It has been quite the week for hockey fanatics. From the Entry Draft all the way to a hectic Free Agent Frenzy, there has been no shortage of excitement. Of course, I will be focusing my attention on the draft, which if I am being honest, seemed to drag on for an eternity. It was weird, it was different, but it certainly had its moments. Of course, you have to hand it to both the league and Senators organization for inviting Alex Trebek on the screen to announce the Tim Stutzle selection. That’s just good television.

This week, I have decided to share some of my thoughts on what occurred at the draft. Every event has its share of curveballs, but this year came in hot and heavy, in very much 2020 fashion. Here is my list of the bad, the good, and also a list of sleepers that I felt dropped far in to "steal" territory. Of course, I sprinkle in small predictions on where their fantasy potential may lie with each as well. 

The draft began as expected, with no serious shocks. Things changed quickly. 

THE BUFFALO SABRES SELECT JACK QUINN 8th OVERALL

The Bad

Make no mistake about it, Jack Quinn is a fantastic player and should develop into a real solid goal-scorer at the NHL level someday. However, as I mentioned in my Mock Draft last week, his sudden climb from 12-to-52 goals over the course of a summer, whilst playing for a fairly stacked junior club, slightly throws me off. I do not mind shooting for the stars outside the top 10, but when a player such as Marco Rossi falls into your lap, you have to take it and run. I am sure Bill Guerin sent over a bottle of wine to their office following Day 1.

The Good

As I said, it has nothing to do with the player, more the spot he was taken. The Buffalo Sabres and future fantasy owners are still getting a tremendous threat and potential prolific net-filler. The top-six continues to grow in Buffalo, and with names like Dylan Cozens heading into the picture, Quinn's stock grows even further. This could surely be a pick that has me eating my words after he pots 40-goals playing alongside Jack Eichel in just a few years’ time. However, for now, I am keeping my expectations realistic. Show me that production again, please. 

NEW JERSEYS 18th AND 20TH OVERALL PICKS

The Bad

To have three picks in the first 20, in a fairly loaded draft, is quite something. After selecting two strong forwards, both of whom are sure to be in the mix sooner rather than later, the Devils went the obvious route and snagged a defender. The issue being, instead of taking one of the many available, and to be fair, more obvious choices, they elected to reach for Russian-born Shakir Mukhamadullin. Sure, he is likely going to grow into an NHL player, but his general upside likely caps out as a fifth, perhaps a fourth defender on any lineup. There were a number of routes that could have been taken here, and it is just choked me that this was the one they chose. They were so close to a perfect first round.

The Good

Luckily, before the Devils went for a leap of faith, they locked in another strong forward candidate in Dawson Mercer. In my Mock Draft, I had the versatile winger set as an easy target for Florida at 12, so in that respect, this pick was an absolute no brainer. The Devils are now loaded with talent, and Mercer will add a consistent, and all-around strong element to that growing core. Once again…they were so close to being perfect. 

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS BREAK THE DRAFT

The Bad

After a few surprising names fell right in the laps of the Blue Jackets, many fans assumed they would hear the words "Mavrik Bourque", "Jacob Perreault", or perhaps "Hendrix Lapierre". Instead, the Jackets decided to select Yegor Chinahkov…I'll wait. The pick sent the entire hockey world scrambling for their devices in order to search his name, as he was so far off the board that many did not even have them in their notes. The pick left CBJ fans in shambles, struggling to understand what went wrong, and why. From there, the trend continued as they ended up going with an all-Euro draft, leaving some touted prospects on the board.

The Good

I will admit, I was stumped on the pick, as I am sure you were as well. However, upon further due diligence, I found aspects of Chinahkov's game worth praise. No, I do not think 21 is justifiable, not even close. Yet, his offensive traits are strong, which is surely an area that CBJ could use a pick-me-up. His defensive responsibility is an obvious work in progress, which, if he is to play for John Tortorella, will clearly need to be adjusted. But, he carries a wicked shot and shows strong offensive awareness and ability to read plays before they occur. He is constantly on the move, lurking for scoring opportunities. He's had a strong start to his rookie season at the KHL level with five goals already and shows the potential to grow into a top-six forward at the NHL level.  He could serve as a mid-draft sleeper in your next dynasty draft, assuming offense is your thing.

PICKS 21-31

The Bad

Aside from New Jersey and the Blue Jackets both suffering from fumbles at 19 and 21, I personally saw the Justin Barron pick as the runner up for the worst pick in the round. While I have no reservations in regard to them going for a defender, I felt that there were many terrific options still available. With his health in question, Barron has seen his stock fall throughout the course of the season, finally sliding outside the first-round threshold for many. General Manager Joe Sakic seems quite confident in his pick, as he should, but for me it was a miss. I cannot help but think that there could have been a trade down to a lower round if this was the exact player in need, much like Columbus should have done. As always, I hope for him to prove me wrong.

The Good

While I was expecting more, there is nothing like a good trade in the midst of a draft. In absolutely stunning fashion, Calgary pulled off not one, but two trades in the same round to move down from 19 to 22 and finally to 24. What’s more, not only did they recoup picks later down in the draft, but also managed to snag the player that fits their mold to a tee. Connor Zary is a fantastic pick for the club at 24, and that was just excellent draft management.

For Anaheim to select a defenseman at six (Jamie Drysdale), leaving a list of very talented offensive threats on the board, while still managing to land a prolific goal scorer at the tail end of the first is nothing short of a home run. Aside from Alexander Holtz, their 27th-pick Jacob Perreault likely holds the best shot and overall scoring capabilities among this class. For him to fall this deep is truly a gift, wrapped up with a bow. I expect him to develop into a solid scoring threat in time, so enjoy it Ducks fans.

Aside from me personally thinking Ozzy Weisblatt was a touch early here, how can you not enjoy the story. From his family journey to him going in the first round, all the way to the club calling his name in sign language is just a feel-good story and one that you love to see. A great end to a thrilling first round.

DRAFT SLEEPERS

Finally, here is my list of players who slid way too far and should be considered a home run.

Helge Grans – Los Angeles Kings – Round 2, Pick #35

I was happy to hear that the fantastic draft crew here at Dobber were as high on Grans as myself. He carries many offensive tools, along with great skating abilities, all while serving as a right-handed option. He has middle pairing potential, with a chance to earn time on the power play. This is definitely a player I would have considered for Colorado (24) or even New Jersey (20) considering they were both leaning towards a defender. Add another strong prospect added to the list in Hollywood. A great mid-range option for fantasy.

Noel Gunler – Carolina Hurricanes – Round 2, Pick #41

I do understand the slide on Gunler. There are concerns with both his two-way game as well as his attitude. However, considering his offensive upside and room for growth, I did expect a team to take a shot on him earlier. But, yet again, Carolina scoops up a prospect who literally fell into their arms. The Hurricanes are loaded right now, which may impede his expectancy, but overall, holds strong fantasy implications. He could thrive in points-only formats.

Jeremie Poirier – Calgary Flames – Round 3, Pick #71 

Yes, his subpar defensive game has plagued his rankings all season. However, given his above average, almost forward-like offensive ability, and strong hockey IQ, I certainly did not expect a drop all the way down to the third round. It got to the point where I assumed I had overlooked the pick. He shows a high ceiling with a real shot at becoming very fantasy relevant. Perhaps a lesser Kris Letang?

Brandon Coe – San Jose Sharks – Round 4, Pick #98

I must admit, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sharks draft. While they did not grab any elite players, they added a very solid group of depth players who are all likely to test for NHL positions down the road. Coe is definitely among that group of players. He carries a large frame, a non-stop motor, and a shot that can find the back of the net. He has all the tools to grow into a very serviceable middle-six driver, with the potential to fulfill fantasy needs. A great pick at 98. 

Tyler Tullio – Edmonton Oilers – Round 5, Pick #126

An undersized centerman, with top-six potential. The perfect recipe for a fifth-round “diamond in the rough”. He is a waterbug and serves as a constant annoyance on the ice for opponents. He has no quit in his game and can also throw it in your face by hitting the scoresheet. He is the type of player that is hard to find, especially these days. I see a lot of Yanni Gourde in his game, but with a higher offensive upside. Given where he fell, this checks off all of the boxes for becoming one of the top "steals" of the draft over time.

Alexander Pashin – Carolina Hurricanes – Round 7, Pick #199

At 5-7, his size is a clear issue, and likely the reason for his large slide. However, he is extremely gifted with the puck and can skate like the wind, while making defenders look foolish. Given the correct circumstance, his offensive drive could propel him into an NHL role.  As of right now, tread lightly in drafting him too early, this kid has boom or bust written all over him, and could very well bust. However, if you are searching, there is nothing wrong with taking him as a late sleeper in your dynasty drafts. 

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Thanks again for tuning into another week. Find me on Twitter @hall1289 to let me know your thoughts on the event.