Hello all! As usual, when The Hockey News’ Future Watch Issue hits my mailbox that means it’s time for my annual update on the Jackets prospect pool. After rising from 24th in 2012 to 2nd last year, the CBJ took a small dip dropping to 6th. First up here’s the Blue Jackets top 10 prospects
- Sonny Milano
- Kerby Rychel
- Oliver Bjorkstrand
- Anton Forsberg
- Josh Anderson
- Marko Dano
- Mike Reilly
- Joonas Korpisalo
- Dillon Heatherington
- Ryan Collins
Like last year, I only have a few minor issues with the list. I’d have Marko Dano and Mike Reilly ahead of Josh Anderson, and as most of you know, I’ve been in the Josh Anderson fan club since draft day 2012. The Future Watch issue had this to say about Marko:
“(the) Austrian wasn’t productive in AHL, but played well and produced when called up.”
This commentary surprised me because, in my opinion, 18 points in 37 games with Springfield this year for a North American rookie is impressive.
A quick addition to the list is William Karlsson. He was third on Anaheim’s list (the Ducks group of prospects was rated 2nd in the magazine) before the trade. I asked Hockey News prospect guru Ryan Kennedy where Karlsson would rank amongst the CBJ prospects and he told me he would be fourth behind Oliver Bjorkstrand. I find it interesting that Dillon Heatherington and Ryan Collins are back to back since they are very similar – Ryan’s just bigger. I’m not really sure who you could say is better offensively as both are big stay at home types. After seeing Ryan play live, I think I understand what the magazine means in its comment on the big fella “So big but so raw. After a few years at Minnesota, though, good pro potential.”
As for prospects the CBJ have to sign this summer, the team has four. One is a 2011 draft pick who’s a NCAA senior; two are picks from the 2013 draft and one who’d become the top NCAA free agent if he goes that route.
First up the elder statesman of this group is Seth Ambroz. It pains me to say this but Seth will probably not be signed. If only he could have played every weekend like he did against Wisconsin (11 goals in last 10 games). He might be one of the Jackets top prospects but with 68 points in 154 games and a few power forward prospects passing him in the rankings, I wish Seth the best in the future. As for the two from the 2013 draft, they are 6th round pick Markus Soberg and 7th round pick Peter Quenneville. I’ll admit there is some confusion on if these two do need signed – it used to be four years for Europeans but I’ve been told the Jackets have to sign him this year. As for Peter, he’s a unique case that’s not clearly addressed in the CBA (you’ve failed me large book of legal mumbo jumbo). Peter jumped ship from Quinnipiac University to the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.
These two are somewhat similar players – both could be considered snipers even if Peter has played more of a setup man this season. If the Jackets do have more time to sign Markus, then next year he should return to Windsor and it will be a make or break year for the Norwegian. If we’re looking at a scenario where the CBJ can only sign one then I lean more towards Peter. As for where Peter plays, he could be somewhat out of options as he is one of the Wheat Kings three 20 year olds and is eligible to play in the AHL next year (or after the Kings season even though I’d bet on a deep playoff run for them).
And last but not least is the true priority of this foursome – top defensive prospect Mike Reilly. I’ve said my piece on Reilly in my Karlsson piece – if the Jackets don’t sign Mike that leaves a big hole in the team’s defensive depth. But more on that later.
As for this summer, it should be another busy one for Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and Assistant GM Chris McFarland, who oversees Springfield. The Falcons only have eight players under contract for next season (according to the roster as of 3/12) and all of them are on their Entry Level Contracts. The team’s restricted free agents are Dana Tyrell, Michael Chaput, Sean Collins, Will Weber and Thomas Larkin. As for AHL rookies, the Falcons will likely have snipers Oliver Bjorkstrand and Daniel Zaar along with power forward Nick Moutrey along with possibly Peter Quenneville joining an already good young forward corps. On the backend we could see Dillon Heatherington and hopefully Mike Reilly which in my opinion would make a very good pairing.
Joonas Korpisalo is signed but unless the CBJ would rather have Anton Forsberg sitting in Columbus versus playing in Springfield (which seems unlikely) Korpisalo will not be with the Falcons. A Dansk-Korpisalo tandem is something I’m not sure what I think about.
Another wild card is Sonny Milano. Technically Sonny could’ve been assigned to Springfield this year but he was better off in Plymouth. While some would rather have Sonny one phone call away, I’d rather have him tear up the OHL for one more season and be one of Team USA’s go to guys at the World Junior Championships.
As for the unsigned prospects all of them should be back where they are this season. Blake Siebenaler should continue to be in the IceDogs top four if not on the team’s top pair. In the Q, Olivier LeBlanc should be back with the Screaming Eagles with a good possibility of continuing to wear an A if not promoted to captain (for the second straight season on a different team). As for Julien Pelletier, he’ll be back for his first full season with Rouyn-Noranda and hopefully bouncing back from what could be almost called a lost season. At the moment, unless the CBJ draft someone from the WHL they will not have any prospects from out west much like two years ago (the Jackets had Ryan Murray but he was out for the year). Tyler Bird will be back at Brown somewhere on an improved Bears club top six. In Europe, Elvis Merzlikins should be back in Lugano for another year with the Panthers – hopefully as the starter. As for Joonas Korpisalo I’ve been told the Jackets could loan him to Ilves for one more season.
Now I haven’t gone full draft mode yet but I believe this will be another defense-heavy draft especially if Reilly bolts for free agency. Looking at the first round I believe it will be Jarmo’s usual philosophy of best player available who will more than likely be a forward. If you want a name, I’ve seen Lawson Crouse in a lot of mock drafts. At the moment, according to my favorite time waster the NHL Draft Lottery Simulator, the Jackets can only select first (a boy can dream) sixth, or seventh. Now at sixth or seventh the Jackets could take Peter Quenneville’s teammate defenseman Ivan Provorov.
There you have it folks – we’re getting into the fun part of the year with CHL playoffs starting along with the drama of #Reillywatch coming soon. Be back Monday with my week in review!
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