NHL Prospect Watch -- Pacific Division

[Commish Bub(NYR)]

[Thanks for the write-ups so far]

Anaheim Ducks
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Los Angeles Kings
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Phoenix Coyotes
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San Jose Sharks
Name: Logan Couture
Acquired: SJ 1st round 2007, 9th overall
Position/Projection: LW/C, checking/power forward
Report: Couture is already pretty much an NHL regular, and projects to be a top 6 power forward with great defensive skills and a bit of the old "face-pounding" ability as well. He should be a fan favorite and a possible Selke candidate down the line. Nine points and 75 pim in 35 games with the Sharks; 26 points in 26 games with Worcester.

Name: Derek Joslin
Acquired: SJ 5th round 2005, 149th overall
Position/Projection: Steady 2nd/3rd pair D
Report: Joslin earned his spot in the NHL following Rob Blake's departure. He's a solid two-way defenseman with no major strengths but no real flaws either. Should be a 2nd/3rd pairing guy playing in all situations. Joslin has 15 games with the Sharks thus far, and went 4-12-16 in 36 games in Worcester as well.

Name: Alex Grant
Acquired: Trade with PIT (PIT 4th round 2007, 118th overall)
Position/Projection: 5/6 D
Report: Very similar player to Derek Joslin, but weighted a little more to the defensive side. Is nearly NHL-ready, especially as he gets stronger and builds up his physical game. Could also be future captain material. Has 21 points in the AHL, between Wilkes-Barre and Worcester. Also saw one game with the Penguins.

Name: Nick Petrecki
Acquired: SJ 1st round 2007, 28th overall
Position/Projection: 5/6 physical D
Report: A big, physical defenseman, in the mold of Doug Murray but with more offensive upside. Already has the toughness and grit to play in the big leagues, but might need another season of refinement to finally stick. Can skate well for his size, but may be too penalty-prone in the end. In 53 games in Worcester, has gone 4-5-9 with 38 pim.

Name: Patrick White
Acquired: UFA (VAN 1st round 2007, 25th overall)
Position/Projection: 4th line two-way forward, C/LW
Report: White could be labeled a flop, since he was a first-round pick who hasn't measured up to lofty early standards. He still has some value as a 4th line checker, able to kill penalties, win faceoffs, and contribute some offense. Like most prospects, he needs to get stronger, and could play with more consistent effort. Has six points with Worcester this season.

Best of the rest:
C Justin Donati -- Already 23, but could be a late bloomer with some two-way skills
D Samuel Groulx -- A big shot and a slick passing stick, but not much else
G Sexsmith, Stalock, Sateri -- Three-headed prospect monster, one of these should make it as a quality backup

[SharksGM]

Hey, don't blame White for being drafted so high, that was Vancouver's fault. Actually I think he came over for Ehrhoff and Lukowich as a salary dump, with the resulting cap space subsequently spent on Kent Huskins