Yellowknife (CP) After a two week marathon drafting session YDP management can finally exhale. The most successful live draft in RHL history ended just 24 hours ago when the Vampyres claimed Andreas Nodl from the Flyers organization. 20 trades (involving picks) and 90 players were selected during the RHL17 version of the entry draft. ‘If we continue with the live draft, the value of picks will definitely increase,’ said GM Wong, ‘we must have entered negotiations with a dozen teams trying to move up and down the draft.’ Comments from around the league enjoyed this process more than the list versions of before. ‘If you’re at the top of the list it’s not a big deal, but if you’re at the bottom it makes it cumbersome,’ said GM Bourdeau. ‘I loved the fact that I can react at a moments notice and switch my strategy accordingly,’ said GM Ng.
YDP entered the draft with 4 picks but was successful in acquiring two additional 1st round picks via trades. ‘We had a surplus in wingers and goalies,’ said GM Wong, ‘and felt we’d get the best value for them at the draft.’ YDP sent original Penetrator Ruslan Fedotenko to Cleveland and Cristobal Huet to South Edmonton in exchange for a package of picks and prospects.
As the draft progressed, YDP kept selecting overage players that seemed to have peaked in their development instead of drafting potential for the future. ‘Like everyone else, we drafted who was on the top of our list,’ said Wong. With the addition of so many RMHL ready players, several minor deals were made to make room for these players. When the dust settled YDP went home with 8 players. Management optimistically claimed that as many as 5 of them will see regular action with the big club by RHL18 only time will tell.
As the first round started the top 10 picks went like clockwork. An opportunity to move up presented itself and YDP was fortunate to move up to #14 and claimed Joe Pavelski (age 23) of the San Jose Sharks. ‘Joe was 11th on our list so we were quite happy to get him at 14.’
Ryane Clowe (age 25) was selected with the 18th pick, a little high according to TSN insider Bob McKenzie, but I wouldn’t classify this as an off the board pick. YDP’s Achilles’ heel for the whole first round was having their picks sandwiched between multiple Rovers and Capone picks. ‘We’ve always respected the scouting staff and drafting record of the Rovers and Capones.’
Bob Sanguinetti (age 19) was next on YDP’s radar, the defenseman was scouted heavily by YDP once the regular season ended. ‘We had many discussions with many people about Bob, in the end we couldn’t afford to not select him at #21.’
It would be another 18 picks before YDP made their way to the podium to claim Chris Kelly (age 26). ‘I know you hear this from everyone, but we were shocked that he was still available at #40.’
The run on defensemen over the next 9 picks really made a dent on YDP’s list at #50 and #51. In the end they chose to go with experience and claimed Mark Streit (age 29) and Stanley Cup winner Travis Moen (age 25).
After claiming 4 forwards, 2 defensemen and no picks in the 3rd round, YDP selected Swiss National Jonas Hiller (age 25) from HC Davos at #54. His performance in the world championships landed him a contract with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks.
After claiming Hiller, most of YDP’s staff called it a day and was diving into the wobbly pops when they were informed that they’d be selecting 70th. When it became time to pick, YDP was in the enviable position of hiring youth versus experience. In the end Jeff Schultz (age 21) was selected after being bypassed in the two previous drafts.
‘I’m extremely happy with who we got in this year’s draft,’ said Wong, ‘we were able to address current, intermediate and future needs.’ While most of these players will start the year with Charlotte (Coastal Cats), a good handful may see regular action with the big club as early as RHL18.
Ima Dumass (CP)
