Kaip, a 9th round selection of the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, will never be a Calder candidate nor will he be found at the top of the league scoring race. In any league. However, this is the type of player every team needs to win.
A product of Saskatchewan who played junior hockey with the Hounds of Notre Dame, Kaip is now entering his senior year with the University of North Dakota. The 3rd line center on a deep team, Kaip is the captain this year and plays a very strong defensive game with a knack for scoring goals when the team needs it most.
Kaip is a high energy player that can shut down other team’s top lines, create chances off the forecheck and provide up tempo shifts. He can and will play a physical game and is adept at blocking shots. As such, he sees a lot of time on the penalty kill, where his skill in the face-0ff circle is evident.
If Kaip can add a little more offense to his game, he could very well turn out to be a serviceable NHL player in the Marty Reasoner/Jim Dowd type of role.
News You Can Use Late in the Day:
–Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in the CHL.
-The Oilers look to go 3-0 in Motown tonight.
–Larry Brooks notes that Doug MacLean’s bid to buy the Tampa Bay Lightning has hit some snags.
–Chris Higgins continues his strong play for the Canadiens.
–Jeff Tambellini recalled on an emergency basis by the New York Islanders.
–Rocky Wirtz may put Blackhawks games back on television.
–Larry Brooks notes that Marcel Hossa will draw in for Sean Avery. Also notice that Paul Mara has apparently played his way into the doghouse.
–Mike van Ryn has also fallen into disfavor with Jacques Lemaire.
–Mark Recchi, Daryl Sydor and Jarome Iginla are closing in on their deal to buy the Kamloops Blazers.
-Bluejackets’ prospect Jakub Voracek has 7 points in two games since returning to Halifax.
-Al Strachan writes that he won’t be surprised if the NHL expands to Europe.
-A Q and A with Capitals rookie Nicklas Backstrom.
–Bob Owen, a defenseman with the 1960 American Olympic Hockey team was killed in a car crash.
–Fanhouse with a look the early season surprises in the NHL.
–Scott Burnside of ESPN on the same subject.
–Mike Brophy blames the Ducks’ early season woes on having to sit through other team’s opening ceremonies. My heart bleeds for them.
–Joe Sakic moves past Phil Esposito on the all-time scoring list.
–Darren Eliot previews the week ahead in the NHL.
-The Oilers hope Andrew Cogliano can follow Paul Stastny’s lead.
–Don Cherry feels vindicated by Martin Gerber‘s recent play.
–Scott Cruickshank feels the Flames are being too passive.
–Randy Sportak feels that Leafs’ fans need to chill.
-The Leafs feel their good size on the PK is making a difference.
–Jack Todd writes that dynasties are long gone from the NHL.
-Plenty of reason for the Senators hot start.
-The Leafs will pair Ian White with Bryan McCabe.
–Olaf Kolzig shuts down the Islanders as the Capitals run their record to 3-0.
–Stan Fischler calls out the Rangers Colton Orr.
–Adam Proteau with his season predictions.
-The Phoenix Coyotes claim Freddy Meyer off the waiver wire.
–Battle of California with a very funny take on the Kings’ Saturday night woes.
–Wes Goldstein’s NHL Power Rankings.
-An interview with Brent Burns of the Minnesota Wild.
-The New York Times with a story on the Zamboni. I though they just made things up on slow news days?
–Matt Kalman with his take on the Bruins.
-Notes from the LA Kings practice.
–Andre Roy wants more ice time in Tampa Bay.
-The Daily Roundup from The Score.
–Ken Campbell of the Hockey News with his reason’s to be thankful. Note Brent Sutter’s quote on checking lines. Very radical stuff in today’s NHL.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Kyle Kosior
