Griffin Reinhart: 2012 NHL Draft Prospect
In hockey, as with all sports, bloodlines go a long way in determining a young player’s future. The Staals are the latest first family of the game, but it may not be long before another trio of siblings makes its presence felt in the National Hockey League.
The Reinhart brothers – Max, Griffin and Sam – are all currently developing in the WHL and could follow in their father’s footsteps in carving out successful NHL careers.
Griffin, 18, a defenseman like his father, Paul - who played in the league from 1979 to 1990 - appears poised to be a top-15 selection in June just two years after older brother Max, 20, was selected 64th overall by the Calgary Flames. Youngest brother Sam, 16, has posted 53 points in 54 games with the Kootenay Ice and could draw early first round consideration in 2014.
But this season the spotlight is squarely on Griffin, whose game is so strong that he’d be a highly touted prospect regardless of his last name.
The first thing that jumps out about the Edmonton Oil King is his considerable size. At 6-foot-4, 202 pounds, Reinhart has one of the largest frames of the 2012 draft class.
Size is one thing, but Reinhart’s ability to remain mobile despite his imposing frame is what sets him apart.
“I’ve become a much better skater this year,” Reinhart explains. “I’ve grown into my body more and become a lot more comfortable. I think that’s helped me a lot with my mobility, it’s gotten a lot smoother.”
Reinhart of course grew up around hockey, but he quickly outgrew the rest of the family. Max stands 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Sam is 6-foot-1, 177 pounds, and Paul played at 5-foot-11, 205 pounds during his career.
But Griffin, whose size comes from his mother’s side of the family, towers over them and that’s part of what’s making scouts drool.
Reinhart’s game isn’t overly flashy, but he’s solid in his own end and also boasts other key traits including a hard shot and very good hockey sense.
“At the end of the game I don’t think that I’m going to be somebody that people really notice,” Reinhart says. “I’m not really a dangler or somebody who pops out to the eye, but I play a steady game and sometimes as a D-man, when you’re not noticed, that’s your best games.”
Reinhart has notched a respectable 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 46 games this season, but his offensive ability isn’t necessarily the key to his future.
Nevertheless, NHL teams love nothing more than a dependable defenseman who can move the puck as well as post some numbers. Reinhart may be just that.
Reinhart’s dependability is part of what makes him so attractive to NHL scouts and one reason why he was ranked eighth by Central Scouting in the January midterm rankings.
Some would like to Reinhart to improve his willingness to play an aggressive game. HP’s Mark Edwards had this to say about Reinhart. “When you’re Griffin’s size, physicality is sometimes expected to be part of the package, but Reinhart isn’t as nasty as some would like him to be. Sure we would love to see him play a little mean sometimes, but for me and our WHL scouts, our biggest concern is still his skating. Griffin has a cannon shot, is a smart player and moves the puck pretty quickly. It’s his quickness we want to see improve.”
“In the past that’s something I was working on, but lately I’ve been starting to become more physical,” Reinhart says. “I’m not an open-ice hitter; I’m more of a guy that will finish checks in the corner and be hard on guys. I’d rather be that than an open-ice hitter; that’s my style of playing.”
Reinhart says he isn’t bothered by concerns over his physicality, but counts both Shea Weber and Chris Pronger among his professional role models. To match Pronger’s snarl may be a difficult task, but Reinhart hopes to become an intimidating presence over time.
“Pronger’s got that edge to him that I want to develop later on in my career,” Reinhart says.
But whether or not Griffin ever becomes the type of defenseman that leaves bodies in his wake, he’s likely to help make “Reinhart” a synonym for success in the hockey community over the next several years.
Scott Laughton : NHL Prospect
The Oshawa Generals 2012 NHL Draft prospect, Scott Laughton, is a two way forward who plays a smart game without the puck. Scott is chipping in on offense for the Generals this season as well as playing the smart game he is known for. Scott is a player we have watched for a long time, and the Oakville native recently spoke to HockeyProspect.com's Melissa Perri.
Jimmy Bubnick - Calgary Hitmen
The Calgary Hitmen have been one of the hottest teams in all of the CHL over the past couple months and nobody has meant more to the team in that time than Jimmy Bubnick.
Bubnick has had a resurgence in his game reminding us as to why the Atlanta Thrashers drafted Bubnick in the 6th round back in 2009. As a '91 birth, Bubnick came into the season as an overager and was expected to have a strong campaign and be a key veteran for the Hitmen.
Over the course of the season, Bubnick has not only met those expectations, but exceeded them to the point that he has helped lead the team to a surprisingly successful season, he's also earned himself a real shot at playing pro hockey next year in the process. This is because the Thrashers opted not to offer Bubnick a contract, making him a free agent. Now that Bubnick's shown what he's capable of, he's earning a real hard look from NHL squads.
Bubnick has always been a threat to score with the puck on his stick. The biggest difference for him is the improved play without the puck this year. The combination of the hard work without the puck and the scoring ability with it have helped Bubnick to emerge as a leader for the Hitmen. The refinement in his game has been refreshing to see and his abilities along the wall, getting in shooting lanes to block shots, improved compete level, and added strength to hold off opponents have really gone a long ways to make this season so good for him.
The talented forward has a great frame and a pro-level shot.The size, strength, and skating combination that he comprises has always been intriguing and now that he's putting together the rest of his game, he just may get the chance to play pro hockey somewhere next season and possibly earn an invite to an NHL camp if he is able to sustain his high level of play for the duration of the season.
Brett Foy: 93' Rookie has impressed
Brett Foy of the Mississauga Majors is a very smart hockey player. Foy is very good in all three zones and he is a responsible player who plays well without the puck. When Foy has the puck he is very good at protecting it. He is good along the walls. I had the chance to coach Brett for a weekend in a prospects tournament when Brett was 15 years old. Brett showed me that he is a a very coachable, intelligent and hardworking player. Foy is the type of player that any coach would want on his team because he plays so smart and is so aware all over the ice. He is a good faceoff man, kills penalties and is starting to put points on the board. Brett is a very good skater and has started to use his burst and a change of speed to his advantage. NHL scouts I sat with in multiple games have taken notice, because the skills he possesses convert nicely to the pro game. The Majors coaches figured him out quickly and he has played in crucial situations all year long.
Melissa Perri chatted with the Niagara Falls native last week about his season so far.
Colton Sissons: NHL Draft Prospect
Virtually every young boy that laces up his skates dreams of one day playing in the National Hockey League, but not all of them are lucky enough to play alongside a future first overall pick.
Perhaps that provides some explanation as to why Colton Sissons, 18, of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets appears poised to be selected early in the 2012 entry draft.
“I played some midget hockey with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins [in 2008-2009],” Sissons says. “We were linemates there and we became pretty close buddies. Coming from playing with him, I took away his work ethic; he works harder than anybody I ever came across. His work ethic is second to none, so I’ve really taken that in stride the last couple years in junior hockey and it’s starting to pay off just like it did for him.”
Scouts aren’t enamored with Sissons for the same reasons they fell in love with Nugent-Hopkins, but Sissons possesses some rare qualities for a junior player that could cause some scouts to fall in love with him.
Even if some aren’t convinced that Sissons will put up elite offensive numbers as a professional, HockeyProspect.com regards Sissons as among the best two-way forwards in the draft.
“Defensively, Sissons is one of, if not the best draft eligible forwards in his own end,” HP’s Western Canada Scout Charles An wrote in the HP January newsletter. “He makes very good reads and makes himself very useful in any situation. Not only does he read the plays well, but his intensity without the puck is what makes him one of the best two-way forwards in the WHL. He backchecks hard, plays a physical game and fearlessly blocks shots on a game-to-game basis.”
Sissons’ maturity and team-first attitude were key reasons why Kelowna named him team captain just a couple of weeks into the season.
“Coming into your 18-year-old year and being captain really shows the coaches have a lot of respect for you and they trust you to lead their team,” Sissons says. “I think that leadership aspect bumps me up that much more in the draft in some scouts’ eyes and it’s a big responsibility no doubt, but I’ve felt I’ve handled the pressure pretty well.”
Sissons emerged as a rookie last season when he posted 17 goals and 24 assists to go with an impressive plus-15 rating, but it’s his newfound scoring punch that has sent him rocketing (excuse the pun) up draft boards.
“I’ve been scoring a lot of goals this year which is a nice change of pace from last year,” Sissons says. “[I had a] much better start, so I’m feeling really confident this year, really strong that I’m producing for my team.”
Sissons has racked up 36 points (25 goals, 11 assists) for the third place Rockets, including 12 tallies on the power play.
“For the most part I’ve been stuck in front of the net,” Sissons explains. “That’s where I’ve made my office this year, if you want to call it that. I just get in front of the goalie’s eyes and bang home a couple rebounds. I’m not afraid of getting in the greasy areas and banging them home, so that’s where I score most of my power play goals.”
The NHL’s Central Scouting Service took notice of Sissons’ breakout season and ranked him 14th amongst North American skater in the midterm rankings released earlier this month. HockeyProspect.com has Sissons ranked 15th overall in their latest rankings released January 15th.
“It’s always a nice feather in your cap when you get recognized for your hard work,” Sissons says. “But I’m just kind of taking it in stride, not letting the numbers get too much in my head. It’s definitely an added boost of confidence for me. I’m really happy about it and I’m just going to continue to work away and hopefully keep climbing up the rankings.”
Sissons stands at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds and plays a hardnosed power forward game that makes him a nightmare for opponents.
“I’ve got a bigger frame than some guys so I definitely use my size to an advantage,” Sissons says. “Physicality is a huge part of my game that really wears down the opposing defense so I’m always on the body and I’m always looking to finish my hits.”
He likens his style to Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler and Los Angeles’s Mike Richards, two players that Sissons admires specifically for their ability to play in all situations.
And like his idols, Sissons also possesses a high hockey IQ.
“To be honest I think it’s kind of a natural thing for some guys,” Sissons says. “I haven’t really been taught to see the ice the way I do, it’s just kind of a natural thing and I just see the play before it happens which really helps me make plays quicker and make smart plays with the puck in general.”
Sissons believes he’s still growing and admits that the weakest part of his game is his skating. But as you might expect from an 18-year-old captain, Sissons has been working tirelessly to improve in that area.
“I could work on my foot speed,” Sissons admits. “I’ve been working on it a lot this year with my coaches and I’ve been trying really hard to improve that… Mostly leg strength is where all your speed and agility comes from. So that’s a huge part of it, working on my leg strength and my explosiveness in my lower body for sure. That helps a lot with your quick starts and your crossovers, getting moving really quick.”
Sissons’ draft stock may continue to fluctuate this year depending on his continued offensive production, but there’s little doubt that a player with his unique abilities and character will hear his name called early in the 2012 draft.
“It’s a pretty big deal, but I’ve done a pretty good job of just kind of keeping it tucked away in the back of my mind for now and just going out and playing hockey and having some fun out there and not getting too stressed about it,” Sissons says. “When the draft comes it will be full frontal, right in front of my eyes, but for now I’m just playing the game and working hard every day.”
Phil Di Giuseppe: 2012 NHL Draft
It’s a couple hours before puck drop and players are warming up in Yost Ice Arena, home of the University of Michigan Wolverines.
And one of the team’s upcoming players, Phil Di Giuseppe, pops his head around the corner to give his former coach the peace sign.
The versatile player has a lot of skill, but there’s one characteristic he lacks: an ego.
From the first moment he stepped out onto the ice in a Wolverines jersey, he succumbed to his emotions.
“It was an exhibition game, but nonetheless the place was pretty packed and my eyes lit up. I was just really happy and excited to be there. We have a band and a student section. It’s been said that it’s hard for people to come in and play because the students are so into the game as well. The fans really help us out a lot and it’s a really great place to play.”
It’s one of the most exiting arenas in all of hockey, seating over 6600 fans, and now Di Giuseppe is part of its history. However, the forward is creating a name for himself. Having the opportunity to don the infamous yellow Wolverines jersey, the 18-year-old laughs and lights up every time he and his teammates wear them.
The Maple, Ont. native was a sixth round draft pick of the Niagara IceDogs in 2009, but was not picked up immediately. But he knew that when one door closes, another opens.
“My general manager and coaches sat down and asked if I wanted to play OHL or NCAA … I said NCAA. They told me what to do to expose myself to some school and what it takes to play at the college level.”
The differences for players in the NCAA are beyond that of just the mental game. The adjustment means a different workout routine, 39-game schedule as opposed to 68 in the OHL, and a university workload, including two hours of mandatory tutoring after practice.
It’s a change, but Di Giuseppe doesn’t see it as a disadvantage.
“There’s a lot more practicing and obviously a lot more attention to detail. As well during the week, there’s a lot more lifting. I’d say that’s one of the biggest differences [when training]. At the college level, that’s something that they strive on.
“In NCAA there are a lot of older guys. Some are 23, 24, or 25. Whereas in the OHL, the oldest you can be is 21. So I’d say the biggest difference is guys are stronger, possibly even a little faster here because they’re older. I’d say in the OHL there’s probably a little more skill and youth.”
Di Giuseppe isn’t on the fast track to a professional career, just a different one. His play throughout his young season is turning heads, and he thanks his development at the University of Michigan for that.
“I think it makes me more of a mature hockey player.
“They’re more tenacious out there and harder working. I’d say that’s the biggest difference between a young hockey player and an older hockey player. The older guys know what it takes to play at that level, so they set the tone.”
He might not acknowledge his own talent, but someone did. HockeyProspect.com recognized his skill during his minor midget years, but only recently did Hockey Canada see his potential. According to Di Giuseppe, that’s when more eyes followed him on the ice.
However, the recognition is still new to him.
“I started getting attention recently and I haven’t been really used to it, but I try to just keep it in the back of my head and try not to pay too much attention to it. I just try to ignore it.”
Yet, there was one call Di Giuseppe couldn’t ignore.
With attention shifting to the 2012 World Junior Championship, scouting eyes began searching for Canadian talent. Although most players had already seen action on the World Junior Development Camp roster in the summer, Di Giuseppe was one of 41 (one of two from NCAA) to get invited this past December.
Despite his heartbreak from getting cut, the winger will take what he can from the experience, but is still focused on his goals for this year.
“I want to try and help Michigan win. We have a good team and that’s my main focus now. Whether I get drafted first round or seventh round [in the 2012 NHL entry draft], it doesn’t really matter to me right now. I just want my team to win.”
As the freshman looks back on everything that’s happened, he still needs a moment to take it all in, but doesn’t forget the people who helped him get where he is today.
“If I had to credit someone, I’d have to say my dad and my family. My dad has always been a quiet guy. But he has always been there for me throughout hockey. And he’s very passionate and I guess that’s rubbed off on me. My mom has always been there for me as well.
Di Giuseppe has the talent, but he also has the intelligence, averaging mid-80s in his courses.
“Michigan, in my mind, is the best school to come to for developing. You see it through Mike Cammalleri and Andrew Cogliano, both former students here. It’s helped me develop as a player and person.”
Stefan Matteau 2012 NHL Draft Prospect
His father made one of the greatest plays in New York Rangers’ franchise history, but Stefan Matteau, 17, isn’t concerned with the expectations that come with his bloodline.
“Obviously my dad has a pretty big name and I don’t really get talked to without him being mentioned,” Matteau said. “But I’m not really worried about being in his shadow or being compared to him because he’s not going to get me where I want to be. I make my path and whatever happens, happens. He’s a big part of it, but I’m my own person and he’s his own person.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Matteau is a prototypical power forward with the U.S. National Team Development Program, playing alongside many of the top prospects the country has to offer. But it’s Matteau that leads the NTDP in points with 23 (10 goals, 13 assists) and penalty minutes (110) in 30 games.
Matteau’s strong season has forced the NHL’s Central Scouting Service to take notice as he was ranked 13th among North American skaters, sixth among forwards, in the midterm rankings released last week.
“I saw that and it was a good feeling,” Matteau said. “But those lists and stuff, I’m not trying to worry about that. Nothing is certain until draft day, so I’m just trying to focus on the present and getting better every day.”
Matteau was slated to attend the University of North Dakota next season, but when the hometown Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL traded for his rights on January 7th, Matteau’s path changed.
“It became an option a few weeks ago when I was traded, but when I committed to North Dakota there wasn’t a ‘Q’ team in my hometown,” Matteau said. “But I think I can be an impact player on the team, get a lot of ice-time, my dad is the assistant coach, I’ll be living at home, I’ll be in my comfort zone and I’m really looking forward to playing a pro schedule with more games.”
There are clearly many sensible reasons for Matteau to join the Armada, but it doesn’t hurt that his father, Stephane, a 16-year NHL veteran, is an assistant coach with the club.
“Him being an assistant coach wasn’t really the reason why I wanted to [join the Armada],” Matteau said. “It’s a plus obviously, but my main reason was because they have a great organization. They moved from Montreal and the trainers, everyone, I’m already comfortable with because that’s where I trained in the summer. They have three NHLers on the coaching staff so that’s obviously huge development-wise.
“When I was growing up he wasn’t really around much. He was always on the road so my mom took care of me. But when he retired he was there, he was around the rink, seeing every game and the little details that NHLers do. He could bring that to the table and that really helped.”
Matteau admits that he grew used to dominating offensively as a young teenager but credits the development program for making him a more physical, well-rounded player and hopes that the different style of play of the “Q” continues to help him blossom.
“I think the development team really got me stronger and bigger,” Matteau said. “We play in a pretty fast league, especially this year playing D-I games. The ‘Q’ is more of a skilled league and I think I can use my speed to my advantage. With everything I learned here I’m stronger and I’m hoping I can just take that over and dominate. I’m hoping to dominate next year.”
Matteau prides himself on playing a strong two-way game in addition to being a bull in front of the net and he tries to model his game after Vincent Lecavalier as well as Jordan and Eric Staal.
“I’m a big bodied power forward with some skill and I can put the puck in the net, but I kind of play an all-around game,” Matteau said.
Like many big men, Matteau knows that his skating is a concern, but he has been working on his acceleration constantly and is determined to keep improving.
“[I need to work on] my first five strides, my explosion to the puck because I’m heavy,” Matteau said. “That’s kind of harder for big guys, but I’ve been trying to work on my first five and exploding to the puck.”
Matteau’s father was a second-round pick and never recorded more than 36 points in a season, but if Stefan’s development continues on its current arc then he could become a first-round selection come June and one day be the more recognizable Matteau.
“Obviously it’s in everyone’s mind,” Matteau said. “It’s the draft, it’s our childhood dream. But I’m not going to stress over it. I’m going to work on what I need to work on right now and I’ll worry about it in June.”
Cody Ceci: High end on the back end
Cody Ceci of the Otawa 67's has been ranked highly by HockeyProspect.com going back to our pre-season rankings where he was listed at 13th overall. In the most recent HockeyProspect.com rankings released on December 15th, Ceci was ranked 10th overall. Ceci was a late cut at the recent Canada national junior team selection camp. An argument could easily be made that he could have made the grade. Ceci performed well throughout the camp, and in the selection camp games. HP's Melissa Perri recenty spoke to Cody about the camp and about his season to date.
Dylan Blujus of the Brampton Battalion is a big 6'3" Dman eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh this coming June. Blujus is a second year defender for Brampton and logs quality minutues including powerplay time. HockeyProspect.com's Melissa Perri recently caught up to Dylan and asked him a few questions about his season.
MAREK TVRDON
Birthplace: Nitra, Slovakia
DOB: 1993 JAN. 31
Height/Weight: 6’2/212 lbs
Shoots: Right
Drafted by: Detroit Red Wings(2011, 4th round 115th overall)
Nitra, Slovakia native Mark Tvrdon has had a great season for the Vancouver Giants so far. The 6’2, 212 lbs left winger had his season cut short to only 12 games because of a shoulder surgery, but the big forward showed enough for the Red Wings to take him in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and at this point, it looks like Detroit stole another player in the later rounds of the draft.
Tvrdon is an important player for the Giants. Playing on the top line with captain James Henry and Montreal Canadiens draft pick Brendan Gallagher, he brings much needed size to that line, but also a lot of skill to create one of the most dangerous lines in the WHL.
For his size, Tvrdon is deceptively good skater. He is very effective in retrieving pucks by quickly getting to loose pucks and using his body to win battles along the boards. He gets to point A to B in a hurry, and does well in corners with his quick turns. He is a real threat down low because he is so big, yet so shifty.
Tvrdon makes very good, quick decisions with the puck, rarely giving it away. He always has his head up on a rush or in the corners, locating his options and making the appropriate plays given the situation that is presented to him. His playmaking skills are so impressive that he plays the point on the first unit PP. However, he is definitely more of a scorer than a playmaker. He uses his big frame to get to the net and jam home rebounds, or use his underrated wrist shot off the half wall to score goals.
The “soft European” stereotype does not fit with Tvrdon. He battles as hard as anyone on the Giants while staying discipline, and is always willing to stick up for teammates in a scrum. He goes for loose pucks with great tenacity, and stands in front of the net as well as anybody in the league.
Marek Tvrdon is going to play a big role for Slovakia in the upcoming World Junior Tournament. He will be counted on to contribute often offensively, and play the bruising style as he has been doing all year with the Giants. One day, he will be in the NHL and be a tough forward to play against with his offensive skills and size.
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