|
Swiss Cheese: Six Through Nine Top Swiss Prospects |
|
|
|
|
|
Part two of this top-nine. Unlike most of the blogs in this series I’ve allowed for one player who has played just over 50 NHL games (Nino) and in this one I’m putting a goalie. The reason is that the Swiss don’t have too many great prospects and exposure of some of these lesser known names is a good thing. Next up is the OHL top-ten Canadians.
6. Sven Andrighetto Right Wing (Undrafted) 19 Years Old, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies QMJHL
Andrighetto made the jump to the CHL in hopes of sparking attention and getting drafted. Unfortunately for him, teams were wary of his size and its ability to translate at the next level. He stands at 5’9 but is a solid 183lbs, playing against men at 18 really seemed to help his physical training. In his first season in NA, he led the Huskies in goals and points by a wide margin. He’s shown that he can be extremely flashy, yet also fight for every inch of ice. Leading one of the worst teams in the Q might not seem like much until you see them play and realize there are only three decent players. He has good speed and quick feet which make for strong acceleration. He has very good hands and uses a longer stick than a guy at 5’9 usually would, it adds power to his shot that otherwise would be lacking. Defensively he isn’t fantastic, but has shown a willingness to try to win board battles and get that long stick in the way of shots. He’ll suit up for the Huskies again next year and hope for his name to be called.
Potential: 2nd Line Contributor
Comparable: Mats Zuccarello
7. Damien Brunner Right Wing (Undrafted) 26 Years Old, Zug NLA, Property of the Detroit Red Wings
Another summer and another time of “The Best Player Outside The NHL.” Of course they always mean undrafted player, since there are quite a few top prospects that play outside the NHL that would take issue with these grand titles. Brunner is this year’s version, but has managed to get a contract and give it a shot. At 26, he’s hardly a prospect, but he’s been a big part of the Swiss success so he warrants some attention. Brunner is extremely fast. He has a great top-end speed and very strong acceleration. Most think that is his strongest aspect. He led the NLA in scoring this season, becoming one of the few Swiss born players to do so. He has decent offensive skills, and he has the ability to score and makes plays off the rush. He isn’t big at 5’11, but he doesn’t shy away from contact and plays a typical Swiss gritty game. Like most of these undrafted 23+ guys coming out of Europe, the odds are against him to become anything. He’ll be fighting for a roster spot on the Wings, but don’t be surprised if he is in Grand Rapids.
Potential: 3rd Line Contributor
Comparable: Darren Helm
8. Benjamin Conz Goaltender (Undrafted) 20 Years Old, Lugano NLA
Conz might be a familiar name to WJC fanatics. The 2009 WJC Best Goaltender has constantly been looked over in the draft, despite fantastic performances in the NLA against men and internationally. He’s been a starter for the past two years and was a split starter the two before. He had another solid season. The reason he wasn’t drafted is pretty simple, he’s 5’10. Small goalies are no longer considered a viable option for NHL teams that stress the goaltending position to get bigger and more athletic. Conz is extremely quick with amazing side to side speed. He has a great glove hand, but struggles with rebounds as he likes to punch the puck away. He doesn’t play the butterfly and does more of a stand-up style. He’s very busy in net and often needs to rely on his positioning. He has a major uphill battle to climb if he wants to see the NHL, yet I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him in 2-4 years as one of those prize free agent signings.
Potential: Split Starting Goalie
Comparable: Jaroslav Halak
9. Joel Vermin Right Wing (Undrafted) 20 Years Old, Bern NLA
Vermin had a very good year; he led the Swiss in scoring in the WJC and was very productive for Bern. He went under the radar for most of the season until he managed to pot four goals for Switzerland. The problem is that he didn’t blow scouts away enough. Unlike most Swiss players, Vermin has no physicality in his game and often tries to avoid contact. He lacks strength, which as hurt his defensive game and board work. Offensively he’s gifted with a very good laser of a shot and great speed. Overall he’ll need to get stronger if he ever wants to play in North America. Like Brunner we might hear about him in a few years as a FA target, but as always its very boom/bust.
Potential: 2nd Line Scorer
Comparable: I got none, not many scorers make the NHL that avoid contact
Thanks for reading.
Follow me on Twitter @AdamFrenchReal
Join the Discussion:
»