These are all guys I wouldn't mind seeing Snow take, even if I have a few doubts about Strome as a viable NHL prospect.
Ironically, although I think most of these guys will be gone by 77, there'd be an outside chance of getting two of them with the picks we have.
I do really like Salo and am pretty certain he's a future NHLer in likely a defensive capacity, but I think the fan in me would be most excited about seeing Garth grab Geekie or Lipanov. They both seem to have some exciting possibilities.
I think Matt Strome has the biggest hurdle in terms of his skating, but I see a lot of indicators that make him a potential pro. Even if it's in the bottom 6. That said, he is definitely not my favorite of the group I listed.
I really like Geekie and Brook, in addition to Gadjovich out of that group. Those are the guys I'm most familiar with.
Brook is the type of guy who I think will be more appreciated as he moves up against tougher competition. He doesn't have one particular trait that stands out, but he's an all-around guy who relies on his smarts rather than size/strength/skill like other prospects do at the same age. The entire basis for his game is his quick decision making, so I think there's room for growth in pretty much all other aspects of his game. To me, that's the type of player who is underappreciated at the draft, but surprises everyone when he steps foot on NHL ice.
Regarding Geekie, normally I'm not a fan of re-entries higher than round three, however, with him I'll make an exception. Skating is still something he needs to work on, but it's gotten quite a bit better than his first year in the dub. The fact that it still needs a lot of work doesn't worry me, because the amount of progress he's already made tells me he's in the middle of a development curve and I'd rather see the progress rather than hope for it. You can definitely see it with him and that's what you want, continual progress, not stagnation. The rest of his game has NHLer written all over him, IMO. He's got a big frame and plays your typical WHL style. Good in the corners, goes to the net, takes care of his own end, blocks shots, etc. He kind've reminds me of Andrew Ladd at the same age, although he's definitely a center and I think he'll remain at center in the NHL.
At 77 I like Yaroslav Alexeyev or Zach Gallant. I think Alexeyev has similar qualities to Abramov and as a skilled, speedy RW, he could be a unique player in the farm system. He's very deceptive, elusive, and with his speed and goal scoring instincts... he could be a big sleeper in this draft.
Gallant is another projected 3rd line center, somewhat similar to Geekie in that he's an all-around guy with skating as his weakness, but plays with more of an edge. He's a more physical player and with his non-stop motor and all-out effort, he actually reminds me a lot of Cizikas. I think he could be a good player to add to the farm system to give ourselves a long-term replacement for Casey.
With that said, this is how I'd rank them for picks 46 and 77 in order of personal preference:
46 - (1) Gadjovich (2) Brook (3) Geekie
77 - (1) Alexeyev (2) Gallant
Lipanov and Salo I've seen less of, but I'd be happy with either one at 46 as well.
