Hot for Hogs

Entering the 2019 EHE Entry Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights walked in with a total of five selections spread out over the five rounds.  The Knights, and GM Doug Waite decided to employ a new strategy this draft by selecting only 2019 draft eligible prospects, and not going off the board and selecting current under age free-agents, or college free-agents with NHL contracts.

Vegas seleted from continued their trend by selecting prospects from all over the world.  In total two Swedes, two Canadians, and one Russian were selected.

Round 1-Pick #25: Nils Hoglander, LW, Rogle BK (SHL)

Hoglander is a player who I was very high on.  An undersized winger, but incredibly strong with and without the puck.  Hoglander has some dazzling Youtube videos out there, but his time playing with Rogle as a seventeen year old really had me.  His NHL rights being owned by Vancouver is another reason for me to take him a little earlier then most.

Round 2-Pick #34: Samuel Poulin, LW, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

I was really learning towards taking a defenseman with my pick in the second round.  That all changed when Poulin dropped down to me.  Another strong winger with a great all around two-way game.   Led Sherbrooke in points last season, and increased his point total by 31 points in just his second season in the QMJHL.  NHL rights owned by Pittsburgh.

Round 3-Pick #87: Albert Johansson, D, Frolunda BK J20 (SuperElit)

Johansson is an excellent skater from Sweden who will be seeing time in the SHL with Frolunda this coming season.  Played for the Swedish U18 team last year in 22 games.  Should be a dark horse to make the WJC team this season.  NHL rights owned by Detroit.

Round 4-Pick #92: Ilya Konovalov, G, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)

Konovalov was another player I was really high on for a later round pick.  He domintated the KHL in his first full season.  He does not possess ideal size for a goalie, who knows if he will venture across to the NHL one day, and his rights are owned by Edmonton.  Three little warning signs, but the gamble could pay off in the future.

Round 5-Pick #149: Tyler Tucker, D, Barrie (OHL)

Traded to Chicago.  Ask Thomas.