The Colorado Raptors entered Season 58 with a ton of noise. Their offseason began with the team unveiling new logos and sweaters and culminated with a draft day trade that saw them draft three impact rookies in the 1st round. The team sits at 11-10 with 22 points, which is good for 4th in the West standings. Colorado has struggled to close out games in the early portion of the season, but they’re competitive in every game and have flashed plenty of potential. And in speaking of potential, we look at how the new Raptors have fared through their first 18 career games.

Pick 2. Fedor Sotakov, LW – Sotakov is the first to admit his game still requires growth, but he’s been as advertised in the offensive end of the ice. The young Russian has 14 points through 21 games, with 8 goals and 6 assists. His 47 shots on goal prove that he isn’t shy with possessions, but often fires early and far rather than trying to work the puck closer to net. Sotakov’s physical play continues to improve, but he struggles to carry the puck along the boards. Regardless, Sotakov ranks near the top of the league among SMJHL rookies in most offensive statistics and is making the most of his opportunity.

Pick 3. KEKW Kekkonen, LW – Watching Kekkonen adjust to the North American sheet of ice has been interesting. He’s flashed more offensive talent for a player of his size than expected but has only posted 6 points through 21 games. Coaches are working with Kekkonen on using his 6’4, 220-pound frame better to his advantage during shifts. The feeling inside the Raptors locker room is that the Finnish youngster is much better than the 6 hits, 3 takeaways, and 14 shots blocked he’s put up through 14:44 minutes of ice time per game.

Pick 7. Angus McFife XVIII, RD – The 6’4 power forward is patrolling the blue line for the Raptors in his rookie season. He’s tallied 7 points through 21 games and has settled into his role as the next face of physical play for the Raptors. When other team’s jab, McFife counters. His 14 penalty minutes are among the top for Season 58 rookies, but he’s showing a knack for knocking opposing talent outside their comfort zones. Word from Colorado is that McFife has established himself has as an excellent locker room presence and phenomenal teammate.

Pick 10. Reidar Gronkjaer, C – Gronkjaer has amassed a solid 10 points while seeing 3rd and 4th line minutes. His 8 assists show his development as a puck-moving set-up man. Coaches in Colorado are said to be working with the Nord on power play situations as they view him as a future stud on special teams. Look for his 59 offensive game rating to improve as Gronkjaer sees more ice time in the coming weeks.

Pick 31. Niall Nails, RW – Nails is the one pick of Colorado’s Season 58 class that isn’t working out well at all. Visa issues saw Nails report to Raptors training camp late and worse, he reported out of shape. Colorado agreed to send the two-way forward back to Ireland for the season where he would play another season in the Irish Ice Hockey League. The Raptors will retain the Nails’ rights and hope he returns to North America for Season 59.

Pick 49. Jack Nishimori, RW – Jack Nishimori was the final pick for the Raptors, but certainly not the least talented player of their class. Nishimori has yet to find the back of the net this season but has become more comfortable in Colorado’s puck-moving scheme as of late. He’s tallied 4 assists and has made an impact in the neutral zone with 17 hits. Fans shouldn’t sleep on Nishimori as he continues to develop his offensive game. Coaches say the young Brit will be taking more shots on net as the season progresses. Something to consider is Nishimori’s transition to the right side of the ice.

  

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