Grayson Downing
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild signed University of New Hampshire forward Grayson Downing. He signed a two-year entry level deal that will begin next year. He signed an amateur tryout contract with Iowa of the AHL for the remainder of the season.
Chris Peters: “Downing a rare true senior. 22 years old, had 21 goals for UNH this season. Middle of the road kind of production, but smart player.”
Jeff Cox: “He’s one of those players that gets the most out of less. Good hockey IQ, in right place at right time.”
Casey Bailey
Ashley Chase of WJACTV: The Maple Leafs signed Casey Bailey on the weekend to a two-year entry level deal. Bailey was pursued by many teams, including the Sabres and Flames.
AC: What made Toronto the right fit? That’s a name…obviously you were in Bruins camp, camp with the Flames… Toronto, what made that become part of the equation?
CB: “I had a great chat with Brendan Shanahan and I really liked what he was saying about their future, and how he sees me helping them out. I’m just ready to go there and help out as much as I can, and learn and become a better hockey player.”
Chris Johnston of Sportnet: The Maple Leafs were willing to burn a year off his entry-level contract by playing him this season, and the Sabres reportedly weren’t willing to do so. Bailey had a 30-minute phone call with Leafs president Brendan Shanahan which help seal the deal.
“I think he’s got a vision to develop his players and turn this place around,” said Bailey. “I think just the respect I have for him and his history, he really just talked to me and told me the things he likes about my game. …
“I think he’s really going to give me the chance to develop and get better here.”
DJ Powers of Hockeys Future: On Bailey
Bailey is a 6’3”, 205-pound power forward who is one of the nation’s most prolific shooters, averaging nearly six shots per game. He possesses great vision and does a great job of finding the soft spots. Bailey is especially dangerous below the dots. His size and strength makes him a difficult player to move off the puck. Bailey is an excellent skater with good speed and strong strides. He possesses a high level of competitiveness and brings an element of grit to his game.
But what has scouts clamoring to get glimpses of Bailey is his shot and how he shoots the puck. He’s developed one of the hardest shots in college hockey. Bailey uses his tremendous lower body strength to get into and add velocity to his shots. Furthermore, he shoots with remarkable accuracy. While Bailey’s shots may not always end up in the net, it’s not often that they the miss the net entirely.
Kenney Morrison
Ken McKenna of Hockeys Future: The Flames signed top college free agent defenseman Kenney Morrison from Western Michigan University. Morrison is originally from Lloydminster, Albert. His deal won’t start until next season, but he’s signed to a AHL tryout with the Adirondack Flames.
WMU has been a bit of a defenseman factory in recent years, with Morrison being the latest to sign with an NHL club. At 6’3″ and 208 pounds, not only is Morrison a big defender, but his stock in trade is his big shot from the point. Despite that powerful shot, Morrison’s goal totals aren’t eye-popping – he scored just five in 37 games in 2014-15 – but he has improved his defensive game steadily over the course of his three NCAA seasons to become a more well-rounded player.
DJ Powers of Hockeys Future: On Morrison
Morrison is a 6’2” and 205-pound two-way defenseman who possesses arguably the hardest shot in all of college hockey. To say that his shot is a cannon might be an understatement. The sheer power and velocity that Morrison’s shots possess make them difficult for opposing goaltenders to stop. What is different (and better) this season is that Morrison has added some variety to his shooting arsenal, attributes not lost on NHL scouts.
Two notable areas that make Morrison an even better defenseman this season are his maturity and more well-rounded game. He has established a nice balance between his rugged side and playing a more sound, disciplined game. Morrison is making smarter decisions, not only in his puck movements but in his positioning, as well. His noticeably stronger frame makes him more effective in containing opposing forwards without coming at the expense of his superb mobility.
