Originally posted by LloydsKittyKat:
the more i read about these guys the more i like this trade. this could blow up in our face, but if they can bring the d and energy it might be the spark the sharks need to get a run started. avs fans apparently really liked these guys.
That's what I'm afraid of.
We better produce an amazing draft AND re-sign at least some of these guys back if they help us the way we hope they do. We've blown up a good portion of our top rated farm system. Petrecki looks like a bust.. Wrenn still isn't in the AHL.. Coyle, Sgarbossa, McGinn, and Connolly are gone.. Doherty isn't ready. I'm hardly sold on McCarthy and Mashinter yet. I like the progress of Wingels and Ferriero but what if they don't get any better?
Right now, in my opinion, these are our top 5 offensive and defensive prospects:
FORWARDS:
1) Freddie Hamilton, Niagara (OHL) - Basically doing as well as Sgarbossa was, but how soon will he go to the AHL?
2) Matt Nieto, Boston (NCAA) - Arguably the best player on his team, but miles away from the NHL at this point. 19 years old.
3) Marek Viedesnky, Worcester (AHL) - Dominated at the WHL level, adjusting to AHL, but shows promise. Big forward at 6-4 210.
4) Brandon Mashinter, Worcester (AHL) - Big forward with good shot but doesn't look like he has progressed this year.
5) Chris Crane, Ohio State (NCAA) - One of the team's top players. 24 points in 29 games. Only a sophomore.
DEFENSEMEN:
1) Justin Braun, San Jose (NHL) - Already contributing and could earn full-time role in the future.
2) Taylor Doherty, Worcester (AHL) - Had been doing okay, but is struggling lately in his 1st year. Developing slowly.
3) Konrad Abeltshauser, Halifax (QMJHL) - Improved dramatically. Still only 19, but lots of potential for the 6-5 220 D-Man.
4) Lee Moffie, Michigan (NCAA) - One of the best players on the team and having a great year. Eligible for AHL.
5) William Wrenn, Portland (WHL) - Was eligible for the AHL this year, but not there. He's a DFD, Captain for his team, but still.. for a 2nd round pick, he should have earned an entry-level deal by now.
One last bit of GOOD news at least is James Sheppard played in his first game of rehab for Worcester. But who knows when he'll be ready or if he'll come up at all.
