2014 Draft Class Signings (July 16)

Sometimes, we tend to forget that there are some other key draft classes out there in recent memory and some of these players may be worth taking a look at this year as well.  Here's a brief look at some of the key signings in the off-season from last year's draft class.

The player that got this train going was the recently signed John Quenneville, the New Jersey Devils 1st round pick in 2014, 30th overall.  The strong power forward had a great year with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, going all the way to the league finals, but he certainly made a name for himself with his strong campaign.  Quenneville was signed a few days ago to his 3-year entry-level deal a few days ago.

With a few forward roster spots still open on their board, a kid like Quenneville could benefit from a long look at camp.  The Devils don't boast a great deal of quality youth in their system, but this pick here will hopefully start a new trend, with the help of new management.  Might we see some new blood in the lineup this year?

Back in May, the Detroit Red Wings signed their 1st round pick from last year's draft, forward Dylan Larkin, signing him to a deal, which will take him out of the NCAA ranks and get him to turn pro.  Last season, Larkin played at Michigan, where he excelled, he looked great for the USA team at the World Juniors and even represented his country at the World Championships in May.

Larkin is a fair-sized kid, who is still 18 years old and could still spend some time in the junior ranks, if the Red Wings thought it was necessary.  It would also give him a chance to play at the World Juniors.  The Red Wings roster might be a tough one to crack, as they have a pretty full projected squad as it is, but with a good camp, who knows what can happen?

There was one more 1st rounder signed, shortly after the regular season had ended, that being the Kings' pick, 29th overall, forward Adrian Kempe.  The Swedish born winger played with Modo in the Swedish Elite League this season and he represented his country at the World Juniors as well, having a fairly accomplished season.  Just before his deal was signed with the Kings, he joined their AHL affiliate in Manchester, appearing in a few games for them as well.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Kings went out and found another two-way forward, as Kempe is described as just that, a good power forward and has that certain upside that teams are hunting for.  The key point being, whether or not his game can be translated into the North American rinks.

That leaves only three 1st round picks left to be signed by NHL clubs from this draft class and they are probably not too far away from getting that job done either, unless college says otherwise.  Seven 2nd round picks from this draft year have also been signed in this off-season, some of which will likely get some long looks at camp, including Calgary's Hunter Smith and Winnipeg's Brendan Lemieux.