Comments for Lightning Striking in Prince George at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 4 out of 4 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:34:32 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/3537-lightning-striking-in-prince-george#comment-12568 A very interesting list. However, if they faded prior to the NHL draft, they tend to become NHL commoners. (Pouliot, Upshall, O'Sullivan, Legwand, Yachmenev, Boucher, Perrault, Gelinas). It almost assures them of an NHL career though. Brendl & Ellison are the only two apparent full blown busts. If they win this award and then are top three in their NHL draft class, the Hall-of-Fame becomes a consideration. Pretty safe to keep it in the back of your mind, that when in doubt, you can always draft this kid if he's available towards the end of your keeper draft. Worst case scenario would then be the ability to get your draft pick back. 2009–10 Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes 2008–09 Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars 2007–08 Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires 2006–07 Patrick Kane, London Knights 2005–06 John Tavares, Oshawa Generals 2004–05 Benoit Pouliot, Sudbury Wolves 2003–04 Sidney Crosby, Rimouski Océanic 2002–03 Matt Ellison, Red Deer Rebels 2001–02 Patrick O'Sullivan, Mississauga IceDogs 2000–01 Scottie Upshall, Kamloops Blazers 1999–00 Dan Blackburn, Kootenay Ice 1998–99 Pavel Brendl, Calgary Hitmen 1997–98 David Legwand, Plymouth Whalers 1996–97 Vincent Lecavalier, Rimouski Océanic 1995–96 Joe Thornton, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 1994–95 Bryan Berard, Detroit Junior Red Wings 1993–94 Vitali Yachmenev, North Bay Centennials 1992–93 Jeff Friesen, Regina Pats 1991–92 Alexandre Daigle, Victoriaville Tigres 1990–91 Philippe Boucher, Granby Bisons 1989–90 Petr Nedved, Seattle Thunderbirds 1988–89 Yanic Perreault, Trois-Rivières Draveurs 1987–88 Martin Gelinas, Hull Olympiques - Jocular Hockey Manager Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:45:52 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/3537-lightning-striking-in-prince-george#comment-12566 These days, it seems like everyone says a player needs a yr in the AHL. So often now, I ignore it. Some guys are ready sooner than others it all depends on how they develop which can change in one off season. Connolly operates at an NHL level offensively. TB was high on him from training camp but he needed a yr because of the injuries. Id expect this offseason to be very productive for him as he can focus on improving his overall game instead of the injuries. Dont be surprised if he makes it next season. You cant teach scoring touch. Just ask Kessel. - DuklaNation Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:34:54 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/3537-lightning-striking-in-prince-george#comment-12565 Watching Connolly here in Prince George I can attest that he has the skating skills and scoring touch. Very fluid and a good notch better than the other players around him. He is raw around the edges but what kid his age isn't. Think Kesler without the front-of-the-net presence. - Budde Sat, 12 Mar 2011 09:57:36 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/columnistsarticles-mainmenu-77/45-prospect-schopping/3537-lightning-striking-in-prince-george#comment-12554 I thought Connolly was pretty underwhelming at the WJC this year - he wasn't really given a legitimate shot at a scoring role, but as the tournament wore on other players like Howden seemed to surpass him. He'll have to have a dominant AHL rookie season or WJC next year before I buy-in on him. 40 goals is pretty amazing - but when the assists arent't there as well, it doesn't bode well for elite production at the NHL level. - slufoot Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:59:16 +0100