Right now, many of the top prospective players in the Pittsburgh Penguin organization are currently gaining experience and becoming better players in the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL. Here’s the first of a series of looks at a few of the most prominent Pens prospects whose paths to the big leagues currently are taking them through the Canadian Hockey League.
Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Center, Vancouver Giants, WHL
The 80th overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins, Pierro-Zabotel spent last season in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants. He was among the team’s biggest offensive threats, posting 19 goals and 29 assists for an excellent 48 points, while playing in only 49 games. He was just 18 years old. Pierro-Zabotel has had some attitude issues in the past, but the issues are well behind him, and he is anticipated to be a true leader on the Giants this year, and have a very productive offensive year.
Keven Veilleux, Center, Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
Selected in the second round by the Penguins in 2007, 51st overall, Veilleux was traded from Victoriaville to Rimouski late in the season last year, after scoring just 10 goals in his first 42 games. After the trade, however, Keven picked it up tremendously in the goal column, scoring 7 goals in his last 19 games to close out the year, and build up momentum coming into this season. His point total for the year was also exceptional, getting 64 points in 61 games, for an average of over a point per game. He’ll star for the Oceanic again this year, and contend for a roster spot at next year’s training camp.
Nathan Moon, Center, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
The Penguins’ 4th round choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, 121st overall, Moon was a standout last year for Kingston. He netted 35 goals and 77 points for the Frontenacs last season, one of the high totals in the OHL. Moon is a versatile forward who, though he’s a natural center, can be moved to the wing if needed. Moon is comparable to Tyler Kennedy- a hard worker, agile, and versatile. He is hopeful that he’ll contend for an NHL job in 2009 training camp. For now, he’ll continue to lead the Frontenacs.
Robert Bortuzzo, Defense, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
The top blueliner on the Kitchener squad, and a third round pick by the Penguins in 2007, 78th overall, Bortuzzo headlines the Rangers alongside the eighth pick this year’s draft to the Phoenix Coyotes, Mikael Boedker. Bortuzzo is a big body, standing 6’4, and still filling out his frame, currently at 195 pounds. He regularly is matched against his opponent’s top line, and uses intimidation, size, and a bit of speed, to frustrate elite offensive players. He’s a valuable asset to the franchise, and could pay off in the NHL someday soon. He’ll play in the OHL again this year.
Alex Grant, Defense, Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
The second best defensive prospect in the organization, Grant was selected by the Penguins in the 4th round, 118th overall by the Penguins in 2007. Grant is the captain for Saint John, a speedy, strong defenseman, Grant is a rare mix of size, agility, leadership, and hockey sense. It is very reasonable that we could see Grant in the NHL by 2010. He is only 19 right now. He put up 32 points, and over 100 penalty minutes last year, and will captain St. John again next season.
Patrick Killeen, Goaltender, Brampton Battalion, OHL
The 6th round pick of the Pens this year, 180th overall, Killeen will be the starting goalie for the Battalion this year. He is largely unknown, but is a hard worker, and may move up the organizational depth chart with a strong campaign in the OHL this year. He contributes further to the great goaltending depth currently in the Penguins organization.
Originally written by me.
http://www.faceoff-factor.com/juniors/1932/the-chl-penguins-prospects
No comments:
Post a Comment