Keep 'Em Up? Send 'Em Down? (Part 1 - Western Conference)

So the 2011-2012 season is beginning in the NHL, with a fresh crop of rookies signed and looking to impress in their NHL debut. However there is always a risk associated with keeping rookies around with the big team, rush their development and you might stagnate their progress, send them down and they might plateau. Here is a look at the top underagers fighting for a spot this season.

Devante Smith-Pelly - Anaheim Ducks 

If you're asking, who? You aren't alone, not many people know about this Scarborough, Ontario native, but he has quietly earned his place to start the year with the Ducks. The 19 year old plays like a power forward despite his size, mostly due to his great strength and thick build, and appears to have a shot at the bottom 6 for the Anaheim Ducks.  

Prediction: Sent back to OHL. Smith-Pelly would benefit from another year rounding out his game in Mississauga, where he would play top line minutes and be a likely CHL All Star yet again. His potential may be more than just a hard working bottom 6er, but if kept in Anaheim, he might top out at just that.

Brandon Saad - Chicago Blackhawks

A once highly touted power forward prospect, Brandon Saad slipped into the second round in the 2011 Draft, much to the delight of the Chicago Blackhawks. The 6'2" 200+ lb forward will be starting the regular season with the Blackhawks, surprising even the coaching staff. Saad plays a gritty scoring game, and is a very powerful skater with a touch in front of the net. After his impressive pre-season, it is not surprise that he is getting a shot at starting the year with Chicago.


Prediction: Sent back to Saginaw. Saad shows signs of a top end power forward, but needs to learn to better use his size. He has shown very good hockey sense this pre-season, but with another year of seasoning and learning to dominate physically, he should be ready for a prominent role next season, possibly even in the top 6.

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Gabriel Landeskog - Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog has all the intangibles to be an NHL Captain one day, of course you've been hearing that since Steve Spott compared him to new LA King Mike Richards. He has earned a spot with the Colorado Avalanche for this coming season, and has looked right at home against NHL opponents. Landeskog looked like a man amongst boys at the combine, so it should be no surprise that the 2nd Overall pick is starting the regular season with the Avalanche.

Prediction: Stays with Colorado. This certainly seems like a no-brainer. Some will question if Landeskog has the elite offensive skills to be a top line player, however his hard release, along with his smooth skating and great vision beg to differ. Regardless, Landeskog is very capable of playing a 200 foot game in any role, so keeping him up is the best move.

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Ryan Johansen - Columbus Blue Jackets

The 4th overall pick in the 2010 draft has made the Jackets out of camp after a great junior year in which he was an integral part of the Canadian World Junior Squad. Johansen also put up an impressive 92 points in 63 games with the Portland Winterhawks, as well as 28 in 21 playoff games. Ryan Johansen often draws comparisons to players like Joe Thornton, and while that may be selling him high, their styles certainly overlap. Johansen is a patient and poised player at both ends of the rink, with a nack for where the puck is going in the offensive zone, as well as where it needs to be.

Prediction: Before the Carter trade, Keep him up, undoubtedly. After? It's anyone's guess. The Blue Jackets aren't truly in dire need of a Center anymore, with that 1C spot filled they have Brassard, Vermette, Umberger and even Prospal who can play center. Watch the 9 games, for Johansen to make the team he will need to be an impact player, and he will need to be physical. Columbus has no need to rush Johansen to the NHL, so to put it simply, if he's ready, he'll stay. 

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Edmonton Oilers

You all know the name, this years 1st overall pick has earned the right to start the year with the Oilers, largely due to a very good pre-season in which he racked up 6 points in 5 games. RNH is the latest to be added to a young, high powered offensive core, and has shown solid chemistry with last years 1st overall, Taylor Hall. With excellent vision and equally impressive anticipation, Nugent-Hopkins is expected to be the top center on the Oilers for years to come.

Prediction: Stays with the Oilers. He may be undersized, although he has added weight, but the vision and hockey sense that RNH possesses is elite. Another year in the WHL would be redundant, with WJC's being the only true benefit. Nugent-Hopkins has nothing left to prove in the WHL, and the next step in his development will begin this season with the Edmonton Oilers.