The second red/white scrimmage of the day just finished at a crowded Johnny's Ice House in downtown Chicago. Lots to report.
The most obvious being this: Akim Aliu is a man among boys.
His talent and overall game clearly appear NHL ready. This was the first time I'd seen him in person and the things that really jump out are not just his size and conditioning level (both outstanding), but he is an incredibly graceful, smooth, yet powerful skater with outstanding hands. I also thought, while he did cherry-pick a bit at times, he hustled and worked pretty hard throughout both scrimmages.
Some of his moves, acceleration and strength just made some of the other prospects look silly at times.
Anyone who thinks Kyle Beach is as ready or more ready really needs to see both players in person. Aliu is far ahead of Beach. He was just dominant today among some good college and junior players.
Another player who really stood out to me, for really a couple of reasons, was 2009 third-round draft pick, Minnesota high schooler Dan Delisle. The kid is huge and looks willing to work hard down low. But he clearly needs to grow into his frame.
And he's awkward— raw as a frozen celery stick. But he can really, really shoot the puck. His wrist shot is lightning-quick and accurate. Delisle buried an opposition turnover for a goal today, and you could see Dale Tallon smiling from ear to ear.
I thought Bill Sweatt was OK. Played responsibly, worked hard, had some moments.
2009 2nd round pick Brandon Pirri, who was supposedly really strong yesterday, looked tired today.
4th round selection Byron Froese was really solid. The puck does not stay on his stick for long and he always seems to be around the play and making things happen. Further, at just 18, he has a projectable frame and looks like he could have a future as a third or fourth line player.
Fellow 2009 draftee David Pacan is a similar package, and plays with an edge.
Free agent Aaron Bogosian can flat fly. I heard someone make a "Sullivan" reference, I don't even know if it was about him, but the kid is a bundle of energy and he makes things happen with great outside speed. He also scored a nice goal on a slapshot over the goalie's shoulder from about fifty feet. Steve Sullivan is not a terrible comparison. I also thought a little of Tony Amonte.
5th round selection, Swede Marcus Kruger seems to have some very nice close space skill. But he also looked a bit intimidated at times.
Broc Little from Yale, like Bogosian and Kruger, is small. Tiny. But very skilled.
Defenseman Braden Birch impressed me with his positioning and aggressiveness. Shawn Lalonde did nothing special, but it also seemed to me he was really focusing on his own end. His skating and passing are very good. I also liked a blueliner named Gabe Guentzel from Colorado College. He hits a lot of people, seemed to be around the puck a lot and looks to have a big point shot.
Prep school goalie Cab Morris of Wilmette was interesting to watch. He plays too deep in his net and fails to cut off angles at times. Completely raw and in need of coaching. But he made one really nice, quick save on an open side. And he's a left-handed goalie with decent size.
Recent signee and Yale graduate Alec Richards is huge. I did not get to see him play much.
Joe Palmer saw a lot of rubber in the first scrimmage, but made a few nifty saves. Nice to see, because he's a great kid.
With the exception of Joel Quenneville, I saw basically the entire coaching staff and front office today: both Bowmans, Tallon, John McDonough, Marc Bergevin, Steve Smith, Mike Haviland and John Torchetti.
Had a nice opportunity to chat with many long-time fans and journalists. No doubt, there's some electricity surrounding this team.
Finally, I got to shake hands with one of my heroes today, Steve Smith. Nice guy. And #5 looks like he could still lace 'em up and play.
Great day. And based on what I saw, in addition to what I didn't see (the absent Igor Makarov), I'd say your best bet in terms of prospects who will play in the NHL this year (by far) is Aliu.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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