VSN Presents the S78 Mock Draft

[mattyIceman 1,207]

 

Hello everyone and welcome to yet another edition of VSN's Mock Draft.  I'm MattyIce and with fellow contributors of varying capacities, @RedSus, @Patrik Tallinder, @Zetterberg and @Spartan, we were able to assemble this article in very short time; and give you a glimpse at what this season's VHL Entry Draft might look like.

 

This draft has a great mix of high-quality member recreates, a bright batch of first-gens, and even a group of returning members from VHL's past.

It isn't in the higher-end tpe levels, but the membership here is very distinct and of quality.

 

Every season, some of the best VHL memories are made on draft night. Whether it is a first generation player hearing their name called on the draft stream for the first time or a recreate embracing a new home for their new on-ice identity, I don’t think it should come as a surprise to anyone that this is the most memorable night  for many players from their whole careers. This season is no exception, and things may be even more engaging than ever with some brand new upgrades to the draft stream’s presentation.

 

Don't miss the draft stream happening today, May 13th at 8pm est.  I'm sure it will be hosted by @Enorama and/or @Esso2264, so look out for their posts in the discord servers!

 

ON WITH THE RANKINGS!

 

 

 

 

1
NILS TALLINDER		C	TPE:	296
@Patrik Tallinder
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	After winning the lottery, Calgary will likely look to improve their forward depth in this draft. An obvious way to do this would be to select Nils Tallinder, brother of @Patrik Tallinder, who is the AGM of the Wranglers. Tallinder is a two-way center with good puck handling abilities and a nice scoring touch. His 29 goals placed him 2nd in that category on the Storm, who would make an early exit in the postseason after falling to the Halifax 21st. This is a player that will undoubtedly grow into a top line center for the Wranglers, and it is a pick that would make a lot of sense given Tallinder’s history with the team.
77 - Minnesota	72	29	33	62	17	210	31	63	22
77 - Minnesota (Playoffs)	6	1	2	3	0	17	4	2	2
76 - Miami	15	2	4	6	2	13	2	8	2
76 - Miami (Playoffs)	6	1	1	2	-1	13	0	2	0
2
HARD MARKINSON		D	TPE:	334
@STZ
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	As the projected second overall pick in the upcoming draft, it's fair to say that Hard Markinson is a highly touted prospect. He began his career as a waiver pickup last season where he played 13 regular season games with the Mexico City Kings followed by 15 playoff games. This season in his draft year he's been able to prove why he is seen as the best option for first overall in the upcoming draft as he's exhibited an outstanding defensive game while also posting respectable offensive numbers. At 6'3 210lbs Markinson is known as a physical shutdown d-men a bit of a rarity in modern hockey which makes him all the more valuable. Along with being big and physical Markinson is very mobile allowing him to keep up with smaller players and contribute a little bit in the offense.
77 - Mississauga	72	23	40	63	45	194	120	198	42
77 - Mississauga (Playoffs)	15	3	12	15	-4	41	24	57	17
76 - Mexico City	13	0	4	4	9	2	10	23	6
76 - Mexico City (Playoffs)	15	1	1	2	3	8	32	41	8
3
THE SEABASSTARD		C	TPE:	302
@Seabass
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	One of the most talented and hyped players in this draft class is Saskatoons star center The Seabasstard. Arguably Seabasstard is still in contention for the first overall pick although it's very likely Calgary will go with the younger brother of there former star. As far as numbers go The Seabasstard finished 5th in team scoring with over a point a game and over 30 goals. His steady earning of TPE has kept him at the top of this draft class for a while as he's been capped each week besides the first week he was in the league. At number 3 Moscow would certainly love to bolster there forward core behind Atreides and Idaho after adding to their defense core a pick earlier.
77 - Saskatoon	72	34	47	81	21	247	28	95	26
77 - Saskatoon (Playoffs)	5	3	2	5	5	12	8	10	2
76 - Saskatoon	14	2	8	10	2	11	13	15	0
4
LUC TESSIER		C	TPE:	254
@KC15
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Luc Tessier rounds out a trio of centers that have made their way to the top ranks of this draft. The former San Diego Marlin has a very well put together build, and one that led him to an utterly dominant draft season. A 37 goal, 78 point regular season was topped by an even better playoff performance. His 4 goals and 11 points in 7 games made him an early standout in the S77 postseason, but unfortunately the Marlins were stopped dead in their tracks in round one by the eventual cup-winning Marauders. Tessier has seriously elite potential, capping out on nearly a weekly basis. His scoring ability and defensive aptitude are a deadly combination that will make an immediate impact in the big league, and he will only become more and more threatening as he grows and matures as well. A one-two punch of Tsujimoto and Tessier up the middle would be nearly unstoppable if Tessier lands in Davos.
77 - San Diego	72	37	41	78	14	233	18	30	21
77 - San Diego (Playoffs)	7	4	7	11	7	28	0	4	2
5
SVEN REIKKINEN		D	TPE:	271
@Devise
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Sven Reikkinen was immediately seen as one of the top names in this draft class, and for good reason. After an impressive debut stint with Saskatoon that included 8 assists in 14 games, he would go on to have an outstanding season in S77 that helped solidify his spot as the 2nd best defender in this draft. The young Finn put up 24 goals and 111 shot blocks with Las Vegas, which were a respective 10th and 5th in this entire draft class. In London’s short history to date, they have seen many great defensemen put on their jersey. Reikkinen will join this elite company, and could possibly even establish himself as the greatest among them if he stays long term.
77 - Las Vegas	72	24	46	70	-6	229	44	76	111
77 - Las Vegas (Playoffs)	9	2	7	9	-1	21	6	4	16
76 - Saskatoon	14	0	8	8	2	31	6	15	14
6
TUI SOVA		D	TPE:	240
@v.2
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	A returning member who witnessed the early years of the league, Tui Sova will be a welcome addition to any team who chooses to take him on draft night. Having made hall of fame players before Sova has proven that he is capable of reaching the highest level which is a good sign for GM's. Projected to go in the top 10 and possibly top 5 Sova produced at an astounding pace this season putting up 82 points in 72 games played making him one of the most productive defensemen in the league. Sova has also earned TPE consistently and at a high volume, once even producing 40 TPE in one week, he's capped in each week in his career so far and has gone for nearly all the uncapped opportunities he could. In the VHL Tui Sova projects to be a top pairing d-men in the big leagues as he's set to be a big piece for any team he lands on.
77 - Mexico City	72	29	53	82	-23	250	83	113	180
7
ANZE MIKLAVZ		RW	TPE:	233
@McKelvie
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Like Tui Sova, Anze Miklavz has been around since the early days of the league having created successful players before. Having reacclimated to the league there's no reason why you can't say he'll do it again. Miklavz enjoyed himself a very successful rookie campaign scoring 87 points in 72 games played on a below average Mexico City team. Having made a considerable amount of TPE in his short time in the league there's no reason why his VHLM success won't translate to the VHL. In the S78 draft, Anze could fall anywhere between 6 and 16 as he is a high reward player who doesn't necessarily have as much risk as a regular first gen. In the VHL he projects to be a top 6 forward, whether he plays on the first or second line will depend on the depth of his team.
77 - Mexico City	72	42	45	87	-44	324	41	118	43
8
ALEX JOHNSTON		RW	TPE:	217
@Alex_J32
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Another intriguing first gen player, Alex Johnston has been lights out for the Yukon Rush in the time he's been in the league. As a point per game player his stats have been extremely impressive in the short time he's been in the league. Johnston is an acute scoring winger with great size and ability, he is projected to go around the middle of the first round but don't be surprised if a GM takes a chance on him a little higher. Alex joined the Yukon Rush just before the halfway point of the season playing more than 50 games before the season ended. As far earing goes Johnston has been capping nearly every week while claiming many uncapped opportunities along the way, along with this he was hired as the GM of Asia in the WJC after only being in the league for about a month which show how committed he is.
77 - Yukon	52	24	26	50	-24	172	44	83	26
9
NATHAN POWERS		D	TPE:	188
@JB123
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Similar to Damien Salducci, Nathan Powers is a late blooming first gen defensemen with a bunch of potential. Starting of his career with the Yukon Rush as an off season signing, Powers played all 72 games this season, playing a critical role in Yukon's back end. As a rookie, he finished second on his team in points by a defensemen posting an impressive 62 points in 72 games played. However, the similarities with Salducci are with his earning. Powers, like his fellow S78 draftee, started with just welfare and practice facility and gradually improved his earning to where he's capping out every week. This creates a similar situation in that Powers TPE doesn't reflect his big potential. Therefore, Powers could be another late first round steal for any lucky team to snatch up.
77 - Yukon	72	9	53	62	-17	99	112	202	112
10
MILK JUGS		D	TPE:	205
@NerdyCowz
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Arguably the highest rated first-gen behind Alex Johnston, Milk Jugs has had a fairly impressive first season with the San Diego Marlins. Jugs joined the Marlins as an early season waiver signing, playing more than half the season with the team. With 39 points in 61 games played, Milk Jugs put up respectable numbers for a defenseman while being defensively sound with an 18 plus/minus. Being a 5'5 defensemen, Milk Jugs makes up for the lack of size though strong skating and strong positioning. Jugs also possesses a strong shot which she can utilize on the powerplay and on the rush as a trailer. In the VHL Jugs could project into a top pairing defenseman if her earning stays consistent which would attract the interest of many GMs picking from 6 to 12.
77 - San Diego	61	16	23	39	18	133	50	66	56
77 - San Diego (Playoffs)	7	1	3	4	6	19	4	6	12
11
DAVID TAVAU		D	TPE:	210
@Ahma
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	David Tavau had arguably the most impressive seasons of any S78 draft eligible player, with 88 points in 72 games playing on the Saskatoon Wild. Tavau finished second in scoring among defensemen in the VHLM as well as second in the assists column as well. His earning is impressive as well as he's managed to stay in the top 16 of TPE in his draft class making him a likely first rounder. With Ahma having made good players before it would be safe to say David Tavau will likely go on to have a great career making him a good low risk for any GM's not interested in taking there chances on first gens.
77 - Saskatoon	72	5	83	88	38	52	22	59	119
77 - Saskatoon (Playoffs)	5	0	2	2	0	3	8	3	6
76 - San Diego	9	1	3	4	-6	8	10	23	5
12
AIKE VAN GIERSBERGEN		G	TPE:	233
@enigmatic
TEAM	GP	W	L	OTL	SV%	GAA	SO	GA	MP	One of two goalies included in this draft class is Dutch goaltender Aike Van Giersbergen. At 6'8" 220lbs Giersbergen relies on his tall frame and good positioning to keep pucks out of the net. Along with this, Giersbergen possesses good technique and rebound control to minimize scoring opportunities. Through an almost full season in the VHLM, Giersbergen impressed, finishing in the top 10 in Goals against average and save percentage with a 891 SV% and 3.01 GAA. After a weak showing of goaltenders in last seasons draft, teams will be eager to find their goaltenders of the future in this draft. This should bode well for Giersbergen as he's rated 6th amongst the draft class in TPE meaning any team in need of a goalie could step in and take him.
77 - Houston	71	36	30	4	0.891	3.01	3	216	4298
77 - Houston (Playoffs)	5	1	4	0	0.896	4.2	0	21	300
76 - Philadelphia	11	6	4	1	0.889	2.8	2	28	599
76 - Philadelphia (Playoffs)	5	1	4	0	0.862	5.58	0	18	193
13
HENRI LE MASSIF		LW	TPE:	211
@Garsh
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Henri le Massif is one of those players that is very much a known entity. I mean this in the sense that he will be a reliable TPE earner and a positive influence on a locker room, and these are skills that GMs value greatly. Le Massif is a physically punishing winger that can rack up hits with no hesitation from night to night. His 145 hits in S77 were the 5th most in the draft class and also 1st among forwards. The French winger will look to translate that physical dominance to the VHL, where LA is the hypothetical beneficiary. Henri le Massif has potential to be a consistent contributor throughout his career, and he would be a terrific addition to the Stars’ roster for seasons to come.
77 - Minnesota	72	15	11	26	4	107	68	145	9
77 - Minnesota (Playoffs)	6	0	0	0	-1	11	6	6	20
76 - Mexico City	13	0	0	0	-2	2	0	0	0
76 - Mexico City (Playoffs)	15	0	0	0	-2	1	2	0	0
14
BASTIAN GREISS		G	TPE:	185
@ThatsGreissy
TEAM	GP	W	L	OTL	SV%	GAA	SO	GA	MP	The first experience for Bastian Griess as a pro was baptism by fire, he joined the Mexico City Kings (who were far and away the worst team in the VHLM) as a waiver pickup and proceeded to start every game for them until the season was over. Even with a below average team in front of him, Greiss still managed to put up fairly impressive numbers as he was 4th in save percentage among goalies who played over 20 games. His earning points to massive potential as he's capped out each week he's been in the league while completing many uncapped opportunities as well. Having only been in the league for less than a month, Greiss is already considered a first round pick as a first gen which shows his passion for the league. Nobody should be sleeping on Bastian in the upcoming draft as he could be a massive steal for any team looking for a goaltender.
77 - Mexico City	39	13	21	5	0.892	3.55	2	139	2348
15
DAMIEN SALDUCCI		D	TPE:	193
@Deee.Geee
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	Damian Salducci is an intriguing first gen member who's been steadily improving ever since joining the league. Joining the Miami Marauders as an off season signing, Salducci managed to get a full season under his belt. While his stats don't jump out at you at first, it's worth noting Salducci played on a very deep and competitive Miami team that eventually went on to win the Founders Cup. This meant it was very difficult for him to earn minutes. Despite this, there is big potential in this player due to his earning. Salducci has gone from a player who earned only welfare and practice facilty's to a player that can cap out every week. This could potentially make him a big steal for any team who takes the chance of drafting him since he has more potential than his TPE shows.
77 - Miami	72	1	17	18	16	20	30	33	28
77 - Miami (Playoffs)	15	2	4	6	1	12	4	19	20
16
TYNAN SYLVESTER		D	TPE:	176
@diamond_ace
TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS	(+/-)	SHOT	PIM	HIT	SB	The player belonging to the commissioner of the VHLM had a ironically disappointing season leading up to this draft. After only posting three points in 15 games in his first season with Mississauga, Tynan Sylvester looked to improve in his draft year with the same team. Unfortunately for him the season didn't go as planned as he only put up 13 points in 72 games played. Nevertheless, this likely won't scare away GM's since his game still may translate into the VHL. Being the commissioner of the VHLM you know he will be active so drafting Sylvester should be a fairly safe pick and while his earning isn't fairly high he is consistent with job pay. With this in mind Tynan Sylvester should be a safe pick for any team looking for a depth defensemen in the upcoming draft.
77 - Mississauga	72	2	11	13	14	25	20	32	50
77 - Mississauga (Playoffs)	15	0	3	3	0	10	8	11	7

 

RedSus, Talli and myself claim 2 weeks

Edited May 13, 2021 by MattyIce

[rory 1,902]

where halifax

[v.2 1,401]

bruh I did not know the Wolves/Wranglers made that trade until reading this.  DRAFT FUCKING HYPE!

[ke1vi 662]

Unreal article.. I do love those Malmo Riga colors 

 

EDIT: D R A F T H Y P E

Edited May 14, 2021 by McKelvie

[Hank 67]

Still can go 50th let's go!

[Ricer13 2,794]

As always a fantastic read! Can’t wait to see how many you get right at tonight’s draft!!! Draft hype!!!!!

[STZ 5,354]

[Alex 3,190]

DRAFT HYPE!!!!

[JB123 728]

Awesome job! Draft is 9 hours away!