NCAA Targets for the Canucks?

[Provost]

That time of year where we can try to leverage how bad we are to attract NCAA free agents with opportunity on a thin roster.

 

Which of these guys should be our main targets? (Maybe all  )

 

 

1. Taro Hirose, Left Wing, Junior(‘96), Michigan State

Hirose very quietly had two good seasons playing for a bad Michigan State team. In his junior season, he has become impossible to ignore. He leads the NCAA in scoring with 50 points.

Hirose has improved his shooting this year to become a bit more of a goal-scorer, but he’s definitely a pass-first playmaker that excels at setting up his teammates. His exceptional vision and hockey sense makes up for him being a smaller player, and his skating should be strong enough that he can handle any role at the NHL level. 

 

2. Max Veronneau, Right Wing, Senior(‘95), Princeton

Veronneau is a speedy skater with excellent first-step acceleration that allows him to beat defenders one-on-one and cause defensive zone breakdowns. That creates space for teammates and Veronneau possesses the vision to get his teammates the puck in good scoring positions.

Given his age, it’s probably unlikely he continues to be a big scorer at the NHL level, but given his ability to skate and make plays at speed, he has the tools to stick as a solid winger at the NHL level.

3. Jimmy Schuldt, Defenseman, Senior(‘95), St. Cloud State

Schuldt has turned down NHL opportunities each of the past two seasons to return to St. Cloud and has steadily improved his pro stock as a result. He is the defensive anchor on the best team in the country. 

Schuldt is a skilled offensive defenseman with a booming slap shot, and underrated passing ability, that would be capable of contributing on the power play at the pro level. He has improved on the defensive end over the course of his college career as well, which should make him a strong two-way player.

4. Josh Wilkins, Center, Junior(‘97), Providence

Wilkins was a player I really thought should have been drafted in his final year of draft eligibility, after a strong freshman season for Providence. But he was passed over, and now, any team is free to take their shot at signing the leading scorer on a good Providence team. 

Wilkins has shown improved scoring prowess over the course of his career with the Friars, but is the type of player that can play a fast, heavy 200-foot style of game that is effective even if he isn’t scoring.

5. Mat Robson, Goalie, r-Jr.(‘96), Minnesota

It’s been extremely rare throughout the history of Minnesota’s program for the Golden Gophers to be reliant on their goaltending. But Minnesota has had to lean heavily on Robson’s ability in net over the past year+, and Robson has been up to the task. 

Robson has decent size(6’2”) but with his movement and skating ability, never looks lumbering. He’s strong positionally, and while he may have had some struggles down the stretch due to a tough workload, at his best, he is a goalie capable of stealing games. Minnesota has already lined up goalies for next season in anticipation of Robson signing a professional contract this summer.

6. Nico Sturm, Center, Junior(‘95), Clarkson

Sturm has put up decent scoring numbers as the top line center for Clarkson, but what really impresses scouts is the detail-oriented 200-foot game that he plays.

As a 6’3” center, he has potential to be the consummate third or fourth line NHL center that plays a grinding defensive game and does all the little things to make his team better in the mold of a Jay Beagle.

7. Ryan Kuffner, Left Wing, Senior(‘96), Princeton

There’s not a lot that separates Kuffner from his linemate Veronneau in terms of quality of prospect. The difference mostly comes down to personal preference, and organizational need. 

While Veronneau is more of the set-up guy, using his speed to create space, Kuffner is a pure finisher. He’s one of the most effective goal scorers in the NCAA, especially at even strength. His size and strength make him effective working along the walls or behind the net.

8. Nick Jones, Center, Senior(‘96), North Dakota

Jones has been slowed a bit this season due to injury, and he has been forced into more of a play-making role for the Fighting Hawks out of necessity. But when he is healthy and at his best, he is one of the most effective centers in college hockey due to his toughness and grit. He’s great at winning one-on-one battles for pucks on both ends of the ice, plays excellent defense, and drives possession with his ability to make small plays in tough areas.

9. Max Johnson, Center, Sophomore(‘98), Bowling Green

Johnson has shown great versatility while developing into a reliable scorer for the Falcons this year. He has always been a good skater with decent puck-handling ability, but has developed excellent physical strength and a grittiness to his game that makes him tough to defend against in front of the net. He likely wouldn’t stay at center at the pro level, but his combination of speed and strength could make him a valuable asset on a lower line.

10. Andrew Shortridge, Goalie, Junior(‘95), Quinnipiac

The caveat here is that seemingly every year there is an ECAC goalie with insane statistics that gets an NHL deal, and the success rate in their becoming a regular NHL goalie is relatively low.

But, Shortridge is a 6’4” goalie stopping 94.4% of his shots right now. There are a multitude of factors that go into a goalie’s stats beyond just skill level, but it is a helpful point of reference that Shortridge is splitting time in net with a fairly high NHL Draft pick in Keith Petruzelli, and Shortridge is putting up superior numbers—though it’s also worth remembering Petruzelli is four years younger. In all, Shortridge is no guarantee to become an NHL regular, but is the type of goalie that is worth taking a gamble on.

[Ghostsof1915]

No defencemen. Makes me sad. 

[Zigmund.Palffy]

5 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

No defencemen. Makes me sad. 

3. Jimmy Schuldt, Defenseman, Senior(‘95), St. Cloud State

Schuldt has turned down NHL opportunities each of the past two seasons to return to St. Cloud and has steadily improved his pro stock as a result. He is the defensive anchor on the best team in the country. 

Schuldt is a skilled offensive defenseman with a booming slap shot, and underrated passing ability, that would be capable of contributing on the power play at the pro level. He has improved on the defensive end over the course of his college career as well, which should make him a strong two-way player.

[Baer.]

6 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

No defencemen. Makes me sad. 

Check #3

[Ghostsof1915]

Just now, Baer. said:

Check #3

Sorry. 

Only one defenceman! Makes me sad!  :D

[goalie13]

I know nothing of him, but from what I read in the description, I would totally go after Schuldt.  But I am sure there are 30 other teams that would like to add him.

[Vicky]

Enjoyed watching Hirose in Salmon Arm while he was here - great to see he's had some good years in college.  As an aside, his brother is here this year and looking good.

[TheGuardian_]

Every dman and every player over 6'2", an attitude would be useful as well. Might find one, no top players though.

[Provost]

Here is someone else's top free agent list... some RD there.

 

Mason Bergh, Centre/Left Wing, Colorado College, 6’0″ 172 lbs, Senior

Bergh has put up five goals and 20 points in 33 games this season. Bergh gets in quickly on the forecheck, pressuring defenders and creating turnovers in the offensive zone. He plays an aggressive style and does not back down from anyone. Bergh is an effective pest, going to the net and creating havoc. He will need to get stronger to continue to play this game at the pro level. He also has a decent wrist shot and release and the vision and passing skills to set things up. However, his offence will likely never be high-end at the pro-level and he projects as more of a bottom-six forward if he makes it.

Devin Brosseau, Centre, Clarkson University, 6’1″ 194 lbs, Junior

The captain at Clarkson, Brosseau has seen his offensive numbers dip slightly this year but still has nine goals and 20 points in 32 games. Brosseau is a slick playmaker with excellent vision and playmaking skills. He extends plays with his strong puck control, waiting for a teammate to get open, and then can feather a tape-to-tape pass through tight openings. His shot can use some more power, but he has a quick release and good accuracy. Brosseau is strong on his skates and tough to knock off the puck. He is effective in the defensive zone as well, with strong positioning and good faceoff skills.

Cal Burke, Right Wing/Centre, Notre Dame, 5’10″ 183 lbs, Junior

A strong two-way player, Burke has put up 11 goals and 26 points in 29 games this season. Burke plays a strong positional game. He works hard along the boards, winning battles and controlling play. He also gets to the front of the net, where his quick hands help him to tip in pucks and pick up rebounds. Burke has a strong lower-body and good balance. He is tough to knock off the puck. This makes him strong on the cycle and has the vision and passing skills to get the puck to teammates in good spots.

Bobo Carpenter, Centre, Boston University, 5’11” 185 lbs, Senior

The son of Bobby Carpenter has put up 10 goals and 18 points in 21 games this season. He is a straight forward North-South player. He gets his points by working hard on the cycle, getting to the front of the net, and being effective on the forecheck. Despite his size, he works hard in battling for loose pucks in all three zones. His defensive game is well-developed and he does a good job playing against other team’s top lines and on the penalty kill. Carpenter has improved his skating, but there is still work to be done.

Colt Conrad, Centre, Western Michigan, 5’10” 187 lbs, Senior

The undersized centre has scored eight goals and 28 points in 31 games this season. He is a creative player, who can beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Soft hands and quick feints allow him to get around his man, and cut to the net or quickly open up a passing lane to an open teammate. Once he makes the play he has the passing skills for a tape-to-tape pass. Conrad is well-developed defensively. He backchecks well and understands his position. He could use some work on his skating. While Conrad is not slow, he is not fast either; he’s merely average speed. Given the size concern, his skating will need to improve to make an impact in the NHL.

Joe Duszak, Right Defence, Mercyhurst University, 5’10” 185 lbs, Junior

Duszak plays a ton of minutes for Mercyhurst. He is a bit undersized but is an excellent skater, which allows him to play a strong offensive game. He is strong on the puck, and his stickhandling allows him to transition and lead the rush. Duszak is also a very good passer who can start the breakout or can quarterback the power play. He also has a very good point shot and one-timer. Duszak also likes to sneak down from the point, looking for the opportunity to get off his wrist shot at the top of the circles. It is accurate, powerful, and features a quick release. Duszak has 16 goals and 45 points in 34 games. His strong skating and quick stick make him tough to beat in one-on-one situations, but he can be overpowered in the corners and in front of the net.

Matthew Galajda, Goaltender, Cornell, 6’0” 187 lbs, Sophomore

Galajda has followed up a strong freshman season with another good campaign as a sophomore. In 22 games he has a 1.97 goals-against-average and .914 save percentage. Galajda is a bit undersized for a goaltending prospect but makes up for it with his lightning-fast reflexes. His legs are extremely quick and take away the bottom of the net. He tracks the puck well and his strong push allows him to get across the crease quickly. Galajda also has a quick glove hand. His rebound control can continue to be refined but is already above-average for a young goaltender.

Mattias Goransson, Left Defence, UMass-Lowell, 6’3″ 205 lbs, Junior

The 23-year-old defenceman has four goals and 18 points in 32 games this season. The Swedish defender is known for his work in his own end. He has very good size and pairs it with strong skating ability. Goransson maintains good gap control and has a quick stick. He has very good lateral mobility, making him tough to beat in one-on-one situations. Offensively, Goransson has a good shot from the point. He moves the puck effectively from his own end and starts the rush. He may never be a powerplay quarterback at the pro level but his offensive instincts have grown throughout his college career and he may be able to provide a bit of passing skill in transition.

Taro Hirose, Left Wing, Michigan State, 5’10” 161 lbs, Junior

Despite being undersized, Hirose may be one of the most sought after forwards in this year’s free agent class. The 22-year-old has 15 goals and 50 points in 33 games this season. He has outstanding hands and can stickhandle in a phone booth. Hirose is extremely difficult to contain in one-on-one situations. He has the ability to get around a defender or just make a subtle move to open up passing or shooting lanes. Hirose has outstanding vision and passing skills. He can make a tape-to-tape pass through tight spaces. He also has a very quick release on his shot which can fool goaltenders. Hirose is also a very good skater which helps him to make up for his lack of size.

Grant Hutton, Right Defence, Miami of Ohio, 6’3″ 204 lbs, Senior

Hutton has put up six goals and 17 points in 32 games this season while playing in all situations and taking on the toughest matchups for Miami of Ohio. Hutton is a mobile defender with good speed in both directions. He has strong pivots and agility, allowing him to cover a ton of ice. This allows Hutton to be involved in the attack and still get back and play a strong defensive game. He has a very good slapshot. He also can make a strong first pass to start the transition game and is good at leading or joining the rush. While not a natural power-play quarterback, Hutton does have some playmaking skill on the offensive end. He’s better in the role of trigger-man though. Defensively, he uses his size to cut down passing lanes as well as play a physical game.

[JM_]

Can never have enough good goalies.

 

Other than that I'd imagine Schuldt has his pick of whatever team he'd like other than maybe a few deep contenders. 

[Alflives]

4 minutes ago, Jimmy McGill said:

Can never have enough good goalies.

 

Other than that I'd imagine Schuldt has his pick of whatever team he'd like other than maybe a few deep contenders. 

How could we not want a guy named "Bobo"?  

[dm_ranger]

50 minutes ago, goalie13 said:

I know nothing of him, but from what I read in the description, I would totally go after Schuldt.  But I am sure there are 30 other teams that would like to add him.

Maybe -- but we have been successful with D out of college in the past, that might help our case.  We have need, room and a history of allowing prospects to jump right into the big league.  I'm sure prospects are aware of that.

[JM_]

32 minutes ago, Alflives said:

How could we not want a guy named "Bobo"?  

true, the marketing potential alone is great. 

 

Maybe the other Hutton is better than our Hutton? Are we allowed to have two Huttons? 

[Dixon Ward]

I think Hirose, Duszak, and Sturm should be the targets.  If I was them, this is where I would want to come.  Great hockey town, lots of cap, lots of holes to fill and some really strong young players to build around.

 

We need some more playmakers.  Gaudreau, Kane, Marner types who generate offence.  We have have finishers, but Petersson and sort of Goldobin are the only real playmakers.  Hirose is an offensive machine, he has 35 assists in 34 games in the NCAA, that is no small feat.  I don't know if he is nhl calibre, but he is the type of player we need to add.  

 

Duszak is a no-brainer, we need to add depth and skill to the right side on d and he brings both.  His ppg are better than every dman in ncaa except for Adam Fox.  Better than Makar, Hughes, and Fabbro.  This would be a perfect fit for him.

 

Sturm is a scoring centre who plays a 200 ft. game.  Who doesn't want that?  Tied for 5th in NCAA scoring. Also +23

 

Of course, I trust JB's scouting team and they will do the right thing.

 

 

[Provost]

Our selling point is easily opportunity.

 

These guys would expect to be in Utica to start and there isn’t a position there that we don’t have holes to fill.

 

Then they can look at our NHL roster and project forward.  Some

oretty fringe guys have gotten looks in our top 6.  And we have a thin pipeline for D.  We need another goalie prospect to tandem with DiPietro since Demko has moved up to the NHL.

[250Integra]

2 hours ago, WalkWithElias40 said:

3. Jimmy Schuldt, Defenseman, Senior(‘95), St. Cloud State

Schuldt has turned down NHL opportunities each of the past two seasons to return to St. Cloud and has steadily improved his pro stock as a result. He is the defensive anchor on the best team in the country. 

Schuldt is a skilled offensive defenseman with a booming slap shot, and underrated passing ability, that would be capable of contributing on the power play at the pro level. He has improved on the defensive end over the course of his college career as well, which should make him a strong two-way player.

Welp we missed out on Justin Schultz a few years back... Jimmy Schuldt should do.

[stawns]

26 minutes ago, Dixon Ward said:

I think Hirose, Duszak, and Sturm should be the targets.  If I was them, this is where I would want to come.  Great hockey town, lots of cap, lots of holes to fill and some really strong young players to build around.

 

We need some more playmakers.  Gaudreau, Kane, Marner types who generate offence.  We have have finishers, but Petersson and sort of Goldobin are the only real playmakers.  Hirose is an offensive machine, he has 35 assists in 34 games in the NCAA, that is no small feat.  I don't know if he is nhl calibre, but he is the type of player we need to add.  

 

Duszak is a no-brainer, we need to add depth and skill to the right side on d and he brings both.  His ppg are better than every dman in ncaa except for Adam Fox.  Better than Makar, Hughes, and Fabbro.  This would be a perfect fit for him.

 

Sturm is a scoring centre who plays a 200 ft. game.  Who doesn't want that?  Tied for 5th in NCAA scoring. Also +23

 

Of course, I trust JB's scouting team and they will do the right thing.

 

 

I'm betting most players see it as quite the opposite

[Phil_314]

Schuldt, Duszak and Hutton would all look good, would be great to have another booming right-handed shot from the point.
 

1 hour ago, Alflives said:

How could we not want a guy named "Bobo"?  

Stick him on a line with Captain Bo, even their play styles complement each other!!  Poor commentators though, "Bo cycles down low, to Bobo, back to Captain Bo..."

[Dixon Ward]

36 minutes ago, stawns said:

I'm betting most players see it as quite the opposite

Why do you say that?  Even Guddy who was destroyed by fans and played terrible here had nothing but good things to say.

[stawns]

3 minutes ago, Dixon Ward said:

Why do you say that?  Even Guddy who was destroyed by fans and played terrible here had nothing but good things to say.

and media

 

not a lot of fun for players and is likely a big black mark for players considering signing in van