S73 VSN Mock Draft

[Patrik Tallinder 1,087]

 

Season 73 VSN Mock Draft

Greetings, everyone! Another season has passed us by, and with it comes another shipment of new players to VHL organizations located all around the globe. This season is quite different from what we’re used to though; With four new teams in the mix, and compensation picks to add into the draft as well, the S73 VHL Entry Draft is one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory. We get to witness four teams build their team up from the ground, with their foundations being chosen in this event. 

 

At VSN, we always like to predict the outcome of these drafts, and this one is no different. With tons of help from the amazing @Hylands, @Matt_O, @Berocka, @Doomsday, @Spence King, and @diamond_ace, we were able to finish both the mock expansion draft and the mock entry draft in a short few days. Well, without further delay, let’s get into this!

 

DISCLAIMER: All draft picks/rosters do not reflect any transactions after 6:00 PM ET on Tuesday, July 14th, 2020. Also, draft slots for expansion teams were chosen based on our recent Mock Expansion Draft, NOT the real results.

First Round 

 

#1. D.C. Dragons

Micah Adrienne | @Poptart | D | Las Vegas Aces

Matt_O: 2 | Doomsday: 1 | Berocka: 1 | Hylands: 1 | Tallinder: 1

 

With the first pick in the S73 draft, VSN has the DC Dragons selections, Micah Adrienne. Coming into the season, DC had decent expectations, but couldn’t find the same success they had last season. While DC isn’t hard-pressed fora defenseman, it’s hard to pass up on Adrienne. His 23 goals and 49 assists for the Aces are very solid, but his presence in the defensive zone is Adrienne’s best trait. 250 hits was good enough for sixth-best in the VHLM, and his 104 blocked shots are nothing to look past. He also has the ability to quarterback a powerplay, with 12 powerplay goals for the Aces. Adrienne is a tough player to pass up at first overall.

-Matt_O

 

 

#2. Malmo Nighthawks

Tyler Walker | @Advantage | D | Saskatoon Wild

Matt_O: 1 | Doomsday: 2 | Berocka: 2 | Hylands: 2 | Tallinder: 2

 

With Tyler Walker's agent, the legendary Chris Miller, now the Assistant General Manager for the Malmo Nighthawks, it's hardly a surprise to see him going second overall to Malmo. As a pivotal component of the Founder's Cup champion Saskatoon Wild, Walker wasted little time in establishing himself as a premier defensive prospect, scoring 115 points, 2 goals. While not overly physical, his positioning is sound and he's not afraid of the puck, blocking 101 shots. With his VHL-ready build and his connections to Malmo, it's unfathomable to see the Nighthawks pass on Tyler Walker if he's available here. 
-Doomsday
 

 

#3. Vancouver Wolves

Jeffrey Pines | @rory | LW | Mexico City Kings

Matt_O: 3 | Doomsday: 3 | Berocka: 3 | Hylands: 4 | Tallinder: 3

 

With the 3rd overall selection, we expect the Vancouver Wolves will select the 2nd highest TPE forward in the class. After trading away their top player this past season, Pines will be able to step into a Wolves team without a major star and cement a legacy of his own. Pines is a pass-first forward with great hands and great skating ability, however, his defensive game is where he shines the most. He had a breakout year this season, with 91 points and 36 goals, so he can definitely shoot the puck when needed as well. He took only 46 penalty minutes this season, so Vancouver will be able to rely on Pines when they need him the most. On top of all of this, the player’s agent has been getting involved wherever he can throughout the league, and the sky really is the limit for Pines. Some work may be needed on his scoring touch, but the foundation has been laid for a great career from the small forward.
-Hylands
 

 

#4. Seattle Bears (From PRG)

Jacob Tonn | @MexicanCow123 | G | Mississauga Hounds

Matt_O: 4 | Doomsday: 4 | Berocka: 4 | Hylands: 7 | Tallinder:4

 

Selecting 4th after moving up in the draft, the Seattle Bears will look to build the start of a strong foundation as their much-publicized S67 draftees start to age. One such position that has been solid for years from that draft is goalie, where Rayz Funk has been one of the best in the league for years. Still, time catches up with us all, and Funk is no exception. As a result, Seattle made a strong play to climb up into the earlier selections and get ahead of the expansion teams - the other most likely candidates to draft a goalie in this draft. If Tonn can find a permanent home in the net in Seattle, much like Funk did, it should work out well for both the team and the player.
-diamond_ace
 

 

#5. Toronto Legion

Grekkark Gyrfalcon | @Sharkstrong | G | Saskatoon Wild

Matt_O: 7 | Doomsday: 6 | Berocka: 6 | Hylands: 6 | Tallinder: 6

 

While none of us had Gyrfalcon going this high, the averages worked out so that the Blades’ goaltender would end up at fifth. It’s unlikely that the Legion will go this route with Hextall being as young as he is, but if they do it will be no mistake. Gyrfalcon is a fantastic goalie prospect with an unbelievably low floor, and a pretty high ceiling to accompany it. We’re looking at one of two players in this entire draft to not miss one capped TPE since the start of S73 eligibility, largely due to his affiliation with the EFL giving him 12 TPE welfare weekly. His uncapped production has been relatively low for a top tier prospect, but if that changes at all, the sky is really the limit for him. He is a safe pick and a great option for a future starter in net.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#6. Malmo Nighthawks (From DAV)

Jean Pierre Camus | @solas | Goaltender | Yukon Rush

Matt_O: 6 | Doomsday: 7 | Berocka: 7 | Hylands: 7 | Tallinder: 7

 

With their second pick in the draft, Nighthawks will need to fill their biggest hole. This is that they no longer have a netminder after Crawford announced their retirement near the end of last season. This unexpected retirement may have changed the drafting strategy of the Nighthawks but the young Canadian Goalie in Jean Pierre Camus should be a solid pick up. Having played all 72 games last season for the Yukon Rush Camus finished with a .906 save percentage and 3 shutouts, these stats are improved by the fact they were on a team with a 21-47-4 record. I think Malmo might be able to pick up a future star goaltender right here.
-Berocka
 

 

#7. Chicago Phoenix (Position A)

Shawn Glade III | @ShawnGlade | D | Mississauga Hounds

Matt_O: 5 | Doomsday: 12 | Berocka: 5 | Hylands: 5 | Tallinder: 12

 

With the first pick in Chicago’s history, they will select defenseman Shawn Glade III. Glade is an offensive defenseman, with 64 assists and 83 points for the Hounds last season. While his defence needs to get polished, his offensive capabilities are elite and make him worth selecting at 7th overall. As a returning member, the value of Shawn Glade III is perhaps a little higher than a first-gen player of similar TPE totals. Glade can provide an immediate spark to the team that selects him, which Chicago will need. The Phoenix have to start from scratch, and they select what they hope to be the future of their blue line with the 7th overall pick.
-Matt_O
 

 

#8. Los Angeles Stars (Position B)

Groovy Dood | @bigAL | LW | Minnesota Storm

Matt_O: 12 | Doomsday: 8 | Berocka: 9 | Hylands: 3 | Tallinder: 8

 

Los Angeles steps up to the plate for the first draft pick in franchise history, and VSN has projected the Stars to select Groovy Dood. A defensive-minded player, Dood's play was epitomized by his selfless, team-first playing style, a rare quality in today's era of the VHL. He may initially struggle offensively, with only nine goals to his name, but Dood has serious potential to make an impact as a playmaker, and with strong skills in the faceoff circle, has the potential to be a valuable penalty killer as a rookie as well. This is an ideal pick for a franchise looking to get started, and Dood's work ethic could prove to be infectious in his new home.
-Doomsday
 

 

#9. Helsinki Titans

John Merrick | @Steve | C | San Diego Marlins

Matt_O: 8 | Doomsday: 9 | Berocka: 11 | Hylands: 8 | Tallinder: 5

 

Drafting in the 9th slot, and with their first selection in the S73 draft, Helsinki will add a solid piece to their roster in John Merrick. A newer prospect, but his player agent is no stranger to the VHL, having represented the recently retired Guy LeGrande. Merrick joined the Mexico City Kings at the tail end of the season and played 18 games, where he picked up 16 points, a solid season for a late pickup. He was unlucky in his shooting percentage, as he only managed 6 goals on 99 shots, but the goals will come in bunches once he shakes the monkey off his back. Not only does he sport a wicked shot, but he is another defensively sound centerman that gives you 100% effort at both ends of the ice. Some work will be needed in the faceoff circle so he can be a truly great centerman, but I have no doubts in my mind that Merrick will put in the work necessary to launch himself into that category of great players.
-Hylands
 

 

#10. London United (Position C)

Andre LeBastard | @Andre LeBastard | C | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 9 | Doomsday: 10 | Berocka: 8 | Hylands: 10 | Tallinder: 9

 

With a roster only consisting of James Rose, Jay Jones, and Guy Lesieur, London United has basically a carte blanche to take whatever player and position they like. At some point, they’ll need a goalie, and there will certainly be opportunities for them to acquire one somewhere along the way, but drafting a good young centre for the future will start them on a path of being able to stack two lines behind fellow centre Jay Jones. Building the spine of a team is always a good strategy, and LeBastard certainly looks promising at this time. It’s a good spot to be in for London because needing everything frees them up to go BPA. 
-diamond_ace
 

 

#11. Warsaw Predators (Position D)

Kosmo Kramerev | @Mongoose87 | D | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 11 | Doomsday: 5 | Berocka: 10 | Hylands: 13 | Tallinder: 14

 

A defenceman with tremendous offensive potential, Kosmo Kramerev managed to tally over 100 points and nearly 30 goals as a rookie in the VHLM this season. He usually earns around 10 capped TPE per week and capitalizes on the majority of uncapped opportunities that present themselves to him. Should Warsaw choose him with their first-ever draft selection, they will be getting a rock-solid defenceman who could make waves in the league really quickly with his presumably big role on the team. He’s had prior sim league experience and has proven himself to be a more than a qualified option for this pick.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#12. Calgary Wranglers (From SEA via PRG)

Patrik Laine | @PatrikLaine | RW | Houston Bulls

Matt_O: 14 | Doomsday: 11 | Berocka: 12 | Hylands: 9 | Tallinder: 11

 

Still very green in the VHL Patrik Laine has already made a bit of a name for himself, joining late to the Houston Bulls, Laine put up 59 points in 58 games. Not only can they score the goals they play a full 200ft game with 118 hits and 41 shots blocked they are nothing to sneeze at in the way of defence. Calgary currently only have 5 signed forwards so picking up someone like Laine could really strengthen their forward pack. He is a consistent earner and has been improving solidly since joining the league it would be smart for Calgary to take the chance on Laine.
-Berocka
 

 

#13. Moscow Menace

Wolf Stansson | @ahockeyguy | D | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 10 | Doomsday: 13 | Berocka: 15 | Hylands: 11 | Tallinder: 10

 

After the top two defensemen in Adrienne and Walker go off the board, the discussion for a defenseman of the draft gets complicated. Stansson has a very strong case for being the third-best defenseman. He is very well rounded, being able to make plays on offence while also playing shutdown defence on the other end of the rink. He had 30 goals and 53 assists for Miami, as well as 143 hits and 138 blocked shots, showing off his elite two-way skills. Moscow is in serious need of defensemen, and Stansson is a great piece to begin the overhaul of Moscow's defence.
-Matt_O
 

 

#14. Vancouver Wolves (From NYA)

Dan Baille Jr | @wcats | RW | Saskatoon Wild

Matt_O: 13 | Doomsday: 15 | Berocka: 14 | Hylands: 12 | Tallinder: 13

 

It's difficult to replace two franchise talents in Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Julius Freeman, but VSN has Keaton Louth doing just that with his two first-round picks. Jeffrey Pines with the earlier selection, and now Dan Baillie Jr here towards the end of the first round. With a proven VHL pedigree, Baillee Jr played well with the Saskatoon Wild's championship team, although he scored fewer goals than you would expect for a player with his build. His best trait, however, is his tenacious loyalty and spirit. His father stuck with the expansion Moscow Menace from their humble beginnings all the way to their first Continental Cup win. The budding power forward will likely spend one more season in the M to hone his skills before he's unleashed with the Wolves.
-Doomsday
 

 

#15. Prague Phantoms (From CGY)

Mikeal Keef | @RStar | D | Ottawa Lynx

Matt_O: 19 | Doomsday: 14 | Berocka: 13 | Hylands: 14 | Tallinder: 17

 

The Phantoms will likely be in the market for a young defenceman, and Keef fits the bill perfectly. Coming off a successful campaign with the Minnesota Storm where he scored 67 points in 72 games, Keef may well find himself back in the minors so he can fully develop and be ready for the VHL next season. Keef is a no-nonsense, offensive defenceman who has good skating ability, as well as a good set of hands. He is a pass-first player, his 59 assists last season proving that even further. Keef is also not afraid to get physical, and he threw 127 hits in his 72 games played last season. He has a little bit of work to do on the offensive side of his game, mainly his skating and puck handling, but he has a solid set of skills that can be built upon, and with the guidance of a great GM, will be a solid choice at the end of the 1st round.
-Hylands
 

 

#16. Malmo Nighthawks (From RIG)

Marshall James Frostbeard | @FrostBeard | LW | Mississauga Hounds

Matt_O: 16 | Doomsday: 16 | Berocka: 16 | Hylands: 16 | Tallinder: 16

 

This pick was unanimous across all our selectors, and that is because it’s essentially locked in. With the rule that a GM can select their own player with the lowest first-round pick in their possession, Malmo gets the best player in the draft as low as 16. In doing so, Malmo basically guarantees to be the “winner” of the first round, if such a status can truly be given atthe draft time, by picking up the best forward, potentially the best defender (Adrienne and Walker will likely battle for their whole careers) and one of the top tier goalies.
-diamond_ace
 

 

#17. Prague Phantoms (From MAL via SEA)

Dakota Lamb | @dlamb | C | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 17 | Doomsday: 18 | Berocka: 20 | Hylands: 15 | Tallinder: 15

 

Canadian centre Dakota Lamb took a couple weeks to get the hang of things in the VHL, but ever since he has, he has been a force to be reckoned with. His capped and uncapped TPE earning has been stellar for almost two months now, is rivalled by few others in this draft. Putting up 13 points in just 7 playoff games after an already impressive regular season, Lamb has been on the rise for quite some time and could be a steal in the long run if everything works out for him. For Prague, drafting a centre with as much upside as Lamb could be a huge help since they currently don’t have a high-end first-line centre at the moment. All signs point to good things from this player so far, and with consistency over time, he could reach heights well beyond his draft position.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#18. Helsinki Titans (From DCD via TOR)

Alek Volchenkov | @SirRupertBarnes | Centre | Saskatoon Wild

Matt_O: 18 | Doomsday: 17 | Berocka: 18 | Hylands: 18 | Tallinder: 19

 

With Helsinki’s second pick they look at helping their forward line with the centre Alek Volchenkov. Volchenkov has just come off an amazing season with the Saskatoon Wild winning the Founders cup. Only playing 60 games in the regular season Volchenkov only scored 15 points however in the 18 games of playoffs they managed to score 13 points. You can see the improvement over the period of just one season. Also that they have just been selected 2nd overall in the VHLM draft you can see there is a lot of potentials there. Volchenkov is continuously earning the full 12 capped each week, with the constant earning and the stats put up in the playoffs this could be a future star for the Titans.
-Berocka
 

 

#19. Vancouver Wolves

The Terrible Trivium | @der meister | RW | Minnesota Storm

Matt_O: 15 | Doomsday: 19 | Berocka: 17 | Hylands: 17 | Tallinder: 23

 

With the 19th pick of the draft, the Wolves select winger The Terrible Trivium. This helps the Wolves complete their very young top-six forward group. However, Trivium may stick around in the minors for an extra year, since at the time of writing this, he has 211 TPE. Whether he stays in the minors or not, he will most likely be an important part of the Wolves top six. His 34 goals and 42 assists in the minors were impressive, but the most impressive stat was his 11 powerplay goals. Being effective on the powerplay is a huge bonus to any player's game, and will help to elevate the Wolve’s special teams. Trivium is a good pickup at 19.
-Matt_O
 

 

#20. Vancouver Wolves (From PRG via DAV)

Oh Sens | @osens | RW | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 20 | Doomsday: 20 | Berocka: 19 | Hylands: 19 | Tallinder: 18

 

Vancouver came into this draft needing forwards, but that need is certainly satisfied now after the Wolves grab their fourth forward prospect in the first twenty selections. Oh Sens was an inaugural member of the Miami Marauders last season, taken 52nd overall, but he became quite a steal for them. The Japanese right-wing scored 28 goals and recorded 33 assists for a very solid 61 points in his first season, and will have another season to develop further. Sens' build indicates this is a sniper in the making, and after scoring five goals in seven playoff games, Vancouver is confident that they have another excellent forward in their pipeline, and they're absolutely correct. 
-Doomsday
 

 

#21. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick 1)

Ajay Krishna | @Hooperorama | G | Ottawa Lynx

Matt_O: 21 | Doomsday: 21 | Berocka: 21 | Hylands: 21 | Tallinder: 21

 

This seems to be a no-brainer decision for the Warsaw Predators here. They will be looking for a franchise goaltender, and they will find exactly that in Ajay Krishna. Krishna has a bit of a legacy in the VHL already, being drafted in the 5th round of the VHL draft at 63rd overall he was somewhat of a steal as he now sits unanimously at 21st here in VSN’s mock draft. He has gone out and earned every possible capped and uncapped TPE there is and now presents himself as a reliable candidate for a future starting position. He had a solid debut season for the Lynx, with a 36-30-6 record as well as a 3.58 GAA and .891 SV% on an Ottawa team that wasn’t very competitive towards the tail end of the season. Another season in the minors might be on the cards for Krishna but once he makes the jump to the VHL he will be a great pickup for Warsaw.
-Hylands
 

 

#22. Warsaw Predators (Compensation Pick 2)

Matty Socks | @fishy | D | Las Vegas Aces

Matt_O: 23 | Doomsday: 22 | Berocka: 22 | Hylands: 20 | Tallinder: 20

 

Warsaw’s roster going into the draft consists of Alex Bridges and… well, that’s it. One VHL-ready player, as Arthur Dayne is likely to be in the VHLM once again for the upcoming season. They have an extra compensation pick to make up for it, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to field a team that has enough players to perform on both ends of the ice. Since they already have a D, and in this draft they’ve added another one as well as a G, they decide to go all-in on building from the net out. Taking Socks here gives them the basis of a potentially lethal defence a few seasons down the line, and a good enough one now to keep the scores down as they develop.
-diamond_ace
 

 

#23. Chicago Phoenix (Compensation Pick 3)

Kevin King | @IamMOOSE | C | Las Vegas Aces

Matt_O: 22 | Doomsday: 23 | Berocka: 23 | Hylands: 22 | Tallinder: 22

 

One of the underdogs covered in our “Diamonds in the Rough” article earlier this season, Kevin King is an extremely high upside player who had the misfortune of joining late. He started off his career with a week of 41 TPE, following it up with consistent capped TPE production for 4 more weeks now. He will carry some risk because of his small sample size in earning TPE, but he has certainly done all he can to prove his reliability in his young career. King’s build is based primarily around scoring, but he possesses solid defensive and faceoff ability as well. This is definitely a player that Chicago could build around if he pans out, and with each week that passes, it’s looking more and more like that will happen.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#24. Chicago Phoenix (Compensation Pick 4)

Jesper Norberg | @jpsd | RW | Las Vegas Aces

Matt_O: 24 | Doomsday: 24 | Berocka: 25 | Hylands: 25 | Tallinder: 25

 

One of the newer members into the VHL Norberg has all the potential of being a big star. This could be the reason that Chicago are going after Norberg. The Right Winger from Sweden is constantly improving and if they continue along with their current trajectory they could be a big player in this new franchise. During the season Norberg didn’t really excel scoring 6 points in the 26 games played during the regular season, but you know that they give 110% every game with 34 hits laid in that same 26 games. If Norberg continues to show this amount of ticker they will help bring some life into this new team.
-Berocka 
 

 

#25. New York Americans (From TOR)

Victor Grachev | @KaleebtheMighty | D | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 27 | Doomsday: 26 | Berocka: 27 | Hylands: 23 | Tallinder: 24

 

With the 25th pick in the draft, the Americans select Victor Grachev. Despite being a late joiner, Grachev has earned tons of TPE over the past month, and he has put himself in a great position to be drafted sometime in the second round. Grachev would most likely remain in the VHLM this season before heading up to New York, where he would become another piece to a relatively young New York defence. Grachev managed to pick up 14 points in 26 games, despite having far lower TPE totals than his peers, and he also put up solid defence totals, with 46 hits and 22 blocked shots. Now that Grachev has a year under his belt, he can show off his true talent level this season in the VHLM. New York needs anyone they can get, and Grachev is a good defensive prospect that can grow into a bigger role for the Americans in the future.
-Matt_O
 

 

#26. New York Americans (From DAV)

Jeremy Lin | @jman9theman9 | RW | Mexico City Kings

Matt_O: 26 | Doomsday: 25 | Berocka: 24 | Hylands: 24 | Tallinder: 29

 

With a handful of forwards nearing the end of their careers, New York adds Jeremy Lin to their prospect pool, and it's a pick that makes a lot of sense. Although he put up limited production last season with Mexico City, he was a depth player on a strong team that reached the Founder's Cup Finals. His build is coming along very nicely, developing into a solid two-way forward with a dangerous scoring touch. Lin will need more time to season, but it's time that the Americans can afford to give him. He's poised to have a strong season as a main part of the Kings this season and should be ready to join New York by Season 74.
--Doomsday

 

 

#27. Chicago Phoenix (Position A)

Han Jae Kuk | @Dtayl | D |  San Diego Marlins

Matt_O: 25 | Doomsday: 31 | Berocka: 31 | Hylands: 26 | Tallinder: 26

 

Han Jae Kuk is possibly one of the most defensive defensemen I’ve ever laid my eyes on. This could prove to be a solid pickup for Chicago here, depending on how their roster looks after a couple of seasons. Han Jae Kuk is amazing in his own end and can be relied on at all times to always make the smart play. He has above-average skating ability as well as puck handling too, which is why he actually excelled so much on a weak San Diego Marlins team this season where he managed to pick up 34 points in his 68 games played. Being on one of the worst teams this year definitely inflated his 140 shots blocked, but it’s good to know Han is fearless and will put his body on the line for the sake of the team. He will inevitably have to work on the offensive side of his game, but his defensive skill set is solid and will be perfect for this expansion team.
-Hylands
 

 

#28. Los Angeles Stars (Position B)

Rocket | @Rocket | LW | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: 29 | Doomsday: 30 | Berocka: 29 | Hylands: 27 | Tallinder: 32

 

Another expansion team with the flexibility of choice, the Stars come into the draft a little stronger out of the gate than their counterparts, having taken two guys in their primes rather than just young upcoming prospects. With Markus Nygren and Sigard Gunnar on the roster (along with Gary Neal who does still fit the prospect designation) the Stars can afford to take a guy like Rocket here who won’t be in the bigs right away. Given time to develop, Rocket could prove a vital piece to the Stars. Early on, he looks like a jack of all trades type, with a lot of potential strengths, and really no weaknesses except his physical game.
-diamond_ace
 

 

#29. Calgary Wranglers (From HSK)

Cal Conway | @Shaka | G | Saskatoon Wild

Matt_O: 28 | Doomsday: 34 | Berocka: 28 | Hylands: 30 | Tallinder: 33

 

Cal Conway appeared to be among the top goalies in this draft until a sudden drop in activity. With just 2 TPE in the last 3 weeks, it’s no surprise that he is a prospect who is trending downwards. However, his 181 TPE will keep him afloat for a bit longer, so that if he comes back he won’t have an overwhelming amount of catching up to do. This is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick, and maybe we could see a team like Calgary, who already has an established starter, take the bait on this one. He will have the chance to shine with Saskatoon this season, as last season he played as Gyrfalcon’s backup.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#30. London United (Position C)

Kirishima Wakaro | @Snussu | Defence | Mexico City Kings

Matt_O: 34 | Doomsday: 27 | Berocka: 26 | Hylands: 31 | Tallinder: 35

 

Kirishima Wakaro already has two seasons under their belt in the VHLM, the first playing 17 games for Minnesota where they scored 5 points, before being selected 21st in the VHLM draft and playing for Mexico City Kings. Having a bit better of a season scoring 40 points Wakaro is definitely an up and coming talent in the VHL. However it should not be the point production that you focus on with Wakaro the young Japanese defensive player performing strongly in their defensive zone. With 77 shots blocked and 144 hits last season Wakaro will do what they must to protect the puck from getting into the back of the net. Their continuous improvement may be slow but you know that when this player graduates to the VHL they will be a solid defensive force and you will be able to rely on them.
-Berocka
 

 

#31. Warsaw Predators (Position D)

S Kuchar | @S. Kuchar | LW | Ottawa Lynx

Matt_O: 33 | Doomsday: 33 | Berocka: 34 | Hylands: 29 | Tallinder: 27

 

Warsaw picks up their first forward of the draft with the 31st pick, selecting S Kuchar. After joining late, Kuchar put up 23 points in 28 games for the Lynx, which are very solid numbers. His ability to make plays allowed him to rack up assists even with lower TPE totals. Even though Kuchar joined late, his consistently strong TPE earning over the past four weeks are enough to turn some heads and possibly get Kuchar selected in the second round. After taking multiple defensemen and a goalie in this draft so far, the Predators will select their first forward.
-Matt_O
 

 

#32. Seattle Bears

Fat palloon | @UnkemptCL4PTP | D | Yukon Rush

Matt_O: 35 | Doomsday: 32 | Berocka: 30 | Hylands: 30 | Tallinder: 30

 

With both Hulk Hogan and Berocka Sundqvist nearing the end of their careers, Seattle stacks their cupboard with Fat palloon, a defensive defenseman prospect who aims to be ready for when those two hang up their skates. The physical defender, recording 186 hits, is also quite adept at moving the puck, recording 53 assists with Yukon last season. His shot will need work to be effective at the VHL level, but his build is coming along nicely. If he maintains his current work ethic, palloon should be ready to answer the call by, if not before the time Seattle needs him. 
-Doomsday
 

 

#33. Moscow Menace

Jiggly Gumballs | @JigglyGumballs | D | Houston Bulls

Matt_O: 31 | Doomsday: 28 | Berocka: 33 | Hylands: 34 | Tallinder: 31

 

Jiggly Gumballs was a late joiner this season, but has been earning at a steady rate ever since. Moscow has a great pool of prospects, and they will be happy to add another one in Gumballs here. The Canadian defenceman is a pass first player with an eye for goal, in his 23 games for Houston he picked up 6 goals and 8 assists which is not bad at all on the league’s worst team. Gumballs doesn’t have the greatest skating ability or hands, but he is incredibly well balanced and can do a lot of jobs quite well. The good news is that there is plenty of time for him to develop in the minors next season, and should be looking even better come the end of next season. If Gumballs continues on the same developmental path, he could turn out to be a huge steal late in the 2nd round.
-Hylands
 

 

#34. Vancouver Wolves (From NYA)

Gary Rush | @G_Rush | RW | Las Vegas Aces

Matt_O: 32 | Doomsday: 35 | Berocka: 35 | Hylands: 33 | Tallinder: 34

 

Vancouver has a habit of finding good solid prospects around this part of the draft, and it’s part of their strategy to acquire picks in this range because they can usually make them pan out. The next target on the list is Gary Rush, a speedy scorer from the Las Vegas Aces. He’ll add to a roster that has begun to rebuild, with many of their older players having been sold off over the last few seasons, and will look to develop alongside the team. Players such as Andrew Su and Jungkok won’t be too far ahead of him and could form a deadly line in the future for the Wolves.
-diamond_ace
 

 

#35. Seattle Bears (From CGY via MAL)

Calvin Harvey | @Mrpenguin30 | G | San Diego Marlins

Matt_O: 28 | Doomsday: >36 | Berocka: >36 | Hylands: 28 | Tallinder: 28

 

In terms of talent, Calvin Harvey is a step above most of the players being selected around this position. However, with the sheer amount of goalies in this draft, we could end up seeing him fall come draft day. Harvey’s TPE earning has varied quite a bit, but it is encouraging to see that he has not once dipped below 8 TPE in any week to date in his career. His uncapped TPE production is nice to see, although his capped numbers could use a bit of a boost. Overall, I think this is a prospect who could result in a really successful player with the right guidance. If his eagerness to pounce on uncapped opportunities can translate to consistency in the sometimes monotonous earning of capped TPE, he could be someone who is looked at as a robbery at this position down the road.
-Patrik Tallinder
 

 

#36. Vancouver Wolves (From RIG via DAV)

Florent Vericel | @dart | LW | Miami Marauders

Matt_O: >36 | Doomsday: 29 | Berocka: 32 | Hylands: 34 | Tallinder: >36

 

The Canadian Left Winger Florent Vericel finishes out this mock draft. Vericel played the whole season for Miami and put up decent numbers with 47 points, not only that but with 76 hits and 18 shots blocked Vericel is not afraid to put their body on the line to benefit the team. This grit and determination is a solid quality for a lower line player. Vericel does not cap every week but their performance on the ice could offset this a little bit. If they continue to improve and eventually graduate to the VHL then they should be a solid asset for the Wolves.
-Berocka
 

 

And there we have it! Best of luck to all the new expansion teams, as well as all this season’s draftees. Hope to see you all next season for the S74 Mock Draft!

[bigAL 2,176]

Miami represent