Habs Euro Prospects

[montreal]

This is from last year, but it covers all the Euro prospects, which are some of the lesser know prospects. It's very long, but I thought someone might be interested in reading it.

Habs Prospect Report

By Dan Linn

Part 1 Euro Prospects

Intro- I haven’t had the opportunity to see much of these guys play, so I went to sources that have. I spoke with the editors of eliteprospects.com, russianinsider (both can be reached at HF). I also spoke with fans from Sweden, Finland and Russia, via Hockeysfuture.com. I also used information found at russianprospects.com. I pulled everything together, and put their opinions in quotation marks, and my opinions are everything not in quotation marks. I figured the Euro prospects would be the toughest to cover, so I got this out of the way first. Stay tuned for Part II, CHL/NCAA prospects. (Higgins, Lambert, Ferland, etc…)

Russia

Alex Perezhogin - RW/LW 6’ 190. Drafted ’01 1st 25th 19 years old.

Let me say, I am eagerly awaiting the day when I hear that Perezhogin will be in a Habs uniform. It’s no secret that successful teams need to draft well, and when you have 4 1st round picks in 2 years, you need them to contribute to the team at some point. We need look no further then the mid 90’s to see how poor drafting, especially poor 1st round drafting can get your team in trouble fast. So, for now lets forget Komisarek, and focus our attention on the other 1st round pick of 2001, the Andre Savard regime.

So what can Alex bring to the Habs? Well my first question is when, and its one that I can’t answer. But I have read that he is not that interested in playing in North America anytime soon. Not good news you say, well yes and no. Right now he is very young, as he just turned 19 last month. But he is already playing in the RSL (Russian Super League), which is one of the best leagues outside of the NHL. He started out on the 4th line this year, and due to his hard work, he was moved up to the 2nd line, playing both wings, but seems more comfortable on the RW, and that line was considered the teams most stable line. But recently, injures to other players, and an ex-Pens coach Ivan Hilika who plays a defence first system, has moved Alex back to the 4th line.

The reason I say it may be good for Alex to stay in the RSL is that he is getting great experience playing with very talented men, hopefully gaining confidence in his abilities, so that when he does come over, he will be able to handle both sides of the ice. It’s common for young players to struggle with the defensive side of the game, so it may be a very good thing, that he has a defence first coach.

What can he do for us? I hope that he becomes a 1st line winger, but that’s a few years away. What he does have, is speed, skating, a scoring touch, and a great work ethic (received high praises from last years coach on his work ethic). But unlike some other prospects that are known for their scoring ability, Alex has learned to play a 2 way game, and with a few added pounds over the next 2-3 years, he could become a seriously talented winger, if Savard could get him to sign.

“Alex is a speedy winger who skates very well, and uses his strong acceleration to create scoring chances. He is not just a natural scorer, but also a solid playmaker. Another great upside is his constant determination and work ethic”.

“He is a feisty guy, with a great shot, it’s really strong. As far as his defensive play, he does a decent job. His headway this season has been impressive, and the national team invitation was icing on the cake. His game could be compared to that of Boston’s Brain Rolston”.

“Alex plays a solid 2 way game. He’s a good skater, agile, mobile, and fast enough. Handles traffic exceptionally well. Has some flashy moves in the bank, but at times is shy to use them. He also has a deadly wrister, which can be compared with Alex Molgilny-quick release and heavy outcome, but he needs to use it more often. Also his slapper isn’t that great. Average passing skills-he can pass in open spaces, but doesn’t see the ice as well”.

Played for the Russian Senior National Team at the Karjala Cup last month but was held pointless –1 3shots. Is expected to be on the World Junior Championship Team at the end of December. Hopefully he can do better then last year, when he obtained a serious knee injury.

Konstantin Korneev - RD 5’11 176. ’02 9th 275th 18 years old.

Korneev was a late round pick, that Martin Madden is responsible for choosing. He said that he was impressed with Korneev after his U-18 tournament last year. If he was bigger, he would have been a much higher pick, but lets face it, size is important, and Korneev doesn’t have it. But on the bright side, he is our youngest prospect, and is already playing in the RSL, which is good for such a young player. He started out on the 2nd pairing, but has been moved up to the top pairing, so he must be doing something right. He was able to play 2 games in the RSL as a 17 year old, and now looks to be a full time player. His 4 pts so far, do lead the team in scoring for defensemen, so who knows what may happen to this undersized prospect 4-5 years down the road.

“Korneev is a smallish offensive defensemen, that lacks an imposing presence in his own zone. He is responsible defensively in that he sees the ice well and plays a solid positional game. If he can’t push the opponent out of the way, he neutralizes his positionally. His upside is his offensive talent. He is quite capable of carrying the puck up the ice. He skates very well, and has good lateral and backwards movement. His shot is about average, but not very strong (due to size). Offensively, he was one of the most gifted defensemen on Russia’s U-18 squad at the WJC’s in Slovika, as he was moved up to 3rd line center as his coach Ravil Iskhakov had the confidence to put him there. He performed very well 2-5-7 +12. His main downside is his lack of size. He has the work ethic, the hockey sense, and the technical ability to become a force in the NHL, but does not have the frame”.

Played in the U-20’s this year also. Could make the WJC’s this year.

Vadim Tarasov - G 6’1 176. ’99 7th 196th 25 years old.

Vadim had a tuff year last season, as he missed most of the year due to injury. He came back towards the end of the season, and played well (except one game against Portland, but the whole team was bad 8-1 loss) He left the team after not getting any playoff time, but I had heard that his wife was having a hard time adjusting to North America. I don’t know what is the real story, I would think only Savard and Tarasov know what’s happening. But lets not forget that his rights are still owned by the Habs, and that Vadim was named the top goalie in Russia in ’00, ’01, much like Markov was the top defensemen in the RSL for 2 years as well. I remember hearing that the Canucks GM was trying to acquire Tarasov in a trade at some point last year, so maybe if he is not signed, he gets traded. Either way Vadim is a talented goalie, and you can never have too many of them. If Hackett stays all year, we could lose him by the summer, and that would make Garon a UFA (if he doesn’t get his 12 NHL games in). So by the summer we could be looking at Theodore, and Michaud the only goalies under contract, with a backup to Theo, and 2 spots in Hamilton up for grabs. So lets not count out Tarasov just yet.

“Tarasov is a hybrid goalie, using whatever style he deems necessary depending on the situation. He’s a reactionary goalie, relying on reflexes to stop the puck, and solid skating to stay square to the shooter. This style of play is often contributed to inconsistency. It forces the goalie to rely on his reflexes, which puts pressure to remain focused. A drop in focus usually results in bad goals. His style of play is likely the reason for his past inconsistencies. He has a reputation of a goalie that plays great when he’s on, but terrible when he’s not”.

“He is a very solid skater, often leaving the crease to clear the puck out of the zone. He has great hockey sense, understanding when the defense needs help. He is very cool and confident, and a very fast glove side, constantly using it. Vadim is also very flexible with great reaction, and his favorite move is to go into a split and catch the puck with his glove, but has cut down on the move, as management (Metallurg) called this showboating”.

Was named top goalie in Russian Super league 2 years ’00, ’01. And named to Russian Senior National Team for the Karjala Cup as a backup last month.

Alex Buturlin - RW 6’0 185 ’99 2nd 39th 21 years old.

Our first pick in ’99, did not make friends with management when he left the OHL, to go back to the RSL. Can he still do some good for us, or are his days as a Habs prospect now over? Well we took him as a high pick cause he does have talent. I remember Carbo saying at camp a few years back, that he was NHL ready, but that was before he packed his bags and split. Right now, he has more points then any habs prospect playing in Russia, and he is still young, so only time will tell. I would call him a long shot, but not off the radar entirely. But we have a lot of good RW’s in the system, so he might have shot himself in the foot when he left the OHL, even though I don’t see what all the fuss is about.

“Alex is swift skating and plays a North American style of game. He’s built strongly with a low center of gravity and can absorb the abuse of opponents’ defensemen. While he has excellent lateral mobility, he acceleration and top speed is less then stellar. He depends on his vision and stick handling to beat opponents rather then speed or mobility. Also has a nose for the net, while still be solid in the defensive zone. Alex already has the strength and skills for the NHL, but must work on his straightaway speed and acceleration dramatically if he is to make the pros. If he does improve on these areas, he could become a strong dependable 2nd line player similar to Daniel Alfredson”.

Andrei Kruchinin - LD 6’0 190 ’98 7th 189th. 24 years old.

“Used to have an attractive 2 way upside, but hasn’t improved at all since junior age. He’s unreliable defensively-prone to giveaways, and not physical enough. Not a regular this year (Neftekhimik, RHL) 2a in 12gp.

Andrei Sidyakin LW 5’9 154 ? ’97 8th 202. 23 years old.

“Was off to a good start this year (Severstal, RSL) playing on a 2nd line with 9 pts in 14gp, before going pointless for a several games. Has not be playing on the 2nd due to a player returning from injury”.

Konstantin Sidulov - RD 6’2 200. ’97 5th 118th. 25 years old.

“He’s playing for the once famous Traktor, from Chelyabinsk, in the High League” He’s bulked up recently, but no word on how he’s doing. Tough one to find info on.

Gennady Razin - LD 6’4 210 ’97 5th 122nd. 24 years old.

“Is playing for Amur Khabarovsk. He plays an offensive game now, rushing the puck, playing the PP, and shooting a lot, but has been awful in his own end”. Wow that’s opposite of what he was like in Quebec, as a stay at home defensemen.

Russian Prospect.com player grading

Alex Buturlin 7.5

Alex Perezhogin 7.5

Vadim Tarasov 7.0

Konstantin Korneev 6.0

Konstantin Sidulov 4.5

Andrei Kruchinin 3.5

Andrei Sidyakin 3.5

Sweden

Johan Eneqvist - C/LW 6’ 187 ’00 4th 109th 20 years old.

I would say that he increased his stock this summer, with an impressive showing at camp. My guess is that he would play in the SEL for 2 years or so, working on his game there, before coming over, as he is still very young. Looks to be a solid 3rd line winger/center, good on both sides of the ice.

“Strong 2 way player with good scoring touch. No major weakness and always does his job. Isn’t afraid of heavy traffic, and enjoys throwing a hit at times, and he can stand up for himself.

Currently playing for Leksand in the SEL (top league) as a rookie. He plays a good all round game, with no glaring weaknesses, but does nothing very well. I spoke with some fans from Leksand and they did say it wouldn’t be far fetched to compare his game to Andreas Dackell, but maybe with more of an edge, and more offence. He is currently on the 4th line, so not getting much ice time, but next year should move up to the 3rd or 2nd. He’s producing so far, and is somewhere around 7th in rookie scoring. But he should be a few years away from coming over, as he is still young. His 34pts in ’01 junior league put him 4th in the league in scoring, and he got 2 games with the Senior league that year, with 0 pts. So far in 21 gp 1-3-4. Also he is a teammate of Robert Nilsson, who is a top 10 prospect this year, maybe Savard trades up to get him?

Kim Staal - RW 5’11 192 ’96 4th 92nd 24 years old.

Plays for MoDo in the SEL, and is considered one of the top Danish (He’s from Denmark) players in the world. He has progressed every year so far. ’00-24 pts, ’01-31 pts, and ’02-37pts. Plus ’02-10pts in 12 playoff games. He is a member of Denmark’s National Team. He was out for most of this season, but has returned, and picked up an assist the other night. To me, he sounds like a player we could certainly use. I had heard some talk last year that he was going to come over, but I think it was injuries that held him up. I would say that if he doesn’t come over soon, we won’t be seeing him in the Habs organization. But he sounds like a decent 3rd or 4th line RW that plays a gritty, hard nose game, with some offence as well. McKay’s replacement?

“A hard working player that takes abuse in front of the net. Tremendous work ethic, and screens goalies to no end. Considered a coachable player, who mucks, grinds, and scores. His play down low is strong, and he is a team player”.

“His main strength is a fine scoring touch, but has had injury problems”.

Niklas Anger - RW 6’1 194 ’95 5th 112th 25 years old.

At 25 he is not really a prospect anymore, but has been playing much better hockey lately. He was just named to Sweden’s Senior National Team, which was a big step, if he is to ever continue his career in N.A. Consider to have good size but soft. His work ethic has been questionable. Right now he is leading his team in scoring though. ’00-24pts, ’01-15pts, ’02-32 pts. Opinions from Swedish fans, were that he is the weakest of the 3 Habs Swedish prospects. Its now or never for Anger, either he gets it together, or with the depth at RW, he will be off the radar screen for good, IMO. Long shot at best, but has had a good year so far.

“He has been solid, but is still waiting for that breakthrough season, that would get him a contract with the Habs. But he’s on a stronger team this year, so that may happen this season”.

Finland

Joni Puurula - G 5’11 180. ’00 8th 243rd 20 years old.

“This year his play has been good but not spectular”.

“Good quick movements, makes up for lack of size with his quickness. Strong game down low. Good leg strength, quick feet, and Lighting quick pads, to go with nerves of steel. His weakness is his stick handling and passing, but it’s improving”. (jatkoaika.com and HF)

He entered the Finnish elite league SM-Liiga as a 19 year old, but got a virus for most of the season, but came back for the playoffs where he had to step in for the injured started, and was great. Went head to head with top prospect Kari Letohen (Thrasher) and was almost as good. He is serving his military now, and will be free of that in mid ’03. He is the starter for the first time this season, and his team (HPK) has a new goalie coach that also works with the Finnish National Team. His team is good this year, and he is facing 26.6 shots per game (team average), and the team is giving up 2.61gaa and scoring 3.3 gf. With the way Finland has been producing goalies, I am excited to hear about Puurula’s progression. This is his first year as a starter, in the top league in Finland, and at 20 years old, could be an important part of the Habs in a few years. The future is far away, but starts now, as Hackett may be gone by summer, which could lead to Garon’s departure as well, and Theodore’s 5.3M a year, makes me wonder how we are going to afford the next Theodore contract. Michaud has struggled mightily this year, so Puurula could be the darkhorse goalie that steps in for the Habs.

’02-’03 stats 18gp 8-4-6 2.65 gaa 90.02 save % 0 So’s (stats a week old)

’01-’02 9gp 8-0-1 2.09 gaa .912 save %

’01-’02 playoffs 8gp 4-3-1 1.72 gaa .936 save% (2nd round)

Martti Jarventie - LD 5’11 185. ’01 4th 109th 26 years old.

A mobile defensemen, that’s considered a power play specialist. Not that big but has experience playing in the Finnish elite league. Could make a good 7th defensemen once Traverse is gone, but his size does concern me.

He’s signed until 7-13-03. But went back to Finland due to shoulder injury, wife having a baby, and no room in Hamilton. He is still injured but due back at the end of this month. (TPS Turku)

’00-28pts, ’01-19pts, ’02 Quebec rookie year 59 gp 7-14-28 18 pims. 1 gp with the Habs 0 pts.

Iikka Mikkola - LD 6’190. ’97 3rd 65th 23 years old.

“Solid 2 way defensemen, can handle his own end, good vision and mobility, strong positionaly, posses decent straightaway speed, and can make the 1st pass. His weakness is that he’s not physical and has had some injuries in the past”.

Team Captain of WJC’s in ’99 6 gp 7pts. Just returned from injury (Jokerit) and was named to Finnish Senior National Team Baltic Cup.

’00-8pts, ’01-9pts, ’02-5pts This year, 2-4-6 10gp +5

Timo Vertala - RW/LW 6’ 183. ’96 7th 181st 24 years old.

“Has good speed, plays with grit, and works hard, while being very solid in his own end and on the PK”.

He’s playing on the 2nd line this year. Did have a good scoring touch in ’00 with 42 pts, which put him 27th in the league and his 24 goals, 11th. Still under contract with the Habs but was allowed to go back to Finland. So far this year, 2-5-7 +3 10 pims.

Czech

Victor Ujick - LW 5’11 194. ’01 9th 266 30 years old.

Another player on the small side, but at 30 years old, his chances of being a habs are slim. He is considered to be a good scoring winger, that has played for the National teams of the Czech. He was just at the Karjala Cup, but it’s hard to find updated stats on him. He does have a lot of international experience, but do we need another small forward? Longshot and then some.

’99-43pts, ’00-34pts, ’01-38pts, ’02-48pts. ’01 World Cup 9gp 6-1-7

’02 55 gp 25-23-48 pts 51pims.

[Edited on 2003-10-23 by sakiqc]

[ch_nl]

I don't agree about Anger.

Last year he played with Brynäs IF. Elitseriens worst team. He will never play in the NHL and I don't think that he has the ambition. Not now and not last year.

[montreal]

Originally posted by ch_nl

I don't agree about Anger.

Last year he played with Brynäs IF. Elitseriens worst team. He will never play in the NHL and I don't think that he has the ambition. Not now and not last year.

Where did I say he will play in the NHL? Also I said his work ethic has been questionable. I was being nice, but it still implies he lacks solid work ethic or ambition. :?-

As for Brynas, I was going off info from someone in Sweden.

[Edited on 2003/10/23 by montreal]

[ch_nl]

I just gave my opinion of Anger.

He a decent player but has never been NHL-candidate. He's 26 now and plays on a poor team. There's so many other interesting players in Sweden that I think Montreal should forgett about Anger.

And I don't know if I agree about that he is soft and has a lack of work ethic. I think that his work ethic gave him a spot in Tre Kronor last year.

And since you gave some info on the prospect in Europe and Sweden I felt free to coment since I live in Sweden.

[montreal]

Originally posted by ch_nl

I just gave my opinion of Anger.

He a decent player but has never been NHL-candidate. He's 26 now and plays on a poor team. There's so many other interesting players in Sweden that I think Montreal should forgett about Anger.

And I don't know if I agree about that he is soft and has a lack of work ethic. I think that his work ethic gave him a spot in Tre Kronor last year.

And since you gave some info on the prospect in Europe and Sweden I felt free to coment since I live in Sweden.

My bad. I thought you were saying that I said he would play in the NHL, cause I don't think that.

[ch_nl]

It is very believeable that I formulated myself poor.

English is not my mother tounge you know.

Hmmm... Well you figure.