After letting it digest a bit, I’m feeling a little more ok than I was Friday night. Here’s my thoughts on the draft:
16. Jiricek - I’ve warmed up to the pick a bit as he absolutely fills a need and has high potential. But he’s a risky pick given the injury and lost development time. I think my disappointment stemmed from two things mainly. For one, the first 15 picks were my top 15. Not in the same order but when it was the Blues turn to pick, none of the players I REALLY wanted were still available. Picks 12-15 were just especially a kick in the nuts. Secondly, Buium seemed within reach and we didn’t get it done. Maybe Jiricek ends up better or at least a better fit being a righty but man, I really liked Buium. I’d like to know what Briere’s ask was but we’ll likely never know. Hopefully Jiricek is ready to go by camp. I’ll be interested to see if he stays in Czechia or goes elsewhere.
48. Ralph - I figured Ralph would go in the 2nd as he was a riser and a D with size but I didn’t expect it to be us, at least not with our first 2nd. I didn’t research Jiricek a ton as well, I couldn’t as he didn’t play much and Ralph was also a bit of a blind spot as well. I watched so many prospects but obviously can’t catch them all and Shattuck games aren’t exactly easily assessable. Of course the Blues first 2 picks are 2 of the guys I watched the least.
I know a guy that follows Shattuck closely so once I run into him I’ll have to see what he thinks of Ralph. My initial guy feeing is it was a bit of a reach and Artamonov and Eriksson were right there!
56. Fischer - I liked this pick as I liked Fischer. Thought he was underrated. Fills a need. Only grumble, and it’s a petty one, is that we now have to differentiate which lefty d-man Fischer we’re talking about - Paul or Lukas.
The Kos pick surprised me. Liked the Jecho pick. Was surprised they had Kos higher. Mrsic seems like a good gamble. McIsaac pick seemed fine. I’d never heard of Dorian. I do t see the appeal with him but that’s admittedly stat watching at this point. I recall Korotky from Demidov’s playoff games I watched. A solid 7th round stab.
All in all it was fine. Not elated but it was fine. Hopefully the Blues are right about Jiricek.
I liked Memento’s idea so here’s who I would’ve taken using my board. () is who was next on my list.
16. Solberg (Surin)
48. Artamonov (Eriksson)
56. Eriksson (Fischer)
81. Shuravin (Wetsch)
95. He (Roberts)
113. Roberts (Misa)
145. Misa (Hynninen)
209. Hynninen (Ustinkov)
211. Ustinkov (Ruohonen)
I was surprised Hynninen and Ustinkov went undrafted.
