Edmonton Strikes at the draft
2015-08-06Edmonton GM Allain has made the most out of his first round picks he inherited when taking over the Oilers Reings.
With his first pick at number 3, he took big center Dylan Strome
Dylan should need one extra year in the junionrs, dominate the OHL again, dominate at the world juniors where team Canada should repeat as Gold Medalist.
At Number 6, Gifted with Noah Hanafin, GM Allain didn't have to second guess his pick.
Noah should become the anchor on defense for a long time. He might need a few games in the AHL to get used to pro hockey, or might straight jump on the ice with the best.
At Number 11, GM Allain took his first reach of the day with Matthew Barzal
Barzal was injured for a long time during the 2014-2015 season, and didn't have the chance to prouve himself. Once returning back put on descent numbers in the WHL, but put even more impressive number in the Under 18 tournament, where he match points total with Austin Matthews (Projected Number 1 in 2016)
At Number 16, GM Allain's list just took a hit as the next 2 players that he wanted got taken before him, but made a on the spot decision with Evgeny Scechnikov.
Svechnikov had a good season with Cape Breton, he should be playing there again this year, and get a chance at redemption during the WJC for Russia
At Number 21,the Oilers took a chance on Travis Konecny.
After making more than a point per game in the OHL, Konecny should get a chance to prouve his worth during the world junior's this year.
After trading his 27th pick for 2 second rounders, the Oilers selected Jansen Harkins at 40.
Harking was rated as a mid first round prospect, putting on solid number in the WHL.
With no more list and being on the spot, the oilers reached for Blake Speers at 43.
Playing for the power house Sault Ste-Marie, Speers put a solid pts/game ratio while playing a secondary role.
During the third round GM Allain had 2 picks, 62 and 66.
With the 62th, he took goalie Felix Sanstrom and took Dennis Yan from the Q at 66.
GM Allain says he his proud of his draft, getting solid players that will have a chance to make the line up eventually.
With Dylan Strome, Noah Hanafin, Matthew Barzal, Evgeny Svechnikov, Travis Konecny, Jansen Harkins, and 2014 picks Leon Draisailt and Josh Ho-Sang, plus free agent signing of Johnny Gaudreau, John Klinberg, Eric Gelinas and Melker Karlsson, AND the development of Oscar Klefbom, Justin Schultz, Nail Yakupov, AND the returning of Alexander Burminstrov, The future looks bright in Edmonton.
Harkins played in the WHL not USHL.
Edmonton Strikes at the draft
Dream Draft