HockeyFarm favourites: A list of AHL impact players

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Okay, this is one I've been working on for a few weeks. I asked 10 NHL/AHL coaches/executives which AHLers are ready to "make an impact" in the big league this year.

A few guys responded quickly, others wanted to see a few games, others were really busy and needed time.

Here's what they came back, with comments included.

THE FIVE-STAR LOCKS

These players are considered "can't miss." They were mentioned by everybody who responded.

P.K. Subban (Montreal): Not exactly a shocker. Several referred to him as "The best player in the AHL last season"...'Has size and skill and knows where to be defensively." There was only one complaint and, interestingly, it used to be a major criticism of Dion Phaneuf in Calgary. "He likes to talk but rarely [never] backs it up." He's certainly vocal.

Jonathan Bernier (Los Angeles): After Subban, the most votes for being "the best"..."He is everything I'd want in a goalie"..."He will be challenging Jonathan Quick for No. 1." When I pointed out the Kings were saying Bernier had to make the team first, the exec laughed: "They have to say that."

Logan Couture (San Jose): 15 playoff games for the Sharks and showed why everyone polled basically said, "He's ready." When I mentioned this to San Jose GM Doug Wilson, he replied, "We thought he was the best forward in the AHL last year." There was a split between Couture and our next player for that honour, but there is no doubt some very smart hockey people like his game.

Tyler Ennis (Buffalo): Ennis played 16 NHL games last season, including all six of Buffalo's in the playoffs. "Great skill," was the typical quote, but one in particular stood out. "He's special. May be a little guy, but is totally unafraid to take the puck into hard areas. For the small player, the greatest comparison is Theo Fleury. There is some Fleury in Tyler Ennis."

John Carlson (Washington): "He was an NHL defenceman during the [AHL] playoffs."

PROBABLY SHOULDN'T COUNT, BUT THE QUOTES ARE GOOD, SO WHAT THE HECK

Jamie Benn (Dallas): He played all 82 games for the Stars, then was sent down for 24 more in the AHL playoffs. Check out this scouting report: "It was like a man against boys. He is so smart. Looks lazy, but conserves his energy. Like the old Walter Gretzky story, he's always heading where the puck is going to go both on offence and defence." (For those of you unfamiliar with the Gretzky tale, Walter told Wayne as a child to go where the puck is going instead of where it is now.)

Jordan Eberle (Edmonton): 20 AHL games in the last two seasons. "If there are seven guys in front of the net battling for the puck, he's the one who is going to end up with it and score."

THE NEXT TIER

Karl Alzner (Washington): "A little more one-dimensional than Carlson, but a good shutdown guy, though."

Cory Schneider (Vancouver): "Has paid his dues and now is ready to take the next step. He is athletic and very hard to rattle. Has a very calm and confident approach to the game. Simply, he stops pucks"..."He's got a difficult job now, backing up [Roberto] Luongo. But, down the road, he'll be the right guy for someone."

Kyle Turris (Phoenix): As I write this, in a real battle to make the Coyotes roster. But he has a lot of fans. "He's pushing the line; ready"..."He was really good against us"... "Physically better; I'd bet Phoenix wishes they did this two years ago."

Mikkel Boedker (Phoenix): Honestly, not a lot of comments about him aside from "good year," but was included on a lot of ballots.

(Editor's note: The Coyotes sent Boedker down to begin the season in the AHL on Thursday.)

MIXED RESULTS

Lars Eller (Montreal). The good: "Very smart, good puck mover, deceptive skater"..."Has great skill and it might be better for him on the wing." The big debate about Eller is, "Where is he going to play?"..."It'll be easier for him to make the transition as a winger because the D-zone responsibilities aren't as difficult." One AHL coach raved about him, while another said, "He's definitely a Top 9 forward. Are his skills good enough to be Top 6? Not sure."
 
Jack Skille (Chicago): "Like him, but I don't know Chicago's plan"..."The jury's still out. I'm trying to figure him out"..."Does he do enough things well to be make an impact? [He'll] struggle to be a Top 6 player."

Mikael Backlund (Calgary), Nathan Gerbe (Buffalo) and Michal Neuvirth (Washington): It's not that anyone said anything overly negative about any of these players. What surprised me was Backlund/Neuvirth being named on just two ballots and Gerbe one. Pro-Backlund: "He's got a great shot there. He's a good player and they need to start putting in young guys." On Gerbe: Like Ennis, "On the smaller side but fast and skilled and plays with a little edge. Buffalo has never had a problem employing small forwards. Maybe [he] can take the next step." As for Neuvirth, one NHL assistant GM said it was my question that hurt his case. "How much is he going to play? If Varlamov is the guy, he can't make a big impact. And what happens if Washington goes out and gets a veteran?" But he is not considered to be in the same class as Bernier.
 
Michael Grabner (Florida): Acquired in the Keith Ballard deal. Only received one vote, but it was from a highly respected evaluator. "You're asking for people who will make an impact. Well, Florida may give him a chance to do that. That's why I included him."

Alexandre Giroux (Edmonton): On the Oilers' bubble, named on just one ballot. But the coach clearly put some effort into it: "He will be an interesting guy to watch to see if he can finally make it. Big and can score. He is one of those guys who can shoot the puck, knows where to find the holes and the puck follows him around the ice. His knock is skating, age and the perception that he is lazy but I wouldn't count him out just yet."

NOT READY YET

Jordan Schroeder (Vancouver): "He will be a dynamic player, but is not ready yet. He needs to get to Ennis' level."

Jonathon Blum (Nashville): Sent down earlier this week. But the Predators remain very high on him, as well they should. High-quality person compared favourably to Paul Martin.

Matt Calvert (Columbus): One AHL GM called Calvert a "sleeper player." Well, he didn't wake up enough during training camp. After his demotion, Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel told The Columbus Post-Dispatch: "We said coming in that [prospects] had to upset someone to win a spot. I don't think Matt outright beat someone for a spot." Turns 21 in December, so there's still time.

STOCK RISING

Brandon Mashinter (San Jose): Sent down this week, but he's impressive. "I don't know what role he's going to have, but he can play. Big, tough and good."

T.J. Brodie (Calgary): The only reason he wouldn't make it - all those guaranteed contracts on the Flames blue-line.

Eric Tangradi (Pittsburgh): "Big, strong kid. And they are very high on him." I miss his Twitter trivia contests.

Ryan White (Montreal). May not win your hockey pool, but he's getting noticed.

Brendan Smith (Detroit): An AHL GM ignored the "this season" component of my question, making sure to mention Smith, even though it's likely the 2007 first-rounder will play in Grand Rapids. "He is a really good player."

CAP CASUALTIES

Zach Hamill (Boston): "He's a good young player. Only reason he was sent down is cap."

Luca Caputi (Toronto): Could stick, but tight cap figure probably puts him with Marlies. May never be a big scorer, but a real presence along the boards.

A CATEGORY ALL TO HIMSELF

Kevin Westgarth (Los Angeles): 180 PIM last season. "For that role [enforcer], he answers your question. He will make an impact there."

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