Calgary Hitmen 2019-2020

Forwards

Note: Lines are for depth purposes only and not an attempt at line combos

Riley Stotts(19)(.92)	James Malm(20)(1.18)	Mark Kastelic(20)(1.17)
Jonas Peterek(18)(Import)	Carson Focht(19)(0.94)	Josh Prokop(19)(.43)
Riley Fiddler-Schultz(17)(.21)	Cael Zimmerman(18)(.42)	Tye Carrierre(18)(.35)
Hunter Campbell(18)(.28)	Sean Tschigerl(16)(4th overall)	Samuel Krajc(17)(NA)

Notes:

Calgary should have a fairly deadly top 2 lines. I count 4 guys who should be capable of getting PPG numbers. (Stotts, Malm, Kastelic, Focht) and another 3 who will be knocking on the door (Prokop,Zimmerman,Peterek).

While he wasn't drafted, Jonas Peterek played in the Czech Men's league at 17 last season. That is usually a very good sign for translating at the whl level.

The 3rd line full of players looking to make a bigger impact. The 4th line is full of some promising young guys.

Their offense is above average, it will be difficult to keep them off the scoreboard. Last season they were a bit small upfront, but have a slightly bigger group this season.

Defenceman

Jett Woo(19)(1.06)	Egor Zamula(19)(.92)
Dakota Krebs(20)(.41)	Jackson Van De Leest(18)(.31)
Layne Toder(19)(.19)	Luke Prokop(17)(.16)
Devan Klassen(18)(.11)

Notes: 

This is also a very solid group. Jett Woo and Egor Zamula are pretty much a dream pairing both #1 type defenceman. Woo is an NHL 2nd rounder. Zamula is an excellent 2-way defenceman who saw a big point increase with Calgary last season.

The Hitmen blue-line has monster size. 6'6,6'5,6'4,6'4,6'1,6'0, and great passing abilities that can take care of their own end. Prokop is the 7th overall draft pick in 2017 filling out their 3rd defensive unit.

Goaltenders

Stankowski, Carl (19)(.880)

McNaughton, Jack (18)(.888)

Notes

I would say their goaltending is about average but may have the potential to become above average. McNaughton was their starter and had an up and down season last year. The Hitmen will give them the ball and give them a chance to shine. If shining doesn't happen they may peruse the trade market later on in the season if they're in a position to go for it.

Draft History

Year/Player DOB	Age	Notes	Position
2018(2003)	16	+2 2nds, +1 3rd, +1 4th	4th
2017(2002)	17	No 4th	7th
2016(2001)	18	Extra 2nd, no 4th	16th
2015(2000)	19	No 3rd, +3 4ths	19th
2014(1999)	20	No 1st, +2 4ths	20th

Normally, later round picks equals lesser talent, however, the Hitman recouped some extra draft picks while having a later position in the draft. They also supplemented that group from trades with Swift Current a couple years ago and Moose Jaw in the off-season.

Import & Overage Questions

Both imports are signed and expected to report. They have 3 OA's
They have 3 Imports on their roster. They were able to draft another one since Zamula signed.

Initial Thoughts

They are going to be a favourite for first in the central, perhaps even first in the division.  They have a strong experienced roster. They should also start to see a plethora of good young talent entering their lineup with advantageous draft positions in the 2017 and 2018 draft years.