Guessing Game: 2014 NHL Mock Draft

June 15, 2014 28 comments
Dave Sandford/Getty Images The top three picks from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, from left, Jonathan Drouin of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers, pose together shortly after being selected at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, last June. MacKinnon has since enjoyed a stellar debut season and is the favourite to win the Calder Trophy at this month's awards banquet after setting several rookie records. Barkov also made the immediate jump to the NHL and was turning heads before getting hurt, while Drouin dominated the junior ranks again and is expected to challenge for the Calder in 2014-15. Notably absent from this photo is Seth Jones, who was taken fourth overall by the Nashville Predators and also played in the NHL this season, logging significant minutes and even partnering with Shea Weber towards the end of the campaign. Prior to the 2013 draft, most pundits were predicting Jones and MacKinnon to go 1st and 2nd overall with the order a topic of debate until the Avs announced ahead of time that they would be taking MacKinnon, but Jones surprisingly slipped to No. 4. There's even more uncertainty surrounding the 2014 edition of the NHL draft on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Dave Sandford/Getty Images
The top three picks from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, from left, Jonathan Drouin of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers, pose together shortly after being selected at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, last June. MacKinnon has since enjoyed a stellar debut season and is the favourite to win the Calder Trophy at this month’s awards banquet after setting several rookie records. Barkov also made the immediate jump to the NHL and was turning heads before getting hurt, while Drouin dominated the junior ranks again and is expected to challenge for the Calder in 2014-15. Notably absent from this photo is Seth Jones, the American-born defenceman who was taken fourth overall by the Nashville Predators and also played in the NHL this season, logging significant minutes and even partnering with Shea Weber towards the end of the campaign. Prior to the 2013 draft, most pundits were predicting Jones and MacKinnon to go 1st and 2nd overall with the order a topic of debate until the Avs announced ahead of time that they would be taking MacKinnon, but Jones surprisingly slipped to No. 4 behind the above trio of forwards. There’s even more uncertainty surrounding the 2014 edition of the NHL draft slated for June 27 in Philadelphia.

Some years, the NHL entry draft is rather predictable. This year, it is quite the opposite.

Most agree that there isn’t a generational talent available with the No. 1 overall pick, and the order of the top four — or even the names, according to some — are no certainty as those prospects haven’t separated themselves from the proverbial pack.

Larry Fisher

Larry Fisher

That said, a consensus seems to be forming that suggests Aaron Ekblad, a man-child defenceman for the Barrie Colts who was granted exceptional player status into the OHL a few years back and is presumably NHL-ready, has emerged as the favourite to hear his name called first.

Centres Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and late-riser Leon Draisaitl are considered Ekblad’s rivals for No. 1. The fact that pick is being aggressively shopped by the Florida Panthers, with plenty of trade potential within the top 10 selections, only makes this draft more of a crapshoot.

So anybody brave enough to attempt a mock draft this time around must also brace for a mocking in the aftermath.

With that in mind, I’m going to put forth two versions — a safe, straightforward, everybody keeps their own pick top 30, followed by a bold, brazen, wheeling-and-dealing first round.

Here goes nothing . . .

Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad

1. Florida Panthers: D Aaron Ekblad = In my opinion, he’s the best player available and the most NHL-ready, which would appeal to Florida Panthers square logoFlorida. The Panthers could use upgrades at every position, including the blue-line. Their GM Dale Tallon took Aleksander Barkov over Seth Jones last year and may be regretting that decision in hindsight, thus will take the rearguard this year. Not saying Ekblad will be as electric as Jones or put as many butts in the seats, but he should be a consistent performer for the next couple decades, perhaps comparable to the last defenceman to go first overall in Erik Johnson.

Sam Reinhart

Sam Reinhart

2. Buffalo Sabres: C Sam Reinhart = Barring Reinhart going first overall, this pick appears to be the closest thing to a lock heading into Buffalo Sabres square logothe draft. The Sabres reportedly prefer Reinhart to the other centres and it does seem like a nice fit on paper with their depth chart going forward.

Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl

3. Edmonton Oilers: C Leon Draisaitl = The Oilers might prefer Ekblad here if he falls, but otherwise all signs point to them picking Edmonton Oilers square logoDraisaitl, a big body drawing favourable comparisons to Anze Kopitar. He’s of German descent but played in the WHL and matched Reinhart’s point total on a weaker team, so the upside is proving intriguing to many teams. Draisaitl has been on everybody’s radar all year long, but much like Mika Zibanejad’s surge to sixth overall in the 2011 draft, Draisaitl could also go even higher than third.

Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett

4. Calgary Flames: C Sam Bennett = Albeit hard to fathom Brian Burke’s team picking a player that failed to do a single pull-up, but the Calgary Flames square logoFlames will be hard-pressed to pass on Bennett here. He’s the top-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting, ahead of the aforementioned trio, yet if any of them were to fall out of the top five, my money would be on Bennett. That probably comes across as contradictory, but with Bennett being called a Doug Gilmour-clone by more than one scout, that sure sounds like a player Burke and Co. would be willing to build around. I’m not sure if Bennett could make the jump next season, but a future 1-2 punch of Bennett and Sean Monahan up the middle is enticing for Calgary.

Nikolaj Ehlers

Nikolaj Ehlers

5. New York Islanders: LW Nikolaj Ehlers = Garth Snow is never one to take the conventional route — for if he was, Michael Dal Colle New York Islanders square logowould probably make the most sense here. Yet, I have a funny feeling he’ll take more of a home-run swing with this pick in hopes Ehlers’ emergence this season is just a sign of things to come. He has the offensive skill-set to develop into the best player from this draft class — that could be said about a dozen 2014-eligible prospects — but he’s a bit on the small (or at least slight) side and probably a couple years away from making an NHL impact.

Jake Virtanen

Jake Virtanen

6. Vancouver Canucks: LW Jake Virtanen = With Dal Colle unexpectedly still on the board, the Canucks seriously consider him before Vancouver Canucks 1 square logodeciding on the hometown product, a power-winger and pure goal-scorer from Abbotsford who was the first overall pick in the 2011 WHL bantam draft.

Michael Dal Colle

Michael Dal Colle

7. Carolina Hurricanes: C Michael Dal Colle = Ron Francis is all smiles in announcing his first pick as Carolina’s GM after this gift falls Carolina Hurricanes square logointo his lap. The Canes also contemplate William Nylander to pair with Elias Lindholm, but Dal Colle becomes too good to pass up, especially envisioning him alongside Jeff Skinner and-or the Staal brothers.

Alex Tuch

Alex Tuch

8) Toronto Maple Leafs: F Alex Tuch = The Leafs would have loved to add Dal Colle, but settle for a big American forward that could be a Toronto Maple Leafs square logosecond-coming of James van Riemsdyk or Bobby Ryan or Max Pacioretty, etc. The big power winger was probably projected to go between 10 and 15, but Tuch could very well be another riser.

William Nylander

William Nylander

9) Winnipeg Jets: F William Nylander = The Jets haven’t taken a lot of European players in recent years, especially with their early Winnipeg Jets square logopicks, and the fact Alexander Burmistrov is still spurning them in favour of the KHL may make Kevin Cheveldayoff shy away and stay closer to home again. With Nick Ritchie still on the board, that’s a definite possibility, but the Jets could use a little more flair in their forward group and Nylander — like Ehlers — has a sky-is-the-limit ceiling that may be too irresistible.

Haydn Fleury

Haydn Fleury

10) Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa): D Hadyn Fleury = I can’t see Fleury falling out of the top 10 and I can totally see the Ducks Anaheim Ducks square logoscooping up another falling defender much like they did with Cam Fowler in 2010. Adding Fleury to a defensive corps that already includes Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Shea Theodore would make for a formidable future on the blue-line. Fleury strikes me as a Francois Beauchemin type and the Ducks know full-well the value in that kind of player.

Robby Fabbri

Robby Fabbri

11) Nashville Predators: C Robby Fabbri = The Preds plan on playing a more offensive, attacking style under new coach Peter Laviolette Nashville Predators square logoand Fabbri could fit right in. He reminds me of another 2010 pick in Jeff Skinner and, similarly, his draft stock is definitely on the rise after starring in the Guelph Storm’s run to the Memorial Cup final. Maybe a smidgen of Nazem Kadri in Fabbri as well and not just because their names rhyme.

Nick Ritchie

Nick Ritchie

12) Arizona Coyotes: RW Nick Ritchie = Ritchie’s free-fall should stop here, with the Coyotes needing a future power forward. After Phoenix Coyotes square logogoing with the 5-foot-9 Max Domi at No. 12 last year, Arizona nabs 6-foot-3 Ritchie in the same spot this year. Put Domi between Ritchie and fellow 6-foot-3 winger Henrik Samuelsson, a 2012 first-rounder, and the Coyotes could have a dynamic line in the works.

Ivan Barbashev

Ivan Barbashev

13) Washington Capitals: LW Ivan Barbashev = The Capitals have a new, somewhat unknown GM in Brian MacLellan, but it’s doubtful Washington Capitals square logohe’ll shy away from Russians after past successes with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Kuznetsov. Plus Barbashev has been playing in North America and boasts a strong two-way game with scoring upside. Welcome to Washington.

Kasperi Kapanen

Kasperi Kapanen

14) Dallas Stars: RW Kasperi Kapanen = The Stars have historically had decent results with Finnish players, including longtime winger Dallas Stars square logoJere Lehtinen, and Jim Nill helped Detroit land a few good ones over the years as well in his previous tenure. So I could see Kapanen, the best Finn in this year’s draft and debatably the best European, winding up with Dallas.

Kevin Fiala

Kevin Fiala

15) Detroit Red Wings: F Kevin Fiala = Another assumed riser who just seems destined to be the next steal for Detroit. The Red Wings Detroit Red Wings square logowill pick this Swiss stud and let him develop slowly but surely before debuting and taking the league by storm in a few years.

Nikita Scherbak

Nikita Scherbak

16) Columbus Blue Jackets: RW Nikita Scherbak = Columbus likely had an eye on the previous two picks, but is happy to select Columbus Blue Jackets 2 square logoScherbak as a consolation prize. A late bloomer who came out of nowhere to star for the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades this season, the raw Russian offers a nice package of size and skill.

Brendan Perlini

Brendan Perlini

17) Philadelphia Flyers: LW Brendan Perlini = Perlini is a tough one to rank, but the more I read about him, the more I think he could Philadelphia Flyers square logofit with the Flyers. With Ron Hextall calling the shots now, maybe he opts for a defenceman or even a goaltender, though the top netminders Thatcher Demko and Alex Nedeljkovic might still be a reach here.

Sonny Milano

Sonny Milano

18) Minnesota Wild: LW Sonny Milano = This kid showed off some serious off-ice puck skills at the recent scouting combine and he’s Minnesota Wild square logobeen generating a bit of momentum since, but I can’t see Milano going much higher than this. Minnesota seems to be drafting and developing some stellar forward prospects and Milano would make for a nice addition to that pipeline.

Julius Honka

Julius Honka

19) Tampa Bay Lightning: D Julius Honka = The Lightning have no shortage of up-and-coming forwards pushing for regular NHL duty. Tampa Bay Lightning square logoTheir defence prospect pool isn’t as deep, so Honka could have caught their attention this winter and would be a pretty nice catch in this spot.

Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin

20) San Jose Sharks: C Dylan Larkin = Larkin can score goals, finishing second only to 2015 phenom Jack Eichel on the U.S. national San Jose Sharks square logounder-18 team, so he’ll be a hot commodity on draft day and could easily go 5 to 10 spots higher than this — perhaps flip-flopping with teammate Alex Tuch. Larkin seems like the kind of prospect the Sharks would covet and could use in their system.

Jacob Vrana

Jakub Vrana

21) St. Louis Blues: RW Jakub Vrana = Much like Fiala, Vrana has skill to spare and his stock shot up with a strong showing at the St. Louis Blues square logounder-18 tournament this spring. The Blues are like the Red Wings in that they could take their time with a Vrana type, avoid rushing him to the NHL and ultimately reap the rewards.

Roland McKeown

Roland McKeown

22) Pittsburgh Penguins: D Roland McKeown = McKeown isn’t as flashy as some of the other defenders available in this draft, but he’s Pittsburgh Penguins square logomature beyond his years at both ends of the ice and could project in the mould of Paul Martin (best-case scenario) or Rob Scuderi. Either way, Pittsburgh would gladly add a prospect along those lines.

Travis Sanheim

23) Colorado Avalanche: D Travis Sanheim = Not long ago, Sanheim would have been fortunate to get selected in the second round, but Colorado Avalanche square logothe closer the draft gets, the more likely it’s becoming that he’ll go in the first round. The Avs have gone to the well for WHL defence prospects more than a few times and Sanheim could be next in line. He’s a hard-charging darkhorse in this draft, but I think he’ll make some team happy in the long run and it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s Colorado.

Jared McCann

Jared McCann

24) Anaheim Ducks: C Jared McCann = Some would consider this a fall for McCann, but he’s a Mike Fisher type that does almost Anaheim Ducks square logoeverything well but nothing exceptional. You need those players to win championships, but they tend to get passed over in light of shinier new toys on draft day. Still, one would imagine the Ducks to be fairly excited leaving Philadelphia with Fleury and McCann as their first-round picks.

Marcus Pettersson

Marcus Pettersson

25) Boston Bruins: D Marcus Pettersson = Like Sanheim, Pettersson has been rocketing up the rankings and has become the flavour of Boston Bruins square logothe month so to speak. I’m not buying the ‘next Erik Karlsson’ hype, but he’s got the size to back up his impressive skill-set so somebody will likely gamble on him sooner than later. Probably a team that could afford a boom-bust prospect on the back end — such as Boston.

Adrian Kempe

Adrian Kempe

26) Montreal Canadiens: C Adrian Kempe = Montreal could go many different directions with this pick, but the Habs have drafted a few Montreal Canadiens square logoSwedish forwards in recent years, such as Jacob De La Rose last year and Sebastian Collberg in 2012 (since traded to the Islanders for rental of Tomas Vanek). I could see that trend continuing with Kempe and he should be good value in that spot.

John Quenneville

John Quenneville

27) Chicago Blackhawks: C John Quenneville = A distant relative of Chicago coach Joel Quenneville, this pick could have some Chicago Blackhawks square logosentimental value but also pay dividends. By no means would this resemble the Devils drafting Martin Brodeur’s son last year as Quenneville is very deserving of this ranking should he become a Blackhawk.

 

Nikolay Goldobin

Nikolay Goldobin

28) Tampa Bay Lightning (from New York Rangers): RW Nikolay Goldobin = With the pick gained from former captain Martin St. Tampa Bay Lightning square logoLouis helping the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup final, Tampa rolls the dice on a boom-bust prospect with a high offensive upside in Goldobin.

Conner Bleackley

Conner Bleackley

29) Los Angeles Kings: C Conner Bleackley = Bleackley, on the other hand, is a meat-and-potatoes type prospect that has the Los Angeles Kings square logointangibles needed to help a team in clutch situations. Think Jarret Stoll, who of course played a lesser-yet-integral role in the Kings winning their second Cup in three years.

David Pastrnak

David Pastrnak

30) New Jersey Devils: RW David Pastrnak = The Devils had forfeited this pick because of the Ilya Kovalchuk contract debacle, but the New Jersey Devils square logoleague gave it back after an ownership change. Nevertheless, New Jersey will round out the top 30 with a pick that can’t be traded — one of the only first-rounders that is assured not to move. Pastrnak is a Czech, not unlike longtime Devils winger Patrik Elias, and some see shades of the latter in the former. That should be enough to convince New Jersey.


 

Now, for the fun part — keyword, FUN. Take these ensuing predictions with a grain of salt as it’s doubtful many — if any — will come to fruition. But remember, if by some miracle they do, you heard them here first:

Sam Reinhart

Sam Reinhart

1. Florida Panthers: This pick is getting dealt, book it. The Panthers want to move down and are rumoured to covet other prospects more than the projected “top” tier. It won’t bring Eric Lindros-esque assets in return, but Florida has a chance to add a quality piece (or two, or three) to the puzzle while still picking in the top 10. Here are four potential trade scenarios, in no particular order, followed by my prediction:

1) To Edmonton, along with Scottie Upshall and Alex Petrovic, for Sam Gagner, Jeff Petry, No. 3 overall this year and a third-round pick in 2015. Edmonton takes Ekblad and Florida takes whichever Sam is left — either Reinhart or Bennett.

2) To the New York Islanders for Travis Hamonic, Anders Lee and No. 5. The Islanders draft Sam Reinhart, reuniting him with big brother (and hulking defenceman) Griffin Reinhart, while Florida takes Nylander or Ehlers unless Bennett falls to them.

3) To Vancouver, along with Tomas Fleischmann, Drew Shore and Dmitry Kulikov, for Ryan Kesler, Jason Garrison and No. 6. Vancouver picks the local boy, Reinhart, while Florida again targets Nylander or Ehlers.

4) To Toronto, along with Quinton Howden, for Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner and No. 8. Toronto takes Ekblad, Florida takes Nylander or Ehlers if available, otherwise an American forward like Tuch/Milano/Larkin.

New York Islanders square logoPrediction: Islanders acquire the first overall pick, paying the biggest price but desperately wanting to draft Reinhart and secure another stud forward, especially with the risk of losing out on Connor McDavid or the aforementioned Eichel next year, having dealt their 2015 first-rounder to Buffalo as part of a different Vanek deal.

Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett

2. Buffalo Sabres: C Sam Bennett = With the Islanders stealing the spotlight and stealing their preferred choice in Reinhart, the Sabres Buffalo Sabres square logosettle for a consolation prize in Bennett.

Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad

3. Edmonton Oilers: D Aaron Ekblad = Despite getting upstaged by the Islanders for first overall, the Oilers still get their man without Edmonton Oilers square logogiving up any additional assets.

Nick Ritchie

Nick Ritchie

4. Calgary Flames: RW Nick Ritchie = Pugnacity, truculence, all of Burke’s other fancy adjectives are fulfilled with this big, burly Calgary Flames square logoprospect. Whether he can dominate men the way he’s manhandled boys, only time will tell.

William Nylander

William Nylander

5. Florida Panthers (from NY Islanders): C William Nylander = The player many believe the Panthers are targeting to pair with Florida Panthers square logoBarkov is taken ahead of Draisaitl and Dal Colle.

Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl

6. Vancouver Canucks: C Leon Draisaitl = The unanticipated fall ends here as the Canucks select their Kesler replacement and a nice Vancouver Canucks 1 square logocomplement to 2013 first-rounder Bo Horvat.

 

Jake Virtanen

Jake Virtanen

7. Winnipeg Jets (from Carolina): Only because I didn’t get enough ribbing at the trade deadline, I’m going to revisit this idea. Gary Winnipeg Jets square logoBettman takes to the podium and says “I have a trade to announce. The Carolina Hurricanes trade the No. 7 selection in the 2014 draft, No. 67, goaltender Cam Ward and forward Drayson Bowman to the Winnipeg Jets for No. 9, forward Evander Kane and goaltender Ondrej Pavelec.” Amid stunned silence, Kevin Cheveldayoff takes the stage and selects LW Jake Virtanen as a future replacement for Kane.

Michael Dal Colle

Michael Dal Colle

8) Toronto Maple Leafs: C Michael Dal Colle = This becomes a no-brainer for Dave Nonis, and Dal Colle is sure to get a vote of Toronto Maple Leafs square logoconfidence from Brendan Shanahan as well.

Nikolaj Ehlers

Nikolaj Ehlers

9) Carolina Hurricanes (from Winnipeg): LW Nikolaj Ehlers = The Hurricanes are very pleased to pick Ehlers and see him forming a Carolina Hurricanes square logodynamic duo with Elias Lindholm in the not-too-distant future.

Kasperi Kapanen

Kasperi Kapanen

10) Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa): RW Kasperi Kapanen = With the Finnish Flash retiring, the Ducks like what they see in another Anaheim Ducks square logoNordic speedster.

Robby Fabbri

Robby Fabbri

Nashville Predators square logo11) Nashville Predators: C Robby Fabbri = A repeat pick from the previous mock, for all the same reasons.

Ivan Barbashev

Ivan Barbashev

12) Ottawa Senators (from Arizona): A darkhorse in the Jason Spezza sweepstakes, the Coyotes pony up for the first-line centre, Ottawa Senators square logoacquiring him from Ottawa for the No. 12 overall pick, prospect Henrik Samuelsson and the rights to Viktor Tikhonov. Ottawa selects LW Ivan Barbashev.

Haydn Fleury

Haydn Fleury

13) Washington Capitals: D Hadyn Fleury = With Barbashev stolen from underneath their noses, the Capitals opt instead to further Washington Capitals square logobolster their defence pipeline with Fleury.

Nikita Scherbak

Nikita Scherbak

14) Dallas Stars: RW Nikita Scherbak = A bit of a reach, but one Dallas can afford to take. The Stars see Scherbak and 2013 first-rounder Dallas Stars square logoValeri Nichushkin as a future secondary scoring threat behind Benn-Seguin.

Kevin Fiala

Kevin Fiala

Detroit Red Wings square logo15) Detroit Red Wings: F Kevin Fiala = Repeat pick, I just get that feeling that Fiala is their guy this year.

Alex Tuch

Alex Tuch

16) Edmonton Oilers (from Columbus): The Blue Jackets had three first-rounders in 2013 and took all forwards. They are closer to win-Edmonton Oilers square logonow mode than the Oilers and pull the trigger on a move in that direction. Columbus acquires forward Sam Gagner and No. 111 for No. 16 and forward Matt Frattin. Edmonton selects F Alex Tuch, with an eye on getting bigger and harder to play against up front.

Julius Honka

Julius Honka

17) Philadelphia Flyers: D Julius Honka = After taking Samuel Morin and Robert Hagg with their first two picks in 2013 and with 2012 Philadelphia Flyers square logothird-rounder Shayne Gostisbehere ahead of the curve, the Flyers add another talented blue-liner in Honka. Kimmo Timonen, 39, and Mark Streit, 36, don’t have many years left in them, but replacements are on the way.

Brendan Perlini

Brendan Perlini

18) Minnesota Wild: LW Brendan Perlini = He reminds some of Jason Pominville and the Wild have liked what Pominville’s brought to Minnesota Wild square logothe table so far.

Jared McCann

Jared McCann

Tampa Bay Lightning square logo19) Tampa Bay Lightning: C Jared McCann = Tampa simply takes the best player available according to their list.

Sonny Milano

Sonny Milano

20) San Jose Sharks: LW Sonny Milano = He’s actually from New York, but Milano has the California kid look mastered and the San Jose Sharks square logoswagger to match it.

Travis Sanheim

Travis Sanheim

21) St. Louis Blues: D Travis Sanheim = Again, expect to hear this name before you, well, expect to hear it. The Blues have been known St. Louis Blues square logoto “reach” for prospects they like — Jaden Schwartz (14th in 2010), Jordan Schmaltz (25th in 2012) and even T.J. Oshie (24th in 2005) to a lesser extent were picked ahead of schedule according to most rankings — and I wouldn’t be shocked if that trend continues this year. Sanheim could be another hidden gem.

David Pastrnak

David Pastrnak

22) New Jersey Devils (from Pittsburgh): Jim Rutherford starts to reshape Pittsburgh’s roster at this draft, sending James Neal and No. New Jersey Devils square logo22 to New Jersey for Michael Ryder, Adam Larsson and No. 41. The Devils take RW David Pastrnak, looking to land the next Elias.

Roland McKeown

Roland McKeown

23) Colorado Avalanche: D Roland McKeown = A bit on the “safe” side, Colorado takes a player who has some of the attributes of Adam Colorado Avalanche square logoFoote.

Josh Ho-Sang

Josh Ho-Sang

24) Anaheim Ducks: RW Josh Ho-Sang = Undeterred by rumours of “character” issues, the Ducks take arguably the most talented Anaheim Ducks square logoforward still on the board and could have themselves a nice haul in hindsight if either/both Kapanen and Ho-Sang pan out.

Conner Bleackley

Conner Bleackley

Boston Bruins square logo25) Boston Bruins: C Conner Bleackley = Nothing too flashy here, but another guy who seems a natural fit for the Bruins.

Dylan Larkin

Montreal Canadiens square logo26) Montreal Canadiens: C Dylan Larkin = I still think the Canadiens really like Kempe in this spot, but Larkin might be the better prospect overall and is probably ranked higher on most scouting lists.

Thatcher Demko

Thatcher Demko

27) Chicago Blackhawks: G Thatcher Demko = Corey Crawford and Antti Raanta seem to have the crease under control for the time Chicago Blackhawks square logobeing, but the depth chart beyond them is pretty bleak. Demko would help shore that up in a hurry.

Jakub Vrana

Jakub Vrana

28) Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay via New York Rangers): The Preds acquire another first rounder, No. 28, along with Nashville Predators square logoformer top-10 pick Brett Connolly, for Ryan Ellis and No. 46. Nashville drafts RW Jakub Vrana, another highly offensive talent to go with Fabbri.

Nikolay Goldobin

Nikolay Goldobin

29) Los Angeles Kings: RW Nikolay Goldobin = The Kings took Valentin Zykov in the 2013 second round and won’t hesitate in taking Los Angeles Kings square logoanother Russian developing in the CHL by nabbing Goldobin with the second-to-last pick of the 2014 first round.

Adrian Kempe

30) New Jersey Devils: C Adrian Kempe = The Devils go back overseas to select the talented Swede in Kempe. He’d be good value with the last pick of the first round and going home with Pastrnak and Kempe from a draft where they weren’t even supposed to have a first-round pick would be a real feather in the cap for Lou Lamoriello.

That’s a wrap. Time to sit back and be a spectator for what is sure to be a spectacle this year. Stay tuned and enjoy the shenanigans.

Larry Fisher is a sports reporter for The Daily Courier in Kelowna, B.C. Follow him on Twitter: @LarryFisher_KDC. All logos designed by Doyle Potenteau of The Daily Courier. All mugshots came from Hockey’s Future prospect profiles.

Categories: Uncategorized

Where are they now? A complete list of NHLers playing overseas

May 2, 2014 1 comment
RIA Novosti/Alexey Filippov Former NHL star Ilya Kovalchuk, the No. 1 draft pick in 2001, currently plays for SKA St. Petersburg of the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League. Kovalchuk headlines a long list of former NHLers — almost 600 in total, some famous and others obscure — who have taken their talents abroad to play in Europe and Asia during the 2013-14 season.

RIA Novosti/Alexey Filippov
Former NHL star Ilya Kovalchuk, the No. 1 draft pick in 2001, is currently playing for SKA St. Petersburg of the Russia-based Kontinental Hockey League. Kovalchuk headlines a long list of former NHLers — over 600 in total, some famous and others obscure — who have taken their talents abroad to play in Europe and Asia during the 2013-14 season. There were some rumours earlier this off-season that Kovalchuk was contemplating an NHL return and exploring the option of ending his premature retirement, but that proved to be much ado about nothing as the latest reports indicate the enigmatic sniper remains happy in his homeland.

What ever happened to . . . ? It’s a question almost every hockey fan has asked themselves or somebody else at one point or another. The hardcores and trivia junkies sometimes have the answer on the tip of their tongue or top of their mind. Other times, their response is delayed as they consult one of a few good friends — Google/Wikipedia, HockeyDB or EliteProspects. Those four websites, individually or combined, can typically tell you who is playing where at any given time. You can now add a fifth bookmark — this blog — at least for the 2013-14 season.

Jesse Gill

Jesse Gill

Regular contributor Jesse Gill has really outdid himself this time, by compiling a one-stop shop for answers to all the who, what, when, where, why and hows of the hockey world in regards to former NHLers playing abroad in Europe and Asia.

This encyclopedia of hockey knowledge lists each league and team outside of North America that featured a player during the 2013-14 season with at least one regular-season NHL game on their resume.

In summary, there were 613 former or current NHL players employed in 36 different leagues. Some only played in the NHL briefly — as brief as one game — but there are also plenty of players who carved out lengthy careers in the NHL prior to playing overseas. Four of them have skated in more than 1,000 NHL games — Sergei Fedorov, Slava Kozlov, Miroslav Satan and Alexei Kovalev. Eight more have played 900-plus NHL games — Tomas Kaberle, Petr Nedved, Radek Bonk, Martin Rucinsky, Martin Straka, Josef Stumpel, Michael Nylander and Jeff Halpern, who actually came back to the NHL mid-season and will likely hit 1,000 games if he lands another NHL contract for next season. Six others are in the “800 club”, including Sandis Ozolinsh, Ruslan Fedotenko, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jochen Hecht, Sami Kapanen and Samuel Pahlsson.

There are many more names below that fans will recognize, while some will have everybody going ‘Who?’ This list certainly piqued my interest several times over, with some head-scratchers leaving me puzzled and conducting further research, while lots of these names simply had me thinking: ‘Wow, talk about a blast from the past!’ or ‘Yikes, I’m getting old . . . !” Of course, there were also moments of “Hey, I remember him” or “Holy, I forgot all about that guy.”

Jesse organized the leagues by the number of former or current NHL players, and the players for each league are listed from most regular season NHL games played to least. Some of these players jumped around, with 68 having played in more than one European league in 2013-14. A link is provided for each player to display their HockeyDB profile by clicking their name, and an EliteProspects link is provided by clicking each players rank, which is the best source for contract info. There were 5 players who also played in the NHL this past season (Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jeff Halpern, Rasmus Ristolainen, Teuvo Teravainen, Linus Omark, Rostislav Olesz), 13 who spent time inthe American Hockey League (Derek Meech, Cal O’Reilly, Jon DiSalvatore, Trevor Gillies, Rasmus Ristolainen, Brad Thiessen, Teuvo Teravainen, T.J. Hensick, Linus Omark, Akim Aliu, Rostislav Olesz, Zach Hamill, Colby Cohen), 5 played in the East Coast Hockey League (Trevor Gillies, Raymond Sawada, David Laliberté, Bryce Lampman, Andy Chiodo) and one also skated in the Central Hockey League (Rob Collins).

The list has been improved to include how many playoff games each players has played, which NHL teams they played for and also how many games they played with each of these teams. It also notates each players contract status as of the July 21st update.

At the very bottom of the list you can find out which NHL teams had the most former or current players playing overseas last season along with how many regular season, playoff and total games, and averages each NHL organization had, and where each NHL team ranks. Click here to jump to that section.

Without further ado, buckle up and enjoy this trip down memory lane . . .


Quick links to each league: KHL(Russia)DEL (Germany)SM-Liiga (Finland)NLA (Swiss)SHL (Sweden)Czech ExtraligaErste Bank Eishockey Liga(Austria)Slovak ExtraligaHockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden)EIHL (Great Britain)VHL (Russia)Serie A (Italy)NLB (Swiss)KazakhstanGET-ligaen (Norway)Czech2AsiaBelarusESBG (Germany)Italy2Slovakia3MOL Liga (Hungary)PolishMestis (Finland)CroatiaSlovakia2Sweden Tier 3UkraineEredivisie (Netherlands)I-division (Finland)EPIHL (England)Hockeyettan (Sweden)Oberliga (Germany)Metal Ligaen (Denmark)Ligue Magnus (France)NIHL (England)Spengler Cup Only


sport.sk Remember this guy? It's Satan — Miroslav Satan, that is. The former longtime Buffalo Sabre who logged more than 1,000 career NHL games is still playing, having spent the past three seasons with Bratislava Slovan of the KHL. A scoring forward in his prime, Satan's production has tailed off, tallying only 9 goals and 12 points in 23 games this past season. But cut him some slack, Satan will turn 40 years old in October.  (Update: Satan Retired this Summer.)

sport.sk
Remember this guy? It’s Satan — Miroslav Satan, that is. The former longtime Buffalo Sabre who logged more than 1,000 career NHL games is still playing, having spent the past three seasons with Bratislava Slovan of the KHL. A scoring forward in his prime, Satan’s production has tailed off, tallying only 9 goals and 12 points in 23 games this past season. But cut him some slack, Satan will turn 40 years old in October. (Update: Satan retired this summer.)

Kontinental Hockey League (#1)

  • Teams and Countries: 28 Teams in 8 Countries (Russia – 21, Croatia – 1, Czech Republic – 1, Belarus -1 , Kazakhstan – 1, Latvia -1, Slovakia – 1, Ukraine – 1)
  • 188 Former/Current NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Vyacheslav (Slava) Kozlov LW 1972 (Russia) Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – Atlant Mytishchi for 2014-15 1,182 Regular Season, 118 Playoff / 3 – Red Wings (607,114), Sabres (38), Thrashers (537,4) 2009-2010
2 Miroslav Satan LW 1974 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan *Retired 1,050 Regular Season , 86 Playoff / 5 – Oilers (126), Sabres (578,51), Islanders (243,5), Penguins (65,17), Bruins (38,13) 2009-2010
3 Sandis Ozolinsh D 1972 (Latvia) Riga Dynamo *Retired 875 Regular Season, 137 Playoff / 6 – Sharks (205,25), Avalanche (333,82) , Hurricanes (118,6), Panthers (88), Mighty Ducks (84,21), Rangers (40,3) 2007-2008
4 Ruslan Fedotenko W 1979 (Ukraine) Donbass HC *Signed with through 2015-16 863 Regular Season, 108 Playoff / 5 – Flyers (199,11), Lightning (313,42), Islanders (67), Penguins (145,30), Rangers (139,25) 2012-2013
5 Ilya Kovalchuk LW 1983 (Russia) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with through 2016-17 816 Regular Season , 32 Playoff / 2 – Thrashers (594,4), Devils (269,28) 2012-2013
6 Nikolai Antropov C/RW 1980 (Kazakhstan) Antana Barys *Signed with for 2014-15 788 Regular Season, 35 Playoff / 3 – Maple Leafs (509,28), Rangers (18,7), Thrashers/Jets (261) 2012-2013
7 Martin Skoula D 1979 (Czech Rep.) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Liberec Bili Tygri HC for 2014-15 776 Regular Season, 83 Playoff / 5 – Avalanche (444,68), Stars (21), Wild (259,11), Penguins (33), Devils (19,4) 2009-2010
8 Alexei Ponikarovsky LW 1980 (Ukraine) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 678 Regular Season, 62 Playoff / 6 – Maple Leafs (477,23), Penguins (16,11), Kings (61,4), Hurricanes (49), Devils (63,24), Jets (12) 2012-2013
9 Brent Sopel D 1977 (Canada) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 659 Regular Season , 71 Playoff / 6 – Canucks (322,42), Islanders (57), Kings (55), Blackhawks (139,22), Thrashers (59), Canadiens (12,7) 2010-2011
10 Maxim Afinogenov RW 1979 (Russia) Chekhov Vityaz *Signed with through 2015-16 651 Regular Season, 49 Playoff / 2 – Sabres (569,49), Thrashers (82) 2009-2010
11 Alexander Frolov LW 1982 (Russia) CSKA Moscow / Omsk Avangard *Free Agent 579 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 2 – Kings (536,6), Rangers (43) 2010-2011
12 Vitaly Vishnevsky D 1980 (Russia) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with through 2015-16 552 Regular Season, 40 Playoff / 4 – Mighty Ducks (416,37), Thrashers (52), Predators (15), Devils (69,3) 2007-2008
13 Jan Bulis C 1978 (Czech Rep.) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with for 2014-15 552 Regular Season, 35 Playoff / 3 – Capitals (133), Canadiens (340,23), Canucks (79,12) 2006-2007
14 Dmitri Kalinin D 1980 (Russia) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with through 2016-17 539 Regular Season , 37 Playoff / 3 – Sabres (466,37), Rangers (58), Coyotes (15) 2008-2009
15 Randy Robitaille C 1975 (Canada) Donbass HC *Signed with for 2014-15 531 Regular Season, 13 Playoff / 9 – Bruins (9,1), Predators (131), Kings (18), Penguins (81), Islanders (60,10), Thrashers (69), Wild (67), Flyers (28), Senators (68,2) 2007-2008
16 Ian White D 1984 (Canada) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Free Agent 501 Regular Season, 22 Playoff / 5 – Maple Leafs (296), Flames (43), Hurricanes (39), Sharks (23,17), Red Wings (102,5) 2012-2013
17 Jonathan Cheechoo RW 1980 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL * Signed with KHL – Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 501 Regular Season, 59 Playoff / 2 – Sharks (440,58), Senators (61,1) 2009-2010
18 Oleg Kvasha LW 1978 (Russia) Omsk Avangard / Moscow Spartak *(Also Played in VHL) *Free Agent 493 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 3 – Panthers (146,4), Islanders (332,17), Coyotes (15) 2005-2006
19 Mike Commodore D 1979 (Canada) Vladivostok Admiral *Free Agent 484 Regular Season, 53 Playoff / 7 – Devils (57), Flames (18,20), Hurricanes (195,25), Senators (26,4), Blue Jackets (158,4), Red Wings (17), Lightning (13) 2011-2012
20 Deron Quint D 1976 (USA) CSKA Moscow / Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – Chelyabinsk Traktor through 2015-16 463 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 4 – Jets/Coyotes (271,7), Devils (4), Blue Jackets (132), Blackhawks (51) 2003-2004
21 Wojtek Wolski LW 1986 (Poland) *Raised in Canada Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo *Signed with for 2014-15 451 Regular Season, 29 Playoff / 5 – Avalanche (302,15), Coyotes (54,7), Rangers (46,5), Panthers (22,2), Capitals (27) 2012-2013
22 Alexei Morozov RW 1977 (Russia) CSKA Moscow *Signed with for 2014-15 451 Regular Season, 49 Playoff / 1 – Penguins (451,49) 2003-2004
23 Nikolai Zherdev RW 1984 (Ukraine) Cherepovets Severstal / Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – Dynamo Moscow for 2014-15 421 Regular Season , 15 Playoff / 3 – Blue Jackets (282), Rangers (82,7), Flyers (56,8) 2010-2011
24 Kurtis Foster D 1981 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with KHL – HC Slovan Bratislava for 2014-15 405 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 7 – Thrashers (5), Wild (195,3), Lightning (71), Oilers (74), Ducks (9), Devils (28), Flyers (23) 2012-2013
25 Andrei Kostitsyn *Sergei Kostitsyn’s Older Brother RW 1985 (Belarus) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with for 2014-15 398 Regular Season , 49 Playoff / 2 – Canadiens (379,41), Predators (19,8) 2011-2012
26 Niko Kapanen C 1978 (Finland) Prague Lev *(Also played in Czech2) *Signed with KHL – Jokerit for 2014-15 397 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 3 – Stars (239,18), Thrashers (60), Coyotes (98) 2007-2008
27 Branko Radivojevic RW 1980 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan / Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik *Free Agent 393 Regular Season, 31 Playoff / 3 – Coyotes (150,1), Flyers (88,23), Wild (155,7) 2007-2008
28 Erik Christensen LW 1983 (Canada) Prague Lev *(Also Played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with SHL – HV71 through 2016-17 387 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 5 – Penguins (143,4), Thrashers (57), Ducks (26,8), Rangers (132,5), Wild (29) 2011-2012
29 Brian Willsie F 1978 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *(Also played in SHL – Sweden and SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with SHL – Orenro HK for 2014-15 381 Regular Season , 10 Playoff / 3 – Avalanche(115,10), Capitals (50), Kings (134) 2010-2011
30 Sergei Kostitsyn *Andrei Kostitsyn’s Younger Brother RW 1987 (Belarus) Omsk Avangard *Signed with through 2015-16 353 Regular Season, 40 Playoff / 2 – Canadiens (155,18), Predators (198,22) 2012-2013
31 Mathieu Garon G 1978 (Canada) Omsk Avangard *Retired 341 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 6 – Canadiens (32), Kings (95), Oilers (62), Penguins (4,1), Blue Jackets (71), Lightning (66) 2012-2013
32 Lukas Krajicek D 1983 (Czech Rep.) Minsk Dynamo *Signed with for 2014-15 328 Regular Season, 34 Playoff / 4 – Panthers (90), Canucks (117,12), Lightning (94), Flyers (27,22) 2009-2010
33 Oleg Saprykin W 1981 (Russia) CSKA Moscow *Signed with KHL – HC Sochi for 2014-15 325 Regular Season, 41 Playoff / 3 – Flames (187,26), Coyotes (126), Senators (12,15) 2006-2007
34 Cam Barker D 1986 (Canada) Antana Barys *Free Agent 310 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 4 – Blackhawks (200,17), Wild (71), Oilers (25), Canucks (14) 2012-2013
35 Ryan O’Byrne D 1984 (Canada) Prague Lev *Signed with for 2014-15 308 Regular Season, 25 Playoff / 3 – Canadiens (128,19), Avalanche (172), Maple Leafs (8,6) 2012-2013
36 Alexander Korolyuk W 1976 (Russia) Chekhov Vityaz *Free Agent 296 Regular Season, 34 Playoff / 1 – Sharks (296,34) 2003-2004
37 Anton Babchuk D 1984 (Ukraine) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 289 Regular Season, 13 Playoff / 3 – Blackhawks (22), Hurricanes (163,13), Flames (104) 2012-2013
38 Anthony Stewart RW 1985 (Canada) Yekaterinburg Automobilist *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Free Agent

262 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (105), Thrashers (80), Hurricanes (77)

2011-2012
39 Mike Lundin D 1984 (USA) Antana Barys *Signed with through 2015-16 252 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 3 – Lightning (224,18), Wild (17), Senators (11) 2012-2013
40 Branislav Mezei D 1980 (Slovakia) Chekhov Vityaz *Free Agent 240 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (66), Panthers (174) 2007-2008
41 Marcel Hossa *Marian Hossa’s Younger Brother LW 1981 (Slovakia) Riga Dynamo *Signed with for 2014-15 237 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 3 – Canadiens (59), Rangers (164,14), Coyotes (14) 2007-2008
42 Tom Wandell C 1987 (Sweden) Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – Omsk Avangard for 2014-15 229 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (229) 2012-2013
43 Andrew Murray C 1981 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with for 2014-15 221 Regular Season / 3 – Blue Jackets (181), Sharks (39), Blues (1) 2012-2013
44 Dustin Boyd C 1986 (Canada) Antana Barys *Signed with through 2015-16 220 Regular Season, 9 Playoff / 3 – Flames (192,5), Predators (18,4), Canadiens (10) 2010-2011
45 Nigel Dawes W 1985 (Canada) Antana Barys *Signed with for 2014-15 212 Regular Season, 11 Playoff / 5 – Rangers (121,11), Coyotes (12), Flames (66), Thrashers (9), Canadiens (4) 2010-2011
46 Alexei Semenov D 1981 (Russia) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 211 Regular Season, 8 Playoff / 3- Oilers (103,6), Panthers (39), Sharks (69,2) 2008-2009
47 Tim Brent C/RW 1984 (Canada) Magnitogorsk Metallurg / Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo *Signed with KHL – Magnitogorsk Metallurg through 2015-16 207 Regular Season / 5- Ducks (15), Penguins (1), Blackhawks (2), Maple Leafs (80), Hurricanes (109) 2012-2013
48 Evgeny Artyukhin W 1983 (Russia) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 199 Regular Season, 5 Playoff / 3 – Lightning (145,5), Ducks (37), Thrashers (17) 2009-2010
49 Stanislav Chistov LW 1983 (Russia) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with for 2014-15 196 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 2 – Mighty Ducks (136,21), Bruins (60) 2006-2007
50 Alexander Burmistrov C 1991 (Russia) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with for 2014-15 194 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers/Jets (194) 2012-2013
51 Jiri Novotny C 1983 (Czech Rep.) Prague Lev *Signed with for 2014-15 189 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 3 – Sabres (64,4), Capitals (18), Blue Jackets (107) 2008-2009
52 Alexander Svitov C 1982 (Russia) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with through 2015-16 179 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 2 – Lightning (74,7), Blue Jackets (105) 2006-2007
53 Sami Lepisto D 1984 (Finland) Yekaterinburg Automobilist *Signed with for 2014-15 176 Regular Season, 10 Playoff / 4 – Capitals (14), Coyotes (117,7), Blue Jackets (19), Blackhawks (26,3) 2011-2012
54 Niclas Bergfors RW 1987 (Sweden) Vladivostok Admiral *Signed with for 2014-15 173 Regular Season / 4 – Devils (63), Thrashers (77), Panthers (20), Predators (11) 2011-2012
55 Brandon Bochenski RW 1984 (USA) Astana Barys *Signed with for 2014-15 156 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 6 – Senators (20), Blackhawks (30), Bruins (51), Ducks (12), Predators (8,3), Lightning (35) 2009-2010
56 Alexander Radulov RW 1986 (Russia) CSKA Moscow *Signed with through 2015-16 154 Regular Season, 19 Playoff / 1 – Predators (169,19) 2011-2012
57

Kevin Dallman

D 1981 (Canada) *Plays for Khazakstan internationally St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with KHL – Antana Barys through 2016-17 154 Regular Season / 3 – Bruins (21), Blues (46), Kings (87) 2007-2008
58 Martin Cibak C 1980 (Slovakia) Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik / Chekhov Vityaz *Free Agent 154 Regular Season, 11 Playoff / 1 – Lightning (154,11) 2005-2006
59 Krys Kolanos C 1981 (Canada) Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo *Free Agent 149 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 4 – Coyotes (109,2), Oilers (6), Wild (21), Flames (13) 2011-2012
60 Curtis Sanford G 1979 (Canada) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with for 2014-15 144 Regular Season / 3 – Blues (73), Canucks (35), Blue Jackets (36) 2011-2012
61 Derek Meech D 1984 (Canada) Minsk Dynamo *(Finished season with AHL – Texas Stars) *Free Agent 144 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 2 – Red Wings (126,2), Jets (18) 2012-2013
62 Konstantin Koltsov W 1981 (Belarus) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 144 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (144) 2005-2006
63 Enver Lisin RW 1986 (Russia) CSKA Moscow / Vladivostok Admiral *Signed with Vladivostok Admiral for 2014-15 135 Regular Season / 2 – Coyotes (78), Rangers (57) 2009-2010
64 Petr Schastlivy LW 1979 (Russia) Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo *(Also played in VHL – Russia) *Signed with KHL – Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo for 2014-15 129 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 2 – Senators (107,1), Mighty Ducks (22) 2003-2004
65 Alexander Perezhogin RW 1983 (Kazakhstan) Omsk Avangard *Signed with through 2015-16 128 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 1 – Canadiens (128,6) 2006-2007
66 Tomas Surovy LW 1981 (Slovakia) Minsk Dynamo *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan for 2014-15 126 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (126) 2005-2006
67 Tim Stapleton RW 1982 (USA) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with for 2014-15 118 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (4), Thrashers/Jets (114) 2011-2012
68 Mikael Tellqvist G 1979 (Sweden) Riga Dynamo *Signed with SHL – Djargarden through 2016-17 114 Regular Season / 3 – Maple Leafs (41), Coyotes (67), Sabres (6) 2008-2009
69

Cal O’Reilly

*Ryan O’Reilly’s Older Brother

C 1986 (Canada) Metallurg Magnitogorsk *(Also played in VHL – Russia and in AHL – Utica Comets) *Signed with NHL – Vancouver Canucks 2way contract for 2014-15 113 Regular Season / 3 – Predators (85), Coyotes (22), Penguins (6) 2011-2012
70 Richard Lintner D 1977 (Slovakia) Minsk Dynamo *(Also Played in Slovakia) *Free Agent 112 Regular Season / 3 – Predators (83), Rangers (10), Penguins (19) 2002-2003
71 Mike Leighton G 1981 (Canada) Donbass HC *Signed with KHL – Sochinskiye Leopardy for 2014-15 106 Regular Season, 16 Playoff / 4 – Blackhawks (43), Predators (1), Flyers (33,16), Hurricanes (29) 2012-2013
72 Patrick Thoresen LW 1983 (Norway) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 106 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 2 – Oilers (85), Flyers (21,14) 2007-2008
73 Paul Szczechura C 1985 (Canada) Riga Dynamo *Signed with KHL – Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 92 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (83), Sabres (9) 2011-2012
74 Eric Chouinard *Son of Guy Choinard and Cousins with Marc Chouinard C 1980 (USA) Minsk Dynamo *(Also played in GET-ligaen – Norway) * Signed with France – Grenoble for 2014-15 90 Regular Season / 3 – Canadiens (13), Flyers (46), Wild (31) 2005-2006
75 Sergei Gusev D 1975 (Russia) Yekaterinburg Automobilist *Free Agent 89 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (31), Lightning (58) 2000-2001
76 Tomas Vincour RW 1990 (Czech Rep.) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with for 2014-15 88 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (86), Avalanche (2) 2012-2013
77 Dan Sexton RW 1987 (USA) Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with KHL – Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik for 2014-15 88 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Ducks (88,1) 2010-2011
78 Bill Thomas RW 1983 (USA) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with for 2014-15 87 Regular Season / 3 – Coyotes (40), Penguins (16), Panthers (31) 2011-2012
79 Michael Ryan LW 1980 (USA) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with SM-Liiga – Assat through 2015-16 83 Regular Season / 2 – Sabres (65), Hurricanes (18) 2008-2009
80 Vladimir Zharkov RW 1988 (Russia) CSKA Moscow *Signed with through 2015-16 82 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (82) 2011-2012
81 Mark Popovic D 1982 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with through 2015-16 81 Regular Season / 2 – Mighty Ducks (1), Thrashers (80) 2009-2010
82 Dylan Reese D 1984 (USA) Khabarovsk Amur *Signed with NHL – Arizona Coyotes on 2way for 2014-15 77 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (74), Penguins (3) 2012-2013
83 Marc-Andre Gragnani D 1987 (Canada) Prague Lev *Signed with for 2014-15 74 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 3 – Sabres (59,7), Canucks (14), Hurricanes (1) 2012-2013
84 Michal Repik RW 1988 (Czech Rep.) Prague Lev *Free Agent 72 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (72) 2011-2012
85 Dmitry Bykov D 1977 (Russia) Khabarovsk Amur *Free Agent 71 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 1 – Red Wings (71,4) 2002-2003
86 Oskars Bartulis D 1987 (Latvia) Donbass HC *Signed with for 2014-15 66 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 1 – Flyers (66,7) 2010-2011
87 Jakub Klepis C 1984 (Czech Rep.) Prague Lev *Signed with SHL- Farjestad for 2014-15 66 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (66) 2006-2007
88 Staffan Kronwall *Niklas Kronwall’s Younger Brother D 1983 (Sweden) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with through 2015-16 66 Regular Season / 3 – Maple Leafs (62), Capitals (3), Flames (11) 2009-2010
89 Nathan Oystrick D 1982 (Canada) Prague Lev *Free Agent 65 Regular Season / 3 – Thrashers (53), Ducks (3), Blues (9) 2010-2011
90 Sergei Varlamov LW 1978 (Russia) Donbass HC *Free Agent 63 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 2 – Flames (8), Blues (55,1) 2002-2003
91 Matt Murley LW 1979 (USA) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan through 2015-16 62 Regular Season / 2 – Penguins (59), Coyotes (3) 2007-2008
92 Viktor Tikhonov LW 1988 (Latvia) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 61 Regular Season / 1 – Coyotes (61) 2008-2009
93 Pavel Vorobiev RW 1982 (Kazakhstan) Chekhov Vityaz * (Also played in VHL – Russia) *Signed with VHL – Vityaz Podolsk for 2014-15 57 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (57) 2005-2006
94 Evgeny Dadonov RW 1989 (Russia) Donbass HC *Signed with KHL – SKA St. Petersburg for 2014-15 55 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (55) 2011-2012
95 Stefan Ruzicka RW 1985 (Slovakia) Omsk Avangard / Salavat Yulaev Ufa *(Also played in VHL – Russia) *Free Agent 55 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (55) 2007-2008
96 Antti Pihlstrom LW 1984 (Finland) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 54 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (54) 2008-2009
97 Nikita Filatov LW 1990 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with KHL – Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra through 2015-16 53 Regular Season / 2 – Blue Jackets (44), Senators (9) 2011-2012
98 Mikhail Yakubov C 1982 (Russia) Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra *Signed with KHL – HC Vityaz for 2014-15 53 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (40), Panthers (13) 2005-2006
99 Teemu Hartikainen LW 1990 (Finland) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 52 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (52) 2012-2013
100 Chris Bourque *Father is Raymond Bourque and Younger Brother is Ryan Bourque C 1986 (USA) Ak Bars Kazan *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with NHL – New York Rangers 2way for 2014-15

51 Regular Season / 3 – Capitals (13), Penguins (20), Bruins (18)

2012-2013
101 Milan Bartovic W 1981 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with through 2016-17 50 Regular Season / 2 – Sabres (26), Blackhawks (24) 2005-2006
102 David Ullstrom C/W 1989 (Sweden) Prague Lev / Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with KHL Severstal Cherepovets through 2015-16 49 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 1 – Islanders (49,3) 2012-2013
103 Jan Mursak RW 1988 (Slovakia) CSKA Moscow / Khabarovsk Amur *Signed with CSKA Moscow for 2014-15 46 Regular Season / 1 – Red Wings (46) 2012-2013
104 Geoff Platt C/LW 1985 (Canada) *Plays for Belarus internationally Minsk Dynamo / Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with KHL – Yaroslavl Lokomotiv through 2015-16 46 Regular Season / 2 – Blue Jackets (41), Ducks (5) 2007-2008
105 Bob Sanguinetti D 1988 (USA) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 45 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (5), Hurricanes (40) 2012-2013
106 Matt Ellison C/W 1983 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with KHL – Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 43 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (36), Flyers (7) 2006-2007
107 Igor Radulov LW 1982 (Russia) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 43 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (43) 2003-2004
108 Leo Komarov C/W 1987 (Estonia) Moscow Dynamo *Signed with NHL Toronto Maple Leafs through 2017-18 42 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 1 – Maple Leafs (42,7) 2012-2013
109 Mike Glumac RW 1980 (Canada) *Assistant Coach with Croatia National Team Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with for 2014-15 40 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (40) 2007-2008
110 Maxim Kondratiev D 1983 (Russia) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with for 2014-15 40 Regular Season / 3 – Maple Leafs (7), Rangers (29), Ducks (4) 2007-2008
111 Kyle Wilson C 1984 (Canada) Riga Dynamo *Signed with KHL – Donbass HC for 2014-15 39 Regular Season / 3 – Capitals (2), Blue Jackets (32), Predators (5) 2011-2012
112 Roman Cervenka C 1985 (Czech Rep.) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with through 2015-16 39 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (39) 2012-2013
113 Jonas Holos D 1987 (Norway) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with for 2014-15 39 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (39) 2010-2011
114 Ray Giroux D 1976 (Canada) Novokuznetsk Metallurg *Free Agent 38 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 2 – Islanders (16), Devils (22) 2003-2004
115 Clay Wilson D 1983 (USA) Donbass HC *Signed with through 2015-16 36 Regular Season / 4 – Blue Jackets (12), Thrashers (2), Panthers (17), Flames (5) 2011-2012
116 Kirill Safronov D 1981 (Russia) Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra *(Also played in VHL – Russia and Slovakia) *Signed tryout with KHL – Amur Khabarovsk for 2014-15 35 Regular Season / 2 – Coyotes (1), Thrashers (34) 2002-2003
117 Evgeny Grachev LW 1990 (Russia) Vladivostok Admiral *Signed with KHL – Yaroslavl Lokomotiv for 2014-15 34 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (8), Blues (26) 2011-2012
118 Peter Olvecky C 1985 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with through 2015-16 32 Regular Season / 2 – Wild (31), Predators (1) 2009-2010
119 Boyd Kane LW 1978 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Free Agent 31 Regular Season / 2 – Flyers (23), Capitals (8) 2009-2010
120 Andre Deveaux C 1984 (Bahamas) *Rasied in Canada Yekaterinburg Automobilist *Free Agent 31 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (22), Rangers (9) 2011-2012
121 Henrik Karlsson G 1983 (Sweden) Omsk Avangard *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with KHL – Jokerit for 2014-15 26 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (26) 2011-2012
122 Kristian Kudroc D 1981 (Slovakia) Antana Barys / Novosinirsk Sibir *Signed with Omsk Avangard through 2015-16 26 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (24), Panthers (2) 2003-2004
123 Denis Tolpeko LW 1985 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev / Nizhneskamsk Netftekhimik *Signed with Ufa Salavat Yulayev through 2015-16 26 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (26) 2007-2008
124 Michael Garnett G 1982 (Canada) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with for 2014-15 24 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (24) 2005-2006
125 Timofei Shishkanov LW 1983 (Russia) Khabarovsk Amur *Signed with KHL – Sochinskiye Leopardy for 2014-15 24 Regular Season / 2 – Predators (2), Blues (22) 2005-2006
126 Martins Karsums RW 1986 (Latvia) Moscow Dynamo *Signed with for 2014-15 24 Regular Season / 2 – Bruins (6), Lightning (18) 2008-2009
127 Josh Hennessy C 1985 (USA) Chekhov Vityaz *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with KHL – Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik for 2014-15 23 Regular Season / 2 – Senators (20), Bruins (3) 2011-2012
128 Maksim Mayorov LW 1989 (Russia) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 22 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (22) 2011-2012
129 Jarkko Immonen C 1982 (Finland) Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo *Signed with for 2014-15 20 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (20) 2006-2007
130 Zach Hamill C 1988 (Canada) Antana Barys *(Also played in AHL – Utica Comets) *RFA with NHL – Vancouver Canucks 20 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (20) 2011-2012
131 Ryan Vesce RW 1982 (USA) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 19 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (19) 2009-2010
132 Fedor Fedorov *Sergei Fedorov’s Younger Brother LW/C 1981 (Russia) CSKA Moscow *Free Agent 18 Regular Season / 2 – Canucks (15), Rangers (3) 2005-2006
133 * Evgeny Kuznetsov RW/C 1992 (Russia) Celyabinsk Traktor *(Currently with NHL – Washington Capitals) *Signed with NHL – Washington Capitals through 2014-15 17 Regular Season (Rookie Season) / 1 – Capitals (17) *Currently on NHL Roster 2013-2014
134 Teemu Laakso D 1987 (Finland) Cherepovets Severstal *Signed with SHL – Vaxjo Lakers for 2014-15 17 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (17) 2011-2012
135 Filip Novak D 1982 (Czech Rep.) Moscow Dynamo *Signed with for 2014-15 17 Regular Season / 2 – Senators (11), Blue Jackets (6) 2006-2007
136 Konstantin Pushkarev RW 1985 (Khazakstan) Antana Barys *Signed with for 2014-15 17 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (17) 2006-2007
137 Tomas Mojzis D 1982 (Czech Rep.) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with through 2015-16 17 Regular Season / 3 – Canucks (7), Blues (6), Wild (4) 2008-2009
138 Zdenek Kutlak D 1980 (Czech Rep.) Bratislava Slovan *(Also Played in NLA – Switzerland) *Free Agenet 16 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (16) 2003-2004
139 Petr Vrana C 1985 (Czech Rep.) Prague Lev *Signed with for 2014-15 16 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (16) 2008-2009
140 Lukas Kaspar LW 1985 (Czech Rep.) Donbass HC *Signed with KHL – Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk for 2014-15 16 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (16) 2008-2009
141 Vladimir Mihalik D 1987 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with for 2014-15 15 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (15) 2009-2010
142 Arturs Kulda D 1988 (Latvia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 15 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers/Jets (15) 2011-2012
143 Andreas Engqvist C 1987 (Sweden) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 15 Regular Season / 1 – Canadiens (15) 2011-2012
144 Janis Sprukts C 1982 (Latvia) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Signed with for 2014-15 14 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (14) 2008-2009
145 Alan Letang D 1975 (Canada) *Plays for Croatia Internationally Zagreb Medvescak KHL (Also played in Croatia) *Free Agent 14 Regular Season / 3 – Stars (8), Flames (2), Islanders (4) 2002-2003
146 Brandon Reid C 1981 (Canada) CSKA Moscow *Free Agent 13 Regular Season, 10 Playoff / 1 – Canucks (13, 10) 2006-2007
147 Tomas Kubalik RW 1990 (Czech Rep.) Prague Lev *Free Agent 12 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (12) 2011-2012
148 Mike Iggulden C 1982 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL / Chekhov Vityaz *Free Agent 12 Regular Season / 2 – Sharks (1), Islanders (11) 2008-2009
149 Petri Kontiola C 1984 (Finland) Chelyabinsk Traktor *Signed with NHL – Toronto Maple Leafs for 2014-15 12 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (12) 2007-2008
150 Barry Brust G 1983 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with through 2015-16 11 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (11) 2006-2007
151 Mark Katic D 1985 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *(Also played in Croatia) *Signed with for 2014-15 11 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (11) 2010-2011
152 Ilya Zubov C 1987 (Russia) Vladivostok Admiral / CSKA Moscow *Free Agent 11 Regular Season / 1 – Senators (11) 2008-2009
153 Alexander Boikov D 1975 (Russia) Moscow Dynamo *(Also played in VHL – Russia) *Free Agent 10 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (10) 2000-2001
154 Sergei Zinovjev C 1980 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Free Agent 10 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (10) 2003-2004
155 Jonas Andersson LW 1981 (Sweden) Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 2 – Predators (5), Canucks (4) 2010-2011
156 Sergei Shirokov RW 1986 (Russia) Omsk Avangard / CKSA Moscow *Signed with Omsk Avangard through 2017-18 8 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (8) 2010-2011
157 Shaun Heshka D 1985 (Canada) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with for 2014-15 8 Regular Season / 1 – Coyotes (8) 2009-2010
158 Janne Pesonen W 1982 (Finland) Kazan Ak-Bars *Signed with for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (7) 2008-2009
159 Radek Smolenak W 1986 (Czech Rep.) Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with SM-Liiga – TPS Turku for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (6), Blackhaws (1) 2009-2010
160 Janne Niskala D 1981 (Sweden) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Signed with for 2014-15 6 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (6) 2008-2009
161 Tony Martensson C 1980 (Sweden) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 6 Regular Season / 1 – Mighty Ducks (6) 2003-2004
162 Mario Bliznak C 1987 (Slovakia) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with through 2015-16 6 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (6) 2010-2011
163 Jaroslav Kristek RW 1980 (Czech Rep.) Minsk Dynamo *(Also played in Belarus) *Free Agent 6 Regular Season / 1 – Sabres (6) 2002-2003
164 Alexei Kaigorodov C 1983 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with through 2016-17 6 Regular Season / 1 – Senators (6) 2006-2007
165 Ivan Vishnevsky D 1988 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with through 2015-16 5 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (5) 2009-2010
166 Charles Linglet LW 1982 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with KHL – Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 5 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (5) 2009-2010
167 Vojtech Polak LW 1985 (Czech Rep.) Riga Dynamo *(Also Played in Czech Extraliga) *Free Agent 5 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (5) 2006-2007
168 Andrei Zubarev D 1987 (Russia) Ufa Salavat Yulayev *Signed with for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (4) 2010-2011
169 Vitali Yeremeyev G 1975 (Kazakhstan) Antana Barys *Signed with for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (4) 2000-2001
170 Mikko Koskinen G 1988 (Finland) Novosibirsk Sibir *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with KHL – Novosibirsk Sibir for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (4) 2010-2011
171 Kurtis McLean C 1980 (Canada) Novokuznetsk Metallurg *Signed with KHL – Jokerit for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (4) 2008-2009
172 Oskar Osala LW 1987 (Finland) Magnitogorsk Metallurg / Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik *Signed with KHL – Magnitogorsk Metallurg through 2015-16 3 Regular Season / 2 – Capitals (2), Hurricanes (1) 2009-2010
173 Yuri Babenko C 1978 (Russia) Moscow Dynamo *Signed with for 2014-15 3 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (3) 2000-2001
174 Petteri Wirtanen C 1986 (Finland) Donbass HC *Free Agent 3 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (3) 2007-2008
175 Alexander Nikulin C 1985 (Russia) Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – CSKA Moscow for 2014-15 3 Regular Season / 2 – Senators (2), Coyotes (1) 2008-2009
176 Alexei Mikhnov LW 1982 (Ukraine) Moscow Oblast Atlant *Free Agent 2 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (2) 2006-2007
177 Alexander Salak G 1987 (Czech Rep.) St. Petersburg SKA *Signed with for 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (2) 2009-2010
178 Hugh Jessiman RW 1984 (USA) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with Austria – Vienna Capitals for 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (2) 2010-2011
179 Brian Salcido D 1985 (USA) Khabarovsk Amur *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent 2 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (2) 2008-2009
180 Matt Anderson F 1982 (USA) Moscow Spartak *Signed with KHL – Zagreb Medvescak KHL for 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (2) 2012-2013
181 Jakub Petruzalek RW 1985 (Czech. Rep) Kazan Ak-Bars / Khabarovsk Amur *Signed with KHL – Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg for 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Hurricanes (2) 2008-2009
182 Mark Dekanich G 1986 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak KHL *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (1) 2010-2011
183 Johan Backlund G 1981 (Sweden) Chekhov Vityaz *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (1) 2009-2010
184 Iiro Tarkki G 1985 (Finland) Salavat Yulaev Ufa *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with SM-Liiga – Karpat through 2015-16

1 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (1)

2011-2012
185 Jonathan Sigalet D 1986 (Canada) Bratislava Slovan *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (1) 2006-2007
186 Ivan Baranka D 1985 (Slovakia) Omsk Avangard *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (1) 2007-2008
187 Alexei Vasiliev D 1977 (Russia) Yaroslavl Lokomotiv *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (1) 1999-2000
188 Alexander Pechursky G 1990 (Russia) Metallurg Magnitogorsk *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (1) 2009-2010

<a href="http://www.lokalmatador.de/Sport/Eishockey/">LOKALMATADOR.DE</a> Jochen Hecht, who made his mark in the NHL as a former teammate of Satan's in Buffalo, has returned to his roots in Germany, playing for his hometown Mannheim Eagles of the DEL. Hecht spent four seasons (1994-98) with this team before making the jump to the NHL where he played for the better part of a decade. And Hecht still has game, leading Mannheim in scoring this past season with 15 goals and 36 points in 49 games — equaling his age at 36 years old. (Update: Hecht will suit up for the Eagles again next season.)

LOKALMATADOR.DE
Jochen Hecht, who made his mark in the NHL as a former teammate of Satan’s in Buffalo, has returned to his roots in Germany, playing for his hometown Mannheim Eagles of the DEL. Hecht spent four seasons (1994-98) with this team before making the jump to the NHL where he played for the better part of a decade. And Hecht still has game, leading Mannheim in scoring this past season with 15 goals and 36 points in 49 games — equaling his age at 36 years old. (Update: Hecht will suit up for the Eagles again next season.)

Ice Hockey League / Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) (#2)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in Germany
  • 76 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1

Jochen Hecht

C/LW 1977 (Germany) Mannheim Eagles *Signed with for 2014-15

833 Regular Season, 59 Playoffs / 3 – Blues (138,27), Oilers (82), Sabres (613,32)

2012-2013
2 Steven Reinprecht C 1976 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with for 2014-15

663 Regular Season, 50 Playoffs / 5 – Kings (60), Avalanche (165,50), Flames (96), Coyotes (231), Panthers (111)

2010-2011
3 Mike York C 1978 (USA) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with for 2014-15

579 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 6 – Rangers (230), Oilers (144,6), Islanders (107), Flyers (34), Coyotes (63), Blue Jackets (1)

2008-2009
4 Mark Bell LW/C 1980 (Canada) Berlin Polar Bears *Signed with for 2014-15

450 Regular Season, 9 Playoff / 4 – Blackhawks (339,5), Sharks (71,4), Maple Leafs (35), Ducks (5)

2011-2012
5 Matt Pettinger *Great Uncle was Gordon Pettinger LW 1980 (Canada) Hamburg Freezers *Signed with for 2014-15

422 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 3 – Capitals (334), Canucks (29,1), Lightning (59)

2009-2010
6 Daniel Tjarnqvist D 1976 (Sweden) Cologne Sharks *Signed with through 2015-16

352 Regular Season / 4 – Thrashers (218), Wild (60), Oilers (37), Avalanche (37)

2008-2009
7 Christoph Schubert D 1982 (Germany) Hamburg Freezers *Signed with through 2016-17

315 Regular Season, 31 Playoff / 2 – Senators (268,31), Thrashers (47)

2009-2010
8 Jeff Woywitka D 1983 (Canada) Augsburger Panther *Signed with for 2014-15

278 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 3 – Blues (152,4), Stars (99), Rangers (27)

2011-2012
9 Duvie Westcott D 1977 (Canada) Hamburg Freezers *Signed with for 2014-15

201 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (201)

2007-2008
10 Kris Beech C 1981 (Canada) Straubing Tigers *(Also played in Austria) *Signed with Austria – HC Innsbruck for 2014-15

198 Regular Season / 5 – Capitals (73), Penguins (100), Predators (5), Blue Jackets (16), Canucks (4)

2007-2008
11 Ryan Bayda LW/C 1980 (Canada) Augsburger Panther *Signed with for 2014-15

179 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 1 – Hurricanes (179,15)

2008-2009
12 Jordan Hendry D 1984 (Canada) Straubing Tigers *(Also Played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with SHL – AIK for 2014-15

131 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 2 – Blackhawks (129,15), Ducks (2)

2012-2013
13 Matt Smaby D 1984 (USA) Munich EHC *Free Agent

122 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (122)

2010-2011
14 Philippe Dupuis C/RW 1985 (Canada) Hamburg Freezers *Signed with through 2015-16

116 Regular Season / 2 – Avalanche (86), Maple Leafs (30)

2011-2012
15 Jeff Giuliano LW 1979 (USA) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with for 2014-15

101 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (101)

2007-2008
16 Joel Perrault C/RW 1983 (Canada) Krenfeld Penguins *Signed with for 2014-15

96 Regular Season / 3 – Coyotes (78), Blues (11), Canucks (7)

2010-2011
17 Sebastien Caron G 1980 (Canada) Hamburg Freezers / Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with DEL – Hamburg Freezers through 2015-16

95 Regular Season / 5 – Penguins (90), Blackhawks (1), Ducks (1), Flyers (0-Backed up) Lightning (3)

2011-2012
18 Yan Stastny *Father’s Peter Stastny, Younger Brother is Paul Stastny, Uncles Anton and Marian Stastny. F 1982 (Canada/USA) * Born Canada, Plays internationally USA Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Free Agent

91 Regular Season / 3 – Oilers (3), Bruins (38), Blues (50)

2009-2010
19 Tyler Bouck LW 1980 (Canada) Ingolstadt ERC *Retired

91 Regular Season / 3 – Stars (48), Coyotes (7), Canucks (36)

2005-2006
20 Greg Classen F 1977 (Canada) Ingolstadt ERC *Signed with ESBG (Germany) – Lausitzer Füchse through 2015-16

90 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (90)

2005-2006
21 John Zeiler RW/C 1982 (USA) Augsburger Panther *Free Agent

90 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (90)

2010-2011
22 Ivan Ciernik RW 1977 (Slovakia) Augsburger Panther *Signed with for 2014-15

89 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 2 – Senators (29), Capitals (60,2)

2003-2004
23 Brett Festerling *Twin Brother Garrett Festerling also plays in Germany. D 1986 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with DEL – Hamburg Freezers through 2017-18

88 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 2 – Ducks (83,1), Jets (5)

2011-2012
24 Nick Palmieri RW 1989 (USA) Munich EHC *Free Agent

87 Regular Season / 2 – Devils (78), Wild (9)

2011-2012
25 Andy Wozniewski D 1980 (USA) Munich EHC *Signed with for 2014-15

79 Regular Season / 3 – Maple Leafs (76), Blues (1), Bruins (2)

2009-2010
26 Mika Noronen G 1979 (Finland) Munich EHC *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Free Agent

75 Regular Season / 2 – Sabres (67), Canucks (8)

2005-2006
27 Karl Stewart LW 1983 (Canada) Straubing Tigers *Signed with for 2014-15

69 Regular Season / 4 – Thrashers (13), Penguins (3), Blackhaws (37), Lightning (16)

2007-2008
28 Ramzi Abid LW/C 1980 (Canada) Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent

68 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 4 – Coyotes (30), Penguins (19), Thrashers (6), Predators (13,2)

2006-2007
29 Mathieu Roy D 1983 (Canada) Hamburg Freezers *Signed with for 2014-15

66 Regular Season / 3 – Oilers (30), Blue Jackets (31), Lightning (5)

2012-2013
30 Tim Conboy *Younger Brother is Andrew Conboy D/RW 1982 (USA) Ingolstadt ERC *Signed with DEL – Düsseldorfer EG for 2014-15

59 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 1 – Hurricanes (59,3)

2009-2010
31 Matt Foy RW 1983 (Canada) Berlin Polar Bears *Signed with for 2014-15

56 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Wild (56,1)

2007-2008
32 Erik Ersberg G 1982 (Sweden) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with SHL – HV71 through 2015-16

53 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Kings (53,1)

2009-2010
33 Eric Beaudoin LW/C 1980 (Canada) Straubing Tigers *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Free Agent

53 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (53)

2003-2004
34 Herbert Vasiljevs LW/C 1976 (Latvia) Krenfeld Penguins *Signed with for 2014-15

51 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (5), Thrashers (28), Canucks (18)

2001-2002
35 Danny Richmond D 1984 (USA) Munich EHC *Signed with DEL – Mannheim Eagles through 2015-16

49 Regular Season / 2 – Hurricanes (10), Blackhawks (39)

2007-2008
36 Simon Gamache LW/C 1981 (Canada) Mannheim Eagles *Free Agent

48 Regular Season / 4 – Thrashers (4), Predators (18), Blues (15), Maple Leafs (11)

2007-2008
37 Steve Wagner D 1984 (USA) Mannheim Eagles *Signed with for 2014-15

46 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (46)

2008-2009
38 John Tripp RW 1977 (Canada) *Plays w/ Germany Internationally Cologne Sharks *Free Agent

43 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (9), Kings (34)

2003-2004
39 Chris Minard *Mike Minard’s Younger Brother F 1981 (Canada) Cologne Sharks *Signed with for 2014-15

40 Regular Season / 2 – Penguins (35), Oilers (5)

2009-2010
40

Jason Bacashihua

G 1982 (USA) Straubing Tigers *Signed with for 2014-15

38 Regular Season / 2 – Blues (38), Flyers (0 – Backed Up)

2011-2012
41 Jaime Sifers D 1983 (USA) Mannheim Eagles *Signed with AHL – Springfield Falcons for 2014-15

37 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (23), Wild (14)

2009-2010
42 Norm Milley RW 1980 (Canada) Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams *Signed with for 2014-15

29 Regular Season / 2 – Sabres (15), Lightning (14)

2005-2006
43 Steven Regier LW 1984 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Free Agent

26 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (18), Blues (8)

2008-2009
44 Ty Wishart D 1988 (Canada) Schwenningen Wild Wings *Signed with for 2014-15

26 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (5), Islanders (21)

2011-2012
45 Colten Teubert D 1990 (Canada) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with through 2015-16

24 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (24)

2011-2012
46 Darren Haydar RW 1979 (Canada) Munich EHC *Signed with KHL – Medvescak Zagreb for 2014-15

23 Regular Season / 3 – Predators (2), Thrashers (20), Avalanche (1)

2009-2010
47 Sascha Goc *Younger brother’s Marcel Goc (NHL), Nikolai Goc (Germany) D 1979 (Germany) Schwenningen Wild Wings *Signed with through 2015-16

22 Regular Season / 2 – Devils (13), Lightning (9)

2001-2002
48 Mike Vernace D 1986 (Canada) Mannheim Eagles *Free Agent

22 Regular Season / 2 – Avalanche (12), Lightning (10)

2010-2011
49 Matt Hussey C 1979 (USA) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Free Agent

21 Regular Season / 2 – Penguins (18), Red Wings (5)

2006-2007
50 Barry Tallackson RW 1983 (USA) Berlin Polar Bears *Signed with for 2014-15

20 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (20)

2008-2009
51 Connor James C 1982 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with through 2015-16

16 Regular Season / 2 – Kings (2), Penguins (14)

2008-2009
52 Casey Borer D 1985 (USA) Berlin Polar Bears *Signed with for 2014-15

16 Regular Season / 1 – Huricanes (16)

2009-2010
53 Jared Ross C/LW 1982 (USA) Ingolstadt ERC *Signed with for 2014-15

13 Regular Season, 9 Playoff / 1 – Flyers (13,9)

2009-2010
54 David Printz D 1980 (Sweden) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *(Also played in SM-Ligga – Finland) *Signed with DEL – Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers for 2014-15

13 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (13)

2006-2007
55 Yanick Lehoux C/RW 1982 (Canada) Mannheim Eagles *Free Agent

10 Regular Season / 1 – Coyotes (10)

2006-2007
56 Greg Moore RW 1984 (USA) Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams *Signed with Czech2 – KLH Chomutov for 2014-15

10 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (6), Blue Jackets (4)

2009-2010
57 Jason Jaspers C/LW 1981 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with for 2014-15

9 Regular Season / 1 – Coyotes (9)

2003-2004
58 Jame Pollock D 1979 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Free Agent

9 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (9)

2003-2004
59 Charlie Stephens C/RW 1981 (Canada) Cologne Sharks *Signed with for 2014-15

8 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (8)

2003-2004
60 Rob Collins RW/C 1978 (Canada) Cologne Sharks *(Also played with CHL – Brampton Beast) *Signed with DEL – Düsseldorfer EG for 2014-15

8 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (8)

2005-2006
61 Nathan Robinson RW/C 1981 (Canada) Cologne Sharks *Free Agent

7 Regular Season / 2 – Red Wings (5), Bruins (2)

2005-2006
62 Jon DiSalvatore W 1981 (USA) Munich EHC *(Also played in AHL – Syracuse Crunch) *Free Agent

6 Regular Season / 2 – Blues (5), Wild (1)

2011-2012
63 Jon Rheault RW/C 1986 (USA) Mannheim Eagles *Signed with through 2015-16

5 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (5)

2012-2013
64

Carsen Germyn

RW/C 1982 (Canada) Straubing Tigers *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with DEL – Straubing Tigers for 2014-15

4 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (4)

2006-2007
65 Ryan Caldwell D 1981 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with for 2014-15

4 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (2), Coyotes (2)

2007-2008
66

Dimitri Patzold

G 1983 (Germany) Schwenningen Wild Wings *Signed with through 2015-16

3 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (3)

2007-2008
67 Alex Foster *Son of Dwight Foster, Brother-in-law is Cody Elkins, Uncle Wes Jarvis LW/C 1984 (USA) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with for 2014-15

3 Regular Season / 1 – Maple Leafs (3)

2007-2008
68 Travis Turnbull * Father’s Perry Turnbull C/RW 1986 (USA) Ingolstadt ERC *Signed with Düsseldorfer EG through 2015-16

3 Regular Season / 1 – Sabres (3)

2011-2012
69 Marcel Mueller LW/C 1988 (Germany) Cologne Sharks *Signed with for 2014-15

3 Regular Season / 1 – Maple Leafs (3)

2010-2011
70 Mike Connolly LW 1989 (Canada) Augsburger Panther *Signed with for 2014-15

2 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (2)

2011-2012
71 Tyler Weiman G 1984 (Canada) Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers *Signed with ESBG/DEL2– Ev Landshut for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (1)

2007-2008
72 Grant Lewis D 1985 (USA) Munich EHC *Signed with for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (1)

2008-2009
73 Danny Bois RW 1983 (Canada) Munich EHC *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Senators (1) 2006-2007
74 Shawn Lalonde D 1990 (Canada) Berlin Polar Bears *Signed with SHL – Färjestad through 2015-16

1 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (1)

2012-2013
75

Timo Pielmeier

G 1989 (Germany) Ingolstadt ERC *Signed with for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (1)

2010-2011
76 Brodie Dupont LW/C 1987 (Canada) Iserlohn Roosters *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (1) 2010-2011

Romsi/www.romsi.net Sami Kapanen, now 40, still hasn't hung 'em up either, fresh off his fifth season with KalPa Kuopio of the SM-liiga in his native Finland. Kapanen's point totals have been declining, however, with only 7 goals and 13 points to show for his efforts in 35 games in 2013-14. An NHL comeback doesn't appear to be in the cards, but Kapanen's 17-year-old son, Kasperi, is primed to carry the family torch as a projected first-round pick for this June's NHL entry draft. (Update: Kasperi was drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sami has retired as a player on the team he owns.)

Antti Romsi/www.romsi.net
Sami Kapanen, now 40, still hasn’t hung ’em up either, fresh off his fifth season with KalPa Kuopio of the SM-liiga in his native Finland. Kapanen’s point totals have been declining, however, with only 7 goals and 13 points to show for his efforts in 35 games in 2013-14. An NHL comeback doesn’t appear to be in the cards, but Kapanen’s 17-year-old son, Kasperi, is primed to carry the family torch as a projected first-round pick for this June’s NHL entry draft. (Update: Kasperi was drafted 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sami has retired as a player on the team he owns.)

SM-liiga (Finish Elite League) (#3)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in Finland
  • 69 Former/Current NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 *Jeff Halpern C/RW 1976 (USA) TPS Turku *(Finished Season with NHL – Phoenix Coyotes) *Free Agent

976+ Regular Season, 39 Playoff / 7 – Capitals (507,19), Stars (140,7), Lightning (126), Kings (16,6), Canadiens (88,7), Rangers (30), Coyotes (69)

2013-14 (Current)
2 Sami Kapanen *Played on same team as son Kasperi Kapanen (2014 Draft Prospect) W 1973 (Finland) KalPa Kuopio *Also Team Owner *Retired

831 Regular Season, 87 Playoff / 2 – Whalers/Hurricanes (520,34), Flyers (311,53)

2007-2008
3 Niklas Hagman LW 1979 (Finland) Assat Pori *Signed with KHL – Jokerit Helskini through 2015-16

770 Regular Season, 30 Playoff / 5 – Panthers (263), Stars (218,30), Maple Leafs (120), Flames (79), Ducks (63)

2011-2012
4 Jarkko Ruutu W 1975 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Free Agent

652 Regular Season, 58 Playoff / 4 – Canucks (267,24), Penguins (152,25), Senators (210,6) Ducks (23,3)

2010-2011
5 Shaone Morrisonn D 1982 (Canada) TPS Turku *Signed with KHL – Zagreb Medvescak for 2014-15

480 Regular Season, 27 Playoff / 3 – Bruins (41), Capitals (377,26), Sabres (62,1)

2010-2011
6 Ossi Vaananen D 1980 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with through 2016-17

479 Regular Season, 20 Playoff / 4 – Coyotes (291,5), Avalanche (139,12), Flyers (46), Canucks (3,3)

2008-2009
7 Ladislav Nagy W 1979 (Slovakia) Jokerit Helsinki *(Also played in Slovakia) *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan HC through 2015-16

435 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 4 – Blues (51,6), Coyotes (321,5), Stars (25,7), Kings (38)

2007-2008
8 Milan Jurcina D 1983 (Slovakia) TPS Turku *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Free Agent

430 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 4 – Bruins (91), Capitals (211,21), Blue Jackets (17), Islanders (111)

2011-2012
9 Ville Nieminen LW 1977 (Finland) Tappara Tampere * Signed with SM-Liiga – Lukko for 2014-15

385 Regular Season, 58 Playoff / 7 – Avalanche (104,23), Penguins (88), Blackhawks (60), Flames (19,24), Rangers (48), Sharks (52,11), Blues (14)

2006-2007
10 Ville Peltonen LW 1973 (Finland) HIFK Helsinki *Retired

382 Regular Season / 3 – Sharks (59), Predators (116), Panthers (207)

2008-2009
11 Brian Willsie F 1978 (Canada) TPS Turku *(Also played in KHL and Sweden) *Signed with SHL – Orenro HK for 2014-15 381 Regular Season , 10 Playoff / 3 – Avalanche(115,10), Capitals (50), Kings (134) 2010-2011
12 Josh Green LW/C 1977 (Canada) Tappara Tampere *Signed with for 2014-15

341 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 8 – Kings (27), Islanders (49), Oilers (88,3), Rangers (18), Capitals (21), Flames (36), Canucks (90,9), Ducks (12,5)

2011-2012
13 Eric Perrin C/LW 1975 (Canada) JyP HT Jyvaskyla *Signed with for 2014-15

245 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 2 – Lightning (86,18), Thrashers (159)

2008-2009
14 Kamil Kreps C/RW 1984 (Czech Rep.) Assat Pori *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Trinec Ocelari HC for 2014-15

232 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (232)

2009-2010
15 Rico Fata *Drew Fata’s Older Brother F 1980 (Canada) HIFK Helsinki *Free Agent

230 Regular Season / 5 – Flames (27), Rangers (46), Penguins (120), Thrashers (6), Capitals (31)

2006-2007
16 Lasse Kukkonen D 1981 (Finland) Karpat *Signed with through 2016-17

159 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 2 – Blackhawks (64), Flyers (95,14)

2008-2009
17 Jere Karalahti D 1975 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with for 2014-15

149 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 2 – Kings (134,17), Predators (15)

2001-2002
18 Petteri Nummelin *Brother-in-law is Antti Niemi D 1972 (Finland) Lukko Rauma *Signed with SM-Liiga – TPS Turku for 2014-15

139 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 2 – Blue Jackets (61), Wild (78,7)

2007-2008
19 Jussi Markkanen G 1975 (Finland) SaiPa Lappeenranta *Signed with for 2014-15

128 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 2 – Oilers (102,7), Rangers (26)

2006-2007
20 Fredrik Norrena G 1973 (Finland) TPS Turku *Retired and is now Goalie Coach for team.

100 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (100)

2008-2009
21 Riku Hahl C 1980 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with for 2014-15

92 Regular Season, 34 Playoff / 1 – Avalanche (92,34)

2003-2004
22 Tomas Plihal LW/C 1983 (Czech Rep.) Tappara Tampere *Signed with Trinec Ocelari HC of Czech Extraliga for 2014-2015

89 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 1 – Sharks (89,4)

2008-2009
23 Dan Sexton RW 1987 (USA) TPS Turku *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk for 2014-15 88 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Ducks (88,1) 2010-2011
24 Daniel Corso C 1978 (Canada) Ilves Tampere *(Also played in Mestis – Finland and NLB – Switzerland) *Free Agent 77 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 2 – Blues (70, 14), Thrashers (7) 2003-2004
25 Tony Salmelainen W 1981 (Finland) HIFK Helsinki *Retired

70 Regular Season / 2 – Oilers (13), Blackhawks (57)

2006-2007
26 Ramzi Abid LW/C 1980 (Canada) JyP HT Jyvaskyla *(Also played in DEL – Germany) *Free Agent

68 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 4 – Coyotes (30), Penguins (19), Thrashers (6), Predators (13,2)

2006-2007
27 Jani Rita W 1981 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with for 2014-15

66 Regular Season / 2 – Oilers (36), Penguins (30)

2005-2006
28 Esa Pirnes C 1977 (Finland) Karpat *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Free Agent

57 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (57)

2003-2004
29 Trevor Gillies LW 1979 (Canada) HIFK Helinki *(Also played in AHL – Abbotsford Heat and ECHL – Orlando Solar Bears) *Free Agent

57 Regular Season / 2 – Ducks (1), Islanders (56)

2011-2012
30 Ivan Huml C/LW 1981 (Czech Rep.) Karpat *Signed with for 2014-15

49 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (49)

2003-2004
31 Ben Maxwell C/LW 1988 (Canada) Karpat *Signed with KHL – Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra for 2014-15

47 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 3 – Canadiens (20,1), Thrashers/Jets (21), Ducks (6)

2011-2012
32 Aaron Gagnon C/RW 1986 (Canada) Lukko Rauma *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with SM-Liiga Lukko Rauma through 2015-16

38 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (21), Jets (17)

2012-2013
33 Pavel Rosa W 1977 (Czech Rep.) Pelicans *(Also played in Czech League) *Signed with Austria – Orli Znojmo for 2014-15

36 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (36)

2003-2004
34 Mika Pyorala LW/C 1981 (Finland) Karpat *Signed with through 2015-16

36 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (36)

2009-2010
35 *Rasmus Ristolainen D 1994 (Finland) TPS Turku *(Also played with NHL – Buffalo Sabres and AHL – Rochester Americans) *Signed with NHL – Buffalo Sabres through 2015-16 then RFA.

34+ Regular Season / 1 – Sabres (34)

2013-2014 *Currently with Sabres
36 Ilkka Pikkarainen RW 1981 (Finland) Pelicans *Signed with SM-Liiga – TPS Turku for 2014-15

31 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (31)

2009-2010
37 Antti-Jussi Niemi D 1977 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Free Agent

29 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (29)

2001-2002
38 Ben Walter C 1984 (Canada) Jokerit Helsinki *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Free Agent

24 Regular Season / 3 – Bruins (10), Islanders (12), Devils (2)

2009-2010
39 Timo Parssinen W 1977 (Finland) Pelicans *Free Agent

17 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (17)

2001-2002
40 Mikko Lehtonen D 1978 (Finland) Karpat *Free Agent

15 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (15)

2006-2007
41 Tuomas Pihlman LW 1982 (Finland) JyP HT Jyvaskyla / Assat Pori *Signed SM-Liiga JyP HT Jyvaskylawith through 2016-17

15 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (15)

2006-2007
42 Phil McRae *Father is Basil McRae F 1990 (USA) Blues / Tappara *Signed with NHL – St. Louis Blues 2way for 2014-15 then RFA.

15 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (15)

2010-2011
43 Jussi Timonen *Kimmo Timonen’s Younger Brother D 1983 (Finland) KalPa Kuopio *Signed with through 2016-17

14 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (14)

2006-2007
44 Leland Irving G 1988 (Canada) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with KHL – Avandgard Omsk for 2014-2015

13 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (13)

2012-2013
45 David Printz D 1980 (Sweden) KalPa Kuopio *(Also played in DEL – Germany) *Signed with DEL – Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers for 2014-15

13 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (13)

2006-2007
46 Raymond Sawada RW 1986 (Canada) Tappara Tampere *(Also played with ECHL – Colorado Eagles) *Free Agent

11 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (11)

2010-2011
47 Steven Zalewski C/LW 1986 (USA) Lukko Rauma *Free Agent

10 Regular Season / 2 – Sharks (3), Devils (7)

2011-2012
48 Patrick Davis RW 1986 (USA) SaiPa Lappeenranta *Signed with SM-Liiga – Kärpät through 2015-16

9 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (9)

2009-2010
49 Andy Chiodo G 1983 (Canada) Tappara Tampere *(Also played in Mestis – Finland and ECHL – Bakersfield Condors) *Free Agent

8 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (8)

2003-2004
50 Jakub Cutta D 1981 (Czech Rep.) SaiPa Lappeenranta *(Also played in Czech Extraliga) *Free Agent

8 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (8)

2003-2004
51 Justin DiBenedetto C/LW 1988 (Canada) Blues *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Signed with Austria – Dornbiner EC for 2014-15

8 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (8)

2010-2011
52 Radek Smolenak W 1986 (Czech Rep.) Pelicans *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with SM-Liiga – TPS Turku for 2014-15

7 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (6), Blackhawks (1)

2009-2010
53 Petr Hubacek LW 1979 (Czech Rep.) JyP HT Jyvaskyla *Signed with through 2016-17

6 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (6)

2000-2001
54 Brad Thiessen G 1986 (Canada) HIFK Helsinki *(Also played in AHL – Norfolk Admirals) *Signed with NHL – Calgary Flames 2way for 2014-15

5 Regular Season / 1 – Penguins (5)

2011-2012
55 Lauri Tukonen RW 1986 (Finland) Lukko Rauma *Signed with SM-Liiga – TPS Turku through 2015-16

5 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (5)

2007-2008
56 Mikko Koskinen G 1988 (Finland) Kalpa Kuopio / Blues *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Novosibirsk Sibir for 2014-15

4 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (4)

2010-2011
57 *Teuvo Teravainen F 1984 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *(Played end of season with NHL – Chicago Blackhawks and AHL – Rockford IceHogs ) *Signed with NHL – Chicago Blackhawsk through 2016-17 then RFA

3+ Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (3)

2013-2014 *Currently with Blackhawks/IceHogs
58 Jussi Rynnas G 1987 (Finland) Karpat *Signed with NHL – Dallas Stars through 2015-16

3 Regular Season / 1 – Maple Leafs (3)

2012-2013
59 Mikko Luoma D 1976 (Finland) JyP HT Jyvaskyla *Signed with for 2014-15

3 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (3)

2003-2004
60 Corey Elkins *Brother-in-law is Alex Foster, Father-in-law is Dwight Foster C 1985 (USA) HIFK Helsinki *Signed with for 2014-15

3 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (3)

2009-2010
61 Colby Cohen D 1989 (USA) Assat Pori *(Also played in the AHL – San Antonio Rampage) *Free Agent

3 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (3)

2010-2011
62 Brian Salcido D 1985 (USA) JyP HT Jyvaskyla *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent

2 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (2)

2008-2009
63 Olli Malmivaara D 1982 (Finland) Blues *Signed with through 2015-16

2 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (2)

2007-2008
64 Tomi Maki F 1983 (Finland) Jokerit Helsinki *Signed with for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (1)

2006-2007
65 Mikko Jokela D 1980 (Finland) HIFK Helsinki *Signed with SM-Liiga KalPa Kuopio through 2015-16

1 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (1)

2002-2003
66 Ryan Thang W 1987 (USA) HIFK Helsinki *(Also played in Sweden1) *Signed with Asia – High1 for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (1)

2011-2012
67 Martti Jarventie D 1976 (Finland) Ilves Tampere *Signed with for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Canadiens (1)

2001-2002
68 Masi Marjamaki LW 1985 (Finland) Ilves Tampere *Free Agent

1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1)

2005-2006
69 Jamie Arniel *Uncle is Scott Arniel C/RW 1989 (Canada) KalPa Kuopio / Lukko Rauma *(Also played in Austria) *Signed with Austria – Dorbirner EC for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (1)

2010-2011

www.gshc.ch (Geneve Servette official site) Matthew Lombardi is one of the players on this list that could still have an NHL future. He just turned 32 in March, but spent this past season with Geneve Servette in Switzerland's top league, leading the team in scoring with 20 goals and 50 points in 46 games. Time will tell whether that showing was enough to warrant another opportunity in North America as he'll likely be seeking an NHL contract or tryout this off-season. (Update: Lombardi signed a 2 year deal with the New York Rangers over the Summer.)

www.gshc.ch (Geneve Servette official site)
Matthew Lombardi is one of the players on this list that could still have an NHL future. He just turned 32 in March, but spent this past season with Geneve Servette in Switzerland’s top league, leading the team in scoring with 20 goals and 50 points in 46 games. Time will tell whether that showing was enough to warrant another opportunity in North America as he’ll likely be seeking an NHL contract or tryout this off-season. (Update: Lombardi signed a two-year deal with the New York Rangers this summer.)

National League A (Switzerland) (#4)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams all in Switzerland
  • 67 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Richard Park RW/C 1976 (South Korea) *Grew up in USA/Canada Ambri-Piotta *Free Agent

738 Regular Season, 40 Playoff / 6 – Penguins (112,6), Mighty Ducks (26,11), Flyers (7), Wild (217,18), Islanders (316,5), Canucks (60)

2011-2012
2 Antti Miettinen RW 1980 (Finland) Fribourg-Gotteron *Free Agent

539 Regular Season, 24 Playoff / 2 – Stars (238,24), Wild (234), Jets (67)

2012-2013
3 Matthew Lombardi C 1982 (Canada) Geneve Servette *Signed with NHL – New York Rangers through 2015-16

536 Regular Season, 40 Playoff / 5 – Flames (347,33), Coyotes (118,7), Predators (2), Maple Leafs (28), Ducks (7)

2012-2013
4 Marc-Andre Bergeron D 1980 (Canada) Zurich *Signed with through 2015-16

490 Regular Season, 57 Playoff / 7 – Oilers (189,19), Islanders (69,5), Ducks (9), Wild (72), Canadiens (60,19), Lightning (78,14), Hurricanes (13)

2012-2013
5 Kyle Wellwood *Eric Wellwood’s Older Brother C 1983 (Canada) Zug *Retired

489 Regular Season. 40 Playoff / 4 – Maple Leafs (189), Canucks (149,22), Sharks (35,18), Jets (116)

2012-2013
6 Jim Vandermeer *5 hockey playing brothers including Peter, Ted, Bill, Dan, Joe. Peter is the only other one to play in NHL. D 1980 (Canada) Kloten *Signed with for 2014-2015 Season.

461 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 6 – Flyers (75,8), Blackhawks (171), Flames (66,13), Coyotes (62), Oilers (62), Sharks (25)

2011-2012
7 Jason Williams C 1980 (Canada) Ambri-Piotta *Free Agent

455 Regular Season, 27 Playoff / 6 – Red Wings (277,23), Blackhawks (63), Thrashers (41), Blue Jackets (39,4), Stars (27), Penguins (8)

2011-2012
8 Chris Campoli D 1984 (Canada) Lugano *(Also played in Sweden) *Signed with SHL-HV71 through 2015-16

440 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 4 – Islanders (228,5), Senators (150,6), Blackhawks (19,7), Canadiens (43)

2011-2012
9 Milan Jurcina D 1983 (Slovakia) Gotteron *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent

430 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 4 – Bruins (91), Capitals (211,21), Blue Jackets (17), Islanders (111)

2011-2012
10 Glen Metropolit C/RW 1974 (Canada) Lugano *Free Agent

407 Regular Season, 30 Playoff / 7 – Capitals (101,3), Lightning (2), Thrashers (57), Blues (20), Bruins (82,7), Flyers (55), Canadiens (90,20)

2009-2010
11 Brett McLean C 1978 (Canada) Lugano *Signed with for 2014-2015 Season

385 Regular Season, 8 Playoff / 3 – Blackhawks (78), Avalanche (160,8), Panthers (147)

2008-2009
12 *Rostislav Olesz LW 1985 (Czech Rep.) Bern *(Also played with NHL- New Jersey Devils, AHL – Albany Devils) *Free Agent

365 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (349), Blackhawks (6), Devils (10)

2013-2014
13 Guillaume Latendresse W 1987 (Canada) Zurich *Retired

341 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 3 – Canadiens (232,12), Wild (82), Senators (27,3)

2012-2013
14 Brian Boucher G 1977 (USA) Zug *Retired

328 Regular Season, 43 Playoff / 7 – Flyers (174,42), Coyotes (96), Flames (3), Blackhawks (15), Blue Jackets (3), Sharks (27,1), Hurricanes (10)

2012-2013
15 Byron Ritchie C 1977 (Canada) Bern *Signed with for 2014-15

324 Regular Season, 8 Playoff / 4 – Hurricanes (33), Panthers (111), Flames (109,8), Canucks (71)

2007-2008
16 Ryan Shannon C 1983 (USA) Zurich *Signed with for 2014-15

305 Regular Season, 13 Playoff / 4 – Ducks (53,11), Canucks (27), Senators (180,2), Lightning (45)

2011-2012
17 Steve McCarthy D 1981 (Canada) Zurich *Free Agent

302 Regular Season / 3 – Blackhawks (134), Thrashers (117), Canucks (51)

2007-2008
18 Peter Mueller C 1988 (USA) Kloten *Free Agent

297 Regular Season / 3 – Coyotes (207), Avalanche (47), Panthers (43)

2012-2013
19 Joel Kwiatkowski D/LW 1977 (Canada) Fribourg-Gotteron *Signed with through 2014-15

282 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 5 – Senators (35), Capitals (114,6), Panthers (114), Penguins (1), Thrashers (18)

2007-2008
20 Cristobal Huet G 1975 (France) Lausanne *Signed through 2015-16

272 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 4 – Kings (53), Canadiens (117,6), Capitals (13,7), Blackhawks (89,4)

2009-2010
21 Hnat Domenichelli LW/C 1976 (Canada) *Plays for Switzeraland Internationally Lugano/Bern *Retired

267 Regular Season / 4 – Whalers (13), Flames (96), Thrashers (130), Wild (28)

2002-2003
22 Anthony Stewart RW 1985 (Canada) Fribourg-Gotteron /Rapperswil *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent

262 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (105), Thrashers (80), Hurricanes (77)

2011-2012
23 Dan Fritsche F 1985 (USA) *Also grew up in Switzerland Lugano/Zurich *Signed with Zurich through 2015-16

256 Regular Season / 3 – Blue Jackets (206), Rangers (16), Wild (34)

2008-2009
24 Robert Nilsson *Father is Kent Nilsson C 1985 (Canada) *Raised mainly in Sweden Zurich *Signed with through 2015-16

252 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (53), Oilers (199)

2009-2010
25 Martin Gerber G 1974 (Switzerland) Kloten *Signed with for 2014-15

229 Regular Season, 12 Playoff / 5 – Mighty Ducks (54,2), Hurricanes (60,6), Senators (100,4), Maple Leafs (12), Oilers (3)

2010-2011
26 David Aebischer G 1978 (Switzerland) Rapperswil-Jona *Free Agent

214 Regular Season, 13 Playoff / 3 – Avalanche (174, 13), Canadiens (39), Coyotes (1)

2007-2008
27 Marc-Antoine Pouliot C 1985 (Canada) Fribourg-Gotteron *Signed with for 2014-15

192 Regular Season, 8 Playoff / 3 – Oilers (176), Lightning (3), Coyotes (13,8)

2011-2012
28 Andrew Hutchinson D 1980 (USA) Zug *Signed with KHL – Medvescak Zagreb for 2014-15

140 Regular Season / 5 – Predators (18), Hurricanes (77), Lightning (2), Stars (38), Penguins (5)

2010-2011
29 Rob Schremp C 1986 (USA) Zug *(Also played in NLB – Switzerland) *Signed with KHL – Novokuznetsk Metallurg for 2014-15

114 Regular Season / 3 – Oilers (7), Islanders (89), Thrashers (18)

2010-2011
30 Ville Koistinen D 1982 (Finland) Davos *Signed with through 2016-17

103 Regular Season / 2 – Predators (86), Panthers (17)

2009-2010
31 Brendan Bell D 1983 (Canada) Biel *Free Agent

102 Regular Season / 4 – Maple Leafs (32), Coyotes (16), Senators (53), Rangers (1)

2011-2012
32 Lennart Petrell W 1984 (Finland) Geneve Servette *Signed with SHL – Lulea through 2015-16

95 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (95)

2012-2013
33 Derrick Walser D 1978 (Canada) Rapperswil-Jona *Signed with for 2014-15

91 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (91)

2006-2007
34 Kaspars Daugavins F 1988 (Latvia) Geneve Servette *Signed with KHL – Dynamo Moscow through 2015-16

91 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 2 – Senators (85,1), Bruins (6,6)

2012-2013
35 Mika Noronen G 1979 (Finland) Davos *(Also played in DEL – Germany) *Free Agent

75 Regular Season / 2 – Sabres (67), Canucks (8)

2005-2006
36 Alexandre Picard LW 1985 (Canada) Geneve-Servette *Signed through 2015-2016

67 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (67)

2009-2010
37 Tommi Santala F 1979 (Finland) Kloten *Signed through 2015-16

63 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 2 – Thrashers (33), Canucks (30,1)

2006-2007
38 Josh Holden C 1978 (Canada) Zug *Signed with through 2015-16

60 Regular Season / 3 – Canucks (46), Hurricanes (8), Maple Leafs (6)

2003-2004
39 Travis Roche D 1978 (Canada) Bern *Free Agent

60 Regular Season / 2 – Wild (10), Coyotes (50)

2006-2007
40 Eric Beaudoin LW/C 1980 (Canada) Biel *(Also played in DEL – Germany) * Free Agent

53 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (53)

2003-2004
41 Chris Bourque *Father is Raymond Bourque and Younger Brother is Ryan Bourque C 1986 (USA) Biel *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with NHL – New York Rangers 2way for 2014-15

51 Regular Season / 3 – Capitals (13), Penguins (20), Bruins (18)

2012-2013
42 Peter Sejna LW 1979 (Slovakia) Rapperswil-Jona *Free Agent

49 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (49)

2006-2007
43 Alexandre Giroux W 1981 (Canada) Ambri-Piotta *Signed with through 2015-16

48 Regular Season / 4 – Rangers (1), Capitals (30), Oilers (8), Blue Jackets (9)

2011-2012
44 Robbie Earl LW 1985 (USA) Zug/Rapperswil-Jona *Free Agent

47 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (9), Wild (38)

2010-2011
45 Matt Ellison C/W 1983 (Canada) Biel *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Minsk Dynamo through 2015-16 43 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (36), Flyers (7) 2006-2007
46 Greg Mauldin C 1982 (USA) Fribourg-Gotteron *Signed with for 2014-15

36 Regular Season / 3 – Blue Jackets (6), Islanders (1), Avalanche (29)

2010-2011
47 Christian Dube *Father is Norman Dube C 1977 (Canada) *Also grew up in Switzerland Fribourg-Gotteron *Signed with through 2015-16

33 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 1 – Rangers (33,3)

1998-1999
48 Cody Almond C 1989 (Canada) Geneve Servette *Signed with for 2014-15

25 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (25)

2011-2012
49 Josh Hennessy C 1985 (USA) Chekhov Vityaz *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with KHL – Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik for 2014-15 23 Regular Season / 2 – Senators (20), Bruins (3) 2011-2012
50 Micki Dupont D 1980 (Canada) Kloten *Signed with through 2015-16

23 Regular Season / 3 – Flames (18), Penguins (3), Blues (2)

2007-2008
51 Reto Von Arx C 1976 (Switzerland) Davos *Signed with for 2014-15

19 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (19)

2000-2001
52 Zdenek Kutlak D 1980 (Czech Rep.) Davos *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent

16 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (16)

2003-2004
53 Tobias Stephan G 1984 (Switzerland) Geneve Servette *Signed with Zug through 2016-17

11 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (14)

2008-2009
54 Timo Helbling D 1981 (Switzerland) Fribourg-Gotteron *Signed through 2015-16

11 Regular Season / 2 – Lightning (9), Capitals (2)

2006-2007
55 Nolan Schaefer G 1980 (Canada) Ambri-Piotta *Free Agent

7 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (7)

2005-2006
56 Roman Wick W 1985 (Switzerland) Zurich *Signed with through 2017-18

7 Regular Season / 1 – Senators (7)

2010-2011
57 Garrett Stafford D 1980 (USA) Geneve Servette *(Also Played in Sweden) *Signed with SM-Liiga – Ässät for 2014-15

7 Regular Season / 3 – Red Wings (2), Stars (3), Coyotes (2)

2010-2011
58 Ilkka Heikkinen D 1984 (Finland) Lugano *Signed with KHL – Ufa Salavat Yulayev through 2015-16

7 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (7)

2009-2010
59 Ryan Keller W 1984 (Canada) Zurich *Signed with for 2014-15

6 Regular Season / 1 – Senators (6)

2009-2010
60 Maxim Noreau D 1987 (Canada) Ambri-Piotta *Signed with for 2014-15

6 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (6)

2010-2011
61 Brady Murray *Son of Andy Murray, Cousin of Marty Murray, Cousin-In-Law of Mason Raymond C 1984 (Canada) *Raised mainly in USA Lugano *Free Agent

4 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (4)

2007-2008
62 Goran Bezina D 1980 (Croatia) *Raised and plays Internationally for Switzerland Geneve-Servette *Signed with through 2015-16

3 Regular Season / 1 – Coyotes (3)

2003-2004
63 Mikko Lehtonen RW 1978 (Finland) Bern/Lugano *Signed SHL – Skelleftea AIK with through 2015-16

2 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (2)

2009-2010
64 Danny Irmen RW/C 1984 (USA) Lugano *(Also Played in NLB – Switzerland) *Signed with NLB – Thurgua through 2016-17

2 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (2)

2009-2010
65 Perttu Lindgren C 1987 (Finland) Davos *Signed with for 2014-2015

1 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (1)

2009-2010
66 Geoff Kinrade D 1985 (Canada) Bern *Signed with for 2014-15

1 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (1)

2008-2009
67 Tim Ramholt D 1984 (Switzerland) Zug *Signed with through 2015-16

1 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (1)

2007-2008

TT Nyhetsbyrån/ <a href="http://www.webbsporten.se">http://www.webbsporten.se</a> Much like Sami Kapanen in Finland, Michael Nylander is well past his prime in Sweden at 41 years old, but the latter was also still an active player in 2013-14. Nylander's career came full circle this past season, suiting up for 8 games with AIK of the SweHL — formerly the Swedish Elite League. It's the same club that Nylander got his professional start with back in 1991, and this may have been his swan song, considering he only managed 1 assist in this short stint. He also played 25 games in Sweden's second division, recording 3 goals and 9 points. Nylander shares the second-generation potential with Kapanen as well, with his son, William Nylander, being the second-ranked European skater for this year's NHL draft behind the aforementioned Kasperi Kapanen.

TT Nyhetsbyrån/ http://www.webbsporten.se
Much like Sami Kapanen in Finland, Michael Nylander is well past his prime in Sweden at 41 years old, but the latter was also still an active player in 2013-14. Nylander’s career came full circle this past season, suiting up for 8 games with AIK of the SweHL — formerly the Swedish Elite League. It’s the same club that Nylander got his professional start with back in 1991, and this may have been his swan song, considering he only managed 1 assist in this short stint, before putting up 5 points in 9 playoff games. . He also played 25 games in Sweden’s second division, recording 3 goals and 9 points, and one game in Swedens third division scoring a goal and adding an assist. Nylander shares the second-generation potential with Kapanen as well, with his son, William Nylander, being the second-ranked European skater for this year’s NHL draft behind the aforementioned Kasperi Kapanen. Like the Kapanens, the Nylanders also had a chance to play together during the past season when William was on loan from Modo to Rogle of the HockeyAllsvenskan League.  (Update: Michael Nylander has yet to officially retire or sign anywhere. His son William was drafted 8th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 Entry Draft and impressed in the team’s prospect development camp.)

SHL (Sweden) (#5)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams all in Sweden
  • 66 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Michael Nylander*Father of William Nylander Toronto Maple Leaf draft pick, who he also played with on Rogle BK C 1972 (Sweden) AIK *(Also played in Allsvenskan and Sweden – Division1 (Tier 3) ) *Free Agent 920 Regular Season, 47 Playoff / 7 – Whalers (117), Flames (168,13), Lightning (35), Blackhawks (239,5), Bruins (15,6), Rangers (160,14), Capitals (186,9) 2008-2009
2 Samuel Pahlsson C 1977 (Sweden) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Signed with for 2014-15 798 Regular Season, 86 Playoff / 5 – Bruins (17), Ducks (527,64), Blackhawks (13,17), Blue Jackets (222), Canucks (19,5) 2011-2012
3 Marcus Nilson RW 1978 (Sweden) HV71 Jonkoping *Signed with for 2014-15 521 Regular Season, 34 Playoff / 2 – Panthers (327), Flames (194,34) 2007-2008
4 Colby Armstrong W 1982 (Canada) Vaxjo HC *Free Agent 476 Regular Season, 9 Playoff / 4 – Penguins (181,5), Thrashers (179), Maple Leafs (79), Candiens (37,4) 2012-2013
5 Chris Campoli D 1984 (Canada) HV71 Jonkoping *(Also played is NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with SHL-HV71 through 2015-16 440 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 4 – Islanders (228,5), Senators (150,6), Blackhawks (19,7), Canadiens (43) 2011-2012
6 Jan Hlavac W 1976 (Czech Rep.) Vaxjo HC *(Also played in Czech) *Free Agent 436 Regular Season, 11 Playoff / 6 – Rangers (218), Flyers (31), Canucks (55,5), Hurricanes (52), Lightning (62), Predators (18,6) 2007-2008
7 Erik Christensen LW 1983 (Canada) HV71 Jonkoping *(Also Played in KHL) *Signed with through 2015-16 387 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / 5 – Penguins (143,4), Thrashers (57), Ducks (26,8), Rangers (132,5), Wild (29) 2011-2012
8 Brian Willsie F 1978 (Canada) Orebro HK *(Also played in KHL and SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with SHL – Orenro HK for 2014-15 381 Regular Season , 10 Playoff / 3 – Avalanche(115,10), Capitals (50), Kings (134) 2010-2011
9 Christian Bäckman D 1980 (Sweden) Frolunda HC *Signed with for 2014-15 302 Regular Season, 13 Playoff / 3 – Blues (228,5), Rangers (18,8), Blue Jackets (56) 2008-2009
10 Petteri Nokelainen C 1986 (Finland) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with KHL – Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo for 2014-15 245 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 5 – Islanders (15), Bruins (90,7), Ducks (67,9), Coyotes (22,5), Canadiens (51) 2011-2012
11 Jeff Tambellini W 1984 (Canada) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Signed with NLA – Gotteron through 2015-16 242 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / Kings (4), Islanders (176), Canucks (62,6) 2010-2011
12 Jason Krog C 1975 (Canada) HV71 Jonkoping *Signed with KHL – Medvescak Zagreb for 2014-15 202 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 5 – Islanders (28), Mighty Ducks (147,21), Thrashers (14), Rangers (9), Canucks (4) 2008-2009
13 Ole-Kristian Tollefsen D 1984 (Norway) Farjestads BK Karlstad *Signed with for 2014-15 163 Regular Season / 2 – Blue Jackets (145), Flyers (18) 2009-2010
14 Tomi Kallio RW 1977 (Finland) Vaxjo HC *Signed with for 2014-15 Season 140 Regular Season / 3 – Thrashers (121), Blue Jackets (12), Flyers (7) 2002-2003
15 Joel Lundqvist*Henrik Lundqvist’s twin brother C 1982 (Sweden) Frolunda HC *Signed with for 2014-15 134 Regular Season, 25 Playoff / 1 – Stars (134, 25) 2008-2009
16 Kyle Cumiskey D 1986 (Canada) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Signed with NHL – Chicago Blackhawks 2way for 2014-15 132 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 1 – Avalanche (132, 6) 2010-2011
17 Jordan Hendry D 1984 (Canada) AIK *(Also Played in DEL)*Signed with SHL – AIK for 2014-15 131 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 2 – Blackhawks (129,15), Ducks (2) 2012-2013
18 Derek Joslin D 1987 (Canada) AIK *Signed with Nurnberg Ice Tigers – DEL for 2014-15 Season 116 Regular Season / 3 – Sharks (53), Hurricanes (61), Canucks (2) 2012-2013
19 T.J. Hensick C 1985 (USA) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *(Also played in AHL – Hartford Wolf Pack) *Signed with AHL – Hamilton Bulldogs for 2014-15 112 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 2 – Avalanche (99,2), Blues (13) 2010-2011
20 Anssi Salmela D 1984 (Finland) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik / HV71 Jonkoping *Free Agent 112 Regular Season / 2 – Devils (74), Thrashers (38) 2010-2011
21 Fabian Brunnstrom W 1985 (Sweden) Leksands IF / Frolunda HC *Signed with SHL – Leksard IF for 2014-15 104 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (99), Red Wings (5) 2011-2012
22 Tim Wallace RW 1984 (USA) Orebro HK *Signed with for 2014-15 101 Regular Season / 4 – Penguins (24), Islanders (31), Lightning (18), Hurricanes (28) 2012-2013
23 Liam Reddox LW 1986 (Canada) Vaxjo HC * Signed with for 2014-2015 Season 100 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (100) 2010-2011
24 Johan Holmqvist G 1978 (Sweden) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with Allsvenskan – Almtuna for 2014-15 99 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 3 – Rangers (4), Lightning (93,6), Stars (2) 2007-2008
25 Cory Murphy D 1978 (Canada) Vaxjo HC *Signed with for 2014-15 91 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (54), Lightning (25), Devils (12) 2010-2011
26 Joakim Lindstrom C 1983 (Sweden) Skelleftea AIK * Signed with NHL – St. Louis Blues for 2014-2015 91 Regular Season / 3 – Blue Jackets (37), Coyotes (44), Avalanche (16) 2011-2012
27 Brett Carson D 1985 (Canada) AIK *Signed with Austria – Vienna Capitals for 2014-15 90 Regular Season / 2 – Hurricanes (72), Flames (18) 2012-2013
28 Oscar Moller C/LW 1989 (Sweden) Skelleftea AIK * Signed with through 2016-2017 87 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Kings (87,1) 2010-2011
29 Christian Berglund LW 1980 (Sweden) Farjestads BK Karlstad *Signed with Allsvenskan – BIK Karlskoga through 2015-16 86 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 2 – Devils (76,3), Panthers (10) 2003-2005
30 Rickard Wallin C 1980 (Sweden) Farjestads BK Karlstad *Signed with for 2014-2015 79 Regular Season / 2 – Wild (19), Maple Leafs (60) 2009-2010
31 Linus Omark LW 1987 (Sweden) Lulea HF *(Also played with NHL – Buffalo Sabres/Edmonton Oilers and AHL – Oklahoma City Barons) *Signed with KHL – Jokerit Helsinki through 2015-2016 79 Regular Season / 2 – Oilers (66), Sabres (13) 2013-2014
32 Noah Welch D 1982 (USA) Vaxjo HC *Signed with for 2014-2015 season 75 Regular Season / 4 – Penguins (27), Panthers (29), Lightning (17), Thrashers (2) 2010-2011
33 Matt Lashoff D 1986 (USA) Leksands IF *Signed with KHL – Metallurg Novokuznetskfor 2014-15 74 Regular Season / 3 – Bruins (46), Lightning (17), Maple Leafs (11) 2010-2011
34 Niklas Nordgren LW 1979 (Sweden) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Free Agent 58 Regular Season / 2 – Hurricanes (43), Penguins (15) 2005-2006
35 Esa Pirnes C 1977 (Finland) AIK *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent 57 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (57) 2003-2004
36 Magnus Johansson D 1973 (Sweden) Linkopings HC *Signed with for 2014-15 45 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (18), Panthers (27) 2007-2008
37 Mattias Ritola RW 1987 (Sweden) Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Signed through 2015-16 43 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 2 – Red Wings (7,1), Lightning (36,1) 2011-2012
38 Jonas Frogren D 1980 (Sweden) Skelleftea AIK *Signed with Leksand through 2015-16 41 Regular Season / 1 – Maple Leafs (41) 2008-2009
39 Ryan Russell*Twin Brother is Kris Russell C 1987 (Canada) Leksands IF *Signed with for 2014-15 41 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (41) 2011-2012
40 Aaron Gagnon C 1986 (Canada) HV71 Jonkoping *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with SM-Liiga Lukko Rauma through 2015-16 38 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (21), Jets (17) 2012-2013
41 Kent McDonell RW 1979 (Canada) Linkopings HC *Signed with for 2014-15 32 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (32) 2003-2004
42 Brett Sterling RW 1984 (USA) HV71 Jonkoping / Orebro HK *Signed with Austria – EC Salzburg for 2014-15 30 Regular Season / 3 – Thrashers (19), Penguins (7), Blues (4) 2011-2012
43 Henrik Karlsson G 1983 (Sweden) Skelleftea AIK *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Jokerit for 2014-15 26 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (26) 2011-2012
44 Andreas Thuresson C 1987 (Sweden) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with KHL – Sibir Novosibirsk for 2014-15 25 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (25) 2010-2011
45 Ben Walter C 1984 (Canada) Orebro HK *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent 24 Regular Season / 3 – Bruins (10), Islanders (12), Devils (2) 2009-2010
46 Shawn Belle D 1985 (Canada) Farjestads BK Karlstad *Signed with KHL – Medvescak Zagreb through 2015-16 20 Regular Season / 4 – Wild (9), Canadiens (2), Oilers (5), Avalanche (4) 2010-2011
47 Richie Regehr* Robyn Regehr’s Younger Brother D 1983 (Indonesia) *Raised in Canada Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik *Signed with DEL – Munich EHC for 2014-15 20 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (20) 2006-2007
48 Jared Aulin C/RW 1982 (Canada) Orebro HK *Signed with for 2014-15 17 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (17) 2002-2003
49 Pavel Skrbek D 1978 (Czech Rep.) Lulea HF *Free Agent 12 Regular Season / 2 – Penguins (4), Predators (8) 2001-2002
50 Johan Harju LW 1986 (Sweden) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with KHL-Jokerit Helsinki through 2015-16 10 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (10) 2010-2011
51 Justin DiBenedetto C/LW 1988 (Canada) Orebro HK *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with Austria – Dornbiner EC for 2014-15 8 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (8) 2010-2011
52 Garrett Stafford D 1980 (USA) Farjestads BK Karlstad *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with SM-Liiga – Ässätfor 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 3 – Red Wings (2), Stars (3), Coyotes (2) 2010-2011
53 Rhett Rakhshani RW 1988 (USA) Vaxjo HC *Signed with for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (7) 2011-2012
54 Dave Liffiton D 1984 (Canada) Farjestads BK Karlstad *(Also played in Allsvenskan) *Signed with Allsvenskan Malmo for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (3), Avalanche (4) 2010-2011
55 Akim Aliu RW 1989 (Nigeria) *Raised in Canada AIK *(Also played in AHL – Hartford Wolf Pack, Hamilton Bulldogs) *Free Agent 7 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (7) 2012-2013
56 Chad Kolarik C 1986 (USA) Linkopings HC *Signed with for 2014-15 6 Regular Season / 2 – Blue Jackets (2), Rangers (4) 2010-2011
57 Linus Klasen LW 1986 (Sweden) Lulea HF *Signed with NLA – Lugano through 2017-18 4 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (4) 2010-2011
58 Jonas Junland D 1987 (Sweden) Linkopings HC *Signed with through 2015-16 4 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (4) 2009-2010
59 Carsen Germyn RW/C 1982 (Canada) AIK *(Also played in DEL – Germany) *Signed with DEL – Straubing Tigers for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Flames (4) 2006-2007
60 Daniel Taylor G 1986 (England) *Raised in Canada Farjestads BK Karlstad *Signed with team for 2014-15 3 Regular Season / 2 – Kings (1), Flames (2) 2012-2013
61 Billy Sweatt LW 1988 (USA) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with through 2015-16 3 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (3) 2012-2013
62 Jonas Nordquist C 1982 (Sweden) Brynas IF Gavle *Signed with for 2014-15 3 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhaws (3) 2006-2007
63 Bjorn Melin RW 1981 (Sweden) AIK *Signed with SHL – HV71 through 2015-16 3 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (3) 2006-2007
64 Per Ledin LW 1978 (Sweden) Lulea HF *Signed with for 2014-15 3 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (3) 2008-2009
65 Iiro Tarkki G 1985 (Finland) Linkopings HC *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with SM-Liiga – Karpat through 2015-16 1 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (1) 2011-2012
66 Johan Motin D 1989 (Sweden) Orebro HK *Signed with for 2014-2015 1 Regular Season /1 – Oilers (1) 2009-2010

<a href="www.hcbilitygri.cz">www.hcbilitygri.cz</a> Another ageless wonder, 42-year-old Petr Nedved resurfaced in North American headlines this winter when it was announced he would be representing the Czech Republic at the Sochi Olympics despite being seven seasons removed from his NHL finale. Turns out, Nedved never retired and has remained an offensive threat over the years — eclipsing a point-per-game pace in each of the last four seasons for Liberec Bili Tygri HC of the Czech Extraliga. That includes 19 goals and 50 points in 49 games during the 2013-14 campaign, to go along with 1 assist in 5 games at the Olympics. (Update: Nedved decided to hang them up after a very productive final season.)

www.hcbilitygri.cz
Another ageless wonder, 42-year-old Petr Nedved resurfaced in North American headlines this winter when it was announced he would be representing the Czech Republic at the Sochi Olympics despite being seven seasons removed from his NHL finale. Turns out, Nedved never retired and has remained an offensive threat over the years — eclipsing a point-per-game pace in each of the last four seasons for Liberec Bili Tygri HC of the Czech Extraliga. That includes 19 goals and 50 points in 49 games during the 2013-14 campaign, to go along with 1 assist in 5 games at the Olympics. (Update: Nedved decided to hang them up after a very productive final season.)

Czech Extraliga (#6)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in Czech Republic
  • 46 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Tomas Kaberle D 1978 (Czech Rep.) Klado *Free Agent 984 Regular Season, 102 Playoff / 4 – Maple Leafs (878,77), Bruins (24,25), Hurricanes (29), Canadiens (53) 2012-2013
2 Petr Nedved C 1971 (Czech Rep.) Liberec Bili Tygri HC *Retired 982 Regular Season, 71 Playoff / 7 – Canucks (222,28), Blues (19,4), Rangers (478,10), Penguins (154,23), Oilers (35), Coyotes (25), Flyers (49,6) 2006-2007
3 Radek Bonk C 1976 (Czech Rep.) Trinec Ocelari HC *Retired 969 Regular Season, 73 Playoff / 3 – Senators (689,61), Canadiens (135,6), Predators (145,6) 2008-2009
4 Martin Rucinsky LW 1971 (Czech Rep.) Litvinov HC *Free Agent 961 Regular Season, 37 Playoff / 7 – Oilers (2), Nordiques/Avalanche (183,6), Canadiens (432,15), Stars (42), Rangers (136,2), Blues (153,7), Canucks (13,7) 2007-2008
5 Martin Straka C/LW 1972 (Czech Rep.) Plzen HC *Retired 954 Regular Season, 106 Playoff / 6 – Penguins (560,65), Senators (49), Islanders (22), Panthers (67,17), Kings (32), Rangers (224,24) 2007-2008
6 Jiri Slegr D 1971 (Czech Rep.) Litvinov HC *Signed with for 2014-15 622 Regular Season, 42 Playoff / 6 – Canucks (154,5), Oilers (69), Penguins (252,19), Thrashers (71), Red Wings (8,1), Bruins (68,7) 2005-2006
7 Vaclav Varada RW 1976 (Czech Rep.) Trinec Ocelari HC *Retired 493 Regular Season, 87 Playoff / 2 – Sabres (376,54), Senators (117,33) 2005-2006
8 Jan Hlavac LW 1976 (Czech Rep.) Klado *(Also played in SHL – Sweden) *Free Agent 436 Regular Season, 11 Playoff / 6 – Rangers (218), Flyers (31), Canucks (55,5), Hurricanes (52), Lightning (62), Predators (18,6) 2007-2008
9 Petr Cajanek RW 1975 (Czech Rep.) Zlin ZPS HC *Signed with for 2014-15 269 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 1 – Blues (269,7) 2006-2007
10 Lubos Bartecko LW 1976 (Slovakia) Chomutov Pirati *Signed with for 2014-15 257 Regular Season, 12 Playoff / 2 – Blues (149,12), Thrashers (108) 2002-2003
11 Ryan Hollweg LW / C 1983 (USA) *Also grew up in Canada Plzen HC * Signed through 2015-16 228 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 3 – Rangers (200,14), Maple Leafs (25), Coyotes (3) 2010-2011
12 Robert Petrovicky C 1973 (Slovakia) Slavia Praha HC *(Also played in Slovakia) *Signed with Slovak Extraliga HK Dukla Trencin for 2014-15 208 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 5 – Whalers (77), Stars (5), Blues (44,2), Lightning (71), Islanders (11) 2000-2001
13 Ivan Majesky D 1976 (Slovakia) Klado *Free Agent 202 Regular Season / 3 – Panthers (82), Thrashers (63), Capitals (57) 2005-2006
14 Petr Tenkrat W 1977 (Czech Rep.) Klado * Signed with through 2015-16 team dropped to Czech2 for 2014-15 177 Regular Season / 3 – Mighty Ducks (55), Predators (58), Bruins (64) 2006-2007
15 Josef Marha C/D 1976 (Czech Rep.) Pardubice HC / HK Hradec Kralove *Free Agent 159 Regular Season / 3 – Avalanche (19), Mighty Ducks (22), Blackhawks (118) 2000-2001
16 David Koci LW 1981 (Czech Rep.) Sparta Praha *Free Agent 142 Regular Season / 4 – Blackhawks (27), Lightning (33), Blues (4), Avalanche (78) 2010-2011
17 Jaroslav Svoboda RW 1980 (Czech Rep.) Chomutov Pirati *Signed with for 2014-15 134 Regular Season, 23 Playoff / 2 – Hurricanes (91,23), Stars (43) 2005-2006
18 Radim Bicanek D 1975 (Czech Rep.) Karlovy Vary HC *Free Agent 122 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 3 – Senators (35,7), Blackhawks (18), Blue Jackets (69) 2001-2002
19 Jaroslav Bednar W 1976 (Czech Rep.) Slavia Praha HC *Signed team for 2014-15 117 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 2 – Kings (37,3), Panthers (80) 2003-2004
20 Radovan Somik RW 1977 (Slovakia) Pardubice HC *Signed with team for 2014-15 113 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 1 – Flyers (113,15) 2003-2004
21 Karel Pilar D 1977 (Czech Rep.) Sparta Praha *Signed with for 2014-15 90 Regular Season, 12 Playoff / 1 – Maple Leafs (90,12) 2003-2004
22 Pavel Brendl W 1981 (Czech Rep.) Brno Kometa *(Also played in Germany – 2.Gbun) *Free Agent 78 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 3 – Flyers (50,2), Hurricanes (26), Coyotes (2) 2005-2006
23 Jaroslav Balastik RW 1979 (Czech Rep.) Zlin ZPS HC *Signed with for 2014-15 74 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (74) 2006-2007
24 Jaroslav Hlinka C/LW 1976 (Czech Rep.) Sparta Praha *Signed with through 2015-16 63 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Avalanche (63,1) 2007-2008
25

Ales Pisa

D 1977 (Czech Rep.) Pardubice HC *Signed with for 2014-15 53 Regular Season / 2 – Oilers (50), Rangers (3) 2002-2003
26 Tomas Malec D 1982 (Czech Rep.) Chomutov Pirati *Signed with for 2014-15 46 Regular Season / 2 – Hurricanes (43), Senators (3) 2006-2007
27 Pavel Rosa W 1977 (Czech Rep.) Litvinov HC *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with Austria – Orli Znojmo for 2014-15 36 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (36) 2003-2004
28 Michal Barinka D 1984 (Czech Rep.) Vitkovice HC *Signed with Czech Extraliga – HC Sparta Praha through 2015-16 34 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (34) 2005-2006
29 Pavel Patera C 1971 (Czech Rep.) Klado *Signed with Czech Extaliga – Olomouc HC for 2014-2015 32 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (12), Wild (20) 2000-2001
30 Kamil Piros F 1978 (Czech Rep.) Litvinov HC *Signed with Zlin HC for 2014-2015 28 Regular Season / 2 – Thrashers (25), Panthers (3) 2003-2004
31 Tomas Zizka D 1979 (Czech Rep.) Brno Kometa *Signed with Zlin HC through 2015-16 25 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (25) 2003-2004
32 Pavel Kolarik D 1972 (Czech Rep.) Slavia Praha HC *Signed with for 2014-2015 23 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (23) 2001-2002
33 Marek Posmyk D 1978 (Czech Rep.) Litvinov HC *(Also played in Czech2) *Free Agent 19 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (19) 2000-2001
34 Jozef Balej RW 1982 (Slovakia) Chomutov Pirati *Signed with for 2014-15 18 Regular Season / 3 – Canadiens (3), Rangers (13), Canucks (1) 2005-2006
35 Petr Sykora RW 1978 (Czech Rep.) Pardubice HC *Signed with for 2014-2015 12 Regular Season / 2 – Predators (2), Capiutals (10) 2005-2006
36 Tomas Vlasak W 1975 (Czech Rep.) Plzen HC *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Slavia Praha HC for 2014-2015 10 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (10) 2000-2001
37 Jakub Cutta D 1981 (Czech Rep.) Liberec Bili Tygri HC *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (8) 2003-2004
38 Marek Schwarz G 1986 (Czech Rep.) Liberec Bili Tygri HC *(Also played in Czech2) *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Liberec Bili Tygri HC for 2014-2015 6 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (6) 2008-2009
39 Jan Lasak G 1979 (Slovakia) Liberec Bili Tygri HC *(Also played in Slovakia) *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Liberec Bili Tygri HC through 2015-16 6 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (6) 2002-2003
40 Vojtech Polak LW 1985 (Czech Rep.) Trinec Ocelari HC *(Also Played in KHL) *Free Agent 5 Regular Season / 1 – Stars (5) 2006-2007
41 Tomas Divisek C 1979 (Czech Rep.) Sparta Praha *Free Agent 5 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (5) 2001-2002
42 Martin Lojek D 1985 (Czech Rep.) Trinec Ocelari HC / Chomutov Pirati *Free Agent 5 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (5) 2007-2008
43 Tomas Popperle G 1984 (Czech Rep.) Sparta Praha *Free Agent 2 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (2) 2006-2007
44 Libor Pivko LW 1980 (Czech Rep.) Brno Kometa *(Also played in Czech2) *Signed with Czech Extraliga – HC Pardubice for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (1) 2003-2004
45 Vaclav Pletka LW 1979 (Czech Rep.) Plzen HC *Signed with team through 2015-16 1 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (1) 2001-2002
46 Milan Kytnar C 1989 (Slovakia) Karlovy Vary HC *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (1) 2011-2012

Erste Bank/EHL/<a href="www.eishockey.at">www.eishockey.at</a> Marek Malik, who scored an unforgettable between-the-legs, game-winning shootout goal with the New York Rangers to highlight his NHL career, has since taken his talents to Austria. In his fifth season overseas, the stay-at-home defender landed with Innsbruck HC in 2013-14 where the soon-to-be 39-year-old finished with 4 goals and 18 points in 47 games. (Update: Malik retired at the end of the season)

Erste Bank/EHL/www.eishockey.at
Marek Malik, who scored an unforgettable between-the-legs, game-winning shootout goal with the New York Rangers to highlight his NHL career, has since taken his talents to Austria. In his fifth season overseas, the stay-at-home defender landed with Innsbruck HC in 2013-14 where the soon-to-be 39-year-old finished with 4 goals and 18 points in 47 games. (Update: Malik retired at the end of the season.)

Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (Austria) (#7)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams (Austria – 8, Slovenia – 1, Hungary – 1, Czech Republic – 1, Italy – 1)
  • 36 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Marek Malik D 1975 (Czech Rep.) HC Innsbruck *Retired 691 Regular Season, 65 Playoff / 4 – Whalers/Hurricanes (317,30), Canucks (147,21), Rangers (185,14), Lightning (42) 2008-2009
2 Jamie Lundmark C/RW 1981 (Canada) Klagenfurter AC *Signed with for 2014-15 295 Regular Season, 6 Playoff / 5 – Rangers (114), Coyotes (38), Flames (99,6), Kings (29), Maple Leafs (15) 2009-2010
3 Alexandre Picard D 1985 (Canada) Graz 99ers *Free Agent 253 Regular Season / 6 – Flyers (72), Lightning (20), Senators (92), Hurricanes (9), Canadiens (43), Penguins (17) 2011-2012
4 Richard Jackman D 1978 (Canada) Székesfehérvár *Free Agent 231 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 6 – Stars (38), Bruins (2), Maple Leafs (71), Penguins (74), Panthers (22), Ducks (24,7) 2006-2007
5 Kris Beech C 1981 (Canada) Vienna *(Also played in DEL – Germany) *Signed with Austria – HC Innsbruck for 2014-15 198 Regular Season / 5 – Capitals (73), Penguins (100), Predators (5), Blue Jackets (16), Canucks (4) 2007-2008
6 Trent Whitfield C 1977 (Canada) HC Bolzano *Retired 194 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 4 – Capitals (143,14), Rangers (1), Blues (33), Bruins (17,4) 2011-2012
7 Andreas Nödl RW 1987 (Austria) EC Salzburg / Klagenfurter AC *Free Agent 183 Regular Season, 12 Playoff / 2 – Flyers (127,12), Hurricanes (56) 2012-2013
8 Thomas Pöck D 1981 (Austria) Klagenfurter AC *Signed with for 2014-15 118 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 2 – Rangers (59,4), Islanders (59) 2008-2009
9 Benoit Gratton C 1976 (Canada) Vienna *Signed with for 2014-15 58 Regular Season / 3 – Capitals (22), Flames (24), Canadiens (12) 2003-2004
10 Dany Sabourin G 1980 (Canada) Graz 99ers *Signed with through 2015-16 57 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 3 – Flames (4), Penguins (44), Canucks (9,2) 2008-2009
11 Pat Leahy W 1979 (USA) EHC Linz *Retired 50 Regular Season / 2 – Bruins (49), Predators (1) 2006-2007
12 Guillaume Lefebvre LW 1981 (Canada) Graz 99ers *Signed with France – Angers for 2014-15 39 Regular Season / 3 – Flyers (17), Penguins (21), Bruins (1) 2009-2010
13 Mark Cullen *Matt Cullen’s Younger Brother, Uncle is Joe Cullen, Grandfather is Barry Cullen, Great Uncles are Brian and Ray Cullen C/LW 1978 (USA) EC Salzberg *Free Agent 38 Regular Season / 3 – Blackhawks (29), Flyers (3), Panthers (6) 2011-2012
14 Frank Banham RW 1975 (Canada) Székesfehérvár *Signed with for 2014-15 32 Regular Season / 2 – Ducks (27), Coyotes (5) 2002-2003
15 Matt Keith F 1983 (Canada) EC Salzburg *Free Agent 27 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (24), Islanders (3) 2007-2008
16 Joe Motzko RW 1980 (USA) EC Salzburg *Free Agent 25 Regular Season, 3 Playoff / 4 – Blue Jackets (11), Ducks (0,3), Capitals (8), Thrashers (6) 2008-2009
17 Zdenek Blatny LW/C 1981 (Slovakia) Orli Znojmo *Free Agent 25 Regular Season / 2 – Thrashers (20), Bruins (5) 2005-2006
18 Jeff Ulmer RW 1977 (Canada) HC Innsbruck *Signed with for 2014-15 21 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (21) 2000-2001
19 Olivier Magnan D 1986 (Canada) Dornbirner EC *Signed with for 2014-15 18 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (18) 2010-2011
20 Adam Munro G 1982 (Canada) HC Innsbruck *Signed with for 2014-15 17 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (17) 2005-2006
21 David Laliberté RW 1986 (Canada) HC Bolzano / Merren/ Merano *(Also played in Italy2 and with ECHL – Gwinnett Gladiators) *Free Agent 11 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Flyers (11,1) 2009-2010
22 Alex Plante D 1989 (Canada) Dornbirner EC *Signed with Norway – Lorenskog for 2014-15 10 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (10) 2011-2012
23 Brad Moran C 1979 (Canada) EHC Linz *Signed with for 2014-15 8 Regular Season / 2 – Blue Jackets (5), Canucks (3) 2006-2007
24 MacGregor Sharp C/LW 1985 (Canada) HC Bolzano *Signed with ESBG – Schwenninger Wild Wings for 2014-15 8 Regular Season / 1 – Ducks (8) 2009-2010
25 Graham Mink RW 1979 (USA) Dornbirn EC *Free Agent 7 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (7) 2008-2009
26 Brian Fahey D 1981 (USA) EC Salzburg *Signed with for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (7) 2010-2011
27 Patrick Coulombe D 1985 (Canada) Graz 99ers *Signed with France – Rouen for 2014-15 7 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (7) 2006-2007
28 Evan Brophey C/LW 1986 (Canada) EC Salzburg *Signed with DEL – EHC München for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (1), Avalanche (3) 2011-2012
29 Doug Lynch D 1983 (Canada) EC Salzburg *Free Agent 2 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (2) 2003-2004
30 Mike Siklenka D 1979 (Canada) Klagenfurter AC *Signed with through 2015-16 2 Regular Season / 2 – Flyers (1), Rangers (1) 2003-2004
31 Matt Zaba G 1983 (Canada) Vienna *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (1) 2009-2010
32 Jamie Arniel *Uncle is Scott Arniel C/RW 1989 (Canada) Dornbirner EC *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with Austria – Dorbirner EC for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (1) 2010-2011
33 Cole Jarrett D 1983 (Canada) Villacher SV *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1) 2005-2006
34 Curtis Murphy D 1975 (Canada) EHC Linz *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (1) 2002-2003
35 Jamie Fraser D 1985 (Canada) Vienna *Signed with for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1) 2008-2009
36 Shane Sims D 1988 (USA) HC Innsbruck *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1) 2010-2011

http://msport.aktuality.sk Jozef Stumpel is pretty much the biggest name going in the Slovak Extraliga, where the 41-year-old's star has never shone brighter. Stumpel is coming off his best season since leaving the NHL in 2008, having put up 16 goals and 67 points in 54 games for his hometown club, HK Nitra, in 2013-14. (Update: Stumpel is still currently a Free Agent, his offensive numbers suggest an NHL return could be possible, time will tell.)

http://msport.aktuality.sk
Jozef Stumpel is pretty much the biggest name going in the Slovak Extraliga, where the 41-year-old’s star has never shone brighter. Stumpel is coming off his best season since leaving the NHL in 2008, having put up 16 goals and 67 points in 54 games for his hometown club, HK Nitra, in 2013-14. (Update: Stumpel is still currently a free agent and his offensive numbers suggest an NHL return could be possible, but that would seem doubtful given his age.)

Slovak Extraliga (Slovakia) (#8)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Slovakia
  • 19 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Jozef Stumpel C 1972 (Slovakia) HK Nitra *Free Agent 957 Regular Season, 55 Playoff / Bruins (424,34), Kings (334,21), Panthers (199) 2007-2008
2 Radoslav Suchý D 1976 (Slovakia) HK SKP Poprad *Free Agent 451 Regular Season, 10 Playoff / 2 – Coyotes (372,10), Blue Jackets (79) 2005-2006
3 Ladislav Nagy W 1979 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with KHL – Bratislava Slovan HC through 2015-16 435 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 4 – Blues (51,6), Coyotes (321,5), Stars (25,7), Kings (38) 2007-2008
4 Marek Svatos RW 1982 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Free Agent 344 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / 3 – Avalanche (316,14), Predators (9), Senators (19) 2010-2011
5 Róbert Petrovický C 1973 (Slovakia) HK Dukla Trencin *(Also played in Czech) *Signed with Slovak Extraliga HK Dukla Trencin for 2014-15 208 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 5 – Whalers (77), Stars (5), Blues (44,2), Lightning (71), Islanders (11) 2000-2001
6 Tomas Kloucek D 1980 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Signed with for 2014-15 141 Regular Season / 3 – Rangers (95), Predators (8), Thrashers (38) 2005-2006
7 Richard Lintner D 1977 (Slovakia) HK Dukla Trencin *(Also Played in KHL) *Free Agent 112 Regular Season / 3 – Predators (83), Rangers (10), Penguins (19) 2002-2003
8 Boris Valábik D 1986 (Slovakia) SHK 37 Piestany *Signed with VHL – Saryarka Karaganda for 2014-15 80 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (80) 2009-2010
9 Jiri Bicek W 1978 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Signed with through 2015-16 62 Regular Season, 7 Playoff / 1 – Devils (62,7) 2003-2004
10 Martin Strbak D 1975 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Signed with through 2015-16 49 Regular Season / 2 – Kings (5), Penguins (44) 2003-2004
11 Kirill Safronov D 1981 (Russia) HKM Zvolen *(Also played in KHL and VHL – Russia) *Signed tryout with KHL – Amur Khabarovsk for 2014-15 35 Regular Season / 2 – Coyotes (1), Thrashers (34) 2002-2003
12 Peter Smrek D 1979 (Slovakia) MHC Martin *Free Agent 28 Regular Season / 2 – Blues (6), Rangers (22) 2001-2002
13 Peter Bartos LW 1973 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Signed with for 2014-15 13 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (13) 2000-2001
14 Petr Kalus RW 1987 (Czech Rep.) HK Dukla Trencin *(Also played in Allsvenskan (Sweden) and EIHL) *Free Agent 11 Regular Season / 2 – Bruins (9), Wild (2) 2009-2010
15 Lubomir Vaic C 1977 (Slovakia) HK SKP Poprad *(Also played in Slovakia2) *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (9) 1999-2000
16 Andrej Podkonický LW/C 1978 (Slovakia) HKM Zvolen *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / 2 – Panthers (6), Capitals (2) 2003-2004
17 Jaroslav Obsut D 1976 (Slovakia) HKM Zvolen *Signed with MOL Liga – ASC Corona Brasov 7 Regular Season / 2 – Blues (4), Avalanche (3) 2001-2002
18 Rastislav Stana G 1980 (Slovakia) HC Kosice *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Sparta Praha HC for 2014-15 6 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (6) 2003-2004
19 Jan Lasak G 1979 (Slovakia) HK Dukla Trencin *(Also Played in Czech) *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Liberec Bili Tygri HC through 2015-16 6 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (6) 2002-2003

PIC-AGENCY SWEDEN/nwt.se The Toronto Maple Leafs had high hopes for Justin Pogge back in the day, but the former world-junior standout for Canada never panned out in the NHL, merely getting a shot of expresso rather than a cup of coffee. Seen here allowing a goal this past season in the SWE-1 — Sweden second division — Pogge has enjoyed two solid campaigns since heading overseas. With Bofors IK in 2013-14, Pogge finished with a .920 save percentage and 2.16 goals-against average. He's just turned 28 and has that NHL size at 6-foot-3, so if he can keep climbing the ranks in Europe, there's a slight chance an NHL team could come calling again. (Update: Pogge will play next season in Sweden's top league the SHL with Farjestad, who he's signed with through 2015-16. If he plays out that contract and has two strong season in Sweden's top league and NHL tryout could be very likely, and would likely leave a couple jaws hitting the floor that he worked his way back.)

PIC-AGENCY SWEDEN/nwt.se
The Toronto Maple Leafs had high hopes for Justin Pogge back in the day, but the former world-junior standout for Canada never panned out in the NHL, merely getting a shot of expresso rather than a cup of coffee. Seen here allowing a goal this past season in the SWE-1 — Sweden second division — Pogge has enjoyed two solid campaigns since heading overseas. With Bofors IK in 2013-14, Pogge finished with a .920 save percentage and 2.16 goals-against average. He’s just turned 28 and has that NHL size at 6-foot-3, so if he can keep climbing the ranks in Europe, there’s a slight chance an NHL team could come calling again. (Update: Pogge will play next season in Sweden’s top league, the SHL, with Farjestad, who he’s signed with through 2015-16. If he plays out that contract and has two strong seasons, an NHL tryout could be in the cards again.)

HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden) (Tied #9)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in Sweden
  • 17 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Michael Nylander *Father of William Nylander Toronto Maple Leaf draft pick, who he also played with on Rogle BK C 1972 (Sweden) Rogle BK *(Also played in SweHL and Sweden – Division1 (Tier 3) ) *Free Agent 920 Regular Season, 47 Playoff / 7 – Whalers (117), Flames (168,13), Lightning (35), Blackhawks (239,5), Bruins (15,6), Rangers (160,14), Capitals (186,9) 2008-2009
2 Andreas Lilja D 1975 (Sweden) Rogle BK *Signed with for 2014-15 580 Regular Season, 66 Playoff / 5 – Kings (45,6), Panthers (135), Red Wings (298,47), Ducks (52,3), Flyers (50,10) 2012-2013
3 Andrew Raycroft G 1980 (Canada) Bjorkloven IF *Retired 280 Regular Season, 8 Playoff / 5 – Bruins (108,7), Maple Leafs (91), Avalanche (31), Canucks (21,1), Stars (29) 2011-2012
4 Mathias Tjarnqvist LW 1979 (Sweden) Rogle BK *Free Agent 173 Regular Season / 2 – Stars (69), Coyotes (114) 2007-2008
5 Michael Holmqvist C/LW 1979 (Sweden) Djurgardens IF Stockholm *Signed with for 2014-15 team promoted to SHL. 156 Regular Season / 2 – Ducks (21), Blackhawks (135) 2006-2007
6 Jeremy Colliton C 1985 (Canada) Mora IK *Retired (Became teams coach mid season) 57 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (57) 2010-2011
7 Kenndal McArdle LW 1987 (Canada) Vasteras IK *Signed with Allsvenskan – Malmo for 2014-15 with option for 2015-16 42 Regular Season / 2 – Panthers (33), Jets (9) 2011-2012
8 Luca Caputi LW 1988 (Canada) Vasteras IK *Signed with Allsvenskan – Oskarshamn for 2014-15 with option for 2015-16 35 Regular Season / 2 – Penguins (9), Maple Leafs (26) 2010-2011
9 Jeremy Williams RW 1984 (Canada) Vasteras IK *Signed with through 2015-16 32 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (31), Rangers (1) 2010-2011
10 Petr Kalus RW 1987 (Czech Rep.) Djurgardens IF Stockholm *(Also played in EIHL and Slovakia) *Free Agent 11 Regular Season / 2 – Bruins (9), Wild (2) 2009-2010
11 Kevin Doell C 1979 (Canada) Vasteras IK *(Also Played in Italy) *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (8) 2007-2008
12 Justin Pogge G 1986 (Canada) Bofors IK *Signed with SHL – Farjestad through 2015-16 7 Regular Season / 2 – Maple Leafs (7), Coyotes (0 – Back up Only) 2011-2012
13 Dave Liffiton D 1984 (Canada) Malmo *(Also played in SHL) *Signed with Allsvenskan – Malmo for 2014-15

7 Regular Season / 2 – Rangers (3), Avalanche (4)

2010-2011
14 Jordan Lavallee-Smotherman W 1986 (USA) Karlskrona HK *Signed with SM-Liiga Pelicans for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (4) 2008-2009
15 Trevor Frischmon C 1981 (USA) Mora IK *Free Agent 3 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (3) 2009-2010
16 Joey Tenute C/LW 1983 (Canada) Malmo Redhawks *Signed with through 2015-16 1 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (1) 2005-2006
17 Ryan Thang W 1987 (USA) Mora IK *(Also played in SM-Liiga – Finland) *Signed with Asia – High1 for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (1) 2011-2012

Sheffield Steelers Official Website Stefan Meyer also appeared to have decent potential coming out of junior as a former second-round pick of the Florida Panthers, but for whatever reason(s) he failed to stick with Florida or the Calgary Flames, and ended up heading overseas at a fairly young age. Now 28, Meyer has spent the last three seasons in three different European leagues. In 2013-14, Meyer played for the Sheffield Steelers in England, finishing second in team scoring with 28 goals and 54 points in 57 games. Like Pogge, Meyer could still seemingly find his way back across the pond, but he would need to take a step up in competition to get the attention of NHL teams at this point. (Update: As a free agent Meyer has got various offers from EIHL teams and other European teams, but there has been no new of him officially signing anywhere. )

Sheffield Steelers Official Website
Stefan Meyer also appeared to have decent potential coming out of junior as a former second-round pick of the Florida Panthers, but for whatever reason(s) he failed to stick with Florida or the Calgary Flames, and ended up heading overseas at a fairly young age. Now 28, Meyer has spent the last three seasons in three different European leagues. In 2013-14, Meyer played for the Sheffield Steelers in England, finishing second in team scoring with 28 goals and 54 points in 57 games. Like Pogge, Meyer could still seemingly find his way back across the pond, but he would need to take a step up in competition to get the attention of NHL teams at this point. (Update: As a free agent, Meyer has got various offers from EIHL teams and other European teams, but there’s been no news of him officially signing anywhere.)

Elite Ice Hockey League (United Kingdom) (#10)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in the United Kingdom (England – 4, Scotland – 4, Wales – 1, Ireland – 1)
  • 16 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Steven Goertzen RW 1984 (Canada) Sheffield Steelers *Teams Player-Coach briefly in 2013-14 *Signed with Coventry Blaze for 2014-15 68 Regular Season / 3 – Blue Jackets (46), Coyotes (16), Hurricanes (6) 2009-2010
2 Lynn Loyns W 1981 (Canada) Nottingham Panthers *Free Agent 34 Regular Season / 2 – Sharks (21), Flames (13) 2005-2006
3 Dustin Kohn D 1987 (Canada) Sheffield Steelers *Signed with for 2014-15 22 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (22) 2009-2010
4 Stefan Meyer LW 1985 (Canada) Sheffield Steelers *Free Agent 20 Regular Season / 2 – Panthers (4), Flames (16) 2010-2011
5 Tomas Kurka LW 1981 (Czech Rep.) Cardiff Devils *Signed with through 2015-16 17 Regular Season / 1 – Hurricanes (17) 2003-2004
6 Greg Jacina LW 1982 (Canada) Nottingham Panthers *(Also played in Norway) *Signed with EIHL – Nottingham Panthers for 2014-15 14 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (14) 2006-2007
7 Matt Ryan C/LW 1983 (Canada) Nottingham Panthers *Free Agent 12 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (12) 2005-2006
8 Petr Kalus RW 1987 (Czech Rep.) Nottingham Panthers *(Also played in Sweden and Slovakia) *Free Agent 11 Regular Season / 2 – Bruins (9), Wild (2) 2009-2010
9 Phil Oreskovic D 1987 (Canada) Nottingham Panthers *Free Agent 10 Regular Season / 1 – Maple Leafs (10) 2008-2009
10 Drew Fata *Rico Fata’s Younger Brother D 1983 (Canada) Sheffield Steelers *Free Agent 8 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Islanders (8,1) 2007-2008
11 Raymond Macias D 1986 (USA) Braehead Clan *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / 1 – Avalanche (8) 2010-11
12 Sylvain Cloutier *Dan Cloutier’s Older Brother C 1974 (Canada) Hull Stingrays *Free Agent 7 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (7) 1998-99
13 Joe Jensen C/LW 1983 (USA) Nottingham Panthers *Retired 6 Regular Season / 1 – Hurricanes (6) 2007-2008
14 Bob Wren C 1974 (Canada) Nottingham Panthers *Signed with Oberliga – Germany3 – Hannover Indians for 2014-15 5 Regular Season / 2 – Mighty Ducks (4), Maple Leafs (1) 2001-2002
15 Mario Larocque D 1978 (Canada) Braehead Clan *Free Agent 5 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (5) 1998-1999
16 Dan Lacosta G 1986 (Canada) Cardiff Devils *Also Goalie Coach *Retired 4 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (4) 2008-2009

http://gazetteduhockey.com Cal O'Reilly, the older brother of Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly, is also trying to find his way back to the NHL and appears one step closer than most on this list, having finished the 2013-14 season with the AHL's Utica Comets, the farm team of the Vancouver Canucks. But it was a whirlwind year for the elder O'Reilly, who also toiled briefly for a KHL farm team in Russia's developmental league, the VHL. O'Reilly posted 4 points in 3 VHL games and 1 point in 14 KHL games before returning to North America and recording an impressive 43 points in 51 AHL games. He'll be 28 years old next season, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that O'Reilly could be invited to an NHL training camp this fall.

gazetteduhockey.com
Cal O’Reilly, the older brother of Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O’Reilly, is also trying to find his way back to the NHL and appears one step closer than most on this list, having finished the 2013-14 season with the AHL’s Utica Comets, the farm team of the Vancouver Canucks. But it was a whirlwind year for the elder O’Reilly, who also toiled briefly for a KHL farm team in Russia’s developmental league, the VHL. O’Reilly posted 4 points in 3 VHL games and 1 point in 14 KHL games before returning to North America and recording an impressive 43 points in 51 AHL games. He’ll be 28 years old next season, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that O’Reilly could be invited to an NHL training camp this fall. (Update: It appears O’Reilly will have a chance to crack the Vancouver Canucks’ roster this fall as he recently signed a one-year, two-way deal with the NHL club.)

VHL – Higher Hockey League, Supreme Hockey League, Major Hockey League (Kazakhstan, Russia) (#11)

  • Teams and Countries: 26 Teams (Russia – 24, Kazakhstan -2)
  • 14 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Oleg Kvasha LW 1978 (Russia) Yermak Angarsk *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent 493 Regular Season, 21 Playoff / 3 – Panthers (146,4), Islanders (332,17), Coyotes (15) 2005-2006
2 Petr Schastlivy LW 1979 (Russia) HK Sarov *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo for 2014-15 129 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 2 – Senators (107,1), Mighty Ducks (22) 2003-2004
3 Cal O’Reilly *Ryan O’Reilly’s Older Brother C 1986 (Canada) Yuzhny Ural Orsk *(Also played in KHL and in AHL – Utica Comets) *Signed with NHL – Vancouver Canucks 2way contract for 2014-15 113 Regular Season / 3 – Predators (85), Coyotes (22), Penguins (6) 2011-2012
4 Denis Shvidki RW 1980 (Ukraine) Titan Klin *(Also played in MOL Liga – Hungary) *Free Agent 76 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (76) 2003-2004
5 Kip Brennan LW 1980 (Canada) Sary-Arka Karaganda *Free Agent 61 Regular Season / 4 – Kings (41), Thrashers (5), Mighty Ducks (12), Islanders (3) 2007-2008
6 Pavel Vorobiev RW 1982 (Kazakhstan) HC Ryazan *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with VHL – HC Ryazan for 2014-15 57 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (57) 2005-2006
7 Stefan Ruzicka RW 1985 (Slovakia) Vityaz Podolsk *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent 55 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (55) 2007-2008
8 Alexei Smirnov LW/C 1982 (Russia) Yuzhny Ural Orsk *(Also played in Kazakhstan) *Free Agent 52 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 1 – Mighty Ducks (52, 4) 2003-2004
9 Evgeny Korolev D 1978 (Russia) Lada Togliatti *Free Agent 42 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 1 – Islanders (42,2) 2001-2002
10 Kirill Safronov D 1981 (Russia) Lada Togliatti *(Also played in KHL and Slovakia) *Signed tryout with KHL – Amur Khabarovsk for 2014-15 35 Regular Season / 2 – Coyotes (1), Thrashers (34) 2002-2003
11 Alexei Tezikov D 1978 (Russia) Saryarka Karaganda / HK Ryazan (Also played in Belarus and Kazakhstan) *Signed with VHL – Sokol Krasnoyarsk for 2014-15 30 Regular Season / 2 – Capitals (28),. Canucks (2) 2001-2002
12 Alexander Boikov D 1975 (Russia) Traktor Chelyabinsk *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent 10 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (10) 2000-2001
13 Evgeny Shaldybin D 1975 (Russia) Sputnik Nizhny Tagil *Retired 3 Regular Season / 1 – Bruins (3) 1996-1997
14 Anton Klementyev D 1990 (Russia) Sokol Krasnoyarsk *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1) 2009-2010

www.rittensport.it At the other end of the spectrum, goaltender Chris Mason's ship has likely sailed in terms of resuming his NHL career. Mason, who turned 38 in April, struggled with the Nashville Predators in the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign and was unable to land an NHL job this past season thus landing in Italy of all places. Ironically, Mason took Pogge's old job with Ritten Renon for 2013-14 and posted similar stellar statistics with a .927 save percentage and 2.18 GAA to Pogge's .925 and 2.37 the previous season. But Mason is a decade older than Pogge — almost to the day — so it's less likely that he'll parlay this success into another NHL stint. (Update: Mason helped lead his team to the Italian League Championship posting a sparking .951 save percentage to go with a 1.86 goals against average in 17 playoff games. Mason then signed with the Augsbruger Panther of the DEL - Germany's top league for the 2014-15 season.)

www.rittensport.it
At the other end of the spectrum, goaltender Chris Mason’s ship has likely sailed in terms of resuming his NHL career. Mason, who turned 38 in April, struggled with the Nashville Predators in the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign and was unable to land an NHL job this past season thus landing in Italy of all places. Ironically, Mason took Pogge’s old job with Ritten Renon for 2013-14 and posted similar stellar statistics with a .927 save percentage and 2.18 GAA to Pogge’s .925 and 2.37 the previous season. But Mason is a decade older than Pogge — almost to the day — so it’s less likely that he’ll parlay this success into another NHL stint. (Update: Mason helped lead his team to the Italian League Championship, posting a sparking .951 save percentage to go with a 1.86 goals-against average in 17 playoff games. Mason then signed with the Augsbruger Panthers of the DEL — Germany’s top league for the 2014-15 season.)

Serie A (Italy) (#12)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Italy
  • 12 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played Last NHL Season
1 Chris Mason G 1976 (Canada) Ritten Renon *Signed with DEL – Augsburger Panther for 2014-15 Season 317 Regular Season, 9 Playoff / 3 – Predators (146,5), Blues (118,4), Thrashers/Jets (53) 2012-2013
2 Jean-Sebastien Aubin G 1977 (Canada) Val Pusteria HC *Signed with France – Angers for 2014-15 Season 218 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 3 – Penguins (168,1), Maple Leafs (31), Kings (19) 2007-2008
3 Pat Rissmiller LW 1978 (USA) Ritten Renon *Signed with for 2014-15 192 Regular Season, 30 Playoff / 4 – Sharks (180, 30), Rangers (2), Thrashers (1), Panthers (9) 2010-2011
4 Ryan O’Marra C 1987 (Japan) *Raised in Canada Val Pusteria HC *Signed with EIHL – Coventry Blaze for 2014-15 33 Regular Season / 2 – Oilers (31), Ducks (2) 2011-2012
5 Scott Barney RW 1979 (Canada) Valpellice *Signed with Austria2 – EHC Lustenau for 2014-15 27 Regular Season / 2 – Kings (24), Thrashers (2) 2005-2006
6 Kevin Doell C 1979 (Canada) Vasteras IK *(Also played in Allsvenskan (Sweden)) *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / 1 – Thrashers (8) 2007-2008
7 Layne Ulmer C 1980 (Canada) Asiago HC *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (1) 2003-2004
8 Sean Bentivoglio C/LW 1985 (Canada) *Plays for Italy Internationally Asiago HC *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (1) 2008-2009
9 Darcy Campbell D 1984 (Canada) Val Pusteria HC *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (1) 2006-2007
10 Jeff Frazee G 1987 (USA) Valpellice *Signed with Denmark – SønderjyskE for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (1) 2012-2013
11 Stanislav Gron C 1978 (Slovakia) Cortina SG *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Devils (1) 2000-2001
12 Jamie Fritsch D 1985 (USA) Milan *Free Agent 1 Regular Season / 1 – Flyers (1) 2008-2009

Christoph Perren/ http://www.hockeyfans.ch Yes, that's who you think it is — former NHL star Alexei Kovalev. Believe it or not, the 41-year-old spent this past season terrorizing netminders in Switzerland's tier-2 league, racking up 22 goals and 52 points in 44 regular-season games followed by 7 goals and 17 points in 15 playoff games en route to capturing the league title. (Update: Rumour had Kovalev set to play with Visp for a second season to help them defend their championship, but he has since decided to retire after a very impressive career.)

Christoph Perren/ http://www.hockeyfans.ch
Yes, that’s who you think it is — former NHL star Alexei Kovalev. Believe it or not, the 41-year-old spent this past season terrorizing netminders in Switzerland’s tier-2 league, racking up 22 goals and 52 points in 44 regular-season games followed by 7 goals and 17 points in 15 playoff games en route to capturing the league title. (Update: Rumour had Kovalev set to play with Visp for a second season to help them defend their championship, but he has since decided to retire after a stellar career that could potentially land him in the Hockey Hall of Fame in the future.)

National League B (Switzerland) (#13)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Switzerland
  • 7 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Alexei Kovalev RW 1973 (Russia) Visp *Retired 1,316 Regular Season, 123 Playoff / Rangers (492,44), Penguins (365,46), Canadiens (314,33), Senators (131) Panthers (14) 2012-2013
2 Juraj Kolnik RW 1980 (Slovakia) Langnau *Free Agent 250 Regular Season / 2 – Islanders (36), Panthers (214) 2006-2007
3 Paul DiPietro C/RW 1970 (Canada) *Played for Switzerland Internationally Olten *Free Agent 192 Regular Season, 31 Playoff / 3 – Canadiens (166,31), Maple Leafs (20), Kings (6) 1996-1997
4 Rob Schremp C 1986 (USA) Langnau *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with KHL – Novokuznetsk Metallurg for 2014-15 114 Regular Season / 3 – Oilers (7), Islanders (89), Thrashers (18) 2010-2011
5 Daniel Corso C 1978 (Canada) Olten *(Also played in Mestis – Finland and SM-Liiga – Finland) *Free Agent 77 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / Blues (70, 14), Thrashers (7) 2003-2004
6 Kyle Greentree LW 1983 (Canada) Basel *Signed with for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 2 – Flyers (2), Flames (2) 2008-2009
7 Danny Irmen RW/C 1984 (USA) Thuragu *(Also played in NLA – Switzerland) *Signed with NLB – Thurgua through 2016-17 2 Regular Season / 1 – Wild (2) 2009-2010

Barbora Reichová/isport.blesk.cz Mike Danton became a household name a decade ago, though not for his on-ice accomplishments. A St. Louis Blues forward back then, Danton was caught in a botched murder-for-hire plot involving his former agent David Frost and wound up spending more than 5 years in prison before being released in 2009. Yet, he finds himself on this list as a reclamation project on the ice, having spent the last three seasons bouncing around Europe after two years of CIS university hockey in Canada. Danton is a fascinating story all around and his 2013-14 campaign was certainly off the beaten path with stints in Kazakhstan, Poland and Romania after prior stops in Slovakia and Austria. The well-travelled 33-year-old is getting to see the world through sport and good on him — not to mention he's scoring more than a point-per-game wherever he goes.

Barbora Reichová/isport.blesk.cz
Mike Danton became a household name a decade ago, though not for his on-ice accomplishments. A St. Louis Blues forward back then, Danton was caught in a botched murder-for-hire plot involving his former agent David Frost and wound up spending more than 5 years in prison before being released in 2009. Yet, he finds himself on this list as a reclamation project on the ice, having spent the last three seasons bouncing around Europe after two years of CIS university hockey in Canada. Danton is a fascinating story all around and his 2013-14 campaign was certainly off the beaten path with stints in Kazakhstan, Poland and Romania after prior stops in Slovakia and Austria. The well-travelled 33-year-old is getting to see the world through sport and good on him — not to mention he’s scoring more than a point-per-game wherever he goes. (Update: Danton will suit up again in Poland for 2014-15 with the same KH Sanok team he skated for this past season.)

Republic of Kazakhstan Open Ice Hockey Championship (Kazakhstan) (Tied #14)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Kazakhstan
  • 6 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Andrei Zyuzin D 1978 (Russia) HK Almaty *(Also played in Ukraine and Belarus) *Free Agent 496 Regular Season, 29 Playoff / 6 – Sharks (81,6), Lightning (107), Devils (39), Wild (188,18), Flames (49,5), Blackhawks (32) 2007-2008
2 Mike Danton / Born: Mike Jefferson C 1980 (Canada) Beibarys Atyrau *(Also played in Poland and Romania) *Signed with Poland – KH Sanok for 2014-15

87 Regular Season, 5 Playoff / 2 – Devils (19), Blues (68,5)

2003-2004
3 Alexei Smirnov LW/C 1982 (Russia) HK Almaty *(Also played in VHL – Russia) *Free Agent 52 Regular Season, 4 Playoff / 1 – Mighty Ducks (52, 4) 2003-2004
4 Alexei Tezikov D 1978 (Russia) Saryarka Karaganda / HK Ryazan (Also played in Belarus and VHL – Russia) *Signed with VHL – Sokol Krasnoyarsk for 2014-15 30 Regular Season / 2 – Capitals (28), Canucks (2) 2001-2002
5 Andrej Nedorost F 1980 (Slovakia) Ertis Pavlodar *Free Agent 28 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (28) 2003-2004
6 Miroslav Zalesak RW/C 1980 (Slovakia) Ertis Pavlodar *Free Agent 12 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (12) 2003-2004

GET-ligaen (Norway) (Tied #14

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Norway
  • 6 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Eric Chouinard *Son of Guy Choinard and Cousins with Marc Chouinard C 1980 (USA) Vålerengan *(Also played in KHL) * Signed with France – Grenoble for 2014-15 90 Regular Season / 3 – Canadiens (13), Flyers (46), Wild (31) 2005-2006
2 Quintin Laing LW 1979 (Canada) Sparta Sarpsborg *Free Agent 79 Regular Season / 2 – Blackhawks (3), Capitals (76) 2009-2010
3 Greg Jacina LW 1983 (Canada) Rosenborg IHK Elite *(Also played in EIHL – England) *Signed with EIHL – Nottingham Panthers for 2014-2015 14 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (14) 2006-2007
4 Bryce Lampman D 1982 (USA) Lørenskog *(Also played in ECHL – Florida Everblades) *Free Agent 10 Regular Season / 1 – Rangers (10) 2006-2007
5 Shay Stephenson *Logan Stephenson’s Older Brother (Played with in Norway), Bob Stephenson’s Son. LW 1983 (Canada) Sparta Sarpsborg *Free Agent 2 Regular Season / 1 – Kings (2) 2006-2007
6 Jonas Johansson RW 1984 (Sweden) Frisk Asker *Signed with ESBG (Germany) – Lausitzer Füchse for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (1) 2005-2006

Czech 1.liga (Czech2) (Tied #14)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in Czech Republic
  • 6 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played /Teams Last NHL Season
1 David Výborný C 1975 (Czech Rep.) BK Mlada Boleslav *Signed with through 2014-15, team promoted to Czech Extraliga next season 543 Regular Season / 1 – Blue Jackets (543) 2007-2008
2 Ales Kotalik W 1978 (Czech Rep.) HC Ceske Budejovice *Free Agent 542 Regular Season, 34 Playoff / Sabres (426,34), Oilers (19), Rangers (45), Flames (52) 2010-2011
3 Niko Kapanen C 1978 (Finland) HC Litomerice *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Jokerit for 2014-15 season 397 Regular Season, 18 Playoff / 3 – Stars (239,18), Thrashers (60), Coyotes (98) 2007-2008
4 Marek Posmyk D 1978 (Czech Rep.) HC Ceske Budejovice *(Also played in Czech Extraliga) *Free Agent 19 Regular Season / 1 – Lightning (19) 2000-2001
5 Marek Schwarz G 1986 (Czech Rep.) HC Benatky nad Jizerou * (Also played in Czech Extraliga) *Signed with Czech Extraliga – Liberec Bili Tygri HC for 2014-2015 6 Regular Season / 1 – Blues (6) 2008-2009
6 Libor Pivko LW 1980 (Czech Rep.) HC Horacka Slavia Trebic *(Also played in Czech Extraliga) *Signed with HC Pardubice of Czech Extraliga for 2014-15 1 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (1) 2003-2004

Asia League Ice Hockey (#17)

  • Teams and Countries: 8 Teams (Japan – 4, South Korea – 3, China – 1)
  • 4 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Burke Henry D 1979 (Canada) Nikko Icebucks *Free Agent 39 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (39) 2003-2004
2 Bryan Young D 1986 (Canada) * Plays for South Korea Internationally High1 * Signed with through 2015-16 17 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (17) 2007-2008
3 David Brine C 1985 (Canada) High1 *Signed with Denmark – Aalborg for 2014-15 9 Regular Season / Panthers (9) 2007-2008
4 Yutaka Fukufuji G 1982 (Japan) Nikko Icebucks *Signed with Denmark – Esbjerg for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / Kings (4) 2006-2007

Belarus (Tied #18)

  • Teams and Countries: 10 Teams all in Belarus
  • 3 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Andrei Zyuzin D 1978 (Russia) HK Vitebsk *(Also played in Ukraine and Kazakhstan) *Free Agent 496 Regular Season, 29 Playoff / 6 – Sharks (81,6), Lightning (107), Devils (39), Wild (188,18), Flames (49,5), Blackhawks (32) 2007-2008
2 Alexei Tezikov D 1978 (Russia) Saryarka Karaganda / HK Ryazan (Also played in VHL – Russia and Kazakhstan) *Signed with VHL – Sokol Krasnoyarsk for 2014-15 30 Regular Season / 2 – Capitals (28),. Canucks (2) 2001-2002
3 Jaroslav Kristek RW 1980 (Czech Rep.) Neman Grodno *(Also played in KHL) *Free Agent 6 Regular Season / 1 – Sabres (6) 2002-2003

ESBG – 2nd Eishockey-Bundesliga (Germany) (Tied #18)

  • Teams and Countries: 13 Teams all in Germany
  • 3 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Pavel Brendl W 1981 (Czech Rep.) Lausitzer Foxes *(Also played in Czech) *Free Agent 78 Regular Season, 2 Playoff / 3 – Flyers (50,2), Hurricanes (26), Coyotes (2) 2005-2006
2 Mike Card D 1986 (Canada) Heilbronner Falken *Signed with ESBG – Eispiraten Crimmitschau for 2014-15 4 Regular Season / 1 – Sabres (4) 2006-2007
3 Riley Armstrong * Colby Armstrong’s Younger Brother RW 1984 (Canada) Landshut Cannibals *Singed with Allsvenskan – HC Vita Hastenfor 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Sharks (2) 2008-2009

Italy2 (Italy) (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 9 Teams all in Italy
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 David Hale D 1981 (USA) Eppan/Apianno *Free Agent 327 Regular Season, 17 Playoff / Devils (146,9), Flames (69,8), Coyotes (48), Lightning (39), Senators (25) 2010-2011
2 David Laliberté RW 1986 (Canada) Meran/Merano – *(Also played in Erste Bank Eishockey Liga – Austria and in ECHL – Gwinnett Gladiators) *Free Agent 11 Regular Season, 1 Playoff / 1 – Flyers (11,1) 2009-2010

Slovak 2.Liga (Slovakia 3) (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 16 Teams all in Slovakia
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Lubomir Sekeras D 1968 (Slovakia) HK Dubnica *Retired 213 Regular Season, 15 Playoff / 2 – Wild (209,15), Stars (4) 2003-2004
2 Ivan Droppa D 1972 (Slovakia) HK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas B *Retired

19 Regular Season / 1 – Blackhawks (19)

1995-1996

MOL Liga (Hungary, Romania, Slovakia) (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 7 Teams (Hungary – 4, Romania – 3, Slovakia – 1)
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Mike Danton / Born: Mike Jefferson C 1980 (Canada) HSC Csikszereda *(Also played in Poland and Kazakstan) *Signed with Poland – KH Sanok for 2014-15

87 Regular Season, 5 Playoff / 2 – Devils (19), Blues (68,5)

2003-2004
2 Denis Shvidki RW 1980 (Ukraine) HSC Csíkszereda *(Also played in VHL – Russia) *Free Agent 76 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (76) 2003-2004

 

Polish Hockey League (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 9 Teams all in Poland
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Mike Danton / Born: Mike Jefferson C 1980 (Canada) KH Sanok *(Also played in Kazakstan and Romania) *Signed with Poland – KH Sanok for 2014-15

87 Regular Season, 5 Playoff / 2 – Devils (19), Blues (68,5)

2003-2004
2 Roman Tvrdon LW 1981 (Slovakia) Unia Oswiecim *(Also played in Slovakia2) *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (9) 2003-2004

Mestis (Finland Secondary League) (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams all in Finland
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Daniel Corso C 1978 (Canada) Leki *(Also played in SM-liiga – Finish Elite League and NLB – Switzerland) *Free Agent 77 Regular Season, 14 Playoff / Blues (70, 14), Thrashers (7) 2003-2004
2 Andy Chiodo G 1983 (Canada) LeKi *(Also played in SM-liiga – Finish Elite League and ECHL – Bakersfield Condors) *Free Agent 8 Regular Season / Penguins (8) 2003-2004

Croatia (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 4 Teams all in Croatia

  • 2 Former NHL Players

Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Alan Letang D 1975 (Canada) *Plays for Croatia Internationally Zagreb Medvescak II (Also played in KHL) *Free Agent 14 Regular Season / 3 – Stars (8), Flames (2), Islanders (4) 2002-2003
2 Mark Katic D 1985 (Canada) Zagreb Medvescak II *(Also played in KHL) *Signed with KHL – Zagreb Medvescak for 2014-15 11 Regular Season / 1 – Islanders (11) 2010-2011

Slovak 1.Liga (Slovakia 2) (Tied #20)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams all in Slovakia
  • 2 Former NHL Players
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Lubomir Vaic C 1977 (Slovakia) HK Spisska Nova Ves *(Also played in Slovak Extraliga) *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (9) 1999-2000
2 Roman Tvrdon LW 1981 (Slovakia) HK 95 Povazska Bystrica *(Also played in Poland) *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (9) 2003-2004

Sweden – Division1 (Tier3) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 53 Teams all in Sweden
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Michael Nylander *Father of William Nylander Toronto Maple Leaf draft pick, who he also played with on Rogle BK C 1972 (Sweden) Vita Hästen *(Also played in SHL and Allsvenskan) *Free Agent 920 Regular Season, 47 Playoff / 7 – Whalers (117), Flames (168,13), Lightning (35), Blackhawks (239,5), Bruins (15,6), Rangers (160,14), Capitals (186,9) 2008-2009

Ukranian Hockey Championship (Ukraine) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 6 Teams all in Ukraine
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Andrei Zyuzin D 1978 (Russia) Bilyy Bars Bila Tserkva *(Also played in Kazakhstan and Belarus) *Free Agent 496 Regular Season, 29 Playoff / 6 – Sharks (81,6), Lightning (107), Devils (39), Wild (188,18), Flames (49,5), Blackhawks (32) 2007-2008

Eredivisie (Netherlands) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 7 Teams (Netherlands – 6, Belgium – 1)
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Alex Henry D 1979 (Canada) HYS The Hague *Free Agent 177 Regular Season / 4 – Oilers (3), Capitals (38), Wild (134), Canadiens (2) 2008-2009

I-division Finland (Finland’s 4th best league) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 60 Teams all in Finland
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Marko Kiprusoff *Miikka Kiprusoff’s older brother D 1972 (Finland) Paka *Retired 51 Regular Season / 2 – Canadiens (24), Islanders (27) 2001-2002

EPIHL (UK 2nd tier) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 9 Teams all in England

  • 1 Former NHL Player

Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Robert Schnabel D 1978 (Czech Rep.) Manchester Phoenix *Retired 22 Regular Season / 1 – Predators (22) 2003-2004

Hockeyettan (Sweden Division 1) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 47 Teams all in Sweden
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Chad Wiseman LW 1981 (Canada) Östersunds IK *Free Agent 9 Regular Season / 2 – Sharks (4), Rangers (5) 2005-2006

Oberliga (Germany 3) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 12 Teams all in Germany
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Jan Benda C/D 1982 (Belgium) Deggendorfer SC *Signed with for 2014-15 9 Regular Season / 1 – Capitals (9) 1997-1998

Metal Ligaen (Denmark) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 9 Teams all in Denmark
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Alfie Michaud G 1976 (Canada) SønderjyskE *Retired 2 Regular Season / 1 – Canucks (2) 1999-2000

Ligue Magnus (France) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 14 Teams all in France
  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Sébastien Bisaillon D 1986 (Canada) Briançon *Signed with France – Angers for 2014-15 2 Regular Season / 1 – Oilers (2) 2006-2007

NIHL North 2 (UK 4th tier) (Tied #27)

  • Teams and Countries: 37 Teams in England, Wales and Scotland

  • 1 Former NHL Player

Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Team Last NHL Season
1 Chris Allen D 1978 (Canada) Nottingham Lions *Retired 2 Regular Season / 1 – Panthers (2) 1998-99

Spengler Cup Only

  • 1 Former NHL Player
Rank / EP Link Name / HDB Link Position Born (Country) 2013-14 Team NHL Games Played / Teams Last NHL Season
1 Sergei Fedorov *Fedor Fedorov’s Older Brother C 1969 (Russia) KHL – CSKA Moscow(Also GM) *Retired 1,248 Regular Season, 183 Playoff / 4 – Red Wings (908,162), Mighty Ducks (85), Blue Jackets (185), Capitals (70,21) 2008-2009


Quick links to each league: KHL(Russia)DEL (Germany)SM-Liiga (Finland)NLA (Swiss)SHL (Sweden)Czech ExtraligaErste Bank Eishockey Liga(Austria)Slovak ExtraligaHockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden)EIHL (Great Britain)VHL (Russia)Serie A (Italy)NLB (Swiss)KazakhstanGET-ligaen (Norway)Czech2AsiaBelarusESBG (Germany)Italy2Slovakia3MOL Liga (Hungary)PolishMestis (Finland)CroatiaSlovakia2Sweden Tier 3UkraineEredivisie (Netherlands)I-division (Finland)EPIHL (England)Hockeyettan (Sweden)Oberliga (Germany)Metal Ligaen (Denmark)Ligue Magnus (France)NIHL (England)Spengler Cup Only


List of 68 Multi-League players in 2013-14

  1. Niko Kapanen (KHL/Czech2)

  2. Erik Christensen (KHL/SHL)

  3. Brian Willsie (KHL/SHL/SM-Liiga)

  4. Anthony Stewart (KHL/NLA)

  5. Petr Schastlivy (KHL/VHL)

  6. Cal O’Reilly (KHL/VHL)

  7. Richard Lintner (KHL/Slovakia)

  8. Eric Chouinard (KHL/Norway)

  9. Dan Sexton (KHL/SM-Ligga)

  10. Pavel Vorobiev (KHL/VHL)

  11. Stefan Ruzicka (KHL/VHL)

  12. Chris Bourque (KHL/NLA)

  13. Matt Ellison (KHL/NLA)

  14. Kirill Safronov (KHL/VHL/Slovakia)

  15. Henrik Karlsson (KHL/SHL)

  16. Josh Hennessy (KHL/NLA)

  17. Alexander Boikov (KHL/VHL)

  18. Jaroslav Kristek (KHL/Belarus)

  19. Radek Smolenak (KHL/SM-Liiga)

  20. Zdenek Kutlak (KHL/NLA)

  21. Vojtech Polak (KHL/Czech)

  22. Alan Letang (KHL/Croatia)

  23. Mikko Koskinen (KHL/SM-Liiga)

  24. Brian Salcido (KHL/SM-Liiga)

  25. Iiro Tarkki (KHL/SHL)

  26. Milan Jurcina (DEL/NLA)

  27. Kris Beech (DEL/Austria)

  28. Jordan Hendry (DEL/SHL)

  29. Mika Noronen (DEL/NLA)

  30. Ramzi Abid (DEL/SM-Liiga)

  31. Eric Beaudoin (DEL/NLA)

  32. David Printz (DEL/SM-Liiga)

  33. Carsen Germyn (DEL/SHL)

  34. Ladislav Nagy (SM-Liiga/Slovakia)

  35. Daniel Corso (SM-Liiga/Mestis/NLB)

  36. Esa Pirnes (SM-Liiga/SHL)

  37. Aaron Gagnon (SM-Liiga/SHL)

  38. Pavel Rosa (SM-Liiga/Czech)

  39. Ben Walter (SM-Liiga/SHL)

  40. Andy Chiodo (SM-Liiga/Mestis)

  41. Jakub Cutta (SM-Liiga/Czech)

  42. Justin DiBenedetto (SM-Liiga/SHL)

  43. Ryan Thang (SM-Liiga/Sweden1)

  44. Jamie Arniel (SM-Liiga/Austria)

  45. Michael Nylander (SHL/Sweden1)

  46. Chris Campoli (SHL/NLA)

  47. Jan Hlavac (SHL/Czech)

  48. Garrett Stafford (SHL/NLA)

  49. Dave Liffiton (SHL/Allsvenskan)

  50. Rob Schremp (NLA/NLB)

  51. Danny Irmen (NLA/NLB)

  52. Robert Petrovicky (Czech/Slovakia)

  53. Pavel Brendl (Czech/2.Gbun-Germany)

  54. Marek Posmyk (Czech/Czech2)

  55. Marek Schwarz (Czech/Czech2)

  56. Jan Lasak (Czech/Slovakia)

  57. Libor Pivko (Czech/Czech2)

  58. David Laliberté (Austria/Italy2)

  59. Petr Kalus (Slovakia/Sweden1/EIHL)

  60. Lubomir Vaic (Slovakia/Slovakia2)

  61. Kevin Doell (SWE1/Italy)

  62. Greg Jacina (EIHL/Norway)

  63. Denis Shvidki (VHL/MOL Liga)

  64. Alexei Smirnov (VHL/Kazakhstan)

  65. Alexei Tezikov (VHL/Belarus/Kazakhstan)

  66. Andrei Zyuzin (Kazakhstan/Ukraine/Belarus)

  67. Mike Danton (Kazakhstan/Poland/Romania)

  68. Roman Tvrdon (Polish/Slovakia2)


Summary of total former players for each league

  • KHL (Russia) – 188

  • DEL (Germany) – 76

  • SM-Liiga (Finland) – 69

  • NLA (Swiss) – 67

  • SHL (Sweden) – 66

  • Czech Extraliga – 46

  • Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (Austria) – 36

  • Slovak Extraliga – 19

  • HockeyAllsvenskan (Sweden) – 17

  • EIHL (Great Britain) – 16

  • VHL (Russia) – 14

  • Serie A (Italy) – 12

  • NLB (Swiss) – 7

  • Kazakhstan – 6

  • GET-ligaen (Norway) – 6

  • Czech2 – 6

  • Asia – 4

  • Belarus – 3

  • ESBG (Germany) – 3

  • Italy2 – 2

  • Slovakia3 – 2

  • MOL Liga (Hungary) – 2

  • Polish – 2

  • Mestis (Finland) – 2

  • Croatia – 2

  • Slovakia2 – 2

  • Sweden Tier3 – 1

  • Ukraine – 1

  • Eredivisie (Netherlands) – 1

  • I-division (Finland) – 1

  • EPIHL (England) – 1

  • Hockeyettan (Sweden) – 1

  • Oberliga (Germany) – 1

  • Metal Ligaen (Denmark) – 1

  • Ligue Magnus (France) – 1

  • NIHL (England) – 1

  • Spengler Cup Only – 1


Breakdown of NHL organizations with the most former/current players in Europe in 2013-14

Note: Each category has the team’s rank in brackets.

Team

Total Players

Total Regular Season Games Played with team

Total Playoff Games Played with team

Total Regular Season and Playoff Games Played with team

Regular Season Games Played with team Per Player

Playoff Games Played with team Per Player

Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers

69 (1)

4517 (1)

8 (T-29)

4525 (2)

65.46 (15)

0.12 (30)

New York Rangers

65 (2)

4364 (2)

219 (8)

4583 (1)

67.14 (13)

3.26 (T-13)

Florida Panthers

56 (3)

3976 (4)

23 (28)

3999 (4)

71 (9)

0.41 (28)

Pittsburgh Penguins

55 (4)

4125 (3)

302 (3)

4427 (3)

75 (8)

4.49 (8)

Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets

53 (T-5)

3630 (6)

64 (25)

3694 (8)

68.49 (12)

1.21 (25)

Tampa Bay Lightning

53 (T-5)

2649 (15)

122 (16)

2711 (16)

49.98 (22)

2.3 (18)

Columbus Blue Jackets

52 (T-7)

3677 (5)

8 (T-29)

3685 (9)

70.71 (10)

0.15 (29)

New York Islanders

52 (T-7)

2699 (13)

53 (26)

2752 (17)

51.9 (21)

1.02 (26)

Anaheim Ducks/Mighty Ducks

52 (T-7)

2370 (T-18)

224 (7)

2594 (18)

45.58 (26)

4.31 (10)

Chicago Blackhawks

50 (10)

2832 (12)

95 (19)

2927 (13)

56.64 (18)

1.9 (22)

Vancouver Canucks

47 (T-11)

2149 (22)

204 (10)

2353 (22)

45.72 (25)

4.34 (9)

Philadelphia Flyers

47 (T-11)

1968 (25)

262 (6)

2230 (24)

41.87 (27)

5.57 (6)

Edmonton Oilers

46 (T-13)

2259 (21)

41 (27)

2300 (23)

49.11 (23)

0.89 (27)

Nashville Predators

46 (T-13)

1667 (28)

75 (23)

1742 (28)

36.24 (30)

1.63 (23)

St. Louis Blues

45 (15)

2094 (23)

98 (18)

2192 (25)

46.53 (24)

2.18 (20)

Toronto Maple Leafs

44 (T-16)

3609 (7)

153 (13)

3762 (7)

82.02 (5)

3.48 (12)

Los Angeles Kings

44 (T-16)

2461 (17)

65 (24)

2526 (20)

55.93 (19)

1.47 (24)

Washington Capitals

43 (18)

2955 (10)

126 (15)

3081 (11)

68.72 (11)

2.93 (15)

Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers

43 (T-19)

2860 (11)

140 (14)

3000 (12)

66.51 (14)

3.26 (T-13)

Calgary Flames

43 (T-19)

2366 (20)

182 (11)

2548 (19)

55.02 (20)

4.23 (11)

Boston Bruins

41 (21)

1542 (29)

117 (17)

1659 (29)

37.61 (29)

2.85 (16)

Colorado Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques

38 (22)

3547 (8)

304 (2)

3851 (5)

93.34 (4)

8 (4)

Minnesota Wild

37 (23)

2370 (T-18)

80 (21)

2450 (21)

64.05 (16)

2.16 (21)

Ottawa Senators

35 (24)

2681 (14)

177 (12)

2858 (14)

76.6 (6)

5.06 (7)

Montreal Canadiens

34 (T-25)

3215 (10)

269 (5)

3479 (10)

94.56 (3)

7.76 (5)

New Jersey Devils

34 (T-25)

1329 (30)

78 (22)

1407 (30)

39.09 (28)

2.29 (19)

Dallas Stars/Minnesota North Stars

31 (27)

1984 (24)

86 (20)

2070 (26)

64 (17)

2.77 (17)

San Jose Sharks

24 (28)

1832 (27)

210 (9)

2040 (27)

76.33 (7)

8.75 (3)

Buffalo Sabres

22 (29)

3499 (9)

269 (4)

3768 (6)

156 (2)

12.23 (2)

Detroit Red Wings

15 (30)

2484 (16)

359 (1)

2843 (15)

165.6 (1)

23.93 (1)

 

Jesse Gill is a former radio broadcaster and colour commentator who dreamed of anchoring TSN, but has since changed careers and now calls Medicine Hat, Alta., home. His passion for hockey has remained strong, as a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan who also enjoys the junior ranks and the rougher side of the sport. Follow him on Twitter: @JesseGill3.

Categories: Uncategorized

NHL Playoff Predictions: Ducks destined to hoist Stanley Cup

Reuters Teemu Selanne and the Anaheim Ducks last captured the Stanley Cup in 2007. With this spring's playoffs serving as Selanne's swan song, having announced his intention to retire after the season,  it seems fitting for the Finnish Flash to go out on top. That will be the case if guest blogger Jesse Gill's playoff predictions come to fruition.

Reuters
Teemu Selanne and the Anaheim Ducks last captured the Stanley Cup in 2007. With this spring’s playoffs serving as Selanne’s swan song, having announced his intention to retire after the season, it seems fitting for the Finnish Flash to go out on top. That will be the case if guest blogger Jesse Gill’s playoff predictions come to fruition.

Tis the season, to make playoff predictions before the puck drops on the NHL post-season.

Some will go bold and bank on a handful of upsets. Others will stick with the bookies and take the odds-on favourites in every round.

It is, however, a new season and anything can happen with a clean slate in a best-of-seven series. Of course, home-ice advantage is a factor and there are reasons why the 16 playoff-bound teams finished in the order they did during the regular season.

Picking the right teams in the right amount of games requires a combination of intelligence and luck. It might not be as daunting of a challenge as the recent March Madness brackets that mostly went bust, but it’s still far from a slam dunk.

Especially this spring, with parity as prevalent as ever in the NHL, a new playoff format in place and some peculiar circumstances that have resulted in marquee matchups for the opening round.

Chicago and St. Louis. San Jose and Los Angeles. Either of those pairings could easily have been the Western Conference final.

Ditto in the East, where the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers are set to clash in the first round, along with an Original Six showdown between Boston and Detroit.

The other four series — Anaheim-Dallas and Colorado-Minnesota in the West, Pittsburgh-Columbus and Tampa Bay-Montreal in the East — should also provide quality entertainment and aren’t exactly shooting fish in a barrel when it comes to making predictions.

Without further ado, a few of us were up to the task, led by guest blogger Jesse Gill, who noted “There are lots of close matchups, so it should be interesting to see how many come true and which ones I look foolish on.”

Jesse Gill

Jesse Gill

Western Conference

Anaheim Ducks (1st Pacific, 54-20-8-116 PTS, 266 GF, 209 GA, +57)

vs. Dallas Stars (wild-card, 40-31-11-91 PTS, 235 GF, 228 GA, +7)

Prediction: Ducks in 4. OK, maybe the Stars will steal a game, but honestly the Ducks are going to roll through this one. They have way too strong of a team and will be rallying to win one for Teemu Selanne who is set to retire. As the top team in the West, Anaheim should be expected to make it to the final and potentially win the Stanley Cup.

Season Series: 2-1 Stars, 1-2 Ducks

Goaltending: Anaheim has the slight edge, but not by much. Having three solid options in John Gibson, Frederik Andersen and Jonas Hiller against two solid options for Dallas in Kari Lehtonen and Tim Thomas means both teams won’t have to worry about changing their netminder should any of them falter early. Gibson played three games for the Ducks near the end of the season, posting a perfect 3-0 record with a 1.33 goals-against average and .954 save percentage with one shutout. It might seem odd to use a 20-year-old goaltender in the playoffs when you have two other goalies with GAA under 2.5 and both with over 20 wins, but don’t be surprised if it happens.

Forwards: Anaheim because they have the more established Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry leading the way compared to Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn in Dallas. All four are elite NHLers and should provide much of the offence in the series. The aforementioned Selanne should also be motivated in his final NHL playoffs.

Defence: Anaheim again with Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm and Francois Beauchemin a step above a Dallas grouping that includes Alex Goligoski, Trevor Daley and Sergei Gonchar.

Power play: Anaheim 16% (22nd) vs. Dallas 15.9% (23rd)

Penalty kill: Anaheim 82.2% (13th) vs. Dallas 81.4% (21st)

Colorado Avalanche (1st Central, 52-22-8-112 PTS, 250 GF, 220 GA, +30)

vs. Minnesota Wild (wild-card, 43-27-12-98 PTS, 207 GF, 206 GA, +1)

Prediction: Avalanche in 5. The Avs finished the regular season on a 7-1-2 run, and I don’t see them slowing down against the Wild. Minnesota has a good squad, but the Avs under Patrick Roy have been a force to be reckoned with this year — finishing first in arguably the league’s top division over contending teams like St. Louis and last year’s champs, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Season Series: 3-0-1 Avalanche, 1-3-1 Wild

Goaltending: Colorado has the edge in the battle of Russian netminders, Semyon Varlamov vs. Ilya Bryzgalov. Varlamov has been solid all year and Bryzgalov has been good since coming to the Wild, but I can’t see him taking them past the Avs in the first round. I don’t see Niklas Backstrom or Josh Harding coming off the injured reserve before this one is done, either. Darcy Kuemper offers the Wild another option should Bryzgalov falter.

Forwards: Colorado has a slight edge with Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Ryan O’Reilly, Nathan MacKinnon and Paul Stastny vs. Jason Pominville, Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, Matt Moulson, Mikael Granlund and Dany Heatley, who has been less than stellar this season with only 28 points in 76 games. Worth noting, Duchene is expected to miss the first two games due to injury.

Defence: Minnesota has a slight edge with Ryan Suter anchoring the D, but not by a lot. The Avs do have quality on the point and Erik Johnson will be relied upon heavily. Tyson Barrie is an Avs blue-liner that could also see increased ice time, having led their defence corps with a plus-17 rating in the regular season.

Power play: Colorado 19.8% (4th) vs. Minnesota 17.9% (15th)

Penalty kill: Colorado 80.7% (24th) vs. Minnesota 78.8% (27th)

St. Louis Blues (2nd Central, 52-23-7-111 PTS, 248 GF, 191 GA, +57)

vs. Chicago Blackhawks (3rd Central, 46-21-15-107 PTS, 267 GF, 220 GA, +47)

Prediction: Blackhawks in 7. This one could go either way — these teams are both contenders. I am giving the defending champs the edge, and with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews expected back, they will be tough to beat. St. Louis does have Ryan Miller between the pipes and he will have to be on his game for the Blues to win this series. The Blues also hold the special-teams advantage, so if the Hawks end up in the penalty box, the Blues could very well end up winning.

Season Series: 3-2-0 Blues, 2-1-2 Blackhawks

Goaltending: Advantage St. Louis — Miller is a little bit better than Corey Crawford, but not significantly.

Forwards: Chicago — Kane, Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa are a more established group and a definite step up from Alex Steen, T.J. Oshie, David Backes and Jaden Schwartz.

Defence: This one is a draw with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Nick Leddy and Niklas Hjalmarsson leading the way for Chicago against Alex Pietrangelo, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jay Bouwmeester and Barret Jackman for St. Louis.

Power play: St. Louis 19.8% (7th) vs. Chicago 19.5% (9th)

Penalty kill: St. Louis 85.7% (2nd) vs. Chicago 81.5% (19th)

San Jose Sharks (2nd Pacific, 51-22-7-111 PTS, 249 GF, 200 GA, +49)

vs. Los Angeles Kings (3rd Pacific, 46-28-8-100 PTS, 206 GF, 174 GA, +32)

Prediction: Sharks in 6. Even though I am tipping my hat to the Kings for goaltending and defence, the Sharks are strong on special teams and put up a lot more offence than the team with the NHL’s lowest goals-against in the Kings. That gives the Sharks a slight edge, and I think they are due for a solid playoff run.

Season Series: 3-1-1 Kings, 2-2-1 Sharks

Goaltending: Kings — Antti Niemi is good, but Jonathan Quick is a bit better. They both have Stanley Cups to their credit.

Forwards: Sharks — but not by much. I’ll take Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and Brent Burns over Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Justin Williams, Mike Richards, Marian Gaborik and Dustin Brown. Some may disagree.

Defence: Kings — Drew Doughty, Slava Voynov, Robyn Regehr and the rest of the L.A. rearguards could make any goaltender look decent, so I give them the advantage over another solid group that includes Dan Boyle, Jason Demers and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Power play: Sharks 17.2% (19th) vs. Kings 15.1% (27th)

Penalty kill: Sharks 84.9% (7th) vs. Kings 83.1% (11th)

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins (1st Atlantic, 54-19-9-117 PTS, 261 GF, 177 GA +84)

vs. Detroit Red Wings (wild-card, 39-28-15-93 PTS, 222 GF, 230 GA, -8)

Prediction: Bruins in 5. I don’t see the Red Wings giving the Bruins a lot of trouble. The Bruins have a goal differential of 92 better this year, and despite there being a lot of people in the sports world who actually think the Red Wings have a chance, I think they will be terribly mistaken. The Bruins are the best team in the NHL this year and the odds-makers have them as the favourite to win the Cup. As much as I don’t like to say this being a Leafs fan, they are the team to beat this year. I could care less that the Red Wings won the season series, this is playoff time.

Season Series: 3-1 Red Wings, 1-3 Bruins

Goaltending: Bruins get this with Tukka Rask over Jimmy Howard in a landslide. Howard isn’t bad. Rask is just that damn good. Leafs fans can thank John Ferguson Jr. for trading the franchise goalie away for a season-and-a-half of Andrew Raycroft. It’s enough to make me want to cry myself to sleep.

Forwards: Bruins by a little bit. David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, Jerome Iginla, Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand are all proven playoff performers. Second-year players Reilly Smith and Carl Soderberg have also been impressive this season. Reilly Smith should be pumped to play against his brother Brendan, a defenceman for Detroit. Loui Eriksson hasn’t produced as much as expected, but he could turn things up in the playoffs. The Red Wings still boast a pretty impressive squad up front, with Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and, of course, Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, who have been very impressive since being called up from Grand Rapids. Nyquist so much so that he led the team in goals with 28 in only 57 games. Captain Henrik Zetterberg is still recovering from injury and is considered a long-shot to play in the first round.

Defence: Bruins get the edge here with Zdeno Chara, Johnny Boychuk, Dennis Seidenberg, Andrej Meszaros, Matt Bartkoswki, Dougie Hamilton and the offensively gifted Torey Krug. The Red Wings are fairly solid as well with Niklas Kronwall, Danny DeKeyser, Jakub Kindl, Kyle Quincey and Brendan Smith, who, likewise, will be motivated to shut down his brother Reilly and the Bruins.

Power play: Bruins 21.7% (3rd) vs. Red Wings 17.7% (18th)

Penalty kill: Bruins 83.7% (8th) vs. Red Wings 83.1% (12th)

Pittsburgh Penguins (1st Metropolitan, 51-24-7-109 PTS, 249 GF, 207 GA, +42)

vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (wild-card, 43-32-7-93 PTS, 231 GF, 216 GA, +15)

Prediction: Penguins in 5. I can see the Blue Jackets stealing one game, even though they didn’t beat the Penguins once during the regular season.

Season Series: 5-0 Penguins, 0-5 Blue Jackets

Goaltending: Blue Jackets by a little bit. Sergei Bobrovsky was last year’s Vezina winner as the league’s top goalie and is a little better than Marc-Andre Fleury, but I wouldn’t say significantly.

Forwards: Penguins — With Sidney Crosby leading the way and Evgeni Malkin returning from a foot injury for the start of this series, plus their supporting cast of Chris Kunitz, James Neal, Jussi Jokinen and Lee Stempniak, Pittsburgh should prove too much to handle for the Blue Jackets. Columbus is led by Ryan Johansen and Brandon Dubinsky, while playoff veteran Nathan Horton is also sidelined with an abdominal injury after only skating in 36 games since returning from shoulder surgery in January.

Defence: The Penguins are a little more solid in this category again, with Kris Letang back in the lineup, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen and rookie standout Olli Maatta stacking up nicely against James Wisniewski, Jack Johnson, Fedor Tyutin and company from Columbus.

Power play: Penguins 23.4% (1st) vs. Blue Jackets 19.3% (11th)

Penalty kill: Penguins 85% (5th) vs. Blue Jackets 82.1% (15th)

Tampa Bay Lightning (2nd Atlantic, 46-27-9-101 PTS, 240 GF, 215 GA, +35)

vs. Montreal Canadiens (3rd Atlantic, 46-28-8, 100PTS, 215 GF, 204 GA, +11)

Prediction: Canadiens in 7. Really, this series is a toss up. I think Montreal will win on the strength of Carey Price and recently acquired Thomas Vanek. But I wouldn’t be shocked if Steven Stamkos and company came out on top, either. This is a series that should go at least 6 or 7 games.

Season Series: 3-0-1 Lightning, 1-1-2 Canadiens

Goaltending: Honestly, I want to give this one to Montreal because I think Price is without a doubt an elite goaltender, but if Ben Bishop comes back for the Lightning, it is a very even matchup — leaving me to call this one a draw. Both teams have decent secondary options with the Canadiens boasting Peter Budaj, Dustin Tokarski and even veteran Devan Dubnyk as depth. The Lightning counter with Anders Lindback, who is likely to start Wednesday’s opener, and Latvian Olympic standout Kristers Gudlevskis, who had an impressive 38-save win in his first and only NHL start to date.

Forwards: The Canadiens, by a small margin with Vanek, Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais, Tomas Plekanec, Brendan Gallagher, Brian Gionta, Alex Galchenyuk, Lars Eller and solid playoff performer Daniel Briere stacking up nicely against the Lightning, who will rely on one of the league’s top snipers in Stamkos. Tampa Bay will look to Ondrej Palat, Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, Teddy Purcell, Alex Killorn and former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan to add secondary scoring as needed.

Defence: The Canadiens take this category as well, but not by much. It will be a battle of P.K. Subban and Andrei Markov against Victor Hedman, who had a breakout offensive year, and Matt Carle.

Power play: Lightning 18.5% (14th) vs. Canadiens 17.2% (20th)

Penalty kill: Lightning 80.7% (23rd) vs. Canadiens 85.1% (4th)

 New York Rangers (2nd Metropolitan, 45-31-6-96 PTS, 218 GF, 193 GA, +25)

vs. Philadelphia Flyers (3rd Metro, 42-30-10, 94 PTS, 236 GF, 235 GA, +1)

Prediction: Rangers in 7. This one should be close, but I don’t expect a strong defensive squad like the Rangers to drop a series to the Flyers.

Season Series: 2-2 Rangers, 2-2 Flyers

Goaltending: Rangers win this as Henrik Lundqvist and Cam Talbot are a stronger tandem than Steve Mason and Ray Emery, and the Rangers allowed the league’s fourth-fewest goals against (193) compared to 235 by the Flyers this season.

Forwards: I’ll call this one a draw, with the Rangers bringing Marty St. Louis, Mats Zuccarello, Derek Stepan, Brad Richards, Derick Brassard, Rick Nash, Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin to face off with Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, Scott Hartnell, Brayden Schenn, Matt Read and Vincent Lecavalier. The most interesting story-line could be former linemates St. Louis and Lecavalier pitted against each other in the playoffs for the first time in their first season apart from a Tampa Bay Lightning team that they led to a Stanley Cup a decade ago.

Defence: The Rangers get the nod in this one as well, but not by a wide margin. Ryan McDonagh, Dan Giradi, Marc Staal and crew have been solid all year and should continue to provide excellent support for their goaltenders. The Flyers also have a solid group of defenders in Mark Streit, Kimmo Timonen, Andrew MacDonald, Braydon Coburn, Nicklas Grossman and Luke Schenn.

Power play: Rangers 18.2% (15th) vs. Flyers 19.7% (8th)

Penalty kill: Rangers 85.3% (3rd) vs. Flyers 84.8% (7th)

As for the rest of the way, here are my early predictions assuming my first-round picks all come true:

Second Round

West Semifinals

Avalanche vs. Blackhawks — Blackhawks in 7.

Ducks vs. Sharks ­— Ducks in 6.

East Semifinals

Bruins vs. Canadiens — Bruins in 6.

Penguins vs. Rangers — Penguins in 7.

Third Round

West Final

Ducks vs. Blackhawks — Ducks in 6.

East Final

Bruins vs. Penguins — Bruins in 6.

Fourth Round

Stanley Cup Final

Ducks vs. Bruins — Ducks in 7.

Jesse Gill is a former radio broadcaster and colour commentator who dreamed of anchoring TSN, but has since changed careers and now calls Medicine Hat, Alta., home. His passion for hockey has remained strong, as a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan who also enjoys the junior ranks and the rougher side of the sport. Follow him on Twitter: @JesseGill3.

Josh Aldrich

Josh Aldrich

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars

Prediction: Ducks in 7

I think the Stars will give the Ducks a heck of a run for their money. Dallas is just a solid, young team and if it can get good-to-great goaltending, the Stars will push it to the max. Plus, the Stars have basically been in playoff mode for the last month, while the Ducks have been able to coast to the finish line.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild

Prediction: Colorado in 6

There’s a lot to like about the Avalanche. They’re young, exciting, have a ton of firepower, a solid blue-line and Varlamov will be a finalist for the Vezina — or at least he should be. Minnesota has underwhelmed yet again this year. Six games might be generous. Raise your hand if you feel confident with Bryzgalov in net.

St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Prediction: St. Louis in 7

My heart says Blackhawks, but my mind says St. Louis. The Blues are as complete a team as there is in the league and are primed for a run to the Cup. The Blackhawks will give them a push, but between Crawford’s up-and-down play and injuries to Toews and Kane (they may be playing, but they are not near 100 per cent, don’t kid yourself), I don’t see Chicago coming out on top.

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Prediction: Los Angeles in 7

The challenge for any team hitting the playoffs was not to play L.A. in the first round. The Kings are never a great regular-season team, but they are built for the playoffs and the addition of Gaborik has given them that extra game-breaking threat that they’ve seemingly been missing. It will be a fun series, but the Kings will advance.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings

Prediction: Boston in 6

The Bruins look more like a Stanley Cup champ right now than any other team (looks like a duck, quacks like a duck . . .) and though it is always tough to give the Red Wings the short end of the stick, I think their season of injuries finally catches up to them.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5

I like the Blue Jackets a lot, I really do, but the loss of Horton to injury will take a lot of the intrigue out of this series. Pens should roll.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

Prediction: Montreal in 7

This will be the best series of the first round in the East, but I give the edge to the Canadiens for their overall depth and for better goaltending — particularly if Bishop is banged up.

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Prediction: Rangers in 6

Very interesting matchup between two teams who had huge second-half turnarounds. Both fairly evenly matched, but again, it will come down to goaltending and Lundqvist >>>>>> Mason.

Josh Aldrich is an award-winning journalist for the Red Deer Advocate, who has more than a decade in the newspaper business, including stints as sports editor for the Nanaimo Daily News and Lloydminster Meridian Booster. Follow him on Twitter: @JoshAldrich03.

 

Larry Fisher

Larry Fisher

Western Conference

Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars

Prediction: Anaheim in 5

This will be a watch-and-learn lesson for the Stars as I fully expect Getzlaf and Perry to school Seguin and Benn. Beyond those key players, the Ducks have way more depth up front and on the back end. Kari Lehtonen is Dallas’ only hope and with Anaheim’s uncertainty in goal, I’ll give the Stars one win, but no more.

 Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild

Prediction: Colorado in 6

The Avs haven’t missed a beat without Duchene in their lineup and have exceeded everybody’s expectations this year. Patrick Roy has them firing on all cylinders and I don’t think Ilya Bryzgalov has any chance of stopping that momentum. I certainly wouldn’t bet on him being a difference-maker in this series, though stranger things have happened come playoff time.

St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Prediction: Chicago in 7

If Kane and Toews are actually healthy — or let’s say above 75 per cent healthy — then I’ll give the defending champs the benefit of doubt. The Blues were reeling to end the regular season and will need to hit the reset button sooner than later. Miller might be the better goalie, but I like Chicago’s winning experience from Crawford on out. If it comes down to a one-game-winner-takes-all situation, as I fully anticipate it could, then I think the Hawks find a way.

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Prediction: San Jose in 7

This will be another lengthy, back-and-forth battle that could go either way. I like the Kings, but something tells me this is the Sharks’ year to win it all. San Jose GM Doug Wilson has been loyal to his core group and to his coach despite past playoff letdowns, and I think they will reward his stick-to-itiveness with a gritty series victory over a regional rival followed by a Cup ring.

Eastern Conference

Boston Bruins vs. Detroit Red Wings

Prediction: Boston in 6

Detroit fought tooth and nail just to make the dance and prolong its incredible playoff streak (23 years and counting), but Boston is on another level from just about everybody else this season. The big, bad Bruins are going to impose their will on the Red Wings, pushing them around and intimidating their young forwards who overachieved in the regular season. Datsyuk, Franzen, Kronwall and Daniel Alfredsson will do their best to give Detroit a fighting chance, but I don’t think it will be nearly enough.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5

The Blue Jackets are just happy to be here, while the Penguins are motivated to make another deep playoff run this spring. Marc-Andre Fleury is determined to rebound between the pipes and I think this series will be a confidence-booster for him. Out of all the first-round series, this is as close as I came to predicting a sweep, but I think Columbus might split at home before Pittsburgh puts on the finishing touches back in Steel Town.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

Prediction: Montreal in 6

Carey Price will be the difference in this series, stoning Steven Stamkos and Co. more often than not. Stamkos is hitting his stride again and should have lots left in the tank after missing a big chunk of the season with a broken leg. But I think his supporting cast is lacking a little in comparison to Montreal’s overall depth. If Ben Bishop was healthy, this might be a coin-flip, but he’s hurting and Tampa’s backups can’t hold a candle to Price.

New York Rangers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Prediction: N.Y. Rangers in 7

Much like Price, King Hank (aka Henrik Lundqvist) should reign supreme in this high-octane matchup. The Flyers might have a physical advantage in this series and may be able to push around the smaller Rangers, but over time, I think New York’s all-star goaltender will propel his team past Philly. I could see lots of bad blood developing in this series and special teams will certainly impact the outcome, but I’m going with the boys from Broadway.

For what it’s worth, I’m predicting a San Jose-Boston final, with the Sharks finally winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history to erase that underachieving, choke-artist label. Or both those teams will get bounced in the first round and I’ll be the real choker. Time will tell . . . now, let the games begin.

Larry Fisher is a sports reporter for The Daily Courier in Kelowna, B.C. Follow him on Twitter: @LarryFisher_KDC.

Categories: Uncategorized

NHL Trade Deadline: Predictions Go Bust, Blow Up In My Face

March 6, 2014 7 comments
Getty Images Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler emerged worse for wear from this scrap with Andrew Ladd, then of the Chicago Blackhawks, during NHL action back on Jan. 23, 2010. Ladd has since been traded to the Winnipeg Jets, where he is now captain, while Kesler remains with Canucks despite reportedly requesting to be dealt out of Vancouver prior to Wednesday’s NHL trade deadline. I predicted Kesler to end up in Philadelphia as part of the deadline’s biggest blockbuster, but that was far from my only blunder.

Getty Images
Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler emerged worse for wear from this scrap with Andrew Ladd, then of the Chicago Blackhawks, during NHL action back on Jan. 23, 2010. Ladd has since been traded to the Winnipeg Jets, where he is now captain, while Kesler remains with the Canucks despite reportedly requesting to be dealt out of Vancouver prior to Wednesday’s NHL trade deadline. I predicted Kesler to end up in Philadelphia as part of the deadline’s biggest blockbuster, but that was far from my only blunder.

OK, here I am. Come throw your dung. I’m ready to wear it. Well, kinda ready . . .

Truth is, by and large, I missed the mark with my trade-deadline predictions. This comes as no surprise to most of you, who have been poking fun at my expense ever since I shared my proposed deals last Friday. In the fallout, I failed to predict even a single trade completely correct — that’s right, I went 0-for-24.

Larry Fisher
Larry Fisher

That’s your cue to snicker and publicly shame me again — go on, laugh it up, get it out of your system. . . .

Now, back on topic. My predictions weren’t without small victories when the dust settled.

I did call Ryan Miller to St. Louis and David Legwand to Detroit, though the latter was my one and only successful player-team combination on deadline day. I suggested a return of Riley Sheahan and a second-round pick to Nashville. It ended up being Patrick Eaves, Calle Jarnkrok and a third-round pick. So fairly close, not that far off anyway.

I also came agonizingly close to correctly predicting the total number of trades and players involved. I said 28 trades involving at least 64 players — 60 listed, plus the assumption that my four “minor” trades not detailed at the end would include at least one player each. In reality, there were 34 trades involving 68 players. So I’ll go ahead and give myself a slight pat on the back for that, maybe start a slow clap here all by lonesome. For the record, I’m not in my parents’ basement like you might be envisioning.

Further, to my credit, I declared this would be “a deadline to remember for deals involving goaltenders.” That proved prophetic . . . granted, I declared it as an opening statement to my reasoning behind a Cam Ward for Evander Kane proposal that drew more negative feedback than anything I’ve ever written in my decade-long career of sports reporting. That one clearly didn’t come to fruition, but there were a dozen trades involving goaltenders — 11 were dealt, including Jaroslav Halak twice. I’ll admit, my crystal ball gave no indication of a Roberto Luongo return to Florida, and Tim Thomas’ departure was an oversight on my part.

While I’m pumping my own tires — yes, Luongo that is possible, and no, you and Thomas don’t have to play nice after all — of the 60 players I predicted to be traded, 19 of them actually moved. The pessimists will point out that’s less than 1-in-3, but as an eternal optimistic, I’ll counter with the fact it’s a 32 per cent efficiency rating. Not too shabby, by Eklund standards.

Shhh! Quiet! What’s that sound, it appears to be something deflating — either my tires or my ego. Still, that’s pretty impressive stuff if you ask me — especially for somebody with “no inside knowledge on any negotiations.”

So where did it all go wrong? Why did I end up getting blanked in the big picture?

For starters, I way overvalued the rental types. That said, I’m sure some of the “seller” GMs can relate to my shock and disappointment that none of the rentals were able to fetch a first-rounder — not even Thomas Vanek. Garth Snow must be in utter disbelief (or a drunken stupor) right now. Strange times, this trade deadline. To that extent, I think I deserve to be cut some slack.

Secondly, I also anticipated — and predicted — more “hockey deals” that, in hindsight, rarely happen at the deadline and are better suited for summer. Indeed, we could still see that Ward-for-Kane swap in the future . . . or not (ducks and runs for cover).

As many of you so astutely brought to my attention, be it rudely or politely, that little thing called a salary cap also prevented a half-dozen (or more) of my trades from ever entering the equation — or even coming up in conversation amongst actual GMs.

My biggest fail was expecting St. Louis to stay in Tampa Bay — what’s that? Oh right, my second-biggest behind Ward-Kane, which I’ll never live down but will never let any of you hear the end of should it somehow still happen — even five years from now, I called that one, and don’t you forget it!

In all honestly, I didn’t put much stock in the speculated captain swap of St. Louis for Ryan Callahan of the Rangers. I just couldn’t see both teams bidding farewell to their leaders in the midst of playoff battles. But I guess that’s why Mr. McKenzie and that Dreger dude are the “insiders” and, well, I’m not — yet!

For what it’s worth — and that would be nothing, not even two cents — I had Callahan to Chicago, along with Sam Gagner, but the Blackhawks ignored my spidey senses and did sweet diddly-squat instead.

My intuition was mostly accurate — I use the term mostly rather loosely in this case — when predicting that four of my five “big fish” would be dealt. The lone miscue was I had Ryan Kesler on the move, not St. Louis, along with Ryan Miller, Callahan and Vanek. I don’t know who’s to blame for Kesler being “stuck” in Vancouver, but I do feel for the guy and hope he doesn’t have to endure the same two-year-long ordeal as Luongo now that he’s requested a trade. Or did he? Yes, Kesler did, and denial or not, the writing is on the wall there.

Switching gears again, of the 41 players that were traded in real life but not in my predictions, the most glaring omission has to be Marian Gaborik. For some reason, I felt Columbus would be keen on keeping him for its playoff push, but then again, the Blue Jackets have made it this far without the injury-prone winger. But boy does last year’s deadline deal that sent Gaborik from the Rangers to Columbus ever look like a steal for New York now, a clear win for certain. The Rangers have Derick Brassard, Derek Dorsett, John Moore and a pending sixth-round pick in this June’s draft to show for it. The Blue Jackets are left with Matt Frattin, prospects Steven Delisle and Carter Camper (via trade for Blake Parlett), plus a second-round pick either this year or next year and possibly an additional third-rounder that has conditions presumably tied to Gaborik staying healthy — fat chance of that — and the Kings making the playoffs or past the first round, which is much more likely.

All in all, it was another fun deadline and I’m glad I put my neck out there with that predictions blog despite all the backlash and limited success overall. It did net my website 4,732 hits to date, which is more than my annual average, so alas, I must take the good with the bad as it’s all part of the game.

Until next year’s deadline, good tidings to you and to all a good night!

EDIT: My colleague and occasional guest blogger here, Dave Cunning, was kind enough to have me as a guest on his podcast discussing the NHL trade deadline. Listen to my thoughts here.

Larry Fisher is a sports reporter for The Daily Courier in Kelowna, B.C. Follow him on Twitter: @LarryFisher_KDC.

Categories: Uncategorized

NHL Trade Deadline: Buyers’ Market, But No Great Big Spenders

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Martin St. Louis of the New York Rangers takes the ice for warm-ups prior to making his Rangers debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. St. Louis was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Ryan Callahan and two draft packs earlier Wednesday ahead of the NHL's trade deadline.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Martin St. Louis of the New York Rangers takes the ice for warm-ups prior to making his Rangers debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. St. Louis was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Ryan Callahan and two draft packs earlier Wednesday ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline.

Martin St. Louis got his wish. Ryan Kesler did not. And Thomas Vanek will be learning a new language this spring if he doesn’t already speak French.

Those were the three biggest storylines coming out of the NHL’s annual Trade Deadline Day on Wednesday.

Larry Fisher
Larry Fisher

St. Louis had asked for a trade out of Tampa Bay after being snubbed by Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman in the initial selection process for Canada’s Olympic team. The reigning Art Ross winner as league scoring champion from last year’s lockout-shortened season was later added to Canada’s roster when Tampa teammate Steven Stamkos was ruled out in his attempted recovery from a broken leg. Despite the fact that Canada went on to win gold, St. Louis never forgave Yzerman and still wanted out. His preferred destination was the New York Rangers and he had a no-movement clause to make such demands.

Early Wednesday morning, with the very first trade of deadline day, Yzerman made that a reality by bidding farewell to St. Louis in a swap of captains that returned Rangers leader Ryan Callahan, a 2015 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2014 second-round draft pick to Tampa Bay. If the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference final this year, that 2014 pick is upgraded to a first-rounder.

Meanwhile, Kesler is staying put in Vancouver — at least for now. The powerful two-way centre was the biggest fish on the market after it was reported last week that Kesler had also asked to be traded. He vehemently denied those revelations at practice the following day, but the Canucks were very much shopping him or at least entertaining offers over the last seven days if not longer.

In the end, despite Pittsburgh’s best efforts and what the Penguins considered a “substantial offer”, Vancouver decided to keep Kesler. Who made that decision is now a matter of debate, with some speculation that Vancouver ownership blocked a blockbuster orchestrated by Canucks general manager Mike Gillis and Penguins counterpart Ray Shero. Another report had Kesler refusing to waive his no-trade clause on Tuesday, nixing a different deal to the Rangers.

Ultimately, Roberto Luongo was right when the now former (yes, former) Canucks goaltender said something to the effect of: “Whether he wants to go or he wants to stay, he’s not going anywhere. We all know how this ends.”

It’s true, everybody is familiar with these festering situations in Vancouver, and the finger-pointing has probably already commenced. Thing is, unlike Luongo, Kesler’s contract doesn’t suck — it’s actually quite the bargain — and he’s leading all NHL forwards in ice-time per game, so Gillis has no real excuse for not making the most of this opportunity. It will be very interesting to see how this one plays out — whether Kesler can help the Canucks make the playoffs and possibly smooth things over, or whether it will get worse before it gets better with an ugly ending full of hard feelings.

Then, there’s Vanek, who did get dealt but not until after the deadline — well past the 11th hour, anyway. File this one under better late than never for all parties — Vanek, his former team, the New York Islanders who had paid a ransom to pry him out of Buffalo earlier this season, and, most importantly, his new team. That being, Les Habitants — or the Montreal Canadiens for all the non-francophone, non-bilinguals out there, possibly including Vanek himself.

The well travelled Austrian winger, who came to Alberta as a teenager to develop his hockey skills and also spent time at the University of Minnesota en route to Buffalo and then Long Island, is now going to call Quebec home.

The Canadiens came out of left field for most tracking the Vanek sweepstakes, with the sniper’s destination fully expected to be California — any of the three teams within that state would have been less surprising than Montreal. And it’s not like the asking price was overly steep — essentially a quality prospect, with the Islanders taking back Sebastien Collberg from the Canadiens. Providing Montreal makes the playoffs, the teams will also then swap draft picks this June, with the Islanders getting a second for a fifth. That’s peanuts for a two-time 40-goal scorer, even if he comes with an expensive contract and is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Overall, there were 20 trades completed on deadline day involving 25 teams, 38 players and 23 draft picks. That followed 10 trades on the eve of the deadline involving 13 teams, 19 players and 10 draft picks. All total, including the week leading up to the deadline, which featured arguably the biggest deal of all with Ryan Miller moving from Buffalo to St. Louis, there were 34 trades involving 28 teams, 68 players and 36 draft picks — not to mention nearly $100 million in salaries.

Only the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets sat on their hands over the last seven days, seemingly content with their current rosters. Every other team made at least a minor tweak here or there — be it as sellers or buyers, or as tweeners, of which there are plenty with the standings as close as they are this season.

Goaltenders were the hottest commodity, with Miller and Luongo the biggest names among the dozen on the move — well, technically it was only 11 as Jaroslav Halak moved twice, first to Buffalo for Miller and then on to Washington at the deadline.

It was definitely a buyers’ market, yet some of the top contenders were merely window shopping and wound up standing pat for the most part — Chicago, Boston, Anaheim, San Jose and Pittsburgh specifically.

The rentals were valued much low