'12-13 Could Be Breakout Year For Tesink

Ryan Tesink could have a breakout year for the Saint John Sea Dogs this season, says Hockey’s Future.

In their annual St. Louis Blues prospect awards, writer Ian Altenbaugh named Tesink the Blues prospect that could breakout in 2012-13.

“Ryan Tesink has already begun to stick out among the loads of talent on the Saint John Sea Dogs roster,” writes Altenbaugh. “He was an integral piece early on at the Memorial Cup with goals in each of the team's three preliminary round games despite spending much of his ice time on the third line.”

Tesink’s role with the Sea Dogs should be bigger next season with the entire 2011-12 top six expected to turn pro. He was put into a scoring role numerous times last season due to injuries and suspensions. When put into that role early in the season, the Saint John native got off to a great start, recording eight goals and 17 assists in 20 games before going down with a knee injury.

“Tesink has occasionally skated with the team's top six in his two seasons with the club, but next season may see him skate full-time on a scoring line along with a more consistent role on the special teams units,” Altenbaugh states. “Even though he could be headed towards a breakout season from a production standpoint next year and the increase in ice time can only help his development, Tesink still projects as more of a hard-working, versatile forward at the pro level rather than a primary offensive option.”

Despite playing in just 36 games last season due to NHL camp and a knee injury, Tesink did register some solid numbers, putting up 13 goals and 27 assists. He added seven goals and six assists in 17 playoff games and another three goals in four Memorial Cup contests.

Tesink was selected by the Blues in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation