Dogs Prominent In THN's Future Watch

Three members of the Saint John Sea Dogs are among the top 50 hockey prospects on the planet, according to The Hockey News’ 2012 Future Watch magazine.

Jonathan Huberdeau leads the way in the rankings, coming in at No. 3 behind Evgeny Kuznetsov and Mikael Granlund. Other Sea Dogs in the top 50 include Charlie Coyle at No. 14 and Nathan Beaulieu at No. 33. Former Sea Dog Simon Despres is placed at No. 43.

Huberdeau was named the top prospect of the Florida Panthers system while Beaulieu topped the Montreal Canadiens’ rankings.

“With a strong off-season – Huberdeau didn’t have much of one last summer between the Memorial Cup, the draft and WJC camp – he’ll play for Florida next season,” writes George Richards, who covers the Panthers for the Miami Herald. “The Panthers love his skills and hockey sense and feel he can be a franchise player.”

The Panthers’ system is ranked second in the league by THN. The Canadiens are on the other end of the spectrum and are ranked 28^th.

“Predictably, he must continue working on the defensive end of his game, along with his ability to pivot,” writes Herb Zurkowsky of Beaulieu. “He takes too many risks that could come back to haunt him as he ascends, but he’s smart and willing to learn.”

The Minnesota Wild’s system is ranked seventh in the National Hockey League by the magazine. Coyle comes in at No. 3 while Zack Phillips sits at No. 7.

Despres is ranked second in the Pittsburgh Penguins pipeline behind their top pick in the 2011 draft, Joe Morrow.

Among Detroit Red Wings prospects, Tomas Jurco is ranked sixth. “Developing strong two-way game for defending Memorial Cup champs,” says Bob Duff.

Meanwhile, Stanislav Galiev comes in at No. 3 for the Washington Capitals. Brian McNally writes that “Galiev is a high-end offensive talent, but needs work on his physicality and two-way play.”

Eric Gelinas, who helped the Sea Dogs capture the Memorial Cup last year, comes in at No. 3 in the New Jersey Devils' system. Devils scouting director David Conte said Gelinas has a “physical element to his game, but he’s a beautiful skater with a good shot.”

Lastly, Yann Sauve is ranked sixth among Vancouver Canucks prospects.

THN's rankings are determined by a panel of NHL scouts and general managers.

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation