Though they’re not quite as noteworthy as the NHL Entry Draft, junior drafts can give fans a glimpse of the future of professional hockey. Today, the WHL held their 2018 Bantam Draft where the Edmonton Oil Kings held the first-overall pick.
With that pick Edmonton took Dylan Guenther, a 15-year old center who put up huge numbers in the CSSBHL. 103 points in just 30 games, he easily led the league in scoring and will now try to continue that success in the CHL. Eligible for selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, we’ll surely hear his name a few more times over the next few years.
The rest of the first round results can be found below, while the entire draft can be seen here.
- Edmonton Oil Kings: C Dylan Guenther
- Kootenay Ice: D Carson Lambos
- Prince Albert Raiders: D Nolan Allan
- Calgary Hitmen: F Sean Tschigerl
- Kamloops Blazers: C Logan Stankoven
- Saskatoon Blades: F Colton Dach
- Red Deer Rebels: C Jayden Grubbe
- Lethbridge Hurricanes: C Zack Stringer
- Prince George Cougars: C Craig Armstrong
- Seattle Thunderbirds: C Kai Uchacz
- Medicine Hat Tigers: C Cole Sillinger
- Vancouver Giants: C Zack Ostapchuk
- Victoria Royals: D Nolan Bentham
- Tri-City Americans: D Mark Lajoie
- Brandon Wheat Kings: F Jake Chiasson
- Red Deer Rebels: D Kyle Masters
- Spokane Chiefs: D Graham Sward
- Kelowna Rockets: C Trevor Wong
- Portland Winterhawks: C Gabe Klassen
- Edmonton Oil Kings: D Keegan Slaney
- Prince George Cougars: G Tyler Brennan
- Moose Jaw Warriors: F Eric Alarie
Do any of these teams have like a direct tie with an NHL team?
I’m almost positive that’s not allowed
It isn’t. For example, Mark Hunter was forced to abandon all managerial posts and transitioned into a silent partner role when he accepted a management role with the Leafs in 2014. Same thing happened when Dale Hunter briefly left to coach Washington.
No. These are completely independent leagues for young, future/current draft eligible or drafted prospects. The closest thing to a link would be that the Hitmen, Oil Kings and I think the Giants play in the Flames, Oilers and Canucks buildings.
The Giants play at Langley events centre, not the Canucks arena
Thanks for the clarification. I couldn’t remember if they did or not.
No direct ties. Often times drafted players continue to play in this league.