After another season that fell short of expectations, the Halifax Chaos have made it clear that simply being competitive is no longer enough. Management has taken an aggressive approach this offseason, reshaping the roster with a series of blockbuster trades designed to transform the Chaos from playoff outsiders into playoff contenders.

The headline move came when Halifax dealt center James Pontes to the Moose in exchange for superstar pivot Fox O'Callahan. The acquisition instantly gives the Chaos one of the most dangerous top lines in league history. O'Callahan is expected to center LW Williams and RW Lahdo, creating a trio that combines elite scoring, playmaking, and finishing ability. On paper, it may be the most explosive first line assembled in team history since the league's inception.

Not content to stop there, the Chaos continued their roster makeover by sending Bogdan Laptev and Ramazan Buranbayev to the Razorbacks for center Adrian Karygiannis and winger Niko-Markus Tukia. Karygiannis brings proven offensive production and should provide the secondary scoring Halifax has often lacked in key moments. Tukia adds versatility, depth, and offensive upside, giving the Chaos multiple lineup options on their second and third units.

The biggest addition on the blue line may be even more impactful.

Defenseman Alexis Pitsadiotis arrives in Halifax carrying a reputation as one of the league's premier offensive blueliners, having eclipsed the 50-point mark in each of the last two seasons. Pitsadiotis will immediately anchor the Chaos defense corps and quarterback the top power-play unit. His pairing with promising young defenseman Pelle Johnson could prove to be one of the most important developments of the season. Johnson's growth has been evident, and the opportunity to learn alongside a veteran of Pitsadiotis' caliber should accelerate his development considerably.

Heading to the Moose in that transaction were defenseman Mekhnin and winger Goupil.

Halifax wasn't finished.

In another savvy move, the Chaos acquired LW Philippe-Olivier Jansen in exchange for Terrence Mazzei. While not generating the same headlines as some of the blockbuster deals, Jansen is expected to play a crucial role in the team's success. A reliable two-way winger, he brings defensive responsibility, strong puck management, and enough offensive touch to contribute throughout the lineup.

The final piece of the offseason puzzle came with the acquisition of young center Olaf Brieger. The smooth-skating pivot is viewed as a player with significant upside and could become an important part of Halifax's future plans. For now, Brieger is expected to spend time developing with the Yeti, where he will have the opportunity to play alongside Keaton Kanji and continue refining his game before making the jump to the Chaos roster.

Taken individually, each move addresses a specific need. Together, they represent a complete organizational shift in philosophy.

The Chaos have added elite talent, improved their secondary scoring, strengthened their blue line, and bolstered their organizational depth. After years of searching for the right formula, Halifax management has pushed its chips to the center of the table.

The message is clear: the time for patience is over.

The Chaos aren't building for the future anymore.

They're building to win now.

After a heartbreaking loss in the S5 Beacon cup finals, GM Bouchard knows the expectations for the next season are high. First, the Trident traded Philippe-Olivier Jansen to the Chaos for Terrence Mazzei and a 2nd round pick. Many believe that this move was mainly to make room for Michal Stellon, who had a tremendous season with the Wolverines, posting 72 points in 76 games.  

“We loved what Jansen did for our team since he got here, but with the young guys coming up, we could not keep Philippe-Olivier and give him the ice time he deserves. The Chaos got themself a great player in Jansen. Of course, we are also thrilled to welcome Mazzei in our team. He’s a great two-way center that has the ability to produce offensively, which is a pretty hard thing to find in this league.”
Next, the Trident acquired goaltender Jim Gloeckner from the Mighty Moose in exchange for a 4th round pick. Rumours say this might hint at a return to the farm for Daulton Gammon. He was absolutely dominant in the playoffs, but his performance during the regular season was not up to par.

“Gammond is still a big part of our future plans. We even made deals with expansion teams to make sure that he stays with us. We just want to do what is best for his development and adding an experienced goaltender in Gloeckner gives flexibility and depth to our goalie rotation, which is always a good thing. We also believe that Gloeckner has not been given the opportunity to shine and show his talent yet. We think he can be a solid pro goalie for us that can share the net with Shibahara.”

The Trident then added to their depth by trading for season 4 cup winner Eddie Schmidtke for a 3rd round pick. 
 

For Immediate Release:

The Bandits saw captain Rickey Rogan selected by Calgary in the expansion draft.  With it, marks yet another sign that Denver is moving on from its first few seasons.  GM Clow had this to say about how it played out:

"We've had conversations with Rickey through the end of last season and in the beginning of the offseason.  Obviously as a franchise, we haven't accomplished what he had hoped from the beginning, and all parties felt that it was time for a fresh start.  He (Rickey), is a phenomenal leader, and a really valuable guy to have in that locker room.  An amazing human being who gave it his all each game, exactly what you hope out of a captain and a number one defenceman playing tough matchups.  They (Calgary) are getting a great leader and player, and one that will be missed for sure,  Exactly the type of guy that a new team wants to form the culture over there".

As a result, a new captain has been named.  Winger Lloyd Mceachern has been named as the second captain in Bandits history, with Nino Hebar continuing to serve as the alternate captain.  The team has committed to one alternate captain at this moment.
It's a sign that the new wave of players is what the GM and team is focused on.  Players like Quinton Parsons, Rickey Rogan, and coach Trent O'Brien are now elsewhere, leaving the team to look towards the future and trying to build a new core that will ultimately achieve the goal of the franchise, which is to compete for years to come, and ultimately win a championship.  

Are there any more major changes coming?  That is to be determined.  But it's clear that management believes in the new young core of players that have been drafted and developed, and that has gotten the fans excited as the offseason continues.

Listen here:     https://youtu.be/HTuXE-25TTw

The first round of the Season 6 LTLHL Entry Draft delivered exactly what a growing league hopes for — surprises, emotional moments, bold reaches, safe picks, organizational identity selections, and a very noticeable run on defensemen. Several franchises clearly prioritized building from the back end outward, while others chased skill and upside up front.

Let’s break down every pick from Round One.

1. Denver Bandits – D Gerhard Ryffel (Honolulu Islanders)

Denver wastes absolutely no time going for the cornerstone defender. Ryffel at #1 overall says the Bandits believe elite defense wins championships, and frankly, that’s hard to argue with after watching recent playoff runs across the league. Ryffel projects as a minute-eating, all-situations defender capable of anchoring a franchise for a decade.

Positive: Safe pick. High floor, high ceiling, leadership potential.
Negative: Passing on offensive game-breakers at #1 always carries risk. If Ryffel becomes merely “very good” instead of elite, critics will question bypassing forwards with higher offensive upside.

2. Tucson Muertos – Gavriil Nazarov (Saskatoon Berries)

Classic Tucson pick. High skill, high creativity, and potentially one of the most electrifying offensive players in the draft. Nazarov feels like the type of player who could either become a perennial superstar or frustrate coaches with inconsistency.

Positive: Possibly the highest pure offensive upside in the class.
Negative: There may be questions about defensive commitment and whether his game translates physically over a full season.

3. Saint-Lambert Maulers – Brody Eastwood

This feels like a “culture” selection as much as a hockey one. Eastwood screams dependable two-way hockey player — maybe not flashy, but the kind of player coaches trust late in games.

Positive: Safe organizational player with likely strong locker room value.
Negative: Some teams may have viewed this as slightly conservative for #3 overall.

4. Seattle Stormbreakers – C Zane Bourbonna

Seattle goes down the middle with a center that many scouts reportedly loved. Bourbonna has the type of name and style that already sounds marketable. If he develops physically, this could become one of the steals of the draft.

Positive: Franchise center potential. Smart positional value.
Negative: Some concern about whether his offensive ceiling matches the players selected around him.

5. Massachusetts Militia – LW Skip Evans (Warhawks)

The emotional centerpiece of the first round.

The Militia selecting Skip Evans in honor of the GM’s late father immediately became one of the defining moments of the draft. Beyond the emotion, though, this is not merely a sentimental selection. Evans reportedly brings grit, work ethic, and scoring touch from the wing.

This pick feels very “Militia.” Identity-driven. Emotional. Blue-collar. Personal.

Positive: Instantly creates one of the league’s most compelling player stories. Could become a fan favorite immediately.
Negative: Fair or unfair, emotional selections always invite scrutiny if higher-ranked players remain on the board. Evans will carry pressure because of the meaning attached to the pick.

Still, this may end up being remembered as the heart of the entire draft.

6. St. Louis Voodoo – C Oystein Gravdahl

Quietly one of the smartest picks of the round. Gravdahl may not generate headlines, but he projects as the type of center winning teams need in playoff hockey.

Positive: Strong hockey IQ and likely dependable in all situations.
Negative: May never become a true elite offensive force.

7. Rochester North Stars – D Ernests Vizmanis (St Johns Newfies)

Rochester clearly prioritized defensive structure. Vizmanis sounds like a modern puck-moving defender with mobility and upside.

Positive: Smart long-term organizational pick.
Negative: Could take longer to develop than some forwards still available here.

8. Edmonton Blizzard – LW Edo Rozman (Saskatoon Berries)

This feels like one of the better value picks of the top ten. Rozman reportedly has serious offensive upside and may have slipped slightly due to inconsistency concerns.

Positive: Potential top-line winger at #8 is excellent value.
Negative: Streaky offensive players can disappear at times.

9. Quebec Harfang – D Aleksandrs Berzs (Wichita Warhawks)

Fresh off a championship, Quebec makes the kind of composed, calculated pick championship teams often make. Berzs sounds less flashy and more “future top pairing shutdown defender.”

Positive: Organizationally mature selection.
Negative: Fans hoping for offensive fireworks may find the pick underwhelming.

10. Calgary Lumberjacks – RW Ken Arn (Saskatoon Berries)

One of the more intriguing picks in the round. Calgary swings for skill and scoring on the wing.

Positive: Offensive upside and international flair.
Negative: There may be concerns regarding physical play or consistency.

Could become a steal if his scoring translates quickly.

11. Laval RedBull – D Elias Widlund (Boulder Grizzlies)

Another defenseman. By this point, the draft’s identity was obvious: teams covet blueliners.

Widlund feels like a modern transitional defenseman capable of moving the puck efficiently.

Positive: Smart puck-moving defender for the modern game.
Negative: Perhaps not as physically imposing as other defenders selected earlier.

12. Atlanta Royals – G Armon Berra (Buffalo Chill)

Finally, the first goalie comes off the board.

Atlanta clearly believes Berra has franchise-goaltender potential, because taking a goalie in Round One always carries risk.

Positive: If Berra hits, this becomes one of the smartest picks in the draft.
Negative: Goalies are notoriously unpredictable development-wise.

Massive boom-or-bust selection.

13. Maine Mighty Moose – D Shamus Daubert (Warhawks)

Maine doubles down on physicality and defensive reliability. Daubert sounds exactly like a Moose player already.

Positive: Identity match. Tough, dependable, playoff-style defender.
Negative: Offensive upside may be limited.

14. Las Vegas Voltage – LW Aro Joki (St Johns Newfies)

Vegas trades into the pick and immediately grabs offense. That suggests they feared Joki wouldn’t survive much longer.

Positive: Aggressive move shows conviction.
Negative: Trading assets for a winger increases pressure for immediate results.

15. Minnesota Dockheads – Boris Potokov (Warhawks)

One of the most fascinating names in the round. Potokov sounds like the type of hard-nosed player fans adore.

Positive: Potential power-forward energy.
Negative: Depends heavily on skating development.

16. Toronto RedTails – G Gerold Giesen

Toronto makes history with its inaugural draft selection and immediately plants its flag with a goaltender.

That’s a bold franchise-defining decision.

Positive: Sends message that defense and stability matter first.
Negative: Passing on skaters in an expansion-type situation is risky.

17. Blues – Stanislav Budaj (Warhawks)

The Warhawks pipeline is officially dominating this draft.

Budaj sounds like a high-character, steady player who may outperform his draft slot.

Positive: Potential sleeper value.
Negative: May lack elite dynamic upside.

18. Orcas – Vojtech Pavlovec

A very “mystery box” selection. Some scouts likely love this pick, while others may feel it’s a reach.

Positive: Potential hidden gem upside.
Negative: One of the least predictable picks of the round.

19. Rochester North Stars – LW Mitchell Megna (Islanders)

Rochester balances their earlier defensive selection with a winger that could contribute faster than many expected.

Positive: Nice balance between immediate help and long-term upside.
Negative: Some may question whether there were higher-ceiling players available.

20. Port City – D Roderick Tomkins (Buffalo Chill)

Another defenseman. At this point, defensemen were flying off the board almost every other pick.

Positive: Reliable defensive foundation piece.
Negative: Might project more as a second-pair defender than a true star.

21. Massachusetts Militia – Brandt McAlister

The Militia follow their emotional first selection with a more businesslike pick.

McAlister feels like a classic “complementary hockey player” selection — perhaps not flashy, but likely useful.

Positive: Helps balance the earlier emotional pick with practicality.
Negative: May not excite fans immediately.

Still, pairing Evans with McAlister gives Massachusetts an interesting blend of heart and structure.

22. Edmonton Blizzard – D Grayson Wiley (Saskatoon Berries)

Edmonton continues mining Saskatoon heavily.

Clearly they see something in that system.

Positive: Organizational familiarity and likely chemistry traits.
Negative: Heavy drafting from one source team can become risky if evaluations are overly influenced.

23. Dynasty – D Svit Auber

Quietly one of the better-value defense selections late in the round.

Positive: Could outperform draft slot significantly.
Negative: Lacks the hype of earlier defenders.

24. Seattle Stormbreakers – D Radko Majer

Seattle leaves Round One with a center and a defenseman — arguably one of the strongest positional combinations of any team.

Positive: Excellent roster-building strategy.
Negative: May still lack pure elite scoring punch.

25. Miami Trident – D Pasi-Pekka Hoikkala

Fresh off a Finals appearance, Miami goes for defense and structure rather than flashy offense.

Positive: Smart “win-now and future” hybrid selection.
Negative: Fans may have hoped for more offensive excitement late in Round One.

26. Tucson Muertos – D Lenny Varley

Tucson closes the round by balancing their earlier high-skill forward selection with defensive depth.

Positive: Strong overall draft balance for Tucson.
Negative: Varley may have been available later.

Overall Round One Themes

1. Defensemen ruled the draft

Blueliners absolutely dominated the first round, showing where league GMs believe championships are won.

2. The Warhawks pipeline was everywhere

Wichita players were heavily targeted throughout the round, suggesting scouts valued that organization immensely.

3. Emotional drafting moment belongs to Massachusetts

Skip Evans instantly became one of the biggest stories of Season 6 before even playing a game.

4. Teams prioritized identity over hype

Very few “wild” swings happened in Round One. Most teams drafted players fitting organizational philosophy rather than simply chasing pure talent.

5. Goalies remain fascinating risks

Atlanta and Toronto both made bold bets in net. One of those picks could become legendary — or heavily second-guessed in a few seasons.

*** I asked Chat to do a mock draft based on the existing team roster. I did not give further instructions. *** 

The Season 6 draft class opens with a clear identity: premium centers at the top, a strong group of 18-year-old defensemen through the middle of the first round, and a goalie tier that probably begins in Round 2 rather than the top 26. Using the R1–R2 Need Mock board, this mock leans on best-player-available early, then gradually shifts toward organizational fit once teams with multiple picks begin shaping their pipelines.

Denver starts the night with the cleanest decision on the board. Seattle, Edmonton, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Tucson, Rochester, Maine, and Massachusetts all hold multiple meaningful picks, which creates the real story of the first two rounds: teams are not just drafting players, they are building positional waves.

Round 1

1. Denver Bandits — Oystein Gravdahl, C, Storm

Denver takes the best player on the board. Gravdahl brings the strongest model score in the class, a premium center profile, and major production with 32 goals and 74 points in 82 games. For a Bandits team sitting in the middle of the roster-strength picture, this is the obvious franchise-building pick: scoring, age value, and positional importance.

2. Massachusetts Militia — Boris Potokov, C, Warhawks

The Militia use the Halifax pick on another elite center. Potokov is nearly tied with Gravdahl by model score and actually outproduced him with 76 points. Massachusetts needs high-end pieces more than narrow positional patching, so taking a premium center here is the safest and most valuable play.

3. Saint-Lambert Maulers — Zane Bourbonnais, C, Warhawks

Bourbonnais gives Saint-Lambert the most productive offensive player among the very top tier, finishing with 87 points. He profiles as a playmaking center and gives the Maulers a player who can drive offense rather than simply complement it.

4. Seattle Stormbreakers — Gavriil Nazarov, C, Berries

Seattle has the lowest roster overall in the mock’s team-need lens, so the Stormbreakers cannot afford to get cute. Nazarov is a 77 OVR, 18-year-old two-way center with 75 points, making him both safe and projectable. He gives Seattle a foundational piece to build around.

5. Tucson Muertos — Brody Eastwood, C, Storm

Tucson takes the fifth center in the top five. Eastwood brings a goal-scoring edge with 37 goals, and while he ranked sixth by model score, the fit is easy to justify. Tucson has multiple firsts, so starting with a high-upside Canadian center gives them flexibility later.

6. St. Louis Voodoo — Gerhard Ryffel, D, Islanders

The first defenseman off the board is Ryffel, a 76 OVR two-way defender with major offensive production: 76 points from the blue line. St. Louis gets a premium-position prospect who can become more than just a defensive specialist.

7. Rochester North Stars — Nigel Erni, C, Chill

Rochester gets excellent value with Erni still available. He ranked fifth on the board but falls to seventh after the Voodoo prioritize defense. With 82 points and a two-way profile, Erni gives the North Stars another strong center option in a system that can now build around forward depth.

8. Port City Privateers — Edo Rozman, LW, Berries

Rozman is the first winger selected, and the appeal is clear: 40 goals, 81 points, 75 OVR, and a two-way tag. Port City needs more finishing talent, and Rozman gives them a winger with both production and ratings support.

9. Toronto Redtails — Tikamir Zila, C, Islanders

Toronto goes for center succession. Zila’s 70 OVR is lower than several players still available, but the model likes his production, and his 68 points in 75 games make him an interesting development bet. The Redtails’ aging high-end pieces make a younger center a logical target.

10. Calgary Lumberjacks — Stanislav Budaj, RW, Warhawks

Calgary is strong enough to draft for upside rather than need. Budaj gives them a pure scoring winger with 34 goals and a 75 OVR profile. This is a luxury pick for a better roster: add a dangerous right wing and keep the pipeline balanced.

11. Laval Red Bull — Aleksandrs Berzs, D, Warhawks

Laval goes blue line with Berzs, a 76 OVR shutdown defenseman. His offensive production is modest, but the defensive profile gives Laval a high-floor prospect at a premium position. For an organization with older premium pieces, this is a succession pick.

12. Atlanta Royals — Bryn Maybury, LW, Chill

Atlanta uses the New York City pick on Maybury, a strong value winger with 33 goals and 75 points. Rather than reaching for positional need, the Royals take one of the better remaining forwards on the board.

13. Maine Mighty Moose — Grayson Wiley, D, Berries

Maine starts its draft with a defensive anchor. Wiley is a 75 OVR shutdown D, and while the offensive numbers are not flashy, the role fit is strong. The Mighty Moose need to build a defensive foundation, and Wiley gives them that.

14. Los Angeles Dynasty — Skip Evans, LW, Warhawks

The Dynasty take one of the better goal-scoring wingers in the class. Evans scored 39 goals, giving Los Angeles a pure offensive winger to support a veteran-heavy roster. This is a straightforward scoring-upside pick.

15. Minnesota Dockheads — Roderick Tomkins, D, Chill

Minnesota begins what becomes a very deliberate succession draft. Tomkins is a 76 OVR two-way defenseman, and the Dockheads use their first pick to address the blue line before later turning to goalie depth.

16. Quebec City Harfang — Brandt McAlister, D, Islanders

The defending-caliber Harfang pipeline gets heavier with McAlister. He is a shutdown defenseman, 18 years old, and fits the kind of playoff-style profile that makes sense for a competitive roster drafting with acquired capital.

17. Memphis Blues — Aloys Johansson, RW, Berries

Memphis adds skill on the wing with Johansson, a playmaking RW who posted 73 points. The Blues could have looked at center or goalie depth, but Johansson is too good a forward value to pass up at 17.

18. San Francisco Orcas — Andreas Karlgren, LW, Berries

Karlgren gives San Francisco a skilled left wing with a playmaking profile. His production, 62 points, is not as loud as some earlier forwards, but the model and fit keep him firmly in the first-round conversation.

19. Rochester North Stars — Mitchell Megna, LW, Islanders

With their second first-rounder, Rochester doubles down on forward talent. Megna had 50 points in only 59 games, making him a strong production-per-game value. After taking Erni at center, adding a winger like Megna gives the North Stars a more complete forward wave.

20. Edmonton Blizzard — Edgars Cuksts, D, Storm

Edmonton begins the most obvious draft theme of the night: defense, defense, defense. Cuksts is the first of several Blizzard blue-line picks, and his 35 points give him enough offensive utility to fit a modern defensive pipeline.

21. Massachusetts Militia — Jannis Bruvers, C, Terror

The Militia take another center swing. Bruvers has a lower OVR at 70, but his production is excellent: 32 goals, 45 assists, 77 points. Massachusetts is prioritizing premium offensive value over perfect roster fit, and that is the right move for a team that needs more high-end talent.

22. Edmonton Blizzard — Radko Majer, D, Fog

Edmonton uses the Saint Paul pick on another defenseman. Majer gives them a second 18-year-old D in three picks, reinforcing the idea that the Blizzard are using draft volume to rebuild or refresh their blue line.

23. Las Vegas Voltage — Hunter Tozzi, LW, Chill

Las Vegas takes a safer forward before turning to goalies later. Tozzi is a 75 OVR LW with enough production to justify the pick, and for a strong roster, he adds useful scoring depth without forcing a reach.

24. Seattle Stormbreakers — Pasi-Pekka Hoikkala, D, Berries

After taking Nazarov at 4, Seattle uses the Cape Cod pick to add defense. Hoikkala is a 76 OVR defenseman, giving the Stormbreakers a clean first-round pairing: franchise forward at the top, high-rating defenseman later.

25. Miami Trident — Aleksandr Podgaisky, RW, Storm

Miami, a contender-type roster in this mock lens, adds a right winger with upside. Podgaisky’s 62 points and 72 OVR make him a reasonable late-first selection for a team that does not need to force an immediate roster fix.

26. Tucson Muertos — Niko-Veikka Lindsten, LW, Storm

Tucson closes the first round with Lindsten, a Finnish playmaking winger who posted 61 points. After taking Eastwood at center, the Muertos add a complementary winger and leave Round 1 with two forwards who can grow together.

Round 2

27. Denver Bandits — Ken Arn, RW, Berries

Denver pairs Gravdahl with a winger. Arn has 69 points and a 75 OVR, making him one of the better available fits for a team that already landed the top center.

28. Saint-Lambert Maulers — Svit Auber, D, Storm

After taking Bourbonnais in Round 1, Saint-Lambert balances the draft with Auber, a defenseman with useful production and a clean second-round profile.

29. Maine Mighty Moose — Carmine Sommervill, LW, Newfies

Maine follows its defensive first-round pick with a scoring winger. Sommervill scored 31 goals, giving the Moose a needed offensive injection.

30. Seattle Stormbreakers — Armon Berra, G, Chill

The first goalie comes off the board. Berra is only ranked 60th in the model, so this is a reach by pure board value, but Seattle can justify it because of rebuild status and extra capital. A .909 save percentage and 74 OVR give him legitimate goalie-prospect appeal.

31. Edmonton Blizzard — Elias Widlund, D, Grizzlies

Edmonton continues its blue-line push, and this may be the best offensive defenseman value of the run. Widlund had 74 points, including 59 assists, making him a major upside pick.

32. St. Louis Voodoo — Jesse-Petteri Ivari, RW, Chill

After Ryffel in Round 1, St. Louis turns to right wing. Ivari brings a 74 OVR and scoring profile, giving the Voodoo balance between defense and forward finishing.

33. Rochester North Stars — Erik Mortensen, RW, Gators

Mortensen is older at 19 and lower rated at 68 OVR, but the production is very strong: 75 points. Rochester continues to stockpile forward skill.

34. Port City Privateers — Ernests Vizmanis, D, Newfies

Port City gets its defenseman after taking Rozman in Round 1. Vizmanis is a 76 OVR D, which is strong value in this slot even if the points are modest.

35. Toronto Redtails — Josiah Sunday, C, Spirit

Toronto doubles down at center. Sunday is 21, so he does not have the same age-adjusted upside as the 18-year-olds, but 60 points in 69 games gives the Redtails a more mature prospect who could be useful sooner.

36. Calgary Lumberjacks — Lenny Varley, D, Berries

Calgary balances Budaj with a defenseman. Varley’s production is light, but the 75 OVR rating makes him a sensible second-round defensive depth pick.

37. Laval Red Bull — Camden Gordienko, D, Newfies

Laval goes defense again. Gordienko joins Berzs as part of a blue-line succession plan, giving the Red Bull two young defenders in the first 37 picks.

38. Las Vegas Voltage — Vojtech Pavlovec, G, Chill

Vegas makes the first of two goalie swings. Pavlovec’s sample is small, but the numbers are excellent: .931 save percentage and 1.74 GAA. This is a bet on efficiency and upside rather than model rank.

39. Maine Mighty Moose — Leo Stenberg, D, Reds

Maine returns to defense with Stenberg, an 18-year-old Swedish D who produced 34 points. The Moose leave the top 40 with two defensemen and a scoring winger, a very balanced start.

40. Minnesota Dockheads — Sten-Erik Rusanen, G, Terror

Minnesota addresses future goaltending with Rusanen. His .918 save percentage over 70 games gives him a stronger workload argument than some other goalie options.

41. Minnesota Dockheads — Benjamin Haab, D, Newfies

The Dockheads immediately follow the goalie pick with another defenseman. Haab is a 74 OVR D, reinforcing Minnesota’s draft identity: future stability in net and on the blue line.

42. Denver Bandits — Roy Perzchajlo, C, Force

Denver takes an older center with major production: 76 points in 78 games. After Gravdahl and Arn, this gives the Bandits another center option and a potentially quicker-development forward.

43. Edmonton Blizzard — Walter Waspe, D, Steelers

Another Edmonton defenseman. Waspe is 19 and ranked lower than the pick slot, but 62 points from defense makes him one of the more interesting offensive blue-line gambles in the second round.

44. San Francisco Orcas — Peter Vall, RW, Grizzlies

The Orcas add a finisher. Vall scored 36 goals, making him a strong second-round winger bet after San Francisco took Karlgren in the first.

45. Quebec City Harfang — Shamus Daubert, D, Warhawks

Quebec City takes another shutdown D. After McAlister at 16, Daubert gives the Harfang a clear draft theme: defensive floor, playoff-style depth, and future blue-line insulation.

46. Edmonton Blizzard — Eli Judd, RW, Newfies

Edmonton finally pivots back to forward. Judd is 20, but 66 points gives the Blizzard good value after heavily investing in defense.

47. Las Vegas Voltage — Remi Kvam, RW, Reign

Vegas adds scoring depth with Kvam, a 19-year-old right winger who produced 72 points. After taking a goalie at 38, this is a useful offensive correction.

48. Halifax Chaos — Enrico Katze, RW, Reds

Halifax starts its draft with a value winger. Katze is not a first-round-caliber prospect, but at 48 he gives the Chaos a useful forward pipeline piece.

49. Las Vegas Voltage — Gerold Giesen, G, Force

Vegas takes its second goalie of the round. Giesen has a .914 save percentage, 72 OVR, and a full 70-game workload. The Voltage are clearly using second-round capital to build goalie depth.

50. Cape Cod Stingrays — Ionut Sotir, C, Menace

Cape Cod gets center depth with Sotir. He is 20, but 63 points in 82 games gives him a reasonable second-round profile at a valuable position.

51. Halifax Chaos — Juraj Carny, LW, Invaders

Halifax adds another forward, this time on the left side. Carny posted 58 points, giving the Chaos a second useful winger in a draft where they had to wait until Round 2 to enter.

52. Memphis Blues — Erik Dina, C, Hellcats

Memphis closes Round 2 with center depth. Dina’s 54 points and plus-skating note make him a reasonable follow-up to Johansson, giving the Blues one winger and one center through two rounds.