The Cannon

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #27: Tanner Pearson

2012-05-27T13:00:04Z

Tanner Pearson

Position: Left Wing
Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
Age: 19
Date of Birth: August 10, 1992
Place of Birth: Kitchener, ONT
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 198
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
60	37	54	91	+21	37

Tanner Pearson has pretty eye-popping numbers for the Barrie Colts, helping them to the most improved record in the CHL this season. He finished third overall in the OHL in total points. Yet, he slipped a bit from the mid-season rankings--three spots--to finish the year as Central Scouting's 25th-ranked North American skater. Why? Well, for one thing, he tailed off in the second half in terms of points, after at one point leading the league by quite a large margin. He also ended the season by breaking his fibula in the last regular season game, missing the playoffs.

Most importantly, however, is that he didn't debut in the OHL until he was 18, has played just two years there, and will turn 20 before the upcoming season. Pearson was a 14th Round OHL Pick, spent two years in Junior B, and went undrafted by the NHL in both 2010 and 2011. Yikes!

But, he's making a case for "better late than never" after having a tremendous year for Barrie this past season. He is one of those heady players who always makes solid passes, and who seems to have the puck follow him around. His positioning is sound, and though it's taken him some time to really "get it," he seems to be a legit NHL prospect. His only downside right now as a late-first or early-second round guy is that he's already two years behind most of the people he'll be drafted with.

Scouting Report:

While his pace has slowed slightly, Tanner Pearson continues to be an offensive threat every night. A classic late bloomer, Pearson found chemistry early in the season with the rest of his team and has not looked back since. Pearson thinks the game on an extremely high level; he consistently makes great decisions with the puck and is able to thread passes through traffic with ease. He also does a great job in putting himself in great position, he is a player who the puck just seems to find time and time again. While Pearson will be eligible for his 3rd time this season, he has emerged as a legitimate NHL prospect and with no glaring weaknesses in his game, he’s earned his spot in our rankings.

The Scouting Report

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

Pearson would bring some offensive savvy to the top six if he continues on the track he's established in the last year or two. He's not the biggest or fastest guy, but he seems to always make the right decisions with the puck, and he showed an ability both to score as well as set up teammates this season. The Jackets are in need of someone who possesses both of those skills in one package. If he could be had in the second round, that would be the earliest the Jackets should consider taking him, however. He's a guy like Boone Jenner was last year who might just be a good get in that early second round area. That said, some mocks have him going as late as the mid- to late-40s on the draft board.

SB Nation's NHL Awards 2012: The Cannon's Masterton Trophy Ballot

2012-05-27T01:10:40Z

Over the past week or so, many of SB Nation's hockey writers have submitted their picks for the major NHL awards, and over the next few days we'll reveal the results. Yesterday, the Masterton winner was chosen, with Max Pacioretty getting the top vote.

Each writer submitted a first, second and third choice for the award. The first place vote was given three points, second place two, and third was given a single point. Matt and I each took part, and here are our picks:

Mike	Matt
1- Petr Sykora	1- Joffrey Lupul
2- Sheldon Souray	2- Max Pacioretty
3- Manny Malhotra	3- Daniel Alfredsson

The Masterton isn't like the other awards- it usually takes something bad to happen before you get consideration, as the award is given for perseverance.

With my top two picks, I went with players who many believed were done as NHL players. Sykora was left without an NHL contract and bounced around European club teams before accepting a tryout with the Devils this past fall. He ended up earning a contract, and went on to have a solid with New Jersey, about to play for the Cup. Souray was in a similar situation, but he was seeming left to toil in the minors before the Stars came calling. Souray went on to ressurect his career with Dallas this past season. As for Manny, I must admit, it was a bit of a sentimental pick, but his return from a scary eye injury makes him a strong candidate for this award. Matt went with what I'd call the safe pick, with Toronto's Joffrey Lupul. The guy just couldn't stay healthy, but this past season he managed to play more games than he missed and he turned in a solid season. Matt voted for the eventual winner in Pacioretty, a player who's career may have been over after a scary hit by Zdeno Chara. Old man Alfy rounded out his picks.

What do you think of our picks? Let us know in the comments.

SB Nation's NHL Awards 2012: The Cannon's Calder Trophy Ballot

2012-05-27T00:58:41Z

Over the past week or so, many of SB Nation's hockey writers have submitted their picks for the major NHL awards, and over the next few days we'll reveal the results. Earlier this week the league's top rookie was chosen, with Gabriel Landeskog taking home the Calder trophy.

Mike	Matt
1- Gabriel Landeskog	1- Gabriel Landeskog
2- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins	2- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
3- Adam Henrique	3- Matt Read

Personally, my choice for Calder would have been Landeskog even if Nugent-Hopkins played a full season. I mean, this kid did everything for the Avs this past season. He put up a ton of points, he played physical, and was a leader. It has no bearing on this award whatsoever, but the fact that Landeskog wore a letter for the Swedes at the World Championships this spring really speaks to his character and leadership. Matt and I were in agreement that he should get the award, with Nugent-Hopkins the runner up. We differed with our third picks- I went with Eastern final hero Adam Henrique (this pick has nothing to do with the fact he's the Eastern final hero) while Matt went with an equally deserving candidate in Philly's Matt Read.

What do you think of our picks? Let us know in the comments.

SB Nation's NHL Awards 2012: The Cannon's Lady Byng Trophy Ballot

2012-05-27T00:50:27Z

Over the past week or so, many of SB Nation's hockey writers have submitted their picks for the major NHL awards, and over the next few days we'll reveal the results. Earlier this week, the Lady Byng winner was chosen, with Florida's Brian Campbell earning the nod.

Mike	Matt
1- Teemu Selanne	1- Matt Moulson
2- Martin St.Louis	2- Jordan Eberle
3- Pavel Datsyuk	3- Brian Campbell

This award is given to the league's top gentleman, and if that means a lot of points with only a few penalty minutes, so be it. I went with Teemu Selanne, a true class act. Marty Saint-Lewis and Datsyuk are always deserving of this award. I can't argue with any of Matt's picks either, especially with his third-ranked player taking home the award.

What do you think of our picks? Let us know in the comments.

New Deal for DMac?

2012-05-26T23:34:44Z

The Dispatch's Aaron Portzline has reported via twitter that the team has reached a new deal with pending UFA Derek MacKenzie, pending a physical. The journeyman forward had been making $600,000 this season, so I would expect a new deal in the $750,000-800,000 range. The deal would also mean that the club would be down to three "major" pending RFAs - Jared Boll, Nikita Nikitin, and Shawn Hunwick.

The checking forward was a major part of the team's PK and defensive zone starts, but missed the last 16 games of the regular season with a concussion.

MacKenzie took a lot of heavy scoring chances against, but was also frequently asked to face off against the opponent's top lines, particularly once Samuel Pahlsson was traded to Vancouver.

MacKenzie has always been known as a "heart and soul" guy both in Columbus and Atlanta who was willing to put it all on the ice whenever he had the opportunity. When 97.1's Lori Schmidt and I interviewed him at the end of the season, he said he was medically cleared to play once again, so I wouldn't anticipate any issues with his upcoming physical.

More importantly, though, was the way he treated the idea of coming back to Columbus. Enthusiastic and hopeful, he set his jaw just a bit when he said, "I want to finish the job here."

Sports is an inherently unfair business. Thousands compete for a handful of jobs, and once you make it, only a fraction will ever win a championship.

Despite that, I can't help but think that MacKenzie's determination and character makes him the exact sort of player who deserves to win a championship in his career - and exactly the sort of guy that teams like Boston, New Jersey, and Detroit have built their franchises upon.

Here's hoping that he has the opportunity to finish what he started with the Blue Jackets.

Shrapnel - 5/26/12

2012-05-26T14:01:05Z

And then, there were two.

With the Devils eliminating New York last night in early OT, the Stanley Cup final has been set. One has to wonder if Glen Sather is going to be picking up the phone today to have a "polite chat" with Scott Howson.

Meanwhile, I love how Zach Parise handled the "DON'T TOUCH THE TROPHY!" debate.

Interestingly, Chris Lund argues that a cup win now will make Jersey even better next year. Meanwhile, Puck Daddy is debating if the "rest" the LA Kings are enjoying could potentially turn into rust.

Closer to home, and forgive me for playing catch up, the biggest news for Jackets fans was the three year deal for Derek Dorsett, a move that stacks up well statistically and has generally been met with a positive reaction, particularly from a particular blogger / superfan who shall remain nameless.

Less "sexy" but still good to see was the one year deal for Ryan Russell, who will likely split his time between Springfield and Columbus once again. Russell's excellent work blocking shots and helping out on the PK were a big asset to the club, particularly in the later half of the season. For all the people dismissing this move as "not enough change", Russell, Dorsett, and (hopefully) Derek MacKenzie are exactly the kind of guys you want in the core of your bottom six.

Department of WTF: At age 47, Dominik Hasek wants to come back to the NHL. Before anyone suggests it...NO. Just...no. Even if he might still be more consistent than Steve Mason at this point.

Department of OMG OW: Hal Gill spent the entire month of April and early May playing on a broken leg.

Department of WHUT: Conan O'Brien is surprisingly out of touch with the LA hockey scene.

Department of Would You Stop With The Department Joke Already: NCAA defenseman Justin Schultz, currently property of the Anaheim Ducks, is looking to go pro...but since Anaheim has yet to sign him, there's a strong chance he goes to free agency. If he hits UFA status, this could be an interesting way to boost the club's defensive depth.

You may or may not have heard that Puck The Media is now part of SBNation? Steve Lepore opens up with quite a salvo - defending the NHL's partnership with Nickelback.

Back at the Ranch, Zekebud explains why he feels we need to stop defending Scott Howson, and #CBJ has profiles up for @CManesh_ and @Canadan of the Union Blue.

The Canadiens have poached Rick Dudley from the Leafs to act as their new assistant GM, and John Tortorella loves his team's....testicular fortitude.

We'll wrap up with some gems from over at Dark Blue Jacket: A holiday weekend glass bangers, why R.J. Umberger could flourish under Todd Richards, a polite request to the ticket office, and a polite suggestion to mark your calendars...

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend, and don't forget to say Thank You to a veteran for their sacrifices.

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #26: Dalton Thrower

2012-05-26T13:00:06Z

Dalton Thrower

Position: Defenseman
Team: Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: December 20, 1993
Place of Birth: North Vancouver, BC
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 195
Shoots: Right

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
66	18	36	54	-4	103

2011-2012 WHL Playoffs Stats:

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
4	0	1	1	-4	4

A rising star for the Blades this season, Dalton Thrower was off the radar for most NHL scouts, but his near point a game pace opened a lot of eyes. After posting just six goals and fourteen assists in his previous season, he was a major producer on the Blades' power play this year, but also contributed on the penalty kill and key defensive zone starts. Late in the season, with the Saskatoon blue line decimated by injuries (sound familiar?) he found himself playing over 30 minutes a game through the end of the regular season and the playoffs. Physical and willing to block shots, it's strangely appropriate that the first links I found for him all went to Hockeyfights. I suppose it really is all in a name...

Scouting Report:

Thrower has done a nice job of adding an offensive dimension to his game this season by showing improved ability at both ends of the ice. His bread and butter, however, continues to be his gritty style of play and willingness to use his body on the ice. He has a huge impact on the game with his physicality and is never afraid to mix it up with opponents. Thrower needs to continue to show that he can make quick decisions and show improved decision making.

The Scouting Report

Thrower is a solid all around defenceman who does it all for the Blades. He is used in all situations, with tough matchups at even-strength, top power play unit time, and penalty killing work. Thrower took this responsibility and really excelled this season. In fact it seemed like the more minutes he was given, the better he played. Thrower is a hard-nosed physical player, who enjoys playing a style of "old-time" hockey.

Thrower's biggest improvement this season has come in the offensive end of the ice. He tripled his goal total over last season, and nearly tripled his point output. Thrower has an absolute cannon of a slap shot, and is excellent at firing a one timer on net. He understands how to keep his slapper low and accurate which leads to tip ins and rebounds for his Saskatoon Teammates. Thrower is also shown good passing ability and is very poised with the puck on his stick. He has good hockey sense and vision and often makes the smart pass in the offensive zone. We have seen Thrower skate with the puck and lead the rush on occasion, but he much prefers to use his passing skills to start the Blades transition game, he makes a good first pass out of the zone.

Last Word On Sports

Why He'd Be A Good Fit In Columbus:

Another potential late round / early second round selection, Thrower brings the type of skills, work ethic, and defensive play that put me in mind of a Dennis Seidenberg type player. The idea of adding someone to Columbus' strong defensive prospect pool with the ability to take on any challenge is attractive, especially if he can transition both his scoring and defensive games to the next level.

A player who can change the game with a big goal, a big hit, or a big fight is a rare commodity, and Thrower could become a major impact player for the team who drafts him in a few years.

Thrower In Action:

2012 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #25: Philip Di Giuseppe

2012-05-25T13:00:05Z

Philip (Phil) Di Giuseppe

Position: Left Wing
Team: University of Michigan (CCHA)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: October 9, 1993
Place of Birth: Maple, Ontario
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 201
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
40	11	15	26	23	18/

One of the small but interesting group of Canadian born players who choose to go the NCAA route instead of into Major Junior hockey, Phil Di Giuseppe was an explosive player for U of M in his freshman season, winning the CCHA Rookie of the Month award in October and receiving an honorable mention on the CCHA all rookie team. A power forward very much in the mold of a Rick Nash style player, he decided to go to the NCAA instead of the OHL for the chance to mature both on and off the ice - an interesting decision that says a lot about his ability to look at the long term. Regarded as more of a playmaker than a pure scoring forward, he's also been highlighted for good skating ability and a strong puck possession game.

Scouting Report:

DiGiuseppe is an intriguing prospect with a lot of offensive potential. He is more a playmaker than a goal scorer at this point in his career. He has extremely good hockey sense, excellent vision, and the ability to make difficult passes, threading the needle through opponents sticks and skates to give a teammate a great scoring chance. He is very good in board battles and in working the cycle in the offensive zone. He's also not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice and makes key plays in traffic. In the offensive end, Di Giuseppe is a tireless worker who is always forechecking hard, battling for loose pucks, and trying to create scoring chances out of nothing. Di Giuseppe is an above average stickhandler. He has soft hands and good puck protection skills. While he is more a playmaker than scorer, Di Giuseppe does possess a good wrist shot and release.

Last Word On Sports

After spending the past two seasons as one of the top underaged players in the OJHL, Di Giuseppe has been one of the top freshmen in the NCAA this season. Di Giuseppe is a powerful skater and has a quick stride with good acceleration. He does a good job of creating offense with his speed and works hard to fight through checks against physical defensemen. Di Giuseppe has good offensive instincts and does a good job of finding chemistry with different sets of linemates. He needs to continue to add strength as his style of play is very aggressive and it will be important for him as he makes his transition to the next level.

The Scouting Report

Why He'd Be A Good Fit In Columbus:

With his playmaking skills, big frame, and hard skating ability, Di Giuseppe could easily become a natural fit with players like Cam Atkinson or Ryan Johansen. Since the Jackets have been going back to the NCAA well for key players in their last few drafts, I think he's almost certainly on the team's radar should they acquire a later first round pick, but the bigger problem may be that a lot of scouting services and mock drafts expect the Red Wings to be all over this guy. Don't be shocked if we see Ken Holland calling his name at the first opportunity.

Di Giuseppe In Action: