NHL Daily: Chris Kreider, Ottawa Senators Defense, Mikko Rantanen

NHL Daily: Chris Kreider, Ottawa Senators Future Defense Pairing, Mikko Rantanen Ready to Make NHL Impact, and More (Morning Coffee Headlines)

Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.

In today’s edition: Is it time for Rangers F Chris Kreider to finally put the tools together for a breakout season? Thomas Chabot/Andreas Englund look like a future defensive pairing for the Senators, Mikko Rantanen ready to make NHL impact after impressive AHL rookie season in 2015-16, and much more!

NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines

Chabot, Englund a Perfect Defensive Pairing

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Thomas Chabot poses for a photo with team executives after being selected as the number eighteen overall pick to the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ottawa Sun’s Ken Warren has been impressed by Sens defensive prospects Thomas Chabot and Andreas Englund. He also explains why the two could make for a perfect defensive pairing at some point down the road. [Ottawa Sun]

Time for Chris Kreider to Put All His Tools Together

Kreider, 25, is coming off back-to-back 21-goal seasons on Broadway and was rewarded earlier this summer with a four-year extension. Karly Redpath over at Blue Line Station explains why it’s time for Chris Kreider to put all his tools together in 2016-17. [Blue Line Station]

Pair of Highly Touted Prospects Drop the Mitts

Sep 24, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Washington Capitals center Jakub Vrana (13) before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Washington and Florida squared off in Coral Springs, Florida on Sunday in a rookie game. Caps prospect Jakub Vrana dropped the gloves with Panthers 2014 2nd rounder Jayce Hawyrluk. CBS Sports reports that Hawryluk injured his hand in the fight (video attached). [Russian Machine Never Breaks]

Josh Ho-Sang Can Fly if Isles Let Him

Few have questioned Ho-Sang’s skill-set in his early career. It’s his attitude, maturity, and character that has been called into question. His NHL quest ended early around this time last year after he was sent home for being late to training camp (when he was penciled in to line up with John Tavares). Still, he’s a player to keep an eye on over the next few weeks. [Eyes on Isles]

Rantanen Looking Forward to First NHL Season

October 18, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) moves the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Avs prospect Mikko Rantanen had a solid first year down in AHL San Antonio and looks ready to make his NHL impact this Fall. He may even find his name among Calder Trophy finalists when all is said and done. Mike Chambers at Denver Post talks about how Rantanen is looking forward to his first full NHL season. [Denver Post]

Rob O’Gara Looking to Crack Bruins Lineup

After concluding his 4th year at Yale University in 2015-16, O’Gara signed his entry-level deal joining AHL Providence for their final five games last season. Brandon Share-Cohen over at Causeway Crowd discusses how Rob O’Gara could surprise in training camp and potentially be on B’s opening night roster. [Causeway Crowd]

Bittner Has Promising Future as NHL Power Forward

Sep 22, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets forward Paul Bittner (57) looks to pass as St. Louis Blues forward Pat Cannone (53) trails the play during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jackets writer Aaron Portzline talks about how 35th overall pick (2015) Paul Bittner has a promising future in the NHL as a power forward. The 6’5 215lbs winger has looked impressive so far in rookie camp but is coming off an injury-plagued season that should see him start the year in Cleveland. [Columbus Dispatch]

Avs Rookies Look Impressive in Opener

Colorado opened rookie camp with a match-up against the San Jose Sharks. The Avs won 4-1 on goals by Nikita Zadorov (empty net), J.T. Compher, A.J. Greer, and Chris Bigras. Nadia Archuleta at Mile High Sticking gives her impressions after being in attendance for the game. [Mile High Sticking]

NHL Daily Morning Rant

The Islanders training camp will be a very intriguing scenario to follow. As it stands, they’ll need some help from rookies if they hope to improve upon last season. Leading the charge is Michael Dal Colle and Mathew Barzal. You can consider these two guys candidates to play alongside John Tavares at some point down the road. Other top prospects include Anthony Beauvillier (likely heading back to junior) and Josh Ho-Sang (as mentioned above).

Ho-Sang, 20, is an interesting scenario based on the early character concerns. There’s still lots of time to mature and if he can put it all together at training camp, Josh has a legitimate shot at cracking the NHL roster. The skilled playmaker is coming off a 19-goal, 82-point season with OHL Niagara in 2015-16 and continued his hot play into the postseason with six goals, 20 points in 17 games for the IceDogs.

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