Brackett:“I’m not sure [him playing with Dahlen] was a tipping point, but it was a relevant point. Obviously playing together and playing in a men’s league – the success that they’ve had – we took into consideration. You have instant chemistry there and a chance to maybe have them playing together in the top 6 in the future. It’s hard to ignore.”

Brackett on Pettersson’s weight:“He does (have room to grow). He’s 6’2” and the width of his shoulders – he obviously has room to grow and he knows that. Strength is something he’s going to work on. When you watch him play, what’s 165 lbs for him might be 175 or 180 for others. He’s strong and he can leverage and protect the puck along the wall.”

Brackett:“At the close of last night – knowing we had the second pick at the second round – it was easy for us to have a discussion and talk about Kole Lind and what he brings. He’s a smart hockey player, excellent hands, quick release. He has some power in his game and goes to the net. He’s a feisty guy and his 80+ penalty minutes indicate that. There’s a subtlety to his game, but there’s no denying he gets himself involved all over the ice. His awareness and hockey sense is excellent.”

Brackett:“There’s no denying what he is. He is a big body, he’s a net-front presence. His ability on the power-play and what he does in the net-front – gets sticks on pucks and rebounds and creating space for others – is excellent.”

Brackett on Gadjovich’s skating: “We identified it as his weakness right now. We talked to him at the Combine and we talked to him during the year – he knows it and he’s aware of it. I think you get the sense he’s a high-character kid and he’s motivated. He’s aware of his strengths and weaknesses and that’s important.

Brackett:“He’s a proven winner – 18 and led [his] team to the Memorial Cup in his hometown. He’s been through some adversity, he’s a hard worker, and he has tremendous athleticism. If you’re looking for the prototypical 6’2 goalie, that’s not him. His power and his movements and desperation and compete are second to none for us.”

Brackett:“I’ve known Jack, he’s actually played some summer tournaments for me back in the day. I have quite a bit a familiarity with him. A tremendous skater, puck mover, likes to get up in the play, has power-play ability, big shot from the point. Very exciting. The level is the level, but I’m not worried about Jack. He’s a self-starter and a go-getter. I expect him to dominate the way he did this year and continue to push the envelope.”

Brackett:“He’s for sure a defensive-oriented player. He’s aggressive, he’s got some jam to him for sure. When you play against him, you know you’re playing against him. He’s experienced and had a very strong World Juniors. He was the responsible, stay-at-home guy who made guys pay.”

Brackett: “We had to (ignore his height). His play speaks for itself. The height is a bit shocking, but it’s never held him back. His success has continued. Physically, he’s short but I would not call him small. He’s got a fire hydrant build and you have to play through him. He’s got a low centre of gravity, great sense, awareness and makes other better, too.”

Brackett:“When you get to that round, he has a clear, defining separating skill – an ability with the puck, generates shots. We identified him early last year but had limited reps in Barrie. When he was traded, it really sparked our interest so we got into Oshawa quite a bit. He’s been a shooter all along.”

Brackett on drafting over-aged players: “I don’t know if it’s that they’re more ready, but it’s an organizational approach of continuing to monitor development. We want to see players are still making progress. Just because it’s not their first time through doesn’t mean they’re not a later bloomer or their game hasn’t taken the next big step. We’re not they’re to give up on guys, we’re going to keep watching them.”