Acquired: Assigned by the Blackhawks Drafted: Chicago Blackhawks, 1st-round selection (21st overall) in 2002.

Player No. 13 Profile: Name: Anton Babchuk [BAB-chuhk] Team: Norfolk Admirals League: AHL Position: Defenseman Hometown: Kiev, Ukraine Height: 6'5" Weight: 202 lbs. Birth Date: 05/06/84

Insider's Edge:

Anton Babchuk is a young, talented defenseman that according to one source, possesses one of the hardest shots in the minors.

“He has got a wicked shot. I’m telling you, this kid has a cannon.”

Babchuk already likes to mix it up, and at 19 years old, still has plenty of time to grow some bulk to his 6'5" frame.

“He’s a tough individual. I’ve seen him give more than a few retaliatory shots.”

Anton had a strong showing and was one of the last Blackhawk cuts at this year’s training camp.

Insiders believe that Babchuk definitely has the potential to become a permanent fixture on Chicago’s blueline.

Drafted: Columbus Blue Jackets, 1st-round selection (8th overall) in 2001.

Player No. 14 Profile: Name: Pascal Leclaire Team: Syracuse Crunch League: AHL Position: Goaltender Hometown: Repentigny, Quebec Height: 6'2" Weight: 185 lbs. Birth Date: 11/07/82

Insiders Edge:

Pascal Leclaire was a very highly regarded prospect coming out of junior hockey, though he struggled in his first pro season last year.

Leclaire, 20, appeared in 36 games with Syracuse last season, posting a 8-21-3 record, 3.56 goals against average and .890 save percentage.

He is a butterfly style goalie that sees the puck well, has a fast glove and can recover quickly.

Insiders feel that Pascal had a decent showing in training camp, and the fact that he’s had some early success, shows he’s adjusting to the pro game.

Our sources firmly believe Leclaire will get every opportunity to be a success in Columbus.

“He’s their goaltender of the future.”

 

Drafted: Toronto Maple Leafs, 1st-round selection (17th overall) in 2001.

Player No. 15 Profile: Name: Carlo Colaiacovo Team: St. John’s Maple Leafs League: AHL Position: Defenseman Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Height: 6'1" Weight: 188 lbs. Birth Date: 01/27/83

Insider's Edge:

Carlo Colaiacovo is a touted prospect, entering his first professional season following a solid junior hockey career.

Insiders believe Carlo has good size the tools and potential to become a solid NHL player.

“He’s great on defense, can move the puck, and he has a great shot,” states one source.

Carlo’s debut in the NHL largely depends on him making a smooth transition to the pro game, though there seems little doubt he will eventually become an everyday player.

“This kid can pretty much do it all. He has a very bright future in this game.”

 

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