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Official 2016 NHL Draft Thread

The Canes roster on the website shows no player listed at RW. While we have some guys listed at Center who could slot in, I gotta figure there is a job for Gauthier here this year if he steps up and takes it.
 
brassbonanza said:
The Canes roster on the website shows no player listed at RW. While we have some guys listed at Center who could slot in, I gotta figure there is a job for Gauthier here this year if he steps up and takes it.
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I have to agree BB, physically he looks ready to play in the NHL and his family background screams of a kid that is more than ready to continue to get stronger to endure an 82 game NHL season. There are not too many 18 year old kids built like Gauthier.
 
Francis credits Pitkanen for scouting the Finns (although Ronnie saw Aho for himself at the World Juniors before drafting him).

Particularly gives him credit for focusing them on Kuokkanen in the second round.

Also, as American talent begins to add to the draft pool, I believe the talent is going deeper down into the draft than before.
 
JamesNorthern said:
Oilers got their RD in Adam Larsson from the Devils in exchange for Taylor Hall.
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Good deal for both teams. Devils get a legit top line winger. Oilers get a good top 4 Dman that is signed at a reasonable rate for many years. That will be important for them as the young guys fall out of entry level deals.
 
Elsker said:
Francis credits Pitkanen for scouting the Finns (although Ronnie saw Aho for himself at the World Juniors before drafting him).

Particularly gives him credit for focusing them on Kuokkanen in the second round.
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Nice to see that we're keeping a connection to Joni. I really hate how his career ended so abruptly.
 
Heard Francis in a radio interview talking about how sad it was Joni wasn't playing, but that he was glad he was involved and working for us as a scout.
 
Seeing reports on Twitter that the London Knights have signed Janne Kuokkanen (our 2016 second round, 43rd overall).

They drafted him around the end of June and brag "they always get their man".

But my understanding is there was doubt he would actually go the OHL route instead of staying in Finland.

Here's the draft story: Knights go trolling in Finnish waters


EDIT: And here's the signing article from the Knights' web site: London signs Kuokkenen
 
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Awsome, glad to see the kid chose this route. No offense to the Liiga Junior program, but right now I think Kuokkanen needs some additional seasoning playing juniors and to me Finland Jrs < CHL <<<< Liiga. Add in the CHL is playing in NHL sized rinks I think this is all good for the Canes and Kuokkanen.
 
It's only two drafts, but like RF's drafting so much better than when JR was at the helm. Two GMs with two separate goals/playbooks, but I so prefer RF's actual rebuild and use of draft picks than JR's trade for the win now. It has been a long time since we've had such a stocked cupboard and seen a commitment to actual development. The coaching staff is hands down better in both leagues and behind both benches.
 
Elsker said:
Seeing reports on Twitter that the London Knights have signed Janne Kuokkanen (our 2016 second round, 43rd overall).

They drafted him around the end of June and brag "they always get their man".

But my understanding is there was doubt he would actually go the OHL route instead of staying in Finland.

Here's the draft story: Knights go trolling in Finnish waters


EDIT: And here's the signing article from the Knights' web site: London signs Kuokkenen
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I have some family members that are London Knights season ticket holders and the Finnish connection in London is strong due to the past success with Oli Maatta and Oli Juolevi. Both of those players thrived in the OHL playing in London. Kuokkanen has fast tracked his way to the NHL with this decision, great news for the Canes!

London's General Manager had some nice things to say: "The 18-year-old forward has been a prolific scorer at every level he has played back home and at international competitions. He will wear No. 72.

"He's very dynamic," Simpson said of the Oulunsalo native. "He can make plays and he works hard. He's very tricky and can shoot. He's a good-sized kid, too (6-foot-1, 180 pounds)."
 
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That's really good intel, CanadaCanes.

I'm beginning to see that London, always seemingly a powerhouse, is so deep that Kuokkanen might be on their third line instead of having to be a top-six right off the bat, and then grow into their top-six as graduations, injuries, or talent-will-out dictates.

That is indeed good assimilation into the smaller ice of North American hockey and a nice development curve.

Depth...it's a good thing.
 
SlapShots said:
It's only two drafts, but like RF's drafting so much better than when JR was at the helm. Two GMs with two separate goals/playbooks, but I so prefer RF's actual rebuild and use of draft picks than JR's trade for the win now. It has been a long time since we've had such a stocked cupboard and seen a commitment to actual development. The coaching staff is hands down better in both leagues and behind both benches.
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Exactly right SlapShots. The future looks bright. Ron Francis clearly has a cerebral plan and continues to build towards a planned objective. Conversely, I picture JR throwing darts blindfolded or swinging blindly at a pinata loaded with retreads and munchkins.

Jim
 
Elsker said:
That's really good intel, CanadaCanes.

I'm beginning to see that London, always seemingly a powerhouse, is so deep that Kuokkanen might be on their third line instead of having to be a top-six right off the bat, and then grow into their top-six as graduations, injuries, or talent-will-out dictates.

That is indeed good assimilation into the smaller ice of North American hockey and a nice development curve.

Depth...it's a good thing.
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Elsker, London has three huge question marks hanging over their team for next year up front...Mitch Marner (Leafs first rounder), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary first rounder) and Jack Roslovic (Jets first rounder) may all have a chance to stick with their NHL teams this coming season. In the event that they do stick, Kuokkanen would be a sure top 6 forward for the Knights...but if all three of those star players return to London, he could get bumped down or even better...play alongside one or two of those players.
 
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The Knights have a definite need to replace Christian Dvorak (59 Games 52 Goals 69 assists last season) as his underage junior eligibility is over (Zona or their AHL affiliate bound). Roslovic would be a Knight's newcomer should he not make the NHL (not sure how he will stick in the NHL after one not incredibly productive season at UMiami Ohio). There is room in the Knight's top 6 for Kuokkanen even if Tkachuk and Marner end up back there. It will be fun to watch to see how the kid adjusts being away from home.
 
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CanadaCanes said:
Elsker, London has three huge question marks hanging over their team for next year up front...Mitch Marner (Leafs first rounder), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary first rounder) and Jack Roslovic (Jets first rounder) may all have a chance to stick with their NHL teams this coming season. In the event that they do stick, Kuokkanen would be a sure top 6 forward for the Knights...but if all three of those star players return to London, he could get bumped down or even better...play alongside one or two of those players.
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Is Roslovic eligible for the OHL next year after playing a year at Miami? So you can go from NCAA to the OHL, but you can't go from the OHL to NCAA???
 
Yep, NCAA to WHL, OHL, QMJHL ok. Not ok going in the other direction. Roslovic also has an NHL entry level contract in hand now so once he signed that the NCAA ceased being an option.

You can find some of the info surrounding the NCAA rules regarding this on this web page if you are interested:

http://hockeyfamilyadvisor.com/keeping-your-ncaa-eligibility-during-chl-tryouts-dos-and-donts/

Basically the CHL will take anyone under 20....doesn't matter if you were always NCAA eligible or not, played pro in Europe, etc. If you were drafted by a CHL team you can sign and play there.
 
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