Sea Dogs select two Czechs in Import Draft

The Saint John Sea Dogs went big with their first round pick in the CHL Import Draft on Wednesday, selecting 6'5", 191 lbs forward Ostap Safin.

The 18-year-old from the Czech Republic was drafted in the fourth round by the Edmonton Oilers in last weekend's NHL Draft.

Safin has spent his entire career in the Czech Republic, which includes stints with the under-18 and under-17 national teams. He's produced some good offensive numbers over the past couple years, but nothing mind blowing.

Here's a look at his numbers from 2016-17, from Elite Prospects (click to enlarge).

Although Safin was a fourth-round pick of the Oilers, most publications had him going higher. He was ranked 98th by HockeyProspect.com, 53rd by ISS Hockey, 40th by Future Considerations, 66th by McKeen's Hockey and 51st by TSN's Bob McKenzie.

Ostap Safin to SNB, big and talented Czech forward. If he had more consistency he would had gone way higher than 115th in the NHL draft

— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) June 28, 2017

#CHLImportDraft
Really like the Saint John pick of Ostap Safin (#Oilers). Felt he was worthy of higher selection than 4th round

— Brendan Ross (@RossyYoungblood) June 28, 2017

Saint John selects Edmonton Oilers pick Ostap Safin, had said he wants to play in NA. Was my 31st ranked prospect in 2017

— Brayden Sullivan (@SullyDraftGeek) June 28, 2017

The Sea Dogs also used their second round pick on Wednesday, picking Czech defenceman Radim Salda.

Like Safin, the 18-year-old has also spent his entire career in his home country and has some national team experience. Here's a look at his 2016-17 numbers, via Elite Prospects.

Salda is listed at 6'1" and 176 lbs by the CHL.

As expected, the OHL's Barrie Colts selected Andrei Svechnikov with the first overall pick. The Moncton Wildcats picked second, taking 17-year-old Russian forward Alexander Khovanov.