It was a strange season. I was at the top of the division, I was out of the playoffs, eventually landing as the second wildcard team in the East and the projected 18th pick in the draft. An unexpected playoff run later and I was set to pick 31st with little in the way of other picks to replenish a prospect base that was recently ranked 23rd in the league. A few cap crushing trades later and I had landed the 35th pick, but still only held 6 picks this draft overall.
Some last minute cramming left me somewhat prepared for my first couple picks. Rankings were all over the place but I had identified a few players I liked for each selection, and in the end, got a player from my shortlist at one spot and the prime target for my other pick. By the time the end of the 2nd round came around I wasn't comfortable enough with anyone so I traded out, making this the smallest day one draft class in my Lightning tenure. Hopefully I can make up for it next season where I've accumulated 11 picks to date.
1.31 - Marat Khusnutdinov, C - 5' 10, 176 lbs - SKA, MHL
As my pick was nearing it seemed Peterka might actually fall all the way to 31. I briefly considered trading up, but when he went 27th, I knew I could sit tight and end up with someone on my short list. I was hoping to add O'Rourke, who went the spot before me, leaving me deciding between Khusnutdinov & Reichel (who went 32nd). Ultimately, I once again caved to Mother Russia, selecting the undersized Marat Khusnutdinov. Much like my selection of Dorofeyev last year, I fully expect he could fall in the NHL draft.
What Marat brings is strong skating ability, high level skill and good compete level. Plus he's generally regarded as a leader for his age group of Russian players. Yes he's smaller but there's more than enough other positives to his game that he seems the type that can overcome....if he ever comes over that is.
I was up again at 35 only a few picks later with a single player in mind. It felt early to take him so I traded down to 47 in exchange for a couple extra picks. A sense of panic started to hit and I immediately start looking into trading back up from 47 to ensure I got my guy...and thank goodness I did.
2.40 - Martin Chromiak, RW - 6', 187 lbs - Kingston, OHL
I don't recall what specific site/publication tipped me off but I was immediately interested in Chromiak. A top Slovakian prospect for his age group that made a successful mid-season transition to the OHL, finishing the season with 33 points in 28 games with Kingston. He's an offensively gifted forward that managed to ride shotgun with Shane Wright. He's a skilled offensive player that can do a bit of everything. Some mixed reviews on his skating and consistency but as one of the younger players in the draft he has a little extra time to sort that out. I'm excited about what he can do next season.
When the 62 pick came up I bailed and traded for a 2021 2nd along with a 4th this year. Day two picks 104, 124 & 125 are on deck to hopefully add to this small crop.
Some last minute cramming left me somewhat prepared for my first couple picks. Rankings were all over the place but I had identified a few players I liked for each selection, and in the end, got a player from my shortlist at one spot and the prime target for my other pick. By the time the end of the 2nd round came around I wasn't comfortable enough with anyone so I traded out, making this the smallest day one draft class in my Lightning tenure. Hopefully I can make up for it next season where I've accumulated 11 picks to date.
1.31 - Marat Khusnutdinov, C - 5' 10, 176 lbs - SKA, MHL
As my pick was nearing it seemed Peterka might actually fall all the way to 31. I briefly considered trading up, but when he went 27th, I knew I could sit tight and end up with someone on my short list. I was hoping to add O'Rourke, who went the spot before me, leaving me deciding between Khusnutdinov & Reichel (who went 32nd). Ultimately, I once again caved to Mother Russia, selecting the undersized Marat Khusnutdinov. Much like my selection of Dorofeyev last year, I fully expect he could fall in the NHL draft.
What Marat brings is strong skating ability, high level skill and good compete level. Plus he's generally regarded as a leader for his age group of Russian players. Yes he's smaller but there's more than enough other positives to his game that he seems the type that can overcome....if he ever comes over that is.
I was up again at 35 only a few picks later with a single player in mind. It felt early to take him so I traded down to 47 in exchange for a couple extra picks. A sense of panic started to hit and I immediately start looking into trading back up from 47 to ensure I got my guy...and thank goodness I did.
2.40 - Martin Chromiak, RW - 6', 187 lbs - Kingston, OHL
I don't recall what specific site/publication tipped me off but I was immediately interested in Chromiak. A top Slovakian prospect for his age group that made a successful mid-season transition to the OHL, finishing the season with 33 points in 28 games with Kingston. He's an offensively gifted forward that managed to ride shotgun with Shane Wright. He's a skilled offensive player that can do a bit of everything. Some mixed reviews on his skating and consistency but as one of the younger players in the draft he has a little extra time to sort that out. I'm excited about what he can do next season.
When the 62 pick came up I bailed and traded for a 2021 2nd along with a 4th this year. Day two picks 104, 124 & 125 are on deck to hopefully add to this small crop.