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MrPrime · 01-23-2025, 11:39 AM

The Vancouver Whalers entered Season 80 with an exciting crop of young talent, and their draft picks did not disappoint. From top-tier selections to late-round gems, the Whalers’ rookies showcased their potential and provided glimpses of their future contributions. Let’s take a closer look at how each of their first-year players performed and what makes them stand out as they begin their professional hockey journeys.

River Yekaterina Volkova – Second Overall Pick

River Yekaterina Volkova, hailing from Hillerød, Denmark, was the Whalers’ marquee selection at second overall. At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, the left-handed center combines size, skill, and poise to dominate the ice. Volkova’s first season delivered on the high expectations placed upon her.

In the regular season, Volkova played all 66 games, amassing an impressive 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points. Her offensive prowess was evident, converting 15.6% of her 128 shots and logging significant ice time with an average of 21:12 per game. However, her minus-26 rating highlighted room for growth on the defensive side of the puck. Despite that, her 49.9% faceoff success rate demonstrated a strong foundation in the faceoff circle.

In the playoffs, Volkova elevated her game under pressure. In five games, she recorded a goal and an assist while improving her faceoff success to an outstanding 60.8%. Her ability to perform in critical moments underscores her potential as a cornerstone player for Vancouver and a future star in professional hockey.

Matthew Leroux – 16th Overall Pick

Selected 16th overall, Matthew Leroux from Rimouski, Quebec, brought size and grit to the Whalers’ roster. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound right winger combines physicality and hockey sense, making him a force to be reckoned with along the boards.

Leroux’s rookie campaign saw him tally 13 goals and 21 assists for 34 points over 66 games. His 53.2% faceoff success rate displayed his versatility, while his 100 shots on goal highlighted his willingness to create offensive opportunities. Despite a minus-13 rating, his 18:17 average ice time per game showcased the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.

In the postseason, Leroux added a goal in five games, maintaining over 20 minutes of ice time per game and excelling in faceoffs with a 60% success rate. Leroux’s blend of size, skill, and a team-first mentality positions him as a valuable two-way winger with significant upside.

Franjo Frankopan Jelacic – 25th Overall Pick

Franjo Frankopan Jelacic, the 25th overall pick from Zagreb, Croatia, made a solid impression in his debut season. At 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, Jelacic’s right-handed shot and steady play made him a reliable presence at center.

Over 66 regular-season games, Jelacic recorded 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points. While his minus-30 rating underscored defensive challenges, his 18:26 average ice time and 50% faceoff success rate demonstrated his consistency. In the playoffs, Jelacic added two assists and improved his faceoff percentage to 52.2% while logging increased ice time at 18:44 per game. His steady development suggests he’ll grow into a dependable two-way center as his career progresses.

Lancer Frappe - 32nd Overall Pick

From Nice, France, and selected to anchor the blue line, this defenseman from Nice, France, provided grit and reliability throughout Season 80. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, their composed play style stood out in all situations.

In the regular season, they contributed 3 goals and 19 assists for 22 points while averaging just over 21 minutes of ice time per game. Despite a challenging minus-32 rating, they remained a trusted presence on the back end. The playoffs saw their performance rise, with 1 goal, 1 assist, and nearly 23 minutes of ice time per game, showcasing their ability to shoulder heavy workloads.

Their two-way capabilities and steady development make them a vital part of the Whalers’ defensive core moving forward.

Joe Primeau – 33rd Overall Pick

Joe Primeau, the Montreal native taken 33rd overall, brought size and physicality to the right wing. At 6-foot-2 and 231 pounds, Primeau is a force in puck battles and in front of the net.

During the regular season, Primeau notched 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points. His minus-34 rating reflects some defensive struggles, but his 20:46 average ice time per game shows his value to the team. In the playoffs, he added a goal and an assist over five games while maintaining over 20 minutes of ice time. Primeau’s offensive instincts and physical play style make him an intriguing prospect as he hones his two-way game.

Jacques Cartier – 42nd Overall Pick

Montreal’s Jacques Cartier, selected 42nd overall, brought versatility and offensive creativity to the left wing. At 6 feet tall and 195 pounds, the right-handed shooter contributed consistently in his rookie campaign.

Cartier recorded 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points over 66 games. His 119 shots on goal and 16:40 average ice time showcased his offensive potential, though his minus-22 rating highlighted areas for improvement defensively. Despite being held scoreless in the playoffs, Cartier’s increased ice time and effort demonstrated his willingness to rise to the occasion. With refinement, Cartier has the tools to develop into a dependable winger.

Hitlock Burrito – 48th Overall Pick

Hitlock Burrito, the scrappy center from Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a late-round steal at 48th overall. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 160 pounds, Burrito’s hustle and determination set him apart.

In 66 games, Burrito tallied 16 goals and 11 assists for 27 points, with a 51.6% faceoff success rate. His minus-14 rating and 16-minute average ice time indicate he played meaningful minutes while facing defensive challenges. Though held scoreless in the playoffs, Burrito’s effort and competitive edge make him a classic underdog poised for continued growth.

'If You Ain’t First' – 49th Overall Pick

Rounding out the Whalers’ draft class, ‘If You Ain’t First’ from Berlin, Germany, brought energy and offense to the right wing. At 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, this player’s determination was evident throughout the season.

In 66 regular-season games, they recorded 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points, firing 133 shots on goal. Their minus-36 rating underscored defensive challenges, but their 16:44 average ice time demonstrated their importance to the team. In the playoffs, they added a goal and played nearly 18 minutes per game, proving their ability to contribute under pressure. Their high motor and offensive instincts make them a valuable addition to the roster.

Delving Macket - 57th Overall Pick

A trailblazer from Port Vila, Vanuatu—a country not typically known for hockey, but Macket is making sure it’s on the map! Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing in at a solid 215 pounds, this left-shooting defenseman is a physical presence on the blue line with a knack for contributing on both ends of the ice.

During Season 80, Macket suited up for all 66 regular-season games, recording 11 goals and 17 assists for a respectable 28 points. His 98 shots on goal and solid 18:59 average time on ice demonstrate his reliability and ability to stay involved in the action. While his minus-11 rating highlights some challenges defensively, Macket’s steady improvement throughout the season shows he’s more than capable of handling his responsibilities.

In the playoffs, Macket stepped up his game, scoring a key goal over five games while logging an increased average ice time of 19:17. Despite the team facing defensive struggles, as evidenced by his minus-4 rating, Macket showed glimpses of his potential to rise to the occasion in critical moments.

With his size, mobility, and willingness to engage offensively, Delving Macket is a player to watch. He’s got the grit and determination to develop into a reliable two-way defenseman, and you can bet he’ll be looking to prove just that at the professional level.

The Vancouver Whalers’ Season 80 draft class showcased a blend of size, skill, and determination, with each player bringing unique strengths to the team. From Volkova’s poise and offensive production to Burrito’s scrappy tenacity, this group has the potential to shape the Whalers’ future. As they transition to the next level, these rookies will look to refine their games and make even greater impacts in the seasons to come. The foundation has been set for an exciting new era of Whalers hockey.

***HabsFanFromOntario*** · 01-28-2025, 05:45 PM

+5 tpe, approved

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