The second round typically sees a couple superstars poke through, but most typically you find top 6 forwards, top 4 defenders, and role players.  This season may see a difference, as we said earlier, this draft is deep.  There are plenty of players with 250 or more TPE, and some just below to fill out this round.  Teams are going to find gems in this round, the question becomes, who finds them.  Buffalo could kill it, having three picks in the second round.  Toronto, Minnesota, and Los Angeles each have two picks, so could quickly stock their prospect pile as well.


17) (via ) LW-Joseph Weston 269 TPE


Weston was somewhat hampered in having to play on the fourth line for Montreal.  He still managed to put up 8 goals and was used on the second penalty kill unit.  Weston has a ton of potential and he should be able to display that next season, when Montreal gives him more minutes.  Los Angeles looks to Weston as a future goal scorer.

Projection: Top 6 Forward

18) (via ) LW-Gylfi Eriksson 265 TPE


Gylfi had a solid , if not unspectacular, rookie SMJHL season.  Playing on the Four Star runner-ups, Eriksson proved to be a clutch player in his limited ice time.  With a pair of game-winning and a pair of game-tying goals, he showed that he can provide the offense when needed most.  The Swedish playmaker should be able to help the SteelHawks in the near future, and could be a big piece in their rebuild.  Look for him to take a big step up next season for Kelowna when he will get to see more ice time, and possible special teams play.

Projection: Top 6 Forward

19) C-Kevin Robinson 265 TPE


Robinson had a fairly solid rookie campaign.  Playing in all situations, he provided a steady two-way game.  He will need to improve in the circle, if we wants to catch the upper echelon of centers in this draft.  That can be developed with added strength and practice.  The Pride know they can get a contributor with Robinson, but he will most likely take a little more time compared to his peers.

Projection: 2nd/3rd line Center

20) RW-James Ronlain 264 TPE


Ronlain is the very definition of sniper, not in the literal sense, since his shooting percentage was under 10, but in that he loves to shoot the puck every chance he gets.  Nearly averaging 2 shots per game, there was no angle to sharp enough for him to fire from.  He saw time on the Scarecrows second line, and the second powerplay unit, expect him to see more time in both.  Like many rookies, Ronlain struggled in his own zone, but then again many snipers are not there to play defense.  The North Stars get a player that is going to add their high shot total, and hopefully with a little more seasoning in juniors, provide a higher scoring touch.

Projection: Top 6 Forward

21) (via ) RW-Hariken Urawa 264 TPE


Urawa was an undrafted free agent of the Colorado Raptors, an he proved to be a solid piece.  The numbers at first glance don’t look great, but at a closer look, he is one of the better prospects in this class.  Buffalo has a future sniper in their midst, and don’t be surprised if he is one of the earlier prospects to make the SHL.

Projection: 1st Line Winger

22) C-Luca Veccelli 262 TPE


Veccelli was in the top 3 amongst all rookies in the SMJHL.  So why does he fall to the second round.  Plain and simple, the talent of this draft is amazing.  More importantly a lot of strong defenseman in this draft, and that will drive a future star down the rankings a bit.  Luca possess slick hands to make the craziest of passes, and is also capable of firing a quick wrister for some goals as well.  The Chiefs basically get a steal here, as Luca is certainly worthy of 1st round consideration.

Projection: #1 Center

23) LW-Andrey Barbashev II 260 TPE


Barbashev can provide some solid offense when he gets time.  The Austrian native has an all around offensive flair, but will need more regular minutes to prove that.  The Panthers certainly believe he can produce at the next level, and take him here in the middle of the secondi round.

Projection: Top 6 Forward

24) (via ) G-Ian Venables 276 TPE


Venables is easily the top goalie in this season’s draft class.  While his numbers may not be the most impressive, he did play for Anchorage, who just had a terrible season all around.  Venables will need to limit his rebounds as he seems to kick them into bad areas, but that can be taught.  Buffalo gets their starter of the future.

Projection: Starting Goaltender

25) C-Tom Fiddler 212 TPE


Fiddler was able to see some playing time in all situations with Montreal.  A deft passer, Tom set up his teammates left and right.   Fiddler is going to need to work on his face-offs if he wants to stay up the middle, or else Tampa Bay may convince him to move to the wing.  He is going to be a vital piece to Montreal title defense.

Projection: Middle 6 Forward

26) (via ) C-Rintarou Okabe 237 TPE


Okabe will be a solid contributor at the next level.  For a rookie, his faceoff percentage is not elite, but it certainly is not bad.  The Specters certainly have a projectable player here, but it may take a little longer, possibly 3 more seasons in the SMJHL to get his all around game up.

Projection: Middle 6 Forward

27) D-Zbigniew Pokrywka 254 TPE


Pokrywka provided to some steady play for the champions in Montreal.  While solid in his own zone, Zbigniew is quite capable of leading the rush from one goal line to the other.  Pokrywka is expected to garner more minutes next season, and we will see then how he does against the top lines in the SMJHL.  Buffalo gets a dependable defenseman who will fill out there top 4 easily.

Projection: #2/#3 Defenseman

28) D-Daniel Kuster 237 TPE


Kuster is one of the top quarterbacks on the power play in this draft.  He will provide the Dragons with a complete game, as he showed that isn’t just a puck lugger.  He was solid in his own zone, and was willing to block shots when needed.  

Projection: #2/#3 Defenseman

29) (via , ) D-Jack Wilson 231 TPE


Wilson had a very interesting rookie campaign with Lethbridge.  On one hand he put up 21 points, on the other he was a -17 as a third pair defender.  Some wonder if he truly is a defenseman, a rover, or just a fourth forward disguised as a defenseman.  West Kendall hopes he turns into a defenseman that is better in his own zone, while still being able to contribute offensively.

Projection: #3/#4 Defenseman


30) (via ) D-Ursin Zimmermann 228 TPE


Zimmermann provided some good offense from the back end for the Outlaws last season.  He was able to play major minutes in all situations, and this should help his development.  He is lacking a bit compared to other defenders in the draft, and his work in his own zone needs improvement.  The Stars can get a middling defenseman here that is able to rush the puck.

Projection: #3/#4 Defenseman

31) (via , ) RW-Karl Krashwagen 237 TPE


Krashwagen is a physically imposing two-way forward, but struggled offensively this season.  A talent that may need a couple seasons to find his scoring touch, the Renegades have themselves a solid piece here late in the second round.  Karl will improve to the point his scoring will improve, but he may take longer than many of his counterparts.  He is going to get bigger minutes next season in Halifax, and fully expect with better linemates for him to surprise some people.

Projection: Top 6 Forward, with possible top line talent.

32) (via ) C-First-Name Last-Name 222 TPE


One wonders if this player is in witness protection with a name like First-Name Last-Name.  All jokes aside Last-Name is a true prospect that may take a little longer to develop.  His face-off presence has a lot of work in order for Last-Name to stay at center.  We will see a step up in most of his production as Colorado will look to give him some more playing time.  The Chiefs may have to be patient with First-Name, but their patience should be rewarded with a SHL regular.

Projection: Middle 6 Forward