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Monday, June 29, 2020

CHL Import Draft takes place Tuesday

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The Canadian Hockey League will hold its annual Import Draft on Tuesday at noon.

As you've probably heard, the Saint John Sea Dogs are expected to pick twice in this year's draft with Maxim Cajkovic traded and Joona Lehmus released. The Sea Dogs hold the 23rd and 83rd picks in the draft, respectively, although both will be higher due to teams passing on their selections. If things stay the same, Saint John's first pick will be 19th overall.

It seems the Sea Dogs are leaning towards skilled, younger players.

"We're locking in on a couple of guys who are offensively gifted," Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie told the Telegraph-Journal (paywall) last week. Georgie has said repeatedly in the past that the franchise's goal to use import spots on highly skilled players - but we have seen the team inch away from that model at times in the past.

"We're looking at players who be here multiple seasons - three-year guys or two-year guys, at least," Georgie added.

The OHL's North Battalion own the first overall pick followed the QMJHL's Acadie-Bathurst Titan and the WHL's Swift Current Broncos.

The Halifax Mooseheads (fifth overall) and the Quebec Remparts (14th overall but actually 11th) both pick ahead of Saint John, meaning there could be some big name import talent coming to the QMJHL this season. We'll see what happens.

The 2020 CHL Import Draft can be followed pick-by-pick online. Since clubs usually know who they are picking and a lot of teams will be passing, the draft usually goes quite quickly.

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