In 2012 and 2013, the Bombers had an aggregate 22 draft picks. After a break in 2014 with only 4 draft picks, the Bombers aggressively accumulated 9 draft picks. The Bombers are proud to present the 2015 draft class, consisting of 7 forwards and 2 defensemen.
Nick Merkley, C/RW (18th overall) - The team's only first round draft pick, Merkley is a skilled playmaking forward with "a motor that never stops." The team was looking for high-end skill and was deciding between Merkley and Konecny, but shied away from Konecny based on his concussion history. While not a big player at 5'10, he has shown a willingness to use his body and has a strong compete level. He has the potential to be an elite 2nd line playmaker but needs to get much stronger before he is ready for the BFHL. Concensus rankings had him ranked in the mid teens. The team was hoping to take Svechnikov at this spot - Nick is well aware that he is only the Bomber's 2nd choice. [June 2019 Edit: Should've picked Konecny...]
Colin White, C (25th overall) - Colin had a tumuluous season catching mononuclesis during the year. His offensive stats clearly suffered as he was recovering from the illness during the year. At 6'0 183lbs, he is considered a giant amongst the typical Bombers pick. He can play solid defense while contributing effectively offensively and is committed to the strong Boston College program next season to refine his craft. He has the potential to be a 2nd or 3rd line two-way centerman. Brian Murray of the Ottawa Senators (from the clearly inferior-to-BFHL NHL league) even dared to compare Colin White to Patrice Bergeron. Thrashers GM, aka Chinese Jay Feaster, may have something to say about the comparison to the Thrashers superstar. Concensus rankings had White ranked in the mid-to-late teens. Bombers were considering taking Anthony Beauvillier and Jansen Harkens at this spot. Colin White was seen avoiding shaking Commissioner Ng's hand at the podium. [June 2019 Edit: Got all 3 players in the end]
Anthony Beauvillier, C, LW (30th overall) - Bombers GM stretched to get offensive upside after the safer White pick. Beauvillier is the typical Bombers size at 5'10. He has a high hockey IQ and is extremely effective at getting shots on net. He is highly versatile, and can play 11 of the 12 forward positions (excluding #1 center). Reservations have been raised about his puck possession ability. Various rankings had Beauvillier picked near the 30-40 spot. Bombers were considering taking Jansen Harkins and Jack Roslovic at this spot but thought that certain GMs would take Beauvillier before the 38th pick.
Jansen Harkins, C (38th overall) - In the team's original season, a Ferraro was drafted into the prospect pool. In 2013, the Bombers selected a Fitzgerald and a Tambellini. In 2014, the team picked up an Audette. Continuing in the tradition of picking ex-NHL players' sons, the team selected Jansen Harkins to ensure that the annual summer father/sons game remains entertaining especially after trading Daniel Audette last year. Harkins is a high IQ and compete-level player. No other players were considered at this spot as he was ranked in the 20-30 spot in most draft rankings.
Michael Spacek, F (58th overall) - A bit of a stretch. Bombers liked the NHL last name, even if Michael's dad wasn't THAT Spacek. Either way, it will create a more entertaining father/sons game when everyone questions Spacek on his true paternity. Already playing in the Czech men's league, Spacek is an exciting offensive player. Major knock against him is he's small (aka normal Bombers prospect size). He can be anywhere from a middle to top 6 forward. Players similar to Spacek's size and scoring ended up playing in the NHL approximately 30% of the time, so this was a calculated bet. Bombers considered taking Rasmus Andersson at this position, but decided to take the higher upside forward first.
Rasmus Andersson, D (60th overall) - After taking all those forward, the team decided to restock its defensive cupboard. Andersson is a safe pick, ranked well higher than where he was taken. He is an excellent puck mover and offensive defensemen. Unlike other Bombers draft pick, he's actually above 200lbs - a welcome surprise. Defensive draft picks similar to Andersson's size/scoring typically make the NHL around 30% of the time. Bombers are so stacked on D that Andersson can take as long as he wants to develop and frankly nobody cares. As long as there is a steady flow of serviceable cheap defensive players, that's all Bombers GM cares about. He plays a steady defensive game and is projected to be a top 4, two-way defensemen. No other players were considered at this spot given that Andersson was available.
Ryan Pilon, D (68th overall) - Pronounced as PEE-lawn, he's known as "pylon" to everyone else in the organization. With 9 picks this year, the team thought it'd be important for the development of its prospects if the team has a legit pylon to skate around during development camp and practise. While many drafts noted he is a defensive defensemen, he is an offensive blueliner and did not accumulate his points simply because he was paired with Provorov. He has a strong outlet pass and will be a good complimentary player with the ability to generate decent scoring chances. Issues raised include a lack of effort in the defensive zone. Draft picks with similar size/scoring typically made the NHL around 30% of the time. Bombers considered one other player at this spot (Robin Kovacs).
Robin Kovacs, LW (79th overall) - Kovacs played in the Allsvenskan last year in Sweden. Despite playing older competition, he was the leading scorer for a really bad team, tallying 28 points in 52 games during the season. Like previously Bomber prospects from the Rangers organization (Duclair, Tambellini), he has a high upside and projects to be a top 6 forward with potential to be a weak scoring top line winger. He will need to get stronger and improve his skating to be an effective player. Bombers did not consider any other players for this pick.
Denis Malgin, C (84th overall) - The team drafted too many big players so went back to its normal sub 5'10 range, taking Denis Malgin. Another skilled pint-sized player, the Bombers expect Malgin to pair up w/ fellow Panthers midget Rocco Grimaldi (5 feet 6 inches). Malgin is bigger at 5'9 176lbs with the biggest issue being whether he'll come to North America or not. Malgin is projected to play in the top 6, with high offensive upside. The Bombers were considering 2 other players at this spot (David Kase and Erik Foley).