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FiveForFighting · 05-19-2021, 11:41 AM

The SHL draft is upon us, so it is time to take a look at some of the future stars of the league. Could one or more of these players be a Hall of Famer? Will someone drafted up high become the franchise's saviour, or a bust, an anchor that weighs the team down? Will a lower round pick surprise to be a gem, helping to boost the franchise's opportunity to win? Let's take a look at some of the top players in this draft.

LW High Haschdi - He's one of the TPE leaders in his class, and he's got more than enough money saved up to stay at the top. While wingers aren't often the first pick, Haschdi might be one of the top picks given his status as a high earning player who can afford his training and maintain his position. His build is that of an offensive winger who isn't a defensive liability, which makes him a threat when he's on the ice. He'll likely be a key part of a future power play.

D Duncan The Walrus - Duncan is a capable defender, one who can be trusted in the defensive zone. On Maine he is trusted to handle penalty kill duties, and that's something his future organization can expect him to be a key part of. While the other forwards and defenders are engaged in the offensive zone, Duncan will likely hang back to protect the net in the event of a 2 on 1. It's an underappreciated job, but there's the upside to be a shutdown top defender here. He's also got more than enough money for his upgrades.

C Satoru Gojō - The 6'3 center from Japan is a strong all around player. He isn't the best offensive or defensive player on the ice, but his all around package is dangerous because he can do it all - he's got great passing vision, a nice shot, is strong on defence, and can finish some punishing checks, He's got plenty of bank too, so this TPE leader can remain there. As of right now, he should be the top center option on any draft board.

LW Greyson Cooper - Cooper is a dynamic winger, one who is dangerous in transition, and can do it all in the offensive zone. No-look passes for one timers, getting his own shot off, being a net front presence - there's no role Cooper can't handle. One of the most dangerous forwards in this draft class, Cooper will be a lethal part of any power play or 5v5 situation.

C Stan Din'desque - Stan isn't the most physically intimidating at 5'11, so some hockey GMs might drop him based on that outdated evaluation. But I think you'd be short-changing a quality player, a top center in this draft. Stan is a jack of all trades Two-way center, one who can put up points while protecting the middle of the ice, a threat in every zone. Any franchise would be lucky to build their team around him.

D Jonathon Hagan - Another hard hitting defender, Hagan can dish out some brutal hits, but he's a great positional defender. He's got a solid pass and some understanding of what to do in the offensive zone, but his strength is that of a plus defender. He is a potential first pairing defender, and he's got some upside in this draft.

D Maxwell Carrigan - He's a plus defender with some offensive upside, and he's got the bank to be a top TPE earner. What's not to like here? He's got a great defensive build, one of the better ones in the draft, and did it without sacrificing his offensive upside. Should be a great player for any franchise to build around.

D NeverBrokeAgain YoungBoy - My teammate, and possible rookie of the year, YoungBoy is a dynamic defender. Maybe I'm biased, but I have to think he's one of the best defenders in the entire draft. He's got the best vision of any defenceman, allowing him to be a threat on the power play, and he's still a plus defender, allowing him to be a top pairing defender in the future. There's a case to be made here that he should be one of the first overall draft picks. I'd hate to pass on him, only to see him shutdown your team again and again. You're not scoring with him on the ice. He'll shut down your top line without breaking a sweat. Oh, and he'll probably make a sweet pass to score on you to add insult to injury.

C Uhtred Ragnarsson - The first of the Ragnarsson brothers, Uhtred is a center with a wicked shot. He's got the upside to be a player to base your power play around, but he's not a defensive liability either. He wants to be out there in any situation, making an impact in every zone. He has the money to keep up with all the TPE earners, and some team will be quite lucky when they draft him. I hear he's also pretty good at writing articles, showing he's not just brawn.

RD Marcel Beck - Here's quite a unique profile, and Marcel stands out from the pack. He doesn't bring much on offence, but he's excellent with the puck, In some cases, arguably better at handling the puck then some forwards. He has a good first step, and he makes the right plays in the defensive zone. He's a smart, capable defender who can be an all around stud in the back end.

LW Gonzo Gobbledygook - Here's a speedy winger with a solid all around game. He can pass, score, and won't embarrass himself too much on defence. That's all you can ask from a winger, and he can likely be a threat on a future power play.

RW J. J. James Jamerson Angler - The alliterate winger packs a powerful punch. Literally. He will hit a lot, finish his checks, and be a general nuisance. He's a pain to play against, and he'll piss off the other team. He might get a few more penalties, but hopefully he'll get under his opponent's skin and draw some of his own. He's got a good shot, and makes the right pass, so he's a legitimate threat in the offensive zone.

RD Mars Stanton - The Martian Manhunter is known for his powerful, bonecrushing hits and great positional defence. He won't wow you with his offence, but he can prevent goals and make sure the puck goes in the right direction without giving up a turnover. He's a great future option for the lead defenseman on a penalty kill.

LW Maverick Seabrook - Here's a goal scorer, plain and simple. Maverick is willing to fight in the dirty areas to get the puck, and he's got a wicked shot if he takes out his man. He's not the fastest guy around, but he's a pain to play against, and a forward with an edge is rare to find in this draft. He's a unique player to have join your team, but an asset at 5 on 5 and on the power play.

C MIkhail Novikov - Novikov is a unique center as well. Most of the other centers so far have been plus defenders, but Novikov isn't at that level. He's excellent on the faceoff dot, and he truly believes the best defence is a good offence. He's got incredible vision, and he's great in transition, so he's a weapon at 5v5 and on the power play.

LD Zak Wilson - His primary skill is that he's an excellent defensive defenceman. He works well in transition defence, but can also break up a cycle or shutdown an opposing forward if they make it into the zone. He has a nice first pass, and is capable of bringing up the puck leading to positive zone entries. Bottom line is he plays well, and will lead the puck in the right direction.

There are many other forwards, defenders, and goalies, who will likely make a strong impact on their teams. Some will do better than even the players I mentioned here. But these are just some of the top players as of this writing, who could make a significant impact to their new teams.

(1390 words)

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