CHL

When Can Newly-Drafted Prospects Break Through Into The NHL?

When do or can prospects make the jump to the NHL/AHL level? Most NHL prospects take 3-5 years post-draft to reach the NHL, with less than a third of first-rounders making an NHL team. Factors like skill development and individual progression dictate the timeline. Additionally, a strict NHL-CHL agreement impacts where prospects can play, depending on age. Any player under the age of 20 is ineligible to play in the AHL. NHL Entry Draft intricacies, entry-level contracts, Russian political issues and AHL stints shape a prospect’s journey.

The Case For Zach Benson To Play On Opening Night

Back in a prior article, I talked about the Sabres’ prospect challenge. Among other things, the pairing of Zach Benson and Matt Savoie was a main focus. The pair lit up juniors, and I fully expected them to put on a show. Even though Savoie was injured in the challenge’s final game, he dominated every […]

Player Profile: Logan Stankoven

Logan Stankoven is arguably the Dallas Stars’ most exciting prospect. So, let’s cut to the chase and learn more about the Canadian forward currently playing for the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. See more below. Logan was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, to Wes and Deana Stankoven on February 26, 2003. The 20-year-old, who can play […]

Patrick Roy Wants to Coach in NHL Again, at Peace With His Emotional Past

Hall of Fame goalie reflects on Cup wins, “bad choices” Patrick Roy would love to return to coaching in the NHL, but the four-time Stanley Cup-champion goaltending legend says he won’t be sitting by the phone in the days ahead awaiting a call for an interview. “It’s hard for me to get a job because […]

Don’t Sleep on These Kingston Frontenacs at the NHL Draft

The 2022-23 Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League were a team I watched play a lot last season. Although the on-ice product wasn’t always pretty last season for the Frontenacs, this trio of 2023 NHL Entry-Draft eligibles certainly kept me engaged. With this year’s draft being so strong, I’m expecting some quality talent to […]

Ducks Prospect Shining in WHL Playoffs

Olen Zellweger was drafted with the second pick in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. That selection seemed like a bit of a reach at the time, as most major draft outlets had Zellweger projected as a third-round pick. He was seen as an explosive skater with an abundance […]

Anaheim Ducks Prospect Spotlight: Defensemen (Part 2)

We have all, as Ducks fans, been thrust into a pit of despair every time the team sets foot on an ice sheet this season so far. The present is a cold and soul-sucking place, but hope is on the horizon. The Ducks will have a wealth of draft picks (including a very, very high […]

Prospect Spotlight: Defensemen (part 1)

We are all aware of the abysmal and droll season the Anaheim Ducks and their fanbase are suffering through. They are last in the league in a myriad of categories, most importantly, points in the standings. So let’s shine a light on the positive and begin to put the dark black sludge of the present […]

Anaheim Ducks Prospect Spotlight (Forwards)

It’s been a rough quarter season for the Anaheim Ducks in 2022-23. They sit at the bottom of the NHL standings with a lowly 13 points and have only totaled one win in regulation. Their special teams play is some of the worst we’ve seen in recent memory, with their powerplay sitting at 31st out […]

2 Potential Trade Candidates for the Maple Leafs

There haven’t been many discussions between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jack Campbell, and/or Ilya Mikheyev regarding their contracts for next season, leading some to think they are on their way out of town. However, in the news around the NHL, there have been some rumors about available players on the trade market, so here are […]