Prospects of the Week 3/9-3/15
By Max Marko
The following is a collection of prospects that had the most outstanding week out of their respective leagues.
OHL
Sep 25, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (63) and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ryan Stanton (18) battle for the puck during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bennett recently returned from a shoulder surgery that had an option for a surgery, which Bennett opted for. He has been unstoppable since coming back into action this February. He has played in 9 games and has amassed 11 goals and 10 assists.
This past week Bennett was the go-to guy for the Frontenacs during the three-game span. In total, Bennett finished the week with 6 goals and 3 assists. He had a hat-trick on Saturday in Kingston’s 6-0 win over the North Bay Battalion and acquired 1st star in Tuesday and Saturday’s games.
QMJHL
Courtesy: WHL Images
Louick Marcotte is an undrafted free agent who is playing in the QMJHL for the Gatineau Olympiques. Born in 1994, Marcotte was eligible for the NHL Entry Draft in 2012. This is Marcotte’s 2nd year in the QMJHL and he has been decent. He was a 40+ goal scorer and reached 100 points in 67 games last year for the Val-d’Or Foreurs. This year he is oh-so-close to 40 goals with 35 and it is impossible to reach 100 points again as he sits at 74 with 2 games left.
The Quebec native has still done a swell job for the Olympiques this season. This past week was a perfect microcosm of what Marcotte can bring to a team on game-day. In just two games, Marcotte collected 3 goals and 6 assists. On Friday, Marcotte had a goal and 2 assists to earn 1st star in a 5-2 win against the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Then on Sunday, Marcotte had a career-high six-point night (2 goals, 4 assists) in Gatineau’s 9-5 win over Victoriaville.
WHL
Oliver Bjorkstrand – Columbus Blue Jackets
Sep 17, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (10) and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand (65) battle for the puck during the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Sabres won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Oliver Bjorkstrand can’t stop scoring goals for the Portland Winterhawks. After breaking the team record for consecutive game with a goal, Bjorkstrand is still putting the puck in the back of the net. He wasted no time getting back on track after a goal-less game 2 weeks ago. In 4 games this past week, Bjorkstrand tallied 5 goals and 6 assists.
Wednesday Bjorkstrand had 2 goals in a win against the Everett Silvertips. After a night off Bjorkstrand and the Winterhawks had three straight games. Friday Bjorkstrand scored one goal and was unable to help the team overcome the Spokane Chiefs as they lost 5-3. He would come right back on Saturday with 1 goal and 2 assists against the Prince George Cougars, but the Winterhawks would lose in the shootout 6-5. In the Winterhawks’ final game of the week, Bjorkstrand saved his best for last. He had a 5 point night including 4 assists and a goal.
AHL
Nick Cousins – Philadelphia Flyers
Sep 16, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Nick Cousins (52) carries the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Greg McKegg (39) chases during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The AHL named Nick Cousins the AHL/CCM Player of the Week on Monday. Cousins is a former 3rd round pick in the 2o11 draft and is playing his 4th season with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (formerly known as the Adirondack Phantoms).
Cousins played in three games last week and had 4 goals and 2 assists. On Wednesday, Cousins had a hat-trick and an assist against the Toronto Marlies in a 4-3 win. In the team’s next game, Cousins would not register a point, but the Phantoms beat the Providence Bruins in a shootout 2-1. In his final game on Saturday, Cousins recorded the Phantoms 1st goal of the game and assisted on the 3rd goal in a 4-2 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
His performance earned him a call-up to the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers. This is Cousins first call-up of the season and he will look to see his first career NHL shift.