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Looking forward to seeing what Mike brings to the table at the rookie tourny. I wonder if Matt Jones had any input into Mike getting the invite. Matt is quite a leader among the young guys.

Two-year deal. Coyotes assistant GM said, ""Matt is a strong two-way defenseman with good offensive skills.

Just wanted to know if his recovery was going well. Thanks

Rising T.J. Oshie / Warroad HS (MN) Position: Center Height: 5-11 Weight: 190 Oshie is a skilled, hard-nosed forward who can score. He will play any style you throw at him. Oshie played with Niskanen in the same all-star game. He was the best forward on the ice in this game, as he contributed offensively, played with great determination, was physical and was a one-on-one threat whenever he was on the ice. He had an outstanding tournament and will be attending the University of North Dakota. Oshie has a great work ethic and is well coached. ISS Top 10 2005 prospects for April

I think about the player from junior that does not have a college degree to fall back on. Some of these guys have been public during the lockout saying things like, 'hockey is all I know how to do.' So if hockey is the only way they know how to earn a living and provide for their family, wouldn't it be prudent to protect yourself as much as possible? Sure, there is no defense for a sucker punch, errant stick, or puck that bounces up into the face. Those are things you can't control. You can control putting on a visor to protect yourself. Good thread.

Some excellent points here, good read. It's mind-boggling that the NHL, Board of Govenors, and PA are so lax with this issue. The number one issue is obviously safety, protecting the player. The league and the owners (for the most part) could care less about the player. What do they care about? Money. You would think the loss on investment would get their attention. You have a five to ten million dollar a year player that misses the whole season to an injury that could have been prevented by using a visor. Someone will say insurance will cover his salary, true. But what about the fans that don't buy tickets because they wanted to see that player? Merchandise sales lost. Decreased level of play for the team, maybe missing the playoffs. "Visors are for wimps and euro's." - Don Cherry on HNIC, June 2004

I'm hoping for Nick's full recovery with no vision loss. Coyotes GM Michael Barnett's own pro career was cut short by an eye injury, so he was sensitive to getting Nick down to Phoenix. He's the NHL's leading proponent for mandantory visors. The last two years he's met individually with the Coyote players and asked them to wear a visor. Some have tried it and quit. One or two have stuck with it. The PA does not want eye/face protection shoved down their throats. They feel that careless stickwork would be worse if everyone wore a visor. Many NHL GM's are also on their side.

Congrats to the Sioux on great season. Coyote fans were cheering for you guys and it's going to be odd not having a prospect with the Sioux. Hopefully Matt Jones will make you proud in the pros.

Former Sioux Nick Naumenko was signed by the Utah Grizzlies. Hopefully, he can be a calming influence and tutor Keith Ballard. The Grizzlies are really struggling, Naumenko had seven shots in his first game.

Thanks for all your comments and good luck this weekend.

Early on, but for those that have seen him, how is he playing? I know he is not happy with that -1 beside his name. Can't remember the last time I saw that, granted five games in. Is he paired with Greene? Seeing a lot of ice in all situations? Thanks for any comments.

Thanks for your comments on Wheeler schmidtdoggydog. I do not expect him to make the team considering the returning players and other players who are further along in their development. Sounds like he needs to get stronger and play more. I'm hoping Green Bay is the route he chooses.

"Zach Jones for Hobey" or "Matt Jones for Calder," sounds good

Congrats to Coach Hakstol and the UND program. Zach is in no way riding the coattails of Matt, although you guys know that. Zach was named the best defenseman at the U-18's in Minsk, no small accomplishment for a defensive shut-down dman. Last I read, Zach was about 5-11' 175 pounder, has he gotten any bigger?

Saw the below post on the WHL board and was wondering if this was a kid you guys were counting on (playing for the Sioux)? Or was he supposed to head to play major junior? Thanks WHL white board

Talking about this post maybe?

The beat writer is the best the Coyotes have, but I agree with you, how would they know? Likely just making Matt look better. The organization really likes him and are trying to get the fans excited about the young prospects, which includes Matt. I hope Matt continues to develop his two-way game with you guys. He should graduate from UND a very mature and polished player. He'll be ready to cover up for Ballard's mistakes Just kidding Gopher fans

BACK TO SCHOOL On the prospect front, Barnett said he expects defenseman Matt Jones (80th overall in 2002) to return to North Dakota for his senior season, where he will captain the Fighting Sioux. Jones, who the Coyotes are very high on, had seven goals, 21 points and 40 penalty minutes in 41 games last year. East Valley Tribune Just a blurb in the local paper, I know you guys said he was staying a month ago.

Just making sure you guys saw this......... 'The Doors' making noise for Flames The Doors is the nickname hung on defencemen Mike Commodore and Steve Montador, who started the NHL playoffs in the press box but have stepped in to help light the fire in the Calgary Flames playoff run. ``It's been a hell of an experience,'' Commodore said Monday as the Flames prepared for the pivotal Game 5 of their Western Conference final against the San Jose Sharks. ``Rewarding, I think, would be the right word. Obviously it was unexpected.''

Question

Great news!

Stafford's major junior rights are held by the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL. If he were to opt-in, the NHL team that selects him might advise him to head to Red Deer. NHL teams love the kind of coaching he would get there in Brent Sutter. If I was his family advisor, I'd ask NHL teams if they planned on signing him rather than place him in Red Deer. Show me the money. Three scouting rags have him at #7, #9, and #14. From what I've read, he's a top 10 guy. I have not seen Stafford like you guys have, but I can't see him pulling a Kesler. Of course, I've been wrong before.

As for Matt Jones and Keith Ballard, the Coyotes GM Michael Barnett has gone out of his way to say the organization wants no part in their decision. If their "family advisors" comes to them and say they want a deal, the Coyotes will accomodate. If not, they are happy to leave them developing in premier college programs. Of course, they basically said the same thing about Jeff Taffe. Krys Kolanos won the National Championship and was asking for a contract the next day. I hope Matt chooses to stay in school. Defenseman take longer and it's not like he would step into the NHL lineup. Enjoy your college experience and mature as a player and a person. Good luck to ZPar, it will be fun to see him skate against the best.

Read this at the Gopher site about the Vanek goal, looks like it was Greene: The Golden Gophers tied the game at three just 2:08 into the third period on Thomas Vanek

I've read that skating is one of his biggest assets. In your opinion, true? Thanks