Returning Veterans
In goal, 1989-born Braden Holtby (WSH 4th 2008 – 61 GP, 40-16-2-2, 2.62, .910) is eligible to return for his overage season but has been signed by the NHL’s Washington Capitals and likely will turn pro this season. Last season’s backup goaltender Adam Morrison, a 3rd round pick (81st overall) of the Philadelphia Flyers, naturally will move into the starter’s role for the 2009-10 season. In 13 games played last season, Morrison had a 9-1-1 record with a 2.49 goals against average and a .907 save percentage.
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On defense, one 20-year-old is eligible to return for his final season in the WHL, Sam Klassen (72-2-18-20-92). In July, however, Klassen inked a free-agent deal with the NHL’s New York Rangers and looks to turn pro this fall. Returning for his fourth season with the Blades, Teigan Zahn (CHI 5th 2008 – 62-5-11-16-160) will be looked upon to anchor the Blades defense along with fellow 19-year-olds Jyri Niemi (NYI 3rd 2008 – 60-7-25-32-74), and Brendon Wall (32-2-5-7-23), in addition to recent Colorado Avalanche 2nd round pick, 18-year-old Stefan Elliott (71-16-39-55-26). Ryan Funk, a 20-year-old with four seasons with the Blades, was dealt to the Vancouver Giants in May.
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Up front, the Blades will have seven definite returning players plus four different possibilities for overage players. The one major question mark among the 20-year-olds is Slovak center Milan Kytnar (65-27-37-64-89). Kytnar, a 5th round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, signed an entry-level contract in May and will likely turn pro. Left winger Derek Hulak (72-30-46-76-50), right winger Walker Wintoneak (72-31-28-59-40), and Chris Langkow (70-15-34-49-52), the other 20-year-olds eligible to return, will be leaned on heavily for major offensive seasons in the event they are in Blades uniforms for the 2009-10 season. A pair of 19-year-olds will be towers of power at center this season in Gaelan Patterson (CGY 7th 2009 – 71-22-35-57-41) and Travis Toomey (51-17-12-29-90). Three 18-year-olds will be back looking to improve on last season’s numbers, right winger Burke Gallimore (71-26-27-53-15), left winger Curtis Hamilton (58-20-28-48-24), and left winger Darian Dziurzynski (64-10-15-25-96). Finally, 1992-born right winger Josh Nicholls (63-9-16-25-37) and center Charles Inglis (65-11-8-19-85) will be back after strong rookie campaigns.
