Post by donjohnson on May 2, 2022 8:42:58 GMT -5
Now that we've had (what I believe is) a VERY successful 2022 draft, we turn our focus to the Import Draft which takes place on July 1. I would think there's probably a 100% chance that Sapovoliv returns next season and I think there's a 85-90% chance that Mintukov returns next season. Most mock drafts have Pavel in the mid 1st round getting drafted which typically doesn't mean an immediate promotion to the NHL but it's always possible.
The only other potential wrinkle is that the CHL announced last week that Russian and Belarusian players are ineligible to be drafted in the import draft as a sanction to those two countries. I'm not a big fan of using these kids as a sanction because them leaving for the CHL is already something that Russia doesn't want...the probably want all their kids to stay and play in Russia. The bigger issue would be if the war escalates if they would ban Russian players from even playing in the league which would mean Pavel wouldn't be eligible. When you see what Wimbledon is doing and some of the other places, it's not out of the question that the CHL could do this.
Normally if your players are returning you "pass" during the draft but it will be interesting to see if we draft someone as an insurance policy for Pavel either making the NHL or the potential of being banned for the league. I very much hope and expect him to play for us next year but much like we were at the mercy of COVID, we can't control the geopolitical climate and our hand could be forced.
Regardless...after such a great draft, I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the team will shake out next year considering we are probably going to be inserting 3 rookies into the lineup and potentially some new OA's as well since I really only see Mitchell Smith returning.
The only other potential wrinkle is that the CHL announced last week that Russian and Belarusian players are ineligible to be drafted in the import draft as a sanction to those two countries. I'm not a big fan of using these kids as a sanction because them leaving for the CHL is already something that Russia doesn't want...the probably want all their kids to stay and play in Russia. The bigger issue would be if the war escalates if they would ban Russian players from even playing in the league which would mean Pavel wouldn't be eligible. When you see what Wimbledon is doing and some of the other places, it's not out of the question that the CHL could do this.
Normally if your players are returning you "pass" during the draft but it will be interesting to see if we draft someone as an insurance policy for Pavel either making the NHL or the potential of being banned for the league. I very much hope and expect him to play for us next year but much like we were at the mercy of COVID, we can't control the geopolitical climate and our hand could be forced.
Regardless...after such a great draft, I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the team will shake out next year considering we are probably going to be inserting 3 rookies into the lineup and potentially some new OA's as well since I really only see Mitchell Smith returning.
