3/14 Prospect Update: Boucher's ELC and Wedgewood's AHL Shot

This week was another exciting one for a few Devils' prospects. Reid Boucher got the contract he was hoping for, Artur Gavrus scored a few big goals for the Owen Sound Attack, and Harri Pesonen is getting his chance in the NHL. Keep reading to see updated stats on each prospect and a few individual updates.

Notes:

• Reid Boucher was rewarded for his record setting season by getting a three year Entry Level Contract with the Devils. Although he cannot play with New Jersey this season, when his season ends with Sarnia (three regular season games and the playoffs) he can sign a tryout contract with Albany to finish the season in the AHL. I know many readers were curious about his future with New Jersey - this doesn't mean he will make the NHL any time soon, but it does show a certain level of confidence in his development. Boucher also had another three-goal week - nothing new.
• Artur Gavrus had a hat trick for Owen Sound Attack and was named Attacker of the Week. It is exciting to see him produce more since coming back from a few injuries this season. He's had two strong weeks in a row.
• Harri Pesonen was called up to New Jersey after Henrik Tallinder was put on injured reserve. He hasn't had the opportunity to play yet, but he is hoping for that chance soon.

Playoff Picture:

• WHL:
  • The Swift Current Broncos are in 6^th place in the Eastern Conference while the Kelowna Rockets are in 2^nd in the West.
• OHL:
  • In the West, the Owen Sound Attack hold 3^rd, the Kitchener Rangers have 4^th and the Sarnia Sting clinched 7^th.

College Playoffs:

• CCHA:
  • Miami clinched 1^st, Ohio State placed 4^th, and Michigan is in 7^th.
• WCHA
  • Minnesota placed 2^nd, North Dakota got 3^rd, Wisconsin is in 4^th, and Michigan Tech clinched 10^th

Albany Notes:

• Scott Wedgewood got his first starts in the AHL last weekend - he is the first Albany goalie to win his first two starts for Albany in team history. He only let in 3 goals in 2 games. This gives a small sample of what the goaltender can do with a more solid team in front of him in contrast to what he sees in Trenton.
• Jeff Frazee got his first taste of the NHL. He replaced Hedberg in the blowout game against the Hurricanes. When he entered the game, the score was 6-1 in favor of Carolina and the Devils started a comeback with the game ending with a score of 6-3.
• The Albany Devils went 2-1 last week:
  • They lost 4-2 to Bridgeport with Kinkaid in goal. The Devils saw goals from Joe Whitney and Harri Pesonen.
  • In Wedgewood's first start, Albany won 4-1. Joe Whitney scored two goals. Whitney, Josefson, Anderson and Gelinas each had multi-point games.
  • In Wedgewood's second start, the team won 3-2 in the shootout. Joe Whitney extended his point streak to three games, as well.

That's it for the recap this week. Which prospect stood out to you the most? What are your thoughts on Boucher's contract? Which goalie has stood out to you the most this season? Feel free to discuss anything prospect related in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!