For those of you who tuned into the World Juniors over the past 2 weeks, you were certainly treated to an awesome to display of talent. The tournament showcases the best young players in the world; a good portion of which will be seen in the NHL over the next couple of seasons. Let’s take a look at a couple of these standout youngsters that you should have on your long term radar:
Nikita Filatov – Columbus
Columbus’ top pick in the 2008 Entry Draft showed why he’s NHL material in this year’s tournament. Filatov had 8 goals and 3 assists while helping Russia land the Bronze medal. Coach Ken Hitchcock is dealing with a plethora of injured forwards right now so Filatov, who has 1 goal and 2 shots in 4 games with Columbus this season, could see extended ice time. It is important to note that adding him now could only be a short term play with Nash expected to be back in the lineup next week. Those of you in keeper/dynasty leagues, however, should expect to see Filatov as a regular next season as he is expected to factor heavily into Columbus’ production.
James van Riemsdyk – Philadelphia
With the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers selected left winger James van Riemsdyk. He has yet to make his NHL debut but was 7th in scoring at the World Juniors with 6 goals and 4 assists in 6 games for the United States. Van Riemsdyk, who leads the University of New Hampshire with 26 points in 17 games, played top line duties at the tournament and should see time in the NHL next season. Van Riemsdyk should fit in well with Philadelphia’s youthful offense and could be a nice insurance policy is Gagne goes down with an injury.
Cody Hodgson – Vancouver
The scoring title at the WJC did not go to favored first pick John Tavares; it went to Vancouver Canuck prospect Cody Hodgson. With 5 goals and 11 assists, Hodgson led Team Canada to its third straight gold medal. Hodgson could provide a much needed offensive boost to a Canuck team that has a history of being a low scoring team. With 42 points in 23 games for Brampton of the OHL this season, Hodgson is definitely a player that should be on the radar for all fantasy managers next season.
Jordan Eberle – Edmonton
The Oilers have to be impressed with their 2008 first round picks performance at the World Juniors. Eberle wound up 3rd in the tournament in scoring with 6 goals and 7 assists and currently has 42 points in 33 games with the Regina Pats of the WHL. Eberle could wind up cracking the Edmonton lineup as early as next season as the Oilers are somewhat thin at their wing positions.
Mikael Backlund – Calgary
The 24th overall pick in the 2007 Entry Draft performed well at the WJC netting 5 goals and 2 assists in 6 games for Sweden. He played in his first NHL game last night registering a shot in just under 11 minutes of ice time. Depending on what Calgary does with him this year, he could be a nice waiver wire pick up heading in to fantasy playoffs. However, if they send him back down, be sure to throw him on your watch list for next year’s draft.
John Tavares – TBD
The tournament MVP had 8 goals and 7 assists, virtually solidifying his spot as the top pick in this summer’s draft. It’s been said that he could be even better than Sid was at his age and if you saw him play, that statement doesn’t seem too off target. As to who will hold his services come October is unknown but we do know that Tavares should make an immediate impact at the NHL level. He currently is 2nd in the Ontario Hockey League in scoring with 54 points in 32 games.
Victor Hedman – TBD
He may have only had 2 assists in the tournament, however, Victor Hedman has been ranked right next to Tavares as far as 2009 prospects go. He has a rocket from the blue line and certainly brings size to the table with his 6 foot 6 inch frame. Hedman will easily be a number 1 defenseman and a PP anchor one day, and it’s still possible he contests Tavares for that first overall pick this summer. Stay tuned.
Other notables: Jacob Markstrom (Florida), Colin Wilson (Nashville), Angelo Esposito (Atlanta)
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