2013 Draft Eligibles: Portland Winterhawks Nicolas Petan is a diminutive giant

By Jared Abbott
Posted on 06/03/2013 at 9:00 am

When will NHL scouts learn that size isn’t everything? Too often scouts and analysts use physical stature as a benchmark for NHL-caliber talent. Yet, each year small players thrive in hockey’s most physically demanding league and defy the odds. This season was no exception in the Western Hockey League. The Portland Winterhawks were the league champs this season thanks to a loaded lineup with a multitude of current NHL draft picks and more to come in the 2013 NHL Draft. Perhaps the biggest surprise came in the most unlikely package. Standing tall at 5’9” and weighing in at 165-pounds soaking …

2013 Draft Eligibles: Is Rimouski’s Frederik Gauthier the next Keith Primeau?

By Jared Abbott
Posted on 05/29/2013 at 9:00 am

Keith Primeau was one of the greatest leaders the NHL has ever seen. He shined for years with the Philadelphia Flyers, while being regarded as one of the most dominant two-way centers in the league. His leadership and post as the commander of the Flyers epitomized the hard-nosed, blue-collar spirit that Philly holds dear. Big-bodied centers with good hands and a strong hockey I.Q. are not easy to find. That’s why there is only one Keith Primeau. But a young, 6’5” 210-pound center from the province of Quebec may be developing into a Primeau-eque mold. Frederik Gauthier hails from the …

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2013 Draft Eligibles: Mirco Mueller is another in the line of Swiss-born players to achieve success in the WHL

By Tom Zulewski
Posted on 05/27/2013 at 9:00 am

Two words come to mind when describing the play of Everett Silvertips defenseman Mirco Mueller. Smooth and mobile. Given Mueller’s size at 6’4 he’s remarkably agile and his crossover and pivots are excellent for such a big player. With his mobility and speed Mueller has an uncanny ability to cover a lot of ice defensively and on the offensive side his quickness opens up passing and shooting lanes for his teammates. Offensively, Mueller was reliable for Everett this past season registering 6 goals, 25 assists, for 31 points in 63 games played this year. Mueller, also spelled Müller, was …

Flyers can find goalie depth in ’13 draft class

By Jared Abbott
Posted on 05/15/2013 at 9:00 am

It’s no secret the Flyers lack organizational depth in the crease. Beyond Anthony Stolarz of the London Knights, the cupboard is bare. The 2013 NHL Entry Draft class has depth and numerous potential NHL starters. Philly doesn’t have to pounce early in round one for a netminder, but there will be many intriguing prospects available in the second and third rounds. Here are four Canadian goalies with high ceilings that the Flyers might target come draft day. Zachary Fucale – Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) 2012-13: 45-5-3, 2.35 GAA, .909 SV% Simply put, this guy is a winner. Fucale has backstopped …

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2013 NHL Entry Draft: Mock Draft One

By Tom Zulewski
Posted on 05/08/2013 at 9:00 am

With the NHL Draft lottery completed, Jared Abbott and I wanted to put out our first mock drafts of the first round . Here is his mock. Leading up to the draft we’ll be putting out several iterations of a first round mock. As the draft order becomes finalized and teams’ rosters begin to take shape it will surely effect the projected picks. Of course, there is always the possibility of trades as well, which could dramatically alter the mock. 1. Colorado- Seth Jones (D) Portland Winterhawks (WHL) What else is there to say? Jones is the best overall prospect in …

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