S73 VSN Mock Expansion Draft

[Patrik Tallinder 1,087]

 

Expansion is no uncommon occurrence in the VHL; just in the past 5 seasons, we’ve seen the league introduce the DC Dragons and Prague Phantoms, as well as the most recent addition of the Miami Marauders to the VHLM. However, this league expansion is truly one of unprecedented magnitude. Four new teams bring the VHL’s total to 16, which is double its size of only a year and a half ago. Here at VSN, we’ve tried to take a stab at what each of these teams will end up with, choosing picks and players just as the real GMs will do on draft day. I will say beforehand that this draft was done before the most recent trades and retirements, so it is based on the rosters before them.

 

Protection Lists

Before any sort of selections happen, we obviously need to sort out which players are available for selection. I made the North American Conference’s protection lists, and my scouting partner @Spence King was kind enough to take on the task of the European Conference’s lists. Taking multiple factors into consideration, here is what we came up with:

 

NA

Lafontaine	Wolski	Red Guy	Vikingstad	Magnum	Su
Rice	Valentino	Nolan	Funk	Killinger	Spyro
Jubis	Graves	Jass	Omdahl	Hextall	Louth
Lahtinen	Lesieur	Jensen	Brown	Gainer	Downey
Mitchell	Johnson	Flowers	Greene	McDagg	Stallion
Encarnacion	LeFlamant	Burn	Marsh	Anigbogu	Manzer
Zod	Flaten	Gary Scott	Uhtred	Frence	Jungkok
Gunnar	the Forest	Freeman	Hogan	Lehtinen Jr	DiGiannantonio
Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions
Dredge	Aaltonen	Penisson	Stark	Shaposhnikov	dan
Poremba	Ritchie	Brewitt	Sundqvist	Gutzwiler twins	Tocco
Friedriksen	Drumm	Dayne	Nygren		Sjostrom
Paddywagon		Bacon	Burrows
Barabash Jr			Sheilds

 

EU

 

Davis	Summers	Adrienne	Brandt	Block	Tate
Hearst Helmsley	Bob	Dawson	Calia	Stansson Jr	Tallinder
Jaguar	Elsby	Zyrok12	Pavlov	Landry II	Oferson
Garcia	Okada	Kamenev	Newhook	Havlova	Pengu
Hornet	Driver	Hylands	Angellini	Mcpine	Eagles
Winter	Vaakanainen	Smeb	Lagesson	Knight Gee	Mann
Bruden	Rose	Feriancek	Letang	Perrin	Marleau
Oquinn	Spaz	Petrovic	Bernard	Ohradka	Sasakamoose
Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions	Notable Omissions
Lefebvre	Bolonee	Neal	Yamazuki II	John	Jones
Bridges	Helminen		Eriksson	McGirr	Nyko
Chungus	Daldo		Komarov	Syreck	Busser
Tear	Andersen		Krestanovich	Tarantino	Fomba
Wang	Draven		Hall	Palazzo	JaredN
Jokinen	Hafkey		Telker		Wyman
Ross			Moreau
Rust
Willis
Dickson
McHugh

 

Draft

For the draft, we were to follow the rules below:

 

We had 4 people each controlling an expansion team.

 

• @Doomsday represented London United.
• I represented Chicago Phoenix.
• @Berocka represented Warsaw Predators.
• @Spence King represented LA Stars.

 

With each member assigned to a team, it was time to get drafting. Here is what you all came for, the S73 Mock Expansion Draft! 

 

1st Overall, London United

Ray Sheilds, via Seattle - @Zetterberg

 

The S73 Draft Position A is very tempting, but with this class rather top-heavy, I decided to scour the available player options and found Seattle Bears centre Ray Sheilds available. Although many higher TPE players are available, including from Seattle, Sheilds is entering the prime of his career and is a quality player to start to build with. This is a player who will be able to contribute right away and for years to come, the perfect selection with the first pick of an expansion draft. 

 

2nd Overall, Chicago Phoenix

S73 Draft Position A (7 OA, 27 OA, 43 OA, 59 OA)

 

With the second overall selection, the Phoenix elect for the highest S73 draft position available. Having those higher picks can help accelerate a rebuild, and really get the team on their feet and running sooner than one might expect. The first two picks will be extremely important for this team’s future, and perhaps they could find themselves with a late-round steal at 43 or 59.

 

3rd Overall, Warsaw Predators

Charlie Paddywagon, via Calgary - @DMaximus

 

The exposed player with the highest TPA count, Charlie Paddywagon makes his way to Warsaw as a likely trade chip, or possibly a veteran presence. With over 900 TPA, he will surely bring a large return, though S73 does mark his final season. Paddywagon has had a relatively successful career between Davos and Calgary, where he has put up 250 assists in just 504 games. He also made an appearance in this season’s finals, and he had an impressive 15 assists in 19 games. This is a player with the ability to make a large impact on a team, whether that is Warsaw or not.

 

4th Overall, LA Stars

Jer Lefebvre, via Davos - @Jer_Lefebvre

 

The LA Stars look to have jumped on the opportunity to snag the potential franchise Center prospect that Davos saw in last seasons VHL draft in taking him much higher than anyone had him ranked. This passing season he proved the doubters wrong averaging over a point per game and a huge leader in the playoffs. Lefebvre’s TPE earnings are more than consistent and has star written all over him. Jer is the highest TPE available player from the 72 class making him one of the most promising players available as his TPE isn’t much less than the top player from 71. (Most likely plays 1 more VHLM season to dominate and bank TPE.)
 

5th Overall, LA Stars

S73 Draft Position B (8 OA, 28 OA, 44 OA, 60 OA)

 

After Selecting a prospect with their first choice the LA Stars opted to go with the S73 Draft Position B, following after the Chicago Phoenix and choosing to lock in the higher-end picks. With these picks, the Stars will be able to secure potentially a roster player or two as well as deepen their prospect pool in an attempt to accelerate a rebuild.

 

6th Overall, Warsaw Predators

Kyle Andersen, via Helsinki - @Cusemode

 

 

A fairly young defender formerly of Helsinki, Kyle Andersen goes to the Predators as a solid piece for their defence core of now and the future. He is a steady welfare earner and provides a lot of reliability with his TPE production. The offence hasn’t quite come for him yet, but there is some untapped potential there that could emerge with a bigger role. He has played a solid defensive game as well, posting a positive plus-minus in both of his seasons so far with the Titans.

 

7th Overall, Chicago Phoenix

Nate Telker, via Moscow - @Telkster

 

With their second selection, Chicago takes Moscow centre Nate Telker. Telker could serve as a potential first captain, a veteran presence for a young team, or even a trade chip that could command a hefty price. Telker caps out almost every week and is no doubt a very active player. Telker’s point totals have increased every season of his career so far, and that trend could very well continue with a role as big as he would get on this team.

 

8th Overall, London United

S73 Draft Position C (10 OA, 30 OA, 46 OA, 62 OA)

 

With draft positions starting to run off the board, the time came for London to secure theirs. With Sheilds and now the 10th, 30th, 46th and 62nd overall picks in the S73 VHL Entry Draft, the United get the benefit of a core player, plus relatively comparable draft selections in a class filled with solid prospects available at those positions. I felt Sheilds and these picks presented better value than Position A and whichever player I would get here, which certainly would not have been Sheilds. 

 

9th Overall, London United

Ryan Busser, via Riga - @Z16

 

After being a part of the Continental Cup champion Riga Reign, Ryan Busser moves to London to be a big dog on campus. He still has two seasons left to offer, which, depending on the team make-up, gives options on how to utilize him. If competition is in the cards, Busser can certainly be a key factor and producer for the United and could be an attractive option to acquire more selections in a trade for a team that does want to compete. Versatile value is the way to go about this spot, and Ryan Busser fills that as well as one could hope at this point. 

 

10th Overall, Chicago Phoenix

Arthur Dayne, via New York - @Infernal

 

A prospect that I’ve noticed has been on the rise, New York’s Arthur Dayne makes his way to Chicago in this draft. He has been capping out regularly, which is very exciting to see. Chicago’s centre depth is starting to look quite nice with Dayne and Telker. Dayne could become a solid first-line centre if his development continues on its current path.

 

11th Overall, Warsaw Predators

S73 Compensation Pick 1 (21 OA)

 

With the 11th overall pick, the first compensation pick is off the board. Warsaw chooses this season’s top pick, where they will have plenty of quality options to choose from. With a lot of the higher quality players off the board, they get a bit of a headstart on the compensation picks here.

 

12th Overall, LA Stars

Adam Syreck, via Prague - @Spade18

 

This was by far the quickest pick made, LA had no hesitation when proudly announcing their selection of S72’s VHLM Leading Scorer, debatably the best scorer from the entire S71 VHL draft class. Syreck is going to be leaned on heavily by the Stars next season, however, he has proven his whole career he can handle the workload and come up clutch as a member of the key member of the S71 Founders Cup Champions. 

 

13th Overall, LA Stars

Isak Sjostrom, via Vancouver - @Austin2997

 

With Goaltending being an uncertainty with expansion teams LA has decided to go with a safe pick in taking the best goalie available in their scout’s eyes with regards to age, TPE, and activity. If the Stars strikeout in the draft and can't secure a stronger goalie they won't be in any worries knowing they have Sjostrom.

 

14th Overall, Warsaw Predators

S73 Compensation Pick 2 (22 OA)

 

The Predators keep with their last pick’s strategy and choose another pick from this draft. With back to back selections in the second round, the team could be looking at some really solid prospect depth by week’s end.

 

15th Overall, Chicago Phoenix

S73 Compensation Pick 3 (23 OA)

 

The S73 VHL Entry Draft appears fairly deep, and with a 23rd overall selection, the Phoenix could be seeing a high-upside late riser player falling into their laps. Of course, these players always carry a bit of risk, but their potential can justify their selection. On the other hand, a lower risk player with a bit less upside could prove to be an intriguing option to support the higher-end players they get over the next two drafts.

 

16th Overall, London United

S74 Compensation Pick 1 (21 OA)

 

The higher-end S73 Compensation Picks are gone, with only the 24th overall pick left. Why settle for that when you could take the best one the next season? You typically won't get your entire core in one season, and staggering growth into multiple draft classes will allow for continued development and alleviate some cap headaches down the road.

 

17th Overall, London United

S74 Compensation Pick 2 (22 OA)

 

With back-to-back picks, London grabs both of the top Compensation Picks for the S74 draft. With quality building blocks stacking up in a hurry, London is quickly putting together a real chance of assembling a quality core. McWolf would certainly be pleased with how the Expansion Draft is unfolding for him so far. 

 

18th Overall, Chicago Phoenix

S74 Compensation Pick 3 (23 OA)

 

Being so early, we’ve yet to see how the S74 Draft will fill out in terms of depth. Chicago takes a shot in the dark here, hoping for a strong draft. They’re also able to get a player who is a season younger as well, and their age could fit into their competing window a bit better than an S73 or S72 player.

 

19th Overall, Warsaw Predators

S74 Compensation Pick 4 (24 OA)

 

Warsaw takes their first S74 compensation pick, spacing out their rebuild a bit. Although it is the last pick, 24th overall is still a position where they could grab a really nice player.

 

20th Overall, LA Stars

Vladimir Shaposhnikov, via Toronto - @ng1291

 

The Stars bode to select one of last season's top rookies in the VHL and a sad sight for Toronto fans seeing Vlad Shaposhnikov moving to LA. 

 

21st Overall, LA Stars

Gary Neal, via Malmo - @LittleRiDog

 

After securing a goalie, their future franchise centre, along with his teammate and VHLM leading scorer in Syreck as well as Shaposhnikov the Stars are going all out offensively taking the highest available TPE LW from the S71 Class. With Shaposhnikov, Syreck and Neal all on the verge of VHL stardom, LA looks to have lots of firepower. 

 

22nd Overall, Warsaw Predators

S73 Draft Position D (11 OA, 31 OA, 47 OA, 63 OA)

 

With their last pick, Warsaw claims their S73 Draft Position. Taking it in the last round allowed them to take better compensation picks and players, and since each team can only take one of these positions, they never had to worry about another team taking it.

 

23rd Overall, Chicago Phoenix

S73 Compensation Pick 4 (24 OA)

 

With the choice between this pick and a player from DC, the Phoenix go for another compensation pick. A few good options will surely be available at this pick, so this could end up being another valuable pick for the team.

 

24th Overall, London United

Mikko Aaltonen, via DC - @GRZ

 

With all Compensation Picks now off the table, the last selection for London will need to be a veteran player. Although he only has one last season to play, Mikko Aaltonen has been a studly player for the D.C. Dragons and would be a fantastic veteran presence for an expansion team. With many available options wisely left unsigned to be pending unrestricted free agents, Aaltonen is under contract, meaning there is no risk to select him. He would either be able to provide one last season of goal-scoring if kept, but would perhaps be more valuable as a trade piece at the deadline, as Aaltonen would be an attractive option for a team in the buyer's market. 24 picks in, there isn't much of a better or safer alternative available.

 

So there they are, VSN’s predictions for this season's expansion draft! We wish all the new teams the best in their inaugural season and hope the young players they pick are able to shine with them.

 

There is definitely no shortage of draft picks in this draft. Would you like to know what players these teams could potentially land with them? Prepare yourself for an S73 VSN Mock Draft that will cover all of that! On top of that, we have the VHL’s Top 25 players ranked and discussed in an upcoming article. Could an expansion team land one of those players? I suppose we’ll all find out soon enough, but make sure to watch out for those articles in the meantime.

[Zetterberg 863]

Something tells me the first pick won’t happen

[diamond_ace 3,112]

4 hours ago, Zetterberg said:

Something tells me the first pick won’t happen

9th pick also retired, and frankly I think there are a few more of these that would be unwise choices (basically anyone old - with the cap being where it is, taking someone with the explicit intent to flip isn't a safe strategy). I also think the comp picks will go much earlier

[diamond_ace 3,112]

Also, don't take that as a criticism, I saw firsthand the amount of work this took. I might disagree with some or even a good bit of it, but this was one hell of an undertaking. Great content one way or the other