of players development and inability to bring up new generation of good players) for future of many Czechoslovakian NHL scouts. I counted 8 local scouts losing their job mostly because of that in last couple of years. Scouts understand reasons why very young players tend to leave so early and mostly approve of that step but in the end they get into very bad situation (partially) because of that.
B2011: Kosice defenseman Tomas Tkac is 144th on the Red Line rankings this month; a 6-5, 180-pounder is interesting. What can you tell people about his game and possible upside?
RJ: Uff, I was probably too ecstatic after first two viewing before Christmas. Tall guy who came absolutely out of nowhere, just converted into defenceman… Early on he impressed me with solid thought process with the puck, decent mobility for huge D, steady puck movement, willingness to get involved physically in battles. However when I have seen him this month, he looked very awkward, lacking coordination, choppy handling the puck, having no idea how to play defence in own zone. I still think that he is worth of keeping an eyes on him next year if there is any progress in his game but right now Ican´t imagine him as legitimate draft prospect.
B2011DW: Looking ahead to 2012 and beyond, Martin Frk is certainly one player attracting attention, but are there players still over in your area of expertise in Europe who are worth noting and keeping an eye on 18 months from now?
RJ: There are certainly prospects worth of keeping an eye for 2012 but I haven´t seen another Dmitri Jaskin yet. Actually 94´birthyear is considered as weaker in Czech. Tomas Hertl(late 93´) is probably the best but needs to stay healthy. He is big and strong creative playmaker with soft hands, excellent stick skills, vision, smartness. Smooth skater with speed, agility, balance. Slick with puck in tight, tough to separate off the puck, shields the puck very well.
I also like natural tools of tall goalie Marek Langhammer, puck skills and offensive upside of tall D Ronald Knot, Michal Plutnar and Karel Plasil. Among forwards I could mention names like Radek Faksa, Dominik Volek(David Volek´s son) or Patrik Machac but I don´t see another Michal Frolik, Jakub Voracek or David Krejci. I should also note that outside of Frk, several other promising 2012 eligible already play in USHL: Zehnal twins or Adam Chlapik.
It looks like very poor year for Slovaks next season conversely to 2013 which could be strong year for Slovakian forwards(but many things could happen in next 30 months) with names like Marko Dano, Matej Paulovic, Tomas Torok, Martin Reway, Patrik Koys.
Special thanks once again to Radim for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide such detailed answers on players that most of us have little to no access to.
If you have any specific questions, email me or post comment and I will try to pass them along to Radim for clarification.
Be sure to visit the Draft Watch blog tomorrow (Tuesday) for the next part in the "Case For" series, where we will break out a candidate for that Toronto pick at the top of the 1st round and why that player would make sense for Boston.
For Red Line Report subscription information, you can visit their website at www.redlinereport.com
Be sure to check out Part 1 if you haven't seen it yet.
This is a pretty lean year for Czech and Slovak players in the NHL draft who aren't already over in North America this season, playing major junior hockey and in Czech forward Petr Placek's case, prep hockey in New England for Damon White's Hotchkiss club.
Radim will now detail the Slovak and Russian crops and we'll look ahead to 2012 and beyond, with a taste of things to come in the future out of Eastern Europe.
Bruins 2011 Draft Watch: With Slovak forwards Tomas Jurco and Marek Tvrdon (among others) in North America this season (and Tvrdon injured for the rest of the year), is defenseman Peter Ceresnak someone to keep an eye on as a draft option from Slovakia who is still playing in Europe this season?
Radim Jelinek: I won´t be surprised if Ceresnak is first and the only one Slovak still playing in Europe selected in June in Minnesota. However I´m not a big fan of him and I´m personally much more interested in 6-4 tall D from Kosice Martin Gernat who also belongs into the group of sleepers I mentioned in previous answer. Gernat is a smooth skater with fluid stride and decent footwork for his size. Has very good vision and hands, moves the puck well, handles the puck with confidence making solid decision with puck. Likes to join the rush regularly and shows good instinct in sliding from the point into scoring positions. Just started developing physical play in his game, still very inconsistent using his body, needs to play aggressive, physical game all the time. When he uses it then he is tough to beat 1 on 1, angles forwards to the outside, tights forward up at the boards, hits hard. Lacks strength right now and still growing but has frame to fill it out. D-zone coverage is still very average, needs to read the play better defensively, improve positional play and play much tighter game. Very raw but I like his progress throughout the season and see some similar things in his game as in Martin Marincin´s. He is far from him as Marincin was first rounder in my eyes while Gernat is later-round pick but upside is there.
On the other hand, Ceresnak is already well built physically, strong on skates. Feet are a bit slow and heavy, passes are firm and can make good outlet but not smart or creative with puck. Defensively he is strong in battles and is tough to beat in 1 on 1 situations. However doesn´t read the play in own zone, when opposing forwards start cycling, collide each other, shift spots then he is not able to read those situations properly, picks up wrong player consistently, gets out of position, wanders around own zone without his player.
B2011DW: How does the crop of Russian players look to you this season? Maxim Shalunov and Zakhar Arzamastsev are the highest-ranked players who stayed in Russia-- can you talk about those two and what chances they have to be drafted in June?
RJ: As I already said before, I personally consider Russian crop without all CHL-ers as extremely weak. I don´t see many NHL prospects behind Shalunov and Arzamastsev, at least those who are first year eligible. Both mentioned guys are the best Russians, at least for now.
Shalunov has first round tools but no toolbox, classical Russian enigmatic player. February´s Five nation tournament and then World U-18 champs could have great impact on where he is selected in June. He is a big, powerful winger built like a tank, when he plays with passion he goes through checks, finishes checks and drives the net hard. Soft hands, can beat D with variety of moves off the rush and cuts to the net from wide. Hard wrist shot with quick release. Deceptive skater, first steps are very short and stride is wide and a bit short but has actually good speed and strong on skates. Problem is that he lacks intensity, invisible for longer periods with zero effort off the puck. Lazy on backcheck and plays very selfishly trying low percentage 1 on 1 flashy moves all the time.
Arzamastsev is more of offensive D who runs the PP well, sees the ice well and can make good first pass out of zone. Handles the puck well and good thought process with puck. Okay skater, doesn´t initiate contact much but not afraid of physical play. From mid to later-round prospect. Last guy I should mention is winger Nikita Kucherov. Not big but doesn´t stop trying to make something offensively, good skills. Has good hands and quick and shifty skater, creates separation and moves his feet. Not more then potential late-rounder though.
B2011DW: With high-end Russians like Alexander Khokhlachev and Vladislav Namestnikov in North America this season, have you heard talk of more Russian and Eastern European players like G David Honzik leaving their clubs to play in the CHL to try and improve their chances of being picked high in the NHL?
RJ: I haven´t heard anything particular yet, no specific names but I don´t doubt that tendency from several previous seasons will continue and some of the top Czechs and Russians(and also some other who should better stay home) will come over next summer. One of the reason for so many Russians coming over to play in CHL nowadays could be the fact the if they leave as 17 year old and spend three years there, then they become free agent in KHL.
By the way, annual exodus of majority of top Czech/Slovakian NHL prospect to CHL before their draft year became big problem(along with outdated system of players development and inability to bring up new generation of good players) for future of many Czechoslovakian NHL scouts. I counted 8 local scouts losing their job mostly because of that in last couple of years. Scouts understand reasons why very young players tend to leave so early and mostly approve of that step but in the end they get into very bad situation (partially) because of that.
B2011: Kosice defenseman Tomas Tkac is 144th on the Red Line rankings this month; a 6-5, 180-pounder is interesting. What can you tell people about his game and possible upside?
RJ: Uff, I was probably too ecstatic after first two viewing before Christmas. Tall guy who came absolutely out of nowhere, just converted into defenceman… Early on he impressed me with solid thought process with the puck, decent mobility for huge D, steady puck movement, willingness to get involved physically in battles. However when I have seen him this month, he looked very awkward, lacking coordination, choppy handling the puck, having no idea how to play defence in own zone. I still think that he is worth of keeping an eyes on him next year if there is any progress in his game but right now Ican´t imagine him as legitimate draft prospect.
B2011DW: Looking ahead to 2012 and beyond, Martin Frk is certainly one player attracting attention, but are there players still over in your area of expertise in Europe who are worth noting and keeping an eye on 18 months from now?
RJ: There are certainly prospects worth of keeping an eye for 2012 but I haven´t seen another Dmitri Jaskin yet. Actually 94´birthyear is considered as weaker in Czech. Tomas Hertl(late 93´) is probably the best but needs to stay healthy. He is big and strong creative playmaker with soft hands, excellent stick skills, vision, smartness. Smooth skater with speed, agility, balance. Slick with puck in tight, tough to separate off the puck, shields the puck very well.
I also like natural tools of tall goalie Marek Langhammer, puck skills and offensive upside of tall D Ronald Knot, Michal Plutnar and Karel Plasil. Among forwards I could mention names like Radek Faksa, Dominik Volek(David Volek´s son) or Patrik Machac but I don´t see another Michal Frolik, Jakub Voracek or David Krejci. I should also note that outside of Frk, several other promising 2012 eligible already play in USHL: Zehnal twins or Adam Chlapik.
It looks like very poor year for Slovaks next season conversely to 2013 which could be strong year for Slovakian forwards(but many things could happen in next 30 months) with names like Marko Dano, Matej Paulovic, Tomas Torok, Martin Reway, Patrik Koys.
Special thanks once again to Radim for taking time out of his busy schedule to provide such detailed answers on players that most of us have little to no access to.
If you have any specific questions, email me or post comment and I will try to pass them along to Radim for clarification.
Be sure to visit the Draft Watch blog tomorrow (Tuesday) for the next part in the "Case For" series, where we will break out a candidate for that Toronto pick at the top of the 1st round and why that player would make sense for Boston.
For Red Line Report subscription information, you can visit their website at www.redlinereport.com
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