Replacing Mikael Backlund

It won't be easy, but the Kelowna Rockets will attempt to find a replacement for the departed Mikael Backlund in today's Canadian Hockey League import draft.
Backlund will play this season with either the Calgary Flames or the Flames AHL affiliate.
Pending a trade, the Rockets have the 50th pick in today's opening round.
In most situations having the 50th overall selection would be bad news, but the import draft is a different animal.
The key to success in this draft is having connections, and a trust built between the C.H.L team and a european agent. Like a smooth talking salesman, the agent will often times stretch the truth on the abilities of the player he represents. These players are often times describes as Ferrari's, yet are nothing short of a lemon. They are clearly no better than what a 16 year-old North American player can bring to a team in his first season of junior hockey. It's up to the CHL teams to see through the smoke and mirrors and make an intelligent pick, sometimes on a player unseen.
The Rockets make their one and only pick at about 3 o'clock this afternoon. Only one selection is required, as Stepan Novotny will return for his second season with the Rockets in 2009-2010.