Random NoDak News, Past & Present

• In their analysis of Oiler blueline prospects, The Edmonton Journal says defenseman Dillon Simpson is progressing nicely at North Dakota and should compete for a Team Canada roster spot at the 2013 World Junior Championships.
• Forward Rocco Grimaldi and incoming freshman defenseman Jordan Schmaltz have been invited to participate in USA Hockey's National Junior Evaluation Camp this summer. Team USA's final roster will be determined in December following a pre-tournament camp. A full roster and camp schedule can be found via USA Hockey's press release.
• Grimaldi, of course, is coming off a season during which his playing time was extremely limited due to a knee injury suffered during the preseason, but Florida Panther scouting director Scott Luce expects Grimaldi to be ready to fully participate in the team's development camp next month.
• Schmaltz is one of five players The Toronto Sun says could go to the Maple Leafs at No. 35 in this weekend's 2012 NHL Draft.
• While at Canadien's development camp last weekend, forward Danny Kristo told The Montreal Gazette that he felt he was ready to play professionally but he opted instead to return to the "close-knit family" at UND for his senior season because he has "some unfinished business in North Dakota." He says the professional success of four-year NoDak players Chay Genoway, Brad Malone, and Matt Frattin also figured into his decision.
• Speaking of Genoway, it is being reported that the restricted free agent has re-signed with the Minnesota Wild. Star Tribune beat writer Michael Russo corroborated the blog post today in a Star Tribune chat session. Details are forthcoming.
• If NHL.com could re-do the NHL Drafts of five and ten years ago, Matt Frattin would be a first-rounder in 2007 and likewise for Matt Greene in 2002.
• Brock Nelson came in at #12 on Lighthouse Hockey's Top 25 New York Islanders Under 25 countdown and Hockey's Future says Nelson is the #2 prospect in the Islander's system.
• The Edmonton Journal says Chris VandeVelde is tracking "reasonably well" towards a career in the NHL.
• In this article out of Sweden, former Sioux All-American Lee Goren says he has a few options in front of him to remain in the Swedish Elite League next season.
• Former Sioux Bill Trew signed an extension to remain with Landshut (Germany Tier 2) for next season. Trew led the Cannibals to the league playoff championship this past season.