Capitals Draft Review: Defense

The Washington Capitals picked five blueliners in the entry draft, restocking a Junior corps that will lose seven defenders after the season. It was a definite position of need, and GM John Henry didn't mess around making his selections.

The first defenseman picked, Brett Carson, is an 18-year-old hulk from the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Carson can play the body and throw his weight around. He's also a powerful and speedy skater with a long stride thanks to his powerful lower body. He's strong in his own end with some offensive potential. Brett handles the puck well and very rarely makes a bad outlet pass. In his last season with the Hitmen, Carson had eight goals and 16 assists along with 61 PIMs in 61 games.

Next up for the Capitals was 17-year-old Jean-Claude Sawyer from the Cape-Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Sawyer checks in at 6-2, 194, and is a good two-way defenseman. He's described by scouts as a smart player and at just 17, he still has plenty of growing to do. Last season with the Screaming Eagles, Sawyer scored 10 goals and added 22 assists with 53 PIMs in 58 games.

With the 90th pick in the draft, Henry went across the pond to select 6-4, 187 pound, Siarhei Kolasau from Minsk, Belarus. Another hulking defender, he skates well for a man his size and is sound defensively. He also has a great attitude and excellent work ethic. Kolasau will never be a star on the offensive end, but he can join the rush and deliver a good outlet pass. His main strength is his physical presence, ability to hammer opposing forwards along the boards, and clearing the crease. Last season with Dinamo Minsk of the Belarussian Elite League, Siarhei scored two goals and added six assists. He also had 24 PIMs in 37 games. He also represented his country in the World Junior Championships in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The fourth defender taken by Washington was 19-year-old Ivan Baranka from Ilva, Slovakia. A definite sleeper at 96th overall, Baranka is a very physical player who loves to take the body with authority. He's also a speedy skater with good puckhandling skills and above-agerage passing. He is primarily a defensive blueliner, but he can step up and add to the offense. In his last season with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, Baranka had seven goals and 16 assists in 64 games. He also recorded 64 PIMs.

With Washington's final pick in the draft, Henry tabbed Matthew Hansen of North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada. Hansen, 19, checks in at 6-4, 205 pounds, and played for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League. In his last season for the Thunderbirds, Hansen scored five goals and added 20 assists. He also took 28 PIMs in 62 games.

All five defensive prospects stand a good chance of making the big club someday, but it will take hard work, perseverance, and luck to crack the CLUTCH pro ranks.

Capitals Draft Review: Goaltender

With the 85th pick in the draft, the Washington Capitals selected Danny Taylor, a goaltender from the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. The only 'keeper taken in teh draft by Washington, Taylor, 18, should have a chance to compete with Brad Topping for the starter's role.

In his first season with the Storm, Taylor was 16-4-3 in 26 games with a 2.71 GAA and .900 save percentage. His second season saw a drop in his record, but better numbers in other areas. His record was 13-14-3 in 31 games with a 2.64 GAA and .911 save percentage. He also earned two shutouts.

According to Washington's scouting department, Taylor is a good all around goaltender who covers the bottom of the net well. He also has strong lateral movement and a surprisingly quick glove. He's excellent at controlling rebounds, but tends to get pushed around in heavy action around the net. As he grows into his 6-1 frame, his strength and savvy in pressure situations should improve.

He's not the most well known prospect between the pipes, but Taylor is a diamond in the rough that could develop into a real star with the Capitals.

Capitals Add 11 Players in Yr. 2006 Draft

The Washington Capitals added two picks during the draft and finished the day with 11 new additions to the organization. Washington made three picks in the second round, four in the third round, one in the fourth round, and three in the fifth round.

The draftees should make the Junior club more competitive and in the future. The only question that remains is will the new arrivals make the Senior side a Cup contender? Stay tuned for a position-by-position breakdown of the Washington prospects.

Round 2

45. Capitals Brett Carson, D
50. Capitals (from Sharks) Gennady Stolyarov, RW
60a. Capitals Jared Walker, C

Round 3

65. Capitals (from Bruins) Jean-Claude Sawyer, D
67. Capitals (from Jackets) Petr Pohl, RW
85. Capitals (from Panthers) Danny Taylor, G
90. Capitals (from Lightning) Siarhei Kolasau, D

Round 4

96. Capitals (from Penguins) Ivan Baranka, D

Round 5

125. Capitals (from Bruins) David Fredriksson, LW
131. Capitals (from Canucks) Andrew Joudrey, C
147. Capitals (from Blues) Matthew Hansen, D

CANES DRAFT REVIEW Part 2

CANES ADDRESS DEFENSIVE NEED WITH TWO STUDS
CAROLINA

With their second and third overall picks, the Carolina Hurricanes quickly solidified a future need on the blueline. With a looming graduation of as many as 9 defensemen from the current junior Cane roster, the Hurricanes looked to heavily draft defense and they did it early.

The Hurricanes selected, from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, defenseman Jordan Smith. Smith, 18, is known as a heavy hitter and a defensive rock. Smith has twice been named as the OHL’s Western conference’s best open ice body checker and has a reputation for not backing down from anyone.

Smith began his OHL career as a local kid drafted in the second round of the Ontario Hockey League’s bantam draft. By picking young Smith, the Soo was banking on his development in size and strength and Jordan has worked hard in that aspect. The former under 17 Ontario rep quickly turned heads as one of the OHL’s better up and coming defensive defensemen and has turned heads ever since.

“Jordan has a knack for simply pounding players,” said head of scouting Barry Trapp. “He makes a solid first pass, he is not afraid of anyone and will let you know if he is not happy with you. He has fought every heavy weight in the OHL and stood tall with all of them. I think Jordan’s character and desire are evident and he’ll be a solid contributor for seasons to come.”

With the third choice of their draft, the Canes selected Minnesota Golden Gopher Alex Goligoski. The offensive defenseman has made a name for himself as a smallish blueliner with huge offensive upside. Comparisons of Keith Ballard have come easily to many as both possess the offensive tools to be impact players in the pro’s.

Alex, 19, is a slick playmaking defenseman with a big shot and a knack for creating offensive opportunities. Given the right environment, Goligoski will surely find a spot on most team’ spower plays as a quarterback.

“We liked the way he moved the puck in college,” said Trapp. “We are really excited about having him with our organization. He has the tools needed to be an impact guy and with our current group of aggressive defenders in junior, he should be a welcomed addition.”

CANES DRAFT REVIEW Part 1

CANES DRAFT FIGHTING SIOUX DREW STAFFORD
CAROLINA

The Carolina Hurricanes went into the draft with a few needs and a couple wants. Knowing full well the potential graduation in store for the Canes ahead of them, the Canes wanted to pick a young player who could make an impact both on and off the ice.

The first selection of the Cane’s draft came in the form of University of North Dakota forward Drew Stafford. Stafford, 18, has an impressive resume with two straight team USA World Junior appearances and several individual accolades associated with each, including a gold medal two seasons ago.

“We wanted this kid all along because he brings a lot of intangibles to the forefront,” said head of scouting Barry Trapp. “Drew is an up and down winger, good size and he comes back hard. We felt we had a good group of offensive forwards already in the system, we wanted a character guy with a great work ethic and a determination to win. I think Drew has all of these wrapped up in a big frame and tied with skill.”

Stafford, a Minnesota native, who stands 6’2 and weighs in at about 200 pounds, will likely be counted on later in his development as a two way winger and a future captain.

“Getting drafted is a dream of mine, but getting drafted to a team that wants to develop through the system gives younger guys like myself the chance other teams don’t,” said Stafford. “I look at the roster and it looks like they have done well to stockpile some excellent prospects. Guys like Carter and Phaneuf I have had to play against for seasons now at the Worlds so it’ll be great to be on their side for once.”

The strong right winger will likely find himself fighting for a starting spot on the Canes junior roster with veterans Ryan Getzlaf, Brian McGratton, Anthony Stewart and Luc Belanger still around. Time will tell but the Canes could not be more excited about their acquisition of the young forward.

Blues new prospects

With the draft now over lets break down the new additions to the Blues. First up is goalie Jeff Glass (drafted 18th ov in the 1st round) who led the superstar Canadian jr team to gold last winter. He is by far the highest profile player picked up by the Blues in the draft. Glass played last season with the Kootenay Ice of the WHL playing in 51 games he posted an impressive 34-11-5 record.


Joining him between the pipes will be John Curry (drafted 95th ov in the 4th round) who comes out of the Boston University and in 33 games managed an 18-11-3 record.


Mark Mancari was taken with the Blues 2nd 1st round pick 28th ov. Mancari who is a power forward playing primarily on the RW played last season with the OHL Ottawa 67's. He played in 64 games and scored 36 goals and 32 assist as well as 87 PIM. He also had a strong playoffs scoring 24 points in 21 games.


The last 1st round selection for the Blues was Denis Kulyash taken 29th ov by the Blues. Kulyash is a solidly built defencemen who played for CSKA Moscow last season and in 58 games had 8 goals and 10 assists.


In the 2nd round 49th ov the Blues brought in another RWer. Nick Johnson who played with Dartmouth College last season in 35 games had 18 goals and 17 assists. Johnson was named Canadian Junior A player of the year the season before and has turned a lot of heads in the scouting world. A solid two-way player Johnson is more then willing to rush up the ice while shorthanded.


With the only pick that the Blues actually managed to keep this season that was there very own they drafted Brett Skinner 57th ov in the 2nd round. Skinner is older then most drafted in this draft and should be able to step into the jr team and be a force. He played last season with the U. of Denver as a senior and in 41 games had 4 goals and 31 assists. A strong campain for the Blues new Dman and many feel if any of the Blues prospects are ready to step up it will be Skinner.


With no picks in the 3rd round the Blues had to sit around and wait for the 1st ov selection in the 4th round 91st overall to take RW Mike Brown of the U. of Michigan. More of an enforcer type player Brown does have the skill needed to become a good power forward if he applies himself. A great skater who likes to mix it up and is willing to drop the gloves Brown will have to show more discipline if he ever hopes to make the Blues pro team. Considered a work in progress this player could go either way for the Blues.


Another back to back pick for the Blues they selected Kevin Schaeffer 92nd ov in the 4th round. Another solid defensive defencemen Schaeffer also possesses a bullet of a slapshot which he can use to quarterback the PP. Another Boston University prospect he is very familiar with Curry who was taken 3 picks later.


The Only non American player taken in the draft by the Blues is Jan Holub. Taken 115th ov in the 4th round Holub played last season with the Liberec Bili Tygri HC. Another solid stay at home defencemen for the Blues, Holub isn't likely to put up many points but is great at clearing the front of the net and at 6'3" and 185 pounds he is a strong defencemen who will not be pushed around. His willingness to drop the gloves in defence of the smaller forwards on his team and his ability to play on the edge endeared him to GM Foley.


Craig Switzer was the Blues last selection in the draft. Taken 145th ov in the 55th round Switzer is expected to be a diamond in the rough. BCHL Top Defenseman Award for the Interior Conference in 2003-04 Switzer is a mobile offencive defencemen and should be a good player to go along with any of the more defencive dman selected by the Blues in the draft. His intension are to go to the U. of New Hampshire where he will hone his skills and mind in the NCAA.

Blues add 10 prospects to Jr system

A couple of draft day trades brought the Blues total draft picks the Blues now have from 5 to 10. Gone are the likes of Vishnosky and Kvasha and in return the Blues brought in Niko Kapanen and Agris Saviels as well as 5 more picks. 2 separate deals will also see the Blues lose 1 mil in cash as well.


These 2 draft day trades bring the number of holdouts on the Blues team to one. Daniel Tkachuck remains the only one on the team who refuses to report for training camp when it begins. Meanwhile the Baby Blues will get a much needed infusion of good young talent that should bring the Blues out of any posible roster violations.

18. Blues (from Stars) Jeff Glass
28. Blues (from MapleLeaf) Mark Mancari
29. Blues (from Islanders) Denis Kulyash
49. Blues (from Coyotes) Nick Johnson
57. Blues Brett Skinner
91. Blues (from Wild) Mike Brown
92. Blues (from Thrashers) Kevin Schaeffer
95. Blues (from Bruins) John Curry
115. Blues (from Panthers) Jan Holub
145. Blues (from Panthers) Craig Switzer

Blues draft list

While the Draft is now over the crack reporters while searching threw the garbage at the draft manages to find the original copy of the Blues draft list. Want to see who the Blues missed out on here it is.
BLues HF draft list
1 Alexander Ovechkin L Dynamo Moscow (Russia) 9.03
Cam Barker D Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) 8.07
Rostislav Olesz C Vitkovice HC (Czech) 8.09
Ladislav Smid D Liberec Bili Tygri HC 8.015
Alexander Radulov R Tver (Russia) 8.017
Marek Schwarz G Sparta Praha (Czech) H.S.] 8.021
Wojtek Wolski L Brampton Battalion (OHL) 8.025
Rob Schremp C London Knights (OHL) 8.0
23 Andrej Meszaros D Dukla Trencin (Slovak) 7.511
Lauri Tukonen R Blues (FNL) 7.531
Johannes Salmonsson W Djurgardens IF Stockholm (SEL) 7.549
Carl Soderberg C Malmo IF (SEL) 7.55
Blake Wheeler R Breck School (Minn.) 7.013
Drew Stafford R U. of North Dakota 7.019
Lauri Korpikoski C TPS Jrs. (Finland) 7.029
Mike Green D Saskatoon Blades (WHL) 7.033
Christopher Bourque C Cushing Academy [Mass H.S.] 7.061
Alex Goligoski D Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) 7.0
43 Michael Funk D Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) 7.0
73 Zdenek Bahensky R Litvinov Jrs. (Czech) 7.0
83 Viktor Alexandrov R Novokuznetsk Metallurg (Russia) 7.0
87 Peter Regin C Herning Bluefox (Denmark) 7.089
Jeff Glass G Kootenay Ice (WHL) 7.091
Alexander Edler D Jamtland (Sweden) 7.0
157 Dmitry Vorobiev D Tolyatti Lada (Russia) 7.0187
Robbie Earl L U. of Wisconsin (NCAA) 7.0189
Julien Ellis G Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 7.0201
Michael Vernace D Bramlea Blues (OPJHL) 7.0207
Mark Mancari R Ottawa 67's (OHL) 7.0243
Denis Kulyash D HC CSKA (Russian Jr.) 7.027
Jeff Schultz D Calgary Hitmen (WHL) 6.535
Logan Stephenson D Tri-City Americans (WHL) 6.537
David Shantz G Mississauga Ice Dogs (OHL) 6.039
Jordan Smith D Sault-Ste.-Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6.5
57 Geoff Paukovich L US National Under 18 6.559
Kyle Wharton D Ottawa 67's (OHL) 6.553
David Booth L Michigan State University (NCAA) 6.563
David Krejci C Kladno Jr. (Czech) 6.567
Nick Johnson R St. Albert Saints (AJHL) 6.569
Casey Borer D St. Cloud State (NCAA) 6.579
Clayton Stoner D Tri-City Americans (WHL) 6.5129
Jason Churchill G Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) 6.5257
Gennady Stolyarov R Tver (Russia) 6.5287
Jannik Hansen W Malmo Jr. (Sweden) 6.5109
Brett Carson D Calgary Hitmen (WHL) 6.5117
Julien Sprunger R Fribourg-Gotteron (LNSw) 6.5245
Justin Keller L Kelowna Rockets (WHL) 6.541
Bryan Bickell L Ottawa 67's (OHL) 6.045
Ryan Garlock C Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 6.051
Bruce Graham C Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) 6.055
Victor Oreskovich R Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) 6.065
Mark Tobin L Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) 6.071
Andrej Sekera D Trencin Jr. (Slovakia) 6.075
Tim Brent C Toronto St. Michael's Majors 6.077
Shawn Weller L Capital District Selects (EJHL) 6.093
Dan LaCosta G Owen-Sound Attack (OHL) 6.095
Paul Baier D Deerfield Academy [Mass (NCAA) 6.099
Tyler Kennedy C Sault-Ste.-Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6.0115
Wes O'Neill D Notre Dame (NCAA) team 6.0125
Andrew Sarauer L Langley Hornets (BCHL) 6.0127
Ryan Callahan R Guelph Storm (OHL) team 6.0133
Petr Pohl R Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) 6.0135
Roman Psurny L Zlin Jr. (Czech. 6.0137
Magnus Akerlund G HV 71 Jr. (Finland) 6.0141
Jim McKenzie R Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) 6.0145
Michal Valent G Martin Jr. (Slovakia) 6.0147
Janne Niskala D Lukko Rauma (FNL) 6.0151
Siarhei Kolasau D Minsk (Belarus) 6.0153
Steven Zalewski C Northwood Prep (N.Y.) 6.0159
Mike Brown R U. of Michigan (NCAA) 6.0161
Jean-Claude Sawyer D Cape-Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) 6.0193
Kevin Schaeffer D Boston University (NCAA) 6.0203
Gabriel Bouthillette G Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) 6.0205
John Curry G Boston University (NCAA) 6.0217
Tyler Eckford D South Surrey Eagles 6.0221
Danny Taylor G Guelph Storm (OHL) 6.0223
Jared Walker C Red Deer Rebels (WHL) 6.0191
Karri Ramo G Pelicans Jr. (Finland) 6.0237
Mitch Carefoot C Cornell University (NCAA) 6.0239
Brandon Yip R Coquitlam Express (BCHL) 6.0247
Jonathan Paiement D Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL) 6.0249
J.D. Corbin L U. of Denver (NCAA) 6.0251
Matt McIlvane C Chicago Steel (USHL) 6.0255
Anton Hedman F Stocksunds (Sweden) 6.0263
Travis Morin C Minnesota State U - 6.0277
Jonathan Boutin R Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 6.047
Blake Comeau R Kelowna Rockets (WHL) 5.5
81 Vaclav Meidl C Plymouth Whalers (OHL) 5.585
Brian Gifford C Moorhead H.S. (Minn.) 5.597
Johan Franzen C Linkopings HC (SEL) 5.5101
Micheal-R.J. Anderson D Centennial H.S. (Minn.) 0.0103
Roman Tomanek R Povazka Bystrica (Slovakia) 5.0105
Evan Schafer D Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 5.5107
Nick Fugere L Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) 4.5111
Ryan Jones F Chatham Maroons (OHA-B) 5.0113
Roman Kukumberg F Dukla Trencin (Slovak) 119
Kevin Porter C US National Under 18 5.5121
Kris Hogg L Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 5.5123
Karel Hromas L Sparta Jr. (Czech) 5.5131
Trevor Kell R London Knights (OHL) 0.0139
Kyle Moir G Swift Current Broncos (WHL) 5.0143
Eric Neilson R Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) 5.0149
Gino Pisellini R Plymouth Whalers (OHL) 155
Alexander Mikhailish D Spartak Jr. (Russia) 4.5163
Dusty Collins C Northern Michigan University 4.0165
Scott McCulloch L Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) 0.0167
Rob Page D Blake School (Minn.) 5.5169
Jordan Foote L Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL) 5.5171
Frederik Cabana C Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) 0.0173
Adam Pardy D Cape-Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) 5.5175
Aaron Boogaard R Tri-City Americans (WHL) 4.5177
Max Gordichuk D Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 4.5179
Jaroslav Mrazek D Sparta Jr. (Czech) 0.0181
Loic Lacasse G Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) 4.0183
Trevor Ludwig D Texas Tornado (NAHL) 0.0185
Josh Disher G Erie Otters (OHL) 5.5195
Jean-Michel Rizk R Saginaw Spirit (OHL) 5.0197
Andrew Gordon R Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) 5.5199
Chad Kolarik C US National Under 18 5.0209
Stanislav Balan C Zlin Jr. (Czech. Rep) 4.0211
David Fredriksson W HV 71 Jrs. 5.5213
Jimmy Spratt G Sioux-City Musketeers (USHL) 4.0215
Ian Keserich G Cleveland Barons (NAHL) 5.0219
Joe Cooper R Miami University (Ohio) (NCAA) 5.0225
David MacDonald D New England Jr. 5.5227
Chris Campoli D Erie Otters (OHL) 5.5229
Eric Hunter C Prince George Cougars (WHL) 0.0231
Brian McGuirk L Governor Dummer Academy (Mass.)233
Matt Greer W White Bear Lake H.S.235
Jonas Fiedler R Plymouth Whalers (OHL) 5.0241
Mike Card D Kelowna Rockets (WHL) 5.0253
Travis Gawryletz D Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) 0.0259
Brian Ihnacak C Brown University (NCAA) 5.5265
Daniel Winnik C U. of New Hampshire 5.5267
Spencer Dillon D Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) 4.5269
Janne Pesonen W Karpat (FNL) 5.5271
Grant Clitsome D Nepean Raiders (CJAHL) 273
Dylan Hunter L London Knights (OHL) 5.5275
Craig Switzer D Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) 4.5261
William Engasser L Blake School (Minn.) 5.0279
Adam Cracknell R Kootenay Ice (WHL) 5.5281
Stephen McClellan D Catholic Memorial H.S. (Mass.) 4.5283
Luke Beaverson D Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) 4.5285
Pierce Norton R Thayer Academy (Mass.) 3.5289
Christian Jensen D New Jersey Jr. 3.0291
John Carter C Brewster Bulldogs [NY]

Capitals Make Defensive Change

The Washington Capitals acquired defender Andrew Ference from the New York Rangers yesterday. In exchange, Tomas Kloucek is heading to the Rangers.

"Kloucek was solid for us last season, but we needed to move for a guy who doesn't take quite so many penalties. We believe Ference is that guy," GM John Henry said about the move. Andrew is very good on the defensive end, he has good speed and he can move the puck. He should fit in well with the other blueliners we have on the club.

Last season Kloucek recorded four goals and 10 assists in 74 games for the Capitals. He also took 131 PIMs and dished out 142 hits. Ference socred seven goals and added seven assists in 70 games for the Rangers. He had 169 PIMs and 72 hits. While his penalty numbers were greater than Kloucek's last year, Ference spent the summer at obedience school where he improved greatly in the discipline department.

Are there more moves in the Capitals' future? Only time will tell...

Burns Touts Dumont as Superstar

"J.P. Dumont"

That was Rangers GM David Burns' immediate answer when asked which player on his young team would become a league superstar first.

"Dumont has all the skills to really make an impact in the upcoming season but that's just the beginning. Hie should rerate to an 80 ov next year and...this is where things get exciting...he's been our team captain for 3 years at that point. We get to add (giggle) 20 points to his stats! I think this guy'll be an 83 or so in 2007 which means he'll be in the elite ranks in this league. I look forward to what he does this year and especially beyond. "

Ovechkin a Leaf and a few more surprises

Finally the day has come and past.

The leafs come out of the draft with 6 new faces , one of them who should have a long NHL career ahead of him.

Alexander Ovechkin L Dynamo Moscow (Russia)
Rob Schremp C London Knights (OHL)
Christopher Bourque C Cushing Academy [Mass H.S.]
David Booth L Michigan State University (NCAA)
Tyler Eckford D South Surrey Eagles
Staffan Kronwall D Toronto AHL/NHL

Schremp and Bourque are both potential projects that may one day see ice time on the big club, at least thats what the Leafs are hoping for.

Booth and Eckford, although talented in their own right, were draftly mostly for future junior position minimums.

The strange pick of the night might have been the last one in Staffan Kronwall who wasnt even on the draft list. Is this a diamond in the ruff? He comes with great credentials and perhaps could be a steal for the Leafs being drafted so late. Then again, he may never see the light of day like so many picks in this league.

Overall, the Leafs were very happy with what they got out of this years draft and now can focus on training camp and roster adjustments.

Word from Leaf land is they are trying to move some bodies for cash or other bodies to fill a few position requirements...if they cant deal any of these players, look for a few players to be bought outright.

32 Russ Bartlett C
27 Petr Svoboda D
77 Lubomir Sekeras D
43 Nathan Dempsey D
94 Paul Healey RW
41 *Morgan Warren RW

Sekeras is the most talented of the bunch and may see some interest from other teams, the remainder are just warm-blooded skate fillers.

Capitals Add 2 More Picks

The Washington Capitals acquire two more draft picks during the entry draft tonight. The picks, PAN 3 and JAC 3, came from the Florida Panthers organization.

Heading to Florida are farmhands Mark Kosick and Erik Wendell.

The JAC 3 pick is No. 67 in the draft. The PAN 3 pick is No. 85.

Any more draft day deals in the works? Only time will tell...

Belated appreciation shown

Recent press clippings from The Green Engines interview with The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where it was implied the St. Louis Blues franchise had obviously not yet received the flowers sent.

"We're glad to have helped out Boston," the Blues GM told the paper, "for if we had not offered on Tim Connolly - which led the Bruins to match the offer - Connolly would still be a holdout. We're disappointed, though, that Boston did not express their appreciation. Quite rude, I say, quite rude."

When the statements were relayed to Boston GM Joshua Anderson, he expressed shock. "We sent a card and I asked my secretary to send flowers. She will be reprimanded if she failed to follow through on this task."

When asked how he will atone for the transgression, Anderson stated "Well, we owe him an original thank you, and now we obviously need to make up for hurt feelings. Extreme random acts of kindness, I believe, are in order."

Boston trades pick for financial stability

The Boston Bruins, who are currently under fiscal constraint and time management issues due to travel considerations, made a decision to trade their fifth round pick this morning.

Upon discussing the availability of the pick with various GMs of CLUTCH, the decision was an easy one.

JKM Henry of the Washington Capitals prepared the most appealing offer for the Round Five selection, totalling $2,000,000. This amount nearly trippled the funds the Boston franchise had on hand.

Prior team management of the Bruins - who are celebrating the eightieth anniversary of the 1925 Bruins team, wearing the logo at right on their alternative third jersey - performed such fiscal mismanagement that the new regime was behind the eight ball from the beginning. After resigning just a few key players, the team found themselves with less than $1 million on hand, and then spent all funds received for emergency blogging in matching Tim Connolly's offer from the venerable St. Louis Blues franchise.

Thus, the choice was an easy necessity. Boston Bruins management hopes the fifth round selection performs well for Washington.

Rangers Continue Makeover

Another day resulted in another deal in New York today as Andrew Ference was shipped to Washington for hard nosed Tomas Kloucek.

"We really like Ference," said Rangers GM Burns, "but we're continuing to add people to our blue line that will make our zone and the slot in front of our net an unwelcome place for the opposition. Kloucek is a strong, intense competitor is very physical. Last year we gave to many goals due to soft work in front of our net. We hope that trend dies a horrible death this year. We have a great offence and we now think the defence is strong and tough enough to handle the big forwards out there."

Capitals Acquire 9th Draft Pick

The Washington Capitals acquired Boston's fifth round draft pick, No. 126, today in exchange for $2,000,000. The additional pick gives Washington nine selections in the entry draft.

With five players to replace this season, and another 12 after next season, the Capitals need all the draft picks they can get. $2,000,000 is a steep price to pay, but the pick is early in the fifth round and Boston really needs the money. We get on well with the Boston front office, so we were willing to send them a little bit extra to help them battle the financial mismanagement of the previous administration.

The Capitals are still looking for picks in the Yr 2006 or Yr 2007 drafts, GMs interested in dealing should contact GM John Henry in chat (nick: jkmhenry) or via e-mail (see GM Info Page).

Capitals Ready for Entry Draft, Looking for More Picks

The Washington Capitals are raring to go for the Year 2006 CLUTCH Draft. With eight picks, Washington will be ale to make major progress in developing their Junior team. The Capitals pick twice in the second round (45 and 50), twice in the third round (65 and 90), once in the fourth round (96), twice in the fifth round (131 and 147). The team also owns a compensatory pick after the second round.

During the draft, Washington needs to add one center, one left wing, two right wings, and one goaltender. Besides filling those require spots, the club will likely focus on defenders as the team will lose eight blueliners after the season.

At center, the Jr. Capitals have one 25-year-old, Sean Kotary, but the future looks bright with young stars Cory Urquhart and Patrick O'Sullivan.

At left wing, only Fabien Laniel is still eligible for Star Camps. Zbynek Novak and Sean Bergenheim both look like good prospects for the future.

At right wing, Lance Moynch and Ryan MacMurchy appear to have good chances for development, while Branko Radivojevic is a real sleeper. At 24, he won't be able to attend Star Camps, but the team expects Branko to break-out this season for the Jr. Caps.

In goal, Brad Topping is the current goaltender of the future. Marc Kielkucki and Robert Muller are capable backups.

While time is running short for additional deals, the Capitals are always looking for draft picks. With many players to replace this year and next, the team will pay cash for picks in any round.

Rangers Shake Up Roster

Rumours had been flying for weeks that the Rangers were shopping for a defenceman they finally pulled the trigger on a major move. Alexandre Daigle - the assitant captain and defacto leader of the youthful Rangers - was dealt along with young super star Jamie Lundmark and grinding dman Brian Campbell to the Dallas Stars. In return the Rangers will receive defensive specialist Brad Lukowich and talented young centre Mike Ribeiro. They also receive a second rounder in tomorrow's draft.

"We're really pumped about this deal as it address several issues we've been concerned about," said GM Burns. "We missed the playoffs by a heartbreaking wafer thin margin and then came within a whisker of the toilet bowl. Our goaltending is solid but until Kari Lehtonen steps into the number one roll in a year or two we felt we needed to add depth to our defence. Brad should anchor Vaananen or Tyutin well, and Ribiero is the kind of young centre we really wanted. We really needed a centre of his ilk and even though we could have switched lundmark to centre we thought this was a good move for our team. And finally the second round will give us some much needed youth in our jrs."

"We're looking forward to challenging every game this year, making the playoffs and going deep."

New Rule Proposal Stirs Pot

There's been a huge problem with lack of juniors in clutch this year. Jono and Perc were intrigued so let's discuss it!

Vote in the Rule change section on the Clutch Board

While in the Clutch room I suggested changing the JRs to a format more akin to the American Hockey League. Why not take the age limit off so we don't have to call up jrs. I lost 13 juniors this year because they were all over 26. It is absolutley impossible for a real team to not have enough prospects and have to deal players just to fill junior rosters in real life and it's ridiculous to consider doing that here.

Juniors could be any player 18+. I could be a farm pro league. Draft picks could be there along with older players. This way "scrubs" won't have to be created. Teams can just sign players to their jr team to fill positions. I don't think we should have to pay a signing bonus for any player going into jr or graduating from jr. I let my 13 players go because it would have coset about 4-5 million dollars simply to call them up which was a waste of money as none of them would ever do anything except fill the odd roster position and eat up cap space.

Vote on the Clutch Board!

Blues Holdout

Currently the Blues have 3 holdouts. Oleg Kvasha Marc Brown and Daniel Tkachuck Oleg Kvasha is the biggest name of the 3 but he is also the Blues leading penalty minute getter of the last season and had fallen out of favor of both GM Foley and coach Paul Maurice in the playoffs last season. Now with the acquisition of both Steve Kariya and Mike Leclerc the Blues tough guy has likely seen his last game as a Blue. No word yet on weather he will be traded or where he would be moved too. As for the other holdouts GM Foley has already taken steps to remove one from his roster as he has done in the past Marc Brown has been traded to the Thrashers in exchange for Kevin Weekes.

As for Daniel Tkachuck he has shown his displeasure at being relegated to the 4th line of the Blues and unfortunately for him with callups from the Blues jr team and development from the farm league his services will also not likely be required. So what happens to a player who is not needed by the Blues. History has shown more often then not they are traded for one who wants to play for the Blues. Most recently is Weekes and Pyatt who was acquired last season for a holdout.

Upcoming draft to be an interesting one for Mapleleafs

CLUTCH Draft Class 2005--Leaf Edition









The upcoming "Alexander Ovechkin" Entry draft will take place this Sunday, and its a safe to say that the most anxious team to get this going is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs have no less than 3 first round picks. #'s 1, 7 and 12.

Year: 2006: BLA 1, JAC 1, WIL 1, BRU 2, MAP 3, SHA 4

Not bad for one of the top teams in the league last season.

So after the Ovechkin pick, what do the Leafs go after talent wise?

The Leafs could select any one of the following group for their 7th pick.

3 Cam Barker D Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
5 Blake Wheeler R Breck School (Minn.)
7 Rostislav Olesz C Vitkovice HC (Czech)
9 Ladislav Smid D Liberec Bili Tygri HC
11 Lauri Tukonen R Blues (FNL)
13 Drew Stafford R U. of North Dakota
15 Alexander Radulov R Tver (Russia)
17 Marek Schwarz G Sparta Praha (Czech) H.S.]
19 Lauri Korpikoski C TPS Jrs. (Finland)

While both Barker and Wheeler would be nice additions, Stafford Olesz and Radulov will be getting long looks.

the next group has some nice players in it

21 Wojtek Wolski L Brampton Battalion (OHL)
23 Andrej Meszaros D Dukla Trencin (Slovak)
25 Rob Schremp C London Knights (OHL)
27 Jeff Schultz D Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
29 Mike Green D Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
31 Johannes Salmonsson W Djurgardens IF Stockholm (SEL)
33 Christopher Bourque C Cushing Academy [Mass H.S.]
35 Logan Stephenson D Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Wolsko and Bourque have been approached by Leaf management already, and rumors are swirling about Rob Schremp as well.

Will the team draft based on positional needs or take the best talent out there??
At least we know one thing, they will have a new LW'er from the Moscow Dynamo on the team after this is all said and done.

Bruins finally add to defense

After several signings of offensive players, the Blackhawks were able to score on a defensive signing last night.

The team introduced Bret Hedican, a thirty-five year old defenseman who spent last year with the Chicago Blackhawks. He played all eighty-two games for the Chicago franchise scoring four goals and eleven assists for fifteen total points, was -3 with a fairly brutal franchise, and averaged just over two penalty minutes a game. All this was while playing for the team's third line.

"We know from an offensive standpoint, Bret is not going to be a game winner. But we're not looking for that from him," GM Joshua Anderson told the gathered media. "We have front linemen who - allegedly - can put the proverbial biscuit in the proverbial basket. We think Hedican should be able to be our fourth or fifth defenseman based on his stay-at-home, smart, clean defensive skills. That's what we needed, and that's what we are pleased to add."

Anderson continued, "Furthermore, I'll just say that someone in this Bruins office has a soft spot for figure skating... so we're hoping Bret's wife, Kristi Yamaguchi (pictured at right with husband Bret Hedican and skating star Michelle Kwan), will come hang out a little more often. We hope this can also assist us in landing more of the various stars on ice tours for the Fleet Center as well, contributing to our bottom line."

Clutch and the "New Economic Reality"

While the NHL is benefitting from it's first season in a capped system Clutch has had it's own economic shakedown. Players can no longer expect instant raises and massive salary increases. Rangers GM David Burns weighed in on the subject recently:


I love the new rules for signing players. Players salaries are based on their OV not on their future potential. In our league there is only so much revenue that you can generate through ticket sales. The rest of the bonuses are based on performance which, naturally, means they all end up in the pockets of teams in the upper eschelon.

In other leagues, and in the past here I believe, a young player would get a massive contract before he was acutally at the skill level to justify it and older players simply demanded huge raises. This meant that salary levels zoomed to the cap and there were no such things as bargain players. Now an older player who loses talent will sign for less and younger players are getting reasonable contracts. The best part is you know what you can sign a player for. In the past the number was made up arbitrarily and was often much more expensive than I thought necessary. Bravo!

Blues get Kariya

It was annouced today that the St Louis Blues had come to terms with yet another unrestricted free agent. Steve Kariya will report to the Blues training camp when it opens in early september as the newest member of the Blues forward core. He was signed to a 4 year deal worth 1.2 mil per year he was also given 250K to help him to move to St Louis. GM Foley was asked about the aquisition after the announcement and had this to say, "We thought we really had a shot at Connolly but when GM Anderson exercised his option to match our offer we took it as an oportunity to sign Steve. Steve will bring a lot of speed to our team and will surely help us to improve."




In other news the Coyotees also exercised there option to match the Blues offer to Brenden Morrow. The Blues also made an offer to UFA Trevor Kidd who would have come in as the Blues backup goalie to replace Fred Brathwaite Unfortunately Kidd also felt that he would not benifit as a Blue and took a similar offer from the Penguins. When asked if there where any other players the Blues would go after GM Foley had these comment, "We feel that the FA pool has been pretty much exausted. We will likely not be making any other offers but will instead look to trade one or 2 of our defencemen to bring in a solid backup and we will continue to look for a top line center with the departure of Lindros that will continue to be our #1 need.

Capitals Sign 3 for Juniors

The Washington Capitals signed three young players today to help fill the Junior roster. Joining the organization are LW Mikhail Kuleshov, G Marc Kielkucki, and D Henrik Tallinder.

Kuleshov, 23, is a speedy winger with good strength, excellent durability, and slikc skating skills. He also has good offensive upside. Kuleshov was born in Perm, Russia and is a product of the Cherepovets Severstal team there. He should battle for a top six forward place with the Junior Capitals.

Kielkucki, 25, is an average goaltender who will likely see little time on the ice. Marc was born in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and is a graduate of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Tallinder, 25, is a very strong and physical defender with good endurance. He'll be counted on for his play on the defensive end. Henrik was born in Stockholm Sweden and developed at AIK Solna in the Swedish Elite League. He also spent one season with TPS Turko in Finland.

The three additions help the Junior Capitals with some skill and add depth to the squad before this weekend's entry draft. Washington will make eight picks in the draft, including two second rounders and a compensatory pick at the conclusion of the second round. The club will also pick twice in the third and fifth rounds, and once in the fourth round.

Bruins match on Tim Connolly

After extended trade discussions failed to land Tim Connolly in a new home, the Boston Bruins chose to match on the offer from the St. Louis Blues GM, the Green Engine.

"We believe the offer was excessive, and we had to scrimp, save, and look for change in the couch cushions of the office waiting room. But ultimately, we are not in a position to let players leave with little return. We now must be proactive in preventing the same thing to occur with Oleg Saprykin, but we simply MUST find some defensive help," GM Joshua Anderson said in a written statement released by the team.

The statement continued, "Just because Mr. Connolly has been resigned does not necessarily mean he will remain part of our long term plans. We had a pair of very interesting trade offers for him, but due to time limits with the matching period, talks were cut short. We look forward to resuming those discussions now that we are not under a count down, and welcome other parties to get involved. As it relates to Mr. Connolly, any such trade would be expected to net us some cash, as well as a defensive player. We are not adverse to picks, either."

The team continues to expect to be aggressive in the free agent market with what little talent is left, and is aggressively pursuing trade options to make something happen for the squad defensively. With their logjam of centers, any of the players at that position could be put on a flight from Logan at a moment's notice to their new home.

Bruins dealing Tkachuk

News out of Boston reveals that the Boston Bruins have placed Keith Tkachuk squarely on the trading block, front and center in the Fleet Center foreground.

"Fact of the matter is - we're not very good. With the abysmal goal diffential from last year, the fifth most goals given up... we're just bad," GM Joshua Anderson told the Boston media. "So when things are this bad, the only logical thing to do is trade, trade, trade."

"So let the word go out - Keith Tkachuk will not be a Bruin by the opening of the season. In exchange, we expect a right winger and a defenseman, or two defenseman. And if there is any doubt how trade negotiations will go, I refer you to my pet peeve article below."

A few of the writers chuckled, remembering his basic rules - don't come saying "I want this player" and don't come saying "Look at my roster and tell me what you want."

"Man... nothing annoys me more than that crap. If you want a player, make an offer. You have your guidelines. Anyone who says 'check out my roster' will be ignored. And oh yeah - Go Bruins."