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(GRADED) Deep Dive 1 – Kelowna Knights S65 Draft Analysis
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(This post was last modified: 09-26-2022, 06:35 AM by Opera_Phantom. Edited 1 time in total.)

In this Deep Dive, I will be examining the Kelowna Knights’ draft selections for S65 and evaluating a variety of factors.  These evaluations will focus on the TPE earnings of the player, on-ice performance (including S67 stats through Thursday 9/22), and outlook for future seasons.  In other words, I will be looking at not only how well each individual player has performed regarding expectations, but also what Kelowna’s roster looks like moving forward this season and in the coming years.  Players are also listed in the positions they are currently playing for Kelowna, not where they were drafted at.  Note: to make things easier, I will only be looking at draft picks only, not waiver claims.  This is mostly for simplicity’s sake, but also for a closer examination of drafting specifically.

First Round:

#8: Rikkert Biemans, C
Current TPE: 590
S67 Stats: 12 GP, 6 G, 6 A, 12 P, -10 +/-

Looking at the S65 class, Biemans has been a very strong addition for Kelowna and a very strong pick at eighth overall.  Just under 600 TPE, Rikkert currently stands near the top end of the draft class and is a strong, capped offensive build on the first line.  Looking back over the past two seasons, Biemans has steadily improved in nearly every offensive and defensive category without much support.  The Dutch forward should continue to remain an impact player for Kelowna in the remainder of S67 and possibly S68.  The Knights did very well here.

Draft Grade: A

Second Round:

#15: Graj Virrok, LD
Current TPE: 571
S67 Stats: 12 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P, -4 +/-

Taken at the start of the 2nd round, Virrok has been an absolute steal of a pick.  Similar to Biemans, 571 TPE is outstanding for the class, especially for a 2nd round pick.  Although Graj did not play in S65, the defenseman played a key role as a maxed build last season and is currently occupying the first defense pairing on the left side.  Like Biemans, Virrok should continue to be a force moving forward and a key contributor for the team as it moves toward contention.  The Knights receive only a slight penalty for not playing Virrok in S65.  Otherwise, this has been a great pick.

Draft Grade: A-

#21: Munko Aitmukhambetov, LW
Current TPE: 387
S67 Stats: 12 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P, -8 +/-

As a late second pick, Aitmukhambetov has been a very solid contributor for Kelowna, scoring at a 0.50 pace last season.  Munko has also been very strong at driving play, and a TPE total of 387 is nothing to sneeze at.  It never hurts to add another strong forward to the lineup, and Aitmukhambetov has the potential to be a leader for the Knights in the next seasons.

Draft Grade: B+

Third Round:

#32: Casey Fantobens, G
Current TPE: 544
S67 Stats: In the SHL

Although Fantobens only played two seasons and was limited by the team surrounding him, Casey was solid as a starter in the years for Kelowna.  By the end of S66, Fantobens was playing on a maxed build, so it is safe to say that the Knights made a good value pick here, especially by total TPE.  However, since the goalie only stayed two seasons, it hurts the grade a bit.

Draft Grade: B

Overall, the S65 draft was very strong for Kelowna even if the fruits from the draft have not yet been seen.  Virrok and Biemans are top talents in their class, Fantobens was a great goaltender to have for two seasons, and Aitmukhambetov is a great choice to fill out the offensive depth of the roster.  The Knights were able to gain a lot of TPE value at each pick, especially in Virrok and Fantobens.

Overall Grade: A-

[Image: lutz-first-sig-shl.png]
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@jlutz14 APPROVED! +5 TPE
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