CHL Import Draft: Tips at 2nd Overall, Wednesday, 8am PT
By Everett Silvertips staff
EVERETT, Wash. – Get ready to meet the future.
The 2021 CHL Import Draft, Wednesday at 8am PT through virtual coverage provided by chl.ca, will deliver the 2nd overall pick to the Everett Silvertips providing plenty of avenues for the next great import selection.
Who will it be? Nobody knows. What we do know, is the Silvertips will pick once, with Michal Gut remaining on the Silvertips protected list after earning the program’s Rookie of the Year honors in 2019-20, then forced to remain in Europe for the 2021 pandemic shortened season due to border restrictions.
The Silvertips have rarely drafted this high. The last time they picked 2nd overall, they got a future NHL’er out of the deal – defenseman Ivan Baranka (who starred on the Silvertips blueline for two seasons before making his debut with the New York Rangers in 2007-08).
Among the notables the Silvertips have taken with their first round pick? Lets meet them:
-
2003: Ivan Baranka (D), debut with the Rangers in 2007-08, made a pair of trips to the World Juniors with Team Slovakia
-
2005: Ondrej Fiala (F), selected by the Minnesota Wild in the 2006 NHL Draft, competed in the CHL Top Prospects Game
-
2009: Rasmus Rissanen (D), debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014-15, competed with Team Finland at the World Juniors
-
2010: Radko Gudas (D), a gem the Silvertips found with the 20th overall pick, still in the NHL with over 500 games experience, in addition to 26 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and has suited up for Team Czech Republic in the World Juniors and Olympics
-
2012: Mirco Mueller (D), another gem who was an instant success on the Tips blueline, was selected 1st round in the NHL Draft by San Jose, has 185 games played in “The Show,” and experience with Team Switzerland at the World Juniors and World Championships
-
2016: Eetu Tuulola (F), draft pick of the Calgary Flames, still forging a path in the pros as an AHL forward in Calgary’s system
-
2017: Martin Fasko-Rudas (F), integral part of the Tips run to the 2017-18 Western Conference title, had experience with Team Slovakia at the World Juniors, will compete in first pro season coming up in the Czech Elite League (formally: Czech Extraliga).
-
2019: Michal Gut (F), upon his return, will play a key role with the fellow incoming import slotted teammate, Tips Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 while gaining NHL Draft attention, and Team Czech Republic participant in January’s World Juniors in Edmonton
