Well, since Simon Gagne is now playing a regular shift in the NHL, it is hard to keep calling him a prospect. Ditto for Brian Boucher (although Flyertown will be keeping a close eye on the organization's goaltending battles). So, based on various and sundry reports, here is the updated top 9 (No one stood out enough to be picked as #10). Enjoy!
(6'0 184s)
1st round, 99
1999-00 STATS: 2.52 GAA
Ouellet has succeeded his former Quebec Remparts teammate as the Flyers #1 prospect (well, on my list, at least). While Gagne's early promotion to the NHL has put a major dent in his team's Memorial Cup's aspirations, Ouellet is having another great season in the QMJHL. Furthermore, he is really shining at the WJHC in Sweden. He was the named the first star in Canada's first three games (Although a couple weak goals probably coast Canada a shot at the gold medal -- not that his team helped much offensively). He finished the tournament with 1.83 GAA .932 save %
(It's only fair to note that both JMP and Brian Boucher starred during their own prospective visits to the World Juniors. Boucher was named to the all-tournament team in 1997, when the American team earned a silver medal. Ouellet has an advantage in his youth; by the time he arrives in Philly, either JMP or Boucher will be gone. We'll see how things unfold)
Scouting report: Good agility and balance ... Plays his angles very well ... Good stand-up style ... Showed very good concentration in all game situations ... Mentally tough, good competitor and great composure.
This Number 1 ranking is mostly reliant on pure talent. I think Ouellet's talent exceeds JMP's, but he's still years away from the NHL. Can he be an NHL goalie? Probably. For the Flyers? Who knows.
(6'3, 184 lbs)
2nd round pick, 97
1999-2000 STATS: (through 12/29) 19 GP, 1119 min, 2.52 GAA, 10W-9L-0T, 2 SO, .912 save %
The Phantoms have struggled mightily this year, and that hasn't helped JMP very much. He has been chosen to play in the All-Star game however -- a place where he excelled last year, named the game's MVP. He may be behind Ouellet right now (barely), but the battle of no. 1 post-Beezer is still between him and Boucher -- and neither has a clear advantage.
(6'3, 195lbs)
Signed as an undrafted free agent, summer 98
1999-2000 STATS: (Through 12/29) NHL: , AHL: 22 GP, 3G-8A-11P, 2 PIM, 1 PPG, 1 SHG
Eaton began the season with the Flyers but could not stick with the big team, perhaps due to their poor start. He has also been selected to play in the AHL All-Star team. It's worth noting that Andy Delmore has been the Phantom called up to the big team during injuries to McGillis and Samuelson. Still, Eaton has responded to his demotion well and is still in the Flyers' long range plans.
(6'1, 172 lbs)
6th round, 98
1999-2000 STATS: (Through 12/1)
18GP, 1083.48 MIN, 2SO, 15W-3L-0T, 1.99 GAA, 93.51 save %
Having an excellent season with Finland's best team (TPS Turku). Very quick, with good lateral movement, and the starting goalie for Team Finland at the World Jrs (where he had a nice showdown with Ouellet in Finland's 1 goal loss to Canada). It seems like it will still be very difficult for him to ultimately be the Flyers no. 1, with no less than three other goalies ahead of him, but he could be valuable trade bait at some point.
(6'1, 192 lbs)
Signed as undrafted free agent, summer 97
1999-2000 STATS: (through 12/29) 21 GP, 5G-10A-15P, 18 PIM, 2 PP, 1SH
Had a good training camp but began the season in the AHL. Will never be stellar defensively, and probably no more than a depth player at the NHL level. Although he has been the injury call-up (over Bast and Eaton), I think Eaton still has a better up-side and features more prominently in the Flyers' long term plans.
(6'3, 205 lbs)
2nd round, 98
1999-2000 STATS: (through 12/29) 27GP, 1G-4A-5P, +2,79 PIM
Playing with Seattle (WHL). Considered the third best prospect at the summer prospect camp, behind Gagne and Ouellet. Although he was invited the World Jrs. summer evaluation camp, he did not receive an invitation to the winter camp and was not selected for the team. He is playing with a pretty mediocre team right now, which may affect his stats. Either way, he won't be a top dman in the NHL (#4 at best).
(6'2, 205 lbs)
4th round, 97
1999-2000 STATS: (through 12/29)28 GP, 4G-1A-5P, 24 PIM
Has struggled a little with the Phantoms, which is understandable considering his horrible experience this summer, when he witnessed Tertyshny's death.
Mikhail is extra cool because we share a birthday (he's a year older).
(6'2, 194 lbs)
7th round (195th overall), 98
1999-2000 STATS:(Through 12/29) 29 GP, 8G-12A-20P, +2, 8 PIM
Coming along slowly with the Phantoms, but making a decent transition to N. America. Could be a decent NHL role player.
(6'2, 190lbs)
Signed as undrafted free agent, summer 98. Later traded from Calgary for draft pick(long story)
1999-2000 STATS: (Through 12/29) 35 GP, 1G-4A-5P, 63 PIM
Unlike Delmore and Eaton, he did not get a serious look at training camp. His play has not validated his contreversial signing from Calgary. At best, he will be a depth player in the NHL.
Here are links to some of my sources. I don't just know this stuff off the top of my head:
Bill Meltzer's "Philly's Phuture" editorials at Mike Barr's Flyers site
Hockeys Future: Hockey 2000
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