Quick Thoughts on CBJ 3-on-3 Prospect Tournament

I was able to make it down to the Blue Jackets development camp and just wanted to offer some quick thoughts on certain players based on the 3-on-3 Prospect Tournament as well as what I may remember from the one day I went to camp.

#41 Alexander Wennberg

Alexander, just pick a locker now. Number 10 jersey right? He looked like a man amongst boys out there – scoring multiple ways either sniping past the goalies or picking up the garbage.

#48 TJ Tynan

TJ did what he is known for at Notre Dame – showing off his superb passing skills and setting up multiple goals.

#52 Kerby Rychel

Kerby showed off that shot he’s known for in the scrimmage scoring just seconds into the first game.

#53 Josh Anderson

Josh didn’t play in the scrimmages (shoulder issue according to development coach Chris Clark) other than the shootouts. (Although in the final game, he appeared to shrink…he and Kerby might’ve pulled the old switcharoo)

#54 Austin Madaisky

Austin was a monster in the 3-on-3 scoring two goals in one game and was impressive looking – probably much how he played back in his time with Kamloops.

#57 Sonny Milano

Milano must be Italian for “backhand.” The ratio of backhand shots to forehand was probably 5:1 from him. He is just insanely skilled.

#62 Thomas Larkin

The elder statesman showed  off a little offense and despite ultimately missing, he had one of the better (funnier) moves in the shootout trying for the extra point twice.

#63 Daniel Zaar

SNIPER. Zaar showed what I’ve been saying about his skill since we drafted him. He used his lethal shot to score more than once in the games.

#64 Dillon Heatherington

The Big Horse showed a little offense (got pointers from Stars first rounder Julius Honka) this year.  Also, the big shutdown D-man was impressive in both an offensive and defensive setting when he set a pick on two opponents at the same time.

#65 Oliver Bjorkstrand

impressive with the puck (even if it took him a little bit to get going) along with some missed opportunities.

#68 Markus Soberg

Markus was very impressive showing off his speed/skill. I’ll be curious to see how the move to Windsor will help him.

#74 Mike Reilly

Mike Reilly – don’t be surprised if you have a CBJ staffer following you around near the end of the season. Mike was at his best in the 3 on 3 skating all over the place. He was possibly the second best player out there in the scrimmages.

#75 Peter Quenneville

Peter was one of the few players firing absolute rockets with one shot landing all the way in the IceHaus windows despite being fired from the opposite site of the rink.

#83 Marcus Hannikainen

A pure Jarmo invite, Marcus was impressive scoring multiple goals and showing the fancy moves in the shootout including one when he jumped to the left then tried to put the puck past the goalie.

GOALIES

The goalies were very good with Oscar and Elvis (don’t remember the other two having to make many big saves) making some spectacular saves. Elvis appears to be a good puck handler and not afraid to challenge shooters – he even came way out of the net.

There you have it folks – just some quick thoughts on some of the prospects in the 3 on 3 tournament. I’ll be back when something catches my eye or, of course, a preview of the Traverse City Tournament.  The team the Jackets send to Traverse City should be very good since it will include three first round picks and get an additional boost now that Markus Soberg is coming over to North America. On the other end of the ice, the team will be bringing mostly invites on defense unless some from Springfield make the trip (Madaisksy, Larkin possibly, I’m guessing).