This and that..

Just a few hits for you Friday afternoon.

Ohio State takes on Michigan State this Friday and Saturday at East Lancing. There is a really good read from Yahoo about the difference from last year's team and this years:

The season ended with a first-round elimination in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament and a 12-25-4 record.

This year the Buckeyes have only three seniors to go along with 13 sophomores and nine freshmen. Given last year's poor showing it was no surprise that the outlook on the season was not very bright.

"Last year the classes were too many freshmen and too many seniors and nothing in between and it really made it difficult," he said. "The seniors were seniors and the freshmen were freshmen and there was no bonding."

You can read more here.

TSN.ca has released their top 30 NHL draft prospects. Of course Tavares and Hedmen continue to be ranked 1 and 2.

Rank 1-15.
Rank 16 - 30.

Isn't it fun to not seriously be talking draft at this point in the season?

Here is a trade rumor for your viewing pleasure courtesy of Tampa's beat writer:

Another rumor that just hit the wire involves the Columbus Blue Jackets, Word is that Tampa has been scouting Columbus recently while the Blue Jackets have a scout in the building tonight. The supposed interest on Columbus’ part is Vinny Prospal. This one makes a little bit of sense to me as Prospal has been caught in his every-other-year lack of production this season and his contract is pretty hefty. Perhaps that’s why Prospal has played at center tonight?

Pospal is 33 and signed for three more years at 3.5 million. He's had some good seasons.. unfortunately this year is not one of them as he's scored just 13g, 21a for 34 points in 55 games. He's also a -11.

Of course we all know what kind of season Tampa has had up to this point.

Forecaster:

ASSETS: Sees the ice well and gets the puck to an open man effectively. Plays intense hockey and doesn't back down from challenges. Can play left wing or center.
FLAWS: Has lacked consistency over the years. At times, his instigating qualities can be detrimental to his team. He's also a below-average skater.
CAREER POTENTIAL: Top six forward.

My reaction. Not a chance.

Howson is not going to tie up this kind of money for three more years for a guy like Prospal. I just don't see it. Too much of a committment for that kind of talent at that age on the downside of his career.

Remember Howson is going to have to sign a lot of young studs over the next couple of years and he has to maintain financial flexibility. If he acquires someone it will be a veteran on a short term deal or a young player approaching or in his prime that can become part of the "core".

-LTL