Aeros Training Camp set for 9/21; Traverse Prospect Tourney

T3I has learned that the Aeros will begin training camp at Sugar Land Ice (SLICE) on Sept. 21.

That's less than a month away, with Wild Training Camp starting a week earlier on Sept. 13 in St. Paul.

Later this week, we'll try and get you a peek at possible camp invitees and info on pre-season games.

Also, we tweeted about it earlier but the Wild released their roster for the Traverse City Prospect Tournament, which several NHL teams participate in to get another look at their prospects before everyone heads to their respective training camps.

Last year, the NHL Network showed the tournament games, but looking at their schedule, nothing is listed yet, but they do this stuff last minute a lot of times, so maybe it's still a possibility. It was fun watching Clutterbuck be the "veteran" last year. Looks like Morten Madsen and Justin Falk will be the vets this year.

Wild qualify 6 of 10 restricted free agents (updated)

As we've mentioned before, restricted free agents become unrestricted free agents and the team loses their rights to a player if they are not given a qualifying offer by the deadline, which was today.

Here's the list of players who were qualified, with Aeros bolded:

C Kyle Brodziak
LW Robbie Earl
G Josh Harding
RW Danny Irmen
LW Benoit Pouliot
D Clayton Stoner

The Wild did not make qualifying offers to:
D Paul Albers
LW Riley Emmerson
LW Dan Fritsche
LW Peter Olvecky

Not entirely surprising on any front, though I always liked Paul and will miss his fantastic shot blocking. I thought they might keep Olvecky around, but I guess the new regime doesn't see a fit. Will add more later if clarity around the decisions is made public.

On Wednesday, NHL free agency begins. It's also Canada Day and really the most exciting day of the off-season, typically. Though teams are so burdened with salary cap issues, it will be interesting to see what GMs can pull off with such constraints. I, for one, take the day off and just follow the flow of signings and trades like a kid at Christmas, but I'm kind of a dork for hockey. :)

UPDATE: From Russo's blog, it appears the goal is to keep Olvecky but avoid having to sign him to a one-way (NHL-only) contract.

About Pouliot, Fletcher said: “We’re excited to see where he is come training camp. He’s had his ups and downs along the road, but (new coach) Todd Richards is excited about seeing him in camp. We want to see if he can push his career forward, take the next step. It’s up to him, but we want to give him that opportunity.”

He said not qualifying Fritsche and Olecky was a roster “flexibility” issue. About Olvecky, Fletcher said making him a qualifying offer might possibly have “made him eligible for a one-way contract. We wanted to keep the option open of a two-way contract.” So, by not qualifying him, Fletcher said he still held out hope that he could reach agreement on a two-way deal and keep Olecky in the fold. Fletcher said it was important for the franchise to have as much financial flexibility as possible heading into free agency.

And of no particular consequence to the Aeros but might be of interest if you were a fan of his, John Lammers has not been qualified by the Dallas Stars organization, so he, too, will become a UFA on Wednesday.

Draft Day 2: Two goalies!

Here's the run-down provided by the Wild of the kids they picked up today, some of whom are sure to spend some time in Houston. None this upcoming season, but all but the last two (born in '91) will be of age for the 10-11 season, though we won't likely see the college-bound kids for a while.

Before I get to that though, one note is that Chuck Fletcher has basically confirmed to Russo that Benoit Pouliot will be qualified. From his blog:
Russo: You won’t throw away Pouliot?
Fletcher: Absolutely not.
Now, I suppose that could be interpreted that he could be traded still... I guess it's not throwing away if you get something in return. But there ya go.

Okay, onto the new kids:

GOALIE Matt Hackett, 19 (3/7/90)
Posted a 34-15-3 record with a 3.04 goals against average (GAA), a .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 games with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2008-09. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound native of London, Ontario was the top ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. Hackett ranked eighth in the OHL in save percentage during the regular season and was named the Whalers most valuable player in the playoffs going 6-5 with a 3.01 GAA and a .930 save percentage in 11 contests. He is the nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett.

NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen
“He has great potential, very good size, very poised. His angles, his net positioning are very good. He's a very smart goaltender with excellent net coverage.”

Plymouth Whalers’ goaltending coach Stan Matwijiw
“You look at Matt, and he’s a pure goaltender. He’s the type of goaltender that NHL teams are looking for. He’s big in stature and takes up a lot of net. He’s very fundamentally sound. The work that I’ve done with him is tweaking a thing here and there. He’s already had good instruction, with his uncle (former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett).”

From The Goalie Guild site:
And just when you expect to see another “big” goalie get pulled out of Europe, Matt Hackett is finally taken by the Minnesota Wild. The #1 ranked North American goalie prospect had high expectations to be drafted sooner, but the deed is done and now he has work to do with the Plymouth Whalers. This is an all around steal at #77 for Minnesota.

Hackett’s pedigree is well-documented through his uncle Jeff, who also happens to be Matt’s hero and idol. Similar to Lehner and Lundqvist, Matt’s positioning and stance is similar to Jeff, with skating ability, reading plays and composure under pressure as his major assets.

Over the next few years Hackett needs to work on playing higher up in his crease and giving the shooter less time and space to work with. Movement wise, Hackett is fluid and confident and with a great 6-foot-3 frame, so he takes up a lot of space up high after he drops into the butterfly.

BOTTOM LINE: Hackett had an amazing season for the Whalers, but his bloodline with his uncle Jeff is a little over-hyped in my opinion. He still has impressive skills though, so he could impress you at training camp!

LEFT WING Kristopher Foucault, 18 (12/12/90)
Tallied 17 points (9-8=17) and 16 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Calgary Hitmen and Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2008-09. He added 16 points (11-5=16) in 18 playoff games for the Hitmen and was named MVP of the Eastern Conference final. The 6-foot, 202-pound left wing native of Calgary, Alberta was the 96th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

Calgary teammate of Carson McMillan, who will likely be an Aero this season.

RIGHT WING Alexander Fallstrom, 18 (9/15/90)
A senior captain at Shattuck St. Mary’s in 2008-09 led his team with 40 goals and 87 points in 52 games. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound right wing registered 67 points (20-47=67) in 62 games in his first season with Shattuck in 2007-08. He has committed to play at Harvard University this fall. The native of Gothenburg, Sweden was the 69th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

GOALIE Darcy Kuemper, 19 (5/5/90)
Posted a record of 21-25-8 with a 2.96 GAA, a .898 save percentage and three shutouts in his rookie season with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. He ranked second among WHL rookie netminders in save percentage and wins and third in goals against average. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound native Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was the ninth ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.

From The Goalie Guild site:
The Minnesota Wild secured their second solid goalie prospect of the day by choosing Darcy Kuemper early in the sixth round. Kuemper played an impressive 55 games for the Red Deer Rebels after taking over for Morgan Clark early in the season. He posted very respectable numbers for a rookie with a 2.96 goals against average and his size is a big asset, as he stands at 6-foot-4 and 193 pounds.
When Clark started to struggle, Kuemper took over thanks to some great enthusiasm and his efficient movement. His ability to save energy over the course of a game was one factor in his great work early in the season and even better as the season came to an end.
I actually got some great insight on Kuemper back in February when I found this video about his season. I’m impressed with his perseverance and his understanding of the duties he has as a starter in the CHL.
BOTTOM LINE: Kuemper is an awesome sleeper prospect and Minnesota becomes a winner in the Entry Draft for their informed goaltending decisions. Kuemper’s a keeper!

FORWARD Jere Sallinen, 18 (10/26/90)
Recorded three points (1-2=3) and 31 penalty minutes in nine games with the Blues Espoo of Finland’s Junior League. The 6-foot, 183-pound native of Espoo, Finland registered three points (2-1=3) and 31 penalty minutes in six games for Team Finland at the 2008 Under 18 World Hockey Championships in Russia. Sallinen tallied 30 points (11-19=30) and 94 penalty minutes in 36 games in the Finnish Junior league in 2007-08. He was the 73rd ranked International skater by NHL Central Scouting.

LEFT WING Erik Haula, 18 (3/23/91)
Notched 84 points (26-58=84) and 46 penalty minutes in 53 games in his first season with Shattuck St. Mary’s High School in 2008-09. He led the team in assists and ranked second in goals and points. The 6-foot, 170-pound native of Pori, Finland will play for the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Omaha Lancers in 2009-10 and has committed to play for the University of Minnesota in 2010-11. He was the 57th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

CENTER Anthony Hamburg, 17 (8/30/91)
Notched 99 points (29-70=99) and 76 penalty minutes in 70 games for the Dallas Stars AAA Midget team in 2008-09. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Phoenix, Arizona led the team in scoring and assists and ranked tied for third in goals. He was selected by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL Entry Draft May 13.

Texas kid! How cool is that?

2009-2010 Aeros Roster

We'll keep this page updated through the summer as guys are signed or sign elsewhere, so by season's start (which is earlier than last year, apparently) we'll have fairly accurate picture of the core of the team.

UNDER CONTRACT (aka Your 2009-2010 Houston Aeros)

Forwards

• Morten Madsen - One more year on his deal with the Wild before he's a RFA (restricted free agent, which means essentially that his current team--the Minnesota Wild--will have right of first refusal at the end of next season).
  
• Matt Kassian - One year on his deal before he's an RFA.
• Cody Almond - As he just signed a few weeks ago, he's got all three years of his entry level contract to play out. It's doubtful that he makes the big club, so expect to see him as an Aero.
• Carson McMillan - Like Almond, is just getting done with his Major Junior career and has his full entry level contract remaining. Again, expect him to be an Aero.
• Brian Kaufman - One year AHL deal with the Aeros.
• Colton Gillies - Some mention has been made that now that he's AHL-aged, they might start him in Houston this season to get him more playing time and more seasoning. I think it would be a great thing for him, if a bit of an ego hit... Anyway, he's got two years left on his entry deal.
• Petr Kalus - According to Mike Russo, Kalus is coming back this season, presumably in hopes of making a Minnesota team that promises a system more suited to his "offensive" style. He's got one year left on his contract with the Wild.
• Benoit Pouliot - Could stick with the big club out of camp but will have to earn it this time.
  
• Danny Irmen - Expect to see him in Houston when the season starts
  
• Robbie Earl - See above ... lightning speed.
  
• Jon DiSalvatore - Free agent, signed July 17
• Pete Zingoni - Free agent, signed July 17
• Duncan Milroy - Free agent, signed July 17
• Nathan Smith - Free agent, signed July 22
• Brandon Buck - AHL, Free agent, signed July 22
• JP Testwuide
  

Defensemen

• Justin Falk - Two years left on his contract, so we'll see him. I don't think he'll be ready to make the big club next season, so expect him to be a critical piece of the Aeros blue line next season.
• Max Noreau - Two years left on his contract and similar to Falker, I don't see him making the big club yet. He had an amazing year not just by Aeros standards, but league-wide he was one of the best offensive defensemen, but another year to build confidence and improve his defensive play in the minors is probably in the offing.
• Brandon Rogers - One year left on his contract before he's a UFA (unrestricted free agent). UFA contract years are a big thing for these guys as they're playing for their next contract, either with this team or, more likely, with other teams.
• Jamie Fraser - 2009 free agent signing
• Jamie Sifers - 2009 free agent signing
  
• Clayton Stoner
• Ryan Lannon - Free agent signed July 22
• Ryan Gunderson - AHL contract
  

Goalies

• Wade Dubielewicz - Has a 2 way deal and if Harding gets traded without a goalie in return, he'll be #2 in Minnesota
  
• Barry Brust - Brusty has a year on his contract and then he's a UFA. As with Rogers, this is a big year for him to stay healthy and be consistent.
  
• Anton Khudobin - Dimples is in the final year of his entry level contract before he becomes an RFA.
  

Unrestricted Free Agents
These guys can go and do whatever the hell they want. Unless they have a particular affinity for Houston or this coaching staff and/or don't get any better offers, I would wave goodbye as they'll be looking to go where they think they have the best chance at earning an NHL spot.

Nolan Schaefer - Signed with CSKA in Russia
Thomas Mojzis - Has signed with a club in Europe
Corey Locke - Has signed with the NY Rangers organization
Krys Kolanos - Has signed with Philadelphia Flyers organization
Jesse Schultz
Bryan Lundbohm
Marco Rosa - Has signed with Manitoba Moose
Peter Olvecky - Signed with Nashville Preds organization
Mitch Love - Signed with Peoria Rivermen
Matt Beaudoin - Signed with Texas Stars

Carson McMillan joining the Aeros

In a battle that included two future Aeros, the Kelowna Rockets upset the Calgary Hitmen this weekend sending one of those Aeros to his new team. So, welcome to Carson McMillan, who we hear is quite a good player and really blossomed this year in Calgary. Here's a bit from the Calgary Sun on him.

Apparently he flew into Milwaukee in time to watch the craptastic meltdown last night. Suppose he's wondering what level of hell he's stumbled into? Nah. These guys take it all in stride. Not sure if he'll play Wednesday. I guess that depends on injuries, but I'm sure John will give us the goods tomorrow when he gets up to the Cheese State.

Cody Almond will continue on to the Memorial Cup tournament with the Rockets, which you can watch in the states on the NHL Network starting Friday. If you haven't checked out this tournament before, you should. It's fun to watch these kids play, and they do play with a ton of heart. Plus, you can get a sneak preview of Almond Joy and see what he's like. I'm looking forward to that.

More Fresh Meat: Carson McMillan signed by the Wild

Aeros fans got another glimpse at the potential future of the team today when the Wild signed 2007 7th round draft pick Carson McMillan to a 3-year entry level contract.

From the Wild:

McMillan, 20 (9/10/88), recorded career-highs with 31 goals, 41 assists, 72 points and 93 penalty minutes (PIM) in 68 games during his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2008-09. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound native of Brandon, Manitoba added seven game-winning goals, five power play tallies and four shorthanded goals helping lead Calgary to a 59-9-3-1 regular season record. He has tallied eight points (2-6=8) in 12 playoff games this season.

The Hitmen are undefeated in 12 playoff matches and will play either Kelowna or Vancouver in the WHL Championship series. The winner of the WHL Championship series will advance to the Memorial Cup.

Of course, Cody Almond, who was signed a couple of weeks ago and will also likely be an Aero next season, plays for Kelowna, so there could be a baby Aeros match-up in the WHL Championship. We'll have to keep an eye on that.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing both of these guys next season as they're coming out of juniors looking like pretty solid picks by the Wild. I've even seen McMillan compared to Clutterbuck a little bit, so that should be good for some fun if it's true.

Interview with Tom Lynn; Brusty bobblehead

See, this is what I get for actually going to the games and not listening to the broadcast. Anybody who listened to the game on Thursday knew Scandella was signed and arrived last week. A tip woulda been nice... Bueller? Beuller?

Anyway...

Regardless of your feelings toward him, I always get a lot out of interviews with Lynn. He really doesn't pull many punches from what I can tell, particularly when it comes to player evaluation. In this interview, he talks tough love with regard to Pouliot, and a bit on some of the younger prospects like Falk. If you're into that stuff it's worth a listen.

-----------------

Please, won't someone buy this for me?

Ahh, the wonders of Google Alerts.

Here's a tip, bobblehead maker: Just leave the mask off the goalie bobbles. Bless his heart--that's awkward.

Oh yeah, and check out that player stick. You don't need locker room access to know goalies have bigger sticks.

Anyway, yeah, I totally need that. Imagine, he has a bad game, you can thump him on the head and he'll just nod and wiggle at you. You can't stay mad at that!

You could even wad up little bits of paper and make a game of trying to flick it through that gaping 5-hole, or right in that pie plate of a catcher. Hours of fun.

UPDATE: And just to keep from appearing to be fixated on Barry by making two posts in a row about him, I'll just tack on the What's Bugging Barry? segment that Joe posted today.

Next year's rookies

Lost in the shuffle of the goalie drama was a little blurb from Russo about the Wild being in contract negotiations with two of the prospects I mentioned here. I figure with a three-game-loss weekend, looking down the road to potentially happier days might be a nice diversion.

Carson McMillan's Calgary Hitmen swept the first round of their playoffs, though their opponent for the next round starting Friday has yet to be decided. Still looking like they'll go deep and we won't see him this season, but in Russo's feature on him today, he is projected to play in Houston next season.

Apparently he's a bit of a Clutterbuck clone, which is mighty appealing, isn't it? Gritty winger who likes to hit and will go to the net, contributes a bit of offense, fearless. The trick is to still do all that stuff in a smart, controlled way even at professional speeds. Here's hoping...

Today, they are also in the process of signing signed Cody Almond, whose Kelowna Rockets are squaring off in round 2 of their playoffs against the Tri-City Americans on Friday. I've gotten to be friends with one of their photographers, so I've asked for a bit of a scouting report and maybe a photo, which I'll put here if I can get one.

Justin Falk is from this same 2007 draft class as these two guys, so there will be quite the youth movement between those three.

Wild prospects headed for the farm?

As we approach the playoffs, I've got fresh meat on my mind...

This is the time of year in which Wild prospects can come up from their amateur teams either in college (if they're finishing their college careers) or from the Canadian Hockey League (if their team is out of the playoffs and they're planning to turn pro next season) and help out on the farm during the end of the season and playoffs.

If you recall from last season, that's how the Aeros got Ryan Jones and Colton Gillies at the end of regular season and for the short playoff run. And it's always exciting (to me, at least) to finally get a sneak peek at some of these guys. So, I thought I'd run through the guys in the system who either could join the team at the end here and/or will be of age to play with the Aeros next season.

Cody Almond C - Currently with the Kelowna Rockets, who have secured a playoff spot in the Western Hockey League, so unless they lose out early, we likely won't see him. But he is turning 20 this summer and has 4 years of junior under his belt, so he's due to turn pro this Fall.

Carson McMillan RW - Currently with the Calgary Hitmen -- a very good Hitmen team that has clinched the WHL Eastern Conference title, so I would expect them to go pretty far in the playoffs and we won't get a whiff of Carson until the Fall. But, like Almond, he is 20 already and has 4 years in the WHL, so it's pro time for him, too. (He has an action figure!)

Anthony Aiello D - In his senior season with Boston College and hasn't done much to impress this season and has even been an occasional healthy scratch. I'm pretty sure it's supposed to work the other way in college where the upperclassmen are the studs. Regardless, his college playing days are over once BC finishes their playoff run, so it's pro or nothing.

I'd love to see him get his act together and find a spot in Houston because he's seriously foxy.

And then there's... uh... okay, that list ended quicker than I'd hoped, but the rest of the guys are too young or European (and who knows what the hell they're doing) or still in college.

So, it looks like we won't be getting much help from the prospects unless one of the junior boys' teams get knocked out of the playoffs early. Is it wrong to root against Kelowna and Calgary for my own selfish reasons? And if it were wrong, do you really think that would stop me? Pfft.