Prospect Pulse: Nico Sachetti

Nico Sacchetti, the 50th overall pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a native of Virginia, Minnesota. While playing in the Iron Range, Sacchetti scored an astounding 90 points in 25 high school games his senior year. After also representing the United States at the World Under-18 championships (4 gp, 1-1-2), he graduated to the USHL. Sacchetti, who will suit up for the Omaha Lancers, is a good skater who plays bigger than his 5’11, 189 lb frame.

In the games I witnessed, it was clear that he possesses an abundance of skill and hockey sense. He also seems to be blessed with a number of intangible qualities that should make him a prized prospect. He will play in traffic, he competes hard and he sees the ice very well. I saw him dominate down low on a powerplay for nearly the full two minutes, and the puck seems to follow him around.

There is precious little information about Sacchetti on the internet, but it looks like the future Minnesota Golden Gopher will be a good one. Watch for him in the WCHA next year.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

–Andrew Raycroft will get the start tonight for the Buds.

-A 16 year old hockey player from St.Louis has collapsed and died during a practice.

-A season preview for the Binghamton Senators.

–Craig Leopold will have to search for another buyer, as the Preds’ deal is expected to collapse.

-The Vancouver Canucks claim defenseman Mike Weaver off the waiver wire.

-The wife of former NHL’er Emile Francis is found alive.

–Eric Duhatschek answers some pressing questions.

-The Bruins have made it official by signing veteran forward Glen Metropolit.

–Stephen Brunt reports on the haves and the have-nots of the hockey world.

-The Regina Pats pick up talented forward Tim Kraus from the Vancouver Giants.

-The St. Louis Blues have demoted Petr Cajanek to Peoria and are expected to sign Mike Johnson.

-The Columbus Blue Jackets placed Kris Beech on waivers.

–Hockey Rants has some interesting discussion on the impending collapse of the Predators’ sale.

–On Frozen Blog with a point form season preview.

–Damien Cox wonders whether the Hawks or the Leafs will have a longer streak of futility.

-In news only my wife cares about, Kelli Pickler has dumped Jordin Tootoo. Apparently he was tootoo timing her.

–nhl.com gets a new look.

–Michael Farber with a look around the league.

–Season opening rosters for all 30 NHL teams.

-The National Post with 15 Questions about the NHL Season. This is a huge improvement over the usual 10.

–Mike Zeisberger compares the Leafs to a soap opera.

–Burke still angry with the Oilers. I realize this has been posted and discussed already, but I feel Burke really needs to let this one go. Its over, you have your draft picks and you have made your point already. Letting this get in the way of your job is doing a disservice to your team.

-The BlueJackets feel they are a playoff team. Yeah, and I feel that my wife should make me cookies every day. Doesn’t mean its going to happen.

-Leaf’s broadcaster Joe Bowen to be honoured for 25 years of service.

–11 Stories to watch in the NHL this year. Note that there are apparently attendance problems in Detroit this year.

-The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Jesse Boulerice and Jim Dowd.

-The Minnesota Wild get no respect.

–David Branch discusses the OHL’s new penalty designed to limit shots to the head.

–One lawyer accuses another of lying in the Canucks saga.

-A preview of the Montreal Canadiens.

-A good mix of youth and experience on Canada’s Women’s hockey roster.

–Rob Rossi notes that the Penguins are built for long term success.

–Tom Powers hopes that the Wild bring relief for suffering Minnesota sports fans.

-Chuck Kobasew is hoping to stick on the 2nd line with Sturm and Bergeron.

–Chris Gratton hopes a contact lens will allow him to play in the season opener.

-The Boston Herald notes that no fan fare accompanied the decision to keep Milan Lucic.

–Wes Walz looks to get time on the top line. Only on Jacques Lemaire’s team…

-The season preview from the New York Times.

–Craig Custance wonders which rookie will make the biggest impact in Atlanta.

–BREAKING NEWS: The Senators have signed Dany Heatley to a 6 year, $45 million extension.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Kyle Kosior