By Brian Weidler, "Game Time" Prospect Department
PROSPECT PROMOTIONS / DEMOTIONS:
11-16-11 -- F Pete MacArthur signed to PTO contract by Peoria (AHL) from Las Vegas (ECHL). (LINK).
11-05-11 -- G Niklas Lundström called up to AIK Solna (Elitserien) from AIK Junior (J20 Superelit).
PROSPECT TRADES:
11-16-11 -- D Shaun Heshka acquired by Peoria (AHL from Binghamton (AHL) for future considerations. (LINK).
PLAYERS ON SICK CALL:
None to report this week.
NOTE: Jori Lehtera (C / Sibir Novosibirsk) is not listed as injured, but has not played for Sibir in three weeks despite still being listed on their roster.
PLAYERS RETURNED TO DUTY:
None to report this week.
PLAYERS ON SUSPENSION:
None to report this week.
2011 PICK RATTIE RISING TO TOP OF WHL, PROSPECT DEPTH CHART:
The Blues have long had a preference for western Canadian players in the draft, and in the organization. John Davidson, the late Bob Gassoff, Bernie Federko, Brian Sutter and Barret Jackman are just a few of the legendary names in the Blues' long history who got their start out in the league they call "The Dub."
In recent years, the Blues' draft focus has shifted elsewhere, to Europe and the USNTDP most often. But the prominence of 2010 first-rounder and Saskatchewan native Jaden Schwartz, and the emergence of 2011 draftee Ty Rattie, may signal a return by Blues' scouting to the rich and productive hunting grounds of western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
Despite only managing a single assist in two games during the past week, Rattie is still holding on to the fourth spot in the WHL scoring race with a 20-18-38 scoring line in 23 games, putting him on pace for over 60 goals and about 120 points. His 20 goals are also good for fourth place in the league's goal-scoring parade.
Here's some video posted on YouTube before the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
And here is video of Rattie's press conference after being selected 32nd overall by the Blues in 2011.
Here's some video from last week, a home game against the Spokane Chiefs (LINK to video here). The Winterhawks are wearing some ugly third jerseys in this game, but that doesn't stop Rattie from posting a pair of goals and two assists. At 0:10 of the video, we see Rattie doing what he does best -- setting up in front of the goalie and getting a scoring chance. At 0:55, he scores his first goal of the game, a snipe from just inside the blueline through a screen. At 2:00, we see Rattie pick up the loose change, again from right in front of the net, on the power play. And at 3:00, Rattie sets up the OT game-winner with a sweet cross-ice pass on a 2-on-3 rush.
FEATURES THIS WEEK:
RIVER READINGS
Rivs' win streak comes to a halt in Cleveland; Bednar's Boys still in a first-place tie in tight AHL Midwest Division. Details at 2:00 PM Central Time.
TRENDING UP
Most of this week's top prospects are here for their contributions on the defensive side of the puck, rather than on offense. Details at 3:00 PM Central Time.
WEEKLY PROSPECT STATISTICS REVIEW
The most complete weekly source of Blues' prospect scoring and goaltending stats available anywhere in one place. Details at 4:00 PM Central Time.