Blackhawks Prospect Camp Preview: Team C
The Blackhawks prospect camp begins Sunday, and most of the top young players in the organization will be in action at Johnny’s West over the coming week.
Earlier today we previewed Team A and Team B. Now, we’ll look ahead at Team C, which includes the professional prospects in attendance and all three of the goaltenders affiliated with the organization.
A lot of eyes will be on the blue line with Team C, as some younger players headed to Rockford this season will mix it up with free agent addition Michal Kempny, who is 25 and one would think has an inside track on a roster spot with the NHL club in October.
There are only three free agents on this squad, forward Trevor Mingoia and defensemen Roman Dyukov and Nikita Ustinenko. Mingoia appeared in four games with the Albany Devils in the AHL last season after completing his third season at Providence.
With the other two teams, we provided statistics from the 2015-16 season and where, in theory, that player will be skating for the 2016-17 season. Most of the players on Team C will be in either Rockford or Chicago.
(bold = players in the Blackhawks organization)
- FORWARDS
Ryan Hartman
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 1st round (#30)
DOB: 9/20/1994 (21)
6-0, 194
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 61 games, 15 goals, 20 assists, 35 points
2015-16: Chicago (NHL) – 3 games, 1 assist
2016-17: Rockford or Chicago
John Hayden
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 3rd round (#74)
DOB: 2/14/1995 (21)
6-3, 210
2015-16: Yale University (NCAA – ECAC) – 32 games, 16 goals, 7 assists, 23 points
2016-17: Yale University (NCAA – ECAC)
Vince Hinostroza
Acquired: 2012 NHL Draft – 6th round (#169)
DOB: 4/3/1994 (22)
5-9, 180
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 66 games, 18 goals, 33 assists, 51 points
2015-16: Chicago (NHL) – 7 games, 0 points
2016-17: Rockford or Chicago
Luke Johnson
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 5th round (#134)
DOB: 9/19/1994 (21)
6-0, 194
2015-16: University of North Dakota (NCAA – NCHC) – 43 games, 11 goals, 10 assists, 21 points
2016-17: Rockford (AHL)
Tanner Kero
Acquired: signed as free agent 4/2/2015
DOB: 7/24/1992 (23)
6-0, 185
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 60 games, 20 goals, 19 assists, 39 points
2015-16: Chicago (NHL) – 17 games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
2016-17: Rockford or Chicago
Anthony Louis
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 6th round (#181)
DOB: 2/10/1995 (21)
5-8, 158
2015-16: Miami (OH) University (NCAA – NCHC) – 36 games, 11 goals, 15 assists, 26 points
2016-17: Miami (OH) University (NCAA – NCHC)
Tyler Motte
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 4th round (#121)
DOB: 3/10/1995 (21)
5-9, 193
2015-16: University of Michigan (NCAA – Big Ten) – 38 games, 32 goals, 24 assists, 56 points
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 5 games, 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points
2016-17: Rockford or Chicago
Nick Schmaltz
Acquired: 2014 NHL Draft – 1st round (#20)
DOB: 2/23/1996 (20)
6-1, 181
2015-16: University of North Dakota (NCAA – NCHC) – 38 games, 11 goals, 35 assists, 46 points
2016-17: Rockford or Chicago
Trevor Mingoia
DOB: 1/18/1992
5-11, 190
2015-16: Providence College (NCAA – Hockey East) – 36 games, 14 goals, 23 assists, 37 points
2016-17: TBD
- DEFENSEMEN
Carl Dahlström
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 2nd round (#51)
DOB: 1/28/1995 (21)
6-4, 211
2015-16: Linköping (SHL) – 50 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 4 games, 0 points
2016-17: Rockford
Gustav Forsling
Acquired: from VAN via trade – for Adam Clendening (1/29/2015)
DOB: 6/12/1996 (20)
6-0, 180
2015-16: Linköping (SHL) – 48 games, 6 goals, 15 assists, 21 points
2016-17: Chicago or Linköping (SHL)
Dillon Fournier
Acquired: 2012 NHL Draft – 2nd round (#48)
DOB: 6/15/1994 (22)
6-2, 188
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 2 games, 0 points
2015-16: Indy (ECHL) – 7 games, 1 assist
2016-17: Rockford or Indy
Michal Kempny
Acquired: signed as free agent (5/24/2016)
DOB: 9/08/1990 (25)
6-0, 194
2015-16: Avangard Omsk (KHL) – 59 games, 5 goals, 16 assists, 21 points
2016-17: Chicago or KHL
Robin Norell
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 4th round (#111)
DOB: 2/18/1995 (21)
5-11, 191
2015-16: Djurgårdens IF (SHL) – 51 games, 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 8 games, 2 assists
2016-17: Rockford
Robin Press
Acquired: 2013 NHL Draft – 7th round (#211)
DOB: 12/21/1994 (21)
6-4, 205
2015-16: Djurgårdens IF (SHL) – 51 games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points
2016-17: Djurgårdens IF (SHL)
Luc Snuggerud
Acquired: 2014 NHL Draft – 5th round (#141)
DOB: 9/18/1995 (20)
6-0, 187
2015-16: Omaha (NCAA – NCHC) – 35 games, 4 goals, 14 assists, 18 points
2016-17: Omaha (NCAA – NCHC)
Nolan Valleau
Acquired: signed as free agent (8/18/2015)
DOB: 11/15/1992 (23)
6-1, 197
2015-16: Rockford (AHL) – 62 games, 1 goal, 11 assists, 12 points
2016-17: Rockford (AHL)
Roman Dyukov
DOB: 9/29/1995
6-2, 187
2015-16: Yunost Minsk (Belarus) – 32 games, 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points
2016-17: TBD
Nikita Ustinenko
DOB: 4/22/1995
6-2, 161
2015-16: Dinamo-Molodechno (Belarus) – 27 games, 2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points
2015-16: Dinamo Minsk (KHL) – 17 games, 0 points
2016-17: Dinamo Minsk (KHL)
- Goaltenders
Jake Hildebrand
Acquired: signed as free agent – Rockford (6/15/2016)
DOB: 6/19/1993 (23)
5-11, 182
2015-16: Michigan State University (NCAA – Big Ten) – 37 games, 3.12 GAA, .904 save pct
2016-17: Rockford or Indy
Wouter Peeters
Acquired: 2016 NHL Draft – 3rd round (#83)
DOB: 7/31/1998 (17)
6-4, 205
2015-16: EC Salzburg (RBHS U20) – 24 games, 3.27 GAA
2016-17: Jokerit (KHL)
Matt Tomkins
DOB: 6/19/1994 (22)
6-3, 194
2015-16: Ohio State University (NCAA – Big Ten) – 14 games, 3.87 GAA, .888 save pct
2016-17: Ohio State University (NCAA – Big Ten)
Good to see Hayden at camp. There has been a bit of angst that he is going back to Yale for his Senior Year. I think the Hawks sign him as soon as his season is done.
I do not see him pulling a Kevin Hayes. Stan and company seem very committed to making sure that type of situation does not repeat itself.
I’m guess Hayden might get the Kyle Baun type, few games with the Hawks before heading to Rockford, depending on Yale’s end point.
Snuggy- always reading good things on him… looking forward to seeing him live.
I don’t believe Hawks will be able to sign Hayden, i think he’ll pull a Hayes and sign somewhere east. Glad SB was able to sign a lot of his college picks but the guys from the eastern schools seem to like Boston or New York. Maybe Stan can pull off a miracle and sign Vesey.
On Vesey. Buffalo is pulling out all the stops to get him signed before 8/15. If he resists, we have a shot. Very stealthy for Stan to go watch him play in the summer league. That tells Vesey the Hawks are very interested without sitting on their hands hoping he waits til 8/15.
If Vesey opts to go to the Sabres, I hope it happens soon. That would give Stan time to circle back to Hudler perhaps before it’s too late.
Also of note, Ken Holland said this week that he is looking to acquire a defenseman. He also said he might have to wait until teams get to camp and realize they are heavy on defenseman but light on forwards. So if no Vesey, no Hudler, maybe TVR traded ?
Watched group C practice today. Lots of speed, Lotta size, lots of talent. Motte has the tools. What is his situation Tab? Actually like to see this kid with 19 and 81. Nice edge to his game played real well in the corners.
Agree with the Snuggy comment. Big kid, looked good.
Overall this was a solid practice to watch.
I am going to try to get down or one or two more times, as I want to see the other kids.
Gou – I’ve been a big fan of the idea of Motte skating w/ 19 & 81 (or 88) since he signed. Was among the NCAA leaders in scoring AND led a loaded Michigan team in blocked shots as well. Tremendously talented player with a good offensive skill set AND strong defensive approach. Smart player. Could make a nice impact this season given the chance.
Was able to catch practice this morning. Kempny was not out there. I thought Hino looked the best out there for the red squad. He has excellent handles, and a good shot. Id be very surprised if he didnt earn a spot this year. Red v White played a keep away drill and Hino and hartman dazzled. Schmaltz has some sick moves and looks poised. Although he wasnt head and shoulders better. Motte looked ok. I thought last year he stood out more. Forsling is a big kid skilled kid but i doubt he makes the team this year. I really liked the big goalie Peters. The Hawks may have found something in him.
Hayden and Anthony Louis were battling for the puck and Hayden just owned him so Louis starts running his mouth. Hayden grabs him by the neck and chest and slams him against the boards smiles and skates away. Love the kid!
Forsling looked big?? Listed as 5’11 on Hawks site. 6’0 elsewhere. Hinostroza doesn’t do much for me. I’ve liked Motte since he was drafted. Always put up points. Led the u-18s his draft year. Knowing he’s willing to block shots is icing.
Last thing on Motte. He played with Eichel,Milano,Hayden,Larkin on the ntdp team. Granted they were younger, and granted plus minus is flawed. But Motte was plus 14. Eichel minus 12. Milano minus 27. Hayden was plus 13. Dylan Larkin -21.
@ Ernie
Yes, Forsling looked big. At 6ft the kid is very solid. It was the 1st time ive seen him and i assumed he would be a small undersized skilled type. He looks and played bigger then i assumed.
Robin Press is another one 6’3 and solid. He cant be too far from the Hawks at this stage
You guys are soo lucky to be abble to see the Kids playing amd see the practice ..i look here to see the comment when you guys post ….thank you
I am in Montreal and i follow the Hawks and the Kids they draft …
Wish i could go se 1-2 games in Chicago one day ….never went to Chicago execpt when i transit to go to Asia for my 6 months travelling backpack….
One day i will have my chance to go see a few games
Please continue to write what you see about those future Hawks kids ..
SSHM- How crowded was it there yesterday?
How crowded was parking? I am thinking about going today…
anybody got comments on crowds yesterday?
Thanks Southside, I always thought of him as smaller. Good to know he’s got some size to him. Think the Canucks would like to take that trade back? Press hasn’t signed yet, but did get a few games in Rockford 2 seasons ago. Not bad for being a Mr. Irrelevant.
@ Wall
The crowds aren’t bad at all, Last year I went on a Friday and it was empty. There was maybe a hundred people in attendance no more then that. If you arrive early you will have no problem sitting or standing on the glass to watch. I was walking down the steps a few feet behind SB. Had I been closer I would asked him about Vesey.
@ Ernie
He is more stout then TVR if that helps put him in perspective. He looks like a kid who has put some time in training off ice. I think had the same thought about Forsling too I was rather surprised. He may actually still be growing he is only 20. He was one of the younger guys out there along with 17 yr old Peters. Waite was out their coaching him up so that’s a good thing.
I kind of give Louis credit for yapping at Hayden. Hayden has about 70 pounds on Louis. He ought to be able to own him and slam him up against the boards.
(Just showing a little love for Louis since he’s a west suburban Chicago kid, from my neck of the woods)
Go Blackhawks!!!!
Hayden was born in Chicago…
Hayden needs someone to mix it up with now that Sam Jardin is no longer with the Organization
http://1.cdn.nhle.com/blackhawks/images/upload/2013/07/hayden-600.jpg
What is the take on Louis? I think he scored 10 or so goals in 30 games with Miami of Ohio last season, which isn’t too bad. Awfully small guy.
@ BIG INDIAN
His size is going to make it hard for him but I’ll put it this way from my limited view. He is quick but not super fast. Hino is faster. Louis is good with the puck but not great, Hino and Schmaltz are better. He has a good shot but it isn’t A++, Motte and Hartman can really bring it.
Making the NHL is hard making a team with limited rosters is even harder. If I was ranking the forwards just based on 1 practice (which is crazy) this is what I’d say in order
Hino-by far the best player there. I’ve seen this kid before and I was not impressed. This time he was ALL over the ice on every drill making plays and FINISHING around the net.
Schmaltz- excellent vision and puck handling, good speed! Good size. Will take him time to adjust to the NHL game.
Motte-Big lower body, long strider, classic North/South player. Not going to dazzle you with the puck. Physical and will work the corners. Player bigger then he looks
Hartman- see Motte add a few inches, very similar players, slighter faster. Quick release.
Hayden-Big, mean and nasty. Plays physically and is an agitator.
Thanks, SSHM. Good analysis with the positive and negative criticism. Sounds like there may be some nice competition for the remaining forward spots.
Apologies for questioning you SSHM…but where were Schmaltz and Hayden playing? Wing or center? Or just drills that make it tough to tell
Tab:
What are your feelings about Hayden, I like his size and ability but I’m nervous that he may be another Hayes that will go the free agent route and prefer an east coast team.
nice wrap up SSHM. I plan on going back Friday. Work is getting in the way otherwise. Arrive about 30-45 minutes before they hit the ice and you should have no problem, I actually got a chance to talk to Stan and John as well as get their autograph. I also got a great shot of my son standing next to TT a couple of years back.
I still think Motte would be a great fit with 19 and 81. Just the way they play possession in the corners, tight spaces.
Thanks GOU, i am aiming for friday too depending on wrk and traffic. I love the final scrimmage where everyone is on the ice.