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TheFlash · 11-24-2020, 07:58 AM

x2 draft bonus! 1013 words

The San Francisco Pride entered this draft coming off of a dismal season that saw them win just four games. This had them finishing in dead last and staring at a draft in which they had the highest odds to land the first overall selection! Normally, this would make any GM, especially one of a rebuilding team such as SF, jump for joy. Unfortunately, San Fran didn't own their pick this year. That pick of course, was famously dealt to Hamilton in exchange for veteran goalie Geezus Kryyst. This trade didn't have much of an impact on the Pride, as they dipped from 27 wins before the trade, to 16 the season after and then the previously mentioned 4 this past season.

So last season, the team entered a rebuild of sorts, and looked to the S56/57/58 classes to help restock their cupboard of players and hopefully field a competitive team in the near future. The S56 draft went quite well for the team, bringing in five prospects who mostly remain active today (jury is out on one, as he/she hasn't been around in about two weeks) and two really great earners in Yngve Simonsson (507) and Kev Kevens (448), both of whom had really nice sophomore seasons in the J and look to build on that as they uncap to their 425 builds. That being said, one draft does not make a team! The Pride really needed to come out swinging in this draft and land a few more players that would add to their cupboard of prospects. Let's have a look at who they got and where those players fit in with the team!

Round 1, Pick 7- D Ruggs McOoooh, 321 TPE

McOoooh (referenced as Ruggs from here on out, as I'm not typing that Ooooh everytime!!) was selected as the first pick of the draft by the Pride, filling a large hole for the team. Currently only two defenders on SF are active (Sonic and Petrenko) and Ruggs is now one of three prospects at the position for the team. Ruggs had a respectable 12 points for Colorado last season to go along with 33 shots blocked and 78 hits. He'll be a leader on the Raptors this season and could arguably make the jump to the big leagues soon, as the team looks to phase out some of it's inactive defencemen and bring up some young blood.

ETA: Has a shot at S58. Will be a full time player by S59

Round 2, Pick 19- LW Jarmo Kekalainen, 307 TPE

Kekalainen was a bit of a faller in the draft, a player that some forecasted as going closer to the 15-17 range. Though it's not a huge drop at all, Pride management were thrilled when he was on the board at the time of their second selection. Although the need at forward is not as strong as it is at defense for the Pride, they only have four active wingers, two of which are nearing retirement. They also have the two prospects from last year's draft and Gunnarson from S54 (though he is MIA since August). Kekalainen is another Raptor, adding to the already established Colorado to San Francisco pipeline. Kekalainen had 18 points in 49 games last year, arriving in Colorado after a mid season trade from Nevada. He looks to be a massive part of their offensive game this season so he should see a big uptick in production.

ETA: S59, potential S58 call up

Round 2, Pick 31- C Igor Petrov, 272 TPE

Petrov was the second of four second round picks by the Pride in this draft. The Pride really set out to pair the forwards from this draft with the few from last years to create their future team. The team is set to call up center prospect Walton Stromberg as early as this season, so Petrov would replace him in the pipeline. Petrov had a great rookie season in Quebec, scoring ten goals and adding ten assists. He also showed a defensive side to his game, blocking 34 shots. Look for Petrov to have another impressive season in Quebec as he continues to grow.

ETA: S60

Round 2, Pick 32- RW, Mikael Koskinen, 283 TPE

A fantastic value at this stage in the draft, Koskinen is another member of Quebec's team selected by San Fran. Last season he had just 11 points in 49 games, but look for that to take a jump in year two as he sees some more ice time during both the man advantage and even strength. He's a playmaker through and through, with a very high passing rating (15). Look for him to balance out his game this year, but he'll still remain a set up man and should make those in San Francisco that like to score very happy

ETA: S60

Round 2, Pick 36- C, Sonata Diamante, 241 TPE

Second to last pick for the Pride in the S56 draft, Diamante is yet another forward selected by San Fran. Diamante had a solid rookie year in Colorado (another Raptor!) even though he missed a few update opportunities. Look for him to remain more active and try and make up some ground. Could be a sleeper pick for the Pride if he can remain active.

ETA: S61

Round 3, Pick 37- LW, Anna Pontecorvo, 212 TPE

The final pick by San Francisco in this draft, Pontecorvo missed about two months worth of updating, which dropped her in her class despite being an early creation. Like Diamante, if she can return to a full time update, this could be another steal by the Pride as she earns! She had a quiet season in Kelowna, scoring nine points.

ETA: S61

tweedledunn · 11-24-2020, 08:30 AM

Henrik · 11-24-2020, 09:02 AM

Cubs churning out some A-grade content! Love to see it!

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