Round 1, Pick 7: C Rock Strongo

The Raptors first pick in the Season 55 SMJHL Draft was a surprise, mostly because I didn't expect him to drop to 7. They were able to snag Rock Strongo and so far so good. He's put up 19 points in 37 games, putting him right at the top of rookie scoring. With a lot of talent on the roster going into the draft, they were able to ease Rock into the lineup by giving him 3rd line minutes. He's found some good chemistry with Lord Raiden and they're giving the Raptors some much needed depth. A home run pick to start the draft for Colorado and a pick that will continue to be great for however long he stays in the SMJHL.

Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 17: G Marcel Laflamme

In the second round, the Raptors drafted their hopeful goalie of the future. Right now, Laflamme is manning the back up spot behind starter Jerry Huuveri, having played only 4 games. For a rookie goalie, Marcel is putting up some solid numbers. He is 3-1 with a 2.50 GAA and a .906 save percentage. A small sample size, sure, but promising numbers for the netminder. With Huuveri not playing lights out, maybe Laflamme is poised to take a couple more starts and help Jerry get some rest. Either way, Marcel is looking to be a solid pick in the second round if he continues on this course.

Grade: B-

Round 3, Pick 29: LW William Hunt

In the third round, we have left winger William Hunt. At this pick, the Raptors were looking to fill out their depth in the lineup as Hunt has taken a spot on the 4th line. Playing only 7 minutes a game and in only 10 games, he's put up 2 points on the season. Hunt hasn't really done anything to write home about, but granted he hasn't been given a huge chance to show what he can do, he's still been underwhelming for a 3rd round pick. There's still room for development and Colorado will have to hope to see some to make this pick work out.

Grade: C+

Round 4, Pick 41: RW Eero Makinen Jr.

In the 4th round, Colorado drafted another player to play on the 4th line. Eero is averaging 7 minutes a game, but has at least played in every game. He has 5 points, but hasn't really left his mark on the team just yet. Most rookies start out slow in the SMJHL so there should be lots of room for improvement.

Grade: C-

Round 5, Pick 53: C Josh Dolphin

Rounding out the all rookie 4th line, the Raptors drafted Josh Dolphin in the 5th round. Like the last two picks, he's been underwhelming, but isn't getting a lot of time to really produce. In 37 games, he also has 5 points and not much else. A full year of development should help Dolphin, but he's going to need to put the work in to make that happen.

Grade: D+

Round 6, Pick 65: Tyrone Banks

Their final pick of the Season 55 draft, the Raptors took Tyrone Banks. This pick is nothing right now. Banks hasn't played a game for Colorado and is currently sitting on the sidelines. A swing and a miss on this one, but it's possible it was a flyer pick anyway, trying to get something near the end of the draft.

Grade: F

(580 words)

APPROVED +5 TPE @Leafs4ever