These campaigns will not come without their talking points as all debates go when trying to win the heart of their target. Some thought he may have been sporting the Blue Note as early as this season. Unlike this year, there were not multiple pros and multiple cons that came with his decision to stay in Sibir.

There was one.

Pro, making an NHL team out of camp. Con, not making an NHL team out of camp.

Deciding to stay in Russia was a smart move that allowed him to develop his game for another season. This move also saved the Blues from burning the first year of his contract.

The decision this summer will have much more on the table then last season. Tarasenko will make the Blues roster if he comes over so last year’s dilemma is not an issue. The decision this summer can be broken down more in depth as former player Alexander Khavanov has discussed here. This is where the campaigning gains heat.

Reasons to stay in Russia are many. Tarasenko is bound to make more money there than in St. Louis – for now. The collective bargaining dispute cannot be predicted but the NHL was almost torn apart by the last lockout and that is not likely to happen again. But the Blues’ history with Russians and Ken Hitchcock’s history with Russians should not be a factor.

Evgeny Grachev is the only Blues Russian player after trading Nikita Nikitin early in the season. Grachev is not on the NHL roster. This is not because of where he was born and not because of the language he speaks. Having had twenty four NHL games already with the big club – compared to eight with his former New York Rangers – Grachev was sent to the AHL for lack of space with a forward deep St. Louis Blues. Likewise, Nikitin, while Russian, could not keep a spot on St. Louis’ blue line because of the defensive depth of the club. His nationality played no part of his trade.

Hitchcock has developed a misunderstood reputation when it comes to Russian players. Yes, everyone can quickly find examples of poor results between the two parties. But such examples will follow the same pattern of other immature players squaring off with other hot headed coaches. Also, Russians are not the only players that leave the NHL over disputes. To gloss over the whole picture of his prior relationships that went sour is misleading. But then again, that is how campaigns work.

Another non factor that is being campaigned as a hot issue is being part of the national team. With out a doubt Tarasenko will be noticed if he is playing on a top club in Russia  and would likely make team Russia for the Olympics. However, a player of this caliber is going to be noticed wherever he plays. He will likely make the national team if he is in St. Louis as well. If he is cut from the team it will not be because of where he plays professionally. Unless Russia has hurt feelings about leaving the homeland.

To even mention cultural and language barriers as a reason to stay in Russia is laughable. Tarasenko has a grasp of the English language evidenced by interviews. Culturally, it is not hard to find reasons to prefer crossing the ocean over facing the horrors of playing in the KHL.

As most young hockey players go, the ultimate prize to be won is the Stanley Cup. While an Olympic gold medal usually follows a close second, Lord Stanley’s award to the champions of the NHL is the most desired. Many hockey players have expressed this same sentiment. On the contrary, how often does an aspiring professional hockey player mention the Gagarin Cup?

The campaigning continues with Decision 2012.

Sticktap to Sean Leahy of Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog.

The first debate people seem to bring up is: “Why did the Blues trade away home town tough guy Cam Janssen.?” If the Blues wanted an enforcer type to get underneath the skin of the opposition and to protect the team when playing those in the league who tend to take cheap shots, why on earth would you trade away Janssen? Folks, without offending you too much, let me lay it out in a plain and simple way. Ryan Reaves can skate better, has better hands, has more offensive ability, and is better defensively in his own zone then Cam Janssen could ever dream of being. Not to mention Ryan is 6’1″ 230 lbs and matches up better with most of the remaining tough guys in the NHL than Cam ever could. That is not to say Cam was afraid or would ever back down from a fight against anyone, but when you lock up with the likes of Chicago’s John Scott who stands 6’8 and weighs in at 270 pounds you need to have at least some sort of frame to match him. Cam will be more suited to fill a role similar to Kelly Chase. Chaser is one hell of a media guy for the St. Louis Blues and I think that Cam would be very comfortable bringing it to the people in some sort of role close to what Chaser does.

Now that we have covered the “why Reaves and not Janssen angle,” lets look at a few other key notes to clue in on. Going forward the Blues will look to add more skill to their line up. With the strong possibility of Blues prospects Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko making the team out of camp next season the Blues have some decisions to make. The Blues 4th line is the current home of the Blues tough guy, and will most undoubtedly be his home for the tenure of his career here in St Louis. When you peek in on the possible line ups including those players and the current roster of the Blues you start to notice that there are a good amount of guys that fall in the bottom 9 role. Forwards Chris Porter, Scott Nichol, BJ Crombeen, Evgeny Grachev and Ryan Reaves all compete for time on that line. Of those forwards, Scott Nichol and Chris Porter are unrestricted free agents at the end of this season. BJ Crombeen has 1 year after this season, good for 1,000,000 dollars.  Evgeny Grachev is still on his entry-level deal through the 2012-2013 season, after which he becomes a restricted free agent.  It would seem that St. Louis has a bit of a log jam at the bottom of the order and the Blues have taken a interesting path with the signing of Reaves. Will the Blues look to not re-sign Chris Porter in the off-season? I am willing to bet that they may take Porter back on a 2 way 1 year deal if he agrees to it, but I would look for Porter to end up on a 3rd or 4th line some where else in the NHL, likely with a team whom might be looking for an energy guy with some offensive skill. As for Scott Nichol, the Blues will need to evaluate the need for Nichol at the end of the season. In my opinion, if Scott Nichol continues to play the way he has for the Blues up to this point, I want him to retire as a Blue. No one on the team has a better face off percentage than Nichol, and he brings a feistiness to his game that is refreshing considering he is all of  5’9 and 180 pounds. Nichol has become one of my favorite players to watch on this St. Louis Blues team. With Jason Arnott being a UFA after this season along with Jamie Langenbrunner, Nichol may be the guy the Blues fore sure want to look at holding on to.

Onto the subject of BJ Crombeen… It is hard for me to come to say this because I am a very big BJ Crombeen fan…. I find it hard for the Blues to keep BJ if the trend is for the new kids on the block to come calling next season. I think there are enough teams out there at the deadline who are looking for someone to fill a fourth line role that could use BJ that the Blues may look to send him out. I know that in and of himself Crombeen does not bring much in the way of trade value but he does bring the possibility to be a player you can add to a package that may put it over the top (think Jay McClement-ish). Reaves gives you everything BJ Crombeen offers and at a lower price with less miles on the tires. What package and what deal possibly sends BJ packing is above my pay grade to speculate upon.

No matter how things fall, the Blues and Doug Armstrong have made it clear that they are not only in the business of winning right now, but they also want to be in the business of winning for many years to come. Locking up Ryan Reaves for a 2 year one way deal at $600,000 is a cost effective and smart way to fill a role the Blues will need to stay team tough and competitive in a Western Conference that is loaded with players that need to be kept in check. To not leave the fans who love a good knock down wanting more out of this article here is a little tasty treat from last season. What will the face of the St. Louis Blues look like after this season? Time will tell my friends but along the way let the speculation and water cooler trash talking commence !

From Russian hockey blogger Alessandro Seren Rosso:

So, in Russia they say Tarasenko was traded to Dynamo Moscow. Truth or not? #StlBlues If he gets traded I think he’ll go to NHL this summer

From DmitryChesnokov of the Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo Sports:

#KHL’s Sibir will reportedly trade Vladimir Tarasenko to Dynamo Moscow. It means he will likely join the #stlblues over the summer.

From Fedor Fedin of Russian Machine Never Breaks:

According to the rumors, #STLBlues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko will be traded to Dynamo Moscow very soon. Will give him playoff experience.

More from Rosso clarifies the rumor:

Interview with Tarasenko’s agent – he kind of confirms a trade is coming, will decide about NHL after WC bit.ly/yFfEsw #KHL #StlBlue

Interview Translated by Rosso:

Sports.ru published a short interview with [Taraseno's agent, Alexi] Dementiev by Igor Eronko:

“The situation isn’t decided for now, and it won’t be before January 14th. Any information which didn’t come directly from me it’s just speculation. A trade to Dynamo Moscow is certainly possible, but they are just one of the teams which showed interest toward Tarasenko.

Analysis

Solid information about happenings in the KHL are not easy to come by on the Blues side of the world. For the time being the trade appears to be of rumor only. However, given who is the bearer of such news and the words to Dementiev, I would expect a move to a playoff bound team soon. The KHL trade deadline is January 15th.

The situation referenced in the translated interview is that of a trade. That said, Dementiev later states that no decision will be made on Tarasenko’s defection to the NHL till after the World Championships. He also states that his Russian contract expires on April 30th. Sorry to burst some euphoric bubbles, but in all honesty that really does mean there is no chance Tank plays for the Blues (or the Rivermen) till the 2012-13 season no matter what. Even if they make the playoffs and win a round or two to keep playing after the World Championships’ wraps up, he wouldn’t be added to the roster.

For those wondering why a trade likely equals leaving home, as speculated by Chesenokov, it’s not too difficult to understand. Earlier this season Sibir their head coach who just happens to be Tarasenko’s father. This deep linking to the franchise is what likely kept the 20 year old in his homeland for another season. A further severing of ties to his only hockey family he’s known opens a huge door to start his North American career. When coupled with his contracts expiration he is no longer held back by anyone other than himself. Don’t forget, he’s stated he that making it to the NHL is a dream of his. The connecting lines are easy to draw.

Should Tarasenko agree to his ELC and cross the Atlantic, where would he play? One option is likely out of consideration. Sorry Peoria fans, the AHL is not a desired destination for the franchise or the player. Though Jaden Schwartz would not be a bad consolation prize. That does not mean a spot is already delegated for him. Doug Armstrong has already dismissed that notion in both words and actions. But much like TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Alex Pietrangelo, Tarasenko will probably be given a roster spot to lose at training camp. Meaning so long as he is not injured or a total bust, he’ll be with the big club for game number one and many more after that.

There is some precedence for a Blues prospect to be traded from a languishing team to a contender. Pietrangelo was traded from the Niagara Ice Dogs to the Barrie Colts on January 7th, 2010. Remember that the Blues did not return Petro to his junior club after appearing in 9 games in the 2009-10 season. Instead they scratched him, as to not activate his ELC and kill its rollover ability, until the World Junior Hockey Championships. After the WJC concluded the Blues still had no plans to send him back due to fears of regression if playing for a struggling team. Niagara traded the defenseman in order to get something rather than nothing. While the Blues had no direct hand in the deal, they’re holding of Pietrangelo in St. Louis certainly played its part. It’s highly doubtful that the Blues had any bearing on Tarasenko’s impending trade, but its certainly a move they favor over staying put with Sibir. The added experience of playing in the KHL playoffs and playing at a high level will help prepare him for the NHL as well as test his current performance level.

What does this mean for teammate and fellow Blues prospect Jori Lehtera? With his contract expiring as well and his desire to play with Tarasenko, he may follow to the US. Though his path to a NHL roster spot isn’t as clear. He may need to go to Peoria first.

Stay tuned as this story develops. So far, it’s only good news from a Blues perspective.

Peoria Rivermen Defenseman Cade Fairchild has earned his second recall to the NHL.

When recalling warm bodies from their AHL affiliate in Peoria, the St. Louis Blues have historically favored experience over production. That dynamic continues to be challenged this season.

From the Blues official website:

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today the club has recalled defenseman Cade Fairchild from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Peoria Rivermen.

Fairchild, 22, made his NHL debut in the Blues’ 2-1 victory in Washington on Nov. 29, 2011. The 5’11, 190-pound defenseman has also appeared in 31 games with Peoria recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in addition to leading the AHL overall with a +21 rating.

The Duluth, Minnesota native was originally drafted by the Blues in the fourth round, 96th overall, of the 2007 Entry Draft.

The transaction was required because of the suspension to Ian Cole dispensed by the NHL’s Wheel of Justice – v2.0 – yesterday and the injuries to Kris Russel (hip) and Kent Huskins (ankle) left the Blues with only five healthy defensemen.

I expect to see the top two pairing of Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Pietrangelo stay intact. It’s very possible that Kevin Shattenkirk returns to Barret Jackamn’s right with the steadying presnesce of Roman Polak used to insulate Fairchild.

Danny Syvret was also a candidate for the opening.

You can – and should – follow the young man on Twitter, @caderade0

Farichild has been a major surprise with his overall performance to date.

]]> http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/blues-news-fairchild-recalled-from-peoria/feed/ 0 http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/call-up-fairchild-vs-syvret/ http://bluenotezone.com/2012/01/02/call-up-fairchild-vs-syvret/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:56:18 +0000 Randall Ritchey http://bluenotezone.com/?p=9918 With Brendan Shanahan and the NHL disciplinary committee suspending St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole for three games after his hit on Detroit Red Wings forward, Justin Abdelkader, the Blues are now short a defender for the next three games.

Fellow blueliners Kris Russell (groin) and Kent Huskins (ankle) are still on IR which brings the Blues down to only five healthy defenders (Jackman, Colaiacovo, Pietrangelo, Polak, and Shattenkirk) who can play on Tuesday night.

Cade Fairchild (image TSNphotography)

So it’s pretty obvious that the Blues are going to have to recall a player from the Peoria Rivermen. Considering their play as of this season, the top two options for a recall, in my mind are Cade Fairchild or Danny Syvret.

Fairchild, a rookie out of the University of Minnesota has made a big impact  for the Rivermen this season already. His 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) have helped the Rivermen to a 17-15-2-1 record this season.

He’s already had one call up this season, and he didn’t look out of place in his only game played. He finished the night with a clean score sheet, an even +/- and no penalty minutes. He’s my number one option of getting a recall in fill in for Cole.

Danny Syvret (image TSNphotography)

Syvret is not to be looked over also, as a potential call up. His 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) leads all defensemen on the Rivermen squad and tied for fifth among AHL defensemen this season.

What Syvret brings, however, which could give him the heads up on Fairchild is his experience.  His 59 NHL games and 10 playoff games rank much higher than Fairchild’s one game, and that alone could give Syvret an edge  in his chances of being called up. He has 3 goals, 4 assists in those 59 regular season games while recording zero points in his ten playoff games.

If I was in Doug Armstrong‘s shoes, I’d go with Syvret. He gives you the experience, he plays an offensive game but isn’t inadequate defensively either. While the call up is likely only going to be for the three games, it doesn’t force the Blues to put to much pressure on the call up either.

While I could see positives for Fairchild, I’d like to see him develop a little more in the AHL this season and get his call ups next season when he’s a little bigger, stronger, and more experienced.

Yet again, however, I’m not Doug Armstrong, so the call up could eventually be between two entirely different defenders. Watch me debate Fairchild and Syvret, then Mark Cundari gets the call up.

We should find out later today on who gets the call up.

However, Jaden Schwartz isn’t the only St. Louis Blues prospect starring for their native countries in the upcoming tournament. Dmitrij Jaškin, Blues prospect who hails from the Czech Republic is currently with the team, but they have yet to make final cuts to their roster.  While Jaškin isn’t likely to be cut, stranger things have happened in history.

Jani Hakanpää has to be a game changer for Team Finland. Photo by Tumo Tenhunen/NPI

Jani Hakanpää, the towering defender from Finland is, however, on the final roster for the Finnish team and will be wearing the assistant’s ‘A’ on his sweater as well.

Hakanpää, 19, towers at an intimidating 6’5″ and, while he still needs to fill out, at 218 lbs, he isn’t easily pushed around.

The two-way defender will be a big part of the Finnish World Junior team this season. Hakanpää is top pairing defender who sees minutes in every situation in the game. With his booming shot, he’ll likely run on the second powerplay unit, and with his long reach and ability to read the play well, he’ll likely be playing big minutes on the penalty kill as well.

It’s no secret that Team Finland has a stellar group of forwards. They already have one of the tournaments top players in Mikael Granlund. The kid showed his skill at the World Championships last year and is expected to be a dominant force in this tournament.

Adding to Mikael’s talent, Teemu Pulkkinen, Joel Armia, and Markus Granlund will give the Finnish forward core plenty of talent. Their defensive core, lead by Hakanpää and Konsta Mäkinen will have to be strong if Finland is to have a chance at getting a medal this year.

Their goaltending is solid, but most consider teams USA, Canada, Russia, and Sweden to have better goaltending.

This is where Hakanpää will have to make a difference for team Finland. He’ll be leading the defensive core and will have to be a difference maker in every game. He’s got experience on this team, but being pretty much the number one guy on the blue line, Hakanpää’s impact will have to be on the positive side.

With Hakanpää and team Finland ready to take on Jaden Schwartz and team Canada in just a few short hours, we’ll really be able to get a really good look at two of the top teams this year in the World Junior Hockey Championships.

At 2:30pm CST see Blues top North American prospect, forward Jaden Schwartz, captain Team Canada at the 2012 WJC. They kick off the tourney against Finland and fellow Blues prospect defenseman Jani Hakanpaa today. The Fins are always solid in International competition and have several highly skilled former first round picks as well. The Granlund brothers, Markus (Calgary) and Mikael (Minnesota), and Joel Armia (Buffalo). Wings draft pick Teemu Pulkkinen is one to watch for as well.

For more info on Finland, check out this post on The Hockey Writers.

At 7:00pm CST, set your DVRs because Team USA gets their campaign started against Denmark. There are no Blues prospects playing for the red, white and blue this go around, but support your country as they look to take gold for the second time in three years. Grizzled WJC veteran Jason Zucker will captain the US contingent. The University of Denver winger should have been a Blues pick (took Sebastian Wannstrom of Sweden, in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft instead), but is property of the Minnesota Wild (as is Finland captain Mikael Granlund). Zucker is joined by Jack Campbell (Dallas), the 2010 gold medal netminder.

For more info on Team USA check out this post by Mike Morreale of NHL.com.

Three players playing today, that you can see on TV in the US, have made The Hockey Writers “5 Players to Watch” list.

If you can’t tell by my links… The Hockey Writers have a plethora of WJC info. Check out this Viewers Guide by their prospect guru, Chris Ralph.

Stay tuned to BNZ over the next week for WJC coverage.

From Hockey Canada via Twitter:

NJT – Jaden Schwartz named Canada’s captain for #2012wjc. Connolly, Gormley, Howden and Smith-Pelly named alternates http://t.co/VcYdb7G6

In Canada, hockey is a big deal. Duh, right? The game IS Canada. But most puckheads in the US stereotypically place the importance on the professional ranks. In reality, that’s not the case.

The amateur game played in the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) is as loved as zealously and as popular as the college football and basketball is in the States. The IIHF World Junior Championships, arguably the crown jewel of amateur hockey, continues to grow in popularity and importance. The tournament following is nearing on the same level as March Madness and Bowl Season.

With that context, reevaluate the news. Schwartz is the captain of the team that an entire nation puts its hopes in to winning in their mind a major international competition.

For those readers who know about the Canadian junior leagues… No, I am not discounting or discrediting the Memorial Cup. For those who don’t know that’s the CHL’s version of the Stanley Cup. Their second season battle to immortality. It’s important. Just ask Peoria defenseman and two time, back to back winner Mark Cundari. However, the country is fragmented between the WHL (Western Hockey League), OHL (Ontario Hockey League) and QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) affiliations.

At the WJC, it’s about CANADA.

One current Blues player knows of this dynamic better than most. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was captain in 2010. That squad that fell in dramatic fashion, maybe the best non-NHL game I’ve even seen, to the US in the Gold Medal game. The let down hit like an earthquake.

Schwartz does know the pressure and levity of the situation. He was to be an important part of the 2011 contingent. Unfortunately an ankle injury forced the Colorado College sophomore to miss most of the tournament after appearing in only one full game.

In 13 games with the Tigers this season, Schwartz has scored 5 goals and registered 18 points. Good enough for 21st overall in the WCHA. Though the position in total points isn’t that impressive, his 1.38 points/game pace is 5th best. One of the four ahead of him is older brother Rylan who has 16 goals and 23 points in 18 games.

The junior forward is a major reason why the younger of the two selected Colorado College. A tie that Blues insider Andy Strickland proposes today is no longer strong enough to keep him from making the biggest decision of his career.

Schwartz, who is likely to sign with St. Louis once his season with Colorado College ends, missed most of last years tournament with a broken ankle.

Certainly Strick has a reason to say what he does. As things often go, sources likely told him so. I would imagine something along the lines of “the Blues want him to make the jump and they think he will”. That doesn’t mean he actually will.

Keep in mind that “family” is a major part of Jaden’s life. Do a quick Google search for interviews with him. You’ll pick up the vibe real fast. There is little doubt in my mind that the passing of his sister Mandi has strengthened the bonds they have. Unless he no longer feels as if he is growing by playing the college game, he will likely remain at Colorado College.

I don’t need sources to tell me that though. It’s just knowing family dynamics and understanding how the loss of close family can bring close knit ones closer.

Staying outside the NHL another season won’t likely harm him either. TJ Oshie spent three years at North Dakota. In retrospect, not many would say arriving a year or two earlier would really make that much of a difference.

In all honesty, no one knows for sure where he’ll be slated to play next season in 6 months time. Including Jaden. For now his focus is on leading Canada back to the promised land. The receiving line passing out gold. That’s where it should be. Make sure to flip on TSN and NHL Network and cheer him on… At least when he isn’t playing the US. Well, cheer for him and not Canada!

Yes, some of us down in the US love the WJC, too.

Canadian WJC Camp Invites Announced

With December a few days away the 2012 World Junior Championships are just around the corner. High time for the national teams to start finalizing their rosters. Team Canada announced Monday their 41 man camp roster. Two Blues prospects will head to Calgary, Alberta from the 10th to the 14th.

Colorado College sophomore forward Jaden Schwartz is one of three returning players and is a lock for the to make the final cut. He is also a strong candidate to be named captain of the contingent. Through 11 games Schwartz is tied with brother Rylan for 13th in WCHA scoring. Registering 5 goals and 17 points.
CC is currently ranked 8th in the NCAA with a 7-4-0 record. They were ranked as high as 2nd in the nation a few weeks ago and fell from 4th last week.

Portland Winterhawks third year forward Ty Rattie earned his way in to his opportunity though outstanding offensive production. Leading his club with 27 goals and 50 points in 27 games. A mark good enough for third overall in the WHL. His road to the lineup is not as clear as Schwartz’s. However, with the roster to be designed around finesse and skill, Rattie has a good chance at making it. His tenacity matched with his high skill level with the puck could be his ticket.

The Winterhawks are 2nd in the US Division and 3rd in the Western Conference with a 17-9-1-1 record and 36 points. As a team they have scored the second most goals in the league with 117. Only the Brandon Wheat Kings have more (122).

Traditionally the tournamnet is carried on NHL Network in the US.

Tarasenko Slides Down the Charts

After a white hot start to his third KHL campaign, 2010 draft 1st round pick Vladimir Tarasenko has cooled down. Falling to 10th in league scoring with 11 goals and 23 points in 25 games.

His age, not his lack of recent performance will keep Tarasenko off of the defending Gold Medal Russian WJC team. As a 1991 birthday he is now too old to compete in the U-20 range. He turns 20 on December 13th. He is still expected to find his way on the Russian World Championships roster after the KHL season.

Tarasenko’s club, Sibir, currently holds the 11th of 12 spots in the KHL East Conference. Owning a record of 7-1-2-4-0-12. The KHL breaks down overtime and shootout wins and losses. Converting over to NHL norms their record would be 10-12-4.

Clearly Jori Lehtera, another Blues prospect, is sorely missed. Out of the lineup has been his offensive flair that produced 9 goals and 20 points in 12 games. A knee injury sustained in late October sidelined him. He was likely to miss a month and should return to action soon.

A Rising Sinker?

Ryan Tesink, the Blues 5th round selection in 2011 has been producing at a healthy clip for the St. John’s Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. Through 20 games the forward has registered 8 goals and 25 points. Good enough for 55th overall in the league. His 2010-11 numbers, 8 goals and 35 points, put him 118th in Q scoring.

Much like Rattie, Tesink has played behind a strong group of future NHL players who dominate their junior league statistically. Obscuring his potential from plain view. Zach Phillips, Danick Gauthier, Tomas Jurco and Jonathan Huberdeau all average well over a point a game. Huberdeau, the 3rd overall pick of the Florida Panthers, has 10 goals and 28 points in 13 games.

With Phillips and Huberdeau locks like Schwartz for the Canadian WJC squad, it will be interesting to see how the best team in the Q does with Tesink taking an elevated role. The Sea Dogs sit as kings of the mountain with a 23-7-0-1 record and 47 points.

Prospect Stephen MacAulay is a Sea Dog as well and has 6 goals and 19 points in 24 games.

Binnington Struggles

After an impressive Memorial Cup run Jordan Binnington has struggled to start the 2011-12 season. The Blues newest goaltending prospect has posted a 9-7-0-0 record in 16 starts for the Owen Sound Attack. His GAA, 3.67, and save percentage (.880) are among some of the worst in the OHL.

The Attack are 5th of 10 teams in the Western Conference with a 13-11-2-2 record and 30 points.