Or Hanifin, Krug, Bjugstad, Eichel, Grimaldi, Gostibehere, or Trouba? The Stanley cup champs have 17, of their players from last season, went to the NCAA... But hey, NCAA players don't do much in the NHL....
- BearsnHawks

Forgot about Hannifan coming straight out of the NCAA to the NHL as a freshman. ... People don't realize that 31% of NHLers went the NCAA route and it's growing in both number and quality. This last draft 11 NCAA kids were drafted in the 1st round. http://collegehockeyinc.c...ages/2016-nhl-draft-picks

This is just an observation and not an evaluation of any sort, but Larkin, Trouba, and Motte all went to Michigan. Plus, IIRC, the NTDP is in Ann Arbor. This could just be pure coincidence or a testament to the strength of hockey development in that particular city in the U.S.
- AEL_Fox

IMO the biggest draw to Michigan is coach Red Berensen. Guy has been around for 30+ years and churns out NHL picks. It's an attractive draw for top players.

Yes the NTDP did play out of Ann Arbor for years until a year or two ago when they moved to Plymouth, MI after the OHL Plymouth Whalers moved to Flint, MI.

IMO the very best state to be a hockey fan is Michigan. Every single level all over the state. NHL, multiple D1 NCAA clubs, AHL, ECHL, Major Junior, USHL, NAHL.

In a couple weeks, Vesey will decide where he wants to sign.

He is a prospect and he might make the jump directly to the NHL, but he may not. He is worth signing either way, just for the potential outside of this next season.

Here are some examples of players that came out of college hockey and within around a season or less then found themselves playing regular shifts fairly effectively. Vesey may be a bust or he may be a future star (or somewhere inbetween).

Adam Oates
Brendan Morrison
Brett Hull
Brian Leetch
Chris Chelios
Dany Heatley
David Backes
Doug Weight
Drew Stafford
James Van Riemsdyk
Joe Nieuwendyk
Joe Pavelski
Keith Tkachuk
Patrick Eaves
Paul Kariya
Paul Stastny
Phil Kessel
Rod Brind'Amour
Ryan Kesler
Ryan Suter
T.J. Oshie
Thomas Vanek
Zach Parise

I haven't had a Snickers since I took a group of young newly arrive Asians in a summer program to the Mars plant, in 1978.

Stayed away from the political stuff, even though I do have a strong opinion on who was right and who was wrong in that discussion (I'll leave it for you to decide which one.............), but the bolded made me laugh, when's the last time you heard something say that!
- vabeachbear

When I do Yoga, the above sentence is my mantra/chant.

I just figured I was incorrect to take everyone down that road with no need on my part and wanted to lighten it up (without an apology).

I just wanted to add that it is no coincidence that the hawks (and other teams) continue to slect even the lower line USNDP players...
these kids have been in Colorado & Glen Falls, NY compete in team tourneys to help the uS find the best most skilled, and useful hockey players to represent the USA against those establishe juggernauts in Canada & Russia.

They have be brought in over and over for years to play with other skilled elite US younsters to see how they shake out before there is a US roster formed.

So that is the reason for years now, even the less mentioned mid and low end players in the US program like Stephen Johns and Jason Zucker are getting selected before the third round is over.

Gosh the kid the Bruins picked late in the first, Trent Frederic, he wasn't considerd more than a take no prisoners low end player on the US SQUAD, but as long as teams see the upsdie to succeed as low end NHL players, you take them because you as looking for eventual NHLers, over swinging for the wall with hopefuls with warts, who MIGHT be great scorers or carriers, or have size, etc.

you want the Cap relief these first & second contracts give you, and you need them TO play on your team to do that, and also be ready TO play and not need hand holding for a half dozen seasons, and these USNDP kids are more prepared for the rigors...

IMO the biggest draw to Michigan is coach Red Berensen. Guy has been around for 30+ years and churns out NHL picks. It's an attractive draw for top players.

Yes the NTDP did play out of Ann Arbor for years until a year or two ago when they moved to Plymouth, MI after the OHL Plymouth Whalers moved to Flint, MI.

IMO the very best state to be a hockey fan is Michigan. Every single level all over the state. NHL, multiple D1 NCAA clubs, AHL, ECHL, Major Junior, USHL, NAHL.
- Mr Ricochet

Minnesotans may take issue with that statement. My daughter is at school up there (Go Gophers!), and the hockey scene is very vibrant at every level, including the women's game.

Either way, it's great to see US Hockey thrive outside of the Northeast.

I believe that the biggest plus that the Hawks can offer Vesey is exposure. Recently they are broadcast nationally more than any other team, participate in more winter classics than any other team, and participate annually (successfully) in the playoffs.

Do you think Saad would have received his contract with the same stats on a team no one sees?
- 67hawks

>Bruins will be on national TV almost as many times as the Hawks this year -- believe only 1-2 times less
>Bruins are also an Original Six team with great heritage
>The East Coast media provides much more NHL exposure than the Chicago media
>Bruins have played 2 Winter Classics and are always "in the mix" for an outdoor game
>The "edge" in exposure is inconsequential in any Boston vs Chicago choice
>The market determines today's NHL player contracts and many talented young players who can skip a 'bridge deal" on their second contract and go straight to big money are doing so
>Saad's production was indeed very much helped by playing for the Blackhawks and the teammates he had
>And JJ mentioned that the Hawks will use Saad as an example of why Vesey should come to Chicago -- play with Saad's old linemates, win a Cup(s), and if all goes well -- skip a bridge deal on your second contract

>Bruins will be on national TV almost as many times as the Hawks this year -- believe only 1-2 times less
>Bruins are also an Original Six team with great heritage
>The East Coast media provides much more NHL exposure than the Chicago media
>Bruins have played 2 Winter Classics and are always "in the mix" for an outdoor game
>The "edge" in exposure is inconsequential in any Boston vs Chicago choice
>The market determines today's NHL player contracts and many talented young players who can skip a 'bridge deal" on their second contract and go straight to big money are doing so
>Saad's production was indeed very much helped by playing for the Blackhawks and the teammates he had
>And JJ mentioned that the Hawks will use Saad as an example of why Vesey should come to Chicago -- play with Saad's old linemates, win a Cup(s), and if all goes well -- skip a bridge deal on your second contract
- SnapitUpstairs

So come Aug 15th and Vesey meets the Hawks.. they should invite him to the UC. Then walk him into a conference room with Stan, Q, Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabs waiting for him. Maybe there could be 3 Cups sitting on the table. Say here you go young man. A chance to play with NHL greats and a chance to put your name on a Cup. Oh yeah it will be our 4th Cup since 2010. Got a pen? Sign right there!!!

Then pull out a jersey with his name on it and toss it to him. Its no different then college football recruiting. When you want that star prospect? The HC, DC, OC... they all go to meet that recruit.

So come Aug 15th and Vesey meets the Hawks.. they should invite him to the UC. Then walk him into a conference room with Stan, Q, Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabs waiting for him. Maybe there could be 3 Cups sitting on the table. Say here you go young man. A chance to play with NHL greats and a chance to put your name on a Cup. Oh yeah it will be our 4th Cup since 2010. Got a pen? Sign right there!!!

Then pull out a jersey with his name on it and toss it to him. Its no different then college football recruiting. When you want that star prospect? The HC, DC, OC... they all go to meet that recruit.
- z1990z

There is a big difference - Vesey will have an agent to cut thru the bullpoop and (theoretically at least) make sure he understands all of the pluses and minuses involved with each presentation and offer.

There is a big difference - Vesey will have an agent to cut thru the bullpoop and (theoretically at least) make sure he understands all of the pluses and minuses involved with each presentation and offer.
- StLBravesFan

Cant hurt... Roll that dog and pony show!!!

There is a big difference - Vesey will have an agent to cut thru the bullpoop and (theoretically at least) make sure he understands all of the pluses and minuses involved with each presentation and offer.
- StLBravesFan

And the agent is saying they will field offers and meet with teams in Boston for a day or two. They aren't flying the mountain to Mohammad but the reverse.

I haven't had a Snickers since I took a group of young newly arrive Asians in a summer program to the Mars plant, in 1978.





When I do Yoga, the above sentence is my mantra/chant.

I just figured I was incorrect to take everyone down that road with no need on my part and wanted to lighten it up (without an apology).
- wiz1901

We all have our prejudices when it comes to the small guys and you just have to give it to Motte, because every time I ever saw him, he played BIG.
He is a tough / rugged soul who plays to win/score/set up.
You cannot deny those numbers but even more so you can't deny that so far the issue of size has not been a deterrent, due somewhat to the fact he uses his gifts all over the ice.
I think the biggest question with new young additions is how well they have prepared prior to the NHL shot, and how well they handle every part of their NHL ice time and prep.
We all uses to say, "yeah he looks good, but he's small...about even 5' 10" thin guys in the old paradign.
We saw last Fall, Mexico & others fawning over Dano, who wasn't just out of college, as he had pro experience in two leagues....and we saw that to play with top flight elite NHL talent (and believe me I feel most NHL players have elite qualities) requires these younger guys to have all the qualities in place, AND have the over all mental and on ice quickness to not even think about what happens when the slide in a sweet spot and have to react with a decision.

So it is really a tough question for JJ or even the Blackhawks to answer until they see these skilled kids in that context.
- wiz1901

I got a chance to watch him quite a bit this year, he's a good all around player. Don't see him as a top six though. He's small at 5'9 but he's a scrapper at 190 lbs. Reminds me of Shaw, but he's a better skater and I think he'll be a better scorer given time to develop.

Last day of July.

To review, Hawks sign Campbell to be #4 defenseman at discount.

Schmaltz signs and skills abundant at prospects camp.

Hawks sign pest Tootoo to placate Keith and Seabrook.

Kempny looks like a man among boys at prospect camp.

Stan pushing hard for Jimmy Vesey.

Others Ufa players who might be available if no Vesey, Hudler, Tlusty, Spaling.

I have a good feeling about Vesey. Buffalo thought they were going to lock him up with their pitch. They failed. When he gets to August 15, Stan is going to pounce. His pitch of Vesey playing left wing on a perrenial Cup contender with guys like Toews, Kane, Panerin, Keith, Seabrook and others will get it done. Just a positive hunch.
- Omahawk

I haven't seen this posted yet.

For what it's worth, Matthew Coller of Hockey Prospectus wrote a piece for ESPN Insider (subscription required) in which he concludes the Blackhawks are the most likely to sign Vesey.

http://insider.espn.go.co...-vesey-first-contract-nhl

He has the Sabres, Maple Leafs, Bruins, Rangers and Blackhawks as the most desirable locations for Vesey and predicts he will choose the Hawks.

"The Blackhawks can basically check off all boxes. They are a Cup contender, they can offer him playing time with Hall of Fame players, and they can give him plenty of spotlight. (Chicago plays 21 times on national TV this season.) The fact that he is allowed to sign only a two-year contract should be incentive to pick a team that can win this season over one that is still growing such as Buffalo or Toronto, in spite of the fact that his long-term home may be elsewhere."

I haven't seen this posted yet.

For what it's worth, Matthew Coller of Hockey Prospectus wrote a piece for ESPN Insider (subscription required) in which he concludes the Blackhawks are the most likely to sign Vesey.

http://insider.espn.go.co...-vesey-first-contract-nhl

He has the Sabres, Maple Leafs, Bruins, Rangers and Blackhawks as the most desirable locations for Vesey and predicts he will choose the Hawks.

"The Blackhawks can basically check off all boxes. They are a Cup contender, they can offer him playing time with Hall of Fame players, and they can give him plenty of spotlight. (Chicago plays 21 times on national TV this season.) The fact that he is allowed to sign only a two-year contract should be incentive to pick a team that can win this season over one that is still growing such as Buffalo or Toronto, in spite of the fact that his long-term home may be elsewhere."
- 4_in_7

Matthew Coller is a genius, someone should promote him and give him a big raise

Last day of July.

To review, Hawks sign Campbell to be #4 defenseman at discount.

Schmaltz signs and skills abundant at prospects camp.

Hawks sign pest Tootoo to placate Keith and Seabrook.

Kempny looks like a man among boys at prospect camp.

Stan pushing hard for Jimmy Vesey.

Others Ufa players who might be available if no Vesey, Hudler, Tlusty, Spaling.
- Omahawk

I get the thought of being positive, but there were a couple negatives that you kind of left out in the review

Forgot about Hannifan coming straight out of the NCAA to the NHL as a freshman. ... People don't realize that 31% of NHLers went the NCAA route and it's growing in both number and quality. This last draft 11 NCAA kids were drafted in the 1st round. http://collegehockeyinc.c...ages/2016-nhl-draft-picks
- Mr Ricochet

Ok I think the whole "Toews went from the NCAA to top line player" argument is a bit flawed. Yes it's true he did but keep in mind he was a #3 pick and he was NEVER going to play all 4 years. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, the intention of the question can someone go from NCAA to top line player was meant for a player who played all 4 years then jumping to the NHL. These type of players generally have lower ceilings (or else they'd make the jump sooner).

Ok I think the whole "Toews went from the NCAA to top line player" argument is a bit flawed. Yes it's true he did but keep in mind he was a #3 pick and he was NEVER going to play all 4 years. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, the intention of the question can someone go from NCAA to top line player was meant for a player who played all 4 years then jumping to the NHL. These type of players generally have lower ceilings (or else they'd make the jump sooner).
- tyweb69

I get your point, but, if said player is getting put on a line with Toews and Hossa, theoretically, he would have a better chance of success than playing with another top line, as long as he can cycle and keep up

So come Aug 15th and Vesey meets the Hawks.. they should invite him to the UC. Then walk him into a conference room with Stan, Q, Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabs waiting for him. Maybe there could be 3 Cups sitting on the table. Say here you go young man. A chance to play with NHL greats and a chance to put your name on a Cup. Oh yeah it will be our 4th Cup since 2010. Got a pen? Sign right there!!!

Then pull out a jersey with his name on it and toss it to him. Its no different then college football recruiting. When you want that star prospect? The HC, DC, OC... they all go to meet that recruit.
- z1990z

Might as well have a couple of cute administrative assistants at the meeting too, to serve the coffee and bagels. (I know, not P.C.)

Ok I think the whole "Toews went from the NCAA to top line player" argument is a bit flawed. Yes it's true he did but keep in mind he was a #3 pick and he was NEVER going to play all 4 years. I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, the intention of the question can someone go from NCAA to top line player was meant for a player who played all 4 years then jumping to the NHL. These type of players generally have lower ceilings (or else they'd make the jump sooner).
- tyweb69

You are not wrong and IMO your whole post is 100% correct. Yes most NCAA guys who will be big producers in the NHL leave school early and are high draft picks. A big reason is they've reached a point where the competition isn't good enough for them to continue to develop but of course the biggest lure is playing pro hockey, NHL hockey.

And yes the question was/is can a NCAA kid step right into a top 6 role. Difficult for any rookie from the NCAA or Major Junior and the ones that do have a reasonable chance of doing so are ones who were top 5 picks, studs.

The pro-Vesey folks however will say he's a late bloomer, he's 24 years old and most experts when asked where he would have gone in this years draft said around 15 IIRC.

IF the Hawks were to sign this 24 yr old IMO he's one of 3-4-5-6 guys who will get a look in the top 6, another swing for Q so to speak.

I got a chance to watch him quite a bit this year, he's a good all around player. Don't see him as a top six though. He's small at 5'9 but he's a scrapper at 190 lbs. Reminds me of Shaw, but he's a better skater and I think he'll be a better scorer given time to develop.
- walleyeb1

IMO Motte might reasonably be able to be a Brendan Gallagher type guy. Smallish, tenacious, scores from in close.............

- DarthKane

Hockeybuzz needs a like button.

Might as well have a couple of cute administrative assistants at the meeting too, to serve the coffee and bagels. (I know, not P.C.)
- boilermaker100

If the Hawks can somehow land Vesey, it will be one helluva good summer for Stan and Co.

What about Larkin?
- KMFDMLight

Yes, he's another, and from all I hear, the Hawks think VESEY can/will be. But again, he is 23. The Hawks youngsters are 20-21.