Well, Tampa Bay started the night with only 3 picks, 21, 52 and 124. After trading 21, 52 and a 2019 2nd (which we had 3 of for next season), we ended up picking 9 times last night!
In the 2017 Entry Draft, we picked 9 times and selected 0 draft eligible prospects. This year, we picked 9 times and selected 2 draft eligible prospects. At this rate, it'll take us quite a few more years until we finally start to pick all draft eligible prospects
45. Alexandre Texier
French native who was selected at the very same 45th overall in 2017 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Put up 22 points in 53 games in his rookie Liiga season. Also represented France at the World Championships this past spring. Has signed an ELC with the Jackets but will be returning back to KalPa next season.
71. Reilly Walsh
Slick offensive defenceman who put up 20 points in 33 games as a true freshman at Harvard University. Drafted 81st overall by the Devils in 2017. Was between Walsh and another defensive prospect for this pick but ended up going with Walsh for his offensive fantasy upside.
76. Kirill Marchenko
A massive 6'4" winger from Russia who scored some pretty highlight reel goals this past season. We view him as a 2nd round talent and were thrilled to get him with the last pick of round 3 (missed pick). May drop in the real life draft due to being Russian, but the skill and potential is still there.
77. Otto Koivula
A 2016 4th Round Pick by the Islanders who's already signed with them and will be coming over to North America next season, Koivula has two very respectable seasons in the Liiga to his name already. Another big body at 6'4" and 220 lbs, we look forward to seeing the impact he brings to his game in North America.
87. Eetu Luostarinen
Drafted 42nd overall by Carolina last year, had very similar stats to fellow Lightning prospect and teammate with KalPa Alex Texier but is also a full calendar year older. Has size as well at 6'3", we can't wait to see how Eetu develops in the future.
93. Jordy Bellerive
Was passed up in the 2017 NHL Draft, but quickly signed with the Penguins during training camps. Captained his Lethbridge Hurricanes and had 27 more points than the next best player on his team. Ripped 46 goals last year, which was the most in the WHL for any 1999 born player.
(Side note, Bellerive was injured in an incident last night, we give him our prayers and hope for the best as he recovers from his injuries. From what we've heard, he'll be alright but still a very scary situation.)
101. Kirill Maksimov
Another Russian, although this one has already come to North America and is playing in the OHL with Niagara. A 5th round pick by the Oilers last year, Maksimov has already signed an ELC with them following an impressive 80 points in 62 games. We look forward to seeing what he can do with another year in the OHL before heading to the AHL.
103. Igor Shvyryov
A pick that we debated over and over again, but decided to take the risk in the end. Had an impressive 70 points in 40 games in the MHL in his draft eligible year, before being drafted in the 5th round by the Avalanche. Made the jump to the KHL this season, but only had 1 point in 32 games. We've read that his coach failed to utilize him at all, and because of this, Shvyryov has already signed with the Avalanche and will be playing in the AHL next season. We took a risk based off the fact he'll be in North America next season, and we are excited to see if his offensive flair comes with him as well.
124. Bulat Shafigullin
With our last pick of the draft, we took a player who I'm a big fan of. Shafigullin had better stats this year in the MHL than other prospects such as Grigori Denisenko, but his game isn't fully complete which will allow for him to slip in the draft. We took a chance on his offensive potential and are hoping he'll get drafted to a good organization who will develop him properly.
Wasn't my plan to draft this many Euros or Russians for that matter or even to draft 8 forwards and 1 defenceman, but its just the way things ended up as we were going BPA off of our list. Thanks all once again for a fun night!