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It's
crunch time in the National Hockey League, but it's also the stretch
drive in virtually every other major hockey league in the world. The
CHL playoffs are well under way in each of the three major leagues,
while the European elite leagues are close to concluding their
postseasons. As for the NCAA college hockey ranks, the annual 'Frozen
Four' tournament is just days away from getting started. Therefore,
there are players stepping up at crunch time everywhere. Here's a
league-by-league look at a player to watch in the coming days, weeks
and years. These prospects are likely to make an impact whenever they
begin their NHL journey...
ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Steven
Stamkos, C, Sarnia Sting Eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft
The projected first overall pick in '08 is saving his best hockey for
the OHL playoffs. In Sarnia's five-game victory in the first round,
Stamkos potted nine goals to take over the early postseason goal-scoring
lead. He's a very good bet to make a Patrick
Kane-style impact in the NHL next year.
WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Michal
Repik, LW/RW, Vancouver Giants Selected 40th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2007 NHL Entry
Draft
The Czech winger is at it again in the WHL playoffs, following his
sparkling '07 performance. Repik is a big-game performer that is at his
best in high-pressure situations. The 19-year-old should see action with
the Panthers next season, though he may need a little AHL seasoning.
QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Claude
Giroux, RW, Gatineau Olympiques Selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2006 NHL
Entry Draft
Giroux is unquestionably the best player in the 'Q' these days, and he
cemented that claim with 10 assists and 14 points in his first five
playoff games this year. The 20-year-old may suit up with the Flyers
later this spring if the Olympiques get knocked out of the playoffs
before Philadelphia does.
AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Cal
O'Reilly, C, Milwaukee Admirals Selected 150th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2005 NHL
Entry Draft
One of the AHL leaders in both assists and points this season, O'Reilly
is a playmaking pivot that could force his way onto the Predators lineup
soon. In fact, with David
Legwand currently sidelined because of a foot injury, don't be
surprised if O'Reilly is summoned to Nashville if the club reaches the
postseason.
SWEDISH ELITSERIEN Victor
Hedman, D, MODO Hockey Eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft
Hedman's MODO squad failed to advance past Timra IK in the SEL playoffs
(SM-Slutspel), but the wunderkind is currently the talk of European
hockey. The 6-6, 220-pound blueliner is already being considered for the
Swedish national team and will challenge John
Tavares for No. 1 overall in '09.
FINNISH SM-LIIGA Oskar
Osala, LW, Blues Espoo Selected 97th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2006 NHL
Entry Draft
The 20-year-old winger spent two seasons with the Mississauga IceDogs of
the OHL, but returned to Finland for the 2007-08 campaign. He's
considered somewhat of a project power forward but the Caps will take
their time with him. The 6-4, 217 pounder is performing well for Blues
in the postseason.
RUSSIAN SUPERLEAGUE Nikolai
Kulemin, RW/LW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk Selected 44th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2006 NHL
Entry Draft
A couple of years ago, Kulemin was overshadowed by linemate Evgeni
Malkin. However, he has proven to be a top NHL prospect on his
own and should make his way to Toronto next year. As he fills out,
Kulemin should become an above-average scoring winger in the NHL.
CZECH REPUBLIC EXTRALIGA Vladimir
Ruzicka, C, HC Slavia Praha Selected 103rd overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2007 NHL Entry
Draft
While he may not be putting up big scoring numbers, Ruzicka is playing
in the Extraliga playoffs as a 19-year-old--which is an accomplishment
in itself. He's a supremely skilled forward that may look like a
draft-day steal with time. He'll likely spend one more season in the
Extraliga in 2008-09.
DEUTSCHE EISHOCKEY LIGA Constantin
Braun, LW/C, Eisbaren Berlin Selected 164th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2006 NHL Entry
Draft
A solid contributor with the powerful Berlin squad, Braun has NHL size
and strength. The 20-year-old probably needs to come over to North
America for some AHL seasoning but he should challenge for a roster spot
with the Kings by 2009-10. He's definitely a sleeper.
SWISS NATIONAL LIGA Reto Berra,
G, HC Davos Selected 106th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Entry
Draft
The 21-year-old Berra is definitely an NHL prospect, and his next step
may be the American Hockey League in 2008-09. The Swiss 'keeper could
soon follow in Martin
Gerber's footsteps.
NCAA Kevin
Porter, LW/RW, University of Michigan Selected 119th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Entry
Draft
There are bigger names playing college hockey these days, but Porter
just may be the best. He placed second in the NCAA in both goals and
points, while also displaying sound leadership qualities as the
Wolverines' captain. In NCAA tournament action, Porter scored four goals
to eliminate Niagara College.
UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake
Kessel, D, Waterloo Black Hawks Selected 166th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2007 NHL
Entry Draft
The leading scorer among defensemen in the USHL this season, Kessel is
the older brother of Boston Bruins winger Phil
Kessel. The younger Kessel is headed to the University of New
Hampshire next year. Down the road, he could be the quarterback of the
Islanders power play.
NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Jimmy Hayes, RW, USNTDP Eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft
The 6-5, 210 pounder was listed 65th among North American skaters by
Central Scouting in their mid-term rankings. Headed to Boston College
next year, Hayes is considered a major sleeper because of his
combination of size and skill. He'll likely play with the Eagles for two
seasons.
