Seeing that the Mock Drafts were settled and that everyone expected Calgary to pick at number 2 overall, GM Muerto dropped a series of bombs that completely shook up the draft order. When the dust settled, Calgary had moved back to select at 14th and 15th overall, as well as picking up a hoard of other draft picks, which were then used to move up in the later rounds of the draft and pick up a key target in a position of need. Overall it was an interesting weekend at the draft and we will dive into it below.
 
Trade 1:
receive S65 PHI 1st (11th overall)
receive S65 LAP 1st (14th overall)
receive S67 PHI 2nd
 
receives S65 Cgy 1st (2nd overall)
 
Mere moments before Muerto pressed send on the selection on the 2OA pick, the Forge jumped in to match the demand Muerto had stood firm on throughout negotiations with several teams. Although one unnamed team did allegedly dangle Calgary’s choice of a 1200 TPE player or a 1700 TPE regressing player, Muerto ultimately decided to pull the trigger on the trade with the Forge to move back and pick up further draft capital to bolster the rebuild of the Dragons.
 
Trade 2:
receive S65 BAP 1st (15th overall)
receive S67 LAP 2nd
receive S69 LAP 2nd
 
receive S65 PHI 1st (11th overall)
 
Now we get to start following the bouncing ball. Feeling the wave of power wash over him that comes with acquiring more draft picks and making trades, Muerto begins working the phones. He has targets in mind that can be acquired further back in the first round and he has future plans for a large number of 2nd round picks. The Panthers meet the ask and Calgary moves back from 11th to 15th overall and picks up a further two 2nd rounders for future years. In the background, CO-GM DarkCanuck29 begins to panic slightly.
 
 
DRAFT FLOOR SELECTION
Select Jolmi Koivu C 14th Overall
 
Jolmi Koivu had a fantastic rookie season for the Colorado Raptors, putting up 35 points in 66 games. He played the majority of the season as a centre and managed to put out a +9 on the season, always tricky to do as a rookie. The brainchild of veteran user Good_Ole_Kimmy looks poised to bring a long tenure of strong earning and activity to a LR that prides itself on those attributes. Already at 301 TPE, this pick has the hallmarks of a player who will be a key part of any future Dragons run to the finals.

DRAFT FLOOR SELECTION
Select Din Djarin LW 15th Overall
 
This is the way. With a name like Din Djarin, you know Muerto would be interested. Grogu found his Mandolorian. With a sturdy 29 points on the season for the left winger, Djarin showed he can make a splash on the ice. Another prospect already at 301 TPE, Jsteele14’s player is primed for a breakout season with Nevada next year. This is another exciting pick for Calgary and someone Muerto has been interested in since the player came into the SMJHL.
 
 
Trade 3:
receive S65 HAM 2nd (37th overall)
 
receive S66 Cgy 3rd
receive S69 LAP 2nd
 
Mats-Gunnar Kjellberg was still on the board and Muerto saw an opportunity to nab a player he saw extreme potential in. He was able to strike a very reasonable deal with the Chicago Syndicate to snatch a late 2nd rounder. This one was very reasonable and even DarkCanuck29 couldn’t be nervous about this one.
 
DRAFT FLOOR SELECTION
Select Mats-Gunnar Kjellberg RW 37th Overall
 
I have never seen Muerto this excited about a second round pick. Although only at the 204 TPE mark, legendary user Wasty is the name behind the name of this pick. One of the OG users, Muerto hopes that Wasty can bring some noise and continue to earn, creating a beast of a right winger. Yet another member of the old S43 Kelowna Knights team that dominated the Four Star Cup, Muerto is doing his best to get the band back together.
 
DRAFT FLOOR SELECTION
Select Mando Lorian C  44th Overall
 
This is the way. Muerto, now fully drunk on his own power, began selecting players based on the Meme potential. And honestly, at this point in the draft, selecting another Mandolorian can’t possibly hurt. This pick will dramatically increase the Dragons bounties/60. User RomancebrownJr is new to the site, but there is a great hope amongst the Dragon faithful that he can turn into a late round steal.
 
Trade 4:
receive Sekai Wollker
 
receive S66 Cgy 2nd
receive S68 Cgy 1st
 
With the draft complete, Muerto could turn his eye towards his last goal of the offseason, acquiring up and coming defender Sekai Wollker. Caught in a bidding war with Winnipeg, Muerto had to put up a good return for User Gaia Mormont’s latest creation. This was a trade that thrilled the Dragon LR, with the majority of users having played with or against Gaia at some point in the last several years. This gives the Dragons one more player who will be peaking in the same window and really helps solidify a defence that can use much more activity.
 
Round-Up
It was a fascinating weekend at the draft and with four trades and four strong draft selections, it looks like the Dragons are setting themselves up for a real run at the Cup in two to three seasons. Overall the Dragons weekend turned out like this:
 
IN
Sekai Wollker
S65 LAP 1st (14th overall Jolmi Koivu)
S65 BAP 1st (15th overall Din Djarin)
S65 HAM 2nd (37th overall Mats-Gunnar Kjellberg)
Mando Lorian
S67 LAP 2nd
S67 PHI 2nd
 
OUT
S65 Cgy 1st (2nd overall)
S66 Cgy 3rd
S66 Cgy 2nd
S68 Cgy 1st
 
*Picks traded in and out (S65 PHI 11th Ov and S69 LAP 2nd) not listed.
 
Now we wait and see how the picks turn out and if Sekai Wollker can continue to strive towards the potential she has demonstrated to this point.