BY NHL TEAM
Anaheim Ducks = 1
Julius Nattinen – Barrie Colts
Arizona Coyotes = 5
Kyle Wood – North Bay Battalion
Brendan Perlini – Niagara IceDogs
Dylan Strome – Erie Otters
Christian Dvorak – London Knights
Ryan MacInnis – Kitchener Rangers
Christian Fischer – Windsor Spitfires
BY OHL TEAM
Barrie Colts
#14 Kevin Labanc (SJS)
#15 Dylan Sadowy (SJS)
#19 Rasmus Andersson (CGY)
#22 Roy Radke (CHI)
#25 Julius Nattinen (ANA)
#26 Andrew Mangiapane (CGY)
#29 Mackenzie Blackwood (NJD)
2016 NHL Draft Eligible
#10 Justin Murray – NHL CS 171
#16 Ben Hawerchuk – NHL CS 159
#39 David Ovsjannikov – NHL CS 23 (goalies)
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On Monday, the Ottawa Senators acquired forward prospect Ryan Potulny and a 2nd round draft pick in 2011 to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenceman Chris Campoli and a conditional 7th round pick on 2011. The 7th round draft pick is on the condition that Potunlny re-signs with the Senators. Ryan Potunlny’s older brother, Grant, was drafted in the 5th round by the Senators in 2000 and played 4 seasons with the Binghamton Senators before moving on to another organization.
SCOUTING REPORT
Strengths
Shooting
Versatile – can play either center or wing
Two way player
Faceoffs
Areas For Improvement
Passing
Strength
Skating
Skill
Potulny is an offensive player who works hard and can play at both ends of the ice. He likes to shoot and has a knack for finding open ice to get into a scoring position. Potulny is a very versatile player as he can plan both center and wing – though he is a natural center with a good success at the faceoff circle. While he has good hands in the offensive zone, he is also responsible in his own end.
Potulny does a lot of things well, but only a few things really well. One of his weaknesses is the delivery of his passes, they could be more crisp and lead his man. Potulny is a good skater – good lateral movement – but he is not a great skater. To help take his game to the pro level, adding more weight and strength to his 6’ frame would be beneficial. Injuries have also been an issue at least twice in his career: He suffered a knee injury in his freshman year with University of Minnesota that limited to 15 games that season and later he suffered a less serious injury in his first season as pro.
NHL Potential
Depth forward
Career Notes
Ryan Potulny started out playing two seasons of juniors with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. In his final season, Potulny was the league’s leading scorer with 35 goals and 78 points in 54 games. He was named the USHL Player of the Year as well as the USHL Top Forward and was named to the USHL’s first all-star team. Potulny was a key member of the Stars’ championship team in the 2003 USHL Clark Cup. Following his breakout season, Potulny was drafted in the 3rd round (87th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
Potulny committed to the University of Minnesota in the WCHA and played three seasons before moving on to the professional ranks. He was limited to 15 games in his freshman after sustained a knee injury. In 2004, he turned down an offer from the Flyers, because he felt the need to stay one more season before turning pro to help enhance his game.
Between 2005-2008, Potulny played the majority of the season with the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms. Being behind prospects like Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, Potulny only found himself playing 44 games with the Flyers during this time. However, in the AHL, Potulny emerged as an impact player scoring 24 points in 27 games. He also had a solid season when called up to the Flyers recording 12 points in 35 games.
In June 2008, Ryan Potulny was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Danny Syvret and ended up signing a 1-year deal with the Oilers. He spent two seasons between the Oilers and Springfield Falcons (their AHL affiliate). In 2008-09, he scored the second most goals in a single season by a Falcons’ player with 38 goals.
In 2010, he signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks to a 1 year two-way contract. He only played 3 games with the Blackhawks this season.
Awards
2002–03: USHL Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award
2002-2003: USHL Player of the Year
2002-2003: USHL Top Forward
2002-2003: USHL’s first all-star team
2004–05: WCHA Third All-Star Team
2005–06: WCHA First Team Honoree
2005–06: Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist
2008–09: Named to the AHL All-Star Classic in Worcester, MA
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Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67’s Fan BlogTeam: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: C
Born: October 27, 1991
Hometown: Brooklin, ON
Height: 6.03
Weight: 190
Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)
| Size/Strength | Excellent |
| Skating | Good |
| Shot/Scoring | Good |
| Puckhandling | Good |
| Physical Play | Good |
| Offensive Play | Excellent |
| Defensive Play | Good |
| Hockey Sense | Excellent |
| Competitiveness | Good |
Strengths
1. Size
2. Vision
3. Two-way play
Area’s For Improvement
1. Skating
2. Use his body more consistently
Skill:
Solid two-way player with great size and great vision.
Scouting Report:
Martindale was tested early on in the season when the 67’s were bombarded with injuries. Despite missing some key teammates, he got off to a good start. Martindale is tall player who is still growing into his body. Once he adds some weight, he could become a valuable physical threat. For his size, Martindale’s skating is pretty decent but he is not as naturally smooth as others ranked above him. Martindale’s size allows him to drive to the net and make more space for himself. He could be more consistent with his physical play, but is the type of player that will go into the corners and fight along the boards to get the puck. Martindale’s two-way game has improved since his first two seasons in the OHL, which he has been rewarded by racking up lots of ice-time on both the powerplay and penalty kill. He is often the first forward back in his zone and is willing to sacrifice his body to block a shot. Martindale sometimes has the tendency to look like he’s floating around and just waiting for a pass rather than getting into the rush right away. That being said, Martindale has great vision and excellent playmaking skills. He has an accurate shot, but could improve by putting more speed on it.
NHL Potential:
Power forward
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
| 09/10 | Ottawa | 61 | 19 | 41 | 60 | 37 |
| 08/09 | Ottawa | 53 | 23 | 24 | 47 | 14 |
| 07/08 | Ottawa | 64 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 18 |
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Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67’s Fan BlogTeam: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: LW
Born: June 30, 1992
Hometown: Oshawa, ON
Height: 6.01
Weight: 195
Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)
| Size/Strength | Excellent |
| Skating | Average |
| Shot/Scoring | Good |
| Puckhandling | Good |
| Physical Play | Excellent |
| Offensive Play | Good |
| Defensive Play | Very good |
| Hockey Sense | Excellent |
| Competitiveness | Excellent |
Strengths
1. Physical play
2. Work ethic
3. Leadership
Area’s For Improvement
1. Skating
2. Agility
Skill:
Feisty two-way player that is willing to sacrifice the body
Scouting Report:
Smith is a power forward that can set the tone of the game with a big hit or a big goal. He is strong on his skates and hard to knock off the puck. He has decent size and still has some room to fill out. Smith uses his size to his advantage. He has the ability to win battles in the corners and along the boards. Smith has great hands in close and is always around the crease looking for those dirty goals. He can contribute at both ends of the rink and complements his solid two-way play. Smith forechecks hard and hits effectively. He is willing to sacrifice the body to block a shot or make a good play. His skating has been a concern but is continuing to improve and his statue will excel if he can get quicker.
Smith had been playing on the top line for most of the season but with the return of a veteran player, he was dropped down to the third line. Smith’s point production started to decrease but everything else was still there. With his excellent work ethic and willingness to protect his teammates you can see the start of some strong leadership qualities. The bloodlines are also there as Dalton Smith is the son of former Buffalo Sabre, Derek Smith.
NHL Potential:
Power forward with skill to contribute offensively. Projected 3rd line winger.
Style compares to:
Mix of Milan Lucic (hockey sense, skills) and Brad Isbister (size)
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
| 09/10 | Ottawa | 62 | 21 | 23 | 44 | 129 |
| 07/08 | Ottawa | 17 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
NEXT UP: Ryan Martindale, Ottawa 67’s
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Photo courtesy of Blitzen Photography & Ottawa 67’s Fan BlogTeam: Ottawa 67’s
League: Ontario Hockey League
Position: RW / C
Born: April 24, 1992
Hometown: Scarborough, ON
Height: 6.00
Weight: 180
Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)
Size/Strength Average
Skating Good
Shot/Scoring Excellent
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Good
Offensive Play Excellent
Defensive Play Average
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent
Strengths
1. Hard, quick shot
2. Hockey sense
3. Being in the right place at the right time
Area’s For Improvement
1. Defensive game
2. Skating
Skill:
Dynamic offensive player maker who can find the net and has a great shot.
Scouting Report:
Toffoli got off to a very slow start this season but exploded offensively about a quarter-way through tallying almost 1.5 points per game. Toffoli is a smart offensive player who can contribute at both ends of the rink. While he is not the fastest skater, he is quick and is the type of player that is able to find open space easily. He sees the ice very well and is able to read and react to the play. Toffoli has great poise and patience with the pass, but sometimes opts to pass instead of shoot. He has a hard shot with a quick release that could be very valuable to him as quarterback on the powerplay. Despite his smaller frame, Toffoli is not afraid to go into the corners to fight for the puck or stand in front of the net and take the physical abuse. His average size is not so much the question, but rather if he it is enough to survive with bigger opponents. Toffoli is listed as both a centreman and a forward, but has played better on the wing.
Toffoli has often been criticized for not having any outstanding quality but also not having any glaring weaknesses. His biggest knock has been his skating; however, you can tell he has worked hard during the off-season and has improved drastically by the mid-way point of this season. His skating is quick rather than fast. Toffoli’s biggest strengths are his shot & hockey sense.
NHL Potential: 1st line or 2nd line forward
Style compares to: Kyle Wellwood
| Year | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
| 08/09 | Ottawa | 54 | 17 | 29 | 46 | 16 |
| 07/08 | Ottawa | 65 | 37 | 42 | 79 | 54 |
NEXT REPORT: Dalton Smith, Ottawa 67’s
>via B_Hurdis
The playoffs are kicking off tonight, and the talking heads have had their say. Few are picking the Sens to really challenge the Pens in the first round. Almost every prognosticator, regardless of the team they chose say this series ends in 6 games. Most, including the formerly bias Ian Mendes, are saying that Ottawa gives the Pens a run, but Pittsburgh comes out on top. But, there’s also the belief that if Ottawa plays this series right, they can move on to the second round. Here’s how they do it:
The primary focus of every “expert” is Sidney Crosby. Crosby, they say, is an immovable object; an unstoppable force. And against most of the league, that’s true. But, here’s Crosby’s stat line against the Sens this year:
vs. Ottawa 4 0 3 3 -3 2 12 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 21:19 28:25
That’s 3 assists, with 12 shots on goal over 4 games averaging 21:19 on ice.
That’s an impressive stat line if you’re Ottawa, but what does it mean? Well, it means taking Crosby out of the equation is a simple formula that’s hard to succeed at. First, you need to make him play defensively. That means matching him up against your top line. Second, you have to limit his shooting avenues. That means keeping him to the outside and making sure you have back pressure from your forwards. You can’t let the 80 year old Bill Guerin beat you up the ice if you’re Jason Spezza, or Daniel Alfredsson, or whoever gets thrown onto the other wing. Simple enough. Keep Sid to the outside and clog the middle of the ice with backchecking forwards.
Obviously the first two games will be difficult in that regard because the Pens will have last change. The 2nd period, with the long change will be especially hard. That means constant awareness by every player. The matchup in this series is very important. But, as the Sens have proven so far this year Sid can be shut down if everyone is on their game.
Stopping Sid from scoring is possible, but you still have to manage to score your own goals. Marc-Andre Fleury has proven over the last two years that he is an elite goalie come playoff time, so how do you beat him?
In order to prove my point, here’s a goal map from Ottawa’s 6-2 win over the Pens earlier this year:
This is a nice picture if you’re Ottawa. It’s also nothing new. And, once again, it’s a very simple formula that is very hard to actually implement. The lesson? EVERYTHING goes to the net. Net presence is an absolute necessity. If you’re going to score on Fleury with any consistency you need players driving the centre lane and stopping at the net. Three goals came from the hash marks down. The two outside goals were created by net presence disturbing Fleury by making him question his read. The net presence means Fleury has to respect the pass, and at times, especially if he gets rattled, he has a tendency to become over reactionary and pull off his post in anticipation. If the Sens think they can play a perimeter game against the Pens they will be sadly mistaken. Get to the net and get to the net hard. Make your presence known. And throw every puck on net or into the low slot. Oh, and avoid that glove hand. Eight inches blocker side or straight to the roof.
The unknowns, especially Malkin could be huge in this series. If the last game of the season was any indication, Malkin wants to come out fast and make his presence known. When Malkin gets in that mood you have to discourage it immediately. Hit him hard, hit him often, but hit him clean. Take away all of his space. Do this for a period and there’s a good chance that Malkin effectively goes home for the night. But that’s not the easiest task in the world. If it was, he wouldn’t have won the Conn Smythe last year. This one has to fall squarely on the shoulders of big Andy Sutton. If he can catch Gino along the boards with a clean, hard hit, he could change the entire makeup of this series, and push Ottawa through to the second round.
If the Sens hope to succeed and make believers out of some so called hockey experts, this is how they have to do it.
>I had the chance to check out Saint John Sea Dogs star forward and Ottawa Senators prospect, Mike Hoffman at the Rob Guertin Arena in Gatineau tonight. Hoffman did not disappoint.
Mike Hoffman is a 20-year old native of Kitchener, Ontario. He was drafted 130th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2009. Considering his late round status, I really didn’t go into the game expecting much.
Boy was I wrong. Mike Hoffman was all over the ice tonight. He was playing the point on the power play, taking faceoffs and even playing along the wing. Hoffman’s skating and hard shot are two things that stood out the most.
Everything about Hoffman’s skating impressed me. Not only was he fast, but he had very quick feet. His mobility was phenomenal – his footwork, his pivots, and over all his agility were all signs that complement the argument that his skating is already at the NHL standards.
Hoffman also showcased his shot. He had a great slapshot and an even better wrist shot. Not only was the shot quick and hard, but it was, for the most part, very accurate. He is was a great addition on the point for the Sea Dog’s powerplay.
I wouldn’t consider Hoffman a gritty player, but he sure doesn’t shy away from physical play. If he could add a few more pounds and a few more muscles during the off season, I feel this could elevate his game to a whole new level.
Another positive was Hoffman’s great vision and his hockey IQ. Hoffman was very aware of where his teammates were and tried to put himself in positions to open lanes and create more open ice.
MIKE HOFFMAN
Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
League: QMJHL
Position: RW / C
Born: November 24, 1989
Hometown: Kitchener, ON
Height: 6.00
Weight: 175
Report Card (Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, Poor)
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kathrynajean
Highlight of the Night 