* CHL draft talk: Lithuanian-born center Edgar Rybakov, 17, the No. 4 pick in the 2008 CHL Import Draft, recently arrived in North America. He is living with forward Ryan O’Reilly’s family in Varna, Ontario, until training camp begins on Aug. 25 at Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena in Jamestown, N.Y.
But will any European-born players follow Rybakov to Erie in the future? That appears uncertain.
The OHL’s involvement in the Import Draft, which currently includes all 60 OHL, QMJHL and WHL clubs, headlined the league’s Board of Governors meetings in Collingwood, Ontario, last week. They held general discussions about potentially not participating in the annual draft as early as next year, said Sherry Bassin, Otters managing partner/general manager.
League officials haven’t taken an official position on the matter, Bassin said. But he said, “There’s some strong feelings by the managers, coaches and owners. It’s definitely going to be researched.”
Concerns about the draft include once-committed prospects choosing not to report and the lack of a player transfer agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation and Russia. “For everything that’s involved, why not give more North Americans an opportunity?” Bassin said.
* Grzeszczak talks heat up: Bassin has conducted serious trade talks with some undisclosed clubs about suspended defenseman Frank Grzeszczak. Bassin said he still hopes to finalize a deal before camp begins. Grzeszczak has been suspended since February for violating team rules.
* Defensive pursuit: Bassin said he has spoken “a lot” with undisclosed clubs about acquiring a veteran defenseman to offset the loss of defenseman Mitch Gaulton, 18. The third-year defenseman will miss the 2008-09 season following offseason surgery on his left elbow.
“We might find one. We certainly would like to get one,” Bassin said. But players might remain unavailable until after OHL camps end, Bassin said, since teams first want to evaluate their rosters.
* No Maxwell, Sheahan: High-profile 2007 OHL picks Brandon Maxwell, 17, and Riley Sheahan, 16, won’t attend camp. Maxwell, a goaltender, has one year left with the United States National Team Development program. He also has verbally committed to Boston College. But Bassin said the Eagles won the 2007-08 NCAA Division I title with then-freshman goaltender John Muse. He has three years of eligibility left. “If (Maxwell) goes to BC, at best he will split the 34 (regular-season) games,” Bassin said.
Sheahan, a center, has chosen to remain with the St. Catharines Jr. B club in his hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario, to keep his NCAA eligibility intact. He has verbally committed to Notre Dame.
* More draft updates: Center Joe Basaraba, a 2008 second-round pick, likely will play in Thunder Bay, Ontario, this season, Bassin said. Although he wants Basaraba to attend camp, Bassin has told him ice time could be minimal on a roster featuring 17 veteran forwards. According to Hockey Canada rules, Basaraba, 16, can play only in Junior A outside of Thunder Bay, Bassin said. But Bassin said, “He might come to camp and show that he (deserves) to get ice time.”
Defenseman Kevin Clare, a 2008 fourth-round pick, has a two-year commitment to the USNTDP. But Bassin said, “He told us he wants to play Junior A when he’s done.” Left wing Michael Mersch, a 2008 eighth-round choice, also will play for the USNTDP.
* Owen in front: Eight goaltenders are invited to camp, Bassin said. But second-year goaltender Shane Owen currently holds onto the No. 2 spot. “They’ve got to take it away from him,” Bassin said. “That’s what loyalty’s about. He’s got to play his way off.”
* Around the rink: Overage winger Doug Clarkson, 19, will enroll in a Canadian university but play for a Tier II club. … Defenseman Tim Filangieri, the Otters’ fourth-round pick in 2003, has been named Boston College’s assistant captain for the 2008-09 season, according to the school’s Web site.
– Victor Fernandes