27th – Sam Rinzel, RHD, Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL
Sam Rinzel is a tall and lean right-shooting defenseman who just turned 18 on June 25th. He is 6’3 and 181 Lbs, so he will need to bulk up a bit. His smooth skating and ability to play a two-way game are his strengths. Rinzel recorded nine goals and 29 assists for 38 points in 27 games for Chaska High. He also recorded two goals and eight assists for ten points in 21 games for the Waterloo Black Hawks.
28th – Tristan Luneau, RHD, Gatineau Olympiques, QMJHL
Tristan Luneau is a two-way defender with size. He is 6’2 and 190 Lbs with great skating ability. Last season he recorded 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in 63 games.
29th – Filip Mesar, RW, HK Poprad, Slovakia
Filip Mesar is a highly skilled right-winger but needs to improve on playing through traffic. He recorded eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in 37 games.
30th – Jiri Kulich, C, HC Karlovy Vary (CZE)
Jiri Kulich is a solid two-way center with decent size at 5’11 and 180 Lbs. His skating and ability to read plays in the offensive zone are his biggest strengths. He will need to continue to add strength to his frame. Kulich recorded nine goals and five assists for 14 points in 49 games.
31st – Brad Lambert, C, Pelicans (Liiga)
Brad Lampert is a fast centerman with some decent size at 6’1 and 183 Lbs. He can be streaky, so he needs to improve on his consistency. Lampert recorded two goals and two assists for four points in 25 games.
32nd – Lian Bichsel, LHD, Leksand (SHL)
Lian Bichsel is a big 6’5, 216 Lbs. Left-shooting defenseman. Having a long stride and incredible reach allows Bichsel to close off gaps. He recorded one goal and two assists in 29 games.
The 2022 NHL draft should be a good one. It will be interesting to see if the Toronto Maple Leafs or any other teams trades away their first round pick. I for one would not be surprised if the Toronto Maple Leafs do trade the 25th overall pick. It could be used to help the team now. If they decide to keep it, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas could use a player like Rutger McGroarty.