Winnipeg Jets select Forwards Markus Loponen and Kieron Walton in 5th and 6th rounds respectively
Winnipeg Jets select forwards Markus Loponen and Kieron Walton in 5th and 6th rounds respectively
Loponen is a 6-foot-1 Finnish centre, weighing in at 185 pounds, who was selected 155th overall due to his incredible shot that can see him score from anywhere on the ice.
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When playing for the Finnish Club Kärpät and their U18 team, he scored eight goals with 13 assists for 21 points in 35 games during his first season and followed it up the next season with a near-30 goal, 59 point campaign. He moved up to the U20 team and didn't skip a beat with 25 goals and 29 assists for 59 points in 45 games. He was ranked as high as 70th in certain prospect reports.
Walton is a 6-foot-6, 212 pound Canadian Centre, who is known for his surprising passing ability despite his large frame. The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari has the Sudbury Wolves forward ranked highly at 76th and appears to be a great value for the Jets as they selected him 187th overall.
In his first OHL season with the Wolves, he recorded eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 46 games. He took a sizeable leap in his second season and saw his point total jump up to 43 with 18 goals and 25 assists in 65 games.