History

Crowley, who was passed over in his first year of draft eligibility in 2005, finally got a regular shift this season, once he had been traded from Saskatoon at the trading deadline last season. In his first two seasons with the Blades, Crowley was only used sparingly, and was not able to contribute much until this past season, as his coaches began to experiment with him in all situations. In a combined 71 games split between Swift Current and Saskatoon, Crowley compiled one goal and 20 assists.

Talent Analysis

Crowley is not going to dazzle with his offensive ability, which is not very strong, but he is a respectable defensive defenseman with good mobility, an eagerness to play a physical, rugged game, and a willingness to drop the gloves to defend his teammates if the opportunity should arise. His combined total of 143 penalty minutes placed him second on the Broncos in that category. He is a hard worker with good leadership ability, and a team-first mentality.

Bruin Analysis
Playing mostly in the ECHL this season, Crowley remains a longshot prospect. He brings a gritty tough game to the back-end and is very responsible defensively. He's had a few AHL games (and played well with 3 points in 5 games). Crowley's last year of junior was very good, and he has picked up as expected in the pro's.


Nathan Guenin
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/nathan_guenin
HF Grade - 6.5
Age - 26
NHL Rights - Philadelphia

History

The rugged defenseman enjoyed an excellent junior season in 2004-05 for Ohio State that culminated in his selection to the CCHA All-Conference Second Team. Guenin finished the season with 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists), playing in all but one game this season. The lone game he missed was back on November 6th versus non-conference rival Sacred Heart due to a game disqualification he received the night before. Guenin also finished the season with 136 penalty minutes, which ranked him second in the nation. He earned CCHA Defensive Player of the Week in early February 2005.

In addition to his excellence on the ice, Guenin also excels in the classroom. He was named, for the second consecutive year, the recipient of Ohio States Center Ice Club Scholar-Athlete Award for top student-athlete on the team. 

2006-07: Originally drafted by the NY Rangers, Guenin went unsigned following his 4 year college career at Ohio State. He was signed by the Flyers in 2006, and began his pro career last season with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL, for whom he tallied 12 points (three goals, nine assists) and a minus-11 rating and 92 PIMs in 68 games. He also saw action in nine games with the Flyers, registering two assists and four PIMs.

Talent Analysis

While Guenins reputation as a rough and tough defenseman is well known, where he has shown marked improvement this season has been on the offensive side of his game. He has shown a willingness to jump up into the play and his puck skills continue to not only improve but has proved to be particularly effective in the area of outlet passes.

Bruin Analysis
Guenin had an injury to start the year but is back and playing as mean as ever. His offensive production is down a bit, but he is still a very reliable player at both ends. Guenin appears to be primed for a callup if more injuries occur in Philadelphia, or if they move a couple dmen here at the deadline.


Jack Hillen
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jack_hillen
HF Grade - N/A
Age - 23
NHL Rights - New York Islanders



Bruin Analysis
Jack played in a couple NHL games at the end of last year when he wrapped up a very successful college career, coming close to a point per game in his senior season. This year he started down in Bridgeport and played very well. He has since been recalled from the AHL and is now a regular on the Islanders blueline, getting a little bit of PK time and a good amount of PP time. He only is a minus one on the terrible Islanders, so his defensive game is developing as well. Hillen is a longterm asset for the organization, and we are confident he will be our 7-8 dman next season.


Kevin Schaeffer
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/kevin_schaeffer
HF Grade - n/a
Age - 24
NHL Rights - Nashville Predators

History

Schaeffer had 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists), playing in all 38 games his freshman year at Boston University. He was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. In the 2002-03 season he played for the New York Apple Core (EJHL) where he amassed 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) in 65 games. He captained the team to an EJHL Championship and was named an EJHL All-Star.

After a stellar rookie season, the talented two-way defenseman didnt have the sophomore season that many had hoped for. Nevertheless, he continues to be one of Boston Universitys most reliable, all-purpose defensemen. Two areas where he continues to progress nicely are in his outstanding positional play and anticipating opposing players. Schaeffer was paired with junior Dan Spang (SJ) on the Terriers top blueline unit, a tandem that proved to be one of the best in Hockey East play this season.

Schaeffer finished the 2004-05 season with 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists). He was one of only six Terriers to have played in all 41 games this season.

2006-07: Schaeffers final year at BostonUniversity and his hockey-playing career almost came to a halt in December after a vicious attack that could have ended his life. In the attack, Schaeffer was brutally beaten with a baseball bat that left him with a broken orbital bone and a severe head injury. Miraculously, the South Huntington, NY native was able to return to the Terriers lineup. Schaeffer enjoyed a strong finish to his collegiate career playing in 33 games and posting ten points (six goals, four assists). Schaeffer also missed the Hockey East playoffs in March with a knee injury but returned for the NCAA Tournament match versus MichiganState. 

Talent Analysis

History

2004-05: Hrabal was a late cut from the Czech National WJC team in 2005.
2005-06:  Participated in EDM's prospect camp in June of 2006 and impressed Oiler brass in attendance.
2006-07: Split time between the Czch Republic and Russian Super League.
2007-08: Played a full season in the RSL with Cherepovets.  Signed his first North American contract with the Oilers in late May.

Talent Analysis

Hrabal is a blueliner with offensive upside but needs to improve in all areas of the game including strength and conditioning. Described by Kevin Prendergast as a poor-mans Denis Grebeshkov for his ability to skate the puck or disperse it.

During his brief prospect camp appearance in Edmonton June of 2006, Hrabal displayed an ability to dangle during breakaway drills.  Not expected to be that sort of player during a game but noteworthy that his puckhandling and passing abilities stood out from his skill set.
 
Hes not big so adding strength would benefit him greatly, especially now with his plans to come to North America.

Bruin Analysis
Hrabal has had an unorthodox first year in North America, being shuttled back and forth between Springfield and Stockton. He got hurt in Oiles camp and teh shoulder continued to bother him. He has since headed to Europe and is playing with MODO in the Elitseren, but is expected back in OIler camp next season.


Bryan Young
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/bryan_young
HF Grade - 5
Age - 22
NHL Rights - Edmonton

History

Drafted 146th Overall (5th Rd) of the 2004 Entry Draft by Edmonton.

2005-06: Helped the Peterborough Petes capture the 2006 OHL league title.

2006-07: Began the year in the AHL with Milwaukee but was reassigned to ECHL Stockton when Nashville needed the spot back that they'd loaned Edmonton.  From Stockton he moved back to the AHL in Wilkes-Barre then saw emergency recall duty with the Oilers.  Young returned to WBS for the playoffs.

2007-08:  Outside of a brief 2-game stint with the Oilers, Young spent all of the season in the AHL with Springfield.  First half of the year was unusually sub-par but Young rebounded after Christmas and was his normal dependable self. 

Talent Analysis

A feisty competitor, Young was called the best open ice hitter in the OHL during his time with the Petes. The fact that he is defensively sound is helpful in overshadowing his lack of offensive upside.

A quiet character player, Young is about as accountable a prospect as you'll find.  Never makes excuses and is honest almost to a fault.  His hitting ability is hard to explain as his frame appears rather average but he can absolutely unload with the body.  Solid muscle.

As a junior, Young was a willing combatant when the time came but as a pro, his penalty minutes are incredibly low considering the physical style he plays.  He plays hard and mean but does not draw penalties doing it.

Bruin Analysis
A pure defensive defenseman who loves to hit. Young is routinely paired against other teams top forwards, and has acquitted himself well in previous callups to the NHL. A solid longterm organizational aspect, who should provide longterm depth, and give Providence a solid defensive defenseman for years to come.


Jordan Hendry
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/jordan_hendry
HF Grade - 6.5
Age - 25
NHL Rights - Chicago

History

2005-06: After sustaining an early season-ending knee injury that forced him to redshirt what wouldve been his junior season at UAF in 2004-05, Jordan Hendry came back better than ever in 2005-06. He finished the season with 14 points (four goals, ten assists) playing in 38 games. Hendry was a mainstay on the UAF blueline often logging upwards of 20-30 minutes of ice time per game. He was named the recipient of UAFs Shawn Chambers award as the teams top defenseman. The Nanooks team captain finishes his UAF career with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) playing in 112 games.

2007-08: Hendry split the season between Rockford and Chicago, putting up similar numbers with both teams. Though his offensive statistics did not blow anyone away, Hendrys physical brand of hockey and shutdown capabilities made him a valuable contributor on defense. In 40 games with Chicago, Hendry had an even plus/minus rating and saw solid ice time as a penalty killer.  

Talent Analysis

A real warrior is perhaps the best way to describe Hendry. He is a fierce competitor with a never-say-die attitude. He is a very smart, two-way defenseman who plays as hard as he works. Hendry thrives in the physical game and can often be found laying some punishing hits on the opposition. One of Hendrys best attributes is his skating. He combines power with excellent speed. He is very good in transitioning and has demonstrated a willingness to jump into plays. He reads and follows plays well and is very solid positionally. Hendry is quite good one-on-one, often making it difficult for opposing forwards to shake him off. As good as Hendry is defensively, he is almost equally good offensively. He has great poise and patience with the puck and has no trouble getting it to the net. He can quarterback the power play and possesses a blistering slap shot. Hendry is also a player who leads by example.

Bruin Analysis
Hendry has progressed nicely. He played alot in the NHL last year and is one of teh Hawks first callups on the blueline, playingin 8 NHL games already this season. Hendry projects as a solid 4-5 dman who is responsible defensively, yet has a bit of offense to his game. The physical play he brings shoudl also translate well into ratings, and we like his longterm potential to the organization.