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Hey Season 31 Draftees: How you doin?
So as everyone loves a little competition and to compare themselves to others I thought I would start to keep track of the remaining survivors of the fabled (Totally fabled) S31 reddit draft class. With the now 2nd year passed we have had a few other entries into the fold with the likes of SMJHL star Alex Light, and fellow 3 year veterans Matthew Leetch and Tovio Kosonen. The debut of money bags Reed Laing, Long time Member Michael Burrows, and quiet but still here Alex Reed. With thats lets get this article underway!

So as many will notice I will make sure to point out the obvious points which may come across as 'unfair' for the comparison but I will explain.

Yes players such as Ace Redding and Kornel Kasperak will have distinct advantages over some players as they have 50-150 games (looking at you "AdaM lives in SMJHL Kaiser") but this is to display the total value really to teams who drafted the players. A player who can jump right into the line up and make an impact immediately and for long periods of time hold a lot of value for teams needing the draft picks/ players.
Just because the players have a games played advantage does not mean long term they will hold thier rankings, if a player has a productive career they will catch and pass those ahead of them in due time (See currently Eduard Selich with a gain of 12 points or Ronnie Westbrook with a gain of 8).
Playoff performances will not be graded/ added to the grand total until after the end of S34. I figured I'd give many of the rookies (as many were taken primarily by a few teams who had/ have been struggling) a chance to at least get to the end of season dance before grading everyone in that area (Certain players will still have obvious advantages regardless so should off set this most likely).

TPE Totals - Taken from every players update threads March 13th Morning
Bank - Taken March 13th Morning
3 Star points - Totals taken from end of S33 (Working on that article as well at the moment patience!

The following rankings are based on the grading system I created for the SHL generated stats + TPE + BANK + 3 star points (my other re occuring article). If anything is immediately confusing or does not make sense please refer to the attached chart listed below which will make this hopefully more clear to understand the ranking below (Also contained on the bottom of the 1st tab with more in depth info available!!

End of S33 Rankings - Skaters

1.) Ace Redding (9) <a href='index.php?showuser=31' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-66'>grimreaper</a> -58
1st Place Finishes: 5 (Assits - PTS - Hits - HitDif - GWG)
2nd Place Finishes: 3 (Goals - 3 Star Points - PP Points)
3rd Place Finishes: 4 (TPE - PPG AVG - MinsPerShot - PPG)
-Holding onto his top ranking for the 2nd year in a row. He is barely clinging to the top ranking in a few categories but is far and away the leader in Hits (440) and Hit differential Hits vs HTT (+283). I fully expect him to be potentially be the top power forward in this draft class for sometime to come. He may not hold the crown the entire time, but has already started a very impressive career. His only weak spot? His Current Bank is Hurting just a wee bit (-3.8M) which will make keeping training up to par and that new equipment in the off season hard to come by currently.

2.) - Eduard Selich (2) <a href='index.php?showuser=2285' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>Tomen</a> -50
1st Place Finishes: 5 (MinsPerShot - Plus/Minus - 3 Star Points - PPG AVG - Goals)
2nd Place Finishes: 3 (GWG - PTS - TPE)
3rd Place Finishes: 1 (Assists)
Award Nominations: 1
- A MASSIVE 2nd season for Selich has really helped vault him within striking distance of the top spot. Now holding 5 of the top ranked spots and showing no signs in slowing down for player growth all while holding a comfortable bank (25.5M) to keep the growth going will keep him in the top 5 for sure for TPE growth (and most likely take the lead soon). Being most likely the main cog to the Stampedes offensive machine I would expect Selich to get top minutes for seasons to come, so he will more than likely clock out as one of the best of the S31 draft class. Selich also nabs a handy +3 for his nomination for Jesster in S32.

3.) - Kornel Kasparek (29) <a href='index.php?showuser=73' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Boomcheck</a> -48
1st Place Finishes: 3 (PIM - SB - PP Points)
2nd Place Finishes: 3 (Hits - HitDif - Assists)
3rd Place Finishes: 2 (PTS - GWG)
-The Generational Talent himself. Kasparek was one of the first of his class (along with Redding) to make the immediate jump to the SHL without any further seasoning. He has looked steady and realiable on the Steelhawks backend for eating up the big minutes and continues to play a pretty solid 2 way game. The issue with KK will be the longevity of this level of performance. He will hold a GP advantage over some of the more green D men (Matthew Leetch and Tovio Kosonen for example) but with his growth being a bit stunted of late it will be hard to imagine long term he will keep pace. He is looking to go down as one of the great depth picks in this draft currently, but could challenge moving forward again should he become active. As it stands though he has been the 3rd best player from this draft and the best Value for Draft position.

4.) - Ludwig Koch Schroder (10) <a href='index.php?showuser=2274' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Rabidsponge21</a> -29
1st Place Finishes: 3 (TPE - Bank - PPG)
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (SB)
3rd Place Finishes: 1 (PP Points)
- What many see as maybe the heir apparent to the title of top S31 Defenseman for the Steelhawks moving forward LKS enjoyed a rather comparable season to his rookie one for the steelhawks. His Plus/minus dipped a bit this year, but nothing so critical he can't correct it moving forward in his career. Putting up an impressive 12 goals this year, has some excited about the potential of having him on the Backend to quarterback the teams top PP moving forward. If LKS can keep up the pace of his career currently he will pass KK in due time. He needs to work on the physical side of his game a bit being out hit a bit to much, but he is loving blocking those shots when possible.

5.) - Brennan Kennedy (11) <a href='index.php?showuser=2273' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>bk1689</a> -17
1st Place Finishes: 0
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (Shot %)
3rd Place Finishes: 2 (Goals - 3 Star Points)
- The last spot in the top 5 is reserved for Mr. Kennedy. Depsite multiple Floods, and overwhelming PGS tasks he has still kept himself at the top of the class. His 2nd Highest Shooting % (12.74%) is surprising considering how his player is built but the goal totals speak for themselves (3rd highest @ 27). He sit just shy of the 60 point mark (57) and is in 9 of the top 5 statisicaly categories for the draft class. That is truly a great accomplishment considering the average TPE of the Steelhawks over the last 2 seasons (now one over 900 TPE to start S32, and none over 1000 for the length of S33). Showing he should have been in the top 10 talk in the SHL draft, he fell 1 short due to the German Wunderkid LKS but is no less deserving. The least talked about Forward I feel in the top end players of the S31 people should really start to mention his name more cause he is making a run for it, and finishing strong again and again. Go get em buddy.

6.) - Ieuan llewellyn (33) <a href='index.php?showuser=1899' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>SethTrollins</a> -15
1st Place Finishes: 1 (Shots %)
2nd Place Finishes: 0
3rd Place Finishes: 2 (PIM - HitDif)
- As unexpectanctly great as Llewellyn has been so far for his player type and draft position he is the most likely to fall out of the top 10. Being extremely effective at his role all while chipping in where possible has him stealing a spot just outside the top 5. Sadly Seth has fallen into the territory of potential inactives and may be eliminated from the list all together next season but right now still clings to a spot. A great HitDif (+142) and shot % (14.63%) keeps him afloat for now.

7.) - Taro Eichelele (17) <a href='index.php?showuser=2292' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Eichelele</a> -13
1st Place Finishes: 0
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (PP Points)
3rd Place Finishes: 1 (PPG AVG)
- A draft that saw the Steelhawks take a shotgun and fire it at the draft chart it's not surprising to see the young team have its 5th member in the top 7. Eichelele has been a steady force for the steelhawks so far in his young career. Gaining a huge 7 spots in his 2nd season in the rankings he has started to cement his value as a top 20 pick. Just hitting that 60 point club finishing his 2nd year for the Steelhawks he continues to be a great forward for the club. A pass first mentality has him still under the 20 mark for goals but a total of 43 assists has him draw in for 4th most amongst the class (tied with Metzler). Being a force on the PP for the hawks so far coupled with his great TPE growth (724) has him looking like a great draft choice. His Bank remains a bit suspect currently sitting in the red (-1.1M) with the off season approaching fast and new equipment looking to be bought we might see a few articles pop up sooner than later for him.

T-8.) - Brynjar Tusk (23) <a href='index.php?showuser=1245' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-13'>ThatDamnWalrus</a> -11
1st Place Finishes: 0
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (PIM)
3rd Place Finishes: 1 (Hits)
- The first member of the dynamic young D Duo the Stampede grabbed in this draft Tusk has put his somewhat less than thrilling SMJHL career behind him and has been turning into a premier shut down D man behind the scenes. 2nd in PIM (132) - 3rd in Hits (231) - 4th in HitDif (+133) - 4th in SB (117). You need to keep your head up when heading into the Stampede's zone and he isnt even remotely afraid to dust things up all while blocking shots as well. He has the lowest goal total of any of the S31 class (3) but that isn't what he's there for. Despite his extreme defensive edge he still has almost 30 points (29) over his 102 GP so far. A perfect pairing to an offensive d man....

T-8.) - Alexis Metzler (13 - POR) <a href='index.php?showuser=2271' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>Avakael</a> -11
1st Place Finishes: 0
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (PPG)
3rd Place Finishes: 1 (SB)
- .....Works out nicely with Metzler. The more offensively minded of the 2 Buffalo D man he has almost his perfect match in Tusk. Having the most points of any S31 D men (55 to LKS 54! Shows how well this pairing has really been for the young Buffalo team. Showing the sheer skill as the teams premier powerplay quarterback the offensive promise of the young player is exciting for the Stampede moving forward and shows what a great trade it truly was to acquire him with Leclerc's inactive state seeming permanent. Metzler and LKS will be two of the top 2 D to battle it out and will more than likely be trading places in the ranking over and over. A truly top end and exciting battle of players. A draft that was forward heavy is turning out to be a hidden valley of elite D men.


10.) - Jason Visser (8) <a href='index.php?showuser=2264' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-52'>ToeDragon84</a> -9
1st Place Finishes: 0
2nd Place Finishes: 1 (Bank)
3rd Place Finishes: 0
- If there was a 'Best Stories' Or 'Dankest' Ranking section ToeDragon would have an instant +12 boost. Unfortunately I cannot quantify that with numbers or actual stats so we will just have to give the +12 in spirit. Visser's stats may not jump out when looked at on paper, but his sheer potential is what holds enough value to put him into the top 10. 4th best TPE (874) and 2nd Best Bank (46.8M) has him looking god damn solid moving forward. His player may not be challenging for statistical best across the board right now, but the Jets have a player with 1500 TPE potential to anchor their top line for seasons to come. That in itself adds so much value to the player. I fully expect with the growth of the Triplets he will start to put up the points and stats soon enough.


11.) - Ronnie Westbrook (15 - SEA) <a href='index.php?showuser=2261' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-63'>Gooney</a> -8
- Surprise after surprise for Westbrook it seems is the mantra of his career so far. From 92nd in the SMJHL draft, to 15th in the SHL to now just barely outside of the top 10 after ONE Season. Part of the KAW line (Kylard - Atmey - Westbrook -like the hawks noise? Get it? Shut up it's totally a thing now) Westbrook tore it up as a rookie this year. Currently sporting the 2nd best PPG AVG (0.611) - 5th best Plus/Minus (+9) - 3rd best shooting % (11.54%) is a huge boost for a growing steelhawks squad. Easily one of the best trades made in recent memory for the team Westbrook is already putting work in. I'd hate to doubt his ability to make the top 10 cause his player keeps putting up and shutting everyone up. He truly is 'Blessed'. My only concern? His Bank. Seemingly leaning on his contract $$ to get training done he is in the Red again (-1M) so his TPE might not be able to keep pace to keep him in the top 10 talk. Only time will tell.

12.) - Trevor Wilson (7) <a href='index.php?showuser=2293' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>twils</a> -7
- The only Riot member in this class Wilson has so far rewarded them with making the pick @ 7th Overall. Losing a few place in the ranking (-3) after his second year to fall out of the top 10 he is still right there with the pack. 5th in Goals (21), 4th in 3 Star Points (22) and 2nd in Plus/minus (17) he may not be jumping out with any of the stat currently but he is like I said keeping pace. In a class and ranking that is all pretty close currently it's one of the most important parts, keeping pace as much as possible. It only take 1 great season to make a big jump. Wilson is still a bit limited in his minutes in comparison to some (25% 5v5 and 40% on 2nd PP) but is making the most of his time. I don't expect him to be out of the top 10 for long.


13.) :admirals: - Reed Laing (26 - TEX) <a href='index.php?showuser=32' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>GroupMeIsKindOfOkay</a> -6
- 13 Million is a lot for a rookie player. The expected production for a player getting paid that much would be pretty high for my own expectations to take home a pay cheque like that and Laing did...OK. 1 Point shy of 30 in their rookie season, has Laing in 4th for best PPG AVG so far after the first year, and is generating a high amount of shots when on the ice. Seeing the production of the player at the SMJHL level makes you think that will only increase, but at the current price tag is maybe a bit much. I expect a rise still from Laing, as a complete player like this is hard to find across the SHL it seems and if they can replicate their junior success, they will turn into a true challenger to Redding for top Power forward.

14.) - Zach Evans (5) <a href='index.php?showuser=2327' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>ztevans</a> -5
- Although (NEEDLESSLY, Seriously dude!! always down about himself when talking about the legend that is becoming of Jach...I mean ZACH evans...he has been making progress surely but surely. Yes when looking at the points difference and ranking on the chart he has lost 4 places in the rankings, BUT with the comparison of the other players from this draft class he is more or less keeping pace. Why do I not worry about his ranking? Dude is a TPE machine. Over the 800 mark already I fully expect his player to start to come together soon and start to put up the level of stats he expects of himself. Creeping up the Jets depth chart and growing with the other 2 triplets his time will come sooner than most expect. For now 'Patience' is the key word.

15.) - Corey Bearss (30) <a href='index.php?showuser=2338' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>CBear</a> -4
- The first member of the 'triplets' that is becoming the future core of the Jets, Bearss has been slowly but surely proving his worth. Originally grabbed in the 30th spot, he is slowly turning into a slam dunk for the Jets. Although only 4 points ahead of Volkova the fact he was grabbed 29 picks later, and is out producing the 1st overall is damn impressive. Having the 3rd highest bank (33M) and 5th best shot% (11.11%) have the future looking bright for Bearss as he has the money to keep advancing and to keep pace with fellow team mates (and TPE juggernauts) Evans and Visser.

16.) - Pietra Volkova (1) <a href='index.php?showuser=2238' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-59'>Pris</a> -3
- The much hyped about 1st Overall pick in the S31 draft Volkovas overall performance so far has been somewhat....average. Playing on a deep WKP doesnt help her to really get the bigger minutes that some of the other draft picks have been able to obtain so far, but the lack of production hasn't helped either over the first 100 GP. Only benefiting from the 3rd highest Plus/Minus rookies, she hasn't really challenged any of the fellow class in any statistical category. We are still early in the careers of many of the players, but already 20+ Points behind the top 8 players as a 'sniper' is a bit concerning. Currently looking to be a great 3rd to potentially 2nd line Winger she will need to pick her game up huge the next few seasons and start to gain some ground on those ahead of her.

T-17.) - Marc Leclerc (38 - BUF) <a href='index.php?showuser=2275' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>suir</a> -2
- Seemingly falling into the inactive Territory I though I would give Leclerc one last chance on the list before being eliminated next year (if suir doesn't come back still). Despite the seemingly MIA status of Suir, Leclerc has still managed to nab 2 points (5th best HitDif +92 and 5th most SB 88).

T-17.) - Ryan Vas (35 - NEW) <a href='index.php?showuser=2277' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-17'>KleslaR</a> -2
- A born again S31 rookie Vas didnt see his first SHL game for the team that drafted him before he was traded to the Blizzard. Jumping right into a Top 4 Role for the Blizzard Vas had a pretty OK season for his 1st. 16 points, +1 and a HitDif of +27 showed he can play a decent role as a #4-5 D man when needed already. Behind his class a bit due to his retirement he will have some ground to make up. He has a jump on some of his fellow class getting to see the big minutes and only time will tell how much he can rise as the seasons pass.

T-19.) :admirals: - Geronimo Otto (20) <a href='index.php?showuser=2279' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-54'>tweedledunn</a> -1
- Coming off of a pretty solid 1st season despite the struggling Admirals (he somehow managed only a -14 during that train wreck in S32) Otto took a bit of a step back in his Sophomore season. Still breaking the 20 point mark was still enough to keep him in the view of the top players of the draft, but still has not yet managed to really WOW in any particularly categorie. He will keep churning away I feel and will rise again once again in some areas of the rankings as the seasons pass, just a rough season with little data to draw from right now has pushed him back down. Not a clear picture of the sort of player value he truly has.

T-19.) - Joe Kurczewski (12) <a href='index.php?showuser=2310' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>JKortesi81</a> -1
- Finally given a chance to play in the big leagues this year (putting up 15 points), Kurczewski was still limited in the opportunites granted to him (no special teams play) hurt his ability to really produce and challenge for any of the statistically leads. Joe K has a top notch player growing but is just currently burried a bit on the Dragons depth chart so it's a slow burn for him so far. He will jump a bit with the Cup win under his belt and any more progress in his 2nd year playing in the playoffs (with a bigger role this time than towel boy). Look out for him to make some noise moving forward.

T-19.) :admirals: - Isaac Kaiser (41 - BUF) <a href='index.php?showuser=2280' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>daBenchwarmer</a> -1
- I give Kaiser a hard time on SHL more than I should, I'll admit it. He is in a less than ideal situation. Playing only 12% 5v5 time, and no special teams play really limits what he can accomplish and his stats reflect that. It's a shame really as he grabbed a point for having the 5th highest Bank (27.3M) but just lacks any sort of real growth in comparison to the rest of his class (2nd lowest TPE @ 409). If he could bump that rate up a bit and use that bank to get a jump with new seasons full equips he could start to push himself out of that 4th line role. Until then, he won't see much gain here sadly.

T-19.) - Alex Light (39) <a href='index.php?showuser=2325' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-62'>Zoone16</a> -1
- The highest touted Rookie potentially coming out of the SMJHL after his 3 years playing for Kelowna. Many had him pegged to storm in and take the Rookie of the Year honours but he just didnt dominate like many thought he would. He still put up 16 points in his first season but being on a fairly deep WKP squad held his play time back a bit (25% at 5v5) but still saw some playing time on the 2nd PP units. Light will adapt to the SHL pace soon I feel and will start to claw his way up the rankings, but his first year was a bit of a fizzle. Hopefully playing some higher/ top end minutes will find him the progress he craves moving forward.


T-23.) :admirals: - Cikgnar Konstantinov (45 - BUF) <a href='index.php?showuser=2321' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>cikgnar</a> -0

- One of the other members of the 150 GP club (Only 3 players at that mark from draft class) he has been less than impressive in his stint so far. Having to lowest TPE of the entire class (385) and only 26 points over the stretch has many wondering if he will ever develop to more than a 4th liner at this rate. May soon fall victim to the delete (inactive) members of the class.
T-23.) :admirals: - Jacob Renninger (46) <a href='index.php?showuser=2331' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Shadowz1797</a> -0
- Being tossed to the wolves (not figuritively by SHL standards) Renninger has been leaned on to play some truly tough minutes for a rebuilding team. Maybe not sporting the heafty TPE of some of his fellow class he has been plugging away steadily and doing what has been asked of him by Portland management. He is proving to be a pretty great 'depth' option for the team though still putting up 31 points in his first 2 years despite having a less than stellar plus/minus (-33). Hopefully with Portlands rise to potential contention Renninger will see some more positive end to situations and will continue to grow where possible.

T-23.) - Martin Svensson (24) <a href='index.php?showuser=2265' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>LosGlennos</a> -0
- A big fall for Svensson this year. He was in the middle of the pack by the conclusion of the last year but this season saw him truly struggle. Being down on the 3rd line for the Steelhawks (which struggled mightily) really hurt his progress this year, and a lack of TPE growth and Bank has brought him out of contention to challenge for some of the extra points to be earned. Hopefully this was just his sophomore slum and we will see a return to form for Svensson for S34.

T-23.) - Toivo Kosonen (18) <a href='index.php?showuser=2309' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>Toivo</a> -0
- Much like Leetch, Kosonen's role was a bit limited this year still. Seeing 30% on 5v5 was more favourable for him in his 1st year, but unlike some of the other D drafted he isnt seeing quite the massive minutes other are just yet. Another great pick up outside of the 1st round in the draft, this is another D man whose apparent value may not uppercut you right off the bat, but it will start to build steam as the seasons pass us by and his stats start to catch the rest of the pack. Much like Leetch he will benefit from the playoffs experience and you will see him jump by the end of the next season for sure.

T-23.) - Matthew Leetch (31) <a href='index.php?showuser=2241' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>NYRangers3061</a> -0

- It's really hard to expect a player like Leetch to make a massive impact on the list in only his 1st season (Especially with only 20% Playing time in 5v5). He has the advantage of playing on a rather great team so he will be ahead at least this season already in seeing some playoff hockey. So don't expect him to be so low by the time the end of the S34 playoffs conclude. Add in with can only be expected a greater role for the Panthers moving forward, don't let this placement fool you the talent this defenseman has. Being taken @ 31st overall can (and will) still pay huge benefits for the Panthers long term that many would consider that range of a pick to maybe be a 'depth' choice. Not with Leetch.

T-23.) Adam Kaiser (22) <a href='index.php?showuser=2262' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-10'>Kaisonious</a> - 0
- Probably the most promising player to not play in the SHL yet Kaiser spent 4 seasons in the SMJHL and will most likely see his first action in the SHL this coming year. One of the higher rated Defensemen by growth he is looking to make an immediate impact. Long term rankings in this list may be hurt by his prolonged time in Juniors though as it puts him even closer to regression without progress in the SHL. The next 1-2 seasons will be a good indication where he may ultimately end up.

T.23) Vasily Horvat (51 - WPG) <a href='index.php?showuser=2269' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Slowpoke</a> - 0
- A great player for Kelowna for sometime Horvat much like Kaiser has made a long career of the Juniors and will most likely see his first action next year. Until then we can only wait.

T.23) Travis Jeziak (55) <a href='index.php?showuser=2301' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Leppish</a> - 0
- Jeziak has hit the cap as well, and we will have to wait to see what the 4 year Junior player can do in S34.

Players Lost to Inactivity: Kristopher Hallfredsson - Nathan Russet