Fewer picks for Chicago this draft than the last couple, but also an opportunity to draft earlier than ever in my years in the CPHL.
6 - Berkly Catton - C - As a Spokane Chiefs ticket holder I have watched Catton for two seasons. To say I'm excited to add a dynamic forward of his caliber is an understatement. Although Catton may go a bit later in the NHL draft, the opportunity to draft a player I enjoy was too great. Buium was the other consideration, who I also really like, but had to go with the forward.
33 - Leo Sahlin Wallenius - D - The best Swedish defender in the class, LSW is an offensive dman that I'm excited to add to the prospect pool for the Hawks. He's not huge, but a good skater and very intelligent. I view him as a more offensive Rasmus Andersson. Vanacker was my other option at this pick, but opted for the dman.
89 - Tomas Galvas - D - After a long wait between picks and watching many of the prospects I was hoping would remain slip away, I went with my list and selected another offensive dman in the Czech Galvas. Not big, but very cerebral and a good skater, Galvas will need a NHL team to believe in him and give him a chance.
94 - Javon Moore - LW - With my last pick I went with a forward with size and potential. Moore could go much earlier than anticipated showing good offensive skills and time to mature going to Minnesota. Chose him over a couple other forwards that have a higher floor, but Moore has a much higher ceiling if he develops as hoped.
XX - Jesse Pulkkinen - D - I didn't draft Pulkkinen, but signed him as an overager during the season. An incredible ascension from not being considered last year to the potential of being selected in the top two rounds in this years draft. A bit of a rover from the backline, Pulkkinen shows offensive flair with handles and skating. Defensively a work in progress, he has the potential to be a difference maker.
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