S35 LGHL Draft Recap & Grades

Hey guys - there wasn't the usual coverage of the draft this season (enjoy retirement @Schwifty7), so wanted to pull together some media and give exposure to new players the league might not be too familiar with. For each team I'll show where they picked in the draft, players to look out for, and some of the best gamertags. I'm sure I'll leave someone out or have an awful take somewhere, but hope you all enjoy!

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Anaheim Ducks
Owner: @James HetfieId
Picks (11): 20, 26, 51, 57, 58, 72, 74, 100, 101, 114, 116
F: 2, D: 9, G: 0
Grade: B


James has caught a ton of flack in this young season, which was to be expected as a new manager, but he used this draft well to stock the organization's prospect cupboards, both in high-potential forwards and a ton of depth on defense. In picking 9(!) defensemen, San Diego (and maybe Anaheim) will have some serious roster battles going into next season. However, probably only Patmo and Voltage have a clear shot of making the Ducks roster to start the year.

Players to Watch: @Patmo x 16 , @VolTaGe TaCKtik , @SLAP_Train


Arizona Coyotes
Owner: @AZDvo
Picks (2): 85, 119
F: 2, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: D

With only 2 picks in the draft, AZ was hoping to get as much value as possible out of each player. They selected @JVaccs x 13 with their 3rd round pick (first of the draft) who is deployed in the military and needless to say is not signed up for next season. Their other pick @TimatinQc was 6-17 on a bad team last season, but did chip in a very respectable 63 points. Here's hoping he can carry that production into next season.

Players to Watch: @TimatinQc


Boston Bruins
Owner: @PureRippin
Picks (5): 43, 44, 49, 69, 80
F: 3, D: 2, G: 0
Grade: B+

My former team those Bruins did well in this draft to get value at each pick, including 3 70+ point scorers and 2 defensemen. One of the steals of the draft in my opinion was getting @S v e c h n y with the 44th pick.. He was a productive forward (3ppg) last season, but is just as capable as a defenseman. In addition, @SilverFox008 will be taking CHL management, so he's a long-term play that will hopefully pay dividends down the road. It looks like Illbill, @Dr Tre 2001 and the scouting department are earning their money in Boston.

Players to Watch: @S v e c h n y , @Dean9791 , @SilverFox008


Buffalo Sabres
Owner: @At43
Picks (7): 11, 19, 21, 52, 77, 81, 125
F: 3, D: 2, G: 2
Grade: A+

Right off the bat I'll say this, Buffalo won best draft of the night and it's not even close. They got better at every position and got value at picks where others were trolling for gamertags. They picked up a full line of productive forwards, 2 defensemen with significant upper league potential and 2 stud goaltenders. Shout out to @At43 for bringing in @AgnosticClaw388 off the IOHL circuit and @Boogie x6 for being the only one to remember @Lunaetiik literally carrying the s32 Halifax Mooseheads through the playoffs all by himself.

Players to Watch: @A R N O x 19 , @Dazzle Em , @GRANDDECEPTION9 , @AgnosticClaw388 , @Lunaetiik


Calgary Flames
Owner: @v FrosTiC
Picks (4): 14, 41, 50, 88
F: 3, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: B

Solid picks top to bottom. It will be interesting to see how @M A R T Y x 90 fares without his running mate @A R N O x 19 this season. Regardless, the Flames pick up 3 forwards with skill and a capable defenseman in this draft, which should provide some depth in Stockton.

Players to Watch: @M A R T Y x 90 , @H0cKey x 67


Carolina Hurricanes
Owner: @JClaus33
Picks (3): 64, 97, 103
F: 3, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: C+

There is potential for some low-key gems in this Hurricanes draft class, but the management team in Carolina will likely have to be patient and give these guys an opportunity to develop in Charlotte. @SUPERMARIO l66l was a productive scorer this season, but we'll see if those numbers can translate outside of the ECHL. Can't say I've ever heard of @Cotonouate7855 , but looks good on paper and @losfail is one of those rare cases of someone getting drafted twice, so we'll have to be patient with this group.

Players to Watch: @SUPERMARIO l66l , @losfail


Chicago Blackhawks
Owner: @Il VENOMx
Picks (10): 24, 27, 34, 39, 76, 89, 96, 98, 118, 128
F: 5, D: 4, G: 1
Grade: C+

This seems to be a case of 'more picks doesn't always mean better'. There are guys in this group that haven't signed up and guys taken way higher than they should've gone... it wasn't too pretty to watch at times. However, there is some value here as @daybreaker410 and @l Robishow l91l give this class some scoring punch, @OG Kevin Bacon a solid defender and a low-key gem @IORIO EMPIRE between the pipes. @xI Higgins03 Ix is a wild card if / when he plays for the organization down the road, since he was not signed up at the time of the draft. @Wickedly Moist should have some pieces to play with in Rockford this season.

Players to Watch: @OG Kevin Bacon , @daybreaker410 , @l Robishow l91l , @cD JumPy , @IORIO EMPIRE


Colorado Avalanche
Owner: @Dunks
Picks (1): 47
F: 0, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: B

Solid pick from the Avs with their 1 and only pick in the 2nd round - @XxSavage1366xX looks to continue his success off the back of a strong year with the 67s.

Players to Watch: @XxSavage1366xX


Columbus Blue Jackets
Owner: @VVaGs82
Picks (5): 2, 9, 22, 56, 63
F: 2, D: 2, G: 1
Grade: A

All-around strong draft from Columbus. @l Deeks l is one of the few 'sure-things' in the entire draft, regardless what position he plays. @Mr4Freeze will likely be a strong contributor at the AHL-level to start, with potential to be a NHL-callup if the roster needs reinforcements after bidding. Rounding out the class are 2 talented forwards and a tendy, including @AoN x CLUTCH , who is taking CHL management this season but could certainly play up next season.

Players to Watch: @l Deeks l , @Mr4Freeze , @Kakko I24I , @AoN x CLUTCH


Dallas Stars
Owner: @Tayyyzzzz
Picks (5): 32, 90, 107, 115, 120
F: 0, D: 3, G: 2
Grade: C-

When your first round pick is someone who was waived by one of the worst teams in the CHL last season, you're probably not going to have a great draft class. @Michaud x 26 got multiple strikes, was traded twice and waived twice just in s34. I don't know what the deal is there, but hopefully the Stars found some under the radar talent and get him motivated to play.

Players to Watch: @Michaud x 26 , @Patn Pended


Detroit Red Wings
Owner: @Duukk
Picks (1): 67
F: 0, D: 0, G: 1
Grade: C

Detroit used their only pick in the draft to select @lX Shoota Xl , who will likely be a backup in Grand Rapids. Could've potentially gone for a little more value here and traded for a later pick to select a goalie, but there is potential for this to be a steal if Shoota performs.

Players to Watch: @lX Shoota Xl


Edmonton Oilers
Owner: @JxHaTch24x
Picks (1): 70
F: 0, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: C+

Edmonton used their only pick to select @MarcQC101 off of a very successful, prospect-laden Saskatoon team. It remains to be seen whether his style and tendencies will translate to upper levels, but certainly has the numbers to justify an early 3rd round pick.

Players to Watch: @MarcQC101


Florida Panthers
Owner: @Dangs92
Picks (1): 92
F: 1, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: C

Florida used their only pick to select @Shayneco off of a subpar Kingston team. He put up 50 points and will need to prove to upper management that he can produce with better talent at the higher levels.

Players to Watch: @Shayneco


Los Angeles Kings
Owner: @B L A M E x 67
Picks (3): 99, 121, 124
F: 3, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: C-

LA selected @RMychack10 in third round then went gamertag hunting when there were still some value picks available. Mychack plays a bigger build, slower style that is conducive to upper league play and is smart with the puck. He'll likely spend the season in Ontario with @IM HEARTLESS323... good luck.

Players to Watch: @RMychack10
Notable Gamertags: @BiG TwinZzz , @Youngm4n


Minnesota Wild
Owner: @Dr Yargage
Picks (9): 1, 8, 13, 16, 18, 36, 46, 48, 65
F: 7, D: 1, G: 1
Grade: B+

After last year's record-setting debacle of a season, @Dr Yargage gets a full season with the Wild to try to turn the ship around. He made a few trades to load up on picks and infuse the organization with some much-needed talent. I'd say he was successful in doing so, getting 2 of the top talents in the draft in @Psyc 78 and @Dangology in the top 8. You can argue whether or not Psyc was deserving of the #1 overall, but he wasn't falling to 8, so if that's the guy they wanted, they were either going to have to organize trades or pick him at 1. @JTF2x adds some thumbs as an elite vs player and @recyclebinhero gives stability in net (and some of the most entertaining streams in the business). Hopefully Minnesota and Iowa can have better seasons without a bunch of bans or extended losing streaks.

Players to Watch: @Psyc 78 , @Dangology , @JTF2x , @recyclebinhero


Montreal Canadiens
Owner: @Duncan Queeef
Picks (0): -
F: 0, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: N/A

Montreal got the night off, as they moved all of their picks for established players before the draft, including @BlG LEW 69 , @Hortyyyy , @BkheadshotBk among others. Bidding will be even more important this season for @PlayboiPryme and Laval.

Players to Watch: -


Nashville Predators
Owner: @ChiToWnB3atD0wN
Picks (4): 5, 12, 59, 112
F: 2, D: 2, G: 0
Grade: B

Nashville got the defenseman they were looking for at 5 by selecting @Oakua from the Niagara Ice Dogs. He was a force all of last season, going 24-2-1 with just about a point per game. The Predators also picked up another offensively-inclined defenseman in @Skurpzz and rounded out their class with 2 scoring forwards, including @EDK Momo who finished the season just shy of 90 points. Good value picks across the board from the Preds.

Players to Watch: @Oakua , @Skurpzz , @EDK Momo


New Jersey Devils
Owner: @TheHeroicDuck
Picks (6): 17, 42, 45, 61, 68, 84
F: 2, D: 3, G: 1
Grade: B-

Normally I'd say the first round is too high for a goalie, but @ChelSnipes is the truth. And with @Perkis System18 and @SPETSNAZ9411 getting moved this past week, it looks like it will be Chel's net in New Jersey. @Bastulon is a nice pick, but he will be CHL management again this season, so still no help to Binghamton. However, in the 2nd and 3rd rounds the Devils brought in some scoring punch in @InmortuaZ and defensive depth in @Guentzyy and @Heisanen x74. Overall not a bad draft from NJD.

Players to Watch: @ChelSnipes , @Bastulon , @Guentzyy


New York Islanders
Owner: @DADDYRIDESBIKE
Picks (6): 31, 37, 38, 82
F: 2, D: 1, G: 1
Grade: B

The Islanders had a rock-solid draft, taking 4 players who could all help Bridgeport next season. @I Lappy I and @KeenanTroy can give the Tigers some scoring, @Searytv was extremely productive from the back end for Maine and @l Shalac l4l backstopped a Kitchener team who made it to the Mem Cup semis.

Players to Watch: @I Lappy I , @Searytv , @KeenanTroy @l Shalac l4l


New York Rangers
Owner: @Wes3163
Picks (12): 7, 28, 33, 35, 54, 66, 71, 94, 102, 110, 113, 124
F: 6, D: 6, G: 0
Grade: A-

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The Rangers took us on quite the ride... they had great picks, they had WTF picks, they picked guys with thumbs, they picked guys for elite gamertags. All in all @Wes3163 and @Saucerman x3 brought in a ton of talent that will make their organization significantly better. @Buhckle is a stud that I'm sure they were happy fell to 7, @xTrav89 and @Vandyxl97lx can put up offensive numbers, @Stellar Seaman, @RockyGrass666 among others can lock it down defensively. And of course... the shitter's shitter himself @Govy x 7 going in the 2nd round. Not quite sure how CHL 3rd line duty gets you to be a 2nd round pick, but you've inspired an entire new generation of shitters to pursue their dreams. Good on you my friend.

Players to Watch: @Buhckle , @xTrav89 , @Vandyxl97lx , @RockyGrass666
Notable Gamertags: @Stellar Seaman , @SlabbinMeatSham , @Duncan Madikner


Ottawa Senators
Owner: @General Jobo
Picks (4): 3, 73, 109, 117
F: 2, D: 2, G: 0
Grade: A-


Ottawa gets one of the few day-1 NHL roster players in this draft in @Whiiiitee at 3. A late position-switch has him back to playing defense, so he'll likely be manning the Sens blue line for the next 2 seasons. Gifted with the puck, he'll need to solidify his positioning away from the puck to maintain the types of numbers he put up this past season. Getting a solid winger like @EARTHSHAKER II at 117 is great value and gives the Sens org another productive forward along with @Pwnologistz .​

Players to Watch: @Whiiiitee , @Pwnologistz , @EARTHSHAKER II ​

Philadelphia Flyers
Owner: @l3l Ray l8l
Picks (3): 60, 75, 126
F: 1, D: 1, G: 1
Grade: C+


Yet another player drafted from Saskatoon, the Flyers land @BruteTonio15 at 60, coming off a 76 point season. With their other two picks, Philly landed a tendy @iCLuTcH x BeasT who could fight for a spot at the AHL level and @iDolfy who's switching from goalie to defense after falling into a backup role last season for the Mem-cup winning Calgary Hitmen during the playoffs.​

Players to Watch: @BruteTonio15


Pittsburgh Penguins
Owner: @KovaIchuk x 17
Picks (2): 15, 106
F: 2, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: B

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At 15 the Penguins land one of the top finishers in this draft class @Dense Idiot . The guy seems to score wherever he goes, netting 60 goals in the regular season for Sudbury. He's known for having a toxic side to him, getting banned & unbanned and ending the season on TC, despite having 89 points. If everyone can get along and the Pens can give him some strong linemates, he'll continue to put up points at the next level.

Players to Watch: @Dense Idiot ​

San Jose Sharks
Owner: @SweetLou9208
Picks (2): 30, 78
F: 1, D: 0, G: 1
Grade: C


The Sharks traded a bunch of picks away to bring in guys like @The Gr8 Haxby and @Chislett 19 , which gave @SweetLou9208 flexibility to only pick twice in this draft. @Zylo mS is a solid pick at 30, coming off a good season for @HowToFIFA8 's KC Mavericks. At 78, we get a gamertag pick in net @IMJUSTASCRUBx3. ​

Players to Watch: @Zylo mS
Notable Gamertags:@IMJUSTASCRUBx3​

Seattle Thunderbirds
Owner: @iTz x Luigi x
Picks (5): 4, 83, 93, 105, 122
F: 1, D: 4, G: 0
Grade: B


The T'birds loaded up on defensive prospects, most notably @Utaumau with the 4th pick. Arguably the most offensively-gifted defenseman in this draft, coming off a 49 point season, Utaumau has the ability to jump up in the play and pressure the opposing team's defensive structure. The gamertag of the draft @JumboMeatJeff also goes to Seattle at 122, giving their class some true character.​

Players to Watch: @Utaumau , @o B A L L Y o
Notable Gamertags:@JumboMeatJeff ​

St. Louis Blues
Owner: @LemeIin
Picks (0): -
F: 0, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: N/A


The Blues also got the night off, trading away picks to acquire @Mxtayer and @BTL_MoTi prior to the draft, solidifying themselves as a preseason contender. ​

Players to Watch: -​

Tampa Bay Lightning
Owner: @Auggy98
Picks (1): 55
F: 0, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: C


Tampa goes defense with their only pick of the draft, selecting @PSchmitt7 at 55. He had a solid run with Spokane to end the season, but the search continues to find someone worthy enough to man the blueline alongside @Greggy x 74. ​

Players to Watch: @PSchmitt7​

Toronto Maple Leafs
Owner: @Wesley Snip3zzz
Picks (2): 23, 53
F: 2, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: B

The Leafs get good value with both picks, getting @Chrispy8120 and @l ShowTimes l at great spots in the draft. Just think, Showtimes went only 1 spot ahead of Govy.. can't say I would've bet on that before the draft.​

Players to Watch: @Chrispy8120 , @l ShowTimes l ​

Vancouver Canucks
Owner: @DaYoungBuck
Picks (5): 87, 95, 104, 111, 127
F: 3, D: 2, G: 0
Grade: B+

The Canucks did very well to get value out of their picks, despite only having 3rd and 4th round picks. They get the ElVrai's from Saskatoon as well as @LOST ILLUS1ON, who was a top line staple for the Armada all season.​

Players to Watch: @Owner37 , @ElVraiCastor , @ElVraiPenguin @LOST ILLUS1ON


Vegas Golden Knights
Owner: @jyeti15s
Picks (2): 6, 10
F: 2, D: 0, G: 0
Grade: B+

2 top 10 picks for @jyeti15s nets him a talented pair of forwards.. His running mate with the Armada last season @NBD l Karma l and high-scoring winger @RRaWGeRs from Chicoutimi. We'll see which one (or both) get a shot in Vegas off the bat.
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Players to Watch: @NBD l Karma l , @RRaWGeRs ​

Washington Capitals
Owner: @LAZYKIDZinGA
Picks (5): 25, 40, 62, 79, 91
F: 2, D: 2, G: 1
Grade: B

Washington did well to address their forward group, bringing in @Bartlett l34l , their defense corps getting one of the steals of the draft in @Ozone Park at 40 and a rock-solid tendy in @VforthHorsemanV. If Ozone can continue to work on his breakouts and puck distribution he'll have some serious upper-league potential.
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Players to Watch: @Bartlett l34l , @Ozone Park , @VforthHorsemanV


Winnipeg Jets
Owner: @Hxndry
Picks (3): 29, 86, 108
F: 2, D: 1, G: 0
Grade: B-

The Jets get defenseman @SuperBeast117 from Chicoutimi with their 1st round pick, who has potential to make the Meese an even deeper squad next season. The next two picks are mainly for depth and we'll see if they can develop into upper league players for the Jets.
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Players to Watch: @SuperBeast117 ​

 

As a member of the S32 Halifax Mooseheads, this is insanely true and Luneatiik is a monster

 

New Jersey had a great draft... @InmortuaZ is really good and flew under the radar on a stacked Brandon team. And Chelsnipes is the best goalie by far, probably top 10 in the league already.

 

Winnipeg had the steal of the draft, superbeast is one of the best under the radar dmen in the draft. And most of all just an all around good dude.

 

Gbinns has already signed up.
Robishow will be shortly.
Only guy who I dont really have an idea of is Higgins.

Higgins and Robishow as 4th round picks?
Gbinns who was projected top 10 at 32.
Daybreaker may have been early, but cmon.
I got 2 1st round guys in the 4th round. Tisk it for the biscuit. Dissapointed their was no love for the biscuit.

Nice write up.

 

Great job man, this must have took a lot of time.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

Very true. The current regime traded away many of last season’s returning DP assets, so we’ll see if the depth guys like Heisanen are able to fill those positions.

If everyone gets signed up and is able to play next season (was a little unclear on the rules), I think the grade can be as high as a B. If they can’t play then I think it should stay around where it is, maybe B-. I don’t agree with Gbinn’s ranking personally, don’t think he’s a first rounder at all. But the other guys you mentioned can most certainly help the AHL squad next season

 

The bogs updated the rule;

Anyone that signs up post draft can play for the nhl or ahl as long as they sign up before Feb 16th.

If they do not sign up, they are booked on a 3season contract. They can not play this season for the ahl or nhl, however can play in the chl. And will also will be able to play in future seasons under their draft contracts.

The List of Drafted Players Not Signed Up:
@Dazzle Em 2S 1R $1,500,000 - Signed up
@Im Gbinn 2S 1R $1,250,000 - Signed up
@Deez wit cheez 2S 1R $1,000,000 - Signed up
@IMJUSTASCRUBx3 2S 1R $750,000 - Signed up
@ItsBest91 3S 2R $500,000
@JVaccs x 13 2S 1R $500,000 - Signed up
@l Robishow l91l 3S 2R $500,000
@xI Higgins03 Ix 3S 2R $500,000
@sLayaDro 3S 2R $500,000
@Biebs 3S 2R $500,000

I know dazzle, gbinn, deez, and couple others have signed up since the draft so far.

 

Great thanks for the clarification.. there was a bit of confusion as the draft was happening. Many thought they were unable to play at all.

 

We here in Arizona are patriots and respect the military. How dare these other 30 teams not draft @JVaccs x 13 because he is serving this great country. Don't worry soldier we appreciate your service, God Bless <3

 

@SilverFox008 is not taking CHL management that I am aware of. I think you have that mixed up with a different Silver. Great writeup!

 

I called in sick for draft day sorry I was nervous

 

We about to open up a can of good ole American whoop a**. I would like a re-evaluation of Arizona’s under appreciated draft class now that it’s known I am not deployed currently fake news

 

@ZxC l88l steal of the draft

 

Nice write up flyguy, great read.

 

Nice job brotha

 

Good work here

 

Excellent write up, enjoyed the props too! Thanks!

 

Thanks everyone, appreciate the kind words and feedback. Just to recap the team swaps (had I known all of these were coming I would've waited):

- FLA => CGY
- CGY => FLA

- STL => CHI
- CHI => WSH
- WSH => STL

- MTL => DAL
- DET => MTL
- DAL => OTT
- OTT => DET

- NYI => VAN
- VAN => NYI

 

Played with a few prospects and this was a deep draft. Wouldn’t be surprised if quite a few of these guys stick, picks are starting to matter again !