And so it begins…the Florida Panthers have traded winger Michael Frolik and the rights to goaltender Alexander Salak to Chicago in exchange for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman, and David Pacan. Lots more to follow soon.
Skille was drafted on by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, seventh overall in the 2005 draft by…Dale Tallon. From Skille’s SB Nation player page:
Assets
Is a very good and swift skater. Is a strong, tenacious forechecker with sound offensive instincts. Works hard every shift and wears his heart on his sleeve.
Flaws
Tends to go into prolonged scoring slumps and generally lacks consistency issues in all facets of the game.
Career Potential
Grinding winger with upside.
Skille is a big and fast winger with goal scoring capability. He’s run into some bad luck with his low shooting percentage thus far, but should turn it around soon. Skille will look to replace Radek Dvorak as a forechecking winger.
Some info on Pacan from Brock Otten at OHL Prospects:
I thought he looked excellent. He’s big and he plays big. Pacan cycled the puck very well and Erie’s defenders had a tough time getting it off him. He also knows his role and goes hard to the net looking for loose pucks.
Pacan has some baggage, as he was dismissed from the University of Vermont’s hockey team for “a violation of the student-athlete code of conduct.” The reason for the dismissal was never brought to light by UVM or Pacan. Pacan then signed with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL.
Pacan’s numbers in the OHL – 14 goals and 29 assists for 43 points in 47 games – have an NHLE of the following:
Pacan’s upside seems to be that of a checking center.
Hugh Jessiman is a noted draft bust by the New York Rangers – he was drafted far too high (12th overall in 2003) by Glen Sather and has never lived up to his potential. He’s a career AHL player that should offer some help to Rochester this season.