With the 209th pick in the draft, Tampa selects, from Russia,
Nikolai Chebykin
1 (19) Julien Gauthier RW 6'4" 225 lbs. (Val-d'Or, QMJHL)
-A lot is said about his limitations in terms of consistency and pick distribution but the fact remains he can put the puck in the net. This is valuable to any team, especially one with the potential to lose a lot of goals this summer depending on how free agency works out. I was also impressed with his mobility and physicality at the WJCs.
2 (44) Jordan Kyrou C 6'0" 179 lbs. (Sarnia, OHL)
-Only scratching the surface of his potential. Seems to be a center with a wide range of skills that can contribute even when not scoring. Very impressive at the u18s.
2 (49) Dennis Cholowski LD 6'1" 165 lbs. (Chilliwack, BCHL)
-Excellent skating and raw skills. In the middle of a significant growth spurt, but even now shows an impressive all around game. Has been rocketing up the scouting lists since the winter. Potentially tremendous value at this position.
3 (79) Zach Sawchenko G 6'1" 179 lbs. (Moose Jaw, WHL)
-While TB has good goaltending depth at the Pro level, they lack any real junior prospects in the system at this position. I've been impressed with Sawchenko's athleticism and ability to take away the bottom of the net each time I've watched him. Put up very good numbers while often facing a ton of shots. Hoping in real life this is someone the Oilers look at with one of their picks at the bottom half of the 3rd.
4 (109) Maxime Fortier C/RW 5'10" 176 lbs. (Halifax, QMJHL)
-Happy to get Fortier at this spot, even if I was hoping for Filip Berglund and then Sambrook before they were taken (both great picks in this round, though unfortunately not by me). Fits the mold of a TB player with great speed, skill and finishing ability. Carried the Moosehead offense once Meier was traded and put up similar numbers to Laberge. Could very well be underrated in both this and the real draft.
5 (139) Dylan Coghlan RD 6'3" 187 lbs. (Tri-City, WHL)
-Smooth skating rugged Dman, working on improving transition game.
6 (169) Ondrej Najman C 6'1" 187 lbs. (HC Dukla Jihlava, Czech U20)
-Very strong junior league and u18 numbers reflecting a poor man's Tomas Hertl, happy to take a flier on him at this point in the draft, especially after Beck "Be My" Malenstyn was picked a few spots ago.
7 (199) Linus Weissbach LW 5'9" 154 lbs. (Frolunda HC, SHL)
-Gamebreaking speed and solid J20 numbers make him a worthy flier this late in the draft. Described by Lowetide poster and Swedish prospect aficionado Swedishposter as being in the top 5 of the entire draft in terms of skating, he fits in well with the TB philosophy of speed and skill, no matter the size of the player.
7 (209)
Nikolai Chebykin C/LW 6'3" 209 lbs. (HK MVD Balashikha, MHL)
-Overager in the Russian junior league put up Bogdan-like numbers and has great size, good feet and the ability to put the puck in the net. Given Tampa's success with Russians he fits in well to their prospect pool. Hoping for a Ziyat Paigin situation here.
Thanks for the great draft all!
Next GM has been notified.