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The Next Wave of Americans in the NHL
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A quick look at who may make their mark in the NHL before the season is out....
Anaheim Ducks
51-RW- Kyle Palmieri, 2/1/1991, 5-10, 194, Smithtown, NY
Great speed, scored 29 goals as an AHL rookie. Played in 10 games and scored one goal with the Ducks last year. Will have a
chance at a top 6 spot. 26th pick in the 2009 draft left Notre Dame after one year.
66-RW-Emerson Etem, 6/16/1992, 6-0, 190, Long Beach, CA
Ducks need a goal scorer for a line to compliment their top line of Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan. Etem, drafted 29th in 2010, will
probably compete with Palmieri for that spot. According to a report from the Orange County Register, Etem showed a
willingness to go to the front of the net and get physical for scoring chances last season. Scored 37 and 45 goals for Medicine
Hat of the WHL the past 2 seasons.
Boston Bruins
47-D-Steven Kampfer, 9/24/1988, 5-10, 188, Ann Arbor, MI
Small, puck-moving defenseman played well as an injury replacement. After debuting on 12/10/10, filling in for injured Mark
Stuart, he scored 5-5-10 with a plus 12 rating in 38 games with the Bruins. Michigan alum is among 3 US-born players who will
be competing for the 6th or 7th spot on defending champs blueline.
43-D-Matt Bartkowski, 6/4/1988, 6-1, 196, Pittsburgh, PA
Skates well, and plays a defensive game that will suit him as he grows into his frame. While Kampfer's style is offensive,
Bartkowski's game is more in his own zone, and he plays the body well. His chances to make the team will determine on which
style is needed for depth.
36-D-Colby Cohen, 4/25/1989, 6-2, 200, Villanova, PA
Plays well at both ends. His upside is higher than Kampfer and Bartkowski, so it would make sense if they let him develop
playing more in the AHL unless injuries occur to someone slotted in the top 4. Boston has no need to rush him.
Buffalo Sabres
33-D-T.J. Brennan, 4/3/1989, 6-1, 202, Willingboro, NJ
Is a top-end skater with offensive abilities you can't teach from the back end. Currently sits 9th on the depth chart, but he will
make someone above him expendable. Scored 15 goals, 5 on the powerplay, in his second AHL season.
Calgary Flames
52-C-Mitch Wahl, 1/22/1990, 6-0, 200, Long Beach, CA
Finished his WHL career with 30-66-96, his second straight 30 goal season. Calgary has been desperate to develop a top-line
center for years, and Wahl appeared to be on his way before a concussion cost him most of last year.
Carolina Hurricanes
21-LW-Drayson Bowman, 3/8/1989, 6-1, 190, Grand Rapids, MI
In 2 seasons at the AHL level, has yet to show the scoring touch that saw him pot 89 goals in his final 2 seasons in the WHL.
With the youth movement underway in Raliegh, he may be running out of time. He either needs to start scoring soon, or develop
more sandpaper in his game for a bottom 6 role.
24-D-Bobby Sanguinetti, 2/29/1988, 6-3, 190, Trenton, NJ
Has elite offensive talent, but the former 1st round pick is running out of time and falling down the depth chart. He resigned a
one-year contract this summer, so this may be his last shot with the Canes to show some growth in his defensive game.
Chicago Blackhawks
C/RW-57-Ben Smith, 7/11/1988, 5-11, 205, Winston-Salem, NC
Impressed for the Blackhawks in their first-round loss to Vancouver, scoring 3 goals in 7 games. His strength and skill set will
probably make him an energy line player who can swing up to the wing in the top 6 when the need arises, similar to Max Talbot.
Hawks have an opening on their 4th line, and Smith has a good shot at grabbing it in camp.
27-RW-Jeremy Morin, 4/16/1981, 6-1, 190, Auburn, NY
Was the key player obtained in the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Atlanta. Morin's impresive offensive skills are thought by many to
be NHL-ready now. The knock on his game is his play in his own zone. Will compete with Brian Bickell and Stalberg for a spot
on the 2nd line, where many thought he'd play last year.
Colorado Avalanche
29-LW-Ryan Stoa, 4/13/1987, 6-3, 213, Bloomington, MN
An appendectomy in March didn’t help the curve. Has the size and hands, just needs to turn the corner and gain consistency. A
little more nastiness would help, too. All of these things are what take time to develop among power forwards, so this isn’t
unusual. Make no mistake, Stoa has better tools than most.
Columbus Blue Jackets
7-D-John Moore, 11/19/1990, 6-3, 198, Winnetka, IL
Has exceptional speed and was regarded as a top end offensive player when drafted 21st overall in 2009. However, he hasn’t
produced points as a pro. Granted, he’s only 20 and putting up big minutes among men bigger and stronger than he is in the
AHL. He moves the puck well and that combined with his skating should make him a solid top 4 defenseman... That's
something the Blue Jackets have lacked for a while.
Edmonton Oilers
54-C-Chris VandeVelde, 3/15/1987, 6-2, 190, Moorhead, MN
Oilers need a 4th line center, and VandeVelde has the frame and game to fill the role. Could use a little more beef on his bones
to maximize his physical game. Will never put up huge offensive numbers, but his ticket to Edmonton will be keeping
opponents from doing so.
58-D-Jeff Petry, 6-3, 196, 12/9/1987, Ann Arbor, MI
Played 35 games for the Oilers last year and ended up earning 1st unit powerplay time and over 20 minutes per night. Doubtful
that would have happen had Ryan Whitney not gotten injured, but Petry made the most of the opportunity. He’s a smart player
who skates well and makes good outlet passes, perfect skills for today’s NHL.
Los Angeles Kings
51-RW-Brandon Kozun, 5-9, 164, 3/8/1990, Los Angeles, CA
Twice topped 100 points in the WHL, which is considered the hardest CHL league to score in. His size will always be held
against him, but he just keeps scoring. Last season as an AHL rookie he put up 23-25-28 with 10 powerplay goals. It's hard to
ignore guys who create goals, regardless of size. He needs to take advantage of any chance he earns with the big club to avoid
becoming a career minor league scorer, stuck in the minor leagues (i.e. the next Brett Sterling or Keith Aucoin). Figures to battle
fellow American Scott Parse for a top 6 spot in camp.
Minnesota Wild
17-RW/C-Casey Wellman, 6-0, 184, 10/8/1987, Brentwood, CA
Minnesota needs players who can produce offense, and Wellman has the skills to do so. He played for new Wild coach Mike
Yeo in the AHL last season and scored 7 powerplay goals in 42 games. He needs to improve his defensive play, but will have a
chance in camp to make the roster.
39-D-Nate Prosser, 6-2, 215, 5/7/1986, Elk River, MN
With the trade of Brent Burns, there is a need for an offensive defenseman on the Wild and Prosser may just be the right guy in
the right spot to fill it. Older and more physically mature than most prospects thanks to four years spent at Colorado College
where he posted impressive numbers. Played for Yeo in Houston last year postin 8-19-27 and a +12 rating. If he makes the
Wild, he'll see powerplay time.
Montreal Canadiens
51-RW-Aaron Palushaj, 5-11, 187, 9/7/1989, Livonia, MI
Has tremendous offensive abilities, Palushaj blossomed in the AHL last year posting 22-35-57 in 68 games. With Andrei
Kostitsyn appearing to be on the way out, there would seem to by room for a gifted playmaker in the Habs lineup to play with Erik
Cole.
Anaheim Ducks
51-RW- Kyle Palmieri, 2/1/1991, 5-10, 194, Smithtown, NY
Great speed, scored 29 goals as an AHL rookie. Played in 10 games and scored one goal with the Ducks last year. Will have a
chance at a top 6 spot. 26th pick in the 2009 draft left Notre Dame after one year.
66-RW-Emerson Etem, 6/16/1992, 6-0, 190, Long Beach, CA
Ducks need a goal scorer for a line to compliment their top line of Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan. Etem, drafted 29th in 2010, will
probably compete with Palmieri for that spot. According to a report from the Orange County Register, Etem showed a
willingness to go to the front of the net and get physical for scoring chances last season. Scored 37 and 45 goals for Medicine
Hat of the WHL the past 2 seasons.
Boston Bruins
47-D-Steven Kampfer, 9/24/1988, 5-10, 188, Ann Arbor, MI
Small, puck-moving defenseman played well as an injury replacement. After debuting on 12/10/10, filling in for injured Mark
Stuart, he scored 5-5-10 with a plus 12 rating in 38 games with the Bruins. Michigan alum is among 3 US-born players who will
be competing for the 6th or 7th spot on defending champs blueline.
43-D-Matt Bartkowski, 6/4/1988, 6-1, 196, Pittsburgh, PA
Skates well, and plays a defensive game that will suit him as he grows into his frame. While Kampfer's style is offensive,
Bartkowski's game is more in his own zone, and he plays the body well. His chances to make the team will determine on which
style is needed for depth.
36-D-Colby Cohen, 4/25/1989, 6-2, 200, Villanova, PA
Plays well at both ends. His upside is higher than Kampfer and Bartkowski, so it would make sense if they let him develop
playing more in the AHL unless injuries occur to someone slotted in the top 4. Boston has no need to rush him.
Buffalo Sabres
33-D-T.J. Brennan, 4/3/1989, 6-1, 202, Willingboro, NJ
Is a top-end skater with offensive abilities you can't teach from the back end. Currently sits 9th on the depth chart, but he will
make someone above him expendable. Scored 15 goals, 5 on the powerplay, in his second AHL season.
Calgary Flames
52-C-Mitch Wahl, 1/22/1990, 6-0, 200, Long Beach, CA
Finished his WHL career with 30-66-96, his second straight 30 goal season. Calgary has been desperate to develop a top-line
center for years, and Wahl appeared to be on his way before a concussion cost him most of last year.
Carolina Hurricanes
21-LW-Drayson Bowman, 3/8/1989, 6-1, 190, Grand Rapids, MI
In 2 seasons at the AHL level, has yet to show the scoring touch that saw him pot 89 goals in his final 2 seasons in the WHL.
With the youth movement underway in Raliegh, he may be running out of time. He either needs to start scoring soon, or develop
more sandpaper in his game for a bottom 6 role.
24-D-Bobby Sanguinetti, 2/29/1988, 6-3, 190, Trenton, NJ
Has elite offensive talent, but the former 1st round pick is running out of time and falling down the depth chart. He resigned a
one-year contract this summer, so this may be his last shot with the Canes to show some growth in his defensive game.
Chicago Blackhawks
C/RW-57-Ben Smith, 7/11/1988, 5-11, 205, Winston-Salem, NC
Impressed for the Blackhawks in their first-round loss to Vancouver, scoring 3 goals in 7 games. His strength and skill set will
probably make him an energy line player who can swing up to the wing in the top 6 when the need arises, similar to Max Talbot.
Hawks have an opening on their 4th line, and Smith has a good shot at grabbing it in camp.
27-RW-Jeremy Morin, 4/16/1981, 6-1, 190, Auburn, NY
Was the key player obtained in the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Atlanta. Morin's impresive offensive skills are thought by many to
be NHL-ready now. The knock on his game is his play in his own zone. Will compete with Brian Bickell and Stalberg for a spot
on the 2nd line, where many thought he'd play last year.
Colorado Avalanche
29-LW-Ryan Stoa, 4/13/1987, 6-3, 213, Bloomington, MN
An appendectomy in March didn’t help the curve. Has the size and hands, just needs to turn the corner and gain consistency. A
little more nastiness would help, too. All of these things are what take time to develop among power forwards, so this isn’t
unusual. Make no mistake, Stoa has better tools than most.
Columbus Blue Jackets
7-D-John Moore, 11/19/1990, 6-3, 198, Winnetka, IL
Has exceptional speed and was regarded as a top end offensive player when drafted 21st overall in 2009. However, he hasn’t
produced points as a pro. Granted, he’s only 20 and putting up big minutes among men bigger and stronger than he is in the
AHL. He moves the puck well and that combined with his skating should make him a solid top 4 defenseman... That's
something the Blue Jackets have lacked for a while.
Edmonton Oilers
54-C-Chris VandeVelde, 3/15/1987, 6-2, 190, Moorhead, MN
Oilers need a 4th line center, and VandeVelde has the frame and game to fill the role. Could use a little more beef on his bones
to maximize his physical game. Will never put up huge offensive numbers, but his ticket to Edmonton will be keeping
opponents from doing so.
58-D-Jeff Petry, 6-3, 196, 12/9/1987, Ann Arbor, MI
Played 35 games for the Oilers last year and ended up earning 1st unit powerplay time and over 20 minutes per night. Doubtful
that would have happen had Ryan Whitney not gotten injured, but Petry made the most of the opportunity. He’s a smart player
who skates well and makes good outlet passes, perfect skills for today’s NHL.
Los Angeles Kings
51-RW-Brandon Kozun, 5-9, 164, 3/8/1990, Los Angeles, CA
Twice topped 100 points in the WHL, which is considered the hardest CHL league to score in. His size will always be held
against him, but he just keeps scoring. Last season as an AHL rookie he put up 23-25-28 with 10 powerplay goals. It's hard to
ignore guys who create goals, regardless of size. He needs to take advantage of any chance he earns with the big club to avoid
becoming a career minor league scorer, stuck in the minor leagues (i.e. the next Brett Sterling or Keith Aucoin). Figures to battle
fellow American Scott Parse for a top 6 spot in camp.
Minnesota Wild
17-RW/C-Casey Wellman, 6-0, 184, 10/8/1987, Brentwood, CA
Minnesota needs players who can produce offense, and Wellman has the skills to do so. He played for new Wild coach Mike
Yeo in the AHL last season and scored 7 powerplay goals in 42 games. He needs to improve his defensive play, but will have a
chance in camp to make the roster.
39-D-Nate Prosser, 6-2, 215, 5/7/1986, Elk River, MN
With the trade of Brent Burns, there is a need for an offensive defenseman on the Wild and Prosser may just be the right guy in
the right spot to fill it. Older and more physically mature than most prospects thanks to four years spent at Colorado College
where he posted impressive numbers. Played for Yeo in Houston last year postin 8-19-27 and a +12 rating. If he makes the
Wild, he'll see powerplay time.
Montreal Canadiens
51-RW-Aaron Palushaj, 5-11, 187, 9/7/1989, Livonia, MI
Has tremendous offensive abilities, Palushaj blossomed in the AHL last year posting 22-35-57 in 68 games. With Andrei
Kostitsyn appearing to be on the way out, there would seem to by room for a gifted playmaker in the Habs lineup to play with Erik
Cole.