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| BYFUGLIEN HEADS TO ATLANTA |
The Atlanta Thrashers have tapped the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks for a few players expected to play a key role in the rebuiling
of their team. Minneapolis native Dustin Byfuglien appears to be the centerpiece of the blueprint for GM Rick Dudley.
Byfuglien plays like a linebacker on skates. "Big Buff" started his career from the blueline, and his physical style carried over to his role
as a power forward. He had some legendary battles with star defenseman on his way to helping the 'Hawks to the cup, among them
the Sharks' Dan Boyle and Rob Blake, as well as the memorable turf wars with Chris Pronger in the final.
Bufyglien rode shotgun with Johnathan Toews and Patrick Kane at times in Chicago, so he's used to playing big minutes with talented
players. The possibility of his 6-3, 246 lb. frame lining up with 6-6 center Nik Antropov has to be giving Southeast Division defenders
and goalies nightmares.
of their team. Minneapolis native Dustin Byfuglien appears to be the centerpiece of the blueprint for GM Rick Dudley.
Byfuglien plays like a linebacker on skates. "Big Buff" started his career from the blueline, and his physical style carried over to his role
as a power forward. He had some legendary battles with star defenseman on his way to helping the 'Hawks to the cup, among them
the Sharks' Dan Boyle and Rob Blake, as well as the memorable turf wars with Chris Pronger in the final.
Bufyglien rode shotgun with Johnathan Toews and Patrick Kane at times in Chicago, so he's used to playing big minutes with talented
players. The possibility of his 6-3, 246 lb. frame lining up with 6-6 center Nik Antropov has to be giving Southeast Division defenders
and goalies nightmares.
| PAUL MARTIN KEY TO PEN'S DEFENSIVE RE-TOOLING |
The Pittsburgh Penguins didn't spend much time fretting the loss of former #1 defenseman Sergei Gonchar. Before the frenzy that was
July 1st ended, the Penguins added Minnesota native Paul Martin their depleted corps.
While Martin won't dazzle and carry the Pens powerplay like Gonchar has the past 5 seasons, Martin will be expected to log big
minutes. As invaluable as Gonchar's calm and steady approach was in the offensive zone, he didn't exactly invoke unshakable
confidence in his own end. For a Penguins team the ranked #5 in goals scored, Martin won't be expected to carry the offensive load.
The Pens have superstars Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin as well as offensive blueliners Kris Letang and fellow Minnesota Gopher Alex
Goligiski to provide the offensive zone pressure. Martin, along with Pittsburgh's other FA addition, shotblocking former Coyote Zbynek
Michalek, will be expected to help improve the team's defensive struggles that contributed to a 20th overall ranking in goals allowed.
Playing in the conservative system that has become standard for the New Jersey Devils, Martin seldom got the opportunity to show
what he can do in a fast-moving, offensive system. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. Martin is widely considered the best all-around
American-born defenseman in the game today. Signing on with the offensively charged Penguins could give him the chance to break
out. Even if he doesn't become the cornerstone of the Pens' powerplay, he is without a doubt the #1 defenseman for the Penguins for
the next 5 seasons.
July 1st ended, the Penguins added Minnesota native Paul Martin their depleted corps.
While Martin won't dazzle and carry the Pens powerplay like Gonchar has the past 5 seasons, Martin will be expected to log big
minutes. As invaluable as Gonchar's calm and steady approach was in the offensive zone, he didn't exactly invoke unshakable
confidence in his own end. For a Penguins team the ranked #5 in goals scored, Martin won't be expected to carry the offensive load.
The Pens have superstars Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin as well as offensive blueliners Kris Letang and fellow Minnesota Gopher Alex
Goligiski to provide the offensive zone pressure. Martin, along with Pittsburgh's other FA addition, shotblocking former Coyote Zbynek
Michalek, will be expected to help improve the team's defensive struggles that contributed to a 20th overall ranking in goals allowed.
Playing in the conservative system that has become standard for the New Jersey Devils, Martin seldom got the opportunity to show
what he can do in a fast-moving, offensive system. That doesn't mean he isn't capable. Martin is widely considered the best all-around
American-born defenseman in the game today. Signing on with the offensively charged Penguins could give him the chance to break
out. Even if he doesn't become the cornerstone of the Pens' powerplay, he is without a doubt the #1 defenseman for the Penguins for
the next 5 seasons.
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As summer (and free agency) moves along, check our team pages for a look at the depth charts as they take shape.
| GM Bowman Keeps Coming Up Roses |
It seems each time the Blackhawks GM needs to dump a player for salary cap reasons, he finds an equal or better replacement. For
instance, he loses his young Cup-winning goalie yet replaces him with an established veteran like Marty Turco for half the price.....
Read more of my blog here...
instance, he loses his young Cup-winning goalie yet replaces him with an established veteran like Marty Turco for half the price.....
Read more of my blog here...
Be Sure to check out my blog...
| USA HOCKEY RELOADS AS IMPRESSIVE CROP OF PROSPECTS BATTLE FOR ROSTER SPOTS |
After watching a young American squad take Canada to overtime in the gold medal game of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, those at
USA Hockey have to be grinning ear to ear as graduates of their development program prepare to battle for roster spots after
completing either an impressive career in major junior or college. There are even a few who have taken the "old-school" route and
developed on the farm in the AHL.
By my count, there are at least 32 American players with realistic chances to earn significant roles with their respective NHL clubs. For
a breakdown of these prospects by conference, check out our Western and Eastern Crosscheck pages. Here are my picks for the "All-
US NHL Rookie Team" for this season...
G-Cory Schneider (6-2, 202), Vancouver
24-year old Marblehead, MA-native is a Roberto Luongo injury away from getting a well-deserved shot in the NHL. In
60 games for Manitoba (AHL) last season, he went 35-23-2 with 2.51 GAA and .919 save %.
D-John Carlson (6-3, 211), Washington
Scored the winning goal in the gold medal winning victory over Canada at the World Junior Championship. 20-year
old Natick, MA-native played in all 7 playoff games for the Caps last year. Should join the top 4 in D.C., and make an
impact with his offensive ability and physical play. Has all the tools to be the total package.
D-Jonathan Blum (6-1, 183), Nashville
Long Beach, CA-native is an offensive blueliner who continued his development by posting 10 goals and 41 points
in 80 AHL games. Will be counted on to fill some of the void left by the departure of Dan Hamhuis. Blum was the
2009 CHL Defenseman of the Year.
LW-Eric Tangradi (6-3, 214), Pittsburgh
The prize of the Penguins prospect crop will be given every opportunity to seize a wing spot next to Sidney Crosby
or Evgeni Malkin in camp. The 21-year old Philadelphia-native has the willingness and frame to cause a commotion
in front of enemy goaltenders, and is now a full year removed from a major hand injury suffered in his final junior
season.
C-Derek Stepan (6-0, 175), NY Rangers
Hastings, MN-native captained US World Junior team to gold over Canada. Only 20-years old, Stepan produced 54
point in 41 games for Wisconsin in college. Is exactly the heady, playmaking center lacking on the Rangers.
RW-Jack Skille (6-1, 198),Chicago
Drafted 7th overall the year before captain Jonathan Toews, it has long been accepted Chicago's salary cap woes
kept him off the team. Oddly enough, the same payroll concerns will now give the speedy, high effort Madison, WI
native a shot to prove his pedigree. Skille heads a deep pool of American wingers looking to establish themselves
as NHL rookies in 2010-2011.
USA Hockey have to be grinning ear to ear as graduates of their development program prepare to battle for roster spots after
completing either an impressive career in major junior or college. There are even a few who have taken the "old-school" route and
developed on the farm in the AHL.
By my count, there are at least 32 American players with realistic chances to earn significant roles with their respective NHL clubs. For
a breakdown of these prospects by conference, check out our Western and Eastern Crosscheck pages. Here are my picks for the "All-
US NHL Rookie Team" for this season...
G-Cory Schneider (6-2, 202), Vancouver
24-year old Marblehead, MA-native is a Roberto Luongo injury away from getting a well-deserved shot in the NHL. In
60 games for Manitoba (AHL) last season, he went 35-23-2 with 2.51 GAA and .919 save %.
D-John Carlson (6-3, 211), Washington
Scored the winning goal in the gold medal winning victory over Canada at the World Junior Championship. 20-year
old Natick, MA-native played in all 7 playoff games for the Caps last year. Should join the top 4 in D.C., and make an
impact with his offensive ability and physical play. Has all the tools to be the total package.
D-Jonathan Blum (6-1, 183), Nashville
Long Beach, CA-native is an offensive blueliner who continued his development by posting 10 goals and 41 points
in 80 AHL games. Will be counted on to fill some of the void left by the departure of Dan Hamhuis. Blum was the
2009 CHL Defenseman of the Year.
LW-Eric Tangradi (6-3, 214), Pittsburgh
The prize of the Penguins prospect crop will be given every opportunity to seize a wing spot next to Sidney Crosby
or Evgeni Malkin in camp. The 21-year old Philadelphia-native has the willingness and frame to cause a commotion
in front of enemy goaltenders, and is now a full year removed from a major hand injury suffered in his final junior
season.
C-Derek Stepan (6-0, 175), NY Rangers
Hastings, MN-native captained US World Junior team to gold over Canada. Only 20-years old, Stepan produced 54
point in 41 games for Wisconsin in college. Is exactly the heady, playmaking center lacking on the Rangers.
RW-Jack Skille (6-1, 198),Chicago
Drafted 7th overall the year before captain Jonathan Toews, it has long been accepted Chicago's salary cap woes
kept him off the team. Oddly enough, the same payroll concerns will now give the speedy, high effort Madison, WI
native a shot to prove his pedigree. Skille heads a deep pool of American wingers looking to establish themselves
as NHL rookies in 2010-2011.