Aliu among 14 cuts
Posted by TimS on Fri, 09/18/2009 - 23:15
Winger Akim Aliu was one of the 14 players assigned to Rockford on Friday, which was no real surprise.
Aliu, a second-round draft pick in 2007 is still a long way away from being ready for the NHL. He was barely noticeable in the four days of scrimmages.
The seven other forwards sent to Rockford were Dan Bertram, Nathan Davis, Bryan Ewing, Adam Hobson, Bracken Kearns, Peter MacArthur and Derek Nesbitt.
The four defensemen sent down were Michael Brennan, Jonathan Carlsson, Simon Danis-Pepin and David Phillips.
The two goalie off to Rockford are Joe Fallon and Alec Richards.
That leaves 36 players in camp, including several that have impressed the coaching staff such as defensemen Brian Connolly and Shawn Lalonde.
I meant, Bickel isn't really a skill guy, but has some ability and is a banger who can skate. The other things I said about him hold true. Then again, notice they retain his contract, but let that other power forward go in trade to Columbus last year. Dan from Van -- Bickel part of lineup that intimidated, outhit Canucks and Sedin's turtled was that two years ago, or last year like a January game before ALL Star break. ANd for the record, I agree it's a close call between whom finishes higher point total, Canucks or Chicago. I really think you have two centers to see how they pan out in NHL -- Hodgson and Schroeder. The later returns to college. Maybe ths Grabner (correct spelling?) makes it? The russian forward looks good in Canuck camp? Long season for many to get a cup of coffee in this league.
Here's the cold hard facts on them:
Both Duncan Keith type size and strength to combat nasty, large NHL power forwards.
Connelly was a big hit with good impression summer camp before last. Blackhawks had him sign and finish the season and playoffs at Rockford, where they did not hesitate to play him.
Lalond was on the second pair on his junior team last year (ouch). That was due in large part because I think it was the black kid, on team USA or Team Canada, and a Montreal pick, was the headliner on the first pair. Lalonde excites with his potential ...team maybe wants to see him stack up against top competition for one game? He has to battle forechecking pressure particularly/also physical play that is his big drawback.
Here's what you have to figure: How can a Chicago team keep two small size rearguards, even if both are speedy and talented? One of them will have to be on a third pair. In today's NHL and going forward, it is not just speed, but size that counts. Lalonde and Connelly must be very VERY good if they ever play major NHL minutes while D Keith is here!
Want a surprise to make the team. Bickel has the expereince and sort of player they can use/maybe if a trade goes down some point preseason or during the year. But Bickel's got to play consistent. And I don't think he scores much if a Skille is his linemate in Rockford. I say Skille just wants to play with the top skill guy...Bickel is more a skilled guy who is in corners, can skate well, but knock is he disappears (interest). Great slapshot...anyone remember the bomb he blew past St Louis goalie late season contest couple years ago?
that Lalond is still in - I did see some of him at JIH when prospect camp was happening during the summer. I know Wiz will say he is still a ways off - I'd agree, but it'll be interesting to see him tomorrow night, if he plays.
This will be a fun season - hopefully the offense will keep pace with French Fry's soft goals...