Told you Trunev was a nice pickup, Matt!
Columbus had three players selected, with 2008 selections Jerome Flaake and Andrei Loktionov and 2007 draft pick Sergei Korostin all being claimed.
Loktionov was the first claimed, 7th overall by Windsor of the OHL. With Joshua Bailey and Adam Henrique already on the roster, it's expected Loktionov - whose NHL rights are held by Los Angeles - would be switched to wing if he joins the Spitfires.
Flaake was next, selected by Prince George of the WHL 9th overall. Columbus and the Tornto Maple LEafs will both be watching the big forward's development closely. Although drafted as a LW, Flaake was listed as a C in the import draft. It wil be interesting to observe where he plays if he comes to Canada.
Korostin was also selected in the first round, 37th overall to London of the OHL. The Russian-born RW is already in North America, having played last season in the Central Hockey League. Dallas holds his NHL rights.
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Not claimed in the Import Draft was the Jackets' 2008 third-round pick, Andre Petersson. "We're happy to see Andre continue his development in Sweden at this time," said Jackets' GM Doug Emerson. "He has work to do to round out his game, his strength and defensive commitment, and we believe he can do that just fine where he is. Perhaps in a year or two, he might be ready to consider coming to North America, but for now there's no rush."
Tim Branholm, a late-round selection of the Jackets', was overlooked in both hte CHL import draft and in the NHL entry draft. "He's a sleeper, he'll get a chance to play in a higher league this year, we'll continue to watch his development with interest," says Emerson. "He's another who we're not looking for anything from right away other than continued work on his game."