While the Tri-City Americans saw none of their players drafted to the NHL in 2020, they have plenty to look forward to in 2021. Of the roster that concluded their ’19-’20 season with Tri-City, there are a number of possibilities for the Americans to see some names called at the 2021 NHL Draft.
As we enter what hopes to be the last month without Western Hockey League action, our community continues to look forward to next summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Specifically for Tri-City, both Talyn Boyko and Marc Lajoie have found themselves listed on NHL Central Scouting’s list of players to watch. Boyko is heading into his third season with Tri-City, while Lajoie is entering his second.
Talyn Boyko
One of only a handful of goaltenders listed, Boyko finds himself in a promising position heading into the WHL season. Having participated in 24 games during the ’19-’20 season, he finished with a 4.52 GAA and a .892 sv%.
The netminder from Alberta is entering a telling year and will be given an opportunity to shine during the unprecedented season to come. The Americans will be counting on him to be their backbone in the net. On the list with a “C” rating, he is currently thought to go in the fourth round or later at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. However, that could change quickly with a positive showing in 2021.
Marc Lajoie
Defenseman Marc Lajoie finds himself heading into his first year of NHL draft eligibility in a great spot. The 6-foot-4 Alberta native has the size and potential to thrive in the NHL
Following eight goals and five assists in 63 games in his first season with the Americans, Lajoie looks to make a strong case for himself in the eyes of scouts come during the season.
Lajoie finds himself joining his teammate with a “C” rating on the list by NHL Central Scouting. Entering his sophomore year with the Americans, he could climb his way up the rankings by draft day.
They are not alone
There are many others from Tri-City who are not named on NHL Central Scouting’s list that you can’t dismiss. Many of the 2021 draft-eligible Americans have been spending time on teams in other leagues and gaining valuable experiences every day.
Forward Samuel Huo is on loan to the Coquitlam Express in the BCHL until December 20th and should be back for his fourth year in the WHL should the season see a January start. Also on loan in the BCHL are Connor Bouchard (Penticton Vees) and Mitchell Brown (Salmon Arm Silverbacks),
Edge Lambert is on loan to the Grand Prarie Storm in the AJHL along with 2019 NHL draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Sasha Mutala.
In the VIJHL Booker Daniel is on loan to the Kerry Park Islanders while Parker Bell is on loan to the Campbell River Storm.
Ahead of what could be a wildcard season, fellow Americans Blake Stevenson, Aidan Lawson, Bryan McAndrews, John Little, Landon Roberts, Ian Ferguson, Tyson Greenway, and Mason Dunsford all find themselves eligible for the upcoming NHL draft as well.
Should all go to plan, we will see many of these players increase their stock throughout the season.
