Winnipeg draft party, part 2

The Jets begin to draft in the 2^nd round as they previously trade their 1^st pick to Boston. They put up 8 picks, here’s a resume of their draft with some comments on each prospect.

42^nd overall: Grant Mismash (LW)

Scouting report: A versatile and gritty forward with the USNTDP, Mismash is a slightly discounted version of Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk or Kieffer Bellows. One of the better goal scorers on this year’s version, Mismash is a high-energy player who, while he generally directs his energies for the benefit of his team, can be diverted a little too often, leading to the attention of the refs. he looks like a promising second line, goal scoring winger with above average pace and a high-end wrist shot - with a knack for getting himself open in the offensive end. His wrist shot is impressive - a scorcher he can snipe anywhere from the high slot on in. A motor always on high rev, and while neither his long distance nor his short-burst skating are electric, he is always ready to move. Combined with his hockey sense gives him a leg up on most, even others who might be more naturally fast. That he can also play pivot is a bonus.

64^th overall: Nikita Popugaev (LW)

Scouting report: He is a decent skater for his size, somewhat making up for a sluggish first few steps with strong top speed once underway. When he is at the top of his game, he uses his exceptionally long reach to good effect, giving him strong puck possession ability. Combined with good vision, he can be an effective playmaker. His shot is his most notable attribute, as he has a great release from the right side. He likes to patrol his weak side, making him sometimes challenging for netminders to pick up.

72^nd overall: Michael Dipietro (G)

Scouting report: Windsor born, Windsor raised and Windsor trained, DiPietro might rank as the top goalie of the 2017 draft class if he stood any taller than six foot nothing. A hybrid netminder who keeps his shoulders square to the shooter, he is calm and quick in net and is just as sharp stopping high shots as low due to his sense of positioning, putting the lie to his vertical shortcomings. Another clear strength of his game is his ability to control rebounds, as he seems prepared for any type of shot and when he cannot corral it, effectively pushes it out to the corners or to a teammate. If we look at what taller netminders bring, it is the ability to play from their knees and still cover the top of the net. The shorter goalie either gives away that top tenth percentile, or stays on his skates, and leaves the five-hole as an open target. DiPietro attempts to mitigate that conundrum by positioning his stick between his legs, cutting into the five-hole while he keeps his feet under him.

81^st overall: Reilly Walsh (D)

Scouting report: An offense-oriented defenseman, Walsh excels at moving the puck quickly up the ice and rifling dead-on wrist shots. His presence and relentless play elevates game pace, particularly in transition when dishing crisp and accurate passes to teammates in full stride. This, combined with his somewhat slight frame contradicts the prototypical blueliner mold as Walsh functions almost as a dangerous wing at times. A beast on the power play. Can hold his own on defense but should focus on development in the NCAA. Diligent and competitive, he’ll certainly put in the time and effort to bulk up over the next few years at Harvard to help withstand the rigors of the professional game.

103rd overall: Gavin Bayreuther (D)

Scouting report: A cousin of Ben Lovejoy of the New Jersey Devils, Bayreuther has put up impressive offensive numbers throughout his college career. In 27 games this year he has eight goals and 27 points. He has an outstanding slap shot, with excellent power and accuracy.  He shows the ability to be a power play quarterback with solid puckhandling skill, good vision, and strong passing ability. Bayreuther is also a very good skater showing good speed and the agility to walk the line and open up shooting and passing lanes. He was given offers last year, but opted to return to school. He has added strength which has helped him along the boards and in his own end of the ice. Bayreuther could still use a bit of time in the AHL and to get even stronger though.

 111^th overall: Kristofers Bindulis (D)

Scouting report: He has impressive size, and has had a strong season with 10 points in 26 games from the Lakers blue line. He shows a strong two-way game, with good positioning and gap control defensively. Offensively, he keeps his head up and makes smart decisions with the puck.  He handles it with poise, and does not seem to panic under pressure. Bindulis needs to add muscle to his frame.

113^th overall: Nick DeSimone (D)

Scouting report: The brother of Phil DeSimone, Nick has had a solid season with the Dutchman, showing increased offence and putting up eight goals and 18 points in 34 games. He is a good skater in both directions, and likes to join the rush.  DeSimone has a very good wrist shot and uses it to get the puck on net when faced with pressure at the point. He has a decent slap shot, which he keeps low and gets on it on net, giving his teammates the opportunity for tip-ins and rebounds

164^th overall: Santeri Virtanen

Scouting report: Named to the Finnish team for the WU18 tournament, he reminded scouts about his abilities on one of the biggest stages available for a draft eligible player. Six points in even games for the tournament runners-up was nice, but it was his two-way game that truly sparkled. He was a very dangerous penalty killer and scored a beauty of a shorthanded goal against Canada, showing a promising first few steps to get to a loose puck, a second gear to break free, and nice stick-handling and shot release to beat the Canadian goaltender. He is very effective away from the puck, using a strong sense of positioning and stick work to make offensive forays very difficult for opponents.  He is very effective away from the puck, using a strong sense of positioning and stick work to make offensive forays very difficult for opponents.