Prior to the UHL39 Entry Draft, the Trappers made several deals that affected their draft positions
First off they traded away a 5th and 7th rnd pick in exchange for J.Drouin before receiving the Slapshots 1st round pick in return for a 3rd round pick and Zemgus Girgensons.
Finally, in another trade with the Gander Slapshots, the Trappers shipped a 4th round pick for defenseman Brandon Montour.
When the dust had settled, the Trappers had eight picks to their disposal going into the UHL Entry Draft. Having drafted three goalies last year, it was clear the Trappers would be after skaters only this year.
Brendan Brisson, C – 1st Round – 19th Overall
Playing on a stacked USHL squad, Brisson was consistently the team’s top player. His mind for reading the play allows him to anticipate and create in a seemingly perfect combination. His one timer on the right side of the power play is a devastating weapon, but the subtleties of his game are what makes him so appealing. The reigning USHL Rookie of the Year is off to the University of Michigan for 2020-21, where he’ll be a part of a deep and talented freshman class. There’s a realistic chance that this kid has the ability to one day be a top-line center
Although Brisson was billed by many as a two-way forward while playing for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, he will need to continue to develop his defensive game and straight-line speed to realize his full potential. As with virtually all draft prospects, he’ll also need to put some additional muscle on his 6’00”, 185 lb frame to compete at the pro level. Brisson is currently playing for the USA at the World Junior Championship.
John-Jason Peterka, LW – 1st Round – 27th Overall
Peterka is a gritty, hard-nosed, forechecking winger who plays a strong game along the boards and works relentlessly to bump the opposition off the puck. As of now, he is 5’11”, 192 lbs. Along with his ability to convert opportunities near the crease, his tenacious fore checking style makes him a dangerous scoring threat in the lower half of the offensive zone.
Peterka had a solid rookie season on one of the top teams in DEL, although his role was somewhat limited. He also played very well at the WJC last year. Peterka’s calling card is his skating ability; his speed is among the best in this class. His shot isn’t great but it’s pretty good and he can also finish plays up close. He has very good hands. He uses his speed to create scoring chances for himself but he doesn’t create as much for others. He’s more of a complementary offensive player, but with the right line mates, he’s capable of putting up some points
Emil Andrae, D – 2nd Round – 47th Overall
Andrae had a great season in SuperElit, the top junior league in Sweden, as he led all defensemen in points. He’s a small (5-9, 183) offensive defenseman but his defensive game is surprisingly good, especially his active stick and positioning. He’s a great puck-mover that can create offense. He can make long breakout passes from his own end, but he can also carry the puck. He thrives in the offensive zone and his all-around game is also very good. His speed isn’t great but his quickness is very good, while his agility and balance are great.
Jean-Luc Foudy, RW – 3rd Round – 75th Overall
Speed and playmaking are the name of the game with Foudy. His production didn’t meet expectations this season but he was often stuck playing with bigger, slower players that couldn’t keep up to his speed and skill. He filters pucks to the slot at a high rate and creates chances in the offensive zone with silky passing and good vision. His shot is good but he doesn’t use it enough to make it a true weapon in his arsenal. He is one of the most boom-or-bust prospects in the draft and could make a team very happy if things work out
Justin Sourdif, C/RW – 4th Round – 95th Overall
Sourdif is a swift, hard-working winger who plays responsibly in all areas of the ice. Although it lacks general consistency, he has the workings of a point producer and a keen eye for seeing the game. Yes, he will need to work on bringing it all together as a whole if he is to take his game to the next step.
Sourdif brings a simple approach to the game, playing with constant pace. He lacks explosive speed and consistent creativity but displays strong awareness and anticipation. An all-around forward that’s quick to engage and owns plus-vision, he can complement high-skill with his tenacity and IQ.
Ryan Francis, RW – 5th Round – 137th Overall
A highly skilled but diminutive forward, Ryan Francis is a fun player to watch. His impressive skill set allows him to be productive at the junior level but he will need to improve on his strength and puck protection if he hopes to make it to the UHL. His play making and vision will allow him to produce at the UHL level and he should be an effective power-play threat with his ability to dangle and manipulate a defense with his vision. Very real boom-or-bust potential. He will either make it as a productive play making winger, or never even step onto an UHL ice surface.
Oskar Magnusson, RW – 6th Round – 159th Overall
Magnusson had a great season playing on a very mediocre Malmo J20 team that didn’t have many offensive options besides him. He was among the best under-18 players in the circuit. His size (5-10, 165) may be below average but his skill set and all-around game are definitely above average. He’s a great skater with great hands and a pretty good shot. Despite being an offensive player, he was often used on the penalty kill and didn’t look out of place. Magnusson is expected to spend most of 2020-21 at the men’s level, trying to earn a regular spot on Malmo’s SHL team.
Matias Rajaniemi, D – 6th Round – 165th Overall
The lanky 6-4, 201-pounder prefers simple passes and occasional slappers from the point. If he has a future in the pros, it’s as a shutdown defender. Rajaniemi was named to Finlands WJC roster to defend the Suomi blue and white.