Day 2
2nd round, 47th overall: D Ryan Collins, USNTDP
The CBJ's second round pick indeed turned out to be a big, right-handed defenseman, but it wasn't the one I had my eye on. Ryan Collins checks in as one of the biggest players in the draft (6'5", 205 pounds) and isn't the kind of pick that makes you jump out of your seat. He's a quietly solid defenseman who uses his reach and size to separate players from the puck. Not a terrific skater, which is something that he'll have to work on almost right away if he wants to be an NHL player; Collins is headed to the University of Minnesota to play on the same team that boasts former Jacket fourth rounder Mike Reilly (the two are good friends, from what I'm hearing). Collins fills a big need in our system, much like Sonny Milano. Solid pick because I think Collins will be a pro player in some regard - it's just a matter of whether he's an AHL player, or an NHL player. Projects on the high end as a bottom-3 defender, in a similar mold to Mike Commodore. (I know ... flame away
)
3rd round, 76th overall: G Elvis Merzlikins, Lugano (SUI)
After dealing down and acquiring a 3rd round pick in next summer's draft (solid move), the Jackets selected 20 year old Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. Elvis is a big goalie, takes up a lot of the net, plays a positionally solid game and has excellent rebound control. Does have the tendency to overcommit and needs to learn to be more composed at times, but has plenty of talent and could develop nicely into an NHL player. I have fairly limited viewings on this guy, but while the pick may have been a little early for my standards, I can't complain. Similar to the Korpisalo pick a couple of years ago; this is a guy that could turn out to be a nice find in the middle rounds.
3rd round, 77th overall: D Blake Siebenaler, Niagara (OHL)
With the very next pick, the Jackets selected one of the best skaters in the entire draft in Blake Siebenaler. As is typical with young puck moving defensemen, Siebenaler has a long way to go to be an NHL player and has to be viewed as a project pick. A very good passer that can quarterback the powerplay, Siebenaler can control the game from the point and has the skating ability that allows him to take chances up the ice. Defensively, Sibenaler certainly needs some work, as he can get lost at times and will need to learn to be more physical. This is a pick very similar to the Mike Reilly pick (seeing a trend here) a few years ago ... a long-term development type of pick that could pay off huge dividends. Certainly, the team is addressing the lack of defensive prospects in our cupboards with this pick. Top end, Siebenaler projects as a bottom-3 guy who can play second unit powerplay time, similar to John Moore.
4th round, 107th overall: LW Julien Pelletier, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
In the fourth round the Jackets chose one of the rapid risers of this year's draft in Jullien Pelletier. Pelletier was one of the last cuts for Cape Breton in 2012, before making the team in 2013 and becoming a go-to player for the Screaming Eagles. From all accounts a good kid who is loved in the locker room, Pelletier stepped up as a leader and only got better as the season went on. Quick hands and a lethal release only supplement his above average vision, which all combine to make him an interesting offensive player heading forward. He will need to get stronger and learn to play more physical, but the mindset is right, and the skillset is strong. High end, projects as a third line player that can chip in offensively, similar to Matt Calvert.
5th round, 137th overall: RW Tyler Bird, Kimball Union (USHS)
In the
Hockey News's mind, Tyler Bird played on the most dangerous line in all of prep hockey this year. Very limited viewings on this guy for me, as high school hockey doesn't really exist in my part of the world
... everything I have on him is very brief, but from what I know, he's a bigger kid, uses his size and strength to his advantage, and could develop into a good third/fourth line wing in the NHL. Headed to Brown University this fall, where it will be far easier to gauge his potential and skillset.
7th round, 197th overall: D Olivier Leblanc, Saint John (QMJHL)
With their final pick of the draft, the Jackets again looked to the blueline in selecting puck moving defender Olivier Leblanc from the Saint John Sea Dogs. Very similar to the Siebenaler pick, Leblanc is a mid-sized player whose skating is his biggest asset. Good skater, good shot, above average passer, but needs to get bigger and stronger if he's going to make it at the next level. Another project type pick, Leblanc has to improve defensively and be more consistent to play at the next level. Like Siebenaler, could be a bottom-3 guy with powerplay time, in the mold of John Moore.
