The first round is winding down in the CHL, for the most part. Some surprises have accompanied major junior, with the Ottawa 67's being swept by Sudbury topping my list. The loss was a hard one to watch, and there were reports of several players staying behind hours after the lights had been shutoff, just sitting by themselves.
Onto some news/thoughts...
1. Both Ryan Spooner and Jared Knight are on their way to Providence. This is a big boost for the Bruins AHL Club, who lack any real offensive punch amongst their ranks. Spooner and Knight were both 2010 2nd Round Picks of the B's.
2. Also have been told that the Sharks AHL Club, Worcester, will get a defensive boost. Kingston Frontenacs Captain, Taylor Doherty, is reporting later today, and will likely be there next year from the get go.
3. Robby Mignardi scored a gorgeous goal for Owen Sound to eliminate the London Knights last night, with only a few minutes remaining in a 0-0 game. He's had two 30 goal campaigns in the O; gotta wonder if anyone will look at him come training camp.
4. Nazem Kadri seems to have turned a corner in his game with the Leafs. From my understanding, he'll likely be with Toronto from here on in. Also found it interesting that Ron Wilson agreed with my sentiments, earlier in the week, stating that he sees Kadri as more of a winger at the NHL level.
5. Sad to hear about Jaden Schwartz' (St. Louis Prospect) sister Mandy's passing yesterday. She's been fighting leukemia for a while now. My thoughts and prayers and with both Jaden and his entire family.
6. Where the heck is Greg McKegg (TOR)? This series has not been good for him; only two goals in six playoff games against Windsor. He seems to have vanished when his team needs him, they're currently tied 3-3 in the series.
7. Ryan Martindale (EDM) seems to have taken the Ottawa 67's loss to heart. He was seen in the stands following game 4 in his underwear (yes,
underwear), alone, crying. He's likely to head to Oklahoma and stay there through next season, but still waiting on confirmation.
8. Stephane Da Costa really seemed to transition well to the NHL in his first go round with Ottawa. He had a lot of chances and was able to keep up with the big boys. He's a lot younger than most college/European Free Agents, too. For a team starving for centers, Da Costa seems to fit the bill well behind Spezza.
9. Hopefully now that Florida has gotten all that money off the books from this past deadline, they can actually work out a deal with Gudbranson. He needs to move on from the OHL, for his own sake.
10. Apparently Lombardi contacted Brayden Schenn this week about the 'call up' rumors. From what it sounds like, Brayden was told not to worry about it, and that it's unlikely he'd get the call because of what would need to happen for it to be doable. The Blades won their first round, and unless they get knocked out anytime soon, I don't see him with the Kings this season.
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NOTE: Piece is still coming on Jared Knight, B's fans, just had a hiccup with the interview. Expect it shortly.
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