The Canadian Hockey League’s Import Draft was conducted on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, with teams selecting just 66 players (of possible 120) as many chose to pass on one or both of their picks.

Despite some late interest in Alex Graham, the 17-year-old forward was not selected.

But just how genuine was the interest in the Sheffield native?

I’m not going to put names to the following but two teams were highly interested in Graham but opted to pass on him.

What we do know is Graham only acquired himself an agent named John Walters (The Will Sports Group) a couple of days before the CHL Draft and I was told by a CHL scout that the British forward had been offered to teams.

The Sheffield Steelers announced today (July 2, 2020) that Graham remains on a two-way deal with the Sheffield Steeldogs.

That’s not to say Graham will play in the UK next season, whenever that is.

If the Steelers have no intention of playing the young forward in the Elite League and giving him some reasonable ice-time then I would suggest that his better opportunities remain overseas.
There is various European options dependant on his preference and interest and there is also North America.
The USPHL stands out as an avenue worth exploring and I’m sure it’s high on the list for his agent to pursue opportunities.

Five English players competed in the USPHL during 2019-20 including Kyle Watson, Maximilian Wigfield, Ben Solder, Edward Bradley and Morgan Pizzo (son of former GB and Nottingham Panthers forward, David Clarke).

All had successful years looking at their stats with the stand-out being Kyle Watson who helped himself to 70 points, including 36 goals in 46 games for Hampton Road Warriors. Watson is also a Sheffield native, who headed to the USA in 2016.

It’s undoubtedly a huge year upcoming in the career of Alex Graham who is eligible for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and would still be available for the CHL Draft again next summer.

Whatever decision is made next is vitally important to his development and immediate future prospects.