Mikhail Grigorenko: The Next Great Russian Centre?

     When scouts throw around the name Evgeni Malkin when comparing a prospect to a current NHL player you know expectations are high and the bar has been set. Mikhail Grigorenko a prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft is currently playing in the QMJHL for the Quebec Remparts. Grigorenko a natural centre has been playing right wing for most of the season being coached under former NHL goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Roy.

     Grigorenko was originally expected to play in the KHL this season for CSKA Moscow. However plans changed quickly when Grigorenko was swayed to come play in Canada and was selected Second Overall in the CHL Import Draft by Quebec.

     Grigorenko is flourishing thus far in his first season in North America. He currently boasts 15 goals, 16 assists, for 31 points in just 21 games. Just the start he needed to build on speculation that he is to be a top five pick in this upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Grigorenko projects as a big rangy playmaking centre who has tremendous vision and hockey sense. To go along with a supreme pair of hands. Top line centres with Grigorenko’s ability don’t exactly grow on trees, and NHL scouts fully realize this. Scouts that are likely to have high picks in this upcoming Draft are likely licking their chops to get a shot at a talent like this.

     The Draft is still a world away, and there is still much to prove before then. 2012 looks to be a strong crop of prospects, but don’t be surprised if two Russians rise to the top of the hockey world that day. Nail Yakupov who is all but a lock to be the first pick, could be followed or even challenged by his Russian counterpart Mikhail Grigorenko.

Phil Kessel: Can this Amazing Pace Continue?

     If Phil Kessel is to maintain his current pace for the remaining games left this season he will see himself eclipse the 100 point barrier by quite a margin. However you won’t find many sane people expecting that to happen.

     Kessel’s hot start has not only been a testament to how skilled a player he is, but his maturity and evolution as an NHL player. These days it’s not unusual to see Kessel skate back to break up scoring chances for the other team, or fill in for a pinching defenceman. Brian Burke will tell you “Phil Kessel is a 200 foot player now”. I’m sure there are people that will tell you they never thought they’d see the day when Phil Kessel is a complete player. Now they’ve seen it.

     Along with improving his defensive game Kessel has also became more of an offensive juggernaut. His 21 points in 13 games is leading the NHL. Kessel looks dangerous every shift. A threat to score every time his skates touch the ice. Kessel’s pace is sure to slow, but by how much? Kessel doesn’t appear to be the same player that he was even as little as a year ago. His evolution has been apparent. Kessel will surpass his previous career high of 64 points this season by a fair margin barring injury.

     As Kessel is evolving so are the Toronto Maple Leafs as a team. The Leafs who now sit 1st in the entire NHL are off to their best start in years. The Leafs best players have stepped up to propel the Leafs to the upper echelon of NHL teams. I’m sure the Leafs brass are hoping the evolution is on-going because right now the future looks very bright for not only Kessel, but the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jonas Gustavsson: Regaining Confidence

     

     You know that feeling, that feeling deep in your gut when you feel something has or is going to go wrong. That sums up the feeling I have when Jonas Gustavsson or “The Monster” gets in the blue paint for the Maple Leafs.

     Truth be told Gustavsson has been through a laundry list of setbacks thus far in his tenure with the Leafs. At time looking like a starter, and others looking like a minor leaguer. Consistency has not been one of Gustavsson’s strong points. You wonder where all the promise has gone since he came across the pond from Sweden to guard the net for the Leafs. Was it all just hype? That is now becoming a fair question.

     His most recent stint in the Leafs crease has come at the expense of starter James Reimer. Who is missing time with whiplash/concussion symptoms from a collision in game against the Canadiens. In this time the Monster has been both great and below average sometimes in the span of a few minutes. His stats are more of an eye sore than complimenting, but he finds a way to make big saves, and most importantly is winning the majority of games. Who never know what Gustavsson you’re going to get even from period to period. Could it be a lack of confidence? Too much pressure? Or is “The Monster” just not as good as he was projected to be? At this point it is anyone’s guess.

Phil Kessel: Player of the Month for October!

    

     Phil Kessel's rip roaring start has earned him October's highest honor. Kessel was named Player of the Month Monday after scoring 10 goals with 8 assists for 18 points in 11 games this month.