This week we have begun our look at this year’s class of NLL free agents, and obviously it impacts the upcoming draft. We have taken a look at some of the top potential draft prospects, but what teams could they end up with?
The draft order is below.
1. Edmonton Rush (from Washington)
2. Minnesota Swarm (from Buffalo)
3. Buffalo Bandits (from Philadelphia via Edmonton)
4. Minnesota Swarm
5. Minnesota Swarm (from Toronto)
6. Calgary Roughnecks (from Colorado)
7. Calgary Roughnecks
8. Edmonton Rush
9. Colorado Mammoth (from Rochester)
10. Minnesota Swarm (from Boston)
But how do free agents impact the draft? It doesn’t all too badly until the second round. In the first round, teams are drafting the best possible players.
We know that Mark Matthews is probably going to end up in Edmonton. Brock Sorensen will probably be in Minnesota as the second pick, as they have been targeting him for years.
An interesting dynamic is the fact of Minnesota having so many draft picks. Does it affect how other teams will draft? They have six picks in the first two rounds.
Rumor has it the Buffalo Bandits are looking at Dhane Smith and Joe Resetarits  with their number three overall pick.
Keep watching for more in the next few weeks as we look over free agents, team needs, and draft prospects.
