Re: Ladd to ATL for 2nd Round Pick & Vishnevskiy
2006-07: The Stars used their first-round pick (27th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft to select Vishnevskiy. He returned to the Huskies and once again lead the club’s defensemen in points. He made some minor strides towards improving his defensive play and jumped from a plus-1 to a plus-9 -- scoring less on a worse team. Vishnevskiy also appeared in two games for Russia in the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.
2007-08: On July 18, 2007, the Stars signed Vishnevskiy to a three-year entry-level deal. He was returned to Rouyn-Noranda once more where he had a point per game (45 in 45) but did not have as strong of a playoffs. He was nominated as a second-team QMJHL All-Star for his regular season efforts however. He also joined the Russian team for six games in Canada-Russia Jrs. Super Series, but only notched one goal during the series. Vishnevskiy was once again left off the World Juniors (U20) roster, this time because of a knee injury.
2008-09: Vishnevskiy got his first taste of professional hockey with the Peoria Rivermen this season. His numbers weren’t exactly awe-inspiring (19 points and a minus-5 in 67 games). For much of his time in Peoria, his play wasn’t exactly inspired either. Vishnevskiy seemed almost bored with his time in the AHL. If there’s one thing that kept him busy, however, it was improving his defensive play over the course of the year – which he did. Recalled to Dallas for the last three games of the season.
Talent Analysis
A fluid skater, Vishnevskiy has all the offensive tools to become a powerplay quarterback in the NHL. He’s undersized and only average in his own end, two things that will work against him at the professional level. However, he has the vision and skill set that enable him to be a great puck-mover. Reads plays well and has the skating ability to stay in the play defensively, but isn’t consistent enough in that regard. Needs to figure out a way to handle power forwards effectively.
Future
Potential: Second pairing offensive defenseman and power play quarterback, similar to Lubomir Visnovsky.
Sounds like he may be with the club next year, already signed to a 3yr deal...former 1st round pick....and gets a 2nd round pick as well - an upgrade from Hendry hopefully - good move Scooter!
