June 2014 – Thoughts Inside The Box

2014 Entry Draft Wrap

Over Friday evening and Saturday morning/afternoon came the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in Philadelphia (and fans booing anything not Flyer-related…what do you expect in Philly?). New Jersey had a total of 6 draft selections: 1st round, 30th; 2nd round, 41st; 3rd round, 71st; 5th round, 131st; and 6th round, 152nd and 161st. Time to meet the newest players in the Devils organization:

1st Round, #30 overall: John Quenneville, C, Brandon (WHL)

The second cousin of Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, the 18-year-old just completed his second full season with the Wheat Kings, scoring 58 points in 61 games (25 G, 33 A) and a +3 rating, and a team leading 13 points in 9 playoff games. He also represented Canada in last year’s World Junior Championships, with one goal and one assist in 7 games.

2nd Round, #41 overall: Josh Jacobs, D, Indiana (USHL)

And here comes more defense! Jacobs just completed his second season with the Ice, finishing with 23 points in 56 games (5 G, 18 A) and a +36 rating. He is committed to Michigan State starting in 2015-16, but there is a chance he could end up in the OHL with Sarnia.

3rd Round, #71 overall: Connor Chatham, RW, Plymouth (OHL)

The 18-year-old Illinois native just completed his first season with the Whalers, scoring 31 points in 54 games (13 G, 18 A). He has the size (checking in at 6’3″ and 225 pounds), and is seen as a potential energy type forward.

5th Round, #131 overall: Ryan Rehill, D, Kamloops (WHL)

The classic stay-at-home defenseman type, from what I have read. Rehill, checking in at 6’3″ and 213 pounds, just finished his second season with the Blazers, with 20 points (4 G, 16 A) and 182 penalty minutes in 72 games.

6th Round, #152 overall: Joey Dudek, C, Kimball Union (NH)

Using the pick acquired from Florida in the Krys Barch/Scott Timmins deal, New Jersey chose Dudek, a prep school forward. He scored 44 points (9 G, 35 A) in 25 games, and is committed to Boston College starting in the 2015-16 season.

6th Round, #161 overall: Brandon Baddock, LW, Edmonton (WHL)

The final draft selection comes in the form of Baddock, a big forward (6’4″, 206) who just finished his second season with the Oil Kings. In 56 games he posted 17 points (6 G, 11 A) and amassed 128 penalty minutes, with an additional goal in 13 playoff games.

(Note: Clicking on each name will take you to the In Lou We Trust scouting report.)

Now for some free agency updates:

-Earlier today the Citizens Voice (out of Wilkes-Barre) posted the annual AHL free agency list, including its top 100 available players. You’ll have to scroll all the way down to #83 for the highest ranked Albany player, Rod Pelley, while Kelly Zajac checks in at #88.

The annual tracker is ready to go for noon on Tuesday, which will include any last minute updates concerning Monday’s RFA qualifying offer deadline.

News of the Week

Yeah, it’s about time I updated this thing…

-The 2013-14 hockey season officially ended on Wednesday evening in St. John’s, as the Texas Stars took the Calder Cup title by finishing off the IceCaps in overtime, winning the series 4 games to 1. There was one River Rat connection to the new champs, and it’s actually off ice: broadcaster Owen Newkirk, who was in the booth for the River Rats (during the Carolina days) for 2 seasons.

Meanwhile, in Devils land:

-Two unrestricted free agents returned to the fold, as Mike Sislo signed a 2 year, 2 way deal on Wednesday. A well deserved contract for the 3rd year pro, who made his NHL debut back in January and lead Albany in goals this past season.

Then early Friday morning it was announced that Cam Janssen had signed a new 1 year, 2 way contract, which made everyone on my Devils Twitter feed curse under their breath.

And a third Devil has left for Europe, as Mattias Tedenby has joined Lev Praha of the KHL. Not surprised by that move at all, unfortunately.

-Earlier today New Jersey announced their 6 game exhibition schedule…and sadly no games in Albany again this season. Their only home game on neutral ice comes September 26th against the Islanders at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

-The annual rookie camp will take place July 13-18. More info on that to come.

Quick Saturday Morning Updates

Just a couple of notes to pass along:

-Last time I wrote, the AHL Conference Finals were just getting started. Tomorrow, the Finals begin in Austin, Texas, where the Stars will be taking on St. John’s for all the proverbial marbles. So how did they get there?

(4) St. John’s eliminated (6) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-2

(1) Texas eliminated (3) Toronto 4-3

Again, oh what could have been. A few people had told me they thought Albany would be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference, but the IceCaps probably should have got more credit. It’s going to be an interesting matchup between these two teams.

Side note: unless Texas gets amazing attendance figures this round, Albany will win the playoff attendance wars, averaging just shy of 7300 for the two home games. Considering this team’s regular season attendance history, this is an awesome feat. Even though it was just two games.

-And another Devil has moved on, as defenseman Alexander Urbom has signed a 2 year deal with the KHL’s Severstal Cherepovets. No truth to the rumor that I was doing this upon hearing the news.