I don’t know about you, but the NHL Draft has become one of my personal favourite time of the year. Not because it’s a two-day stretch where the next “Ones” are brought into your respective organization, but because of all the outrage on Twitter that arises from it (Leafs Twitter, I’m looking at you).

Kyle Dubas gave Leafs fans something to talk about that October evening. Many appear to forget the only reason Leafs nation was even able to participate in the fun that is Day 1 of the Draft came at the expense of Jim Rutherford’s phone blowing up thick-rimmed-glasses style, but that’s a tired topic already. Dubas didn’t go for the patented “trade the pick down” move instead choosing to select Rodion Amirov from Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.

And of course, Leafs Twitter reacted accordingly by bringing up the fact that Amirov only had 2 assists in 21 games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa. There were also a lot of jabs at his size standing at 6’0” and 168 pounds.

I’m not going to go down the rabbit hole of breaking down why drafting for size is never the answer. If you want proof, check out the Leafs 2016 draft record (Auston Matthews doesn’t count).

The beauty of prospects is you get to watch them grow and improve into effective players. Amirov has been in many GIFs and video clips since his draft including this one from yesterday.

Amirov didn’t score but showing this kind of confidence as a 19-year-old in the KHL against experienced players. Said experienced player who was dangled to oblivion was 25-year-old Dillon Heatherington who was 313 AHL games under his belt and 11 in the NHL.

Does this one GIF mean Amirov is going to pan out? Do any of them lead to that conclusion?

No, but it definitely instills confidence in what Dubas and company saw in him when Mitch Marner called out his name with a smile.

In Case You Missed It

Back to Excited Episode 123 - Around the NHL (Part 2) - Pension Plan Puppets
From Montreal to Winnipeg, we wrap up our league-wide discussion

Around the Hockey World

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Allan Walsh is one of the most outspoken player agents in sports. Maybe because he's spent his entire adult life advocating for people. This is his story.

Here we go again

*takes a deep breath* YES

One day Brucey

And last but not least, keep your eyes open for something fun coming out at 9am ;)

From The Branches