Thanks, guys. Work is suddenly getting a lot more intense for me over the next week, well, until next Tuesday anyway (I'm on vacation after that).
Decided to end it now, while at the end of the round.
There's still some interesting names left on the board, that's for sure.
NYI draft:
#20. Julius Miettinen (C) - Everett Silvertips (WHL):
I really like this player. Big, strong skating center, who had a terrific 2nd half. He's a Finnish junior player who was playing his rookie season in WHL. He needed the first half to settle in, but after that he took off. He plays the way you want a big player to play. He hits, grinds, is terrific at shielding his body with the puck, and using his long reach defending it or stealing it. He's a skilled player who uses center of the ice well. I think he's going to have a monster year next year. Top 6, 2nd line center upside.
#54. Aron Kiviharju (LD) - HIFK (Liiga)
BPA. He's dropped, but not this much. His ability to move the puck is exceptional. He's essentially Evan Bouchard, but smaller & not as heavy a shot. His big issue: size. The NYI have a D that's pretty tied up for the foreseeable future, but there's still room for a guy like Kiviharju. They need a player who can freaking outlet. This kid can outlet.
#61. Carter George (G) - Owen Sound Attack (OHL).
I wanted Carter George and didn't have a 3rd, so I took him here. I love his competitiveness and quick legs. He doesn't give up on plays, and seems to have a strong mental fortitude. Good qualities for a goalie.
#115. Oliver Josephson (C) - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
He wasn't my first choice at this position, but all my first choices were gone. He's a speedy center, who plays an impactful 200 foot game. His work rate his excellent, and he has the skills to be a highly useful two-way, middle 6 player. His output is somewhere between Mathieu Joseph & Chandler Stephenson, either way Islanders need speed.
Per usual, the Islanders don't have many picks, and I did draft a bit for need. They need speed & skill upfront, and players who can create from D.
