In a world of average to mid draft takes, reasonable analysis, and common patterns, someone must bring fresh news to the surface. People are dying for the real takes that dig down into the truth, and bring forward new and exciting revelations most sheeple couldn’t hope to understand. It is with great pleasure then, that I provide the hard-hitting analysis we’ve all been craving – a comprehensive break down of the 31st overall pick from the last 10 drafts. Why the 31st pick you may wonder? Well, if you’re wondering that, then that just shows how badly you’ve lacked this analysis in your life. What insights, trends, and key knowledge you’ve been missing by not investigating the 31st overall pick, and whether it’s massively underrated. Are you ready to be enlightened? I sure am ready to show you, so let’s see what hidden gems we find. Time to put the Panthers on high alert.

S73: Kenny Omega (Texas Renegades) 
What more can you say about someone with a name like Omega? This is really a powerhouse of a player that the renegades managed to steal at pick 31. Not only did they add in 45 points to help Detroit make the playoffs, but also had the best +/- of any winger on the team. Leading the team in playoff points as well, it’s no surprise the 8th place falcons cruised into the second round of the SMJHL playoffs.

S72: Philippe Le Bel (Winnipeg Aurora)
Currently applying their prowess at left defense for the Regina Elk, here you have a player who will absolutely lay everything on the line for the team. In S73, they put their body on the line to block a total of 206 shots, almost serving as a second goalie with that kind of dedication. You can’t buy that level of devotion, but you might be able to pick it with the 31st selection.

S71: Crystal McLeod (Toronto North Stars)
While the 3-year veteran of the Kelowna Knights might seem like a sleeper, many stats are trending in the right direction for this future star. In every season played, they’ve increased their goal count by 2.33 on average, meaning in 10 seasons, you can expect Crystal to be bagging you exactly 35.33 goals per season, strong numbers for a long-term investor.

S70: Alekss Ivanova (Minnesota Monarchs)
A complete steal from the S70 draft, Ivanova has finished putting up back-to-back 100-point seasons for Nevada, capping off a 116-point season between regular season and playoffs. Only one game from making the SMJHL finals last season, its obvious every time this center rams in another goal, teams think back and regret not finding this value as deep as 31st in the draft.

S69: 4 Chainz (New Orleans Specters)
Considering this was the 69th draft, it’s shocking a player with the name value of 4 Chainz dropped so deep into the pool. This 6’6 center is coming off a 39-point season with the Specters, making a strong impact for the SHL team that grabbed them. Not only is this player already getting it done at pro levels, but it’s obvious they have yet to even reach their peak.

S68: Redd Savage (Buffalo Stampede)
This legend of a name collected QCC a championship in season 69 and hung up their skates shortly after. A career one could agree is fitting for a name such as “savage” - worth every bit of value from that 31st pick.

S67: The Terrence (Baltimore Platoon)
After three seasons of wing play, The Terrence has taken a break from the game, but don’t let that fool you into a sense of security, for 13 points of fighting on this 334 TPE player, this is one cat you don’t want to mess with. Let’s be honest, they’re probably enjoying a break from a cupcake sport like hockey to go do some real fighting, mad respect.

S66: Koty Kochan (Minnesota Monarchs)
Truly a blessed team, the Monarchs have nabbed two 31st picks in the last 10 seasons. Koty has spent their career helping from the left wing for almost a decade. While currently not up to much, in their inaugural season they helped Colorado make a SMJHL semi-final, showing the potential there and ready to be unlocked.

S65: BASE PACK (Philadelphia Forge)
A home run shot of value capable of hitting the moon and exploding it, BASE PACK is one of the Goalie GOATS and proud member of the 31st club. For the past 9 seasons, teams have been cursing their ignorance for not nabbing this diamond earlier. If a player like this going 31st isn’t enough to convince you of the power of this pick, then hope is beyond you.

S64: Binko Koivu (Atlanta Inferno)
If you’ve read this far, you’ve now come to understand the full power of the legendary 31st pick. Another player that needs no introduction whatsoever, Binko Koivu has played all over the ice, and dominated in every role they’ve been given. Any team would kill for a player of this caliber, and they slipped all the way to 31st. Enlightenment is there for those who open their eyes.


[854 words]

Nice one! What is fun drafting mid-draft is the high risk/high reward strategy. It certainly paid off at 31OV!

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Ekaterina Valieva - Baltimore Platoon


Thanks @Lazyeye for the sig!

well shit I guess I’ve got expectations to live up to now haha