By Troy Gillard

zaytsev passed over, future with team uncertain

No Rebels selected at NHL Draft for first time

Jun 23, 2019 | 2:17 PM

An impressive streak that began in year one has come to an end for the Red Deer Rebels.

For the first time in their 27-year history, the Rebels did not have a player selected at the NHL Draft.

Oleg Zaytsev was widely expected to keep the streak streak alive. However, the Russian forward, ranked 66^th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting, was passed over by all 31 teams at this weekend’s draft in Vancouver.

Zaytzev had 43 points in 66 games for the Rebels this season and was the team’s rookie of the year. He played for Russia at last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup and took part in the CHL-NHL Top Prospects Game in Red Deer in January.

Rebels staff writer Greg Meachem reports Zaytsev will inform the team this Tuesday whether he plans to return for the 2019-20 season.

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Fellow Russian Alexander Alexeyev, drafted in the first round last year by the Washington Capitals, will likely play in the AHL next season.

With the possibility of both their import players being gone, the Rebels will select twice during the CHL Import Draft this Thursday.

Meachem also reports that Rebels forward Zak Smith was contacted by the Las Vegas Golden Knights immediately following the draft. Smith will attend the team’s rookie camp as a free agent.