David OConnor

Nathan Horton and the Free Agent Value of An Injured Player

David OConnor | June 24, 2013

Nathan Horton has heard it all too many times. He’s overrated. Injury-prone. Not worth the risk. A needless investment. And now he’s set to become one of the NHL’s top free agents. How will injuries affect his value?

NHL Draft: Under-the-Radar WHL Prospects

David OConnor | June 19, 2013

Last week, we looked at under-the-radar prospects from the Ontario Hockey League.

Now, let’s take a look at five Western Hockey League prospects who aren’t yet household names, but are looking forward to hearing their name called on June 30 in New Jersey.

NHL to Seattle: Would the Thunderbirds Be Forced Out?

David OConnor | June 16, 2013

With reports of the National Hockey League relocating the Phoenix Coyotes to Seattle, concern has risen for one of the Canadian Hockey League’s western markets.

NHL Draft: Under-the-Radar OHL Prospects

David OConnor | June 11, 2013

The point of the NHL Entry Draft isn’t to pick an elite superstar first overall and then go home. It’s a new time to shine. Here are five under-the-radar OHL prospects to watch at the NHL draft.

Curtis Lazar: Offensive Sniper or Character Forward?

David OConnor | June 4, 2013

There are characters in movies with defined roles, ones whose positions are clear as day.

And there are characters of hockey such as Curtis Lazar, characters who nobody can truly figure out.

NHL Draft Set to Refuel Passion in Sunbelt Markets

David OConnor | May 31, 2013

Jonathan Drouin, Seth Jones, and Nate MacKinnon have dominated the Canadian Hockey League this season. They’ve done it surrounded by analysis, expectations, and media pressure. All three of them have that in common. But only two of them are expected to end up in Sunbelt markets come June 30.

And those sunny, southern cities are about to receive a massive shipment of elite talent.

Valeri Nichushkin and the Imaginary Russian Factor

David OConnor | May 27, 2013

No one wants to be known as the next Alexander Radulov. That’s why Valeri Nichushkin is pointing himself in a different direction.

Zach Fucale and Drafting A Goaltender in the First Round

David OConnor | May 17, 2013

Zach Fucale isn’t the Halifax Mooseheads’ star player.

But really, no one else is, either. It’s not because Fucale isn’t good enough to be the star; it’s more about Fucale being one of three elite players on Halifax’s roster. And one who’ll probably be gone by the time the first round of the NHL draft concludes.

London Knights’ Nikita Zadorov Defies European Stereotype

David OConnor | May 11, 2013

Nikita Zadorov isn’t who London Knights fans imagined when hearing their team had drafted a Russian defenseman in the first round of the 2012 CHL Import Draft.

A silky-smooth, offensive-minded, 5-foot-10 blueliner was pictured by many. Instead, Knights supporters found themselves looking at a 6-foot-5, 230-pound mammoth.

NHL Draft: Troy Josephs Buzzes As OJHL Prospect

David OConnor | April 23, 2013

Troy Josephs’s name doesn’t often come up first when discussing Ontario Junior Hockey League prospects for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Typically, teammate Matt Buckles receives the most attention in that department.

But that doesn’t mean Josephs is far behind.

How the Ottawa Senators Are Winning A Futile Battle

David OConnor | April 17, 2013

With just a few games left in the Ottawa Senators’ regular season, fans are suddenly confident their team has what it takes to make playoff noise. How did this happen?

The 170 Men Drafted Before Pavel Datsyuk

David OConnor | April 14, 2013

Pavel Datsyuk is one of the greatest two-way forwards the National Hockey League has ever had.

And this is someone who was selected 171st overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.