Prospects, and the future of the NHL

non other than your favorite Joe Haggerty this morning.

 

Nevermind then...not that I don't value Joe's opinion.

I'll be stunned if Vesey goes to Buffalo.

 

Vesey's is just like Kempny and just like Caggiula and just like pretty much any UDFA, Buffalo is going to be in the rumor mill. Place emphasis on "rumor".

On one hand Buffalo is still a very bad team. On the other hand Terry Pegula has done a tremendous amount to promote both the Sabres and Buffalo in hockey circles. When people are speculating (and any commentary about Vesey is almost assuredly speculation) then Buffalo is likely to be in the discussion.

I do not mind, since it is a sign of progress that Buffalo is no longer scoffed or dismissed without consideration. But, I do not take any pleasure in this either. It only matters if they actually get the signature. Other than Nelson, they've been the red headed stepchild.

But everyone should get accustomed- if they aren't already - to hearing the Sabres in any rumor.

 

but this is the first time that Buffalo's has been linked to Vesey. he'd be a much better score than the other players you've mentioned. your talking about filling one of those top 6 W spots Buffalo has w/ a cheap young player that looks NHL ready.

 

I've been hearing him linked to the Buffalo Eichels since the end of the regular season. But, they're all rumors, and they continue to be rumors. Rumors are cheap.

 

If he's buddy's with Drake, he should go to the Oil.

 

this is true but we know that he is in fact signing w/ someone so this isn't like your typical Eklund trade rumor mill B.S. Vesey is signing somewhere and it looks like it will probably be in one of the few teams mentioned. Still seems like the Bruins and Leafs are most likely.

 

TSN, CHL/NHL eligibility rules:
http://www.tsn.ca/why-not-let-marner-play-in-the-a-next-season-1.496723

I found the suggestion of an exemption being granted to each NHL team that would allow them to place one prospect in the AHL rather than being forced to return him to Jrs, to have a lot of merit. (I am less persuaded by the stipulations to the exemption that is proposed.)
The CHL has an exemption for highly skilled under-age players. They're looking out for their best interest there. They are also clearly looking out only for themselves rather than the player with their 20 year old, NHL or CHL rule too.
The CHL is going to have to smarten up since Euro hockey and NCAA hockey represent much more appealing options to players than what they had in the past. In trying to serve their needs they may end up killing the golden goose.

 

Avalanche ink Anton Lindholm to an entry-level deal .

 

The rule sucks dan.

 

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/ca...t-knights-beat-huskies-ot-233721195--nhl.html

 

The CHL needs to die and turn into something else about 15 years ago. Kind of like MLB now, I don't think it has nearly the meaning for the under 40 crowd as it does for the 40+ crowd.

 

every year I get the Future Watch and Draft Preview editions of the Hockey News. Not exactly the best breakdown of players but they have organized info on kids and it works well on the porcelain throne.
anyway, they have Jake Wise as a player to watch to possibly go #1 in the 2018 draft. seems a bit much to me but impressive that he's in a discussion. remember where you heard it first.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/p...te-fabbro-is-basically-an-nhl-player-already/

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/11-things-learned-at-2016-nhl-scouting-combine/c-280891948

 

some good stuff in there skinny. i like the little kid w/ the pull ups, hadn't read that one yet.

 

I'm liking it that Buffalo is getting props for having the tits and the ass when it comes to hockey facilities. Pittsburgh wants the combine bad, but I don't think they'll get it since Buffalo is simply a better place.

Add the quick spin to T.O. making the Canadian media types happy and you've got something no other city can touch.

 

Blackhawks sign Nick Schmaltz to entry-level deal...

The Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly agreed to terms with one of their top prospects.

Nick Schmaltz has signed his entry-level contract with the club, a source told Arizona Sports 98.7's Craig Morgan on Sunday.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman followed up by reporting "rumblings" of the deal, but added that neither the team nor Schmaltz's advisor had responded to requests for comment.

The Athletic's Scott Powers reports that the club is expected to announce the signing in the next few days.

Schmaltz racked up 46 points in 37 games this season, leading North Dakota to the national championship in his sophomore season and nearly doubling his production from his freshman year.

The 20-year-old forward also posted a point per game for the U.S. junior squad that claimed bronze at the World Junior Championship in January.

He was selected 20th overall by the Blackhawks in 2014.

 

This may have been related to Teravainen's departure.
Chicago had been trying very hard to sign Schmaltz, even last year, but he wasn't committing. With limited skill player TOI available, moving Teravainen may have been part of the reason Schmaltz finally agreed to sign.

Chicago fans had been a little anxious about his refusal since the Hawks will have so many opportunities for players on cheap contracts because of the cap.

Chicago is really high on him, they traded up in the first round to get him.

 

makes complete sense.
silver lining #1 to that trade already apparent. probably more to come and KEEP YOUR GRIMY HANDS OFF THE VESEY!

 

I remember that trade & draft pick well. It was an excellent move and I think he'll pay off very well for the Hawks.