Anyhow just wanted to throw down some quick observations. Obviously its just a practice and one strength I see can be seen through another's eyes as a weakness. I do not envy scouts!
So on to my observations.
* Best player on the ice hands down was Jakub Voracek. Kid just has "it". Skating, the vision, the NHL build, that extra gear, the patience with the puck - kid has the NHL caliber package no doubt.
* Grant Clitsome. The 2004 9th round pick defensemen who spent 4 years at Clarkson University just continues to impress me. He impressed me last year at camp and has only gotten better. He's very poised with the puck and I didn't see him get beat once all practice. He'll spend next year in Syracuse and I'm exicted to see what he brings at the next level.
* Will Weber. Wow is the kid big and can he ever move. He just looks like someone who can throw some bone crunching hits. He's that athletic big if you know what I mean? Moves extremely well.
* Ted Ruth. Not as big as Weber but still a big thick kid. He didn't do much to stand out either way.
* Maxim Mayorov. Again a big NHL type body who can certainly move when he wants to. I liked him with the puck although he seemed to slow down when he received it. What I didn't like was his play without the puck as he seemed to coast if he lost the puck or made a mistake. Skills are there but first impression is that his play away from the puck isn't close to where it needs to be.
* Stephan Legein. This kid can fly, is great with the puck and just has the jump you look for. He hardly ever places a bad blade. The biggest question mark with him is his attitude -- he'll need to grow up quickly if he wants to make the show.
* Nick Holden. This dude was much bigger than I was anticipating. He definitely had more polish than Weber and Ruth but then again he's two years older than those two. I liked the looks of this kid as he definitely has the raw skills -- he should also be in Syracuse this season to start his pro career.
* Matt Calvert. Definitely a small player who can move and has some offensive ability. No doubt he needs a few more years of development which he'll most certainly get.
* Jordan Sigalet. Acquired in the Marquette deal. He was one of the smaller d-men out there who certainly has some offensive upside. I'd like to concentrate more on his game next practice.
* Cody Goloubef. This year's 2nd round pick also has the raw skill and size. Looked very poised and kind of bright eyed out there. As expected he needs more seasoning in Wisconsin but first impression was very positive.
* Dmitry Kosmachev. The missing Russian defensemen makes his North American debut. He was the oldest player out there as he was a 2003 3rd round pick. I loved this looks of this guy. Very polished, can move well with pro size. Not sure what the plan is for him but I liked the skill set.
* Allen York. No complaints watching him between the pipes. Certainly not a large guy but he didn't let in many soft goals and seemed to move around well.
Lots of other guys but I couldn't concentrate on them all. A friend of mine really liked Page and Delisle had some fans. The Czech kid Kubalik I thought also looked like he's some potential out there.
Again its just one practice and some general observations. Honestly I didn't think anyone looked entirely out of place out there.
There was also a really good crowd and of course the greed in me really really wished Filatov could have been out there! I guess we'll get our chance to see him soon enough in September.
Discuss - if you made it out to the practice today who did you like/dislike?
-LTL
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