Jess Rubenstein at The Prospect Park says this is a big year for Rangers prospect Shane McColgan (2011 - 5th), who was traded from Kelowna Rockets to the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL this offseason because he has not lived up to expectations...

"The Blades traded for McColgan to give them an experienced scorer who adds grit and a willingness to work hard but they also need McColgan to be their leader on the power play. No question McColgan has strong passing skills but this season McColgan needs to score a whole lot more than 3 power play goals.

In fact if the Blades want to be more than just Memorial Cup hosts then they need McColgan to pile up not just points but goals more than anything. This is McColgan's 4th season in the WHL and asking him to put up 75-80 points is not a stretch."

The 5' 9" McColgan led Kelowna in points last year with 64 (18g, 46a).

...McColgan is another pint sized prospect (see Christian Thomas) who must prove he has the toughness to play at the next level. His stats have been nothing to write home about, so as Jess says, if he wants any chance of getting a contract from the Rangers he's going to have to find the back of the net with more regularity this season.

In other prospect news, Jesper Fast (2010 - 6th) did this...

@theprospectpark at tonights game. HV71 vs LHC in EUtrophy. Fast game started slow in 1period. More offensiv in 2nd. Waiting on 3period.

— Henrik Särenborg (@zwintho) August 30, 2012

@theprospectpark HV71 won the game 4-1. No points by Fast but good hard work in the second half of the game. Jason krog 2goals.

— Henrik Särenborg (@zwintho) August 30, 2012

...after suffering a gruesome knee injury last year, I'd say Fast has a lot to prove as well. Speed is an integral part of his game, so if he doesn't have that same burst his overall game may suffer.

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