03-29-2022, 09:09 AM(This post was last modified: 03-29-2022, 10:59 PM by CptSquall. Edited 1 time in total.)
The Colorado Raptors are off to an absolutely electric start to the season currently sitting 2nd in the league in point percentage at the time of writing. Those who followed the team closely before the start of the season know that this really isn't all that surprising, but for those who may just be tuning in, here's a look at the raptors and how they supplemented their roster through the draft this past offseason.
Before getting into the draft, it's important to note that Colorado had a very strong team even before the offseason additions. They have a few great about-to-be call-ups such as Jamal Nightingale and Shoyo Hinata as well as some fantastic sophomore season players in Binko Koivu, Godwin Lupercal, Evan Winter and JR Frankenstero. Last but not least Recently Tired is a solid 426 TPE in the pipes providing a solid option to stop some pucks for the team. Heading into the offseason, Colorado knew that they had a great core of players, well spread out and ready to take the next step. Management set out to help them do that by bolstering their surroundings with more competent and growing rookies. Here's a look at what the Raptros did during the S64 SMJHL entry draft.
5th Overall - Sebastien Dubois
Coming into the draft the Raptors were pretty happy with their crop of picks. Leading the way was 5th overall where they knew they'd have a chance to add a solid player and someone who will make an impact sooner rather than later with the team. With that pick, they chose to bet on Sebastien Dubois, a young french player who prides himself in his craftiness with the puck. Dubois uses his high skill ceiling to evade opponents to create offensive opportunities for himself and for his teammates. His specialty is offense, but he doesn't slouch defensively by any means. he backcheck hard and while he doesn't have the frame to effectively separate attackers from the puck, he does have the stick and discipline to pick their pocket when the opportunity arises.
22nd Overall - Shiny Shuckle
With the 22nd pick and their 2nd of the draft, the Raptors looked to solidify their goaltending situation of the present and future by drafting top goalie prospect Shiny Shuckle. Joining Recently Tired, Shuckle will provide some stability for the raptors in games where Tired is, well, too tired to take the lead. in a league with 66 games a season it's so important to have stability in net all season long and Shuckle gives the Raptors a chance to have just that. Although the season is still young, Shuckles sits at an incredible 7-0-1 which has been turning heads across the league and leaving many wondering how the heck a player this good fell to 22nd in the draft. Either way, Colorado walks away happy with a new goalie and another piece added to their budding roster.
28th Overall - Hynek Heidinger
When 28 came around everyone's favourite sound came on as the trade alert rang. The Raptors had traded in to acquire another 2nd round pick this draft to select none other than Hynek Heidinger. To those close to the team, this comes as no surprise and a real joy as Heidinger had been a DFA with the team the season prior and quickly became a fan favourite. Having been a DFA though, the risk existed that he'd enter the draft and get selected to another team. Colorado didn't let that happen as they picked up the Jack-of-all-trades at 28. Heidinger proved very quickly he was a player that could be relied on in any situation and bringing him back this season is a move that will have many breathing a sigh of relief.
36th Overall - Jolmi Koivu
The Raptors draft prowess continued when pick 36 rolled around in the 3rd round. Normally we'd be getting to the point where the talent would be waning but with scouting this good, the raptors identified an absolute diamond in Jolmi Koivu. Yet another forward to add to the impressive group, Koivu brings an impressive set of offensive tools to the table and is sure to be a high octane, high scoring player for a long time to come. H'es had an impressive start to the season as well, showing everyone he was worth a much higher pick by putting up 15 points in 22 games. Make no mistake, this might be the raptors 4th pick so far, but I think it will be their best as Koivu demonstrates an SMJHL ready poise and talent level that will have other team's defenders cowering very soon.
54th Overall - Brendan York II
Last but not least, the Raptors Selected Brendan York II at 54 overall. While not a lot is known about this late create and entrant into the draft, the Raptors have shown us so far that we have nothing to doubt when it comes to their scouting ability. Just being able to pickup a player this late is amazing and if York ends up being even just an okay player, the Raptors will have walked away with an absolute win at 54 overall.
That rounds out the Raptors S643 draft. With 5 additions to the roster, the previous core is now well surrounded by talent that will only continue to get better and better as the seasons go on. Judging by their record so far though, the raptors plan to supplement their core sufficiently through the draft has been wildly successful and will give the team a chance to be deadly for a while to come.
JR95
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