Detroit Red Wings #19: G Ilya Samsonov (Magnitogorsk – KHL)
Original Pick #19: RW/LW Yevgeni Svechnikov (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles – QMJHL)
The Detroit Red Wings swap one Russian for another here at No. 19 overall by taking goaltender Ilya Samsonov. Yevgeni Svechnikov was one of the biggest busts in this draft class as many foresaw him becoming another Kuznetsov due to his incredible shot and sensational hands.
Steve Yzerman is a man among boys when it comes to building elite franchises in the NHL (ahem… the Tampa Bay Lightning) and what he’s doing with the Red Wings now goes to show his brilliance. The one thing that Detroit is missing is a franchise goaltender, which is where Ilya Samsonov comes in.
At just 25-years old, Samsonov is already showing tremendous potential for the Washington Capitals and when he hits his prime in three years, he’s going to be one of the best netminders in the NHL.
Minnesota Wild #20: C Joel Eriksson Ek (Färjestad – SHL)
Original Pick #20: C Joel Eriksson Ek (Färjestad – SHL)
Well when you’re right, you’re right. The Minnesota Wild struck gold when they drafted Joel Eriksson Ek 20th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft as they now have their franchise centerman.
Eriksson Ek is your prototypical two-way center who is as proficient in the defensive zone as he is in the offensive zone (very). The 6’2″ – 207 lbs. forward has the perfect NHL frame and has athleticism out the wazoo.
Marcus Foligno, a current teammate on the Wild, spoke about the young buck and said that he asks his favorite players for one of their sticks and will use them during practices without skipping a beat. This goes to show how talented this kid really is.
Ottawa Senators #21: LW/C Roope Hintz (Ilves – Liiga)
Original Pick #21: C/RW Colin White (U.S. National U18 Team – USDP)
The Ottawa Senators had the opportunity here at 21st overall to add a potential NHL All-Star to their lineup in Roope Hintz but ultimately decided to go with a player who comes from one of the most touted development programs in the world, Colin White.
Colin White isn’t a bad pick here for the Senators, but it’s not a good one either. In the last two seasons, the Tampere, Finland, native Roope Hintz has been tearing up the NHL, scoring 37 goals and netting 48 assists in a total of 88-games played for the Dallas Stars. In comparison, White has 33 goals and 55 assists in 200 career NHL games.