Let The Traverse City Countdown Begin (Part 2)

Here Comes The Truck (NHL Media.com)

Now does less than 72 hours before the Ranger prospects report sound nice to you? The 22 prospects who make up the roster of the Traverse City team actually will start arriving tomorrow as they are expected to fly to Traverse City on Friday.

Yesterday we talked about the forwards on the roster so today we will talk about the strongest and perhaps deepest group of Ranger defensive prospects the Rangers have ever had. We will also talk about the tale of 2 goalies who have a lot on the line at Traverse City.

Lee Baldwin (UFA 2010): Baldwin left Alaska-Anchorage after just one season to sign with the Rangers. Baldwin is a true late bloomer as he failed to earn roster spots in the WHL before sticking in the BCHL and earning an NCCA ride. The question is which kind of defender will Baldwin be as he has some offense as well as being a physical defender. Baldwin’s biggest foe might be the depth chart so he has to come out firing at both ends. Best bet is a 3rd pair NHL d-man

Sam Klassen (UFA 2009): OK we are biased when it comes to Klassen but if you saw the CLEAN open ice hits Klassen has had in his WHL career then you too would be a huge fan of his. Monster hits aside, Klassen is a pure crease clearing defender who may not be as big as some of the others on the roster but Klassen is just as tough. Best bet is 3rd pair NHL D-man

Tomas Kundratek (2008 3rd): Kundratek has the most potential to be a rock solid 2 way NHL defender. He might be the best “first passer” among the defensive prospects and he loves to hit. The problem is Kundratek is also his own worst enemy as his hockey sense will frustrate you cause at times it lacks common sense. Kundratek needed to find some serious maturity last year and if he did not then we would not be shocked if he winds up back in Europe. Best Bet If mature a strong 3-4 but if not Europe and it will not be the Ranger’s fault.

Daniel Maggio (2009 6th): Maggio’s season is already off to a great start by being traded to Guelph. Maggio was lost because Sudbury had a bad season last year. In Guelph we expect him to become a very good defender who can chip in some offense as well as drop the gloves. Best bet is a NHL 2nd pair

Brandon Manning (Tryout): We know Manning because of Roman Horak and think this is a good tryout. Manning played a strong game for Chilliwack and we have a video that we think you will like of Manning as it is a combination open ice hit/fight. Manning would be a nice depth defender who could be used in several roles.

Dylan McIlrath (2010 1st): Take Jeff Beukeboom, add some Doug Lidster and toss in some Joey Kocur and you have Dylan McIlrath. The thought of McIlrath paired with McDonagh or Klassen just thrills the heck out of us cause nobody would dare touch Henrik Lundqvist. Pair him with Del Zotto and boy you are thinking it transforms Del Zotto into a monster of a weapon since Del Zotto will know “The TrucK” has his back. Best Bet first pair

Ryan McDonagh (Trade 2009): We have been singing the praises of McDonagh since the day the Rangers got him from Montreal. Smart, tough and has an excellent hockey sense. Had he got the junior route he would have been in the NHL by now. We said he was NHL ready defensively last year and that has not changed. Needs to work on getting his shot on target because if he does then his offense will catch up to his defense. Should be in Ranger lineup if not opening night then no later than mid-season. No question first pair

Jyri Niemi (Trade 2010): Like Kundratek has a world of talent but in Niemi’s case he is very frustrating because of his inconsistent play. With Saskatoon last season he was a second pair and played at times like a third pair. Has good size and has the tools but the head is not always there. Should be a first pair but needs a serious wake up call

Goalies

Scott Stajcer (2009 5th): Stajcer in our eyes was totally overworked last year by Owen Sound due to a poor team defense and an inexperienced backup. Stajcer has the tools to a NHL goalie but the problem is now how to help him regain both form and confidence. Should be at least an NHL backup but could wind up as another Antoine Lafleur.

Cam Talbot (UFA 2010): Last season some peers got us to support the “Save University of Alabama-Huntsville Hockey” so we spent time watching the CHA playoffs. Cam Talbot stole the show as he carried the Chargers on his back to an NCAA berth. The bigger the game the better he plays and if we were Chad Johnson we would be looking over our shoulder as Talbot is a BGP (Big Game Player). 6’3 205 with very good positioning and excellent reflexs; Talbot is a goalie version of Ryan Callahan as tell him he can not do something cause he will prove you wrong. Sky is the limit for him.

Changes to the Traverse City Tryout Roster

Add Jason Bast who played with Dylan McIlrath in Moose Jaw last season, Bast was Moose Jaw’s captain and the one thing everyone we asked about him said was that on heart alone he should be an All-Star. Not serious candidate for a contract.

Kelsey Tessier plays for Moncton in the QMJHL; a former draft pick of the Avalanche (2008 4th) is coming off a monster playoff run (14-16-30) last season which left Av’s fans scratching their head as to why he was not signed. One reason might be that he is only 5’9 168.

No question about his offensive skills but the size and the ability to handle the more physical game.