Silvertips eyeing offense in import draft

EVERETT — A year ago, the Everett Silvertips hit the jackpot. Today they’re hoping to come up aces one more time.

The Canadian Hockey League Import Draft takes place this morning, and the Tips are once again well positioned to add an impact player to their roster.

Everett has the 10th overall pick in today’s draft, the annual crapshoot that distributes European players among the 60 teams of the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The draft, which is renown for the unpredictability of what teams are getting, lasts two rounds.

Last year Everett picked 11th overall and selected Swiss defenseman Mirco Mueller. All Mueller did was become Everett’s No. 1 defenseman as a 17-year-old, and he was selected in the first round of Sunday’s NHL draft by the San Jose Sharks.

This year the Tips are looking for a forward, and ideally they’ll find one who has the same type of impact Mueller did last season.

“There are some real high-end guys who are real question marks because you don’t know whether they’re coming (to the CHL),” said Everett general manager Garry Davidson, who confirmed the Tips will select a forward. “There are eight to 10 good guys who were picked in (Sunday’s NHL draft), but with a lot of those guys you’re just not sure. They may have contracts in Europe and you don’t know if they can get out of them, or they’re Russian and likely to sign in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League). What it does is leave us looking a little more at younger guys, like Mirco.”

Each team in the CHL is allotted two roster spots for European players. Everett released Czech winger Stathis Soumelidis earlier this offseason to become eligible to use its first-round pick.

However, despite the presence of Mueller on the roster, Everett is eligible to use its second-round selection (70th overall) as well. A recent rule change states that if a team has a European player on its roster who is selected in the first round of the NHL draft, that team is eligible to add a third European. The purpose of the rule is to provide teams insurance against the NHL draft pick making his NHL team, thus leaving his junior team with a gaping hole. If the NHL draft pick returns to his junior team following training camp, the junior team must get back down to two Europeans.

Davidson indicated he intends to use his second-round selection, even though it’s fully expected Mueller will be back in Everett next season.

“We plan on using it, we’re just not sure how,” Davidson said. “It’s possible we’ll take someone who’s not coming this year, but may come next year.”

This year’s draft is also the last chance for CHL teams to add European goaltenders. Hockey Canada, because of a perceived lack of development among Canadian goaltenders, has directed the CHL to phase out European goalies. European goalies currently in the CHL will be allowed to play out their junior eligibility, and today teams are allowed to select goaltenders in the first round only. But goalies will be barred from the import draft beginning next year.

Everett, with Austin Lotz entrenched as the team’s No. 1 netminder, is not in the market for a goaltender. Nevertheless, Davidson found the decision to ban European goalies curious.

“Personally, I struggle with that decision a little bit,” he said. “I really think the CHL is the best junior league in the world, and it should have the best players. If that means European goalies, I’m fine with that. (Hockey Canada) feels development of goalies is an issue, but I’m not sure having one or two high-end European goalies makes that much difference. The development is needed at the younger levels. But that’s just my personal opinion.”

Check out Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog at http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog, and follow him on Twitter at NickHPatterson.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.