NHL Draft Scout Series: Sleepers Part 2 (Europe)

Photo Credit: Alaney2k/Wikimedia commonsAfter exploring possible sleeper picks from North America yesterday, we turn our attention to Europe today.

From accessibility issues to deep-rooted (read: dumb) biases, European players often suffer much harsher consequences on draft day than their North American counterparts. Everything from their birth certificate to their appearance is judged. Russians have it the worst generally, with NHL scouts going as far as questioning whether or not they’re actually older than they say they are… for no real reason at all.

Due to this, Euro born players can often be had at draft slots much lower than their talent would suggest. The best player not in the NHL…