All Non NCAA and non KHL/MHL prospects drafted in 2010 have to be signed to Entry Level deals by the end of June 1st or they will re enter the draft. Columbus for example has allowed Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald to re enter. Archibald’s development really stagnated the last two seasons, while Straka flashes impressive skill, but has been underwhelming as a second round pick. It was right around this time last year Flames fans were sweating bullets waiting for the latest on Tim Erixon. Memories.

Here are my thoughts on other unsigned players, I will update this post as the day nears:

Calgary:

Joey Leach

Talked to a scout last night who projects Leach as a 5-6 type of defensive defenseman with good read and physicality but despite his modest points totals the scout called him a “zero offense guy” at the next level.

Chicago:

Ludvig Resnfeldt

Rensfeldt played on the Gold medal WJC Sweden team this January. Rensfeldt was a high 2nd round pick and from talking to scouts there seems to be mild optimism about his potential although he’s by no means a finished product either.

Detroit:

Calle Jarnkrok

I imagine he will be signed soon as one of the premier forward prospects in the game.

Edmonton:

Jeremie Blain
Brandon Davidson

I’ve heard scouts say they are 50/50 on giving either a contract although scouts like Davidson more. Davidson has ok pro potential as he has pro-average size, decent physicality, but below average pro skill and hockey sense.

Florida:

Joonas Donskoi

I think he’ll get signed but in a deep organization that has to sign a lot of prospects soon who knows but I’m a big fan of Donskoi.

Nashville:

Patrick Cehlin

Named a top 3 player on Sweden at the WJC two years ago. Has said he wont play for Djurgarden, his current SEL team next year, but no indication of being signed yet although I think it will get done.

Philadelphia:

Brendan Ranford

One of the sole skill guys in that system. Not a world killer prospect, but they don’t have much to begin with.

St. Louis:

Brock Beukeboom

Traded Eric Brewer for him and a third round pick at the deadline last year. I’m not a big fan, but Brewer has been essentially a top pairing defenseman for Tampa so would be a bit of a kick in the rear if they don’t end up signing the main asset they got for him.

Toronto:

Sondre Olden
Josh Nicholls

Olden had a decent amount of hype on him in prospect world at the 2010 draft as a sleeper but hasn’t been all that impressive since then. Hes a 3rd round pick, but Ive heard scouts say they wouldnt sign him. Nicholls I like, but scouts I’ve talked to say they would be 50/50 on giving him a contract.

Vancouver:

Alex Friesen

Frisen is seen as one of the OHL’s premier faceoff guys. Also an overager in that league.

Washington

Samuel Carrier

Decent prospect, like with Ranford, not a great player, but good enough for a thin system.