Sharks Select Splashy Skills, Some Size & Speed

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Sharks Select Splashy Skills, Some Size & Speed

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With no selections in the first three rounds going into the 2016 EHEC Entry Draft, the Sharks were not expected to make any waves in Buffalo. However, some necessary moves to clear cap space for the upcoming free agent signing period saw the Sharks acquire three extra picks in the 2nd, 3rd and 5th rounds. The losses were signficant - starting goaltender Roberto Luongo, reliable veteran defenseman Keith Ballard, and bargain bottom-sixer Quinton Howden - but not irreplaceable, and also unaffordable given the raises due to star wingers Alex Radulov and Patrick Sharp. With no further ado:

C/LW Clayton Keller - 55th overall, 2nd round
Acquired for Quinton Howden + SJ 4th 2017

At 5'10 and 175, USNTDP scoring sensation Clayton Keller is hardly an imposing figure, which almost certainly explains his drop to the later stages of the second round. There is no debating Keller's skill, however, and his skating is amongst the best in the draft class. While his defensive game needs work, some scouts say Keller is one of the most NHL-ready prospects in the draft from his skills and skating alone, and his conditioning is not far off the standard for regular third line duty. Expect to see Keller signed sooner rather than later.

EHEC comparable - A smaller, slicker Andrew Cogliano.

C/LW Otto Somppi - 73rd overall, 3rd round
Acquired for the rights to Roberto Luongo

Perhaps the most controversial acquisition of the draft, Somppi came at the high cost of Roberto Luongo, acquired from rival Arizona for the #22 pick (hulking but talented defenseman Logan Stanley). The low return on Luongo is not as surprising given his poor performance last season and the Sharks' desire to ship him back to the Eastern Conference. Having said that, Sharks' staff are excited about the Somppi selection, comparing him to former fan favourite Jaden Schwartz. Somppi is a reliable point producer with incredible vision and playmaking for his age. Although he does not use his 6'1 frame to his advantage at either end of the ice, he is at least discplined with his stickwork, and could carve a long-term role on a scoring third line without being a liability.

EHEC comparable - A poor man's Jaden Schwartz, with a bigger frame

W Keenan Suthers - 112th overall, 4th round
Acquired by not trading the damn pick in the first place

Suthers is roughly the polar opposite of Clayton Keller - towering, strong, and clumsy. However, the 6'6 behemoth does have a remarkable scoring touch and soft hands for his size. If anything, he could stand to put some more sandpaper in his game. His speed is more than adequate in a straight line but his edges need work. If all goes well, he could one day replace Quinton Howden's role as a 4th line banger who can pot the odd goal now and then.

EHEC comparable - A bigger, slower, gentler Quinton Howden

C/L Dmitri Sokolov - 131st overall, 5th round
Acquired for Keith Ballard

Keith Ballard was a valuable depth defenseman for the Sharks on a fair contract, but he became redundant with the emergence of Ian McCoshen and the acquisition of Alex Edler. Dmitri Sokolov is simply a sniper - his shot and stickhandling skills are close to NHL-level, and at 6'1, 205, his strength and checking abilities are very well-developed for his age. Scouts question his upside beyond his lethal shot, and he is criticized for being something of a puck-hog. Still, he may be ripe for an early emergence and a breakthrough rookie AHL season like fellow recent draftee Roman Dymacek.

EHEC comparable - Roman Dymacek

W Mikhail Belyayev - 142nd overall, 5th round
Acquired by not trading the damn pick in the first place

Belyayev is practically a carbon-copy of countryman Dmitri Sokolov, with the same size, skills and setbacks (an aversion to passing the puck). At 161 pounds, his strength and conditioning leave much to be desired, and Belyayev spent the season in Russia rather than jumping to the OHL as Sokolov did, so he is likely to remain there for the foreseeable future.

EHEC comparable - Dmitri Sokolov but 11 picks later

??? - 6th, 7th rounds - If any of these players amount to anything, we'll be the first to let you know.
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