NHL, NHLPA Should Use Common Sense

By Larry Wigge 

On December 2, 2009, I entered St. John's Mercy Hospital, suffering from a stroke that left my left my left side lifeless and in need of repair to my heart valve. I had spent my last few days at home. Couldn't pick up the phone to call and get help. By that time a stroke had left me helpless. Only a good neighbor saved me from passing. I recall only a instant those first few days and weeks once the paramedics had cart me off to the hospital. I do remember one of my first days in the hospital vaguely -- hearing a friendly voice sitting beside me. St. Louis Blues President John Davidson, with his cane in hand -- he was to undergo hip surgery. 

Davidson said to me, "Don't try to talk. The doctors say you you keep quiet. I just wanted to let you know that you have many friends in hockey thinking about you and praying for a speedy recovery." The doctors had told my family to prepare for the worst. Anything could happen with my daily seizures and countless trips to the operating room. I'd like to tell you that I saw a bright light, but ... I can only that I was in a semi-conscience state for more than a month. Don't even remember Christmas of 2009 ... same with Happy New Year. They were just dates on a calendar, flipping away for me. By mid-January I guess I had survived the worst. I still could not talk and could not walk. Through a series of classes, I began to first learn to use a walker and then a cane. Even though I could barely speak, flashcards were my best friend. Trying to stimulate my mind by using those cards, I could slowly begin to utter the most common words again. Can you imagine that? An interviewer, a reporter by trade now left to be puzzled at saying words on flashcards. I had long made a living for myself by interviewing Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, Denis Potvin ... and now I was silenced, couldn't even put together a sentence. I still all my friends and acquaintances in hockey. Always and forever. Though my recovery has often been too slow, I realized how much help it took to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. I've still got aphasia -- a learning disability in my speech and memory -- and my reflexes in my hands and legs is still about 80 percent of where it was. As John Davidson said to my at the side of my bed in December of 2009, I still had hockey. But wait a minute ... During my 33 years of covering hockey for The Sporting News and another eight with NHL.com, I had seen and covered it all. Yes, I had gone through the 1994-95 half-season lockout with The Sporting News and the season without hockey in 2004-05 for NHL.com. Covered the game through all the blustery doublespeak. Now, I knew what Charley from Washington D.C. felt like. Charley was a Capitals fans, even though he couldn't see. He was at every Caps game. Wouldn't miss a minute. I remember interview him for The Sporting News as one of the true fans that hockey lockouts really hurt. He would describe to me with sound on players on the ice, hitting one another. Being in Washington at a Caps game made him feel alive. Now, I feel the same sense of loss for the game as Charley did. Just last year, I started a comeback of sorts -- albeit a slow one. I began to write this blog of features on Google. Wasn't making a cent doing them, but it gave me confidence. One of my old friends Ken Hitchcock came to St. Louis. Had a marvelous impact as coach of the Blues. Everything was optimistic in St. Louis regarding the Blues and Hitchcock. Then ... a lockout. All that money that was being generated by the NHL and the two sides couldn't come to a conclusion on their Collective Bargaining Agreement for the third time in 19 years. Come on, guys. Can't cooler heads prevail? Can't cooler heads prevail? You guys are thinking hockey is a business. It's a sport for crying out loud and it's threatening to take our passtime away from us for another lengthy period of time. Think of the fans. In the past months, the owners have given players like Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Shane Doan, Shea Weber, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Jordan Staal, Scott Hartnell -- heck it seems like every team has overpaid for players to add credence to the owners-crying-poor-mouth. Did you know that Weber ($13 million), Tyler Myers, Parise, Suter (each will receive $10 million) and Brad Richards ($8 million) are among players that will still receive bonuses regardless of the lockout? Who missed that? Hypocracy. Cynacism. What caused the NHL teams to sign players to more than $100-million worth of contract extensions and the mad rush continued on Saturday morning, when the Boston Bruins announced that popular power forward Milan Lucic, a 61-point player last season, had agreed to a three-year extension, worth $18-million. But the most curious contract of all had to be the four-year, $21.2-million deal inked by Shane Doan with the Phoenix Coyotes, a team that is still owned by the NHL itself. "We've shown we're willing to give, but they've got to be willing," said Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby. "It seems like there's a pretty hard line there, and they're not willing to budge." Is Commissioner Gary Bettman prepared to tell Crosby he can’t play unless he surrenders $25.856 million of the $111.9 million he has coming to him? Weber has $97 million coming to him; Ilya Kovalchuk, Alex Ovechkin, Parise and Ryan Suter all have $88 million coming. Does anyone in his right mind believe they’re going to give back nearly a quarter of what they have been promised? There is good faith and there is legalized extortion. There are problem-solvers and there are shell-game operators. The biggest sticking point in the negotiations has been the revenue sharing, the owners claim they cannot afford to pay the NHLPA 57 percent of revenues. That is what Bettman and the owners agreed to in the old CBA. Hockey interest has never been higher. Revenues have grown from $2.1 billion to $3.3 billion under the expiring contract signed in 2005. Owners claim that a new six-year agreement should start at 49 percent, dropping to 47 percent by the end of the contract. The NHLPA's counter offer starts at 54.3 per cent share for the players and ends at 52.7 per cent. How about some give and take? Come to a 50-50 partnership with the players like the NFL and NBA agree to. That comes from a fan and former reporter. Common sense should rule.

Forsberg: The name is the same, but only game changes

By Larry Wigge 

It finally was true: This is the place where you finally couldn't a player was still there in the draft for you to take.

But Filip Forsberg was still there for the Washington Capitals at No. 11 in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Three members of the Capitals scouting spent their alloted time trying to convince GM George McPhee that he had to go off the board and take the Swedish right winger. The team's plans all along was to take a defenseman -- thanks to a run on defenseman, eight of the top 10 and seven in a row.

But that rare gem just happened to win up unpicked ... and they had to take Forsberg.

"At the table the scouts were unanimous: 'We have to take this guy, he's a fantastic player,' " McPhee said. "I tried to give them other options to play devil's advocate with it but it was an easy one."

Eventually, McPhee couldn't hold off the three scouts. They selected the 6-1, 188 pound Forberg, who recorded eight goals and nine assists in 43 games with Leksand IF. Last season, Forsberg lit the lamp 21 times and added 19 assists in 36 games for his Leksand J20 squad. He also suited up for 10 games in the Swedish Elite League as a 16-year-old, potting one goal.

It got so ticklish that Commissioner Gary Bettman chimed in: "Washington, you're on the clock. Let's go."

Tick. Tock.

"We didn't expect Forsberg to be there at all," said McPhee, who added he received calls about trading the pick. In most mock drafts that we had done and where our scouts had him was way up high. Sometimes that happens, a good player falls because everybody's sort of zoned in on a certain guy and people were going after defensemen and we thought, 'Geez, we've got to switch gears here a little bit ... this guy's a really good player, let's take him.' "

The wait was a getting a little bit tedious for Forsberg as well. He was told he could go anywhere from second to five in most mock drafts.

"I would lie if I said I wasn't nervous. Yeah, I was pretty nervous. All of my family was there," said Forsberg. "I don't look at it as a disappointment at all because it's like a dream coming true being drafted. But ..."

Thinking out loud inside his brain he began to list all the stars on Washington's lineup -- Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, Brooks Laich and Mike Green, John Carlson and Karl Alzner and Braden Holtby. Certainly he would fit that European flair of the Capitals lineup.

Washington knew Forsberg had a commitment for next year to play at Leksand. But, while some had likened his game to Brendan Shanahn -- power forward extraordinaire -- saying it was easier to compare him to a North American player rather than a European star.

"Hopefully I can make the team in some years. I'll be working hard to be a part of the Capitals' organization in the coming years," Forsberg explained. "I'm kind of big-size player and trying to play a bit physical and also taking the puck to the net as often as possible. I guess that's a bit more North American style of game than European. Hopefully I can bring that with me when the time is ready for me to come over."

One possible knock on Forsberg is that he not a compelling factor during Sweden's march to its first world junior hockey championship gold medal in 31 years, barely seeing any ice as the final vs. Russia unfolded. However, he was fewer than five months removed from his 17th birthday during the WJC, which is a skaters' tournament and 19-year-old event by and large. Forsberg's backers would point out he had more points than any other under-18 player in his league. He also thrived against players his own age at the IIHF U18 championship in April, captaining Sweden's silver-medalist team.

A Central Scouting Bureau comparison -- Anaheim's Corey Perry.

It went on the say, "Has a nose for the net and often scores the big goals. He's a creative playmaker, good skater with fine straight-ahead speed. He's a right-handed forward with an excellent shot and an effective two-way player with a great winning attitude. Filip's a solid puck carrier with very good puck-handling skills. Mature, good size and physically strong. On top of that, he'll sacrifice himself to make the play."

The Canadien coach Steve Sprott at the Ivan Hlinka tournament said, "We don't have anyone like Filip Forsberg."

Sprott had his top shutdown pair of defenseman plus forward Scott Laughton out there every time to check Forsberg.

"He's really mature," Swedish coach Roger Ronnberg said. "I still can't believe he was born in '94. Sometimes it feels like you’re talking to your older brother.

"He has a unique attitude and character -- the self-confidence to look at himself from outside. The way he approaches the game is fantastic. It doesn't matter if we are here in the practice rink or we are playing Canada in Rexall -- he's the same kid, just competing, chasing the puck."

Forsberg is an offensively skilled forward first and foremost, but is extremely versatile as well. His relentless work ethic, fearless play and hockey IQ make him effective in all three zones. While he won't go out of his way to make a big hit, like Foppa, he is tough on the puck and embraces being engaged physically on the ice. He has the ability to create for himself offensively as well as delivering crisp and accurately delivered passes.

Although he is an agile and smooth skater, Forsberg himself recognizes he has to work on his first-step quickness and overall speed.

Of course Forsberg's name -- any relation to Peter Forsberg, champion with the Colorado Avalanche. But ...

Filip answers that his favorite player was -- "Peter Forsberg."

Foppa still stands out above all -- Nicklas Lidstrom, Mats Sundin, Markus Naslund or the Sedins twins.

And no, the kid is no kin. Not a son. Not a nephew. Not even a distant second cousin removed, remotely linked by some relative's wife's third marriage on the outskirts of Ostervala.

"Sorry," he confessed wearily. "Not at all."

Thanks for asking.

"Since I've come to this tournament," he sighed, "I've answered that question like, 10 times before.

"It's an honour to be compared to him."

If only by name?

"In some small way."

But as scouts and fans all around the NHL will learn, Filip Forsberg has skill and blood that beats in him like only the best.

You won't tell Rielly he Can't Make it with the Leafs

By Larry Wigge

Some scouts might have missed seeing Morgan Rielly.  

What one scout said about him: "He's like a chess player. He's thinking one or two moves ahead. He sees stuff coming that a lot of players don't see."

What a compliment for a defenseman, who played had 18 points in 18 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors, when he tore his right knee ACL sliding into the goalpost on November 6. He sat for 165 sleepless night worrying whether he could get back to play again. Finally, on April 20, he returned. 

"Hearing people explain to me I couldn't play again or I can't play again in a year, I think that's what motivated me even more," explained Rielly. "I kept training hard and it paid off. I never had to deal with that before. But I feel I grew a bit as a person and learned a lot about how to treat your body."

Couldn't, wouldn't and other negatives go out the window when you are talking about the swift skating defenseman wouldn't stop him from being back on the ice ... and it happened in the second round of the playoffs.

Perseverance. Challenge. Obstacle. Were words used to describe Rielly's courage to come back.

The Toronto Maple Leafs through out the mixed scouting report ... and made Rielly the fifth pick in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

GM Brian Burke, in fact, said they had the 6-1, 200-pound native of Vancouver, rated No. 1 in the draft.

"When we researched him, that's what kept coming up -- this kid never viewed the injury as a setback," Burke said. "He viewed it as a challenge. He met that challenge with legendary workouts to rehab this. While he was hurt, he was meeting his team on the road when he could not play. Little things like that showed character. This kid was brought up right. The way he attacked his rehab and recovered was impressive."

What attracted Toronto to Rielly was his pedigree, his entire resume. He captained the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox, Saskatchewan during the 2009-10 season. He led all SMAAAHL defensemen in scoring with 55 points (18G-37A-55P), was named the team's co-MVP and helped lead the team to a gold medal at the 2010 Canadian National Midget Championship.

In his rookie year at Moose Jaw, Morgan had six goals and 22 assists in 65 game. But he was off to an even more impressive season, when he tore up his knee.

 

He does everything offensively, defensively at a fast pace like Chicago's Duncan Keith. His ability to breakout of the zone and the speed he manufactures in his first few strides allows him to flat out beat the majority of the league with his quickness. A capable defensive player who leverages smart stick work and body position to coolly separate opponents from the puck.

Everything has always been at a fast pace in his life ... like the spelling of his last name.

"It was a typo," Rielly said, hinting that a government or immigration official must have gotten it wrong many years ago. "But I was taught 'i' before 'e', except after 'c'."

Burke's parents come from County Roscommon and County Mayo. His dad, Andy, was the biggest influence on his career and his hockey hero growing up. His father played in the BCHL for the Surrey Eagles in 1974-75.

"I'll have to talk to him about that name," Burke teased. "Where my family comes from, they spelled it differently. But it didn't hurt that he's Irish."

Aside from the spelling of his last name, Burke gushed about his top prospect.

"We had this player rated first overall. Wouldn't say that if it wasn't true," said Burke. "He's got a high hockey IQ. When his options are multiple ... he always makes the right play.

"He's got a high compete level, makes smart decisions. We're excited. Our scouts are ecstatic."

Transition is important to making him a complete defenseman.

"I'm a two-way defenseman," he said, matter-of-factly. "I like to carry the puck a little bit, but that doesn't mean I give anything up in my own end. I play to win and do whatever it takes to help my team, in whatever way I can."

Perhaps a concern, heeding a limited physical edge or unwillingness to go the extra mile physically, Rielly isn't buying it. In his eyes and others', it's simply a byproduct of staying responsible and utilizing an elite skill-set to maintain such discipline without giving anything up.

"I don't use my stick a whole lot when I'm working one-on-one with my opponent, so I don't get charged with hooking and other obstruction-related penalties," he said. "I like to think I'm pretty quick, too, so I don't have to take them. It's all about staying on the right side of the puck and making sure I'm not putting myself in a position where I'm chasing.

"If there's a ever an instance where a teammate gets hit or something, I'm certainly not going to let up either. But I don't take those useless or lazy penalties."

A lot like Nicklas Lidstrom ...

Rielly is more of a passer than a shooter, but he possesses a quick wrist and snapshot to complement his passing skills. Some have said he mighty be the best passer in the game.

A lot to live up to.

Morgan Rielly proved he was more than a great skater, great passer and all-round prospect -- he could be a game breaker.

Maybe even stepping into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup this year. Remember, doctors told Rielly that he would never be able to come back after the knee injury.

Are you going to tell him he doesn't have a chance to make it to the NHL right now ....

At 18, Murray Already plays Beyond his Years

By Larry Wigge

What would any young hockey prospect want more than a chance to play against some of the best competition in the world?

Ryan Murray got just that opportunity, when he was called to join the Canadian national team at the world championships in Helsinki, Finland.

At 18 years, this was an invitation given to only Paul Karia -- also 18 -- in 1993.

"It was just a couple of hours before game time," Murray explained. "They said, 'You're going to play.' "

The White City, Saskatchewan, product, ranked second only to Nail Yakupov by NHL Central Scouting for the June draft, became one of the big boys, playing as a defensive partner with former Norris Trophy winner, Olympic gold medalist and Stanley Cup champion Duncan Keith of Chicago.

"It was kind of neat to see him out there with Keith tonight. The kid is just so composed," said coach Brent Sutter.

Said Keith, "He's been really impressive. For a guy his age to play like his has in this company is more than impressive."

"It was the first time I've ever been on the ice with NHLers and it was just cool to play and practise with them and see how they prepare. It puts everything in perspective," Murray said. "I think I have a lot of work to do this summer if I'm going to make the jump next year.

"The guys are so much stronger, so much faster, and everyone can make plays. It is a big jump. Some guys have been playing for 10-15 years. In the CHL, you're sometimes playing against 16-year-olds who just started working out. They're skilled, but still pretty weak in terms of their development. In the NHL, they are full-grown men."

That kind of presence is just the reason why the Columbus Blue Jackets made Murray of the Everett Silvertips their first pick -- second to Yakupov.

He played flawlessly against the best grown men in the world. That is the key with Murray -- the tougher the games get the bette he plays. His poise. His skating. The way he defends, passes the puck were on the checklist of things that stand out.

"We were locked in on Murray," said Columbus GM Scott Howson. "He was No. 1 on our list."

At 6-1, 201 pounds, Murray has shown the pedigree of a champion and should join the Blue Jackets blue line. He had nine goals and 22 assists in 46 games for Everett.

"He can still be a very useful player if he doesn't generate a lot of points," said Howson. "But it could be there. It's a little bit of an unknown, how much offense is he going to give you in the NHL. But I don't think any other parts of his game are unknown with Ryan."

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Recchi had an opportunity to watch some future NHL stars as the coach of Team Cherry at the 2012 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Kelowna, B.C.

It was there Recchi got to watch defenseman Murray for three straight days. Needless to say, he wasn't disappointed.

"Murray reminds me a little bit of Ray Bourque," Recchi said. "He has that Ray Bourque look to me, real composed and strong. He skates a lot like him, too. When I first saw him, I was trying to pinpoint who he reminded me of and then it hit me -- Bourque."

That's a reach of course, but it gives you an idea of what kind of player Murray could be.

"It's all reactionary," Murray said of his play defensively. "I try and play a patient game with or without the puck. I try to force the forward into making the first move and then react if they make a mistake. It's lot of hard work on defense, battling in the corners and stuff, but it's something that's always come natural to me, I guess." 

Off the ice, Murray plays the guitar. 

"Me and my buddies back home, we all can play guitar and we hang out and jam to Neil Young songs often," said Murray, who only cracked a smile.

"My favorite song is probably 'Hey Hey, My My,'" Murray said. "I was curious, so I went out and bought a cheap guitar and my roommate taught me. I've been hooked ever since and have pretty much played every day since then."

Ryan Murray will certainly be playing some pretty sweet music for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Big Trade: Jordan Staal joins Erik in Carolina

By Larry Wigge

Jordan Staal turned down a 10-year, $60 million contract Thursday. One day later, the 23-year-old  was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Something happened in the meantime ...

Staal maintained that after next season he would join brother Erik in Carolina and the Pittsburgh Penguins would get nothing. That forced a Penguins trade.

"For many years, the family said the brothers want to play together," Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said. I don't know why he'd go somewhere else."

While the Pittsburgh Penguins were hosting the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Staal was at his wedding reception in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The trade ended Staal six-year career in which he won one Stanley Cup the Penguins.

Both ceremonies were featured at Thunder Bay. 

In the deal, the Penguins traded Staal to Carolina for center Brandon Sutter, defensive prospect Brian Dumoulin and the eighth overall pick, which they used to select defenseman Derrick Pouliot.

Staal, 24, finished his career with 25 goals and 25 assists in 62 games. However, he showed the rest of the league that he could be a No. 1 or No. 2 center elsewhere when he scored six goals in six playoff games.

Sutter, 23, scored a career-high 21 goals during the 2009-10 season. Dumoulin, 20, was Carolina's second-round draft choice in 2009 and had seven goals and 21 assists in 44 games at Boston College this season.

Rutherford initiated talks with Penguins' counterpart Ray Shero on two occasions during the past two months before Shero finally agreed to negotiate.

"I made Ray aware of our interest when their season ended," Rutherford said.

Shero's season-ending news conference April 24 was notable because he said he "wasn't sure" if he would be able to keep centers Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Staal together for the long term.

That's when Staal's desire to play in Carolina went public. Less than 24 hours later, Rutherford called Shero.

"I talked with him at 4:20," Rutherford said. "We made that deal at a quarter to seven."

Getting Sutter as part of the deal was a must.

"It just seemed like the right thing to do," Shero said. "Jimmy Rutherford was very persistent. Brandon had to be part of the deal."

*  *  *

Nail Yakupov, No. 1 pick overall, and Alex Galchenyuk, the third pick, are the fourth set of teammates to be selected among the top three picks in an NHL Draft from the same team -- the Sarnia Sting. 

 

Year Junior Teammates Club Selected By 

 

1999 Daniel Sedin (2nd) and Henrik Sedin (3rd) MoDo (Sweden) Vancouver 

1974 Wilf Paiement (2nd) and Rick Hampton (3rd) St. Catharines (OHA) K.C. and California 

1969 Rejean Houle (1st) and Marc Tardif (2nd) Mtl. Jr. Canadiens (QHL) Montreal 

 

*  *  *

Many compare this year's draft with 2008 draft.

Behind Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty was picked by Los Angeles, Zach Bogosian was picked by Atlanta, Alex Pietrangelo by St. Louis and Toronto selected defenseman Luke Schenn.

In all 11 defenseman were picked in the first round.

Tyler Myers was picked by Buffalo, Colten Tseubert by Anaheim, Ottawa's Erik Karlsson (the winner the the Norris Trophy), Jake Gardniner by Minnesota, Philadelphia's took Luca Sbisa, Micheal Del Zotto was picked by the New York Rangers and John Carlson by the Washington Capitals.

In the 2012 draft, a record 13 defenseman were taken.

 2 Ryan Murray Everett (WHL) Columbus 

 4 Griffin Reinhart Edmonton (WHL) NY Islanders 

 5 Morgan Rielly Moose Jaw (WHL) Toronto 

 6 Hampus Lindholm Rogle Jr. (Sweden) Anaheim 

 7 Mathew Dumba Red Deer (WHL) Minnesota 

 8 Derrick Pouliot Portland (WHL) Pittsburgh 

 9 Jacob Trouba USA U-18 Winnipeg 

 10 Slater Koekkoek Peterborough (OHL) Tampa Bay 

 15 Cody Ceci Ottawa (OHL) Ottawa 

 22 Olli Maatta London (OHL) Pittsburgh 

 23 Michael Matheson Dubuque (USHL) Florida 

 25 Jordan Schmaltz Green Bay (USHL) St. Louis 

 28 Brady Skjei USA U-18 (USHL) NY Rangers 

*  *   *

Six trades were announce during the first day of the draft. 

 

Philadelphia traded G Sergei Bobrovsky to Columbus for a 2nd-round pick in the 2012 NHL 

Draft (45th overall), a 4th-round pick in 2012 (117th overall) and a 4th-round pick in 2013. 

 

Anaheim traded D Lubomir Visnovsky to the New York Islanders for a 2nd-round pick in the 

2013 NHL Draft. 

 

Washington traded C Cody Eakin and a 2nd-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (54th overall) to 

Dallas for C Mike Ribeiro. 

 

Pittsburgh traded C Jordan Staal to Carolina for a 1st-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (eighth 

overall), C Brandon Sutter and D Brian Dumoulin. 

 

Calgary traded a 1st-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft (14th overall) to Buffalo for a 1st-round pick in 2012 (21st overall) and a 2nd-round pick in 2012 (42nd overall). 

*  *  *

Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas could be on the move, as GM Peter Chiarelli told reporters on Friday that he has waived his no-trade clause 10 days ago.

Chiarelli and Thomas confirmed last month that the Stanley Cup-winning netminder was not playing in 2012-13.

Thomas has one year left on his current deal, which carries a $5 million cap hit for the 2012-13 season. The no-movement clause that is a part of the deal expires July 1.

The 38-year-old went 35-19-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage this past season. In the playoffs, he had a 2.14 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Boston lost in seven games to Washington in the first round.

Thomas won the 2009 and 2011 Vezina Trophy, and has a 196-121-45 record and 2.48 GAA in 378 career games with the Bruins. In 50 postseason games, he holds a 29-21 mark with a 2.07 GAA.

Thomas won the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy after leading Boston to its first Stanley Cup title since 1972.

Center Galchenyuk says he's Forgetting 2012

By Larry Wigge

The mystery. The intrique. The risk.

Not many players are perfect. Most young kids need to physically grow because they are soon to be playing against men. That why it takes so many time to make it to the NHL. Scouting directors have often preferred to compare the draft to a crapshoot -- some even compare that at 18- 19-year-olds you are gambling that a prospect is on par with a surgeon or a lawyer, who has many more than two years of experience.

It has always been there in all of those thing go into the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. For instance, so how about taking a gifted center like Alex Galchenyuk of the Sarnia Sting high in the draft? He had 31 goals and 52 assists in his rookie year in the Ontario Hockey League. But ...

In his draft year, he played in only two games and failed to get a point.

Some consider him a wild card.

Alex wrapped his left knee around the goal post: tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in a September 16 preseason game against the Windsor Spitfires. He was cleared by doctors to resume skating in February, but only played those two games. He did, however, return in time for the first round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs, scoring two goals and adding two assists as Sarnia lost to Saginaw in six games.

Based on the upward trend of his evolution, Galchenyuk would be right up linemate Nail Yakupov as the No. 1 player available in the draft Friday night in Pittsburgh.

"We had our eyes on him all along," new Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said of using the third pick overall on Galchenyuk. "I met him a few times and I was impressed. He's a very worldly guy."

Said Galchenyuk, "I was so excited when they called my name that my heart was racing."

 

Galchenyuk's unique story goes beyond his injury, limited playing time and fitness fanaticism. Born in Milwaukee, when his father, Alexander, was in the midst of a 20-year pro career. Alex grew up all over the world as a hockey brat in the United States, Germany, Italy, Belarus and Russia.

The nomadic lifestyle of being a hockey player's son is evident.

"I can speak Italian, Russian and English obviously," Galchenyuk said. He considers himself an American. "Actually I used to speak French ... I think I'll be starting French lessons in a few days."

On the ice, he plays with the passion of a player who want to play in the NHL right now -- despite the hiccup of the injury and rehab last season.

"Never was there a time during rehabilitation where I wanted to give up," explained Galchenyuk. "I remember laying on the ice behind the net and thinking, 'Oh my god, I hope it's not serious,'

"I went to the locker room and was feeling my knee and it felt OK because in your head, you want to think it's nothing serious. When I found out, I wanted to get surgery as soon as possible so my goal was to come back and play this year.

"My dream is to play in the NHL. I want to play there as soon as possible, so you just can't stop and watch TV."

Like most players who have to sit out, they get to the point where they feel they can't help the club. 

"I couldn't watch the games anymore," Galchenyuk continued. "Just walked away from the box. I couldn't watch the games anymore." 

Galchenyuk never got discouraged or disheartened during the rehabilitation process.

"Never was there a time during rehabilitation where I wanted to give up," Galchenyuk said. "You need to go to rehab. It was tough for the first month. We drove to London every day, and that took like an hour. It's a long, slow process. When you're months away from skating and on crutches, you say, 'Oh gosh.' But my family, doctors and therapists help me a lot."

And the payoff was good in the end. Even though him timing may not have been the best when he returned, the skill stood out.

"I've learned a life lesson through this rehabilitation," Galchenyuk said. "I worked extremely hard in the gym and my skating actually got better.

"Being on the ice again was much easier than my work at the gym. It's more of a mental lesson where you have to think about your work off the ice."

Galchenyuk returned to North America when he was 15 to play midget hockey in Chicago in the hopes of being drafted into the OHL. He scored 44 goals and 43 assists in 38 games. The Sting were happy to oblige when they made the skilled, playmaking center the league's first overall pick two summers ago.

"A lot of people compare to a Marian Hossa or Evgeni Malkin type of player," Galchenyuk said.

"My strengths are my ability to make playmaking plays. My ability to see the ice. My hockey sense. My hands."

He must learn to shoot more, saying, "Should shoot ... but I pass. I must work on that."  

He always had his dad alongside.

"Not a dad and son relationship at the rink," Alex said, shaking his head a little. "I made a huge mistake, when I called him dad at the rink. He's my coach ... and his has my future in mind . I learned long ago that he was harder on me than anybody else."

The nomad comes home -- at Chicago and Sarnia and the Montreal Canadiens.

"Maybe I see the world differently," Galchenyuk said of growing up in so many different countries. "I obviously feel half Russian because my parents are Russian but half American because I was born there and I love the States. I love the country.

"It was my decision who to play for all the way. I talked to my dad and he said make the decision as you feel comfortable and I felt comfortable with USA Hockey and the organization, how they treat their players."

The rehab is an ongoing concern. Never was his success in doubt -- he a real gym rat, he works closely with former NHL player Gary Roberts. Said Roberts, He's just a big, strong guy, and he trains extremely hard."

Alex Galchenyuk said the real player is yet to come. 

"I didn't get to show what I'm about," he said. "I think I was really frustrated to be out of the playoffs, because by Game 5 or 6 I was just getting my game back. I was kind of moving the puck and playing my game."

Galchenyuk said he would prefer to wear two numbers in the NHL -- 94, the year of his birth, or 55, the number his father wore as a pro.

Nail Yakupov and capsules of first round

By Larry Wigge

Capsules of 2012 NHL Entry Draft:

1. Edmonton -- RW Nail Yakupov, Sarnia, 5-11 and 190 pounds. For the third time a Russian-born player was first overall and the first time since Alex Ovechkin in 2004 and Ilya Kovalchuk in 2001. Third straight first round pick behind RW Taylor Hall and C Ryan-Nugent Hopkins. Yakupov had 170 points in 107 games in two winters with OHL Sarnia.

Central Scouting Service: No. 1; International Scouting Service: No. 1; The Hockey News: No. 1.

2. Columbus -- D Ryan Murray, Everett, 6-1, 201 pounds. The first of this year's top defenseman. The two-way leader with WHL Everett had 31 points in 46 games.

CSS: No. 2; ISS: No. 3; THN: No. 4.

3. Montreal -- C Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia, 6-1, 198 pounds. Canadiens never had big center. Wild card. Risky. Played in only two games with no points, sidelined by knee injury in preseason. But in 2010-11, he totaled 83 points in 68 games.

CSS: No. 4; ISS: No. 16; THN: No. 7.

4. New York Islanders -- D Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton, 6-4, 207 pounds. Son of Paul Reinhart. Two-way blue-liner. Had 36 points in 58 games for WHL Edmonton.

CSS: No. 10; ISS: No. 10; THN: No. 8.

5. Toronto -- D Morgan Rielly, Moose Jaw, 6-0, 190 pounds. Paul Coffey-like ability. Knee injury limited to 18 games. limited D Morgan Rielly to only 18 games -- three goals and 15 assists. .

 

CSS: No. 5; ISS: No. 8; THN: No. 6.

6. Anaheim -- D Hampus Lindholm, Rogle, 6-3, 196 pounds. Has upside. Not assertive, but dependable. Split season with Rogle's junior and men's sides -- produced five goals and 12 assists in 28 games with the junior team and had one goal and three assists in 20 games with the men's team.

CSS: No. 4 international skater; ISS: No. 41; THN: No. 15.

7. Minnesota -- D Mathew Dumba, Red Deer, 6-0, 183 pounds. Dashing defender of WHL Red Deer, recorded 57 points, including 20 goals, in 69 games and made himself know for some big hits.

CSS: No. 11; ISS: No. 6; THN: No. 5.

8. Pittsburgh (from Carolina) -- D Derrick Pouliot, Portland, 5-11, 186 pounds. Will remind Pittsburgh fans of Kris Letang. Great on the transition. Knows how to contribute as he potted 59 points in 72 games for WHL Portland.

CSS: No. 12; ISS: No. 19; THN: No. 13.

9. Winnipeg -- Jacob Trouba, USA Development Program, 6-2, 196 points. Loves to hit. Four goals and 14 assists in 22 games. Native from Rochester, Minn., and a defensive ace who is bound for the University of Michigan.

CSS: No. 9; ISS: No. 5; THN: No. 9.

10. Tampa Bay -- D Slater Koekkoek, Peterborough, 6-2, 184 pounds. A shoulder injury hampered Koekkoek, but he remained on the radar. Showed signs of improvement from the injury at the Scouting Combined. He had 18 points in 26 games for OHL Peterborough.

CSS: No. 23; ISS: No. 18; THN: No. 23.

11. Washington (from Colorado) -- RW Filip Forsberg, Leksand, 6-2, 181 pounds. Broke up the defensemen run since No. 3 Galchenyuk. No relation to Peter Forsberg. But the Capitals steady up-front presence. He had 17 points in 43 games in Sweden's second division.

CSS: No. 1 international skater; ISS: No. 4; THN: No. 2.

12. Buffalo -- C Mikhael Grigorenko, Quebec, 6-3, 200 pounds. Russian star, Grigorenko, who produced 85 points in 59 games for QMJHL Quebec.

CSS: No. 3; ISS: No. 2; THN: No. 3.

13. Dallas -- C Radek Faksa, Kitchener, 6-3, 203 pounds. First player from the Czech Republic in years. Is a blossoming power forward. The Czech native, as a rookie, produced 67 points in 62 games for OHL Kitchener.

CSS: No. 7; ISS: No. 17; THN: No. 11.

14. Buffalo (Calgary) -- C Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque, 6-1, 201 pounds. Highest born Latvian player. Committed to University of Vermont. He recorded 44 points in 43 games for USHL Dubuque.

CSS: No. 18; ISS: No. 20; THN: No. 16.

15. Ottawa -- D Cody Ceci, Ottawa, 6-2, 207 pounds. Type of defenseman who can push the offense. Churned out 60 points, including 17 goals, in 64 games for OHL Ottawa.

CSS: No. 6; ISS: No. 9; THN: No. 10.

16. Washington -- RW Tom Wilson, Plymouth, 6-4, 203 pounds. Showed his skills in the playoffs, scoring seven goals. Scored nine goals and 18 assists in 49 games. Power forward extraordinaire. Not afraid to drop his gloves. 

CSS: No. 15; ISS: No. 36; THN: No. 25. 

 

17. San Jose -- C Tomas Hertl, Slavia, 6-2, 198 pounds. Playmaker. With Slavia in the Czech men's league, he registered 25 points in 38 games.

CSS: No. 5 international skater; ISS: No. 23; THN: No. 24.

18. Chicago -- LW Teuvo Teravainen, 5-11, 16l pounds. Maybe the best hands in the draft. Unfazed by size, Teravainen holds top-end skill, recorded 12 goals in 11 games with Jokerit’s juniors.

CSS: No. 2 international skater; ISS: No. 29; THN: No. 12.

19. Tampa (from Detroit) -- G Andrei Vasilevski, UFA Toper, 6-3, 204 pounds. Top goaltending prospect, reminds us of Jonathan Quick. Played in 27 games for UFA with 2.23 GAA and .931 Save Pct.

CSS: No. 1 European goalie. ISS: No. 3 European goaltender. TSN: No. 21.

20. Philadelphia -- C Scott Laughton, Oshawa, 6-0, 175 pounds. Best defensive forward in the draft. His upside projects to a Dave Bolland-type, but if his offense doesn't come around, he'd slot perfectly into a third-line spot a few years down the road. Had 21 goals and 32 assists in 64 games.

CSS: No. 28. ISS: No. 50. TSN: No. 42.

21. Calgary (from Nashville through Buffalo) -- C Mark Jankowski, Stanstead College, 6-5, 175 pounds. Off the board pick, Jankowski has great bloodlines his father Lou played for Detroit and his great-uncle is Red Kelly -- and he absolutely dominated his high school league, scoring 53 goals in 57 games. Great vision. 

CSS: No. 43. ISS: No. 85. TSN: No 37. 

22. Pittsburgh -- D Olli Maatta, London, 6-2, 202 pounds. Game took off in second half of season. He recorded 32 points in 58 games for OHL London. Not a sexy pick, but future shut-down guy.

CSS: No. 8; ISS: No. 12; THN: No. 20. 

23. Florida -- D Mike Matheson, Dubuque, 6-1, 180 pounds. Another second half champion. Committed to going to Boston College. In 47 games, he had nine goals and 13 assists.

CSS: No. 30; ISS: No. 25; THN: No. 27.

24. Boston -- G Malcolm Subban, Belleville, 6-1, 188 pounds. Best verticle leap at the Scouting Combine. Athlete. At Belleville, Subban went 25-14-0, 2.50 GAA, .923. 

CSS: No. 1 domestic goalie; ISS: No. 2 goalie; THN: No. 48.

25. St. Louis -- D Jordan Schmaltz, Green Bay, 6-2, 189. Headed to University of North Dakota. Dad and two uncles played football at UND. Combined his play at Sioux City and Green Bay of the USHL. In 48 game, he had 9 goals and 23 assists.

CSS: No. 34. ISS: No. 54. THN: No 34. 

26. Vancouver -- C Brendan Gaunce, Belleville, 6-2, 215 pounds. The big center had 68 points in 68 games for OHL Belleville.

CSS: No. 13; ISS: No. 7; THN: No. 17.

27. Phoenix -- C Henrik Samuelsson, Modo/Edmonton, 6-2, 195 pounds. A Phoenix are prospect draft by the Coyotes. Son of Ulf Samuelsson and younger brother of Philipe. Combined for 43 games, seven goals and 18 assists.

CSS: No. 75. ISS: No. 43. THN: No. 50.

28. New York Rangers -- D Brady Skjei, U.S. Development Program, 6-3, 203. By all accounts, is a wonderful skater, but not a dominant force. Played in 24 game, produced three goals and nine assists. 

CSS: No. 19. ISS: No. 14. TSN: No. 26.

29. New Jersey -- LW Stefan Matteau, 6-1, U.S. Development Program, 6-1, 210 pounds. Physical. Son of Stephane Matteau. Collected 93 penalty minutes in only 18 games in the USHL.

CSS: No. 17; ISS: No. 24; THN: No. 30.

30. Los Angeles -- LW Tanner Pearson, Barrie, 6-0, 198 pounds. Past over in two drafts. Always put up numbers. Had 37 goals and 54 assists in 60 games. 

CSS: No. 25. ISS: No. 33. THN: No. 36. 

Nail Yakov and friends in the NHL draft

By Larry Wigge

Capsules of 2012 NHL Entry Draft:

1. Edmonton -- RW Nail Yakupov, Sarnia, 5-11 and 190 pounds. For the third time a Russian-born player was first overall and the first time since Alex Ovechkin in 2004 and Ilya Kovalchuk in 2001. Third straight first round pick behind RW Taylor Hall and C Ryan-Nugent Hopkins. Yakupov had 170 points in 107 games in two winters with OHL Sarnia.

Central Scouting Service: No. 1; International Scouting Service: No. 1; The Hockey News: No. 1.

2. Columbus -- D Ryan Murray, Everett, 6-1, 201 pounds. The first of this year's top defenseman. The two-way leader with WHL Everett had 31 points in 46 games.

CSS: No. 2; ISS: No. 3; THN: No. 4.

3. Montreal -- C Alex Galchenyuk, Sarnia, 6-1, 198 pounds. Canadiens never had big center. Wild card. Risky. Played in only two games with no points, sidelined by knee injury in preseason. But in 2010-11, he totaled 83 points in 68 games.

CSS: No. 4; ISS: No. 16; THN: No. 7.

4. New York Islanders -- D Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton, 6-4, 207 pounds. Son of Paul Reinhart. Two-way blue-liner. Had 36 points in 58 games for WHL Edmonton.

CSS: No. 10; ISS: No. 10; THN: No. 8.

5. Toronto -- D Morgan Rielly, Moose Jaw, 6-0, 190 pounds. Paul Coffey-like ability. Knee injury limited to 18 games. limited D Morgan Rielly to only 18 games -- three goals and 15 assists. .

 

CSS: No. 5; ISS: No. 8; THN: No. 6.

6. Anaheim -- D Hampus Lindholm, Rogle, 6-3, 196 pounds. Has upside. Not assertive, but dependable. Split season with Rogle's junior and men's sides -- produced five goals and 12 assists in 28 games with the junior team and had one goal and three assists in 20 games with the men's team.

CSS: No. 4 international skater; ISS: No. 41; THN: No. 15.

7. Minnesota -- D Mathew Dumba, Red Deer, 6-0, 183 pounds. Dashing defender of WHL Red Deer, recorded 57 points, including 20 goals, in 69 games and made himself know for some big hits.

CSS: No. 11; ISS: No. 6; THN: No. 5.

8. Pittsburgh (from Carolina) -- D Derrick Pouliot, Portland, 5-11, 186 pounds. Will remind Pittsburgh fans of Kris Letang. Great on the transition. Knows how to contribute as he potted 59 points in 72 games for WHL Portland.

CSS: No. 12; ISS: No. 19; THN: No. 13.

9. Winnipeg -- Jacob Trouba, USA Development Program, 6-2, 196 points. Loves to hit. Four goals and 14 assists in 22 games. Native from Rochester, Minn., and a defensive ace who is bound for the University of Michigan.

CSS: No. 9; ISS: No. 5; THN: No. 9.

10. Tampa Bay -- D Slater Koekkoek, Peterborough, 6-2, 184 pounds. A shoulder injury hampered Koekkoek, but he remained on the radar. Showed signs of improvement from the injury at the Scouting Combined. He had 18 points in 26 games for OHL Peterborough.

CSS: No. 23; ISS: No. 18; THN: No. 23.

11. Washington (from Colorado) -- RW Filip Forsberg, Leksand, 6-2, 181 pounds. Broke up the defensemen run since No. 3 Galchenyuk. No relation to Peter Forsberg. But the Capitals steady up-front presence. He had 17 points in 43 games in Sweden's second division.

CSS: No. 1 international skater; ISS: No. 4; THN: No. 2.

12. Buffalo -- C Mikhael Grigorenko, Quebec, 6-3, 200 pounds. Russian star, Grigorenko, who produced 85 points in 59 games for QMJHL Quebec.

CSS: No. 3; ISS: No. 2; THN: No. 3.

13. Dallas -- C Radek Faksa, Kitchener, 6-3, 203 pounds. First player from the Czech Republic in years. Is a blossoming power forward. The Czech native, as a rookie, produced 67 points in 62 games for OHL Kitchener.

CSS: No. 7; ISS: No. 17; THN: No. 11.

14. Buffalo (Calgary) -- C Zemgus Girgensons, Dubuque, 6-1, 201 pounds. Highest born Latvian player. Committed to University of Vermont. He recorded 44 points in 43 games for USHL Dubuque.

CSS: No. 18; ISS: No. 20; THN: No. 16.

15. Ottawa -- D Cody Ceci, Ottawa, 6-2, 207 pounds. Type of defenseman who can push the offense. Churned out 60 points, including 17 goals, in 64 games for OHL Ottawa.

CSS: No. 6; ISS: No. 9; THN: No. 10.

16. Washington -- RW Tom Wilson, Plymouth, 6-4, 203 pounds. Showed his skills in the playoffs, scoring seven goals. Scored nine goals and 18 assists in 49 games. Power forward extraordinaire. Not afraid to drop his gloves. 

CSS: No. 15; ISS: No. 36; THN: No. 25. 

 

17. San Jose -- C Tomas Hertl, Slavia, 6-2, 198 pounds. Playmaker. With Slavia in the Czech men's league, he registered 25 points in 38 games.

CSS: No. 5 international skater; ISS: No. 23; THN: No. 24.

18. Chicago -- LW Teuvo Teravainen, 5-11, 16l pounds. Maybe the best hands in the draft. Unfazed by size, Teravainen holds top-end skill, recorded 12 goals in 11 games with Jokerit’s juniors.

CSS: No. 2 international skater; ISS: No. 29; THN: No. 12.

19. Tampa (from Detroit) -- G Andrei Vasilevski, UFA Toper, 6-3, 204 pounds. Top goaltending prospect, reminds us of Jonathan Quick. Played in 27 games for UFA with 2.23 GAA and .931 Save Pct.

CSS: No. 1 European goalie. ISS: No. 3 European goaltender. TSN: No. 21.

20. Philadelphia -- C Scott Laughton, Oshawa, 6-0, 175 pounds. Best defensive forward in the draft. His upside projects to a Dave Bolland-type, but if his offense doesn't come around, he'd slot perfectly into a third-line spot a few years down the road. Had 21 goals and 32 assists in 64 games.

CSS: No. 28. ISS: No. 50. TSN: No. 42.

21. Calgary (from Nashville through Buffalo) -- C Mark Jankowski, Stanstead College, 6-5, 175 pounds. Off the board pick, Jankowski has great bloodlines his father Lou played for Detroit and his great-uncle is Red Kelly -- and he absolutely dominated his high school league, scoring 53 goals in 57 games. Great vision. 

CSS: No. 43. ISS: No. 85. TSN: No 37. 

22. Pittsburgh -- D Olli Maatta, London, 6-2, 202 pounds. Game took off in second half of season. He recorded 32 points in 58 games for OHL London. Not a sexy pick, but future shut-down guy.

CSS: No. 8; ISS: No. 12; THN: No. 20. 

23. Florida -- D Mike Matheson, Dubuque, 6-1, 180 pounds. Another second half champion. Committed to going to Boston College. In 47 games, he had nine goals and 13 assists.

CSS: No. 30; ISS: No. 25; THN: No. 27.

24. Boston -- G Malcolm Subban, Belleville, 6-1, 188 pounds. Best verticle leap at the Scouting Combine. Athlete. At Belleville, Subban went 25-14-0, 2.50 GAA, .923. 

CSS: No. 1 domestic goalie; ISS: No. 2 goalie; THN: No. 48.

25. St. Louis -- D Jordan Schmaltz, Green Bay, 6-2, 189. Headed to University of North Dakota. Dad and two uncles played football at UND. Combined his play at Sioux City and Green Bay of the USHL. In 48 game, he had 9 goals and 23 assists.

CSS: No. 34. ISS: No. 54. THN: No 34. 

26. Vancouver -- C Brendan Gaunce, Belleville, 6-2, 215 pounds. The big center had 68 points in 68 games for OHL Belleville.

CSS: No. 13; ISS: No. 7; THN: No. 17.

27. Phoenix -- C Henrik Samuelsson, Modo/Edmonton, 6-2, 195 pounds. A Phoenix are prospect draft by the Coyotes. Son of Ulf Samuelsson and younger brother of Philipe. Combined for 43 games, seven goals and 18 assists.

CSS: No. 75. ISS: No. 43. THN: No. 50.

28. New York Rangers -- D Brady Skjei, U.S. Development Program, 6-3, 203. By all accounts, is a wonderful skater, but not a dominant force. Played in 24 game, produced three goals and nine assists. 

CSS: No. 19. ISS: No. 14. TSN: No. 26.

29. New Jersey -- LW Stefan Matteau, 6-1, U.S. Development Program, 6-1, 210 pounds. Physical. Son of Stephane Matteau. Collected 93 penalty minutes in only 18 games in the USHL.

CSS: No. 17; ISS: No. 24; THN: No. 30.

30. Los Angeles -- LW Tanner Pearson, Barrie, 6-0, 198 pounds. Past over in two drafts. Always put up numbers. Had 37 goals and 54 assists in 60 games. 

CSS: No. 25. ISS: No. 33. THN: No. 36. 

Nail Yakupov: No. 1 with a Bullett

By Larry Wigge

Nail Yakupov wears the uniform No. 10 as a reminder of how much the dynamic Pavel Bure affected his life and career. However ...

His first step and ability to control bouncing pucks, knock them down and make a play are the best of any of the guys in the draft. He really gets up to top speed very quickly and his hands are outstanding. Like Pavel Bure, Yakupov is dangerous every shift. He may not have been dominant on every shift like Bure was, but he created something every shift ... you have to be aware where he is on the ice all the time.

That assessment came from the Central Scouting Bureau. Positive. Intriguing. Sounds like the first pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh on Friday night.

Said Yakupov, "I'm not like Bure or like Alexander Semin or Alex Ovechkin. All players in this world play different. I want to be Nail and that's it."

Whether it's the Edmonton Oilers who select No. 1 -- or somebody else -- it's clearly becoming obvious that Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey Association is their man.

In his first season in North America with the Sting, Yakupov totaled 49 goals and 52 assists for 101 points in 65 games. That shattered the rookie records of Steven Stamkos, himself a No. 1 overall pick in 2008. This season, despite a knee injury that kept him out for five weeks and a concussion scare, Nail finished with 31 goals and 38 assists in 42 games.

At the recent scouting combine, NHL executives combined to give Yakupov a glowing report -- despite his size: He’s a shade under 5-foot-11, but is a solid 190 pounds..

"The explosiveness he brings, he's a major league talent," Phoenix GM Don Maloney said. "We all know it. He reminds me of a Pavel Bure-type player. He moves quick, moves the puck well so, yeah, he's exciting to watch."

The Columbus Blue Jackets, picking second and just waiting to pounce on Yakupov were represented by Tyler Wright, director of amateur scouting.

"He's a very exciting player, for sure," Wright said. "Dynamic. Game-changing. Absolutely. Very high-end skill.

"He had a couple of injuries this year, but over the last couple of years, he's done stuff that ... he broke Stamkos' record for a rookie. He's done some pretty amazing stuff.

"I'm not saying he's Stamkos, by any means, but when you're that high-end, explosive guy, who knows what the limit is?"

In the process, Nail Yakupov would become the Euro and Russian picked No. 1 since Ovechkin was picked by the Washington Capitals in 2004 -- ending years of fears that Russian players are available and not tied up to the rival Kontinental Hockey League.

The Oilers, picking first overall for the third consecutive year after taking Taylor Hall over Tyler Seguin in 2010 and selecting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins last season, might soon be looking at the glory days of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri and Glenn Anderson from the high-flying offensive team Edmonton had in the 1980s.

His knowledge of Edmonton Oilers history was a little shaky, which is to be expected given that  Yakupov has spent only two seasons away from his home in Nizhnekamsk, Russia.

On a recent trip to Edmonton, Yakupov said, "I saw the pictures and the Stanley Cups. It was great. Gretzky and Messier and Kurri. I think I'll sleep in the dressing room for a couple of hours."

The Oilers were either thinking about taking one of the top defenseman or being secretive.

"Getting to know Yakupov is going to be big going forward," said Oilers GM Steve Tambellini. "When I talked to Taylor Hall, he was very comfortable talking about being the No. 1 pick. If you are the first overall pick, playing in a Canadian market, you have to have special qualities. You have to have maturity and confidence. You have to have courage, aside from all the talent.

"Same thing happened with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, only in a different way. His poise came through. He wasn't fazed by anything. He's a humble, thoughtful young man, confident beyond his years in a great way. He exudes leadership.

"That's what you have to find out, whether they're from Russia or Sweden or Canada. We have to know what Yakupov's family is like, what his teammates think of him, his coaches ...

"How does he react to this scrutiny?"

On the surface, Yakupov responds to scrutiny just fine. 

"The best way to describe him is to say he has a flair," said former Calgary GM Craig Button. “When you watched him on the ice, he stands out. There's the potential for excitement every time he steps on the ice.

"He lost an elite center (Alex Galchenyuk), and that forced him to play a different game. He had to work harder to do some things on his own."

Yakupov is the most exotic player in the draft. He's an ethnic Tatar and a Muslim from Nizhnekamsk, which is 500 miles east of Moscow. He didn't speak any English when he arrived in Canada to play for the Ontario Hockey League's Sarnia Sting two years ago, but his transition to North America was made easier because he lived with the family of teammate Alexander Galchenyuk, an American with Belarusian ties.

Today, Yakupov speaks very good English and also showed a sense of humour during interviews that were part of the NHL combine this month.

When asked by one reporter whether he had a girlfriend, Yakupov replied: "I have two, one in Russia and one in Sarnia."

Well, no one every told him that one girl per customer. 

Rail Yakupov is Nefthekhimik coach and Nail's father. He was tough on the youngster. 

"I started skating when I was 3 years old. My dad was a coach," said Yakupov. "I grew up playing in Nizhnekamsk and really loved it. Ever since my mom and dad put on Dynamo hockey skates on me all I have known was hockey. A rink was a 10 minute walk from our house, so I spent all my time there.

"I also went to a lot of Neftekhimik games. That's my team. And even though I am playing in Canada now, I keep following my team, always check on the scores, read the news about them. I know a lot of the guys playing for Neftekhimik now, because I started playing with a lot of them, I also train with them in the offseason."

We've become familiar with the names Alexander, Pavel, Sergei, Mikhail or Evgeni from recent Russian-born players. Where did Nail come from?

"I don't have a story about my name," Nail Yakupov said. "It's not like I had a great grandfather who was a hero and I was named after him. My parents just that name and that's it."

In Russian, Nail stands for "The one who achieves success."

Nail Yakupov is ready to live up to his name. 

Lidstrom: The retirement of a Legend

By Larry Wigge

Nicklas Lidstrom left hockey without a farewell tour ... he did it own his own terms.

Defense was just an instinct. Lidstrom would look you in the eye and would know what kind of move you were going for.

"I'm aware that some people feel my skills have only diminished some ... and that I can still help the Wings win games. I truly appreciate their support," he said. "At some point, time catches up to everyone and diminishes their ability to perform. This year, it's painfully obvious to me that my strength and energy level are not rebounding enough for me to continue. My drive and motivation are not where they need to be for me to play at this level.

"It's not that the tank is completely empty. It just doesn't have enough to carry me through every day. I don't want to lose that ... I don't want to say status, but that level of play that I've reached. I can't cheat myself."

Lidstrom was never the biggest, the fastest, the quickest, the hardest shooter, the big hitter. He was just the smartest player on the ice for almost every game he played over his two decades of sophistication. You saw Al MacInnis and you watched the slapshot. You saw Scott Stevens and you waited for the hit. You saw Larry Robinson or Denis Potvin and there was a commanding presence and overt belief.

Nick Lidstrom excelled in puck control and puck possession, what he did better than anyone who has ever played the position -- and that includes Bobby Orr -- was win. That, more than anything, is his legacy: He won. He won everything that mattered.

He won four Stanley Cups.

He won an Olympic gold medal.

He won seven Norris trophies as best defenceman -- one fewer than Orr.

He won a Conn Smythe trophy as the best player in the playoffs -- also one fewer than Orr.

Two statistics play into Lidstrom's greatness: In 20 NHL seasons, he missed 43 games and played 1,827 regular season and playoff games. Almost 1,100 more games than Orr could manage on wounded knees.

His career plus/minus of plus-450 -- playing almost every minute against the other teams’ top lines -- is so monumental, it needs to be put into perspective. The next highest-ranked active defenseman, Chris Pronger, is plus-183. After that it's Zdeno Chara at 143 and Sami Salo at 114.

Chelios says Lidstrom is the best partner he's ever had? Better than Larry Robinson?

"Yeah," said Chelios. "Nick just has that competitive edge inside him like a Larry Robinson, a Ray Bourque or an Al MacInnis. He doesn't need to scare opponents with a fiery look on his face. He scares them with the fact that he's so consistent ... never out of position, on offense or defense."

Lidstrom thinks the game better than most. His instincts always are right-on. He's thoughtful, intelligent and always under control, whether he's staring down a power forward like Jaromir Jagr or Todd Bertuzzi or a speedster like Marian Gaborik or Mike Modano, or stepping up into a play and scoring or setting up an important goal.

"I try to play my position right all the time," said Lidstrom. "In today's game you have to be quick on your feet to adjust to the new rules. It's all about timing, awareness and quickness."

"The secret to Nick Lidstrom's success is that he has no weaknesses," Mike Modano said. "It doesn't matter if he's trying to defend a power forward or a fast, quick skater with skill. He'll shut you down."

"I can honestly tell you since I've been here, I've never seen anyone beat him 1-on-1 in a game or in a practice," said center Henrik Zetterberg, who's beaten a lot of defensemen in his five seasons in the NHL. "I've tried myself. It's amazing, really. If you don't watch him closely, you actually don't notice him much watching a game. It's always just basic stuff, but he does it so well."

"He's got that uncanny knack of reading a play and being right almost every time," Red Wings GM Ken Holland said. "His skills are impeccable, offensively and defensively. And that's important in today's game, where flow and transition are essential."

Though Lidstrom was just a third-round pick, 53rd overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Holland said the Red Wings never underestimated the quality of his favorite defenseman.

Jan-Erik Lidstrom, Nick's father, didn't play hockey and push his son into the game back in Avesta, where Nick grew up. He was the chief of the Swedish highway system. His mother, Gerd, worked in the school cafeteria. His three sisters used to push him around. And, no, there was no uncle or brother to show him the way to the NHL.

"No hockey genes," Lidstrom said. "Just a group of great friends in the neighborhood that loved to play hockey and taught me to be so competitive and never accept losing as an alternative."

He started watching the NHL to follow Swedish legend Borje Salming. He'd sit up late at night to scout the techniques of Robinson, Bourque, Paul Coffey, MacInnis and, yes, Chelios.

"The game means so much to me," Lidstrom said. "It's more than an occupation. It's my hobby. I love what I do every day."

Lidstrom's eyes fixed on me when I asked about his hunger to win.

"I remember Paul Coffey once saying that after he once won the Stanley Cup, he never wanted to give it up," Lidstrom explained. "I even remember hearing him say that when his team didn't win the following year. He said he felt like someone had broken into his house and had stolen his most prized possession. That's how I feel, too."

"He's a special man," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "His attention to detail is great and he's a great role model. He's just great to be around. I think it's important that your best players work hard and are humble and it's always about the team. It's pretty hard for anybody else to be any other way. He's fantastic."

At a time when there really was a little bit of secrecy in the draft, Lidstrom, you might say, was kind of a mystery to the 1989 draft. 

Neil Smith, then head scout of the Red Wings, was scheduled to met outside the airport by a Russian scout. Instead, Christer Rockstrom met Smith in a cab.

Smith was there to see another Swedish player or two, but Rockstrom kept telling him about this 18-year-old defenseman who was a depth player for his hometown Elitserian team in Vasteras, a city of about 100,000 people in central Sweden. Rockstrom and Smith quickly fell in love with his skill set:

"I'd been telling Jimmy D that Lidstrom would be available in the third round -- and we couldn't pick him after that because of his age," Smith remembered. "People didn't know him. The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau had him way down. I knew if he'd be seen the next year and be a sure first-rounder."

That's the story of Nicklas Lidstrom -- unknown to everybody but Christer Rockstrom, who just happened to be filling in for a Russian scout.

What a lucky and fortunate meeting it was for the Red Wings.

A Champion, Richards Proves to be a Stanley Cup winner

By Larry Wigge

There's something about Mike Richards that sticks out at you.

You start with the intangibles -- heart, desire, character, work ethic and hockey sense. All the things he has, and all the things hockey coaches look for in a good leader. 

That's what first attracted the Kenora, Ontario, native, to the Philadelphia Flyers who selected Richards with the 24th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The Flyers eventually named him captain after a short time there.

"He reminds me of a young Bobby Clarke," Flyers chairman Ed Snider said. "He does it all."

Memorial Cup winner. Olympic gold medalist. World Junior champion. The only thing that was missing from his winning resume was a Stanley Cup championship -- the Flyers made it to the Finals, but lost to Chicago in 2010.

No one expected the announcement that was to be made on draft day ... 

June 23, 2011 started out like any other. He had a good workout, when he came home from the gym. Until ...

"I just had gotten home from the gym, and got a call from my agent (Pat Morris) and literally just thought it was a casual catch-up," Richards explained. "I was just like, 'Hey, how's it' going? How's the draft going, blah blah blah.' But he was like, 'Richie, I've got to talk to you.'"

Shock. Then anger. Emotions were running rampant.

No being able to reach Morris, he clicked on the Internet. Then, his cell phone blew up with calls from friends and family wondering of the reports were true that he had been traded by Philadelphia to the Los Angeles Kings along with center prospect Brayden Schenn, right wing Wayne Simonds and a second-round draft choice.

The captain of the Philadelphia Flyers. He still had nine years left on his 12-year, $69 million contract. He had led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Final only a year before. He was orange and black to the core, a true Flyer in the mold of the beloved Bobby Clarke: nasty, tough, skilled at both ends and a little mischievous on and off the ice. If anyone looked to be a lifer in Philly, it was Mike Richards.

"Yeah, I thought the same. I loved it in Philadelphia," Richards said. "For the first hour or so after getting the call, there were a few bad words and a lot of 'What's going on?' questions."

Then he learned it was true -- he had been traded to the Kings.

"At first I was shocked and then excited," Richards recalled ...

After he had time to digest the announcement he continued, "I'm excited to move out to L.A. and be a part of a team that has a ton of great players. I'm just looking forward to helping them out."

But most of all, he felt wanted.

"You want the guy who wears the jersey on his sleeve and the heart on his sleeve," Kings GM Dean Lombardi said. "If we can get that here in L.A., that's exactly what we need."

Closing in on a year after that deal, he was leading the Kings to the Stanley Cup final -- defeating the New Jersey Devils in six games.

Richards isn't always the most vocal. He takes his lead from his parents. His father, Norm, works in a paper mill. His mother, Irene, works at the Safeway. 

"I am a big believer that you are born with leadership ability or you aren't," said Devils coach Peter DeBoer, who coach Richards as a 16-year-old with the Kitchener Rangers. "It is a tough thing to learn, but we realized pretty early the kind of player Mike was. We actually made him a captain for the first time as a 17-year old -- which is almost unheard of in junior hockey."

DeBoer remembers the first time he met his Richards.

"I'll be honest with you, my first impressions of him during that first training camp were just average," DeBoer explained. "He was a kid coming from northern Ontario, and he had an average training camp. By November he had convinced us to make room for him on the top two lines as a center.

"Mike Richards is one of those guys that, if you are doing a skills competition or watching a practice, wouldn't jump off the page at you. But drop him in a meaningful game and his intangibles take over.

"He was the heartbeat of that team. He grabbed this group by the collar and dragged us through the first round and, by doing it, he got a young team playing with some confidence again."

Should Kitchener find a way to beat the mighty Knights and go on to win the 2005 Memorial Cup, Rangers fans will point to The Speech. It came after Kitchener dropped the first two games of its opening-round series with Erie. 

He pointed the finger at himself first. Saying his performance had been unacceptable, Richards promised the fans he would be better and he promised them the team would be better.

Kitchener has not lost a game since the promise was made, while Richards has gone on a rampage, scoring eight goals -- three of them game winners -- and adding 12 assists to put him in a tie, with London's Corey Perry, as the OHL playoff scoring leaders.

"There was a lot of pressure on a lot of people and as a leader I needed to step up and say something," Richards said. "And by saying something I think it kind of took the pressure off some of the younger guys."

Speaking in leadership terms, DeBoer said of Richards, "He'd run you over with his car to win a Stanley Cup, then he'd visit you in the hospital after."

Richards assisted on the first two goals in Game 6 -- the series clinching game.

With the Flyers, Mike totaled 28, 30, 31 and 23 goals before the trade. Like at Vancouver in the 2010 Olympics, he learned to give the team the best effort for his playing time -- 26 or 20 minutes.

Richards was a perfect fit for a second-line center -- behind No. 1 man Anze Kopitar and in front of third-liner Jarret Stoll.

He finished with 18 goals and 26 assists in the regular season. In the playoffs, he contributed four goals and 11 assists in 20 games.

"When I first got here in December, Richie was sidelined by a concussion," coach Darryl Sutter said. "He didn't really get over that until March, but he always played with his emotions on his sleeve.

"Then, after we brought in Jeff Carter, they both brought the house."

In the playoffs, everyone starts at zero on the stats sheet.

"Everybody starts at zero. I never lost confidence in myself. Even though I wasn’t getting the points, the bounces, you knew if you stuck with it, it was going to come," Richards pointed out. "You stick with the game plan. It's not cheating offensively. It's playing good defense."

Asked if he wondered when he took over why Richards had so few points, Sutter answered in the negative.

"He's a pretty good player, he's an elite player," Sutter continued. "You saw him in Vancouver in the Olympics."

No longer the captain, Mike Richards is a true leader. Almost one year to the day was living a Stanley Cup dream.

The trade. The disappointment.

"Something I had never had to before," Richards said of the trade. "I don't handle change to well and adjustment. But ..."

Forty minutes after he held the Stanley Cup for the very first time, Mike Richards went back and grabbed it once more. For good measure.

He found a patch of ice where no one stood, slowly skated a half lap by all himself, just he and the Cup. He enjoyed his own personal moment in a sea of hugs, tears, family and still more tears.

"This is amazing," Richards yelled. "It was a frustrating year. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of highs and lows.

"All year was a journey. There was a lot of good, a lot of bad. But we got through it. This is the most resilient group I've ever been a part of."

Mike Richards was the most important piece of the puzzle. A winner. A Stanley Cup winner.

Just as Quick as it can be to Stanley Cup champ

By Larry Wigge

Dean Lombardi admits he was a little worried about his goaltending when he took over as GM of the Los Angeles Kings in April of 2006. Oh, he had lots of contenders ... many of whom could not stop a beachball.

It was so bad that the Kings went through five goalies in 2006-07 and then six the next season. Using three netminders in one season may be necessary, but five or six ...

Dan Cloutier or Mathieu Garon or Sean Burke were one thing, but the Kings tested Lombardi's sanity and Los Angeles also tried Barry Brust and Japanese-born Yutaka Fukufuji. The second year, the Kings brought in youngsters Erik Ersberg and Jonathan Bernier and Jonathan Quick.

Lombardi's attitude raves and yet shakes his head in confusion the first time he saw goalie Jonathan Quick up close and personal.

"I'll never forget, he was really athletic, really competitive," Lombardi explained. "But when we got down to the locker room, we noticed his shoes were undone and he was only halfway dressed. I asked him how he thought he played."

Said Quick, "He said I got the 'W.' "

He got the 'W.'

"It was as simple as that. I'll never forget," recalled Lombardi. "He said, 'I got the 'W' with that Connecticut accent on the 'W.'

"He had a long process to become a pro. But he didn't work ... and his technique was raw."

Still, there was something the Kings GM liked about the goalie from Milford, Connecticut.

Little did he know then that Quick would post 39, 35 and 35 victories during a period of three season from 2009-10 through 2011-12. In the meantime, Quick joined the NHL's elite --New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist and Nashville's Pekka Rinne as the top three candidates for the Vezina Trophy.

Jonathan brought steady and solid and then put up an amazing run of 16-4 to the Kings in their amazing Stanley Cup run, beating No. 1 ranked Vancouver, No. 2 ranked St. Louis and No. 3 ranked Phoenix. He had sparking stats -- 1.41 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage in the postseason. Quick even set NHL records for goalies who played at least 15 postseason games. Quick's stats slid under Chris Osgood's 1.51 GAA for Detroit in 2008 and Jean-Sebastien Giguere's .945 save percentage for Anaheim in 2003.

In the process, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoffs MVP.

"The biggest problem in my six years is we've had some pretty good teams here but we have no goalie," admitted captain Dustin Brown. "You build your team from the goalie out. You can have a good team and an average goaltender and you become an average team because hockey is a game of mistakes and there are going to be Grade A scoring opportunities. And if you don't have a goalie who can make those saves, you're not going to be able to advance as a team and an organization."

Said center Jarret Stoll, "He works so hard to find pucks. Maybe you think, 'How the heck did see that puck? How did he find that thing?' He's all over the net. You watch him on replays when the iso-cam's on him and he's constantly moving and his legs are so strong. He's so flexible, so athletic that he can get into so many positions in that crease and make saves.

"We've seen it time and time again where he can come up with these saves and calm our team down, keep the game 0-0, keep the game 1-0 for us, whatever the case may be. He does it game-in and game-out. That's the other thing that's surprising -- the consistency he has in his game. There's no valleys, there's no dips in his game.

"He's playing on another planet."

An 8-year-old Jonathan Quick was perhaps the most nervous boy in Connecticut in June 1994, at home on his parents' couch watching Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final between the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.

Quick's favorite player was goaltender Mike Richter, who carried the Rangers to their first championship in 54 years on the strength of the best regular season of his career that he managed to improve upon for four rounds of the postseason.

"I grew up a Rangers fan, so I saw a lot of them," Quick said. "He was very competitive, very explosive. He competes, he battles. I just remember I was more nervous back then ..."

Doug and Lisa Quick gave birth a solid citizen. Doug, a route salesman for Entenmann's bakery and does construction work on the side, knows the value of hard work. 

Hard work and an attitude adjustment were necessary to build the goaltender we know as Quickie. Jonathan was a third-round pick, 72nd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Drafted by Dave Taylor and left to Lombardi. Quick led Avon Old Farms to consecutive New England prep school championships in his last two years of high school, compiling a 45-3 record. In two years at the University of Massachusetts-Amerst, he took to within of the Final Four -- losing to the University of Maine.  

Lombardi recalled a saying that goaltending guru Warren Strelow told him when they were both in San Jose, whether it was with Miikka Kiprusoff or Evgeni Nabokov.

"Warren would say, 'Don't try to evaluate Quick. With goalies ... you never know.' So much is (pointing to the head). That's why you see so many first- and second-round picks that don't pan out." 

So, Lombardi left the analysis to his goaltending experts. But, still, he said, "Every year, he was always a great competitor, always a great athlete -- probably our best athlete on the conditioning chart. He's got that -- you could see right away -- that swagger. Got a little (goalie Ron Hextall) Hexy in him.

"Jonathan's a maverick. He's a real battler."

Hextall was there at watching the Manchester farm club with Lombardi in the 2007-08 season.

"Stylistically, he had lots of work to do," Hextall remembered. "He was very clean, but you could see the holes ... and we could see the upside. Allowed him to be the athletic goalie that he is. But ..."

During that 2007-08 season, Quick was guilty of sleeping in instead of meeting with Kim Dillabough, who was being sent to Manchester to work with Jonathan. Hextall and Bill Ranford, Kings goaltending coach, let the young goaltender that would never happen again. They also demoted Quick to Reading of the East Coast Hockey League as a consequence of the sleep-in.   

"I learned a lot. I played a lot of games down there and saw a lot of pucks and kind of got an understanding for the professional level," said Quick. "Maybe I wasn't too happy to go down at first, but looking back at it I learned a lot down there and it helped my game."

Hextall said that Quick needed to learn to become a pro.

Said Ranford, "He was very athletic. Pure atheleticism. Cleaning up the technical side of his game and utilizying the athletic skill as a plus.

"He's a real student of the game. He's special that way, in that you can talk about things in the morning and he'll be trying it that night.

"He showed great athletic ability and flexibility. Strong legs."

Quick's style includes elements of the traditional stand-up approach, which relies on reflexes; a hint of butterflying, which relies on positioning; and one wrinkle -- in which he puts the paddle of the goal stick flat across the crease to take away the low shot. Quick can do the latter because of his leg strength -- a speedy post-to-post leg push.

"That flexibility and leg strength is what is key to me," coach Darryl Sutter said. "He reminds me of Miikka Kiprusoff. So good on all shots along the ice ... plus he's got a crab-like quality of getting to the high shots, too.

"What he is best at is being a teammate, fitting in with the team -- not somewhere else like a loner."

 

There's a lot beneath and behind the mask of Jonathan Quick. He keeps his answers short. He refuses to look at the historical context. He says all he cares about is the next game, nothing else. "I feel I've tried to give my team a chance to get the 'W' every night," he said. "I think from a goalie's standpoint, that's your job."

That's it. That's Quick.

"He never quits on a puck," said St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock. "He's like an old-school goalie. He reminds me a little bit of Marty Brodeur, because he just never quits on a puck."

About his own evolution, Quick shrugged: "It's just kind of a natural progression that everyone goes through. You pick up experience, and two more years of coaching at this level pays dividends. It's just a natural progression."

According to Bill Ranford, "He used to use his athletic ability on every save versus just using it when needed. I think that's where his game has evolved the most.

"It's kind of the pot calling the kettle black myself, but I learned as I went along that you have to utilize (athleticism) as a tool, not your toolbox. That is the best analogy for him. He needed to get more tools to create a toolbox ... and then this athletic ability that he has, he could utilize it when needed as opposed to using it on every save."

The evolution of Jonathan Quick is a goaltender with swagger. The more success he gets, the better he becomes.