anucks-- Any Interest? NCAA Free Agent NHL Watch List—Forwards

[Seeker1]

Here’s a look at some of the forwards that should be on NHL radars  (Canucks' management???)as potential NHL free agent signings:

Roman Ahcan-Soph.-Wisconsin ‘99

 Size is a big limiting factor when he was Draft eligible, but since then, he has proven he can play the type of fast, physical game that one needs to succeed at the pro level. He’s not a traditional NHL prospect, but fits the mold of a Karson Kuhlman, whose speed and grit have earned him NHL time with the Boston Bruins.

Corey Andonovski-Soph.-Princeton ‘99

Andonovski had a quiet rookie season last year for Princeton playing behind two of the top free agents in college hockey in Max Veronneau and Ryan Kuffner, but looks primed for a breakout season in his second year. He was a fringe NHL Draft prospect in his first year of eligibility in 2017, making Central Scouting’s draft rankings, but ultimately went unpicked.

Since then, Andonovski has continued to fill out physically, becoming a better skater and showing good hockey sense and scoring touch around the net.

Cal Burke-Sr.-Notre Dame ‘97

Burke has always been a player that excelled at doing the little things to make his team better that didn’t always get noticed. Now, as a senior, he is finally starting to get some of the credit he deserves as he leads Notre Dame in scoring, and is captaining an Irish team that looks to be one of the best in the country. He doesn’t project as much of a scorer at the pro level, but is a very mature, responsible player that should play his role well. He attended Washington’s prospect development camp last summer.

Mitchell Chaffee-Jr.-UMass ‘98

One of the major figures in UMass’ dramatic turnaround over the past three years, Chaffee was among the leading scorers for the Minutemen in each of first two years, and projects to be their leading scorer again this year, possibly even improving on his sophomore scoring total, despite no longer playing with Cale Makar. He’s likely to earn first team All-Hockey East honors for the second straight year in a league packed with good NHL prospects.

Chaffee isn’t overly tall, but extremely strong and a good skater. His strength and toughness make him difficult to defend against and could make him an effective pro.

Casey Dornbach-Soph.-Harvard ‘97

Dornbach really blossomed as a prospect in his final year of junior hockey and has developed into a premier playmaking forward in college hockey. His ability to handle the puck and distribute it to teammates is elite and should earn him some looks from NHL teams.

Josh Dunne-F-Clarkson ‘97

There’s a favorable comparison to be made between Dunne and his teammate last season, Nico Sturm, who was one of the top free agents available in college hockey. Dunne is a big power forward that protects the puck well, plays hard one both ends of the ice, and has developed into a very reliable two-way center in his time at Clarkson.

Nick Halloran-Sr.-Colorado College ‘97

Halloran came into last season as one of the top free agents available, drawing interest from a number of teams. But a chronic hip injury slowed him down, and ultimately ended his season early when he opted to have surgery to repair it—his second surgery after having the opposite hip repaired previously. Now back for his senior year, Halloran looks more like the player that had scouts interested two years ago. He drives the offense on Colorado College’s top line, using his hockey sense and playmaking ability to lead his team in assists.

Max Johnson-Jr.-Bowling Green ‘98

Johnson is a strong, skilled power forward, that excels in making plays in the dirty areas around the net, while also having the skating ability to play a 200-foot game. He’s off to a slower start statistically this season after a career year as a sophomore, but at his best, his combination of grit and skill is very intriguing.

Alex Limoges-Jr.-Penn State ‘97

Limoges’ offensive production sometimes gets overlooked because he plays in the wide open Penn State offense, but his skating ability and the way he handles the puck is good enough that it would play anywhere. He’s had a slow start to the season and unlikely to reach the 50-point mark like he did last season, but is still a talented player with a lot of offensive upside.

Ludwig Stenlund-Soph.-Niagara ‘97

Stenlund isn’t likely to draw a lot of national attention because he is playing on one of the worst teams in college hockey this season. But he had an outstanding freshman season scoring 42 points in 41 games, and having a hand in about one out of every three goals scored by Niagara. He’s a big forward that could be a nice scoring threat if surrounded with a little more help. His strong rookie campaign earned him an invite to New York Islanders development camp last summer.

Parker Tuomie-Sr.-Minnesota State ‘95

Having already turned 24 years old, Tuomie barely qualifies as a prospect at this point, but he’s been a very effective NCAA player for four years now, playing a strong, fast 200-foot game that should translate well to the pro level.

Johnny Walker-Jr.-Arizona State ‘96

Walker has carried Arizona State’s offense for the past two seasons, but it is his willingness to play with a physical edge that will most likely get him a look in the NHL. Walker is a pest that is excellent at getting under the skin of the opposition, while still being skilled enough that he could justify a spot in an NHL line-up.

Link

['NucK™]

Just came to give you props for the cleverly formatted title

[Ossi Vaananen]

I think we're more concerned with signing our own college guys; namely Rathbone, Lockwood, and Madden. We're at 47/50 contracts, I not sure we can do much NCAA free agent shopping. 

 

Thanks for the research though. 

[Davathor]

Who are the anucks? If that's Seattle they need to try harder on a name

[goalie13]

10 minutes ago, Davathor said:

Who are the anucks? If that's Seattle they need to try harder on a name

[6string]

ings, ucks and harks may be interested too.

[Junkyard Dog]

3 minutes ago, 6string said:

ings, ucks and harks may be interested too.

what about the lames?

[canuckpuckluck1]

1 hour ago, Junkyard Dog said:

what about the lames?

Quality response good sir...I tip my hat to you. Thanks for the good laugh

[6string]

3 hours ago, Junkyard Dog said:

what about the lames?

The ruins like collegians, they may go after someone.

[Quantum]

I've really liked Johnny Walker for the last two years. He, however, is an Arizona kid who is one of the star players of the Arizona State team and I feel like he's gonna end up on the Coyotes because it's too good of a story for them and him to pass up on. (Arizona kid who played for Arizona State plays for the Arizona Coyotes... that's just a feel good story). 

 

I could see the Canucks signing 1 NCAA player and than signing there other NCAA players (like Lockwood) in July. Will really depend on if Rathbone/Madden want to make the jump this year. I assume Madden will but it'll be interesting with Rathbone because he's at Harvard. He may want to play 1 extra year at Harvard before going pro because of academic reasons. 

 

In an interview with the Athletic, Benning did say he has 5 internal prospects he wants signed and playing in Utica next year... curious who they are!

[mpt]

Funny how you don’t mention hobey baker front runner and local BC fraser valley kid Kawaguchi.

[Phil_314]

Thanks OP for the research.  Would be great to know their positions, size and stats though before deciding if we need any of them.

 

Also wonder if we need any guys really, Podkolzin and Lind (RW) / Madden (C)/ Hoglander and Gadjovich (LW) are pretty solid depth.  Maybe we could use another all-round gem of a center and an upgrade on Jonah on left wing?  Utica could also use a center with all their injuries but the team might be full otherwise. 

[kenhodgejr]

Mitchell Chaffee looks like he would be a great pick up if we could get him. Has the tools needed to succeed in the AHL. Could be another College signed player that makes the NHL. Being from Michigan he would probably want to play for Detroit. 

 

• Date of Birth
  Jan 26, 1998 
• Age
  21
• Place of Birth
  Rockford, MI, USA 
• Nation
  USA 
• Youth Team
  -

• Position 
  RW
• Height 
  6'0" / 183 cm
• Weight 
  207 lbs / 94 kg
• Shoots 
  R 
• Contract
  -

[Ghostsof1915]

I was really hoping Jake Kielly would be a solid goalie prospect. But he's not doing that great in the Zoo. He had great numbers in the NCAA.

There's contracts expiring on some of the veteran d-men on the farm. And forwards like Pope that might be left unsigned after this season. 

 

Then you have players like Goldy and Baer, that with luck and better numbers in the AHL, maybe they can be moved. 

 

So going forward I think they will be able to find roster spots for players that do well. 

[Tre Mac]

I think we all can agree the Nucks should sign Johnny Walker Jr. based on his name alone.  Max Johnson Jr. should also get some consideration.

[alt kilgore]

16 hours ago, Davathor said:

Who are the anucks? If that's Seattle they need to try harder on a name

Too bad the Yankees is taken.

a Canucks vs Yankees rivalry would sound good.