Q&A with Kyle Klubertanz

Canadiens sign free agent D Kyle Klubertanz

The Canadiens' announcement of the signing of Kyle Klubertanz:

Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Thursday the signing of free agent defenseman Kyle Klubertanz to a one-year contract for the 2010-11 season.

The 24-year old Klubertanz is a 6’01” 180 lbs defenseman who hails from Madison, WI. In 2009-10, he played with Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League. Klubertanz was tied for second in scoring on his team, first amongst defensemen with 31 points in 55 games (12 goals, 19 assists).

Drafted in the third round, 74th overall by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Klubertanz graduated from the University of Wisconsin’ Badgers of the WCHA. In four seasons with the Badgers from 2004 to 2008 he recorded 72 points (12 goals, 60 assists), and served 206 penalty minutes.

Klubertanz also played with TPS Turku of the Finnish Elite League in 2008-09 and with the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League in 2007-08.

Here is Hockey's Future scouting report on Kyle Klubertanz:

Talent Analysis

A smooth-skating blueliner with plenty of offensive potential, Klubertanz also has a fiesty attitude. Despite his average size, he doesn't back down and plays with a chip on his shoulder. His greatest attribute is his puckmoving skills. He also sees the ice extremely well and is excellent at reading the play. His time in the college system should be devoted to developing his potential further as well as improving his defensive play. He also needs to get stronger to continue to play his style.

A third round draft choice in 2004 and a wizard at moving the puck, Klubertanz is still very much a project. He has plenty of offensive potential and could be a future powerplay quarterback if all goes well. His size may hold him back from being a top pairing blueliner, but his drive and hard work could ensure that he does get a regular roster spot.

Future

Originally appearing to be a potential steal in the third round of the 2004 draft, Klubertanz had a snake-bit season with Wisconsin and will be looking to re-establish himself in his senior year. The Ducks defensive pipeline looks vastly different compared to three years ago and if Klubertanz can't rebound, he may find himself without a contract offer after graduation.

Canadiens AHL/ECHL prospects 2009-10 review

From Hockey'sFuture:

AHL

David Desharnais, C

Desharnais entered the year with something to prove. The start of the undrafted 23-year-old's season was delayed as the result of a foot injury. Desharnais was unhindered upon his return to competition, however. Opening the 2009-10 season with a seven-game point streak was a sign of what was to come throughout, finishing with a total of 27 goals and 51 assists. Both figures were career highs. The combined 78 points, despite an abbreviated season of 60 games, were best on the Bulldog roster. Desharnais is also currently the team's leader in points in the playoffs, with five goals and six assists in 11 games. Desharnais is certainly making a strong case that his lack of size at 5'7 shouldn't discount his talent.

Brock Trotter, C

In his third AHL season, Trotter was due to carry more of the offensive load, and even so was arguably one of, if not, the most pleasantly surprising player for the Bulldogs in 2009-10. Another forward without size on his side at 5'9, Trotter surpassed expectations with drastic improvements to his scoring totals. The undrafted pivot managed to double his goals from 2008-09 – going from 18 goals to 36 goals – good enough to lead the team in that category. Trotter makes good use of his quickness and hands, but is also not uneducated defensively. Naturally, at an NHL level, his ability to adapt will be put to the test. Though promising, dressing in two games for Montreal this season, it remains to be seen whether Trotter's success will translate to the highest level of play.

Ben Maxwell, C

The 22-year-old Maxwell was able to more or less match his output from his rookie year. Through 57 games in Hamilton, Maxwell scored 16 goals and assisted on 28. Though solid numbers, Maxwell did not elevate his scoring to the level he was perhaps expected. He also made a dozen appearances with the Canadiens during the year in which he was unable to register any points. While his production plateaus, Maxwell's stock drops, and his place in Montreal depth chart diminishes. A heady player, a second-round draft choice in 2006, he will have to perform better next season if he hopes to regain the status that he once had.

Ryan White, C

White has excelled as a role player for the Bulldogs this year, a definite factor for the success the team has enjoyed in the regular season. Never passive on a shift, White has brought tenacity and work ethic, in addition to scoring depth. White skated in 62 contests with Hamilton, and in addition to 173 penalty minutes, contributed on the scoresheet with 17 goals and 17 assists. The Canadiens required White's services this year as well. In 16 games, the 22-year-old pitched in with two assists and 16 penalty minutes. His value to the Bulldogs has only grown in postseason play, with three goals and three assists in 10 games. White has been a noticeable player this year in more ways than one, which should bode well for his future NHL prospects.

Tom Pyatt, C

Pyatt has exceeded expectations since his not-so-celebrated arrival in the Montreal system during the offseason. The 23-year-old notched 13 goals and 22 assists through 41 games since being acquired from the Rangers. It was his third AHL season. Beyond the numbers, Pyatt has been able to parlay his efforts into visits to the Canadiens lineup this season, and has been good enough to remain an active member of club thus far during their improbable playoff run. Pyatt has established himself as a trustworthy checking forward. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has an unquestionable work ethic and a responsible two-way mindset which makes him a welcome presence under head coach Jacques Martin.

Aaron Palushaj, RW

This was the Palushaj's first full professional campaign after departing from the NCAA after two seasons. The 20-year-old joined Hamilton after he was acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for Matt D’Agostini. Palushaj's time was divided between the Bulldogs and the St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. Since arriving, in 18 games, he scored three goals and seven assists. Overall, he finished his rookie year with eight goals and 24 assists in 62 games. Palushaj is a well-rounded forward, who should be a more influential scoring presence next season. He likely has at least one more full year in the minors ahead of him before he challenges for an NHL spot.

Dany Masse, LW

Masse was signed as a free agent to a three-year contract by Montreal in April 2009. Injured initially, Masse hasn't gotten much play on a deep Hamilton roster. What sparse ice time the soon-to-be 22-year-old has received has been mostly as a fourth-line forward. Dressed for 25 games this season, he has scored three goals and two assists. He has one assist in five postseason appearances. Masse was a prolific scorer in the QMJHL. He has worked hard since going pro, and seems as though he will be given his opportunity to establish himself with the Bulldogs next season.

J.T. Wyman, RW

Quiet in his rookie year, spent between the AHL and ECHL with Cincinnati, Wyman enjoyed a breakout season of sorts in 2009-10. He struggled somewhat to score consistently, posting 10 points in 12 games in December, and a combined six points in January and February. Nevertheless, spread throughout the lineup in different roles, Wyman has been a useful component for the Bulldogs. He has has lined up at different positions on the ice this year. He had an uneventful three-game stint with Montreal in November. Wyman's skill set is that of an offense-first forward. In addition to his talent, Wyman has good size, which sets him apart from many of his teammates. The 24-year-old's contract ends this season.

Ryan Russell, C

Russell has helped provide Hamilton with excellent depth as they rolled to a 50-plus win season. Individually, in terms of pure statistics, Russell's production declined slightly from 2008-09. This was more than likely merely a byproduct of the depth the Bulldogs boasted this year rather than anything else. Russell brings blazing speed, and consistent work ethic in addition to bonus offense. The 23-year-old had 19 tallies, three of which came shorthanded, and 18 assists in 74 games. He was only charged with eight penalty minutes. A seventh-round pick of the Rangers in 2005, Russell can hold his own in the attacking zone. He could be a valuable bottom-six asset going forward if Montreal chooses to renew his contract which expires this year.

Andrew Conboy, LW

This season was Conboy's first full season as a professional. The soon-to-be 22-year-old joined Hamilton last season after his freshman campaign in the NCAA with Michigan State University. At 6'4 200 lbs, Conboy brings size and toughness to the Hamilton lineup. In a fourth-line role, he has been most effective when engaging physically. He scored eight goals and added five assists in 65 games. Far from a lazy player, Conboy sticks up for his teammates. He recorded 73 penalty minutes this season, dropping the gloves on five occasions. At different times, he has played both center and wing. Conboy has two additional years left on his contract. He'll need another full year in the AHL before he can hope to be considered a viable NHLer.

Greg Stewart, RW

Stewart began the year with the Bulldogs. As the team accumulated depth, the roster evolved, his ice time waned. Stewart was reassigned on March 10, loaned to the the Chicago Wolves. He recorded five goals and five assists in 45 games with Hamilton, and one goal in nine games with Chicago for a total of 11 points in 54 games. An eighth-round pick in 2004, Stewart is an extremely gritty, highly-spirited grinder. He will drop the gloves when necessary, even against larger opponents. Postseason play has not been too kind to Stewart. He has scored one point and is a -5 in nine games. Stewart is still property of the Canadiens, though his contract expires this year. It seems unlikely that he'll remain in the organization.

Mikael Johansson, C

A ninth-round draft choice of the Red Wings in 2003, the 24-year-old Swede signed a one-year contract with Montreal late last May. Stalled by injury, Johansson joined the Bulldogs for a sum of 20 games. The 5'9 center scored three goals and assisted on three others before returning to his home country and his former team, Farjestads BK. Apparently not a fit in North America, with his contract concluding in the coming months, Johansson does not seem as though he will remain in the Montreal organization in the future.

Olivier Fortier, C

After signing a three-year professional contract with Montreal last March, a shoulder injury virtually erased the entirety of Fortier's year. The third-round pick was idle for all but one contest in the 2009-10 regular season, what would have been his rookie campaign. Fortier finally made his first appearance on Apr. 10, the Bulldogs last regular-season game. He did not register a point. He has one goal in four postseason games.

P.K. Subban, D

Subban's transition from junior to the pros has been quite seamless. A dynamic offensive force from the rearguard, pegged by critics as a liability in his own end, he hasn't missed a beat on the defensive side of the game. Over the course of the 2009-10 season, the 20-year-old has put on a display of his high-end skill and natural hockey sense. Subban's stats have been impressive all around. He scored 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points – tops among Hamilton defensemen, third among defensemen league-wide, and fourth among all rookies league-wide. Subban was second in the league in plus/minus rating. His +46 was narrowly bettered only by Arturs Kulda (ATL).

Dominant play in the AHL playoffs (three goals and six assists in six games) coupled with injuries on the Montreal blueline has earned Subban a spot on the Canadiens as they compete in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He has made a strong impression thus far, and could compete for a full-time spot next season.

Yannick Weber, D

Weber was the first Hamilton blueliner to be called up to Montreal this season. With Hamilton, the puck-moving defenseman has seen his stats drop off somewhat from a season ago. He scored six goals and 25 assists in 65 games. Weber is nevertheless an excellent passer, effective in the transition, a right-handed shooter, and experienced power-play quarterback. The presence of Subban likely had an effect on Weber's reduced stats. Weber showed that he is a capable defender, more so than simply a power-play quarterback. The 21-year-old played with more physicality this year than in the past.

Weber has skated in three games in the playoffs. He has not registered any points and has an even plus/minus rating. He is currently out of action, listed as day-to-day. With two full seasons under his belt in the AHL, Weber should be close to NHL ready. He will compete for a spot with the Habs next season.

Mathieu Carle, D

In the last few years with Hamilton, Carle showed he had a knack for the offensive game, despite nagging injuries. Along with Weber, he figured to be a top-pairing defenseman for the Bulldogs in 2009-10. And also, like Weber, Carle made strides to hone his play at his own end this season. However the second-round pick in 2006 was sidelined in early January with a wrist injury, from which he did not return. With his season cut short, Carle counted up five goals and 10 assists in 31 games. Though he is not expected to be ready for any further Calder Cup competition, Carle should be fully healed in time for next season. He will be in the running for a spot with Montreal in 2010-11.

Cedrick Desjardins, G

Desjardins was a stand-out during the 2009-10 season – along with Trotter, one of Hamilton's most pleasant surprises. He was recognized as the Hockey's Future Prospect of the Month in December. That month he had an 8-0 record, surrendering a total of nine goals and was credited with a 1.16 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage. Entering the year, the 24-year-old Desjardins seemed destined to occupy the backup role to offseason acquisition, veteran netminder Curtis Sanford.

With strong play, the undrafted Desjardins proved he was capable of more. He finished the year with a league-best 2.00 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage, and a 29-9-4 record. Sanford himself was strong, and the pair made a formidable combination all year, sharing the goaltending duties on the team. Yet Desjardins' individual success provided a strong foundation for the success Hamilton had this season.

Canadiens Sign Gabriel Dumont to 3 Year Contract

From the Montreal Canadiens:

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced today that the club has agreed to a three-year contract (2010-2011 to 2012-2013) with centre Gabriel Dumont. The Canadiens also announced that goaltender Robert Mayer has been reassigned from the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Julien BriseBois announced today that the club has signed Dumont to an Amateur Tryout (A.T.O.) contract. As per club policy, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Dumont, 19, played in 62 regular season games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season ranking third in the QMJHL with 93 points (51 goals, 42 assists). The native of Degelis, Quebec ranked first in the QMJHL in goals with 51 while ranking fifth in the league in power-play goals with 16, recorded nine game-winning goals and was named the QMJHL's best defensive forward as well as a QMJHL First-Team All-Star in 2009-2010. Dumont also tied for the team-lead in points in the post-season with 21 (11 goals, 10 assists) in 14 games. Last year, the 5-foot-10, 181-pound centre won the 2009 QMJHL Championship with the Drummondville Voltigeurs and represented the league at the Memorial Cup Tournament that year under Bulldogs Head Coach Guy Boucher. In four seasons with the Voltigeurs, Dumont recorded 169 points (91 goals, 78 assists) and 299 penalty minutes in 180 games. Dumont was selected in the 5th round, 139th overall by Montreal in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Habs drop from #13 to #16 in HF's 2010 Spring Organizational Rankings

Danny Kristo has moved quickly up the Canadiens prospects latter with a solid NCAA freshman year at North Dakota and a good performance at the 2010 WJC.

From Hockey's Future:

16. Montreal Canadiens

Strengths: Headlining the Canadiens large group of talented forwards is Ivy League Rookie of the Year Louis Leblanc and WCHA Rookie of the Year Danny Kristo. The organization also has two potential top-four defensemen in P.K. Subban and Yannick Weber. Many of their top prospects have already tasted the NHL and are ready to jump to the next level. Weaknesses: Players such as Ben Maxwell and Aaron Palushaj are slow to develop and may not develop into NHL-caliber players. There is also a general lack of size in the system. All of the goaltending prospects have limited upside. Top 5 Prospects: 1. P.K. Subban, D, 2. Danny Kristo, RW, 3. Louis Leblanc, C, 4. Yannick Weber, D, 5. Aaron Palushaj, RW. Lost to graduation: Benoit Pouliot and Max Pacioretty.

Red Line's Top 2010 NCAA Free Agents

Here is Red Line's list of the top available college free agents:

1. Jarod Palmer/C-LW — Miami, 6-1/195, Feb. 10, 1986 (Sr.)

Most NHL ready prospect available. Skilled power forward with a dangerous shot. Can drive the puck through traffic and unload accurate shots from even the tightest of spaces. Strong in every aspect of the game and is far from a one-dimensional player. Aggressive along the boards and an ace penalty killer. More agile on his feet than he was in his years of draft eligibility.

2. Stephane Da Costa/C — Merrimack, 5-11/180, Nov. 11, 1987 (Fresh.)

Dynamic freshman from France has been excellent since the start of season and kept it going all year. Offensively the focal point of his team's attack. The puck finds him — always in the right spot and does a great job of reading the play. Extremely patient. Vision is a 9.5 out of 10 and passing ability is off the charts — at times surprises even teammates with his imaginative feeds. Excellent 1-on-1 with a great change of speeds. Can score with a quick release snap shot. Creative as they come offensively. Needs to get stronger and work on defensive game.

3. Calle Ridderwall/LW — Notre Dame, 6-0/188, May 28, 1988 (Jr.)

Fearless and has excellent timing and instincts in offensive zone. Soft hands and good hand-eye coordination. Creatively uses saucer and touch passes. Exceptional lateral agility and elusive in tight spaces. Can also surprise with multiple gears of acceleration in open ice. Has added strength since draft year and activates his feet to fight through checks. Works hard and smart.

4. Lee Baldwin/LD — Alaska Anchorage, 6-4/203, April 22, 1988 (Fresh.)

Tall and mobile freshman blue-liner plays beyond his years and in all situations. Smooth skater is nimble on his feet. Head-mans the puck cleanly and remains poised, making safe decisions under pressure. Supports the offensive rush and opportunistically pinches into openings from the point. Has a great reach and plays with sensible physicality, but isn't a consistent force yet and has a lot of bulk yet to be added to his massive frame.

5. Blair Riley/LW — Ferris St., 6-0/220, Nov. 1, 1985 (Sr.)

Thick, rugged winger with soft hands and a hair-trigger release. At his best battling below the circles and in front of net. Creates space by utilizing tremendous shielding abilities and strength on the puck. Lacks quick feet, but knows how to use his limited speed judiciously. On a team that lacks offensive firepower, he's been shadowed nearly every game but has been able to fight through checks and continue to produce.

6. Chase Polacek/RW — RPI, 5-8/170, June 19, 1989 (Jr.)

Mighty mite may be the most dynamic offensive force on this list – only his size holds him back. Sniper extraordinaire is deadly anywhere from the circles in. Extremely elusive and slips into open ice at just the right moment to pounce on loose pucks. Incredible instincts and feel in the offensive end – opportunistic and buries his chances. Soft, quick hands and a dynamite release. Can be overpowered and won't win many battles or provide a physical dimension.

7. Erik Gustafsson/RD — Northern Michigan, 5-10/180, Dec. 15, 1988 (Jr.)

Aggressive offensive rearguard who quarterbacks the PP with rapid and intelligent puck distribution. Talented passer and puckhandler. Gifted and agile skater with excellent quickness. Undersized and comes up short 1-on-1 against bigger opponents. Does compete defensively aided by quick feet and a skilled stick. The top puck-moving defenseman available.

8. Bobby Butler/RW — New Hampshire, 6-0/185, April 26, 1987 (Sr.)

A smart two-way winger who does an honest day's work in his own zone and plays the penalty kill. Shows good vision in the offensive zone and works well away from the puck to create space for his accurate shot. Has accomplished most of his impressive offensive production by finding holes and being in the right place at the right time. Doesn't have dynamic physical tools and his skating is average.

9. Mike Testwuide/RW — Colorado College, 6-3/220, Feb. 5, 1987 (Sr.)
10. Scott Campbell/C — Lowell, 6-2/215, June 6, 1986 (Jr.)
11. Casey Wellman/RW — UMass/Amherst, 6-1/187, Oct. 18, 1987 (Soph.)
12. Matt Read/LC — Bemidji St., 5-10/185, June 14, 1986 (Jr.)
13. Tommy Wingels/LW — Miami, 6-0/193, Oct. 1, 1988 (Jr.)
14. Jake Newton/LD — Northeastern, 6-3/200, Sept. 22, 1988 (Fr.)

Habster:

Just a quick note! Habs Pipeline is predominately about the most recent articles/information concerning Montreal Canadiens prospect. With that being said, I also like to post articles about possible players the Habs might target in the future, whether it involves NCAA UFAs, CHL draft eligible players or even European players.

Mike Testwuide is a player who has attended Canadiens development camps as a try-out player the last two years. He certainly has the size the Habs covet but I wasn't terribly impressed with his skating stride/foot speed at both development camps that I attended.

I strongly believe smart NHL organizations look at NCAA UFAs to strengthen their pool of prospects and eventually improve their NHL roster (i.e- Maple Leafs' Tyler Bozak GP-37 G-8 A-19 Pt-27 or New York Rangers' D Matt Gilroy who had a solid rookie year).

The recent signing of NCAA UFAs Brendon Nash and Hunter Bishop indicates the Canadiens are realizing the importance of adding these type of players without losing players from their NHL roster or prospect pool. Here's hoping this trend continues in the near future with the signing of some of the above NCAA UFAs.

Habs Trio of European Prospects Play for Championship

(#21 A. Engqvist)

From HabProspects.com:

The Montreal Canadiens will see three of their European prospects playing in a league championship tomorrow, as Alexei Emelin, Nichlas Torp and Andreas Engqvist will take part in the final series for the KHL and SEL as AK Bars, HV71 and Djurgarden all hope they will be crowned as champs. The good news for the Habs is that one of their prospects is sure to win as Torp faces off agaist Engqvist.

SEL

For Nichlas Torp it will be a second chance to appear in a championship series in the SEL, as he team HV71 was able to win the title during the 2007-2008 season but the young blueliner was injured in a preseason game and missed the entire season. The feisty defensemen set career highs across the board in his second season, with triple the number of points with 6, while going from a -1 to a +6 and seeing his penalty minutes jump to 93 in 47 games.

Hab fans will be able to relate to the team Andreas Engqvist plays for, Djurgårdens IF, as they are the oldest and most accomplished franchise in the Swedish Elite legue as they go for their 17th championship and first in nine years. The free agent signee was passed over during the 2006 NHL Entry Draft but the Habs opted to give him a look this past summer and liked what they saw from the big forward despite injuries costing him close to half the season.

It was also a banner year for Engqvist who set career highs across the board in what was his 4th full season in the SEL, with 14 goals and 26 points in 55 games while being a +10 and recording 30 pims. Next year he is slated to make the jump to North America where he will likely join the Hamilton Bulldogs, hopefully a league title will give him something to build on when he heads to camp in the fall. Currently he is enjoying a strong playoff run with 8 points in 10 games.

KHL

AK Bars Kazan looks to repeat as KHL champions after winning the Gagarin Cup in the inaugural season last year. For Alexei Emelin this will be the third time he has made an appearance in the finals, losing to Andrei Markov and Dynamo Moscow during the NHL lockout. Reports out of Russia speak highly to Emelin's play, and his production backs it up, as the rugged blueliner has chipped in 5 points in 15 games, after getting 7 points during the regular season, which was his career totals from his first two seasons since leaving Lada to sign with AK Bars in 107 games.

It is believed that the Habs will once again try to entice the soon to be 24 year old to break his contract and try his luck overseas. It has been speculated that he has an outclause in his contract with AK Bars to leave for the NHL, but it remains to be seen if both sides will be able to come to an agreement since he would be restricted by having to sign an ELC (entry level contract) which would mean that if he didn't make the NHL roster he could only make a small amount in the AHL.

NCAA

Habs have one prospect make it to the NCAA championships, but things did not go as hoped for Patrick Johnson who found himself on the bench during the final two games. Wisconsin was not able to win the title, losing to Boston College, but hopefully for Johnson he can use this experience to get him back on track as he enters his Senior year in the fall where he will really need to turn things around if he has any chance to get a contract from the Habs.

Canadiens junior prospects 2009-10 review

The drafting of Gabriel Dumont is looking more like a diamond in the rough after a great season in the QMJHL

Here is an excerpt from the Hockey's Future article:

Gabriel Dumont, C – Drummondville Voltigeurs

Acquired: 5th round, 139th overall, 2009

Dumont's production exploded this year, as Drummondville dominated the QMJHL during the regular season. When all was said and done, the Voltigeurs ranked second overall as a team in goals for, and second in the overall standings as well. Dumont managed to set new career-high marks in each of the major statistical categories. Through 61 games, the fifth-round draft choice and Ville Degelis native scored 51 goals and 42 assists for a total of 93 points, tying him for third in the QMJHL in scoring. Dumont put up 49 points a year ago. In addition to his production, Dumont also received the Guy Carbonneau Golden Puck award for Best Defensive Forward.

Though a smaller player at 5'10 180 pounds, Dumont battles hard (as evidenced by his 127 penalty minutes) and has undeniably strong hockey sense. He and his team are currently battling the Moncton Wildcats in third round of the postseason. Building on his regular-season success, Dumont has tallied 10 goals and seven assists in nine games, leading the team.

Canadiens European prospects 2009-10 review

In a few years, Joonas Nattinen could develop into a solid 2nd/3rd line two way center with size that the Habs have been so dearly looking for.

Below are excerpts from Hockey's Future article highlighting the progression of the Canadiens' Russian prospects. You can read the other evaluations of the other Habs' European prospects by clicking on the above title.

Alexander Avtsin, RW – Moscow Dynamo (KHL)

6'2 198 lbs

Acquired: 4th round, 109th overall, 2009

The highly gifted Avtsin picked apart the competition in the Russian junior hockey league last year, the MHL. The 2009 draft pick attempted to make the transition to the KHL's Moscow Dynamo this year, but was ultimately taken out of commission by injury. A broken wrist has since healed, allowing the 19-year-old to prepare for play with the Russian junior national team in mid April.

As a teenager, Avtsin skated in 30 games in with Dynamo and held his own. He had three goals and six assists. Avtsin's agent claims the winger has his sights set on an NHL job. Though talented and possessing the upside of a top-six forward, Avtsin has room to grow away from the offensive game.

Maxim Trunev, RW – Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

5'11 176 lbs

Acquired: 5th round, 138th overall, 2008

Trunev had an unremarkable 2009-10 season. He divided his time with Severstal and Almaz Cherepovets of the MHL. While producing well at the MHL level with 24 points in 14 games, Trunev's numbers in the KHL with Severstal have remained more or less the same as a year ago. An offensively oriented player, Trunev scored three goals and two assists. His five points in 30 games tied his total from 2008-09. Though talented, Trunev's ability to produce is crucial to his prospect status. The 19-year-old's contract concludes at the end of the month.

Alexei Yemelin, D – AK Bars Kazan (KHL)

6'0 187 lbs

Acquired: 3rd round, 84th overall, 2004

Yemelin re-signed with the KHL's Kazan AK Bars this offseason. He played out the first of two years under his new contract in 2009-10. Yemelin reprised his role as a gritty defensive defenseman. He is not a risk taker, playing a simple game and bringing an edge, though not physically overpowering. Yemelin is not one to produce much offensively, with an average seasonal point total in the single digits. This year, Yemelin recorded a goal and six assists. He also was credited with a total of 50 penalty minutes – a career low. Historically, Yemelin has been known to accumulate high penalty minute totals, but he is not an extraordinarily undisciplined player by NHL playing standards.

Habs ink another NCAA free agent in D Brendon Nash

From Canadiens.com:

Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced Tuesday the signing of free agent defenseman Brendon Nash to a two-year contract (2010-11 and 2011-12). Nash, who is currently completing his studies at Cornell University, plays with the Cornell Big Red in the ECAC of the NCAA.

Brendon Nash, who will turn 23 on Wednesday, March 31, is a 6’, 3’’, 206 lbs defenseman who hails from Kamloops, BC. In his last season at Cornell University in 2009-10 (team also includes his brother Riley), Nash led all team defensemen in scoring with 19 points in 33 games (2 goals, 17 assists). He also served 48 penalty minutes. Nash recorded a total of 67 points (8 goals, 59 assists) and 173 penalty minutes in four full seasons with the Big Red. He also led all team defensemen in points in each the past three seasons.

From 2004 to 2006, Nash registered 60 points (9 goals, 51 assists) in 112 regular season games with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League).

Nash participated in the Canadiens’ development camp in 2009.

Here is how Hockey's Future views Brendan Nash's overall game:

Nash is a smart, offensive-minded defenseman who possesses a nice combination of size, mobility and puck skills. He uses his 6'3 frame and long reach to great advantage, particularly in protecting or stripping the puck. He's also not afraid to join the offensive play. Defensively, he is solid and keeps things pretty simple. Nash has great poise and patience with the puck, but what sets him apart from many young defensemen is in his timely passing ability, particularly on power plays. Though he skates quite well for a big man, Nash needs to work on having quicker feet. Developing speed and strength are two areas that will be paramount to his future success.

Cornell head coach Mike Schafer's comments on Nash: "With Sasha Pokulok and Ryan O'Byrne signing pro contracts last summer, Brendan had a lot of responsibilities as a freshman and he did a tremendous job. He logged as much ice time as we could possibly give him and played in all situations. It's just a matter of Brendan continuing to excel. We expect big things from him next year and I think he'll be one of the top defensemen in our league."

Habs ink NCAA free agent Hunter Bishop

From Canadiens.com:

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier announced Thursday the signing of free agent forward Hunter Bishop to a two-year contract (2010-11 and 2011-12). He will report to the Hamilton Bulldogs on Monday.

Bishop, 22, a 6’, 196 lbs forward native of Fairbanks, Alaska ranked fourth in scoring in his second season with the NCAA Ohio State Buckeyes this season. He registered 27 points in 33 games (15 goals, 12 assists). He ranked third in goals and had 22 penalty minutes. In his sophomore season with Ohio State in 2008-09, Bishop ranked third in scoring with 31 points in 42 games (14 goals, 17 assists).

From 2005 to 2008, Bishop registered a total of 177 points (93 goals, 84 assists) in 140 regular season games with the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League), including a 97-point season (57-40-97) in 2007-08.

Bishop participated in the Canadiens’ development camp in 2009.

Habster:

Hunter Bishop's biggest asset is speed and a solid two way game. He has a solid hockey sense and for the most part, plays a smart game at both ends of the ice.

Bishop isn't a particularly physical player but will go to the net and into the corners without hesitation. His repertoire of shots is above average but still needs some improvement while his intial steps/foot speed can also improve over time.

He was assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs and may see some action in the last few regular season games before the AHL playoffs.

Projected future: Solid third line forward who could contribute the occasional goal.

Ten free agent collegians gaining NHL interest

In my opinion, Gustafsson is the most intriguing NCAA free agent in this group of players and should garner substantial interest from the NHL. If Trevor Timmins and his staff are "on the ball", then the Canadiens should consider signing Gustafsson and/or other college UFAs.

Give Brian Burke credit last year for signing quality NCAA UFAs like Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson without giving up any NHL roster players or draft pick in return.....a "win-win" situation!!

Here is a excerpt from the Hockey's Future article by DJ Powers:

Erik Gustafsson, D, 21

Junior, Northern Michigan University

Gustafsson is one of two Swedish-born players on the Wildcats roster. After a successful rookie campaign two seasons ago, Gustafsson has continued to build on it and has become one of the CCHA’s most dominant two-way defensemen.

Gustafsson has appeared in 34 games thus far for Northern Michigan. He leads the Wildcats in scoring among blueliners with 28 points (three goals, 25 assists). Gustafsson also leads all CCHA defensemen in scoring. Twenty-two of his 28 points have come in league play.

Gustafsson is a smooth-skating defenseman who has tremendous awareness and hands. And his defensive abilities are equally as good. Though he is small in stature (5’11/208), Gustafsson is strong both with and without the puck. His added strength has made him more difficult to compete against in all three zones.

Last season, Gustafsson earned the CCHA’s Defensive Defenseman of the Year honor as well as an All-America West Team selection. He could potentially repeat both feats again this season.

Boucher Turning Heads in Hamilton

Below is a great blog article by JT which appears in Bright Minds Blogs. Great insights into Guy Boucher's coaching philosphies. The players love him and the results speak volumes:

Guy Boucher doesn't see himself as a hockey coach as much as he does a teacher. He thinks his role as head coach of the Hamilton Bulldogs is to help young players learn to be better while teaching them how to win at the same time. Turns out, it's not just the young guys who think Boucher knows his stuff.

After last night's game, I listened to Mathieu Darche talk about Boucher and I was so impressed with what he had to say, I can't wait for Boucher to be the Canadiens coach some day. When asked how the Hamilton system compares with Montreal's, Darche said the two are completely different. He describes how Boucher emphasizes hard work from every player above Xs and Os.

"It's very new-age and I think it works. It's five men everywhere. It's not one or two guys here and there," says Darche.

Darche has a history with Boucher. Back in the days when the coach was a player, Boucher came down with a bizarre virus that blurred his vision, weakened his right side and gave him vertigo. Boucher says he went from thinking about nothing but hockey to wondering whether he'd even live. During the five years it took him to recover fully, it became clear he wouldn't play hockey again. Boucher thought about what he wanted to do in life, and he decided he wanted to teach other guys to be better hockey players. He joined the McGill Redmen as an assistant coach, and that's where he first crossed paths with Darche.

"He was there my sophomore year (in 1997) and I went from zero goals to 21 goals in 26 games," said Darche. "Guy was one of the big reasons why. He would stay after practice and work on my shot."

Darche isn't the only guy singing Boucher's praises. Philippe Lefebvre, who played for Boucher with the junior Drummondville Voltigeurs says Boucher helped him improve enough to land a rookie-camp invite from the Habs.

“Guy is the best coach I’ve ever had," says Lefebvre. "On one hand, he brings that psychology that can really help motivate you to be your best. He’s also a great strategist; he’s got a great system, which is sometimes a little complex, but it works,”

Sidney Crosby, who had Boucher as an assistant coach in Rimouski, loves him. (Boucher returns the feeling, using Crosby video to underline the importance of going to the net for goals to his current troops.) Ryan White and Tom Pyatt both gave props to the Bulldogs coach for preparing them for what they'd face in Montreal. Mathieu Carle said he'd learned more in a month under Boucher than he had in two previous years in Hamilton. PK Subban is having an outstanding rookie campaign with the 'Dogs, crediting the coach and his assistants for a lot of it. One of those assistants, Daniel Lacroix, says Boucher's secret to success is that he treats the players like people, not like parts of a machine.

“His philosophy is pretty clear, that we have to coach to get to know the players first,” says Lacroix. “As a philosophy from a head coach, not only does he say it, but he lives it on a day-to-day basis.”

Boucher confirms that approach. He says it's important to see each player as an individual and develop a relationship with him on a personal level. He believes a player will only respect and listen to a coach if he feels the coach is doing the same for him. At the same time, he rewards hard work above anything else. He insists players never take the easy way out and lets them know it if they try to do that.

So far, nobody can deny the success of Boucher's methods. The coach has a master's degree in sports psychology, as well as undergrad degrees in history, which he says teaches lessons about learning from the past, and engineering, which he thinks gives him an adavantage in analysing players' on-ice performances.

“All the movements that hockey players do — the torques that they do with shooting and their transfer of weight — basically, they are vectors,” Boucher said. “It has really helped me segment and break down movements of players.

”It all translates into a winning record that has pundits and analysts calling Boucher a coaching phenom. Last season he took Drummondville to first place and a Memorial Cup berth, with a remarkable 400% improvement in the team's record over the previous year. This year, he's got the Bulldogs, not the AHL's most talented team, sitting in first place in their conference and second in the league.

Boucher is getting lots of credit for saving Sergei Kostitsyn. He turned what looked to be a sure ticket out of Montreal into a renewed start for the kid, complete with improved attitude and better work habits. Now the coach will have to save Max Pacioretty.

Pacioretty is raw potential in a big frame. He can skate well, he's not afraid to be hit and he's willing to do what he's told. He just needs someone who can guide him and show him how to put his skills to their best use. He needs to be taught. That wasn't happening for him in Montreal.

After a promising start to the year, Pacioretty has looked more lost every month. He seems unsure about his role and where he should be on the ice. Red Berenson, his college coach at Michigan, said he wasn't sure Pacioretty was ready for professional hockey when he left school early last year. Berenson, another great teaching coach, knows what he's talking about. Pacioretty has the potential to be a really good NHL player and redeem the Habs' dismal first-round drafting record somewhat. But he needs someone to teach him how.

Lucky for him, and for the Habs, he couldn't have a better teacher than Guy Boucher. If the Habs win a Cup in the next decade, I think this guy could be behind the bench for it. And hopefully, Max Pacioretty will be one of the key contributors if that glorious day ever comes. With Boucher helping him, at least he's got a chance, which is something a lot of Habs prospects haven't had. Until now.

Subban Sick Shootout Winning Goal & Desjardins Final Save At 2010 AHL All-Star Game

Subban displays his great shoot out skills at the 2010 skills competition

Top 10 AHL rookie prospects; Subban ranked #3

Excerpt from The Hockey News article:

3. P.K. Subban, D, Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal)

With a 0.81 points-per-game average in junior, it was always thought Subban, 20, was a riverboat gambler of a blueliner. But in his first year as a pro, the all-star selection is No. 2 in the AHL in plus-minus and tied for second in defensemen scoring with nine goals and 27 points in 40 games. Don’t expect him in ‘The Hammer’ again next year.

Habs Desjardins AHL prospect for December; Subban a close second

Here is an excerpt from the Hockey's Future article by Chris Roberts:

The Prospect of the Month for December is AHL goaltender Cedrick Desjardins of the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Desjardins has been having a great, if not career, year for the Bulldogs this season. He had been a backup for the club the past three seasons and with the addition of Curtis Sanford this year, he was all but expected to back up once again. However, the Bulldogs have implemented a loose “win and you're in” system between the pipes and Desjardins’ play, especially in December, has certainly warranted the undrafted netminder the majority of starts.

Desjardins’ eight wins for the month of December is quite impressive, yet even more so is the fact that he recorded no losses. The 24-year-old went 8-0, only conceding nine goals in doing so, boasting a 1.16 GAA and a .949 save percentage. He posted shutouts in back-to-back starts on the 13th and 18th to go along with a shutout to begin the month.

His rise up the Canadiens’ organizational depth chart has been slow, but has certainly picked up steam this season. With current Canadiens’ backup Jaroslav Halak rumoured to be all but out of the picture for next season, and considering the fact that Desjardins has out-played veteran Curtis Sanford, he could potentially get his first taste of NHL action next season.

Honorable Mention

P.K Subban

Desjardins had help as the Hamilton Bulldogs went 10-3 during the month. Rookie defenseman and former World Junior standout Subban had a very average start to his rookie campaign, but after picking it up in November, he had an exceptional month of December. In just 11 games, Subban scored four times and added eight assists for over a point per game, yet the most impressive stat of the month for Subban was his +16. Heading into January he led the team with a +23, a whole +10 higher than Brock Trotter, who sits second on the team. Subban became well known with his play at the past two World Junior Championships and so far he has not disappointed. He’ll likely be a fixture on the Canadiens’ blue line sooner than later.