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dogwoodmaple · 12-05-2020, 04:50 AM

Being a top 10 overall pick comes with lofty expectations. Sometimes unfair, many franchises are expecting their early picks to be contributors from the opening whistle. Let's take a look at how each of the first 10 picks in the most recent SMJHL Draft have performed in the opening slate of games.

Top 10:

#1: St. Louis Scarecrows - LD Jean-Locke Zidane

3 games, 0 points, -2, 2 PIM, 4 SOG, 9 hits, 2 SB

It's been a rough start for the Scarecrows so far this season. They've lost all three of their games and have only managed to find the back of the net four times. As for Zidane, he's playing a huge role in St. Louis, logging more than 20 minutes per game. He's also tied-for-third in the league with nine hits and has been a key contributor on the power play for the Scarecrows. It could be a long season in St. Louis, but Zidane certainly looks the part of a franchise defenseman.

#2: Detroit Falcons - RD Luc Blouin

3 games, 3 points (3 A), +1, 4 PIM, 5 SOG, 2 hits, 1 SB

The Falcons are off to a 1-0-2 start and have had one of the league's best offenses. Blouin is responsible for a big chunk of that offense with three assists already on the season. He's got a positive +/- and is playing even more minutes than Jean-Locke Zidane (23:18 per game). When you've got a defensemen who can fire off shots, set up his teammates, and lay out the opponents, you know you've got a good one. So far, Detroit looks to have hit on the first of their trio of top five picks.

#3: Detroit Falcons - RW Pavel Jeziak

3 games, 1 point (1 A), +1, 2 PIM, 4 SOG, 4 hits, 2 SB

Like Blouin above, Jeziak has a +1 overall and has been a positive presence for Detroit this season. He's averaging a healthy 17+ minutes per game and has already logged an assist in the young season. He's also flashed some good defense with a quartet of hits and pair of blocked shots. He's been a great complement to Blouin and I cannot imagine it'll be too much longer before he starts burning up the back of the net.

#4: Detroit Falcons - C Kermit Murphy

3 games, 0 points, 0 +/-, 0 PIM, 2 SOG, 7 hits, 4 SB

The last of Detroit's three early picks was Kermit Murphy, who's flashed some elite balance so far on the season. In his relatively limited time on the ice, he's been one of the most active skaters and certainly doesn't mind getting involved in the defense. With seven hits and four blocked shots already, he's got the makings of an all-around franchise forward. Looks like Detroit has nailed all three of these picks so far.

#5: Kelowna Knights - RD #A-Rye Izzy

3 games, 1 point (1 A), +1, 2 PIM, 2 SOG, 2 hits, 2 SB

Kelowna has checked a box in each column so far, with a win, a loss, and an overtime loss in their first three games. They've relied heavily on Izzy thus far as he's averaged more than 21 minutes per game so far. He's fifth in the league in short-handed minutes, which just further emphasizes his importance to the Knights this year. With one assist already under his belt and a positive +/-, he's checking all the boxes as a top five pick.

#6: Colorado Raptors - C Noel Blanchet

2 games, 2 points (1 G, 1 A), +3, 0 PIM, 1 SOG, 3 hits, 1 SB

How great have the Raptors been so far? They've won both of their games in convincing fashion, outscoring their opponents 12-4. A big key to their success has been sixth overall pick Noel Blanchet, who is our first top 10 draftee to net a goal this year. He's also registered an absurd +3 plus-minus and has laid the boom thrice, proving he's not just a one-way forward. Blanchet looks to be as well-rounded of a player as Colorado could've possibly asked for.

#7: Maine Timber - C Dogwood Maple

2 games, 2 points (2 A), +/- 0, 0 PIM, 3 SOG, 1 hit, 1 SB

It's been a tale of two games for Maine this year. We were able to win the first game convincingly against Anaheim, but lost just as convincingly to Colorado in our second matchup. I'm averaging just south of 15 minutes of ice time so far and have added a pair of assists thanks to some sharpshooting by my teammates. My first goal has eluded me so far, but I'm jelling with my linemates so hopefully we can continue to help our team.

#8: Colorado Raptors - LD Basil Silvart

2 games, 1 point (1 A), +1, 0 PIM, 5 SOG, 2 hits, 1 SB

Another Raptor here at eighth overall with Basil Silvart, who's been playing well in his first two minor league games. He's logged nearly 18 minutes of ice time per game and has been letting the shots fly early on. He hasn't found the back of the net yet, but it won't be long for Basil. He connected on one assist and has Colorado looking like an early season playoff contender.

#9: Anchorage Armada - RD Bean Beanman

3 games, 0 points, +/- 0, 0 PIM, 8 SOG, 4 hits, 2 SB

Like Silvart, Beanman is a defenseman who isn't afraid to let the shots fly. He's launched eight already, while playing more than 21 minutes per game. The Armada are 2-1 in their first three and, like Beanman, have a goal differential of exactly 0. Despite his activity and huge minutes, Beanman has stayed out of the penalty box, showing nice discipline for the Armada. If he continues his solid play, look for Anchorage to stay near the top of the standings for the time being.

#10: Carolina Kraken - LD Ole Olson

3 games, 2 points (1 G, 1 A), +1, 2 PIM, 7 SOG, 4 hits, 3 SB

Our final highlighted player is Ole Olson of the Carolina Kraken, who have started the season with a pair of wins in their first three games. Olson has been fantastic for them, not only in minutes played but for doing a little bit of everything for Carolina. He's notched a goal and an assist, while tacking on four hits and three blocked shots. Olson might just be off to the most well-rounded start of any of the top 10 and the Kraken are reaping the rewards.

(1,086 words)

Approved, +5 TPE @dogwoodmaple

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