The Monday Manitoba Moose Report

Kick start your week with the Monday Manitoba Moose Report, which fills you in on the latest news about the Jets AHL farm club, as well as an occasional update on the Jets’ recent draft picks.

(1) Who is Brenden Kichton?

Have you heard the term “tweener”? It denotes a skilled player – often dominant in the minor leagues – who isn’t able to stick in the NHL. They may be a frequent call-up option for their NHL team, even sticking for a large part of a season on weaker teams, or if injuries strike, but typically they aren’t given the chance to be an every-day player.

Usually the main cause of this affliction is a lack of size – small forwards like Keith Aucoin, Darren Haydar, Chris Bourque, Martin St. Pierre, Corey Locke, come to mind – though in other cases, skating is more the issue.  (Alexandre Giroux, Jeff Taffe, Kyle Greentree, etc.) The tweener concept is more established for a forward, but it can also apply to a defenceman.

Meet Brenden Kichton: a dominant player in junior hockey, Kichton led all WHL defencemen in points for 3 straight years from 2011-2013, led his team in scoring in each of his last two seasons, and was named the top defenceman in the WHL in 2013. While the New York Islanders drafted him in 2011, they chose not to sign him to an NHL contract, so he went back into the draft and was taken by the Jets in the 7th round in 2013. He turned pro and immediately became an AHL all-star in his rookie season in St. John’s, putting up 48 points in 76 games in 2013-14. Now in his third AHL season, he’s lead the Moose in scoring for much of the year. (Though he was recently overtaken by J.C Lipon.) What does the future hold for Brenden Kichton? Does he fit the dreaded “tweener” mould?

Despite his considerable skill, Kichton shows some of the signs of being a career minor-leaguer. At age 23, he’s never been called up to the NHL, instead being passed over by larger defenders like Ben Chiarot and Julian Melchiori. Whereas current teammates like Josh Morrissey and Jay Harrison stuck around late in Jets training camp this year, Kichton was, and has always been an early cut, which must be a little frustrating given that he has outplayed each of them this season for the Moose. At 5’10, 185, it’s easy to see the weakness in Kichton’s game – literally, a lack of strength. And while his skating certainly isn’t a problem, it also isn’t an asset to the degree that it is for, say, Josh Morrissey. The question is, at 23 years of age, is time running out for Brenden Kichton? Are there any other undersized defencemen who might be a model for Kichton’s style of game?

Well, in fact, there are. And here are just the ones who – like Kichton – shoot right-handed.

Dan Boyle – 5’11, 195 – undrafted

After leaving college and having a successful AHL rookie season, Boyle got a cup of coffee in the NHL at age 22, but didn’t make the NHL full-time until he was 24. He has now played over 1000 NHL games, and has 585 career points. Beyond just his skill, Boyle was a terrific skater at his peak. Probably not a good comparison for Kichton.

Brian Rafalski – 5’10, 200 – undrafted

Rafalski played 4 years in the NCAA, followed by 4 years in Sweden/Finland, and finally came  to the NHL in 1999 at the age of 26. While he was never a great skater, he used tremendous vision and hockey sense to put together a career that saw him play over 800 games, rack up over 515 points, and win 3 Stanley Cups with New Jersey and Detroit. Probably a bit of a reach to compare Kichton to a player of this level.

Marek Zidlicky – 5’11, 190 – drafted in the 6th round in 2001 (when he was already 24)

A good Czech defenceman who still plays today at the age of 38, Zidlicky played 5 years in the Czech Republic, and another 4 years in Finland before coming to the NHL at age 26. While he’s never been a two-way defenceman – or a great skater – his skill and vision have made him very effective on the powerplay. He has over 400 points in 800+ games. He represents a best-case scenario for Kichton.

Jared Spurgeon – 5’9, 175 – drafted in the 6th round in 2008

While Spurgeon was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2008, they chose not to sign him when he turned pro in 2010. Instead, he signed with Minnesota, and made the NHL almost immediately, after having played just 23 games in the AHL. While he doesn’t dominate on the powerplay like the players previously mentioned, he is extremely intelligent, a very good skater, and an excellent passer. He is also one of the very smallest defencemen in the league today. Kichton’s skill level may actually be a bit higher than Spurgeon’s, but his skating and defensive awareness are not on par at this point. Interestingly, Spurgeon was actually a teammate of Kichton’s with Spokane from 2008-2010.

Sami Vatanen – 5’10, 185 – drafted 4th round in 2009

Vatanen in a slick Finish defenceman who plays for Anaheim. After playing pro in Finland for 3 years, followed by 1 season in the AHL, he made the NHL full-time at 22, and scored 37 points in 68 games last year. He is a terrific puck-mover who leads the Ducks’ powerplay, but also takes a regular shift at even-strength. He’s very similar in size and age to Kichton, but his skill and vision are superior.

Tyson Barrie – 5’10, 190 – drafted 3rd round in 2009

Barrie is a dynamic offensive defenceman for the Colorado Avalanche. After a stellar junior career, he played about a year and a half in the AHL before making the permanent jump to the NHL at age 21. Last season, he put up 53 points, and established himself as one of the top point producers from the back-end. While Kichton and Barrie produced similar numbers in junior hockey, Barrie’s skating is on a whole other level.

Other examples of small, offensive NHL defenders are Ryan Ellis – (5’9, 190), and Ryan Murphy (5’11, 185) – both of whom were 1st round picks, and took a quick route to the NHL (Ellis at 21, Murphy at just 19). Additionally, there are several small, left-handed shooting, offensive defenceman, like Torey Krug, Alex Goligoski, Kris Russell, John-Michael Liles, and of course, Winnipeg’s Tobias Enstrom. (Lubomir Visnovsky is another, though he finished his NHL career last season).

In terms of skill set, most of the defencemen listed above are better skaters than Kichton. The main exceptions are Rafalski and Zidlicky, and while those players certainly accomplished a lot, they may be the best comparables in terms of skill set and career progression, as neither of them made the NHL till they were 26.

With the Jets carrying 8 defencemen, and with Jay Harrison and Josh Morrissey seemingly ahead of Kichton on the depth chart, it’s unlikely that Kichton will see NHL action this year. However, the good news for Kichton is that, of the 14 players mentioned above, 6 of them started their NHL careers in the past 4 years. (Spurgeon, Vatanen, Barrie, Ellis, Murphy, and Krug). It’s no coincidence – as league scoring has decreased, skill has become an even more precious commodity. And maybe that affords an opportunity for a player like Brenden Kichton.

(2) Manitoba Moose Results

The Moose played two games last week, and fell twice to Lake Erie – 4-2, and 4-1. They are now 0-4 against Columbus’ farm club. The Moose were outshot 43-25 in game 1, and were out of the game early, as they got down 3-0 halfway through the game. They managed to score first in game 2, but then allowed 4 straight goals and were again outshot, this time 31-25.

If there is a silver lining, it’s that some of the Moose’s top forward prospects are starting to produce consistently – Nic Petan had 2 assists, Chase de Leo had 1g, 1a, and J.C Lipon had 1g, 2a, and now leads the Moose in scoring with 6g, 5a, 11p, in 17gp. After being one of the last Jets cuts in training camp, the organization must be pleased with Lipon’s play so far, particularly of late – he has 5 goals and 3 assists in 9 games in November. The Moose also got some good news on the injury front, with captain John Albert and defenceman Jay Harrison returning to the lineup, and Kelly Zajac making his Moose debut.

The Moose currently sit second last in the AHL with a record of 4-11-1-1, and continue their road trip with 4 games this week. They’ll be facing tough competition, as they play Milwaukee, Chicago, and Toronto (twice) – these teams have a combined record of 37-16-3-1. Toronto in particular will be tough, as they have one of the best offences in the league – they’re 2nd in the AHL with 80 goals scored, and boast the AHL’s leading scorer, 19-year-old William Nylander.

(3) Amateur Prospects Update

In case you didn’t hear, the Jets had a very strong draft again in 2015. Here’s an update on the top-5 recent draftees – all of whom are playing in the WHL, or the NCAA:

Kyle Connor – 1st round, 17th overall in 2015 – 18 years of age

Connor was the Jets’ first pick, 17th overall this past summer. He’s a dynamic winger, with speed, skill, finishing ability, and a frame which he’ll fill out as he matures. (Currently about 6’1, 180). He’s playing at the University of Michigan, a familiar spot for Jets prospects, as recent alumni include Andrew Copp, and Jacob Trouba. In his Freshman year,  Connor is off to a solid start, with 5 goals and 7 assists in 11 games, tying him with Cooper Marody (a Philadelphia draft pick) for the team lead in scoring.

Keep an eye on the World Junior rosters, as Connor has a good chance to play for the US this Christmas.

Jack Roslovic – 1st round, 25th overall in 2015 – 18 years of age

While he was a bit of a surprise pick by the Jets – most scouts (who share their lists publicly) had him going in the 2nd round – Roslovic has been a very pleasant surprise so far. With 8 goals and 7 assists in 14 games at Miami University (Ohio), Roslovic is not only leading his team in scoring by 5 points, but he’s 5th in scoring among NCAA Freshmen. He’s not being carried by a linemate either – his most notable teammate is Anthony Louis, an undersized Chicago prospect who was drafted in the 6th round in 2013 and played a minor role for the US at the World Juniors last year.

Based on his history with the US Development Program (US Under-18 Team), Roslovic is likely to play for the US at the World Juniors. His linemates last season were Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews – both of whom are locks to make the team (assuming Matthews is healthy, and his Swiss team will let him go).

Jansen Harkins – 2nd round, 47th overall – 18 years of age

Harkins has had a disappointing start to the year with the Prince George Cougars (WHL). With 5 goals and 11 assists in 21 games, he has seemingly regressed from last season, where he put up 79 points in 70 games. Furthermore, whereas last year he led his team in scoring, he currently sits just 4th on the team, behind players who were drafted below him (if they were drafted at all). He also wasn’t invited to Canada’s World Junior development camp this summer, and after this start, it’s unlikely that he’ll be invited to the selection camp. (Canada’s Selection Camp roster is to be announced tomorrow). All that said, 21 games is a small sample, so there is still ample time for Harkins to develop into the middle-6 forward he’s projected to be.

Michael Spacek – 4th round, 108th overall – 18 years of age

Given his draft position, Spacek has been somewhat of a revelation for the Jets thus far. He has 10 goals and 19 assists in 27 games for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, putting him second in team scoring. (Though teammate Ivan Nikolishin has 11 more points). He’s also third in scoring among all WHL rookies, sitting just 1 point behind Egor Babenko and Noah Gregor. Spacek is a skilled winger, with good hands, a quick release, and good offensive instincts. Though he has a smallish frame (5’11, 185), his skating is good, and has room to improve as his legs get stronger. Watch for him at the World Juniors, as he’s likely to play for the Czech Republic.

Mason Appleton – 6th round, 168th overall in 2015 – 19 years of age

Appleton has been another pleasant surprise for the Jets. A late pick in 2015, Appleton had a fairly pedestrian season last year in the USHL, with just 40 points in 54 games. But consider that a year prior, he was playing High School hockey, and had passed through the draft altogether! He’s had a great start to his NCAA career, with 12 points in 12 games, sitting just 1 point back of the team lead. He has a big frame at 6’2, 195, and while he is more of a playmaker, he goes hard to the net and can finish off plays as well. It’s a small sample, but Appleton has improved his stock tremendously in the past year, and might qualify as a late bloomer.