Ten Free Agents Gaining NHL Interest
The following article appeared March 9 on the Hockey's Future Web site.
By DJ Powers
The NHL’s interest in collegiate players is not limited to the annual Entry Draft. Each year, many undrafted players are signed as free agents.
Hockey’s Future takes a look at 10 players that have gained considerable NHL interest as potential free-agent signees. This list is comprised of six forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders. Unless otherwise indicated, all players stats are current as of Mar. 7.
Chase Polacek, C,
20
Junior, RPI
Since arriving in Troy, NY two seasons ago, Chase Polacek has continued to build on a stellar career. This year, he has taken both the ECAC and the entire NCAA D-I by storm.
The Edina, MN native currently ranks second in the nation with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) playing in all 38 games to date. His 26 goals lead the nation. It is also more than double what he posted last season. All but two of Polacek’s points have come in ECAC play, where he currently leads the league in both points (50) and goals (26). Most recently, he was named to the ECAC All-First Team.
Polacek is a small (5’8/175) and speedy center. He utilizes his diminutive stature to great advantage, particularly in traffic. His speed and quickness also make him difficult to contain. He has great finishing ability and is also offensively creative. He can get to the net. He is tenacious and durable as well.
Ben Scrivens, G, 23
Senior, Cornell University
Scrivens is the latest in a string of outstanding goaltenders coming out of Cornell and like some of his predecessors, has etched his name into the annuls of the Big Red record books as well.
The Spruce Grove, AB native has appeared in 29 games thus far this season, posting a record of 17-8-4 that includes four shutouts. His 1.99 goals against average and .931 save percentage both rank third in the nation. Scrivens was recently named to the All-ECAC First Team and was one of just two players receiving a unanimous selection to the All-Ivy League, after leading both the ECAC and Ivy League with a .933 save percentage and a .705 winning percentage. On Jan. 29, Scrivens broke the Cornell career saves record and heads into the ECAC post-season with 2,743 saves.
Scrivens is a big goaltender (6’2/192) with great agility and good lateral movement. His play down low and on his angles is also quite good. One notable improvement that Scrivens has made over the course of his career has been in his puck-handling. That, along with his added confidence has made him more consistent, particularly in stepping up in big games.
Complete article can be accessed via the Hockey's Future Web
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