Greeting all! Live from your phone or PC, the entertainment capital of your office, it’s time for my fourth annual edition of The Prospect Awards so put on your best tuxedo shirt and let’s get going.
PROSPECT LEADING SCORER
Oliver Bjorkstrand-Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
69GP 50-59-109 +44 36PIM
TOP FORWARD PROSPECT
Oliver Bjorkstrand-Portland Winterhawks (stats above)
Unlike last year, Oliver had some competition as both Kerby Rychel and Alexander Wennberg had fine seasons, but Oliver was a force for the Winterhawks this season leading the Winterhawks in scoring in the regular season and the WHL playoffs in scoring. Oliver was one of only seven 50 goal scorers across the entire CHL.
TOP DEFENSEMAN PROSPECT/OVERALL BEST NCAA PROSPECT
Mike Reilly-Minnesota (Big 10) 41GP 9-24-33 +22 16PIM
Reilly wins this award with almost no challenge from the Jackets other defensive prospects. Reilly was a first team All-American the Gophers for the first time since 2009 and led all Big 10 Dmen in almost every statistical category. Mike also won the Big 10’s first ever Defensive Player of the Year award and was named first team all conference. It was announced recently that Mike will return to Minnesota for his junior season where he has a chance to be just the sixth player in program history to repeat as a first team All-American.
TOP GOALIE PROSPECT
Oscar Dansk-Erie Otters (OHL) 43GP 29-9-1-0 .909Sv% 2.39GAA 6SO
Ok – let’s just not talk about Oscar’s playoff run. We all know awards are based on regular season stats…that work for everyone? Good. Oscar was one of the OHL’s top goalies and led the league in GAA and shutouts, he also finished in the top 10 of the other categories. Next year for Oscar is a little cloudy. He has signed his ELC but from what I’ve been told he’ll more than likely be traded as he now counts both as an overager and a European player next year and Erie (along with probably most CHL teams) don’t like using two spots on one player.
OVERALL BEST AHL PROSPECT
Michael Chaput 55GP 19-26-45 -4 51PIM
Michael led the Falcons in points (among players that spent the whole year in Springfield) and in goals with 19. Chaput also made his NHL debut this season playing in 17 games and he did not look out of place. During his time in Columbus he picked up his first NHL point with an assist.
MOST IMPROVED PROSPECT
Oscar Dansk-Erie Otters (OHL) Stats Above
Oscar improved his win total by 18 from his rookie season and also lowered his GAA by almost two points. Of course I must also point out that these statistical improvements are helped along by his Otter teammates who, as one of the youngest teams in the OHL, have had great room for improvement.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PROSPECT
Gianluca Curcuruto-Plymouth Whalers(OHL) 57GP 7-21-28 -14 16PIM
That probably should be listed as “no longer a prospect” as Aaron Portzline tweeted this week that Gianluca will not be signed by the Jackets. Gianluca took a step back this season – he missed time with injuries and the Whalers had a bit of a down year. Gianluca was an offensive defenseman with a bomb from the point but due to missing time he had his third worse season statistically scoring just two points more than his rookie season.
MOST LIKELY TO PLAY IN COLUMBUS NEXT SEASON
As for prospects that will start the season in Columbus I think Michael Chaput will get a long look in training camp. As for other rookies, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the 2013 first round picks (Alexander Wennberg, Kerby Rychel and Marko Dano) getting a chance if there are injuries/based on performance in the AHL. I also have stated that the RJ Umberger trade could open a hole in the lineup for either Josh Anderson or Kerby Rychel depending on their training camp.
Sadly folks there were no fights/hits that merit an award this year – hopefully they’ll make a return next year.
Thanks for reading folks! While you’re enjoying the NHL Playoffs I’m readying for two of my favorite days of the year – the NHL draft which brings a whole new batch of prospects to keep track of. As for the awards show after party, well that’s on you to enjoy the beverage and snacks of your choice.
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