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2013 Draft Prospect Profile #19: Ryan Hartman

2013-06-18T17:00:06Z

Ryan Hartman

Position: Right Wing
Team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: September 20th, 1994
Place of Birth: West Dundee, Illinois
Ht: 511" Wt: 187lbs
Shoots: Right

I first took notice of Hartman at the World Juniors, where he stood out to me as a rough-and-tumble forward who could chip in with a little bit of scoring. I really started to like this kid at the Top Prospects Game in Halifax in January. Moments into the game he absolutely rocked Laurent Dauphin, bringing the crowd to its feet. He went on to dish out more hits, and showed that he could be dangerous around the net.

Scouting Reports:

A budding power-forward type, Hartman doesn't shy away from any physical aspects despite his size. With his physicality also comes the willingness to drive to the net, go hard into the corners and push the forecheck. Complimenting that is his scoring touch, leaving his game with few weaknesses.
- Future Considerations

Hartman is a do-it-all type player who can provide significant two-way value despite being a tad undersized, at around 5'11". He is smart, and he makes creative plays in both puck handling and passing. He is a very aware defensive player, as he makes great reads, and he will provide value in his own end at both even strength and the penalty kill. Hartman is a hard worker, which adds to his defensive value. On the forecheck, he can deliver good pressure, and the occasional big hit. He has decent, if not solid speed. He lacks the blazing top gear that a player with below-average size would optimally possess, but his skating is acceptable. Hartman will create from the perimeter, drive the net, and play tough defensive situations. He does not have a ton of upside, but he projects as an above-average regular. He can play center or wing, a versatile bonus for the Whaler forward.
- Hockey Prospectus

Led the USA-NTP U-17 team in scoring last season. A physical-style player who already understands the nuances of both offensive and defensive coverages, and leads by example. He shows plenty of promise to climb up the scouting lists, because he plays an ultra aggressive style fits NHL playoff style hockey, despite being under six foot. He pressures the opposition in plenty of ways, including those they don't like. Extremely smart and reads the on-ice situations, and will know when to drive the front, when to shoot, and the spot where to get open. Despite descriptions by many as not fast and under-sized, he has exceptional small area quickness in stop and starts and is a strong penalty killer. He can slide back to center ice if needed, and can play all three forward positions with grit, nasty and enough sandpaper that he can a disruptive force in all three zones.
- Bill Placzek, Draft Site

Very versatile player who can play wing or center. He knows how to play but one way; whatever it takes to win! He competes, has an edge, can be chippy and dirty but he plays within the confines of discipline. He will target 'key' players on the opposition side. He's smart with the puck, can make very good plays and has confidence with the puck. He will drive net with or without puck and he pays a price to play. Good skater who has very good 'game awareness' as to what needs to happen to help his team win. Overall, a player who is no fun to play against!
- Craig Button, TSN

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

I see him as the perfect player to suit up on the third line of the future with Boone Jenner as his centerman. The duo has the energy, drive, physicality and offensive ability to play a defensive role and provide tertiary scoring. He'll be a fan favorite wherever he ends up, and I'm hoping it's in Columbus.

Hartman in Action:

KNEEL BEFORE BOB - Sergei Bobrovsky Wins Vezina Trophy

2013-06-15T23:24:17Z

The National Hockey League has confirmed what fans around Columbus have believed all season: Sergei Bobrovsky was the best goaltender in the NHL.

Admittedly, a lot of people will complain about the shortened season skewing the polls, and there are strong cases that could be made for the other nominees, Henrik Lundqvist and Antti Niemi, but today, it's all Bob.

Amazingly, it isn't just that Bob is the first Blue Jacket to ever win this honor, he's also the first Russian born goaltender to ever take home this particular piece of hardware. You have to think he's enjoying making a little NHL history today.

In 38 starts this season, Bob posted 21 wins, 11 losses, and 6 OT / SO losses, with a .932 save percentage, 2.00 GAA, and 4 shutouts. While he didn't lead the league in any category, he was top five in several, and made an obvious difference to this club. The league's general managers clearly recognized that Bob had "the total package" this season, with 17 of the 30 GMs giving him the first place vote.

With this victory announced, one has to expect that GM Jarmo Kekalainen and Bobrovsky's agent, Paul Theofanous, will finally get down to brass tacks on a contract for the restricted free agent. Here's hoping that, too, will be finished soon, though it will also come with higher expectations from both fans in Columbus and the NHL at large.

Blue Jackets Have Options with Three First Round Draft Picks

2013-06-14T12:00:07Z

Armed with thee first-round draft choices, the Jackets are in an enviable position. Scouts and experts are saying that this is the deepest draft since the legendary 2003 event, meaning should they keep all three of their top picks; they have a very good chance of coming away with a trio of excellent prospects.

There are a handful of options available to the Jackets this offseason, let's take a look at some.

Keeping the Picks

In some combination or another, Nathan MacKinnon, Seth Jones, Jonathan Drouin, Aleksander Barkov and Valeri Nichushkin should be the top five players chosen. The next group of selections are likely to see Elias Lindholm, Darnell Nurse, Hunter Shinkaruk, Ryan Pulock, Sean Monahan, Nikita Zadorov and Rasmus Ristolainen be selected. Those twelve players represent a rough consensus of the top dozen players available. If any are still on the board when Columbus picks at 14^th, serious consideration would be given to handing them a Columbus sweater. Any of the top five would be terrific selections, while of the next tier Lindholm, Pulock, Zadorov and Ristolainen are the best fits. That said, three of those players are blueliners- the deepest position in the organization.

Once you get to the next grouping of players-who fall right in the Jackets' wheelhouse with their 14^th and 19^th overall picks-things get very interesting. Players like Bo Horvat, Max Domi, Valentin Zykov, Anthony Mantha, Alexander Wennberg, Frederik Gauthier, Mirco Mueller, Shea Thedore, Kerby Rychel, Ryan Hartman and Curtis Lazar will still be around. Assuming that my top 12 are taken with the first dozen picks, the Jackets could see a situation where they have their choice of high-end scorer with the 14^th pick (Horvat, Domi, Zykov, Mantha, Wennberg), or a future shutdown center (Gauthier), a shutdown defenseman (Mueller), offensive defenseman (Theodore), or physical forward with offense (Rychel, Hartman, Lazar).

Given the lack of offensive punch in the organization they should go with the scorer at 14, and Domi or Zykov would look fantastic in union blue. With the 19^th pick, the team can more or less scoop up the leftovers. Do they choose a physical player with a dose of offense? If so, my vote is for Hartman. The kid was great at the World Juniors, and got everybody out of their seats with some big hits at the Top Prospect Game. Maybe they add to the defensive depth-Mueller's been Ryan Murray's defense partner, but I'm tempted by the offense that Theodore can provide.

The 27^th pick in most years would be a throw-away pick, but not this year. Like every team, the Jackets will have their list, and will be in a position to choose the best player available on their board. Every year there are surprise picks, and players fall for seemingly no reason, like Boone Jenner in 2011. If one of the players I listed above is still there-ideally one of the physical forwards-the Jackets would pounce all over that selection. There's a chance that Hartman or Lazar could still be available.

A first round that nets the Jackets a high end scorer like Domi or Zykov, another stud defenseman in Theodore, and a physical forward who can provide secondary scoring in Hartman would be very successful.

Trading Picks to Move Up

Another option the Jackets have is to put their eggs in one basket and trade up in the draft order. This could mean offering all three first rounders in a trade with a top-5 team, perhaps coupling together the 19^th and 27^th overall picks for a pick in the low teens, etc. There are a handful of options.

If the Columbus scouts, GM Jarmo Kekalainen and President John Davidson are absolutely smitten with one of the top five prospects, maybe they pull off a deal to move up. Apparently Nashville may be willing to deal out of the fourth spot. Though it's an option, I don't think it's a good one for the Jackets.

Something that would be more likely, and I could stand behind, would be to package the 27^th overall and the second round pick to see if a move to the mid to late teens would be possible. That would give the Jackets three of the top-20 prospects.

Trading Picks to Move Down

Often GMs will trade down in a draft, picking up additional later picks in return. You often see this when drafts aren't considered deep, or if the teams think they can get "their guy" later in the draft. Given how deep this draft is, with so many great players at the top, I think the CBJ would be wise to not trade-down. The depth of talent is there, but the talent at the front-end of the draft is just too good.

Trading the Picks for Future Talent

If Jarmo thinks he can get more value by trading a pick for an existing prospect, already with an NHL team, he'll do it. He was on the opposite side of that kind of deal while a member of the St. Louis Blues, when on draft day in 2010 the Blues traded their 2009 first rounder (David Rundblad) to Ottawa for their 2010 first rounder.

Here's a scenario- Jarmo isn't overwhelmed with who's still on the board when Columbus is ready to pick at 19^th overall. He gives Chicago a call, offering the 19^th overall pick to the ‘Hawks (who'll be picking with one of the last two spots in the first round) for their first rounder from last year (18^th overall) - Teuvo Teravainen. The draft slots have equal value, but more than that Jarmo was Teravainen's GM with Jokerit, and would be initimately familiar with his abilities.

Trading the Picks for "Now" Talent

With the Jackets falling agonizingly short of the playoffs this season, the focus isn't solely on the future, as it's been for so many years recently. The team is well-built, with a solid defense, a Vezina-caliber goaltender, and some very good players up front. Yeah, that last part, "very good"? That needs to improve. Marian Gaborik is a star, but he can't do it all. The Jackets have some very good complimentary scorers and two-way guys. Cam Atkinson and Ryan Johansen still have time to develop into premier offensive players. What the team needs now though, is another high-end scorer, and those don't come cheap.

The three first round picks though, are extremely valuable, especially to a team entering a rebuild. I'm looking at you, Buffalo.

The Sabres already have a pair of first round picks this year, and look like a team about to embark on a refresh of the roster. They have great young players already on the team like Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Cody Hodgson and Marcus Foligno. They're stocked well in the system with prospects like Mark Pysyk, Joel Armia, Mikhail Grigorenko, Jake McCabe and Zemgus Girgensons on the way. Rebuilding teams use these young players as the foundation of their next winning squad. Pricey veteran players do not fit the rebuild ideal.

The Sabres have a few guys whose contracts they'd love to have off the books, like Ryan Miller (nutjob) and Ville Leino. Of interest to Columbus however, may be one Thomas Vanek.

If the Sabres are committed to a youth movement, the 29 year-old Vanek could be moved, and the Jackets would be an ideal location for him. He's got one year left on his deal with a cap hit of $7.143 million. The Jackets owe raises to Sergei Bobrovsky, Artem Anisimov and more than likely Vinny Prospal, but there is some cap flexibility to add Vanek's hit, especially if Jarmo uses one of his compliance buyouts on a player like R.J Umberger.

The theory here would be that the Jackets are going for it next season- they have their core in place, but have Marian Gaborik and Thomas Vanek up front to provide the scoring. If things go well, the Jackets look loaded. If things somehow turn sideways and it's a failure, Gaborik and Vanek are both unrestricted free agents after next year and the Jackets can go in another direction, while maintaining their core.

Summary

Whether the Jackets keep their picks as they stand now, move up or down, trade for future help or swing for the fences and add a proven scorer to the lineup, no matter which way you look at it this offseason is a crucial, and exciting one for the Jackets and their fanbase.

2013 Draft Prospect Profile #18: Alexander Wennberg

2013-06-12T13:00:06Z

Alexander Wennberg

Position: Center / Left Wing / Right Wing
Team: Djurgarden (Allsvenskan)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: September 22, 1994
Place of Birth: Nacka, Sweden
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 183lbs
Shoots: Left

Wennberg is an all-around forward. Not only does he play any forward position, he's also reliable in all three zones- he is creative offensively, and is responsible in the defensive zone.

He's one of the biggest unknowns for me this year. Not because of a lack of visibility, but rather because I'm unsure where to slot him in the first round. After the elite forwards are taken (MacKinnon, Drouin, Nichushkin, Barkov) there seems to be groupings among the remaining forwards- the next tier of scorers (Monahan, Shinkaruk, Lindholm, Zykov, Domi, Horvat, Mantha) the grinders-with-offense (Rychel, Hartman, Lazar) and then you have Wennberg. (Frederik Gauthier is in a similar position as Wennberg, truth be told).

If a team is looking for a player who can anchor a defensive line, with the ability to moonlight on a scoring line, Wennberg is the guy. That said, it's so hard to gauge what his production will be in North America. There's a very good chance he could follow a similar path to Washington's Marcus Johansson.

Scouting Reports:

An excellent skater, Wennberg is able to create and open up lanes with his quick, easy stride. His awareness both with and without the puck and ability to shoot the puck make him dangerous offensively.
- Future Considerations

Wennberg's development has been trending upward over the past year. By midseason, he was playing significant minutes in the SEL-2 pro league, and did not appear out of place for an 18-year-old in that role. He is a versatile player, capable of lining up at all three forward positions. One NHL executive described him as really hard to knock. His skating is above average, and some scouts have classified it as high end because of his speed and elusiveness. His offensive instincts stand out; one NHL head scout told me his hockey sense and creativity were strong. He has the puck skills and vision to create scoring chances for himself and others. His defensiveness awareness enables him to kill penalties effectively. His game shows a unique power element, but to succeed in North America with that style, he will have to bulk up.
- Hockey Prospectus

Prototypical Swedish forward who plays strong all-around and steps his game up when the play ratchets up. Can play all three forward positions, and his experience as a centre has made him an extremely well schooled defensive player. Is good on the tip-in, and he will be in the high traffic areas looking for them and rebounds. He has great hands and instincts to go with them. Excellent backhand passer. Have an excellent feel for how things develop in the attack zone. Simply a very good offensive zone passer whose work brings chances. He plays like he is bigger than his stature, beating defenders and getting to the opening space.
- Bill Placzek, Draft Site

Can play all three forward positions. Excellent skater who has a free and easy stride with excellent quickness and a change of pace is capable of keeping defenders on their heels. He can open up ice and space for himself with his skating. In traffic, he has the ability to 'slice' through tight areas and with very good balance, can be difficult to deter. Very smart with and without the puck and he is quick to see opportunity in all areas to take advantage. Good puck skills and can make plays, can shoot, can hold puck and isn't a 'one-trick' pony. He competes and will battle in every situation.
- Craig Button, TSN

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

The Jackets don't have a history of drafting Swedes with their high picks, but that could change under new GM Jarmo Kekalainen. The Jackets need offense, so if they keep their picks I'm thinking they draft for high-end offensive skill, and perhaps add to the defensive depth. While Wennberg's two-way play would be welcome on any NHL roster, the Jackets can afford to be picky, and go after exactly what they desire. Boone Jenner and Michael Chaput would be direct competition for Wennberg should he become a Blue Jacket on draft day.

Wennberg in Action:

2013 Draft Prospect Profile #17: Ryan Pulock

2013-06-11T13:00:10Z

Ryan Pulock

Position: Defense
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: October 6th, 1994
Place of Birth: Dauphin, Manitoba
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 209lbs
Shoots: Right

Pulock's game is based around one thing- offense.

In a year where the WHL is sending some high-scoring defensemen to the NHL Draft like Shea Thedore and Josh Morrissey, not to mention Seth Jones, Pulock may have the most pure offensive talent. He's a puck-mover, a powerplay dynamo with an NHL-caliber shot who isn't afraid to jump into the play and when he does, it often leads to goals-for.

He was the captain in Brandon this year, a rebuilding season for the Wheaties. He reminds me of Kevin Shattenkirk, both in style and production.

Scouting Reports:

Pulock is a cerebral, smooth skating, offensive minded blueliner with outstanding mobility and agility. He has the ability to consistently produce offensive chances from the backend. He makes strong reads and reacts quickly in transition whether defensively or offensively. Pulock likes to rush the puck up the ice, makes strong and accurate passes that are typically well timed. He has nice vision that allows him to read the play and see his options. He can also generate second and third chances for his forwards off rebounds from his strong point shot. He is an excellent power play QB.
- Future Considerations

Finding the perfect spot for Pulock was difficult. Some scouts consider him to be a top-eight player in this draft, whereas others prefer him in the 11-15 range. Despite concerns, he has been one of the WHL's top offensive defensemen for the past three seasons. He tied for the points lead among all Wheat Kings this year. His best tool is his shot, which is elite, and NHL teams will utilize it atop the umbrella on their first power play unit. It has been clocked at over 100 miles per hour in skills competitions. His offensive game is well rounded, as he is a high-end thinker who has been described as a methodical puck mover. Pulock always seems to make the right decisions, whether it is to rush, pass, or shoot. Defensively, he is strong on his checks, controls his gaps well, and generally stays with his assignments. Still, he is prone to a breakdown at certain times. The biggest criticism of Pulock is his skating. Some scouts describe it as average, others as above average. Despite having solid mobility, he does not seem to have a blazing top gear. His game is more based on feel than dangling or pushing the pace.
- Hockey Prospectus

Has the size, tools and skill to be considered an early pick. Was strictly a forward until midget hockey, so there is a bit more polishing needed, but is a superb stickhandler, passer, shooter, skater and physical player. Quick snapper, booming slapper and quick passer who clears the front of his crease too. Viewed as an all-offense defenseman, due to his skating, puck-carrying and heavy shot, he will grow into a well-rounded defender based on his abilities, vision and hockey smarts. Given time, he may be a true impact player.
- Bill Placzek, Draft Site

Very steady, effective and efficient player. His strength is founded on an overall game that is consistent and dependable. Very good puck skills that is augmented by an outstanding shot. Very good vision and awareness and he creates offensive chances. He plays with poise and logs all of the important minutes for his team and he plays with a calming influence.
- Craig Button, TSN

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

I mentioned the Shattenkirk comparison earlier- what team wouldn't like to add a player like that to their roster? The Jackets are in a unique spot with their three first round picks- they can fill multiple holes, while shoring up areas of strength. The blueline is considered to be the latter, but adding Pulock's offensive abilities (especially considering top prospect Ryan Murray is projected to be more of a shutdown defenseman) would be a huge boost to the organization.

Pulock in Action:

The Blue Jackets Roundtable Podcast - Episode XII

2013-06-10T19:24:59Z

It's time for a new episode of the Blue Jackets Roundtable, and time to continue our series for the off-season! The Jackets are moving to the Eastern Conference, and as such as going to be in a new division with some teams that we didn't often see during the course of regular season play. So, we're doing a series of podcasts with bloggers from our friends at the various SBN blogs of our new division mates.

This week's podcast is about the Philadelphia Flyers, and the SBN blog Broad Street Hockey. Manager Travis Hughes joined Dan for a chat about the Flyers heading into next season. Highlights include:

Sergei Bobrovsky, Steve Mason, and the waving of a possible Vezina trophy repeated in front of the Flyers' faces
Ilya Bryzgalov, contract buyouts, and the pants-crapping potential of Steve Mason: Flyers' Starter
Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, silly trades, and the Dry Island
Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Ryan Johansen, and the future of some young players
The Shea Weber basket, and all the Flyers' eggs last summer
How much we don't like Pittsburgh fans
How much the Philly fanbase likes to be angry and grumbly, and how the media can follow suit
The new divisional lineup, and who might be the weakest link

...and much, much more! Enjoy!

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Bonus good news! THE PODCAST IS NOW AVAILABLE IN ITUNES! If that's your bag, simply search for us in iTunes and subscribe!

2013 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #16: Anthony Mantha

2013-06-10T13:00:11Z

Anthony Mantha

Position: Forward (LW/RW)
Team: Val d'Or Foreurs - QMJHL
Age: 18
Date of Birth: September 16^th, 1994
Place of Birth: Longueuil, Quebec (CAN)
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 201 lbs.
Shoots: L

Regular Season Stats

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
67	50	39	89	21	71

Playoff Stats

GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PIM
9	5	7	12	1	13

One of the oldest players in the 2013 draft class due to his birthday (if he'd been born on the 15^th, he'd have qualified for 2012), Mantha is an extremely physical player who isn't afraid to use his larger size to dominate opponents, and get into the "dirty areas". He doesn't seem eager to drop the gloves - only 15 of his regular season PIMs come from fighting majors - but does appear willing to defend himself if called upon. Mantha comes across as a "shoot first" scorer more than a playmaker, and he's also gotten some heat for watching the puck and failing to get back on players in the defensive zone - something that has kept him towards the bottom of this draft class, and may have played a role in being left off the U20 WJC squad this year (though a lackluster showing at last season's U18s didn't help, either.) There's also some concerns that Mantha could be a one-year wonder thanks to his age - his numbers in the 2011-2012 season were OK, but nothing like this year's impressive production.

High scoring talent out of the Q is not always a guarantee - in fact, the guys at Behind the Net have shown that of the three Major Junior leagues, you see the largest drop when predicting how players will jump to the NHL, but Mantha does seem to have a lot of the pieces needed to become an excellent NHL power forward - if he can put everything together.

Scouting Reports

With elite offensive skill, Mantha is incredibly dangerous with the puck on his stick. He obviously knows how to find the back of the net. With potential to be a game-changer, Mantha's name will always be bantered about as a possible first round pick. He possesses the ability to create big scoring chances every time the puck is on his stick. He has the potential to be a bonafide offensive presence in the NHL, especially with the knack he has for driving the net, setting up plays, and using his patented shot to score some timely goals.

If he was a bit more consistent, he could very well be in the discussion for a top 5 draft pick in June.

-The Hockey Writers

Anthony Mantha brings all the physical traits a scout can ask for: size, smooth, coordinated skating and strength. You could group Mantha in with a few other names like Alexsander Barkov and Seth Jones whose freakish athleticism would see them suceed in almost any sport. Athleticism is not all Mantha brings to the table however - an innate ability to read the play from the perimeter, soft hands and an elite shot have helped Mantha cement his status as a 1st round talent early in his draft year.

Some things Mantha needs to work on are his compete level without the puck, which is an issue on the backcheck and his physicality. When a player with a big strong frame like Mantha doesn't use his size on the boards consistently it raises a red flag.

-The Scouting Report

Why He'd Be A Good Fit In Columbus:

If the Blue Jackets only had one first round pick in this draft, I'll be honest - I might skip Mr. Mantha, especially if guys like Domi or Ristolainen were still on the board. But one of the nice things about (on paper) having three draft picks is that you get the freedom to gamble a little more.

With Columbus' pick from either New York or Los Angeles, we could have a nice "project" player who could fill several needs for this club - he's got some of the best pure skating among this draft class, and if he can bring his scoring talent into the NHL with him, he's going to be a great fit in the top six sooner than later. Mantha also would bring some VERY needed size to the prospect pool - one of the biggest concerns I have about Columbus' best forward prospects is that just about all of them have difficulty getting onto a roller coaster without being extensively scrutinized to make sure they're tall enough to ride, and given the way he's already filling out that 6'4" frame, there's a good chance that he could become a very dangerous weapon. Watching him force his way through a forecheck and break through for odd-man rushes thanks to his speed could be quite a show.

Mantha In Action:

2013 Draft Prospect Profile #15: Bo Horvat

2013-06-07T20:39:23Z

Bo Horvat

Position: Centre
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: April 5th, 1995
Place of Birth: Rodney, ON
Ht: 6'0 Wt: 200
Shoots: Left

2012-2013 Regular Season Stats

GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
67	33	28	61	29	3

2012-2013 Playoff Stats

GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
21	16	7	23	10	-1

The London Knights have been one of the biggest powerhouses in the OHL for years, and 2013 was no different. With a stacked up club, they've got a number of high profile prospects, including Horvath. A strong two way player, Bo Horvath has been one of the top PKers and shot blockers for the OHL Champions. A strong scoring threat in addition to his willingness to take the body, he's a player that opponents have to be aware of every time he's on the ice.

Scouting Reports:

London had a talented group of 94 birth dates in 2012, Horvat is one of several Knights who will make their mark for 2013. Horvat is a talented forward who even in a limited role last season managed to produce some admirable numbers. More effective down the middle, Horvat competes hard and has great strength to effectively play his game. Horvat has a number of intangibles including great leadership which are also elements of his game that make him a valued NHL prospect and a player who projects as a value pick in the 2nd half of Round 1.

-Hockey Prospectus

Why He'd Be A Good Fit In Columbus:

Horvath is a very similar player to Boone Jenner, in particular the "never quit" style of play and physicality. While his scoring ability may not translate immediately to the NHL, the two way play and commitment to shot blocking will fit well in almost any coach's system, and his attitude and strong character fit well with the culture that's being established in Columbus.