As I mentioned in the previous post I was only able to catch the first period of the Jackets propsect game against the Dallas Stars yesterday, so I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock into my first impressions.
..but its what we do here!
From what I understand the first period was the Jackets best of the night so I probably saw most of the guys at their best during the game.
Jakub Voracek
No question he has the size to be an NHLer. I was actually most impressed with his defensive awareness than I was his offense. He isn't going to be a super flashy player who tries to zig and zag through opponents often losing the puck in the process. Voracek is a guy who sees the ice incredibly well, can carry the puck at high speeds, but is patient and makes accurate tape to tape passes to open players.
He started off a little rocky mis-firing on some plays but later flashed some of that high end skill - especially on the Jackets 3rd goal where he made a nifty cross ice pass to John Hughes that created a nice tic tac toe goal that McGuirk eventually finished off.
Grant Clitsome
My personal favorite from the first period. Dude is just solid as a rock making smart plays all over the ice. Absolutely no panic in his game and I loved his hockey smarts at both ends of the rink. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in the big boys camp.
John Hughes
He certainly stood out offensively making some nifty plays with some quick passes that directly resulted in goals for (he also scored one of his own in the 3rd). This guy completely reminds me of Geoff Platt. He's quick yet undersized guy who went undrafted but certainly has some nice offensive flair to his game. Defensively nothing stood out however. Jackets may have a decision on their hands with him. If the Jackets pass I certainly don't see him sitting "home alone" as someone will scoop him up at least on an AHL deal.
Nik Holden
I'm pretty sure he was paired with Clitsome and I can see why there is some excitement with this guy. Great size, moves pretty well and just has the tools where you think maybe this kid can grow into an NHLer with a year or two of seasoning.
Maksim Mayorov
Looked much better than I thought he would. Made some nice plays but its just the raw talent that really gets you excited about this kid. He's got an NHL body right now and can really move well for a big man. There was one play where he really impressed me with this stamina going real hard at the end of a shift and creating a nice offensive chance.
I think there is quite a bit of work to do in terms of defensive play but this kid is a talent and now that he's here Howson is looking pretty astute in giving up those three 5th round picks to move up and grab this kid in the 4th. He's a bit of a project but brought along the right way look out -- we could have something here.
Matt Calvert
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