With summer coming into full swing, the Black Wings management got down to business continuing the rebuild of the team's roster before heading to Croatia for some much needed beach time.
Linz had a few holes to fill with the retirement of Eddie Belfour and the departure of some of the character players that really round out a team. To that end, Linz signed up Bobby Holik, JS Aubin, and Matthias Norstrom.
Bobby Holik played last season with the Dayton Musicmen, but mostly in a supporting role. The massive Czech will likly find a little more playing time in Linz in perhaps a 3rd line centre role, mentoring players like Patrick O'Sullivan and Martin Hanzal in honing their defensive skills.
JS Aubin, a perennial back-up goalie will fill the same role with the Black Wings after the emergence of Pascal Leclaire.
Matthias Norstrom played with the Ronin last season and he's the defensive defenseman that Linz really found lacking last season. He won't find much time on the power play but will be called upon to battle against other teams top forwards.
With free agency tinkering complete, Linz turned to the future and the draft and with their first two picks selected Atlanta Thrashers prospects. Obviously the biggest splash that the Black Wings made was coming up with a gold nugget in Zach Bogosian. Zach is a big, smooth skating defenseman with a big shot and who is not afraid to get physcial. While it might be a stretch to say he'll be in the CCHL next season, don't be surprised if he is.
Linz also selected Daultan Leveille, a 17 year old speedster who surprised many when he was drafted in the 1st round out of Ontario Jr. B. Daultan could be a future offensive star, or could be a complete bust, this pick was a gamble for Linz.
For thier 3rd round pick, Linz selected another defenseman in Quebecker Yann Sauve. We were surprised to see this young man still available this late in the draft but there has been some question about whether or not Yann is developing as well as he could be. Being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and moving to pro hockey should light a fire under him and get him back on track.
Linz didn't have a 4th round pick, but round 5 saw the Black Wings land Jerome Flaake, a German left-winger who tore apart opposition in the Koln Haie (Sharks) of the DEL last season.
Round out the draft, Linz used their last two picks to grab Darryl Boyce (and over-aged Toronto Maple Leafs prospect) and Samuel Groulx (another Quebec defenseman to join Yann Sauve).
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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