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*Drokeep* · 08-12-2021, 11:22 AM

It has been a great season for the Colorado Raptors. They won their division with a record of 37-27-2, making it the winningest team in Raptor’s history. This success comes from a solid core of veterans, which managed to play at the top of their game for the whole season and from the relentless effort the team’s rookies have put. Thanks to these leaders, the new players have been able to achieve their maximum potential and managed to hit their top form by the start of the SHL draft.
These 7 rookies all have different strengths and weaknesses, but most of them have put all of their effort into making Colorado a better team. We are going to make a rundown of this class and their outlooks for this upcoming draft and for the next couple of seasons in the juniors.

RW Gabe-Gooney-Waters Harrak (1st round, pick 6) (7-13-20): the 6th overall pick of the draft has not disappointed and delivered exactly what was expected of them. Gabe-Gooney-Waters currently leads all of the Raptor’s rookies in TPE, with 287, and this production will not slow down once he reaches the next level. While he needs a little bit of defensive work, his overbearing offense definitely makes up for it. He led Colorado rookies with an 8.8 S% and was tied for 1st with 7 goals. He accomplished all of this with only 11:18 average time on ice. He also had the least amount of giveaways with 10, which not only makes him the best in the team, but from the best of the league (players with 66 games played). HE definitely has potential to be, at the very least, a top 6 forward, if not a 1st liner. Keep an eye out for this blazing rookie in the next couple of seasons.
Draft prediction: 1st round

RD Hans Graf (2nd round, pick 20) (7-17-24): Colorado gambled with its 20th pick and brought first gen Hans Graf. Well so far it looks like it paid off. Hans led all Colorado rookies in points, assists and shots. He also kept up with his peers TPE wise, with 285 so far. Despite his offensive prowess, he did not forget to defend. He had the most takeaways (25), among his rookie teammates and posted 74 hits and 56 blocked shots. If he can keep up this level of offense and raise his defensive game just a bit, no doubt he will be a valuable asset for any SHL team looking for dynamic defenders. Lastly, not only has he been a presence on the ice, he has also been very active off of it. He has posted a couple of media articles and made some graphics throughout the season and he is also part of the SMJHL Awards committee. He is also very involved in locker room conversation and helping out other fellow rookies. This is the start of what could be a great career.
Draft prediction: Late 1st or early 2nd round.

RW Donald Jr Trump (3rd round, pick 32) (5-9-14): Donnie Jr. was picked in the 3rd round despite multiple complaints and bribes from his father. But had he gone earlier, he would’ve been worth it. The main appeal of Donald Jr. has been his physicality. He had the 3rd most hits in the team, veterans included and he was 23rd in the whole league. If he keeps improving, he will develop to be a big hitter of the likes of Juni Panda. He also posted 61 Blocked shots, which is great to see in a rookie 3rd liner. His goal and assists are absolutely on point for a 3rd liner rookie, bringing his point total up to 14. If he ends up cracking higher lines, his productivity will definitely get even better, making a scary enforcer that can put the puck in the net. If you need a tough player on your team, he is your guy.
Draft Prediction: Late 2nd round

LD Jamal Nightingale (4th round, pick 44) (1-16-17): Jamal is your classic, tough as nails defenseman. The rookie LD has had a phenomenal defensive season. He finished with the second most blocks in the whole team with 102, just behind veteran Basil Sivart and he was top 5 in hits within the team with 103. His offensive production was actually very good for a rookie, despite being more defensive minded. He managed to get 17 points, of which 16 were assists. If he can keep up that playmaking ability he will be a very well rounded dman. He is a little bit behind on TPE, but nothing a good couple predictions can’t fix. With a little more work, he has the potential to become a deadly shutdown defender, through which no offensive line will be able to pass through.
Draft Prediction: Early 2nd Round

C Max Manning (5th round, pick 56) (3-15-18): Without a doubt the biggest steal of the draft. Manning joined the league the night before the entry draft. He persevered and committed to the league and team and now it is paying off. On the ice has 18pts playing as a 4th line center, and led all teammate rookie forwards in blocked shots with 73. It is worth noting that due to his late arrival, he had to climb a hill a bit higher than every other drafted rookie in the team, yet he managed to conquer it with ease. Most of his production was towards the second half of the season. Next year he will be able to perform constantly throughout all 66 games. Not only that but he is one of the most active players in the Colorado Locker room. He also has written a couple of big media articles that are a fun read. Max has a chance to create a legacy if he keeps the same trajectory he is in right now.
Draft prediction: Late 1st or early 2nd round

RD Magnus Galtisson (Undrafted) (6-6-12): joining after the draft can always be tough, but Magnus rose to the occasion and delivered. With only 44 games played, he managed to score 12pts as a 3rd pair defenseman. Despite having TPE a bit lower than average, he has managed to stay competitive not only with other rookies, but his veteran teammates as well. If he can come back from his late start, he should catch up to his fellow rookies very soon. He can easily become a hidden gem.
Draft Prediction: 3rd round

This sums up all of our current rookies, all which are ready to keep contributing to this team and soon to their new SHL franchises. This Colorado team promises to be great in the next couple of seasons despite some veteran departures. SO SHL teams, if you need good players, keep your eyes on Colorado.

***micool132*** · 08-12-2021, 12:23 PM

Nice predictions! I could see all of you go 1st round no Kappa.

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