Dallas Takes LW Alexander Guptill in 3rd Round of Draft
The Stars traded their 3rd (71st overall) round pick to Colorado for the Avalanche’s 3rd (77th overall) and 4th (109th overall) round picks. With only four picks in the final rounds (2nd – 7th), this was a smart move. It gave the Stars more picks and at this stage, you’re not drafting for a player who will be ready in the next couple of years anyway.
With Colorado’s 3rd round pick, the Stars took Canadian left-winger Alexander Guptill. Also an 18-year old, Guptill’s numbers at the tier-2 junior level have been impressive. In 78 junior games, Guptill has posted 101 points (49G, 52A).
Stars scouts on Alex Guptill:
Amateur Scout Jimmy Johnston: “Guptill is big and strong, one of the most talented guys that comes out of tier two. He has good hands. He’s going to the University of Michigan. Alex really does not lack anything, he just needs to continue to play games. He was injured a bit last year.”
Director of Amateur Scouting Tim Bernhardt: “He is a big winger with a lot of natural skill. He is a young guy and needs some time to develop but he will get that time at Michigan.”
Les Jackson: “We’ve seen him about 15-20 times. This kid is an impressive young player. He is a big guy with a solid foundation and has skating, skill and good offensive touch.”
The Stars plan to let Guptill develop at the University of Michigan, it seems, and see how things go there.
There some video of Guptill in a fight against Tyler Forbes in a CCHL game:
HockeyDB lists his stats with the Brampton Capitals here: