Brandon Saad returns to prospect camp. (Photo: the_mel/flickr)

The Blackhawks have released a general preview for camp that looks at the numbers. It’s full of interesting and sometimes quirky facts, and it offers a great opportunity for me to open my own preview  by looking at some numbers of my own. Out of the 27 forwards attending prospect camp, 14 are Free Agent Invitees–which means the remaining 13 are in the Blackhawks’ system. 14 of those 27 have been playing college hockey, 2 played in the USHL, 1 in the WHL, 2 in the OHL, 1 in high school, 1 in the QMJHL, and the remaining 6 come from European Leagues (1 SM-Liiga, 3 MHL, 1 SEL, 1 SUI-JR). Of the 6 Illinoisans attending camp, 4 of them are forwards. The forwards have one of the notable legacy attendees–right wing Chris Calnan, the Blackhawks’ 79th overall draft pick this year, who just happens to be Jeremy Roenick’s nephew.

Now let’s take a look at the forward attendees one-by-one:

» Continue reading “Prospect Camp Preview: Forwards”

Good luck, Baumer! (Photo: Lets Go Amerks!/Flickr)

After a week full of rumors and Twitter congratulations, the Wolves have made it official, announcing captain Nolan Baumgartner‘s retirement–and new position as the Wolves’ assistant coach!

Alberta native Baumgartner celebrated his 1000th professional game on February 24th of this year, and was profiled by the Wolves’ magazine this past season. After a 16-year playing career, the defenseman has hung the gloves and found a way to remain close to the sport (and the team) that he loves. Baumgartner has had three separate stints with the Canucks, earning the captaincy twice with the Moose and carrying it over to the Wolves when the Canucks switched affiliates. He was named to the AHL All-Star Team three times (in 2005, 2007, and 2010) and was a starter in 2007 as well as captain of the Canadian team in 2010. Best of luck to Baumgartner in his new role!

The announcement is one of the few made recently that indicate major changes happening behind the bench. Former head coach Craig MacTavish has returned to the Oilers organization as their Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations, leading to former Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach Scott Arniel’s selection as head coach for the Wolves. With the coaching staff bringing fresh perspectives and different sets of experiences, it’s going to be an exciting year to watch the Wolves.