The NCAA hockey tournament completed its regional playdowns on the weekend, and now the Frozen Four is set. The University of Michigan, Boston University, Minnesota and Quinnipiac have advanced to face-off in Tampa Bay from April 6-8.
As teams get eliminated there comes the predictable wave of prospects signing with NHL teams. A few happened over the weekend, so here's a look at three who signed with Canadian franchises...
MATT CORONATO JOINS THE FLAMES
Coronato signed his contract with the Flames after Harvard was ousted by Ohio State in the NCAA tournament. He will join the NHL club as early as Monday for the remainder of the season.
Middle or wing?
In games I viewed Coronato this season he primarily played the middle, but he spent some time on the wing as well. At the NHL level I see him starting his career on the wing. Jumping directly into the fray at this time of year, and having the responsibility to track up and down the ice playing centre, is a massive ask for a young player.
Having said that, Coronato has shown he can win face-offs in all three zones. He has a quick stick, and a plan when entering the circle to take draws.
Skating has improved
Coronato’s skating has improved, but he doesn’t play with high end pace all the time. If I had to put a number on his improvement I would suggest he’s 15 per cent faster than he was at the time he was drafted.
He has definitely added more jump out of the gate, and more quickness to small areas in situations like the penalty kill when he's pressuring opponents. He will be challenged by the speed of the NHL game – all prospects are – which will result in decreased shift length compared to college.
He’s at the stage in his development where I believe he can push his play for a maximum 35-40 seconds. Anything beyond that will result in him struggling to play with the detail that's required in the pro game.
Goal scorer
The Flames could use more goal scorers in their lineup and Coronato fits the bill, projecting to provide that element in time. He’s definitely a shooter more than a playmaker. He has a great stick and his very quick “catch and release” with the puck makes it difficult for defenders to front him before he makes plays at the net.
At the college level the majority of his shots that were blocked came on the weak side flank. It’s my observation that the puck didn’t move to him quickly enough to create the space required for him to get clean shots off. At the NHL level, and if he gets a chance on the power play, I expect the puck to arrive on his stick much faster and for Coronato to rip pucks from the flank quickly and accurately.
Trustworthy
Coronato was used in all situations at Harvard and I appreciate his read/react/hockey sense. He rotates well and has shown he can pressure pucks up high in the zone. As I mentioned earlier, his small area quickness has improved. He won’t penalty kill this season, but it’s good to know he has been deployed in the role and understands the commitment required to be used that way.
Here are some examples of what I have seen from Coronato this season, using video to show you what I mean.
Coronato is No. 19 in white for Harvard in both clips.
The first clip shows Coronato scoring a goal vs RPI. The play starts off a face-off and when the puck spills to the far-side of the ice Coronato establishes positioning above the play before finding some quiet ice and, eventually, the puck gets to him along the boards. When his check moves off of him he jumps to the middle of the ice and snaps a puck home, showing off his release from the middle of the ice.
The second clip displays his ability to track the play on the penalty kill, rotate through the slot to take away a passing lane, then pressure his opponent on the half wall and up top in his zone. It shows Coronato's defensive zone awareness, energy, and compete on the penalty kill.
Coronato's NHL Projection
I’m projecting Coronato to start his career on the third line and trend up towards second line duty at even strength, in time. He should be able to slot into one of the Flames' power play units as a back door flank/shooting option. I don’t expect him to see regular time on the penalty-kill, but it’s a bonus to know he is capable in the role if required. He’s a shooter more than a playmaker. His first instinct is to direct pucks on net when he sees an opening.
It's going to take time, but Calgary has a solid prospect in their stable with Coronato. He’s the kind of player who could take over for someone like Tyler Toffoli in time.
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SEAN FARRELL JOINS THE CANADIENS
Coronato’s teammate, Sean Farrell, has also left Harvard. The third leading scorer in the NCAA this past season will likely be thrust into game action for the rest of the Habs schedule.
Farrell is an undersized skill forward who plays centre. He’s elusive in tight quarters, escapes pressure, has a quick stick and elite offensive instincts.
Farrell was used in all situations at Harvard, but he won’t penalty kill in the NHL. He can drive play through the neutral zone, but he’s not exceptionally fast on straight lines. He moves east/west in transition more than most prospects before entering the offensive zone. He will definitely see time on the power play.
MAX SASSON JOINS THE CANUCKS
The Vancouver Canucks also got some business done, signing undrafted forward Max Sasson to an entry-level contract. The free agent almost doubled his offensive output this season at Western Michigan. He’s definitely worth the risk. I wrote about Sasson last week when I was identifying some college free agents who could be signed.
Here’s a look at his player evaluation card:
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