Prospect Pulse: Ben Blood

In addition to having a very hockey name, Ben Blood also possesses a strong hockey acumen. A strong defensive prospect, this Senators prospect is currently playing in the USHL for the Des Moines Buccaneers. Drafted 120th overall in 2007, Blood will play the current season in Des Moines before moving on the University of North Dakota.

Strong on his skates and sound positionally, Blood is a calm presence on the blue line. As such, he is used extensively on specialty teams. Offensively, Blood has a cannon of a shot that he is able to unload quickly. He distributes the puck well and can be used as a shooter. In his own zone, Blood is able to clear the front of the net effectively and uses his strong positional play to angle off opponents. Though Blood could use his 6’3, 215 lb frame a little more, but this is a minor flaw in his game.

Scouts also note that while Blood lacks a little quickness and lateral movement, he more than makes up for it with his overall game. In watching him last weekend, I did not notice any deficiencies in the speed department. The game was very up tempo and he was right in the thick of it at all times. In addition to his hockey skill, Blood is said to be an excellent communicator and projects to be a future captain.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Blues have signed free agent Mike Johnson.

-Deliberations in the Rob Ramage trial have been delayed.

–Ron Francis has been named Assistant GM in Carolina.

–James Sheppard his waiting on immigration paperwork in St.Paul.

-Check out Craig MacTavish‘s comments about Brian Burke at TSN Broadband.

-The Sharks open the season on the road at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

-A preview of the CCHA, featuring national champion Michigan State.

–Jeff Gordon profiles 10 High Profile Free Agents in the NHL.

–Alan Ryder with some unsolicited advice for NHL coaches.

-86 Players in the NHL will make more than $4 million this year.

–Kristian Huselius feels he can have another stellar year offensively.

-Montreal’s power-play moves along despite Sheldon Souray’s absence.

-The Boston Globe highlights their three picks for who is most likely to be traded.

–Taking Note with a look at the WHL’s Western Teams.

-Evan Grossman writes that there is no end in sight to the career of Niklas Lidstrom.

–DJ Gallo provides a crash course in the NHL for the uneducated.

–Victor Chi weighs in on the developing Oilers-Ducks feud.

–Sidney Crosby tells Reebok to fix the jerseys.

–Alan Muir of SI with 19 predictions.

–Brad Ziemer wonders how Alain Vigneault will improve upon last season.

–Martin Havlat learning to dive by playing soccer.

–Radulov to start the season on the 3rd line in Nashville. This should help draw fans.

–Sabremetrics comes to hockey.

–Tim Cronin notes that the Blackhawks can silence critics with a quick start.

–Dwayne Roloson says having a competent backup won’t change his gameplan. Maybe not, but it could change his address. If the Oiler falter, look for Roloson to go to a contender at the deadline.

–Daniel Briere says he is ready to earn his keep in Philadelphia.

–Tom Gilbert knows he has to play consistently to stay in the NHL.

–Paul Maurice is keeping his goalie moves a secret.

-The Leafs assign Kronwall to the Marlies.

-Interesting article on Phil Esposito.

–Kevin Paul Dupont looks at the evolution of hockey coaches.

–Scotia Bank becomes the official Canadian bank of the NHL. I guess RBC couldn’t afford it.

-A Rangers cheerleader files a sex harassment suit against MSG.

-An injury will keep Toews out of the lineup for the Hawks tonight.

-The Penguins name a trio of alternate captains.

-Is a goaltending controversy brewing in LA?

–Stephen Weiss and Bryan Allen get “A”‘s in Florida.

–Three things that the Bruins can do to make the playoffs. This article ignores the fact that the Bruins need to be in the top 8 in the east, point-wise, to make the playoffs.

-Is the Lightning’s window to win closing?

–Black Dog Hates Skunks is not impressed with recent Kevin Lowe quotes.

-A look at the top young guys from around the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Kyle Kosior