I will take a look at the junior aged eligible players (18-19 year olds) in the NHL. This list won’t include 20-year olds or 19-year olds who spent the entire season in the NHL/AHL last year (Stamkos, Doughty, Schenn, Bogosian, Filatov and Bailey)
Anaheim Ducks
Luca Sbisa: The jury is still out on the 19-year old. He spent half of last season with the Flyers. I say he stays.
Atlanta Thrashers
Evander Kane: He’s playing himself into the line-up for the rest of the season
Buffalo Sabres
Tyler Myers: Myers has been solid. I don’t think he has anything left to prove in juniors.
Colorado Avalanche
Matt Duchene: When I saw him play against the Sharks, I knew the kid was going to stick. He’s already doing the little things that 18-year olds usually don’t.
Ryan O’Reilly: The first overall pick in the 2007 OHL earned his way onto the Avalanche’s roster full time. It has been confirmed by the team.
Florida Panthers
Dmitri Kulikov: I have a feeling the Panthers will keep him because of the KHL factor. Apparently he signed a KHL this summer but got his release in time for the start of the NHL season.
New York Islanders
John Tavares: I shouldn’t really include him this list because he would have to fall completely to head back to the OHL. If he does falter the Islanders can him to the AHL because he already played 4 seasons in the OHL.
New York Rangers
Mike Del Zotto: He’s adding to the depth of the defensemen in the 2008 draft class. Management seems to give their stamp of approval.
Ottawa Senators
Erik Karlsson: Although he isn’t coming from the CHL, I will put him on the list. The Senators say nine games isn’t enough time. They can always send him to the AHL because he was drafted out of Sweden. Or they will assign him to Frolunda of the SEL.
St. Louis Blues
Alex Pietrangelo: He has only played in one game. I have a feeling he will be heading to the OHL for one more year of seasoning.
Tampa Bay Lighting
Victor Hedman: He’s already playing like a veteran. I don’t think Tampa’s management can screw this one up.
James Wright: The 2008 4th rounder has done everything he can do but I believe he should get one more year in the WHL.
