I went to watch the prospects scrimmage at the Edge yesterday. Not everyone participates in every scrimmage, so no Blunden, Bolland, Brouwer, and Burish for me to watch. It is a grueling daily routine for these young guys as they drill in the morning and then do a full 2 period scrimmage and then conclude with a shootout in the early afternoon.

If Toews winds up not being a true standout player, I will never spend another minute of my time trying to evaluate and figure out the future potential of young prospects. He is a load on his skates and will only get stronger. I stood right on the goal line and watched him in the post-game shootout. He made about four moves in a space of 24 inches and tucked the puck in for a goal. To be honest I still don’t know how he could have gotten the puck across the line, there are appeared to be no space. The only worry for him this year will be that of injury, and maybe fatigue later on in the winter.

Both Skille and Kane looked fine. Kane seemed a bit out of gas at times as he is no bigger then 5’10’’ on his skates it appears. He has a quick burst and nice hands, no surprise there. Skille appeared to have a quick burst when he needed it also. Both seemed to have ok workouts but really nothing I wouldn’t have expected from them.

The players that stood out beside those already mentioned were Danis-Pepin, McGregor, McCulloch, Tremblay and Aliu. Tremblay and Aliu play in the OHL, and the others are still in college. All of the above appear to be well on their way of being able to play in the NHL. Aliu has the whole package, as does Danis-Pepin. McCulloch was used on the same line as Toews and Kane and he did well. Tremblay showed skill and energy, as did Bryan McGregor who is a quick fireplug type.

Kontiola didn’t standout during the scrimmage, but he looked like an NHL player in the shootout. He made a beautiful move to score and did appear to have great hands.

It is hard to really be too negative on anyone when watching only 1 scrimmage session. For the most part the action was of a fast tempo. Byfuglien looked trim and very quick on his skates as he was the only defender on the ice with any NHL experience I believe. If he doesn’t play for the Hawks to start the year it will be because he is still a defensive liability. Many of those I watched have the physical ability to play for NHL teams. The ability for many to think and perform will determine their ultimate future, and certainly watching 40 minutes of scrimmage I can’t access that.

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