Hockey News & Insight

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Here are a couple posts that we published this morning. If you use Twitter you can follow us at @TheHockeyWriter

THW Talks with Top Prospect Sam Reinhart 

Since he emerged onto the major-junior scene two years ago as a 16-year-old with the WHL's Kootenay Ice, the hockey world has waited with baited breath for Sam Reinhart's draft-eligible season. The product of North Vancouver, British Columbia is the youngest of former NHLer Paul Reinhart's three sons. His two older brothers have already been through the draft process - Max was picked by Calgary 64th overall in 2010 and Griffin went to the New York Islanders 4th overall in 2012.

Now the trifecta will be complete, and arguably Sam's the best of the three. He was nearly a point-per-game player as a 16-year-old, and has steadily progressed into one of the most dynamic and productive players of his age group. We had the chance to chat with Sam Reinhart - ranked 4th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting at the midway mark of the season - at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Calgary.

What's the best advice you've gotten from your older brothers about the whole draft process?

I definitely get asked that question quite a bit. [Chuckles] It's the same answer every time. It's not one thing they told me. It's just watching them and seeing how they handled things. Games like this, certain situations they go through in a really busy year. So, I'm sure there will be, down the road, things I can talk to them about and see what to expect, things like that, but most of it is watching from a distance and seeing how they handled it.

When your brother, Max, was up with Calgary earlier this year you were spotted watching practice. From what you've seen and what you've heard, what's the biggest difference or thing you'll need to work on to make the jump?

Definitely the focus is on getting better every day. Of course the ultimate goal is to play in the National Hockey League next year. It's one thing watching the pros and in a game situation, but when you get down to the thick of things and watching in practice, it's pretty neat and pretty eye-opening to see how they handle that and really compete every day.Read the rest here...

The Montreal Canadiens - How They Were BuiltAs March 5th, the NHL Trade Deadline, approaches speculation will run rampant regarding what moves General Manager Marc Bergevin should make in order to turn the 2013-2014 Montreal Canadiens roster into a winner, one that surpasses last season's devastating first round playoff exit.  

The current Canadiens roster is, for the most part, the culmination of years of solid drafting; a strong indication that the Habs brass has successfully built a team from within.  After a second place finish in the Eastern Conference last season the Habs are currently 3rd in the Atlantic Division and 4th in the Eastern Conference as game 50 approaches.

Here’s a look at how the current team was put together in the hopes of finally bringing the Cup home:

Canadiens Draft Picks

Andrei Markov: The two-time All Star defenseman was the Canadiens’ 6th round draft pick (162nd overall) in the 1998 draft.  Markov has been a fixture on the team for more than a decade and is currently looking to re-sign with the Canadiens for the remainder of his career.

Tomas Plekanec: The would-be Selke Trophy candidate was selected by newly appointed Director of Hockey Personnel, André Savard, in the third round (71st overall) of the 2001 Entry Draft.  Plekanec is the only Hab still wearing the CH from his draft year, which included defenseman Mike Komisarek and forward Alexander Perezhogin who were both first round selections.

We detailed all the players here... 

  Hockey Books

Also - take a look at our Hockey Book Section. We now have a spot where we keep you up to date on all of our book reviews. We try to look at all the new releases and let you know which ones are best. Take a look here...