Favorite picks so far (non-top pick variety):
- Ryker Evans: Started to make headway on that crowded Kraken blueline last year. I think trading Dumoulin cleared the path for him for a full-time role this year. He's been a two-way analytical darling since his WHL days and has gone from strength to strength at each jump in competition.
- FUS: Needs a lot more hype for how quickly he improved in the second half of last year and making Team Sweden for the World Championships at his age - over many other more experienced or bigger name players. Also started to get experience playing center. Keep in mind FUS was one day from not being draft eligible until just this spring's 2024 draft. Needs to gain more strength for the next level but RBA is going to LOVE him.
- Oliver Kapanen: What a year. Went almost instantly from important international Finnish player for the junior team to important player for the men's team. Productive Liiga season highlighted by absurd Liiga playoffs and World Championships. Great trajectory. Interested to see if he is actually loaned to Timra this year or stays in Laval/Montreal? Does his contract have a clause that if he doesn't make the Habs, he's going to the SHL? Either way - SHL/AHL is a good step.
- Eric Pohlkamp: I think he's the actual underrated Sharks defensive prospect. I'm not saying he's going to be better than Shakir, but it is pretty clear by this thread a ton of people really like Mukhmadullin. Pohlkamp was ranked #14 in the Sharks own pool on HFB this summer - which I think is insane, even given their deep pool. I'll eat my hat if guys like Gushchin and Emberson have better NHL careers than him. This kid is a player, great offensive instincts, great shot, built like a tank. Transferring to DU to star for the defending champs is gonna help his stock a lot. Future top 4 guy IMO.