With eight picks in the first 83 selections, the Kamloops Blazers are set up very well heading into the WHL Prospects Draft Wednesday and Thursday.
“We’re looking for players who compete and who are smart first and foremost,” said Blazers Director of Player Personnel Aaron Keller.
The hockey club has perhaps the best draft board in the WHL heading in with the 8th overall selection and then three second round picks at 30th, 36th and 46th overall. They also hold picks at 59, 80, 82 and 83 overall.
“”Now with the abundance of picks management has accumulated it’s really positive. Basically it’s on myself and the staff to find good players that fit,” continued Keller who will lead his third Draft with the organization.
It’s possible the Blazers move a pick or two with other WHL teams trying to move into the 2nd round. The price would likely have to include an impact player now and/or future picks down the road depending on the need of the organization.
“I like our list. Whether we use all the picks or management moves on some, my job is to be ready to go. To get the best player available.”
The Blazers hold the 8th overall selection – their highest pick since the 2019 Draft when they selected D Mats Lindgren 7th overall. It was the Lindgren trade to Red Deer in 2022 that netted them this 8th overall pick from the Rebels.
“After the top three players, it’s really anyone’s guess on which direction it’ll go. It could veer off a number of different ways,” said Keller.
“We’re confident we’ll get a good player (8th overall),”
This year, the two previous Drafts – the US Priority and the WHL Prospects – will be combined into one. Changing NCAA eligibility rules mean more US Players will be making their way into the WHL without losing College eligibility. Those players could still choose to stay closer to home in the USHL. Will the Blazers dip their toe in south of the border?
“Everybody (around the WHL) is trying to navigate that. Its always going to be best player available to a certain degree with us. The big thing for us is we would hope that they come. If they do come they will enjoy the City, the team, the organization and the facilities.”
Wednesday’s opening round will begin at 5PM PT and will be broadcast in Victory +. The remaining rounds run Thursday beginning at 9AM PT online at www.whl.ca.
