It’s Timo Time for the Halifax Mooseheads. In Timo Meier’s sophomore season, he broke through with 44 goals, shattering his rookie total of 17 the year before. After he returns from San Jose Sharks rookie camp (he was drafted 9th overall in June), he’ll be the focal point of the team. Last year’s leading scorer, Nikolaj Ehlers, is expected to make the Winnipeg Jets meaning other players will need to fill the void. The Mooseheads continue to transition from a top contender to a young and inexperienced team with promise.
Prediction
Fifth in the Maritimes Division. The loss of Ehlers up front will hurt a forward squad full of fresh faces.
Forwards
There are bound to be growing pains as the team opens the season with six rookies up front. This includes the Moosehead’s top pick from the Q draft, Arnaud Durandeau (7th overall), Russian forward Ilya Putintsev (28th overall, 2015) and Finnish import pick Somppi Otto. Halifax local Barrett Dachyshyn, drafted in the third round in 2014, is on the roster and brings size (6-foot-2, 174-pounds) and skill up the middle.
Very proud to be playing with the Halifax Mooseheads for the 2015-2016 year! Very excited for the season to start soon!! #MooseCountry
— Arnaud Durandeau (@arnaudhockey) August 27, 2015
Maxime Fortier looks to take a step forward in his sophomore season. Last year, he had nine goals and 30 points and could double his goal output in his NHL Draft-eligible season, especially if he can find time on the power play.
Defence
After last year’s winter trade deadline, the blueline consisted almost entirely of rookies. This season, five of those players are back for sophomore campaigns including Cavan Fitzgerald, who led Halifax D-men with 31 points in an injury-riddled 40-game season. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Cody Donaghey, acquired from the Québec Remparts in the Zach Fucale trade, makes his Mooseheads debut after a season-ending injury in early December.
Back in the line up tonight after 9 long months. Never been more ready #HardWork #RecoveredBaby
— Cody Donaghey (@codydonaghey10) August 29, 2015
Goaltending
Overager Eric Brassard stood on his head in the playoffs last season as the Mooseheads came within one game of knocking off the division leading Moncton Wildcats in a seven-game series. He faced at least 35 shots in 12 of 14 contests, making highlight-reel worthy saves as he kept the Moose in each game. Acquired in the Fucale trade, Brassard’s calm demeanour instills confidence in his teammates. Kevin Resop returns as backup, a role he was well suited for last season.
NHL prospect watch
Timo Meier, RW, San Jose Sharks (2015, 9th overall)
Meier forced his way into the top-ten of the NHL draft in June as the Swiss power-forward dominated the Q with a 44-goal and 90-point season. He’s a model of consistency as evidenced by a 27-game point streak last season. Meier is the focal point of the Mooseheads and should once again be productive.
Here’s a taste of what he did heading into the 2015 NHL Draft.
NHL Draft watch
Morgan Nauss, D
A fifth-round gem from the 2014 QMJHL draft, Morgan Nauss enjoyed a solid rookie season. At 5-foot-11, 187-pounds, Nauss isn’t particularly big and his 18 point aren’t eye-popping. He’s a smooth-skating and positionally-sound d-man with high hockey intelligence. He could be a sleeper in the June draft.