Buds Board Keepers League

A player will be considered a prospect until he meets the following criteria:

• If a prospect is a skater (forward, defenseman) and has played in 65 NHL games or more before the completion of the season of his 24th birthday; or, if a goaltender has played in 45 NHL games before the completion of the season of his 24th birthday, that player will be considered graduated to the NHL.
• Conversely, if a player completes the season of his 24th birthday without passing those milestones, then that player will no longer be considered a prospect by Hockey’s Future, regardless of the player’s status with his NHL club.
• An NCAA player who signs his first contract at or above the age of 22 has three years to meet the above criteria (65/45), while those NCAA players that turn pro under the age of 22 will be subjected to
  the criteria above.
• European players who sign their first NHL contract at or above the age of 22 have three seasons from the time they sign that contract to meet the above criteria. Those European players below the age of 22 that have signed a NHL contract will be subjected to the criteria in section one.

San Jose Sharks



Strengths:

The Sharks are deep on the back end with a plethora of good young defenceman ready to make the jump to the next level in the coming years. The blueline corps, and farm system as a whole is headlined by Cody Franson and Nick Leddy, both prospects bring mobility and offense from the back end, as well as an improving defensive game. Franson is the more polished two way player, and figures to be a mainstay on the Sharks top 4, Leddy is far more raw, but possesses a more refined offensive touch, however his defensive game leaves much to be desired, and could ultimately result in a more specialized role on the power play. Also figuring into the Sharks future plans on defence are blueliners: Mark Katic, Ty Wishart, Brayden McNabb, Roman Josi and Nick Crawford; while none figure to make a big impact at the next level, they provide depth to a relatively weak overall farm system.

Weaknesses:

Aside from the defensive end, the Sharks system lacks depth and true top end talent at every position. The likes of Jakub Silvferberg, and Dmitri Kugryshev provide solid value for second round picks, but neither player project higher than the second line, if that. Patrick Maroon is a potential sleeper for the bottom six, but needs to demonstrate an improved defensive game at the AHL level first, as with Silvferberg and Kugryshev, Maroon’s offensive output at the junior and AHL level (sparingly) do not project at the NHL level.

In goal the Sharks have depth, with 4 active goaltending prospects (Khudobin, Lindback, Pielmeier, Stalock) on the farm, and recent graduate Thomas Greiss already on the big club. Unfortunately, the praise ends there, aside from Alex Stalock, none of the aforementioned tenders have shown the consistency and poise to project as much more than a backup at the NHL level.

Los Angeles Kings



Strengths:

The Los Angeles Kings might hold the rights to the best farm system in BBKL, it’s that stacked. The impressive list is headlined by top prospects: OEL, and Brayden Schenn, both of who are highly regarded, and for good reason. OEL in particular has experienced a meteoric rise up prospect charts since coming out of nowhere in 2009, with a strong showing at the WJC OEL proved he is more than just hype, and certainly more than capable of handling elite competition, something that was questioned during his stay in the weaker Elisterian (Swedish Tier 2 League). OEL combines agility on his skates, with a strong IQ that allows him to make smart outlet passes and skate the puck out of harm’s way. The size, skill and smarts are there; all that is left is for OEL to continue to refine the raw aspects of his game, if the development path continues as expected OEL has the potential to be a mainstay on any top unit in the NHL.

Aside from the big two names, Los Angeles feature good young forwards: Zack Kassian, Mikkel Boedker, Patrice Cormier, Nick Palmieri and Zack Boychuk. Each forward possesses a strong way game with a blend of skill and grit. While none of them are likely to crack LA’s top line, it is more than likely that they all contribute to the top 9 in one capacity or another.

On the opposite side of the puck the Kings pipeline include the likes of Tyson Barrie and Dylan Mcilrath. Barrier recently took WHL Defenseman of the Year honours, and rightfully so, the undersized blue liner competes hard, and while small more than makes up for it with strong speed and puck rushing skills. Expect Barrie to make the Kings roster as a power play specialist in the coming years. Conversely, Dylan Mcilrath is a behemoth who makes use of every inch of his 6’5 215llb. Frame, the young defensive defenseman is revered by many in the WHL as the toughest fighter in the league, he combines that grit with a tenacious never say die attitude on defence. His mobility is a weak spot, but he makes up for it with a long reach, and in your face style of play. Still young, Mcilrath has lots of room to grow before he can make the jump to the next level, but if his strides in the last two seasons are any indication; he is well on his way.

In net, the Kings feature both depth and top and quality, Pickard and Roy, both project as potential starters, and Lee, Pogge, Morrison, Lee, Stephen and Wedgewood provide the depth in case one of them falters. All in all the Kings appear set both in the immediate future with Steve Mason, and long term future with the aforementioned prospects developing in the pipelines.

Weaknesses:

There isn’t much in the King’s system not to like, they offer top end talent at each position, and are deep at forward and in goal, but as is true with anything, nothing is perfect, the Kings are no different. While OEL, McIlrath and Barrie project as promising young NHL’ers, there isn’t much of anything outside of that to get excited about. Continued focus on this area in the upcoming drafts should go a long way to help fixing this problem.

Anaheim Ducks



Strengths:

The Ducks cupboard lacks depth, but compensates with top end talent at the top, the farm system is headlined by a trio of high ceiling European forwards: Kirill Kabanov, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Tomas Tatar, each have their own draw backs, but the skill set is undeniable. Kirill Kabanov in particular could be the class of not only the Ducks system, but perhaps the entire minor league system. The young Russian flank has top end speed, skill, goal scoring instincts and size to boot, if he can overcome the concerns surrounding his character the Ducks have a special player on the rise. Outside of the European trio, the Ducks pipeline offers some depth up front with specialty forwards Kevin Sundher and Brad Marchand, while neither figure to be top six fixtures at the next level, they provide good honest grit and two way play on the bottom lines, which is essential when building a contender. Also important to note is sleeper forward Juraj Mikus, drafted as a bit of a project pick the young forward has yet to put it all together, but the skill is there, and the Ducks are in no rush to write off this project just yet.

Weaknesses:

Outside of the forward prospects, the Ducks farm system lacks depth and top end talent at the defence and goaltending positions. Nicolas Deschamps headlines a weak blueline corps, and remains the only blueline prospect in the pipeline with a reasonable chance of cracking the big clubs top four in the future. Mikkelson and Mitera provide stability at the lower levels, but don’t figure to amount to much at the next level. In goal, the Ducks have but one goaltender with the talent level to succeed at the next level, unfortunately they were unable to agree to terms with Alex Salak, and as a result appear stuck with Jonas Gustavsson as Giguere’s successor, for better or for worse.

Dallas Stars:



Strengths:

The Stars farm system is shallow in depth, but what it does have is more than adequate. Blueliners Calvin De Hann and Jamie McBain headline a relatively strong blueline corps. Both defenceman figure to play prominent roles at the next level, but at different paces. McBain is older and more battle tested, it would come as a surprise if he is not with the blig club full time this fall. Conversely, De Haan suffered a lower body injury at the WJC, and failed to regain form until late, another season in the OHL and perhaps a brief cup of coffee in the AHL are to be expected before a call up to the NHL.

Also key to the list, are the Stars young forwards: Matt Dagostini, Dustin Jeffrey, and Jesse Joensuu have all bided their time in the AHL, and look poised to fight for a spot in training camp. Dustin Jeffrey in particular is expected to get a strong look at camp, due to the Stars weakness down the middle, Jeffery provides grit, and a hardnosed approach in front of the net that will be welcome on the Stars power play unit.

In goal, the Stars have one option, albeit a very good one in Richard Bachman. Only 23 the young netminder has already enjoyed success at the NCAA level with Colorado College, again with ECHL affiliate Idaho, and in a brief stint in the AHL posted a sparkling .932 save % with one shut out. Bachman is on the small side at 5’10, but possesses good agility from post to post, and above average athleticism. Bachman has the potential to be the eventual successor to Rick Dipietro.

Weaknesses:

The Stars are shallow at each position, with no real game changers at any position. In goal they are putting all of their eggs into one basket, which is often troublesome. Their most talented forward, Carl Soderberg has yet to reach an agreement with the big club, and seems intent on remaining in Sweden, if that issue isn’t cleared up soon the Stars system will take quite a hit; outside of Soderberg there are no true top six forwards in the pipeline.

Phoenix Coyotes



Strengths:

Without question, the greatest strength of the Coyotes farm system is in goal, they have developed a deep talent pool between the pipes, and have two or more candidates with legitimate starting goaltender upside. Edward Pasquale tops the list of prospective netminders in the system, at 6’2 and 618llb. Pasquale is able to cover most of the net, and uses his size in collaboration with his athleticism and strong reflexes to make saves most goaltenders could not. In order to fulfill his potential however, it is important for Pasquale to become more controlled in net, and learn to make the hard saves look easy, this is essential at the next level where second chance opportunities are far more frequent. Joining Pasquale in the Coyotes farm are promising netminders: Dustin Tokarski, and Michael Hutchinson.

Offensively, the Coyotes are not as deep, but they do hold the rights to a few potential NHL’ers. Headlining this group is Adam Henrique, the young pivot has enjoyed great success with the two time defending Memorial Cup and OHL Champion, Windsor Spitfires, Henrique has been an integral part of that success. Slightly undersized at 6’0 and 196 llb it is essential that Henrique continue to bulk up in order to play his brand of in you’re face hockey. Aside from Henrique, the Coyotes offer Kenny Ryan and Charlie Coyle, two forwards who are a little rough around the edges, but have an outside shot to flourish in a top six role. Finishing off the forward corps are Dale Mitchell and Cory Emmerton, neither are particularly skilled, but provide solid work ethic and grit in the bottom six.

On defence, the Coyotes have young Swedish blueliner, Alexander Urbom. Since being drafted by the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings Urbom has made gigantic strides offensively, and improved on an already stellar defensive game, at this rate there is no telling what the ceiling is for the young Swede. Also on the list is former team Canada WJC member, Marco Scandella, he is not flashy by any means, but gets the job done on the defensive end, and can make a smart outlet pass out of his zone.

Weaknesses:

The Coyotes are extremely thin on offense and defence, and lack true top end talent at either position. Perhaps this is a result of the Coyotes draft approach, as many of their picks are of the “safe variety”, a few risks in the later rounds would go a long way in improving the quality and long term outlook of their farm system.

Well done, mysterious newspaperman.

Well done mystery man, whoever you are...

Yea, i'm loving this shit! Very respectable and appreciated. Thank You!

looking forward to future pieces!

You ain't gonna get this shit in your new fancy league Scott

mr. bruin wroteCOLONYou ain't gonna get this shit in your new fancy league Scott

LOL ahahahah +1

mr. bruin wroteCOLONYou ain't gonna get this shit in your new fancy league Scott

Haha nice.

never knew pasquale was 618 lbs lol

Well at least we know it wasn't Frank ...

Very very well done.. excited for the next division..

im gonna get ravaged here. i sold the farm long ago haha.

carter ashton
richard panik
igor makarov
matt corrente



alex hutchings?
alex chiasson?

lol shit...

wow nice job! much improved from last years (which is already very well done)!

Very nice job, "Mysterious Guy"

Wow, someone is a huge dork...