16 Thoughts: Draft Edition
It's my busy season
Welcome back to 16 Thoughts, a series a kin to Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts but cut in half due to only talking about Carolina Hurricanes prospects. For the past 3 podcast episodes, Matt and I have covered a piece of prospect news and then not even a day later, another piece of news breaks that makes me slightly sad that it didn’t make the episode. That trend has continued again, so let’s get into these Thoughts (12 this week).
1. I do expect Stanislav Yarovoy to sign his entry level contract sometime soon. It was interesting that his KHL rights were traded from Vityaz to Spartak, but that’s more because Vityaz is ceasing hockey operations.
2. I’m still holding my ground about Amir Miftakhov. More reports still claim that he’s rejected any offer from Ak Bars Kazan and is headed to Carolina. Still don’t know if it happens, but that’s 4-5 reports for 3-4 different reporters. I’d like to imagine it happens.
3. I was thrown off guard on the Alexander Rykov extension. I did truly think he was going to come to North America (mainly from his comments during his draft, but that was also 2 years ago), but I’m not upset. He doesn’t turn 20 until July and has the chance to come over next season.
4. This should also be good for his development. With Traktor losing Maxim Shabanov (Philadelphia) and potentially Vitaly Kravstov (who knows), Rykov can be in a good spot for a role in the top 9 if he stays healthy.
5. Draft wise, I have never seen a better opportunity to trade out of the first round than this year. The talent after picks 1-12/15 become very interchangeable so it makes sense to just move back. I know we just did a mock draft where we took Zharovsky in the first but we really, really wanted to move back.
6. I know I wrote about Pyotr Andreyanov in the goalie section of the draft guide, but I’d take his name off the list, as it’s rumored he signed a contract extension with CSKA until 2030.
7. I honestly wish I went more in depth on forward Theo Stockselius. Solid prospect there with a great story. In case you didn’t know, Stockselius was diagnosed with cancer back in 2022.
8. There a hefty few Russians in the first couple rounds and I’m going to grade the likelihood for their draft chances by the Canes in the first 3 rounds:
Zharovsky: Love the player, eh
Prokhorov: Doubt it
Andreyanov: Doubt it
Limatov: Love the player, doubt it
Ryabkin: Personal opinion, highly doubt he’s drafted before the 5th round and I highly doubt the Canes would draft him.
Medvedev: See Thought 10
Frolov: Would like to see it
Agafonov: Doubt it
9. My point here being, there is a lot of value in Russian players further down the board IMO. But also, this draft is so volatile that I wouldn’t be shocked if multiple guys here are in the Lenovo Performance Center come early July.
10. The Canes have taken 1 player from the CHL in the past 3 years, and that player doesn’t play in the CHL anymore (Justin Poirier left for Maine, in case you forgot). I don’t think that trend changes.
11. As a reminder, Matt and I will be live on the Canes Prospects account for Days 1 and 2 of the NHL Draft. Should be a fun time!
12. I will be at Canes Development Camp for all 3 days getting to know new prospects and getting interviews with whoever I can.
Should be an exciting next week coming up!