Latvian hockey players in NHL draft: analysts' assessments and predictions
Three Latvian hockey players were selected in the NHL draft: Bērzkalns, Plūmiņš, and Mūrnieks. Analysts highlight potential but note risks.
This year's NHL draft saw three Latvian players selected: forward Dans Bērzkalns, goalie Patriks Plūmiņš, and forward Olivers Mūrnieks. Analysts have offered mixed evaluations of their chances to reach the NHL.
Bērzkalns – Edmonton Oilers pick
Bērzkalns, who became the sixth highest-drafted Latvian in history, was selected 58th overall in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers. Analysts from The Athletic rated Edmonton's overall draft as C-, the second-worst among all 32 teams.
Analyst Corey Pronman said he liked Bērzkalns but called him no sure thing. Pronman described Bērzkalns as a big, strong center with good skating speed, projecting him as a capable two-way player who could eventually become a third- or fourth-line NHL forward.
Another analyst, Scott Wheeler, was not impressed with Edmonton's draft but acknowledged the difficulty of picking late. Wheeler noted that Bērzkalns has clear qualities that could allow him to become a bottom-six player, though he personally ranked him lower than 58th.
Plūmiņš – Toronto Maple Leafs prospect
Goaltender Patriks Plūmiņš was selected 114th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pronman praised this pick, giving Toronto's draft an A+ grade. He highlighted Plūmiņš's excellent hockey sense and ability to track the puck and opponent attacks. Plūmiņš is considered a potential second-string NHL goalie.
Mūrnieks – Buffalo Sabres opportunity
Olivers Mūrnieks was chosen 124th overall by the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo's draft was rated B-, and the Mūrnieks pick was considered solid. The analyst stated that the Latvian has good chances to become an NHL bottom-six forward.
