Just scanning over the Hamilton stats and thought I'd share a few observations that I see:
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/l...007912013.html
Gabriel Dumont: By far the best contributor although that is not saying much. He is the only one I can see called up and inserted in the lineup. I would still prefer keeping what is on the team and letting this guy develop a bit more.
Mike Blunden: He could be called up too but putting him in the place of Armstrong for example is a lateral move at best. Again, probably better to stick with what is there in Montreal.
Nathan Beaulieu: Decent stats, but a lot of development left to do. Not an overnight sensation by any means. Next year will be very telling.
Louis Leblanc: Fallen off the rails like a Dobberhockey Lounge thread. No call-ups to Montreal until he gets straightened out. He is only 21 so no reason not to take it slow.
Frederic St-Denis: Not an NHL defenseman as some have speculated.
Jarred Tinordi: Surprising offense for a guy who is a shutdown defender in his first pro season. His career-high in the OHL was 16 points.
Greg Pateryn: Again, surprising 8 points in 22 games for a shutdown guy.
Brendon Nash: Also not an NHL defenseman after showing some positive signs. He did well in a favorable environment.
Morgan Ellis: Disappointing offense from a guy who was productive in junior.
Alexander Avtsin: Not an NHL player. If he appears in the prospects report again I will file a complaint.
Zack Stortini: If the team needs a goon he's the guy to call up. Once had 11 points in 52 games in Edmonton which is good for a fighter.
Dustin Tokarski: Outstanding since the trade. Dark horse to win the backup job if Budaj is not re-signed.
Robert Mayer: No progress shown and this is his third AHL season.
Overall this is an awful team. The team record is not awful but I see very little in terms of NHL readiness. Everything that was good about Hamilton over the last few years is currently in Montreal. The current crop is very disappointing. Some are inexperienced but many AHL rookies have success on other teams. No overnight stars here. Don't be surprised to see some college prospects and European free agents signed.
