Johan Kallum looks back at trading Ovechkin and Datsyuk to the Killers...

This entry appeared on the CCHL Transaction page on November 7, 2013....

(11/07/13) WIS trades P.Datsyuk & A.Ovechkin & M.Michalek to KRL for N.Yakupov & J.Bailey & E.Etem & Elias Lindholm-p & Oscar Klefbom-p & Griffin Reinhart-p & KRL 1st (Kasperi Kapanen)... 

The blockbuster trade made a splash in the league, it was truly some big pieces that moved. It is soon 2 years since the trade and let us look in the trade and see how it looks today.

Motives for the trade: WIS

Wisborg had during the summer gotten hold of both Datsyuk and Ovechkin. The team relied heavily on the first line to produce, the other lines where not bad but not either even close to the first line. The prospect pool was shallow. The season started out not quite as good as WIS management hoped for. A top 8 club for sure at that time early in the season. Would the team turn it on later on the season or was this the potencial? Ovechkin came with uncertainties, he had just finished a sub par season for him with just 32 goals. His third straight year with goals in the 30´s. Face it, that was part of the reasons WIS could get him in the first place. Was the gas starting to run out from
Alexander the G8? KHL was moving up and russians started turning home, the russian factor. So for a team that leaned heavily on two pieces and those two players value could fast turn into dust with a low scoring Ovie and a Datsyuk that was a bit older and it all could change with moves back to Russia. Ovie was off to a great start that season pointing toward once again reaching 50 goals, but would that hold?

Motives for the trade: KRL

Johan E was owner of the Karlstad Killers and the team is today Sanibel Islanders, so this part is all speculation. Since Johan choose to leave CCHL after the season it could be seen as a last push in the league, all or nothing. His team at the time was also a top 8 club with lots of talent but missed a top line that could be relied upon. In addition the team was good at collection prospects and Johan was always very keen on getting the Swedes.

Mechaniques of the trade

KRL mailed out to the league that he wanted to get first line players. I told him my interest in letting go off Ovechkin and Datsyuk but it wouldn't come cheap. So we started to put pieces into the trade. Ovechkin was on a four year contract so there was a chance for me to flip Michalek for Bailey (4 year contract) which evened out nicely for me. I aimed for 3 pieces each for Ovie and Dats and I really would like to get rid of Michaleks salary. In my opinion I got the good pieces I could find in KRLs prospect pool. After this trade WIS was a seller and KRL made some moves to strengthen his push chasing after Copenhagen. He had his centerpieces and WIS sold them.

Two years after, the verdict was in. On KRLs side it worked out pretty well, player wise. Datsyuk had kept going and had a stellar year last season, but maybe age is starting to work against him with a present injury and age of 37. Ovechkin did find his old form and have had 50+ goal seasons since and also started to find some kind of defensive play. None of the players have even been rumored to go back to Russia so it must be considered that KRL got full value for their side of the trade.

As for the push KRL just nipped the second place, a point in front of Fort Eire. In the playoffs however Fort Eire took revenge by winning the semi final against KRL by a 1 goal win in game 7. That must have been disappointing to Johan. Copenhagen went on to eventually beat out Fort Erie in the final series.

As for the players that WIS received it has been a mix of success and disappointments so far. Yakupov was a centerpiece and has yet to put it all together, but hope remains. Etem has likewise not really moved forward as expected but the recent trade to NYR could be a new beginning for him. Griffin Reinhart has been slow to get into NHL and might not be the top pairing as expected but should be a top 4 in Edmonton eventually. Lindholm is more on track as expected while the high hopes for Klefbom was realized and is now a teammate with Griffin. Kasperi Kapanen looks like it was good value for the 21 st pick and since WIS once hade father Sami on the payroll it will be a great father/son story. Bailey who was flipped for Michalek in the deal, has been decent value but not the top player either, he could have been.

While KRL got full value for the players and even better than expected on Ovies part, WIS has some of the players not really living up to what was expected of them. But the players are young and things can still happen. KRLs disappointment must instead be in the derailed cup run.

So for the 2 year anniversary of the blockbuster trade I would say KRL got the better deal so far. But they lost out on the cup and it can be argued that WIS didn't have enough to make the push anyway. It would not have been easy to find another trade partner with enough talent in the prospect pool to pull the deal off then. In hindsight it would probably have been better to trade Ovie later on at a higher value, but that was unknown at the time.

So a good trade back them for both teams with a disappointing short term goal for KRL while WIS players still have some way to go to realize their potential. I would however put KRL ahead in the deal since the involved players provided full value.

/Johan
GM WIS

DEBUT ISSUE (EPISODE???) OF SEATTLE BREW....

Seattle Brew

(The digest with news and notes from and about the CCHL and Seattle’s own CCHL team the Reign)

The 2015-16 CCHL Season dropped the puck on action on Wednesday Septemebr 30^th but just like a beaver it was quite a busy offseason. Let’s see how things look and what falling objects they must like any beaver avoid, e.g. a tree in the woods, which may crush the dreams of Seattle.

Seattle made a series of minor moves to bring in some veteran help to help bolster the depth as their playoff run was derailed in the 2^nd Round last year due to a lack of scoring.

Getting more than a cup of coffee at the Soundgarden this year are new faces, Patrick Elias, Erik Cole, Andrew Ference, Marek Zidlicky, David Desharnais, Dominic Moore, Andre Benoit, Steve Bernier, David Jones and Ron Hainsey. This eclectic mix of talent may need a UN interpreter to understand what each of them are saying.

When you add them to the group of current Reign players like Malkin, Bergeron, Nyquist, Helm, Vlasic, Wideman, Abdelkader, Jarnkrok, Petry, Hagelin, Zucker, Crawford and Ramo this team may be cursing the Baylonians should things fail to gel.

Here is the highlights of the interview we had regarding the off season moves by the Reign with GM and Director of Hocey Operations Michelle Chapman

What was the decision making process in acquring all the players you did?

“We were instructed to do specific things by ownership on the day after the Cup was won by Copenhagen and that was what we did.”

Where these moves made solely at the request of reclusive owner Cam McCurdy? Was he spearheading all transactions and player related decisions?

“We are following through with ownerships requests and we support their vision”

What challenges did you have in bringing players to Seattle, if any?

“Like any decision that involves uprooting and moving across the country or in some cases to an entirely new country it can be a tough one. However we tried to instill in any prospective FA what our vision was and what their role would be in seeing that vision come to fruition. Contrary to what people think free Starbucks coffee and Microsoft products were not part of any deal.” (smiles)

Do you think this team is a legitamite contender for the Kehler Cup?

“I’m sure most of the 21 other GM’s think that is the case with their own team or they are taking steps to become one as soon as possible. We will see how things unfold early on this season to get a feel for how well the players are working together. I see about ½ dozen new players in the lineup to start the year and it takes time to get used to new coaches, a new system and linemates”

So you think you could win the Cup?

“Again we will see how things look early on in the regular season but there are a lot of very talented teams out there who will be pushing very hard to get that Cup.”

How has it been working for Mr. McCurdy, he is known to have a few shall we say different ways in doing things?

“It does take a little getting used to, he only communicates via Morse code so I had to learn that. The entire job interview was done with Rorschach cards, he simply sat in the background wearing a Guy Fawkes mask solving a Rubik’s Cube. He does treat the staff and players well and rewards people quite graciously.”

Since his sports career was cut short by injuries does he want to put his stamp or leave his mark on the type of team that takes the ice? Does he allow the scouting staff, you and the other hockey operations people to ice a team in your style?

“As stated before ownership has clearly indicated to us what they want done and we have proceeded accordingly. Everyone has input and the best decision, based on a variety of factors, is made.”

I know his estate, Paradiso, is very restricted, Mt. Rainier being on one side, no air traffic allowed over the area, military patrols along the perimeter of the 30 foot high electrified fences behind which is a deep moat which lies in front of 30 foot high stone walls but have you had a chance to visit his residence?

“The enitre organization gets to go to his estate once a year. Everyone is transported via helicopter while blindfolded to the property, all personal electronic devices are taken, everyone is forced to take off their clothes, but the entire day is fun filled and shall I say whimsical…we all look forward to it each year.”

So every one there is naked!?!?

(laughs) Oh no, no, no we change into costumes/outfits that are provided for us. It’s been a different theme each year I’ve been there. I can’t say much more due to the contracts we all sign before being allowed on the premises but if there was a “Heaven on Earth” I think Paradiso is that place. I mean this one time we….(a man in a suit with sunglasses enters the room walks to GM Chapman and whispers into her ear then quietly exits)..I’m sorry I got a little off topic there shall we move on.

Okay I understand…recently in the news were rumors that at the annual league meetings that Dayton owner Bill Corfield and Mr. McCurdy had a heated dispute on the golf course regarding the repairing of a ball mark on the green. Is this true?

“We will not respond to salacious rumors and false accusations. There was nothing unusual during the meetings in Florida.”

It was further rumored that while this argument was occurring Reykjavik owner Chris Wolter putted out of turn causing him to get involved in a rather loud argument with Mr. Corfield and Mr. McCurdy. Meanwhile as all of this was transpiring Minnesota Owner Blake Wendt was busy designing new golfing attire for the group. Would you be able to elaborate on this?

(sighs) “We are here to discuss hockey related issues for this season not create stories better suited for the National Enquirer or Weekly World News. Do you have a hockey related question?”

I think we will wait until the season is in full swing for more questions

“Speaking of swinging that reminds me of an event at Paradiso…(the door to the office swings open and a man in a suit wearing sunglasses loudly clears his throat)… oh sorry..I digress. Yes I look forward to talking to you soon.”

Thank you for your time Ms. Chapman

“Thank you” 

Kallum's Kids: This week in the CCHL Prospect Report, the Boston Banshees

(Editor's Note: Johan Kallum, General Manager of the Wisborg Donuts, will be providing an assessment of each team's prospects throughout the 2015-16 season. )

This week:

The Boston Banshees...

Top 6 Forwards Grade: A

Pavel Zacha

Sam Reinhart

John Quenneville

Nicklas Jensen

Christian Fischer

Mike McCarron

Top 4 Defensemen Grade: A

Thomas Chabot

Brandon Carlo

Andreas Englund

Derrick Pouliot

Top 2 Goalies Grade: C

Vitek Vanecek

-

Comments:

Pretty nice mix of prospects on forwards and defensemen but very shallow and uncertain future in goal.

Total grade: B

THE DRAKKAR REPORT: Norsemen look to take giant step in 2015-16 season

Herb Brooks Olympia [SAINT PAUL | MINNESOTA]

The celebration of the start of the 2015-16 CCHL season begins this afternoon at 7th St W and down W Kellogg Blvd in anticipation of the Minnesota Norsemen hosting the Siberia Ice Cats tonight as the CCHL’s Opening Game. A celebration that the city of Saint Paul and the State of Hockey hope to repeat at the end of a long playoff run.

“Without sounding too cliché,” says GM Blake Wendt. “We’re in it to win it. We are confident in the group that we’ve put together over the years of rebuilding, and accelerated this offseason is capable of doing some damage this year. Obviously there are many teams in the CCHL that feel the exact same way, and the competition will be immense. But we’re here to compete with the best of them, and the people of this hockey-mad state and region deserve the best this game can give.”

The Norsemen are in for some very stiff competition throughout the league. But also very much within their own conference. Home of the back-to-back Kehler Cup champion Copenhagen Crusaders, the Canosa Conference also has the very formidable Victoria Ronin and Georgetown Millers, Ovechkin-led Sanibel Islanders and budding super team, Reykjavik Puffin.

“It’s going to be a fight all year,” says Norsemen captain, Johnny Boychuk. “We play in a very stout conference, and it seems as though everyone wants it. It’s easy when you have the champ in your conference to want to knock their teeth out. Easier said than done. But we’re not backing down to anyone.”

Minnesota played twelve games this pre-season and went 4-5-3. Not anything to send quivers down the spines of the competition. But there is still not much concern from the coaching staff.

“We did want we wanted to do in the pre-season,” says head coach Craig Hartsburg. “Our record is what it is. Could we improve on some things? Absolutely. Some teams go out there with their lineups set and just roll over everyone. We had players we wanted to tryout and had some competition for spots to be earned. We tried out scenarios where there’s an injury to a key player and moved guys around to keep the motor running as a team. In the end, we did what we wanted to do, and are eager to get things going for real. We know expectations are high and if we just do what we know we are all very capable of doing with the talent here, we can be very successful. It’s a matter of us as coaches to implement the plan and the players to execute the plan to success.”

Fans can arrive outside and around the Olympia at 4:30 PM for the Norsemen ‘Sails Up’ rally. Washington St from W Kellogg Blvd to W 5th St will be closed for the event from 2 PM until midnight.

New Season Arrives in Siberia with New Hope; Cup Contenders to Battle it Out!

Another season of CCHL hockey is upon us, and hope is blooming in Siberia. The Icecats
are entering into their second full season after relocating from Murfreesboro, under the leadership of GM Silvio Saouaf. The Icecats had the luck of the lottery go their way this past summer as they drafted generational talent, Connor McDavid. The Icecats future is not dependent only on young Connor, as they have been building a significant pool of young talent, including Sam Bennett, Nikolaj Ehlers, Madison Bowey and Jake McCabe, among others. GM Saouaf has stayed the course of building through the draft and acquiring young talent since he was hired to lead the Icecats.  Here is what GM Saouaf had to say during an interview on the future of Siberia. "I'm thankful to be part ofa bright future for the Icecats. The Siberia fans have been faithful through this rebuild and see daylight at the end of the tunnel. My goal is to build a perennial contender for the Kehler Cup,  not a flash in the pan. That all starts with building through the draft. This year will probably beanother rebuilding year, but I expect this team to contend for a playoff spot as early as next
year!"

When asked about how he saw the league unfolding this year, GM Saouaf had this to say. "You know, you have the upper echelon teams who will compete every year. Copenhagen is the team to beat again, assembling a formidable lineup yet again, anchored by an outstanding blue line and goaltender.  Beyond Copenhagen, you have a number of teams who have really beefed up this year, trying to make a run for the cup. Dayton has leveraged their extensive prospect pool to acquire top end talent   like Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza, Patrick Hornqvist, and steady blue-line talent like Dan Hamhuis. They have done this while still maintaining a strong prospect pool. Another team with aspirations
of raising the cup is Minnesota. They have taken a full plunge to win it all this year, acquiring great players such as former Icecat, Daniel Sedin, as well as Phil Kessel and Zach Parise. The    Norsemen gave up prized prospect, Anthony Mantha to get Parise, but still have several top        prospects, including Minnesota natives, Hudson Fasching and Mike Reilly.

Three other perennial contenders are also hoping to raise the cup. Victoria acquired potential #1C, Eric Staal along with power forward Wayne Simmonds. GM Canosa is hoping that this recipe leads  to a first Kehler Cup for the Ronin. Another perennial contender, Reykjavik, did not make any     significant changes to their lineup, but did swap several players, including acquiring Tuuka Rask to be their #1 goalie. GM Chris Wolter is relying on the experience and chemistry of his team to  contend yet again. The Sanibel Islanders, formerly the Karlstad Killers, are hoping to enjoy      success in their first full year in Sanibel. GM Ron Maskal takes over a veteran team that is builtto win now.  GM Maskal is hoping that newly acquired #1 goalie, Cam Ward, will provide the        stability in goal that his team needs.

Two other teams that could challenge for the cup are the Winnipeg Ferrets and the Montreal Aces.  The Ferrets and Aces finished last regular season 6th and 4th respectively. Both still have their core team in tact from last year, with a few key additions. They could make life interesting for  the cup favorites."

This season could be one of the best ever in the CCHL with so many cup challengers with realistic shots at a championship.  

Who will win? 

Stay tuned to find out!

Submitted by Silvio Saouaf

General Manager, Siberia Icecats

2015 CCHL ENTRY DRAFT ROUND ONE RECAP BY MATT YOUNG...

2015 CCHL ENTRY DRAFT ROUND ONE RECAP BY MATT YOUNG...


1. SIB- Connor McDavid, C
Siberia really went off the board in taking McDavid didn’t they?  Ok in all seriousness, McDavid is the best pure hockey talent to come along since Sidney Crosby.  McDavid doesn’t have a flaw in his game, and will create an impact when he is able to play for Siberia in 16-17.

2. LNZ- Jack Eichel, C
Eichel is very good at hockey and would have been the number one pick in most drafts over the past decade.  A natural phenom, he captured the Hobey Baker award for college hockey’s best player as an actual freshman; a very rare feat.  Eichel tested the best in physical fitness testing and he is as ready for the CCHL game as anyone in this draft.

3. FOR- Dylan Strome, C
Ryan’s little brother isn’t lurking in the shadows anymore after a season where he captured the OHL scoring title with 129 points for Erie as the second line center.  Impressive that Strome was able to do that playing behind McDavid.  While McDavid doesn’t have any flaws in his game, Strome was on the ice for all critical draws for the Otters, and also had the responsibility of shutting down the oppositions’ best players.  Blessed with good size and hockey sense, Strome is a dynamic player and should in time become a #1 center in the CCHL.

4. HAM- Mitch Marner, C
While Marner lacks size, he plays a dynamic game that most scouts compare to Patrick Kane.  The comparisons are plenty.  Both are small, dynamic scorers who played for the London Knights.  Where it gets unusual is that depending on the scout you talk to, some are concerned about how often he gets hit in comparison to Kane at the junior level, while others say he avoids being hit like Kane did.  It’s obvious that the scouts that think he gets hit more are also apprehensive towards his size, but all acknowledge the kid can play hockey.  He’s the most risky pick so far in the draft but people said Kane was too small to play as well.

5. DAY- Andrew Hammond, G
Dayton shocked the CCHL world by selecting the veteran minor league goaltender, but he will at least provide a season of outstanding goaltending; beyond that, flip a coin as to what will happen.  Hammond was the surprise of the year last season, given his minor league statistics do not rival anything similar to his big league stats, but for at least a year Dayton could make out good on this pick.

6. WIS- Noah Hanifin, D
Many scouts had Hanifin third on their list, behind McDavid and Eichel.  Unfortunately for Hanifin, scoring has become a scare commodity in the hockey world and as a result he slid down to sixth in the draft.  Despite the slide, Hanifin is a very safe pick and should have a very productive career in the CCHL.

7. CGY- Ivan Provorov, D
Like Hanifin, many scouts also had Provorov higher on their lists.  While Russian, Provorov has been in North America for quite some time and averaged over a point per game in the WHL.  Where his game differs from Hanifin is in terms of physical play; the young Russian has a bit of a mean streak that can keep teams off balance.  He is also the most physically ready defenseman in this draft as well.

8. BOS- Pavel Zacha, C
My least favorite player taken in the first round.  While talented and physically imposing, Zacha struggled in the Ontario Hockey League this season.  Zacha missed a lot of time between suspensions and injuries for the Sarnia Sting and really needs to have a big season to get his development back on track.

9. CGY- Zach Werenski, D
Another player from the ranks of the NCAA, Werenski is a very safe pick in that he should play in the CCHL.  He looks to be a good, steady two-way defenseman but the big question surrounding Werenski is his offensive ceiling.  All in all, Werenski will be a player in the league but it is unknown how much offense one can expect at the professional level.

10. SPR- Lawson Crouse, LW
Man-child Lawson Crouse is a big bodied, intelligent hockey player that surprised everyone by making the Canadian team at the World Junior Championships as a 17 year old.  Crouse could play top 6 minutes in the CCHL, but at worst will be a 3rd line player with strong leadership characteristics.  You need 3rd line players that are good in the CCHL, so he’s a very good pick to get him at this spot in the draft.

11. SEA- Kyle Connor, C
Connor has had two very good seasons in the USHL, and has decent size as well.  It’s a little harder to get a read on the future of players in the USHL at 18, as most have chosen another route to go by that point in their hockey career (NCAA/Major Junior) so it is hard to say how much the extra season in the USHL has helped or hindered his draft status.  Connor is a nice offensive player though and if he fills out, he could be a really nice pick at number eleven.

12. HAM- Jake Debrusk, LW
Son of former enforcer Louie Debrusk, Jake would rather punish his opponents by scoring than fighting.  As evidence by a 40 goal season in the ‘dub, Debrusk has made many an opponent pay this season by scoring on a power play.  Debrusk is a hard working player and plays the game the right way, but could lack the necessary gear to be a top six forward in the CCHL.  If he ends up as a top nine guy like Crouse, Hamilton have also done well with this pick.


13. NIA- Timo Meier, RW
Nobody was more shocked than Niagara when Meier was still around at pick 13 of the draft.  Meier has speed to burn and an electric shot to go along with good size on the wing.  Fans in Niagara Falls will love this pick in the coming years as he is the real deal.

14. ISL- Mathew Barzal, C
A guy who was a top 10 pick before the season began, Barzal missed significant time with an injury that saw his numbers finish below expectation.  Despite that, Long Island could have stolen him at this spot in the draft given his play in the World Under 18 championships for Canada.  Barzal has tremendous vision and size.  If he can avoid the injury bug moving forward, Long Island should have a very nice second line center to compliment John Tavares in a few years.

15. POR- Mikko Rantanen RW
Rantanen has great size and an even better shot coming down the wing.  With some aging wingers in Portland, this pick should provide security for the future as Rantanen should be physically ready in a few years.  Portland should be very happy with this player as he develops.

16. CGY- Evgeny Svechnikov, LW
Another Russian player that crossed the pond to play in the CHL, Svechnikov is blessed with a great combination of size and offensive skill.  His play really came on as the season progressed, and looked more comfortable as he gained experience on the smaller rink.  While a few years away still, Svechnikov could be a valuable piece for Calgary moving forward.

17. CGY- Travis Konecny, C
If you could measure Konecny’s size in terms of heart, we would be looking at the equivalent of Shaquille O’Neal.  Unfortunately for Konecny, we are not able to do that and his size definitely played a huge factor in where he was selected.  A great leader, he was named captain of the 67’s in his second season with the team and finished second in team scoring despite missing time with a concussion and a shoulder injury.  I can’t see him playing center moving forward in the CCHL, but a move to right wing could be the answer for keeping him on the ice and in the lineup against the more physically dominating players that await him in pro hockey.  When he’s at his best, he’s worth the price of admission.


18. BOS- Denis Gurianov, RW
A Russian player that left a lot of scouts torn, Boston took a chance on a player that some scouting groups had ranked as low as 70 in their independent ranking.  It’s really hard to say what he will become but with a second pick in the first round, Boston can afford to take a chance on the young, skilled Russian.

19. DAY- Artem Panarin, LW
A good pick for Dayton, Panarin will cross the pond in a year and is ready to play in the CCHL.  With 62 points in the KHL, Panarin has shown he can score with the best of them in a league considered to be offensively challenged.  This could end up being a great pick at this spot in the draft and a real sleeper for Dayton.

20. FOR- Anthony Beauvillier, C
Beauvillier had an offensive breakout in his second season of major junior, posting 94 points and captaining one of the team’s at the CHL’s Top Prospect game held in St. Catharines this past January.  Beauvillier is a character player, and an excellent leader.  He is also defensively responsible and can kill penalties with his willingness to sacrifice the body to block shots.  If he was a bit bigger, he’d likely have gone higher but because size is a concern he fell to Fort Erie at #20 and they aren’t complaining.

21. COP- Colin White, C
A very safe pick for Copenhagen in White.  While Niblett was likely at the Crusaders draft table hoping for Konecny to fall to #21, White is an excellent consolation prize in that he already practices NHL habits in his game.  He’s a player that could play top 6, but also could be a team’s top penalty killer; it just depends on how his game develops at the higher level.  A season full of injuries saw White fall to this spot in the draft but he is sure to be a player the coaching staff in Copenhagen count on down the road for leadership and a good two-way game.

22. DAY- Ilya Samsonov, G
Like Depeche Mode, Dayton just can’t get enough…..of goaltending in the early going of this draft.  Already with Hammond, GM Bill Corfield looks long term in taking Samsonov.  While the player likely won’t play in the CCHL for at least 4 years, Samsonov was the consensus best goalie of the draft amongst the scouting community.  If Dayton can be patient while he fulfills his KHL commitment, this pick could turn out to be the future in goal for the Musicmen.

2015 CCHL ENTRY DRAFT ROUND ONE RECAP BY CHRIS KASH....

2015 CCHL ENTRY DRAFT ROUND ONE RECAP BY CHRIS KASH....

CCHL Entry Draft

2015

1st Round Review

1. SIB- Connor McDavid, C - A no doubter. Generational talent on par with Crosby.

2. LNZ- Jack Eichel, C - Would be 1st overall most years. Chance to be greatest American forward ever.

3. FOR- Dylan Strome, C - Elite vision, passing skills. Questions about skating and defense (and let’s face it, being drafted by the Coyotes) but a potential #1 Center.

4. HAM- Mitch Marner, C - Dynamic forward whose small size may see him at RW long-term. Probably the least likely of the top 5 amateur picks to see the NHL this season.

5. DAY- Andrew Hammond, G - Dayton banking on him not being a one-hit wonder. Big risk considering talent still left on the board.

6. WIS- Noah Hanifin, D - Probably not a franchise Dman but a safe bet for a long NHL career as a top-pairing blueliner. Could hold his own in a sheltered role in the NHL right now.

7. CGY- Ivan Provorov, D - Best potential in this draft to be a true Franchise Dman. Unless Flyers move bodies not likely to see regular NHL role this coming season.

8. BOS- Pavel Zacha, C - Physically ready now but some question if a long-term pivot and if top-line upside. Should still carve out a long NHL career.

9. CGY- Zach Werenski, D - Would benefit from another year of development before jumping to the NHL but should be a 2nd pairing Dman at worst.

10. SPR- Lawson Crouse, LW - Best power forward prospect in the draft. Could play grinder role in the NHL immediately with a higher offensive upside than Tom Wilson at a similar stage.

11. SEA- Kyle Connor, C - Two-way forward should be a solid 2nd liner, penalty-killer in the NHL, but several years away.

12. HAM- Jake Debrusk, LW - Pro bloodlines, though not a rough and tumble player like his dad . 2nd line upside or elite 3rd liner if the offense doesn’t develop as expected.

13. NIA- Timo Meier, RW - Big bodied winger not quite ready for full-time NHL role but should arrive in a year. Potential as 2nd liner and power play asset.

14. ISL- Mathew Barzal, C - Another 2 inches and 20 pounds and Barzal would rank almost level with Strome as an offensive prospect. 2nd line Center at worst.

15. POR- Mikko Rantanen RW - Big bodied forward should play right away in the NHL. Would not be shocked to see him outscore everyone but McDavid as a rookie.

16. CGY- Evgeny Svechnikov, LW - Another big kid with top line potential. Unlike Rantanen and Crouse will be developed in typical Red WIng’s patient way and won’t see the NHL for a couple of years.

17. CGY- Travis Konecny, C - Smallish 2 way guy, best served with another year of development plus weight and strength gains but offensive potential could see Flyers start him in the big leagues immediately.

18. BOS- Denis Gurianov, RW - Russian forward, could book-end with Nichushkin in a few years, but not quite in his class as a scorer or all-around talent.

19. DAY- Artem Panarin, LW - Dayton goes for another older prospect, though this one has no NHL experience yet. Panarin should step into a 2nd line role with the Black Hawks right away and only his size is a concern.

20. FOR- Anthony Beauvillier, C  - Elite offensive skills in a small package. Couple of years away and probably a wing in the pros.

21. COP- Colin White, C - Considered to be the top Selke prospect in the draft who could be a respectable 2nd liner or a top-flight 3rd liner in the NHL

22. DAY- Ilya Samsonov, G - DAY picks up a future #1 netminder after splurging on a “win now” guy in Hammond. Could follow Vasilevski’s career arc and find himself as a backup in the NHL before he’s 21 on the way to being a #1 shortly afterwards.