Pro Hockey Weekly

By Darryl Houston Smith
RotoWire NHL Prospect Analyst

The goal of this list is to place a raw ranking or value on a young player's ability to adapt and mature his game during those crucial first few seasons after he is drafted or signed by an NHL team. Each of these elite prospects is considered by industry consensus to be the best of the best. But realistically almost all are several years away from being effective NHL regulars and only a few of those will ever reach true NHL stardom. Prospect Criteria: Players under 25 years old as of April 15, 2009, who have appeared in less than 50 NHL games (30 if they are goalies) are considered prospects. A player's ranking reflects both his long-term potential and his current state of NHL preparedness.

1. Nikita Filatov, 6-0/172 (LW, Columbus Blue Jackets)
He turns 19 in late May; with more experience (including five games played in the old Russian Super league back in 2007-08; he has played in only 52 pro hockey games), Filatov should develop into a NHL-level offensive force as previewed by his hat trick in January against Minnesota. Even with such a small professional sample with the decline of Kristian Huselius, Filatov is already the second best left wing in the organization behind only Rick Nash.

One word of caution is needed against Filatov and that is his inability to gain weight. Filatov remains a waif-like 172 pounds. To withstand the rigors of the NHL, Filatov must add some more strength and continue to improve his defensive game.

It is encouraging that Columbus did not to rush him to the NHL (Filatov played only eight games for the Blue Jackets in 2008-09). Next season will be a different matter. In 2009-10, if he can remain healthy, I would expect to see Filatov appear in 60-plus games for the Blue Jackets and pot around 30 goals.

2. Cody Hodgson, 6-0/185 (C, Vancouver Canucks)
Earlier this season he was one of the final cuts coming out of the Canucks' training camp. Despite this minor setback, the 19-year-old Hodgson has blossomed into a very mature and poised on-ice presence.

That maturity led him to being named captain of the Brampton Battalion (OHL). In 53 games this season, he scored 43 goals and 49 assists. Those 92 points landed him 4th overall in OHL scoring.

Hodgson can do so many things well and can be a major part of Vancouver's team next season (despite having one year of junior eligibility left). I expect him to play a full season for Vancouver, seeing time on both the second power-play unit and on the penalty kill. I think 20-plus goals is a reasonable target.

3. Colin Wilson, 6-2/215 (LW, Nashville Predators)
Boston University star and a key player for the 2008-09 NCAA champions. A finalist for this year's Hobey Baker Award. Blessed with great on ice vision, size and strength. Very strong skater and tough to move off the puck. Intelligent and a real leader.

For thesecond consecutive year was named to the USA's WJC Team. Wilson had a fine 2009 tourney, scoring eight points (three goals, six assists) in six games and was also named Team USA's Most Outstanding Player for 2009. Wilson finished second in U.S. college hockey with 38 assists and 55 points this season and was selected as an ACHA/Reebok First Team All-American.

4. Jacob Markstrom, 6-4/176 (G, Florida Panthers)
A team leader on and off the ice, Markstrom possesses incredible technique and has unlimited potential. Very strong physically. On the fast track to Florida. Expected to play one more season in Swedish Elite League. Franchise type goalie.

5. Claude Giroux, 5-11/179 (RW, Philadelphia Flyers)
An outstanding offensive player. This season he was named to the AHL Canadian All-Star team. Giroux went to the AHL without a complaint and played well. In the AHL, he impressed with 17 goals and 17 assists in 34 games. When Philadelphia's forward depth was depleted due to injuries, he earned some serious playing time with the Flyers. Next season look for Giroux to be a top-six forward for the Philadelphia Flyers.

6. P.K. Subban, 5-11/200 (D, Montreal Canadiens)
Gifted and charismatic. A future face of the NHL. Subban was a fixture on two gold medal-winning Canada WJC teams. A natural leader with a solid work ethic and off-the-charts desire.

Handles the point as well as any young defensemen. In the OHL, Subban often tried to do a little too much offensively as evidence by his tendency to favor rink-long rushes. Subban is an elite talent capable of carrying a team or - as he did with Canada's recent WJC teams - leading it. Possesses a booming shot and is a terrific skater. Subban has great on-ice vision, grit and excellent hockey sense. Concluded his junior career with 190 points and 353 penalty minutes in 234 games.

7. Mikael Backlund, 6-0/194 (C, Calgary Flames)
Named to Sweden's WJC Team for the second time. Heady playmaker with breakaway speed and strong hockey sense. Always a clutch performer, Backlund remains a force in international play. Still only 19, Backlund needs to play more against North American competition on a regular basis before he will be ready to take the next step.

Made his brief NHL debut this season before being assigned to the WHL to play for the Kelowna Rockets. In 28 regular season games, Backlund did not disappoint, scoring 30 points. He has remained a strong offensive force in the WHL playoffs with 13 points in nine postseason games.

8. Erik Karlsson, 5-11/165 (D, Ottawa Senators)
Key member of star-studded Swedish 2008-09 WJC team, Karlsson was dominant, named to the all-star team and voted the tourney's best defenseman.

Excellent puck-moving defenseman. Highly skilled offensive-minded player needs to improve defensive play and gain strength to succeed at next level. Turns 19 in May.

9. Tyler Myers, 6-7/215 (D, Buffalo Sabres)
Huge player who is still growing. Once he adds more bulk and strength, Myers will develop into a top-flight shutdown defenseman. A late bloomer before moving to Alberta, Myers was raised in Houston, Texas until he was 10 years old.

For a player his size, foot speed and coordination remain the most obvious areas in need of improvement. Still, for a large man his skating is surprisingly smooth and he is learning to use his size to his advantage in the rugged WHL.

Due to his immense size, comparisons to Zdeno Chara abound and would normally be unfair, but it is fair to say that at 19 Myers is ahead of where Zdeno Chara was at the same age.

10. Alex Pietrangelo, 6-3/206 (D, St. Louis Blues)
Named to Canada's 2008-09 WJC Team. A real force on the power play. Moves well with or without the puck. Like most young players, Pietrangelo needs to work on his consistency and needs to play with the same intensity on each shift. Not very physical at this point for a player of his size but that will come with physical maturity. Good leadership abilities. Very poised.

Over the past two seasons, injuries have reduced his overall effectiveness. Pietrangelo must learn to stay healthy to maintain his current status as a top-flight prospect.

11. Max Pacioretty, 6-2/199 (LW, Montréal Canadiens)
Pacioretty split the 2008-09 season between Hamilton (AHL), where he had six goals and 23 assists in 37 games, and the NHL, where he played in 34 games for the Canadiens and scored 11 points.

A real comer. A big, smooth power forward with tremendous on-ice vision. Thanks to his size he has the ability to go into corners and not just bang with big boys, but more often than not come out with the puck.

12. James van Riemsdyk, 6-3/200 (LW, Philadelphia Flyers)
Named to USA's 2008-09 WJC Team. van Riemsdyk is a classic Flyer: big, skilled, and physical with just a touch of a mean streak.

This past season he finished sixth in Hockey East scoring with 1.15 points per game, but his game stagnated. No surprise that once his sophomore season concluded the big winger decided to leave college for Flyer black and orange.

13. Tuukka Rask, 6-2/170 (G, Boston Bruins)
Once a classic butterfly goalie, has begun to incorporate more traditional elements as his game has matured. Fiery temperament. This second-year pro has been very solid, posting a strong 2.47 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage with 31 wins.

Earning the reputation of a big-game goalie in the AHL. Currently blocked in Boston, Rask remains an elite prospect and the best netminder outside of the NHL. Will play a very important role with Boston next season as the Bruins are highly unlikely to bring back both of their free-agent-to-be goalies.

14. Jordan Eberle, 5-11/181 (C, Edmonton Oilers)
A potent offensive wizard. Eberle led the Regina Pats (WHL) in scoring the past two seasons. Always a clutch goal scorer, this season Eberle had nine game-winning goals (for a team that only won 27 games) and several big ones for Canada's 2008-09 gold medal-winning WJC team.

Despite playing for some very weak teams, Eberle enjoyed an outstanding individual career with Regina, scoring 108 goals and 99 assists in 197 games.

Eberle capped a great 2008-09 campaign by making his pro debut for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. Despite being the youngest player on the team by three years, Eberle took full advantage of a regular shift and time on the first power-play unit to record three goals and nine points in nine games for the Falcons.

15. Thomas Hickey, 6-0/190 (D, Los Angeles Kings)
Has added grit to his top-notch offensive skills and leadership abilities. Named Captain of Canada's 2008-09 WJC team. His defensive game continues to improve as well.

16. Ville Leino, 6-1/188 (LW, Detroit Red Wings)
A solid two-way playmaker and gifted finisher makes up for small size with excellent vision and soft hands. Voted MVP of Finland's top league last season. This year has seen Leino have continued success in both the AHL and the NHL. He is adapting well to the North American game and is a key reserve for the Red Wings. Once he is able to earn a regular shift in Detroit, Leino has the potential to become a point-a-game scorer. Had 13 points in 10 AHL playoff games for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

17. Nathan Gerbe, 5-6/175 (C, Buffalo Sabres)
Gerbe made his NHL debut in December 2008 and was named American Hockey League Rookie of the Year with 30 goals and 56 points in only 57 games for Portland. Gerbe was also named to the 2008-09 AHL All-Star game.

Should challenge for a spot in Buffalo next season. Has the talent to overcome his lack of size. His biggest challenge will be adjusting to the mental grind of transition from 42 games a year in college to an expected 80 a year in the pros.

18. Simeon Varlamov, 6-1/183 (G, Washington Capitals)
Neither a Dryden nor a Roy. Still, the redoubtable Varlamov was at times impressive during the playoffs. He may not speak English very well, but he certainly knows what he's doing between the pipes. His work glove side high needs work. Will be pressed to remain Washington's No. 1.

19. Viktor Stalberg, 6-3/210 (LW, Toronto Maple Leafs)
An outstanding college player. Viktor is very poised and mature for his age (23). Has shown the ability to handle the pressure of big games. A two-way player with good size and speed.

Stalberg appeared in 39 games with the University of Vermont this season, ranked fifth in the NCAA with 24 goals, and led Vermont in goals, assists (22), points (46), power-play goals (7), power-play points (15), short-handed goals (2), short-handed points (3), shots (165), and likely popcorn sales.

Stalberg capped a dream season by being named as a ACHA/Reebok First-Team All-American. Despite his collegiate success, Stalberg still needs to get a bit stronger and more physical to succeed at the next level.

20. Evgeny Grachev, 6-3/212 (C, New York Rangers)
Grachev was the leading scorer among OHL rookies; in only 60 games Grachev had 40 goals and 40 assists with a terrific plus-48. He also had a very solid WJC, leading Russia to a bronze medal with five points in seven games and a plus-3 rating. Grachev is very big, powerful and eager to learn. He has improved his skating to near NHL level and has adjusted well to North American-style play. Still needs to reproduce the assertiveness he showed in WJC to carry over to his everyday game (only 22 PIM in 60 OHL is pretty low for a power forward). Brampton (OHL) coach Stan Butler is bringing this budding young Russian star along very nicely.

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21. Kevin Shattenkirk, 5-11/193 (D, Colorado Avalanche)
Boston University star and ACHA/Reebok Second Team All-American. As good as Matt Gilroy was as a college player, it's still Shattenkirk who projects as a better NHL prospect. A dynamic skater with tremendous hockey instincts. Surprisingly strong for a smallish player. Most importantly, Shattenkirk has the unique quality to be a game breaker and has outstanding leadership qualities. He will soon be a part of Colorado's top defensive pairings.
22. Cory Schneider, 6-2/195 (G, Vancouver Canucks)
Second-year pro Cory Schneider shows a 28-10-1 mark (2.04, .928 SV%) for Manitoba this season while also making his NHL debut, making eight appearances for the Canucks. Capable of carrying a team at times, Schneider won 10 straight AHL decisions at one point this season.
He has been outstanding in the AHL playoffs for Manitoba; Schneider is 11-2 in the playoffs with a 1.76 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.
Even with Luongo seemingly a Canuck for life, Schneider remains one of the most important prospects in Vancouver's farm system.
23. Matt Gilroy, 6-2/202 (D, New York Rangers)
Undrafted but undaunted, Gilroy became an outstanding college player. As the BU captain, Gilroy recorded 36 points (eight goals, 28 assists) in 43 games, third among all defensemen in the nation. Gilroy was named ACHA/Reebok First Team All-American.
Three years away from a UFA status due to his age (24). Extremely driven player. Four years ago was an out-of-position college walk-on. With the help of coach Jack Parker, made himself into a three-time All-Star defenseman and a 2009 Hobey Baker award winner. Led BU to national title and is considered one of the best young defensemen not in the NHL. That being said, a word of caution: only two percent of all undrafted college free agents make it in the NHL.
24. Brad Thiessen, 6-0/172 (G, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Outstanding college player and a finalist for this year's Hobey Baker Award. A very posed and confident Thiessen led Northeastern to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.
Thiessen posted a 25-12-4 record with three shutouts, 2.12 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage in 41 games with Northeastern as a junior this season. The 23-year-old was named Hockey East's Player of the Year and also earned a spot on the ACHA/Reebok First Team All-American.
Thiessen will spend 2009-10 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
25. Drayson Bowman, 6-1/185 (RW, Carolina Hurricanes)
Big-time offensive talent with a knack for scoring clutch goals. This season Bowman upped his scoring to 47 goals andonce again finish fourth in the league. He also had eight more goals in the WHL playoffs before Spokane bowed out early in the second round. Bowman was also named to USA's 2008-09 WJC team. Will likely spend the next couple of seasons in the AHL before making a serious run at making the Hurricanes' roster in 2010-11.
26. Ondrej Pavelec, 6-2/210 (G, Atlanta Thrashers)
Impressive athleticism and hockey sense. Won 18 of 40 games this season in the AHL.
Only 21, but Pavelec handled himself very well in a short trial with Atlanta. Posted a record of 3-7 with a 3.61 GAA. Could be the first choice goaltender in Atlanta next season if the Thrashers decide to deal restricted free agent Kari Lehtonen.
27. Jack Skille, 6-1/205 (RW, Chicago Blackhawks)
Skille has played some quality minutes with the Rockford IceHogs the past two last seasons, but remains blocked in Chicago.
Until a trade opens up a spot, Skille is expected to get another year of experience in the AHL. Big things are still expected of him and he should become a very good player NHL in time (most power forwards tend to take longer to develop - Skille is no exception).
28. Brett MacLean, 6-2/200 (LW, Phoenix Coyotes)
What a difference a year makes. This season he scored only 21 goals for San Antonio (AHL) in 74 games, of course not having John Tavares as his line-mate would affect almost anyone's production. Still it was a solid year for MacLean. For his efforts, he was named to the 2008-09 AHL All-Star game.
29. Jonathan Blum, 6-1/177 (D, Nashville Predators)
The captain of Team USA at this year's WJC. Blum is a skilled but undersized defenseman. Needs to add more muscle.
30. Colten Teubert, 6-4/181 (D, Los Angeles Kings)
Named to Canada's 2008-09 WJC Team. Big and bruising defenseman with a real nasty streak. Future shutdown defenseman. Has shown excellent leadership abilities.
31. Colton Gillies, 6-4/194 (C, Minnesota Wild)
Although often held out of the lineup by ex-Wild coach Jacques Lemaire (Gillies appeared in only 45 games), Gillies did manage to pick up some invaluable experience by remaining with the team all year. His future is promising, but he remains perhaps several seasons away from fulfilling his potential of becoming a Milan Lucic-type player for Minnesota. Colton Gillies is a cousin of Islander great Clark.
32. Mathieu Perreault, 5-9/151 (C, Washington Capitals)
Perreault had a solid first year in the AHL with 50 points on 11 goals and 39 assists, which ranked him fourth in the league in assists among rookies. He is tied for the overall league lead in plus-minus with a plus-16 rating.
33. Angelo Esposito, 6-1/180 (C, Atlanta Thrashers)
For many young Quebecois stars, the crush of expectations can prove damaging to their long-term careers. So far Esposito has been unable to meet the high standards expected of him. After three failed attempts, Esposito was finally named to Canada's 2008-09 WJC team. Despite scoring the gold medal-winning goal, he had a mediocre tourney.
This year's training camp with the Thrashers will be the most important one in Esposito's young career. I expect him to open the season with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
34. Zach Boychuk, 5-10/175 (LW, Carolina Hurricanes)
Member of Canada's gold medal-winning 2008-09 WJC team. Small but powerful player with plus skating ability. Blocked by veterans in Carolina (only two NHL games) but is an important piece of their new future. To make the next step, Boychuk needs consistency and to prove to the Hurricanes that this elegant player (think Daniel Alfredsson or Hall of Famer Jean Ratelle) can handle the grind of a full NHL season.
35. Artem Anisimov, 6-3/190 (C, New York Rangers)
Still growing both on and off the ice. Anisimov's second year in the AHL was very impressive with 37 goals and 44 assists in 80 games. Anisimov finished fifth in AHL scoring. A solid two-way player who will challenge for a spot with the Rangers next season.
36. Kyle Beach, 6-3/203 (LW, Chicago Blackhawks)
Gritty power forward with a tough and nasty edge. He plays very physical, just this side of dirty. Needs to play more under control with more consistency and not hurt his team by taking cheap and unnecessary penalties. Still, the offensive ability is there. He has soft hands and is a solid finisher. Past concussions will always be a concern. Tough customer will be good for 20-plus goals and significant penalty minutes once he makes the jump to the NHL. Concluded his fourth WHL season and made his pro debut with Rockford (AHL) this season.
37. Jonathan Ericsson, 6-5/218 (D, Detroit Red Wings)
With Detroit's depth and salary cap issues, they were forced to bring Ericsson along slowly. Ericsson is a solid player who deserves to be a regular for an NHL team and next season he will be.
Ericsson's ability to control a game at both ends of the ice due to his size and strength is a great asset. He also processes one of the league's great slapshots (timed at over 100 mph). At 25, he has also removed all questions about his mental makeup and intensity under fire.
Ericsson has been a key to the Red Wings' success in the NHL playoffs even without scoring much (only three points) in 13 pressure-packed games.
He is another find in the list of mid- to late-round discoveries from the Wings' European super scout, Hakan Andersson. Ericsson was the final selection (291st) of the 2002 NHL entry draft.
38. Cody Franson, 6-5/205 (D, Nashville Predators)
Showed lots of improvement defensively. Knows what he is doing with the puck. Franson has a big shot and has good playmaking abilities. Third leading scorer among AHL defensemen with 52 points in 76 games.Cody also had a strong postseason with eight points and a plus-9 in 11 games.
Needs to work on his stamina and conditioning. Will challenge for a spot with Nashville next season
39. Chris Bourque, 5-8/180 (LW, Washington Capitals)
Very small but plays with lots of desire. Son of Bruins great Raymond. He is also a 23-year-old restricted free agent to be. With $44.6 million or so already spent on 15 players, look for the Capitals to try to deal Bourque.
Fortunately for Washington, Bourque's value has never been higher coming off a season of 21 goals and 52 assists in just 69 AHL games. Has also played well in the AHL playoffs with 13 points in 13 games.
40. Cal O'Reilly, 6-0/195 (C Nashville Predators)
69 points (13 goals and 56 assists) in 67 AHL games. Named to 2008-09 AHL All-Star game. Gifted offensive player. Needs to work on his stamina and conditioning in order to take the next step.
41. Andreas Nodl, 6-1/190 (LW, Philadelphia Flyers)
Split season between the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and its AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms. Looked more comfortable as the season went on. His NHL minus-15 is a bit worrisome and surprising since defense is ahead of his offense (one goal in 38 NHL games) at this point. Another split season is in the cards for this Austrian.
42. Luca Caputi, 6-3/185 (LW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
A very creative offensive winger with good size. Came back to earth a bit this season after an outstanding OHL career and playing in the AHL finals in 2008. This year Caputi put up 45 points in 66 games for Wilkes-Barre (AHL). Talented but lacks personal discipline. Once he matures (both physical and mentally) he could really help Pittsburgh. He is likely a couple of years away from becoming someone that the Penguins can count on.
43. Jamie Benn, 6-2/203 (LW, Dallas Stars)
19-year-old power forward has had a strong season. A solid all-around player and a real leader. Had a huge game (four goals) to send Kelowna (WHL) to the Memorial Cup Finals. A fifth-round steal by Dallas.
44. Lars Eller, 6-0/198 (LW, St. Louis Blues)
Raw offensively but creative and quick. Eller needs more confidence and consistency to reach the next level. Had a good showing for Denmark at the WJC with six points in five games. Has played last two years in Sweden's top league with mixed reviews. Would probably be better served spending next year in Peoria (AHL), but is likely to remain in Sweden for another year.
45. Luca Sbisa, 6-1/200 (D, Philadelphia Flyers)
The Swiss-born Sbisa made the Flyers last year out of training camp as an 18-year-old but was demoted back to the WHL to work on his conditioning and to alleviate Philadelphia's concerns about his intensity. Sbisa handled the demotion well and resolved to take his career more seriously. I expect him to once again challenge for a roster spot on the Flyers.
46. Bob Sanguinetti, 6-1/195 (D, New York Rangers)
Named to 2008-09 AHL All-Star game, but that was for his playmaking capabilities. Sanguinetti needs more time in the AHL in order to develop his game more on the defensive end.
47. Riley Nash, 6-1/175 (C, Edmonton Oilers)
Good two-way forward. Will return for his junior year to led Cornell University's bid for the 2009-10 Frozen Four.
48. Viatcheslav Voynov, 6-0/175 (D, Los Angeles Kings)
Voynov is a heady player full of passion and very aggressive. He is currently playing in Manchester (AHL), where he had 23 points (eight goals and 15 assists) which led all Manchester defensemen. Had 46 penalty minutes in 61 games as a rookie.
49. Shawn Matthias, 6-4/225 (C, Florida Panthers)
Matthias - who was expected to step in to anchor Florida's No.2 center this season - had just 22 points in 77 games between the NHL and AHL.
50. Maxim Goncharov, 6-3/190 (D, Phoenix Coyotes)
Still in Russia. Physically mature for his age. He could help Phoenix next season if he chooses to come to North America.
51. Jonathan Bernier, 6-0/194 (G, Los Angeles Kings)
Had a very ordinary season with Manchester (AHL) with only 23 wins in 54 games. For now Jonathan Quick is the man in Los Angeles, not Bernier.
52. Jake Gardiner, 6-2/181 (D, Anaheim Ducks)
Strong skater with good all-around offensive ability. Gardiner should make the 2010 Hockey USA's World Junior team.
53. Matt D'Agostini, 6-0/200 (RW, Montréal Canadiens)
Limited NHL playing time this season has dimmed his star a bit. Still look for him to play a bigger role for the new look 2009-10 edition of the Canadiens.
54. Jake Allen, 6-2/175 (G, St. Louis Blues)
Bounced back from the disappointment of not making Canada's 2009 WJC team. Had a good season for Montreal (QMJHL), winning 28 games out of 61, leading the surprising Juniors to second place in the QMJHL's Western Division.
55. Eric Tangradi, 6-4/221 (LW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
American born. 88 points in only 55 games. Plays a power forward's game. At times Tangradi was dominant in the OHL with Belleville. Needs only to work on his consistency to be a real standout. Look for him to make the Penguins NHL roster next season.
56. Jakub Kindl, 6-3/206 (D, Detroit Red Wings)
Another talented AHL All-Star whose path is blocked in Detroit. Faces another long season in Grand Rapids.
57. Corey Crawford, 6-2/188 (G, Chicago Blackhawks)
Hybrid butterfly-style goalie. After four years in the AHL, looks like he's ready to take the next step. Look for Chicago to turn to him as a more affordable back goalie for the Blackhawks next season. Strong work ethic, good habits and maturity are his hallmarks. In time, he could become a NHL number one goalie.
58. Tyler Bozak, 6-1/180 (W, Toronto Maple Leafs)
Lots of hype surrounds this kid, and he's shown a lot of talent when healthy at the University of Denver. This year Bozak had seven goals in 19 games, before a serious knee injury finished his season.
Good two-way player, but must show ability to stay healthy and improve his conditioning before he can successfully take on the bigger and stronger players of the AHL.
59. Mattias Tedenby, 5-10/171 (LW, New Jersey Devils)
HV71 (Sweden) star is a terrific offensive talent. Tools compare to a young Martin St. Louis, but Tedenby is not physically ready for the rigors of the North American game at this time. Tedenby must add strength and stamina before further comparisons are truly warranted.
60. Joe Colborne, 6-5/196 (C Boston Bruins)
Good season at Denver. Still a bit of a project. Will this heir to a very sizable family fortune be willing to pay his hockey dues when things get more challenging? Like another Jumbo Joe (San Jose's Joe Thornton), Colborne does not shoot enough. Denver could be the best college team in the nation (USA) next season.
Article first appeared 5/28/09

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