Blades go with Norway and Sweden at the CHL Import draft



After hearing that Mark Rubinchik signed a KHL deal, there was another void to fill on the Blades blue-line.  They needed a big stay at home D-man and looking at their forward core, they need a top line left winger, fast forward to the CHL Import draft...

The Saskatoon Blades select Emil Malysjev 18th overall, a 6'3, 2001 born stay at home D-man.
The Blades 2nd pick was Kristian Marthinsen 59th overall, a 6'0, 1999 born forward, selected by the Washington Capatials in the 2017 NHL draft.

Malysjev seems to be what the Blades need on defense with the departures of Rubinchik and Fiala.  At 17 it's tough to say if he will be ready to be a top line shutdown guy.  He will have to earn that right at camp(if he shows)  Likely battling with Kustra for the right to be on the top line with Davidson. 

Marthinsen as it stands, seems like the picture perfect selection to become the Blades top line left winger(centered by Wouters and Paterson on the right wing)  Marthinsen is labeled as a speedy hardworking winger with an excellent shot and perhaps more importantly, a physical player.  I eluded earlier that Colton Dach getting selected will help with the physicality up front in the future, but Marthinsen can help with that NOW. 

If these 2 players report and come as advertised, then id have to give an A+ to the Blades staff for the picks.  They fill very specific needs that the Blades had to really complete their lineup.

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