Teddy Purcell, a Newfoundlander, a graduate of SJHL’s Notre Dame Hounds as well as the USHL’s Cedar Rapids Roughriders, is a LA Kings prospect who figures to start the season in Manchester of the AHL. A lanky, playmaking center, Purcell put up 43 points in 40 games with the Maine Black Bears as a freshman.
At 6’2, 175 pounds, Purcell still needs to add some muscle to his frame to adapt to the pro game. Last season, he showed a willingness to improve his all around game and made great strides with his shot and acceleration. He has stated that he wants to increase his size and strength so that he can continue to develop at the pro level.
An undrafted player, Purcell so impressed the Kings with his talent that they persuaded him to leave college after only one year. Purcell was pursued by about a dozen NHL teams, but chose Los Angeles because he grew up idolizing Luc Robitaille. The Kings feel he possesses Top-6 talent and can contribute offensively after some seasoning in the minors. A solid contributor at every level he has played at, Purcell will be thrust into a scoring role in the American League this season.
News You Can Use Late in the Day:
-The Islanders signed defenseman Radek Martinek to a three-year extension today.
-The Flyers are optimistic after an opening night win.
–Burnside and Cox discuss the Devils playoff hopes in Friday Face-off.
–Teppo Numminen has returned to Buffalo to rehab.
–Ryan Shannon excited to start life as a Canuck.
-A look at the WCHA.
–Don Cherry disagrees with Burke, does not envision the Oilers in the sewer.
–Jose Theodore to make a rehab start in the American League tonight.
-The Sioux Falls Stampede welcomes a local product to the team.
-A preview of the Philadelphia Phantoms.
–Cape Breton Screaming Eagles‘ coach gets a two-game suspension for jumping on the ice.
-Hockey’s Future previews the QMJHL.
-A look at the Sabres‘ AHL prospects.
–Rocky Wirtz is now in control of the Blackhawks.
-In the bottom story of the day, no news from Scott Niedermayer.
-Prospects to watch in the WHL.
–Alain Vigneault says he will spare no feelings in Vancouver.
–Fanhouse wonders if the Roberto Luongo deal is the worst trade in hockey.
–Shea Weber out with a dislocated kneecap.
–Leafs are looking to knock off the Habs for their first win.
-The Oilers will apparently bring up Brian Burke’s outburst to Gary Bettman. I say let it go. The NHL needs some press in the US right now.
-Speaking of Bettman, he promises to make the NHL All-Star Game interactive. Good deal, I would like to play Left Wing please.
-An Interview with Sean Simpson.
-A story about Torrey Mitchell’s road to the NHL.
–Interesting story about a trainer taking every precaution to prevent player deaths.
-Varsity hockey returns to Carleton University.
-Dan Barnes surmises that JF Jacques may be on the trading block. How are they going to replace his 3 minutes a night?
-The daily roundup from the Score. Note that Mike Peca doesn’t figure to dress for the Blue Jackets.
-Some predictions from Hockey Rants.
-The Bruins focusing on special teams going into the season.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Kyle Kosior
