Last draft season, I posted eight players I found to be sleepers of the NHL draft class to my Twitter account. Seven of those guys ended up being drafted and are continuing their development with their NHL franchises. This year, I have seven more names, along with the one who was not selected last year.

Josh Doan, F, Chicago (USHL): As a re-entry, Josh Doan is everything you want out of a hockey player: smart with a high IQ, strong skills, and a relentless work ethic. While Doan likely will never become a dominant scorer, he provides the type of game that championship contending teams would kill to have. He will be a team’s top penalty killer, while also being useful on the powerplay as needed. Give Doan time to develop in College and the NHL team that spends the draft capital on him will be celebrating down the road.
Chase’s Projection: Top-nine winger warranting PP and PK time
Round of Flier: 2nd+
2020-2021 Stats: 53GP 31G 39A 70P 45PIM
 
Janis Jérôme Moser, D, Biel-Bienne (NL): The oldest player who has a legitimate chance to be drafted this year, Moser rapidly developed into one of the better defensemen in the Swiss League this year. Strong shut down defenseman who offers two-way ability and can play on the PP when needed. Skates well and progressed so rapidly that it is worth taking a shot at holding his rights.
Chase’s Projection: NHL defenseman who can be used in all situations
Round of Flier: 5th+
2020-2021 Stats: 48GP 9G 21A 30P 10PIM
 
Ethan Cardwell, F, Barrie (OHL): The highest-ranked player to go undrafted last year, Cardwell is an immensely talented player who performed well for Barrie after being traded in 2020. With the OHL shut down this year, he took his talents to the HockeyEttan in Sweden, where he performed very well. A smooth skater with the finishing touch that teams constantly look for in the draft, Ethan Cardwell should never have gone undrafted.
Chase’s Projection: Middle-six scoring winger
Round of Flier: 3rd+
2020-2021 Stats: 18GP 9G 18A 27P 22PIM
 
Billy Constantinou, D, Soo (OHL): Guy who I had here last year but still did not get drafted. Third time draft eligible defenseman who should have been drafted by now but was thrown into the top defenseman role on a terrible team at 17 years old. Incredibly smooth skater who you can trust on every inch on the ice. His vision is high-end, which helps show off his puck-moving skills. Strong in his own zone, especially below the goal-line. Has the type of skill set that will transition seamlessly to the NHL.
Chase’s Projection: Trustworthy top six defenseman Round of Flier: 5th+
2019-2020 Stats: 60GP 9G 44A 53P 49PIM
 
Tristan Lennox, G, Saginaw (OHL): A kid who at one time was talked about among the elite goalies in this draft class, Lennox struggled in his second OHL seasons after strong flashes as a rookie. Everything is there; size, athleticism, skill, but he needs to put it all together at one time. If he can do that, he can be a star.
Chase’s Projection: NHL starting-caliber goalie
Round of Flier: 4th+
2019-2020 Stats: 33GP 3.63GAA .876SV%
 
Miguël Tourigny, D, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): A small-statured offensive defenseman whose skill level never should have went undrafted. We do not see very many NHL defensemen of his size, but Tourigny proved himself this season, scoring over a point per game in the QMJHL. His defensive game needs to improve and he could be more of a long-term project, but he could be worth the wait.
Chase’s Projection: Bottom pair offensive defensemen
Round of Flier: 5th+
2020-2021 Stats: 32GP 15G 21A 36P 33PIM
 
Florian Elias, F, Mannheim (DEL): Another re-entry player, Florian Elias made his name known at the most recent World Junior Championships for Germany where he scored 4 goals and 9 points through 5 games. Elias earned the promotion to the pro league this season and flashed potential NHL skill that is worth investing in. Will be another guy who needs time and patience, but very well could pay off.
Chase’s Projection: Bottom-six scoring forward
Round of Flier: 4th+
2020-2021 Stats: 34GP 3G 5A 8P 12PIM
 
Théo Rochette, F, Québec (QMJHL): My final player is, yet again, a re-entry player. Rochette fits the bill of a pure playmaker: his number one asset as an NHL player will be his passing ability. He is also reliable defensively and can fit a NHL role that many teams would kill to have. Pair him with a pure shooter and a strong connection will lead to both players excelling.
Chase’s Projection: Middle-six center
Round of Flier: 4th+
2020-2021 Stats: 32GP 12G 18A 30P 10PIM

Got any guys you really like not listed here? Make sure to comment and tweet at me @chawdust. Make sure to follow the Bolts Broadcast on Twitter as well @BoltsBroadcast!

Expansion draft protection lists are due Saturday, July 17 and the Ducks are at risk of losing another quality player. Just like they lost Clayton Stoner back in 2017. Haven't heard of him? That's okay. The Ducks traded Shea Theodore, in exchange for Vegas selecting Stoner. This was done to ensure that exposed players Josh Manson and Sami Vatanen, core pieces to the Ducks' future, were not selected by Vegas. Theodore was splitting time between the NHL and AHL for the two seasons prior, and it looked like the offensive defenceman couldn't translate his game to the big league. Stoner was a depth piece that had been regressing for the last few seasons. Seemingly not big losses.

However, things took a dark turn when Vatanen was traded a few months later and Theodore was in the process of putting up career numbers on a surprisingly successful Vegas team. Anaheim messed up big time. But at least Josh Manson is still a big part of the team (and also likely protected this go-round).

The Ducks won't make the same mistakes this time. They will protect their best players and pray that Seattle takes mercy on the league's 2nd worst team this past season. There also are not projected to be any side deals. Thankfully, the Ducks are a young team and have a good amount of key pieces that are exempt from the wrath of the Kraken.

Below is The Quack Report's projected expansion list. For an in-depth discussion on this, check out Episode 54 of The Quack Report on your favourite podcast platform!

Forwards:
Adam Henrique
Jakob Silfverberg
Rickard Rakell
Danton Heinen
Troy Terry
Isac Lundeström
Max Jones

Defencemen:
Cam Fowler
Hampus Lindholm
Josh Manson

Goaltender:
John Gibson

​Be sure to follow @QuackReportPod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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While the NHL's best teams are battling it out for the Stanley Cup, somewhere in the league's basement, two GMs are trying to work out a deal to give a franchise player a new home. Jack Eichel is on the move and Anaheim is one of the frontrunners to acquire him. 

Obviously the deal isn't done yet, but it sounds like the LA Kings are officially out of the Jack Eichel sweepstakes. All that remains are Anaheim and Columbus. However, Buffalo would prefer to get Eichel as far away from Buffalo as possible (and I'm sure Jack feels the same way), so Anaheim seems like the likely landing spot. That is, for the right price...

Buffalo wants another high first round pick, which means a deal doesn't happen unless it includes the words "3rd overall pick". But to me, that's worth it for an elite scoring talent! That's something the Ducks have been missing for the last couple seaspns. However, we won't get off that easily. Buffalo will probably want a couple of other players/assets to add to their Swiss cheese roster. But what does that mean? Do the Ducks sell high after Max Comtois' career year? Do we still need Trevor Zegras if we're getting Eichel? Is Jamie Drysdale a surplus piece that we could afford to get rid of?

​Jack Eichel would be nice, but I don't think I'll like what it costs.

Check out the latest episode of The Quack Report wherever you get your podcasts for answers to all this and more! And be sure to follow @QuackReportPod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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​On Episode 167 of The Sota Pod, the boys talk about beer right off the hop! Isha tries his first "Gose" beer...and his reaction is worth listening to this podcast alone! Hoppy continues to sip on Northland Vodka, repaying his debt to Mark Parrish. Hoppy agreed to advertise Northland Vodka until the New York Islanders are eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, IF the Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round.

Unlike Isha and Q in this episode, this is a win/win for Hoppy and Parrish.

Q then joins the show for another segment of "Make Good Choices". He talks about how he made a poor choice in agreeing to ride a makeshift roller coaster on a Frisbee Golf Course...Drunk. Joey Nadeau hops on the show in the final segment for another installment of Judge Joey, and puts Isha in a tough spot...

What team will be better off in five years: The Toronto Maple Leafs or the Buffalo Sabres?

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe!

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Don't Fear just drink some Beer, and Stay WILD!

Kirill Kaprizov will re-sign with the Minnesota Wild! Yes "re-sign"... not resign! 

Just breathe everyone.

With news that Kirill Kaprizov's camp is playing hard ball out of the gate in contract negotiations, Minnesota Wild fans are rightfully loosing their minds. 

"All these years of patience for the guy to potentially leave"!? 

Rest assured, General Manager Billy Guerin is going to do everything in his power to both sign Kirill Kaprizov, and make the necessary adjustments to the roster in order to take positive steps forward next season. Further on-ice tweaks are on the horizon. No one wants to be patient any longer, but the light is in view at the end of the tunnel! 

On Episode 166 of The Sota Pod, Isha and Hoppy share some sports-related stories about their Dads in a special Father's Day edition of the #hoppyhour segment. Various topics around the NHL are also covered in the podcast, especially the horrific story coming out of TSN, reporting on the allegations that a former Chicago Blackhawks video coach sexually and emotionally abused two former Blackhawks' players in 2010. James Nichols, editor-in-chief at The Hockey News, and host of the Nassaumen Hockey Podcast also joins the boys to talk about the New York Islanders Stanley Cup Playoffs run thus far, and sits-in on this week's Tim Peel's HOT MIC of the Week segment: John Tortorella vs. Bert Blyleven!

It's time for another player review on the Stick Hungry Podcast! After this past season you would expect most of our reviews to be negative, you would be right, this review however takes the cake. Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a career low year. Not only did his offensive production slip but his overall time on ice fell dramatically. At times this season it appeared as if Vlasic was a fringe NHL defensemen. Moving forward Vlasic may be placed on the bottom pairing for the Sharks making more room for young talent. Can the Sharks afford to commit 7 million dollars on a depth defensemen? My answer is no. 

Let us know what you think of pickles season! Comment below

Be sure to follow us on social media @stickhungrypod 

Watching underdogs succeed in professional sports is truly spectacular.

In the case of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders are demonstrating that chemistry and heart can be more valuable than pure talent, when competing for Lord Stanley. 

More on the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Islanders series in the next The Sota Pod Podcast episodes. Right now it's all about Minnesota Wild Contract talk baby!

Friend of the show, Ross Brendel joined The Sota Pod, and OH BOY did he pick a good one to ride shotgun for! As always, the debate was heated between Hoppy and Isha. They argued about Kevin Fiala's future with the Minnesota Wild organization. When Kirill Kaprizov came up, they disagreed on contract structure, the dollar amount, and ripple effects of Billy Guerin conceding to the demands of Kaprizov's camp.

Unfortunately for Ross, he was caught in crossfire...However, he knew what he was getting himself into! 

In Episode 165 of The Sota Pod, Ross Brendel, host & producer of Minnesota Sports Chat & Development Specialist for KBEM FM joins the boys to chime-in on the Minnesota Wild Contracts Poll Question Thread. The boys also put the "Cider Pronunciation" debate to rest, and talk about Local Craft Beers & Frozen Pizza (7th Avenue Pizza being the GOAT of course)!

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe

REMINDER:
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Every Game & Every Round! Follow for details.

Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

Show:
The Sota Pod on Twitter & Facebook: @TheSotaPod
Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @BrendelRoss

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Don't Fear just drink some Beer, and Stay WILD!

​Summer has arrived! 

Nothing screams summer more than Beer, MLB Baseball, and a Minnesota Wild early Stanley Cup Playoff exit! Between Hoppy asking for cocktail suggestions at a wedding to our guest bringing the first Beer Cup Snake to Target Field, there was plenty to celebrate over the warm weekend. We close it out with a BANG on the latest Episode of The Sota Pod Podcast. 

On Episode 163 of The Sota Pod, the boys are joined by Jack Leverentz (@bossman_10k), co-founder & CEO of the Minnesota-Based Media Company, 10k Takes!

Jack talks about his birthday bash which included organizing the first Beer Cup Snake at Target Field during last weekends' Minnesota Twins game against the Houston Astros. He shares the entire story on The Sota Pod, including how he was tipped-off that an over-priced Gatorade could get him Jumbotron screen-time. 

The boys then dive into the NHL Seattle Expansion Draft, and discuss who they think will be selected. 

Finally, Isha asks Hoppy and Jack which "Tim Peel's Hot Mic of the Week" selections reign supreme: 

Adrian Dater going full Bill O'Riely VS. Shaq sucking poison from...YOUR WIFE! 

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe!

REMINDER:
NHL Playoffs Contest @hockeypodnet
Every Game & Every Round! Follow for details.

Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

Show:
The Sota Pod on Twitter & Facebook: @TheSotaPod
Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @10k_takes

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It's the offseason and that means its time for season reviews for the Sharks roster. On Episode 55 Season 2 of The Stick Hungry Podcast Nick Flohr & Dylan Keyzer breakdown the career year for Evander Kane. Evander Kane was able to produce at a high level all season for the San Jose Sharks, putting up 22 goals, 27 assists for a team best 49 points. Kanes 49 points put him at a 72 point pace over a regular 82 game season which would have been Kane's career high. Kane has also gained the trust from his coaching staff, Nick Flohr notes in this episode that Kane had a dramatic increase in defensive zone face-offs vs offensive zone face-offs. A dramatic decrease in penalty minutes is surely another reason for Kanes new found trust with the coaching staff. 

Report Card:
Dylan: A
Nick: A+

What grade would you give Kane for the 2020-2021 season? Comment below!

Follow the Stick hungry Podcast on twitter @stickhungrypod

Listen Here: ​https://link.chtbl.com/stickhungrypodcast

Friday Sota Pod's are ALL about the Minnesota Wild!

Well, most of the time...

This particular The Sota Pod Podcast, the pronunciation of "cider" became the main focus of the show. No matter where the conversation went, it somehow came back to how Americans and Canadians pronounce "cider".

Hoppy even brought the conversation to Twitter:

But don't worry! Plenty of Minnesota Wild topics were covered to fill out this banger of a podcast that kicked off the weekend! 

On Episode 162 of The Sota Pod, the boys alongside Dylan Keyzer, co-founder of The Hockey Podcast Network, talk about Dean Evason being a finalist for the NHL's Jack Adams Award. They also dive into what Minnesota Wild expensive forward is most likely to be moved if Matt Dumba stays with the organization. Finally, Isha attempts to provide some late NHL potential first-round draft prospects for the Wild at the center and winger position.

Though he nailed the segment, he butchered the names:

All that and MORE so be sure to Subscribe

REMINDER:
NHL Playoffs Contest @hockeypodnet
Every Game & Every Round! Follow for details.

Make sure you follow The Hockey Podcast Network on Twitter @hockeypodnet as well as your favorite host @TheSotaPod.

Show:
The Sota Pod Twitter: @TheSotaPod
Host: @VISportsTalk & @stateofhoppy @joeynadeau

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