Its that time of year. The NCAA hockey season has come to a close and conference tournaments are in full swing. NHL teams are now salivating at the chance to sign the top undrafted college free agents as their teams play their final games of the season.
These prospects don’t always have an impact at the NHL level, but the chances of finding a diamond in the rough ala players like Matt Read, Danny DeKeyser, Chris Kunitz, Andy McDonald, Dustin Penner, Tyler Bozak, Matt Gilroy, Cory Conacher, Jason Garrison, Ben Scrivens, and others who have been uncovered in recent years is always a chance that NHL teams seem willing to take. At worst they give out an Entry Level contract, pay a player to play for their minor league club for a couple years, and then let them go. At best they get a player who can contribute at the NHL level, for a relatively low cap hit, without using a draft pick, or trading other assets. These players are low risk/big reward and so the competition to sign them will be fierce.
With that said, who are the top Free Agents available? I’ve listed them in alphabetical order by last name for ease of reference.
I will be handling this over the weekend in four parts, with 10 players in each part.
Here is part 1, in case you missed it.
Kevin Czuczman, Defence, Lake Superior State (6’3″ 205 lbs) Signed with the New York Islanders: Lake Superior State’s season ended early and the New York Islanders wasted little time in getting Czuczman signed to a contract. He has an excellent slapshot and used it to score 10 goals this season. He’s not really a powerplay quarterback though and works better as the trigger man. He does have good mobility, and plays a strong defensive game playing huge minutes for Lake Superior. He is physical along the boards and in front of the net. Will likely spend some time in the AHL but could be a real find for the Islanders.
Ryan Faragher, Goalie, St. Cloud St. (6’2″ 205 lbs) Signed with the Anaheim Ducks: Faragher was named a second team all-star in the NCHC this season. He has been a stabilizing force behind the young St. Cloud State defence. At 6’2″ he has excellent size for a young goaltender, and plenty of athleticism to back it up. Faragher has quick legs, and takes away the bottom of the net very well. He shows good puck tracking and lateral movement. He could use some time to continue to work on his rebound control going forward. Last season Faragher was at his best in the conference tournament and in the National Frozen Four tournament, and he hopes to repeat that clutch performance this year before getting contract offers from NHL teams.
Christian Folin, Defence, UMass-Lowell (6’3″ 210 lbs) Signed with the Minnesota Wild: The 23-year-old Swede put up 14 points in 34 games for UMass-Lowell. However his best work is in the defensive zone, where he has great size and knows how to use it effectively. He cuts down shooting and passing lanes and causes turnovers. He has excellent mobility and is very hard to beat one-on-one. He’s also powerful in front of his own net and along the boards. He has a good first pass and starts the transition game well but isn’t the type of defender who will often join the rush. He is a very mobile skater for a 6’3″ defender and this makes many believe he will quickly translate his game to the NHL. Is one of the most sought after free agents in this years class.
Kevin Goumas, C/LW, New Hampshire (5’10” 165 lbs) Signed an ATO with the Adirondack Phantoms (Philadelphia Affiliate): The 22-year-old senior has 14 goals and 45 points in 35 games so far this season for New Hampshire. With 121 points over the last three years he’s shown the ability to dominate at the NCAA level. His best skill is as a playmaker, as Goumas has excellent puck control and the patience to extend plays to let teammates get open. He uses his good vision and hockey sense to wait for the perfect moment to make that pass, and is able to thread the needle to put the puck on his teammates tape. His shot isn’t the hardest but he scores due to excellent accuracy and a good release. Defensively he has good hockey sense and is a conscientious back checker, however his size means he can be overpowered at times.
Ryan Haggerty, RW, RPI (6’0″ 190 lbs) Signed with the New York Rangers: RPI was supposed to be one of the best teams in ECAC and were even picked in some pre-season polls to win the conference. While it didn’t work out for the team, it certainly wasn’t the fault of Haggerty who turned in a dominant season. He became a true powerforward, winning board battles, getting to tough areas, taking the puck to the net and scoring dirty goals. He has excellent balance and the ability to fight through checks with his powerful skating stride. He also has some speed, and a good shot when further out from the net. The early end to RPI’s season put him on the market and he’s signed with the Rangers on the promise he’ll get some NHL time before the end of the year.
Alex Krushelnyski, LW, Colorado College (5’11” 173 lbs): The son of former NHLer Mike Krushelnyski, Alex is a chip off the old block. He is a hard working, grinding winger, who gets his nose dirty, wins board battles and is not afraid of physical play. He is a good two way player, who understands his defensive responsibilities and takes them to heart. After 43 points in 42 games for Colorado College in 2012-13 he was highly sought after last year. He is down a little this year with 23 points in 33 games so far, but will still be looked at as his future as always been as a possible bottom 6 wingers. \He doesn’t score the prettiest of goals, but gets his points from going to the front of the net, and persistent hard work. One thing I will say about Krushelnyski is that he seems to be improving all the time, playing better on each subsequent viewing I had of him. He’s especially strong on the penalty kill.
Cody Kunyk, Centre, Alaska (5’11”, 194) Signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning: The 23-year-old senior is having a real breakout season with 22 goals and 42 points in 34 games so far this year. Kunyk has excellent hockey sense, he reads the defence very well and finds soft spots to get open to unleash an excellent wrist shot or one-timer. When he has the puck, he is very good at protecting it and fighting through checks. He has good vision and can also go from sniper to playmaker with accurate passing skills and outstanding puck control. Kunyk has the ability to seemingly slow the play down with the puck on his stick and wait for the perfect opportunity. His balance and power on his skates are good, though he could use a little bit more top end speed.
David Makowski, Defence, Denver (6’1″ 205 lbs): The 24-year-old senior plays in all situations for the Pioneers. On offence he has a hard slapshot, and makes smart heads up passes. He is strong defensively as well and is willing to throw some big hits when given the opportunity. However it is his poise, positioning and experience in his own zone that makes him most effective. He’s battled some concussion issues in the past and that may be a red flag but has been healthy all this season.
Ross Mauermann, LW/C, Providence (5’9 170 lbs): The 23-year-old has 18 goals and 33 points in 34 games so far this year. He’s a bit undersized, but has shown the ability to score in the AHL. Despite that size he shows a strong two-way game, matching up against the other team’s top line game in and game out, and holding his own against bigger and stronger players. He is a very good skater, and the type of spark plug worker who goes 110% shift in and shift out. Has good stickhandling, great hands, an accurate shot, and good playmaking skill.
Chris McCarthy, C/LW, Vermont (6’1″ 205 lbs) Signed with the New York Rangers: McCarthy reportedly had NHL offers from the Sharks and Blackhawks after last season, but opted to go back to school and finish his degree. The 22-year-old has taken his offensive game to the next level this season with 16 goals and 40 points in 34 games, his first year over a point-per-game pace in the NCAA. McCarthy is an outstanding playmaker who can control the game with the puck on his stick. He can really slow the game down and find the perfect opportunity to make a pass to a teammate. He also has an excellent shot. McCarthy is a good two-player who has been an important penalty killer for Vermont for several years. Coaches and teammates rave about his off-ice leadership abilities.
The other parts are now posted. Click here for Part 3, and Part 4 in case you missed them.
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