Prospect Scrimmage
Last week was the annual prospect development camp with on-ice drills and off-ice instruction Monday through Thursday then Friday's 5-on-5 scrimmage that included a 3-on-3 overtime. The following are notes from the scrimmage only, not drills.
Keep in mind that defense during scrimmages tend to be played at reduced effort. Thus, when prospects had clear paths to the net and lanes for passing and shooting, they likely aren't going to get that type of time and space in real game action.
* Despite a somewhat sloppy start to the game, Frank Nazar turned it on with his laser-focused play and razor-sharp compete level. His speed and skill were evident start to finish.
* Nazar formed a line with fellow collegians Landon Slaggert and Dominic James and the trio clicked with their collective speed not just on their skates but also execution on plays.
* Ryder Rolston is a quick skater and volume shooter especially coming down the wing. While he was noticeable on offense, he wasn't as much in his own end. Not a liability, though, either.
* Paul Ludwinski is also a fast performer. But compared to Rolston, he got back on D quickly with a natural tendency to compete across 200 feet. Ludwinski made nifty plays, too.
* Jake Wise was an impact player from the center line inward utilizing his speed, evasiveness, and creativity to make plays for linemates or to get open for them. Committed to D as well.
* Although not a big player (5'11" 180 lbs), Aidan Thompson was a beast in all zones. His presence was felt whether he had the puck or not. Great offensive skill and a quiet shift disturber.
* The prospect who proved to be an in-your-face agitator is Samuel Savoie. He kept his feet moving all shift and got his nose dirty. If he makes it to the NHL, he'll be a fan favorite.
* The opposite of Savoie in terms of keeping the legs pumping was the towering 6'8" Riku Tohila. Even though he skates well, he coasted way too much when he wasn't pursuing the puck.
* A prospect who didn't jump off the page with highlight reel moves but who was organically involved each shift was Nils Juntorp. He consistently got puck touches and rattled off shots.
* The prospect who stood out most on the scoresheet was non-roster invitee Joseph Serpa. He's slight at 5'10" 145 lbs but was sneaky good on the rush. Otherwise, he was inconsequential.
* Although all eyes were on 2022 1st rounders Kevin Korchinski and Sam Rinzel, they really didn't stand out unless you keyed in on them. No doubt, their skating is excellent with smooth edges.
* Someone who did stand out was Connor Kelley. The 2021 7th rounder just made simple smart plays at both ends. He's far from being a dynamic player but seems fundamentally sound.
* Nolan Allan showed off his competitive flair by challenging the puck carrier early, maintaining inside positioning down low, and battling willingly in the crease to protect his net.
* Alex Vlasic was lauded for stepping up as a leader during camp. During the scrimmage, he showed solid composure under pressure and leveraged his imposing size to his advantage.
* Wyatt Kaiser demonstrated his knack for being an active skater across the entire ice. He was great at retrieving pucks and moving them up and out either with a pass or by skating.
* Filip Roos and Louis Crevier each had some decent moments but they need to improve their play reading to make better choices defensively. Crevier was the better defender between the two.
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Prospect Updates
Wise has decided to go back to Ohio State University for his fifth NCAA season and second as a Buckeye. He was previously at Boston University for three seasons which were riddled with injuries and changing expectations from coaches.
Stanislav Demin has entered the transfer protocol for a second time in as many years to play a fifth year, too. He played three years at University of Denver then at University of Massachusetts-Amherst this past season.
Kelley transferred this past spring and will play at Providence College after playing his first two collegiate seasons at University of Minnesota-Duluth. He joins fellow D prospect Taige Harding in Rhode Island.
Goalie prospect Dominic Basse transferred to St. Cloud State University after two seasons at Colorado College. He wasn't hurting for ice time in Colorado Springs. Instead, he transferred due to different team philosophies.
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Prospect Rankings
With the 2022 NHL Draft in the rearview mirror now, here's a look at the top prospects plus a few honorable mentions.
Forwards
1. Frank Nazar
2. Lukas Reichel
3. Michal Teply
4. Josiah Slavin
5. Mike Hardman
6. Evan Barratt
7. Colton Dach
8. Landon Slaggert
9. Jake Wise
10. Ryder Rolston
Honorable Mentions:
* Samuel Savoie
* Aidan Thompson
Defensemen
1. Wyatt Kaiser
2. Kevin Korchinski
3. Ian Mitchell
4, Alex Vlasic
5. Alec Regula
6. Jakub Galvas
7. Nolan Allan
8. Isaak Phillips
9. Louis Crevier
10. Sam Rinzel
Honorable Mentions:
* Ethan Del Mastro
* Connor Kelley
Goalies
1. Drew Commesso
2. Arvid Soderblom
Honorable Mentions:
* Dominic Basse
* Jaxson Stauber
Overall
1. Frank Nazar
2. Lukas Reichel
3. Wyatt Kaiser
4. Drew Commesso
5. Kevin Korchinski
6. Ian Mitchell
7. Alex Vlasic
8. Alec Regula
9. Jakub Galvas
10. Nolan Allan
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See you on the boards!
Sources: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago
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