1) I get asked a lot about Alexander Kerfoot's future with, or without, the New Jersey Devils so I figured I'd share my thoughts on the situation.
His season ended a couple weeks ago. I get not wanting to rush into a decision -- why would he? -- but I think with each day that passes he is more likely to test the free-agent waters.
He could have signed, played the final couple games with New Jersey, got acclimated to the coaching staff, teammates, the NHL game, etc. and burned off a year of his two-year entry-level deal in the process. He did not do that.
Again, I don't at all blame him for taking his time with the decision and it is his right to test free agency should he wish to do so. I just think he would have been more incentivized to sign weeks ago and there is less reason to sign every day.
Ray Shero has said all the right things (Kerfoot is a big part of the future, he can take his time, there is no pressure, etc.) but if I can't imagine he is overly confident Kerfoot will sign.
I could be completely wrong but if Kerfoot is waiting weeks, anyway, it makes sense to prolong the wait and pick where he starts his career.
2) The OHL season ended for a couple of Devils prospects on Sunday as the Soo Greyhounds were eliminated from the playoffs by the Owen Sound Attack. The Greyhounds, of course, featured winger Blake Speers as well as defenseman Colton White on their roster.
Speers had 34 points in 30 regular season games and followed that up with eight points in 11 playoff games. Good but not great numbers.
What's encouraging is that Speers' 5v5 numbers were better this season than last.
He scored goals at a slightly lesser rate but there was a decent sized jump in assists/60 and primary points/60. That is to be expected from a drafted player, especially one who played NHL games and made Canada's World Junior team, but progress is progress. I wouldn't bet on him being a full-time NHLer next season, though.
Meanwhile, White had 31 points in 64 regular season games and chipped in three points in 11 playoff games. His totals don't jump off the page by any means, however, his 5v5 points/60 was higher than several defensemen drafted ahead of him such as Mitch Vande Sompel (Islanders) and Matt Spencer (Lightning) so maybe there is something there. I think he still needs at least a couple years in the AHL, though.
Also: I wouldn't be surprised if Speers and/or White join Albany for the playoffs.
3) In large part due to the play of Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian, the Mississauga Steelheads have advanced to the OHL's Eastern Conference Final.
McLeod is tied for 4th in playoff scoring with 17 points in 11 games while Bastian has a respectable six goals and 10 points in 11 games.
Up next for the Steelheads is a date with the Peterborough Petes, who picked up sweeps in the first two rounds of the playoffs. McLeod and Bastian will need to continue producing if the Steelheads are going to make their way to the OHL Final.