Tigers Select Alexei Platonov

The Medicine Hat Tigers selected huge Russian Defenceman Alexei Platonov who stands 6'5 203 lbs.


Here is a scouting report on Platonov from hockey's future.
One of the biggest Russian prospects for the 2015 NHL Draft, Platonov is a defense-first player who can use his size to his advantage in the defensive zone. He has very good mobility, especially for a player of his size. Platonov could be a very interesting name for the 2015 draft since NHL teams will give much value to his large body and skating ability. He has some offensive skills, but needs to use them more often in his game.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/117017/2015-nhl-draft-no-clear-favorite-among-russian-prospects-at-mid-season/

Platonov at the beginning of the year was considered to be in the top 10 Russian prospects for last year, but had some early injury troubles. He was not taken in the recent NHL draft. I've read conflicting reports about his puck handling ability, but they all say that he is strong and mobile in his own end.

I believe taking russian players can be hit or miss as their is no transfer agreement. I understand he signed a 3 year contract last with Atlanty Mytishchi of the MHL.   The site I took that info from is hard to read and I believe he does have a clause to opt out in case he wants to come over to juniors. (The translated site I read says a bilateral clause for the NBA, I'm going to take that as an out clause for the CHL)

It confirms that the Tigers did release last years import Michael Spacek, as Red Deer took him 6 spots ahead of the Tigers in the import draft.

The Tigers blue-line suddenly looks a lot bigger with 3 bodies  6'4 + and it appears they are all quite mobile as well.

Ty Stanton(20) 6'4 Ty Schultz(18)  

David Quenneville(17)  Tamas Laday(19) 6'7  (interesting potential pairing)

Brad Forrest(18) Alexei Plantonov 6'5

 PROSPECT

It will be interesting to see how the 2 new euro defencemen turn out. This blueline seems very difficult to predict on what they are capable of.

Tigers Deal For Import

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs announced today they have traded Hungarian defenseman Tamas Laday to the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for an 8th Round pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.

“This trade was initiated on a couple of fronts,” said Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz. “First, we have an abundance of good, young defensemen that we feel are ready to play. Second, with the 26th pick in the upcoming import draft, we are only allowed to draft an import player if we have an available import spot.”

Spokane now has one European import roster position to fill heading into Tuesday’s CHL Import Draft; Austrian forward Dominic Zwerger occupies the second. The 26th overall pick marks the highest import draft position the Chiefs have held since 2005. Laday was originally acquired by the Chiefs as the 42nd overall pick in the 2014 CHL Import Draft.

“Tamas improved greatly last year after adjusting to the North American game,” Speltz continued. “We appreciate his contribution and wish him the best with his opportunity in Medicine Hat.”

Laday played 60 games for the Chiefs last season, recording six assists while piling up 104 penalty minutes (second-highest on the team). He added an assist and 12 penalty minutes in six playoff games.

Thoughts

Tamas Laday is a big guy standing 6'6 190lb. He was involved in 8 fights through 60 games in his rookie season. Laday spent most of the season bouncing up and down between the 2nd and 3rd defensive pairing with spokane. We could expect him to jump into a 2nd pairing role providing some toughness and grit.  

Defensive group

Ty Stanton(20) Ty Schultz(18)  

David Quenneville(17)  Tamas Laday(19)  (interesting potential pairing)

Brad Forrest(18) PROSPECT

PROSPECT

PROSPECT

An 8th round pick is very cheap. If he can prove to eat 2nd line minutes that will be considered an excellent value deal.

We will find out tomorrow if the Tigers kept last year's import Michael Spacek. If they have, they won't be drafting anyone in the import draft.  I've heard unconfirmed reports that he was dropped, which would be disappointing as it looks like he wants to come over this season. If he was dropped the Tigers will be able to draft another euro in the draft.

1 Tiger Taken in 2015 Entry Draft

With the 131st pick in Round 5 the Montreal Canadians selected Matthew Bradley

Import
Listed Import Michael Spacek was taken in Round 4 by the Winnipeg Jets 108th overall. It is unknown if he will come over. He apparently has a 1 year contract remaining with Pardubice HC.

He was interviewed and in the interview he had a translator who mentioned that he hopes to come over to North America.

He was selected by the Tigers in round 1 51st overall in last years Import Draft but may have been dropped.

Connor Hobbs
The Former Tiger was taken 143rd overall in Round 5 by Washington

SMG & Tigers Reach an Agreement

Well we knew with the release of the WHL Schedule that the Tigers and SMG must have come to some kind of agreement. Nothing is in writing yet, but they have reached framework for a deal.

http://www.tigershockey.com/article/tigers-and-smg-reach-understanding

CHL Import Draft
Will take place in less that a week.  Tuesday June 30th
http://www.chl.ca/draft/chl  - Link for future reference