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Post by CrocRob on Apr 14, 2009 10:05:02 GMT -5
With the lottery tonight and the Habs picking somewhere between 15th and 18th (barring a trip to the conference finals) I figure we can get the ball rolling with some draft speculation. For those unaware, this is the pre-lottery "top" (bottom) 14 order, along with TSN's pick. | RANK | TEAM | PTS | % OF WINNING | % TO GET NO. 1 | TSN's PROSPECT | | 1 | New York Islanders | 61 | 25.0 | 48.1 | C John Tavares | | 2 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 66 | 18.8 | 18.8 | D Victor Hedman | | 3 | Colorado Avalanche | 69 | 14.2 | 14.2 | C Matt Duchene | | 4 | Atlanta Thrashers | 76 | 10.7 | 10.7 | C Evander Kane | | 5 | Los Angeles Kings | 79 | 8.1 | 8.1 | C Brayden Schenn | | 6 | Phoenix Coyotes | 79 | 6.2 | - | D Jared Cowen | | 7 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 81 | 4.7 | - | LW M. Svensson-Paajarvi | | 8 | Dallas Stars | 83 | 3.6 | - | C Nazem Kadri | | 9 | Ottawa Senators | 83 | 2.7 | - | C Scott Glennie | | 10 | Edmonton Oilers | 85 | 2.1 | - | RW Jordan Schroeder | | 11 | Nashville Predators | 88 | 1.1 | - | D Dmitri Kulikov | | 12 | Minnesota Wild | 89 | 0.8 | - | D Oliver Ekman-Larsson | | 13 | Buffalo Sabres | 91 | 1.5 | - | D Ryan Ellis | | 14 | Florida Panthers | 93 | 0.5 | - | D Simon Despres |
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Post by jkr on Apr 14, 2009 13:56:03 GMT -5
I don't follow this closely enough but I watch a lot of Brampton Battalion games (there's that argument again  ). Matt Duchene is a very dynamic player who has been moving up I here. Wouldn't be surprised to see him go at 3 as indicated in your chart. |
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Post by BadCompany on Apr 14, 2009 15:10:08 GMT -5
Well the quick and easy answer would be to say the Habs are going to draft Louis Leblanc; bilingual local boy, an offensive center with okay size, plays in a league Trevor Timmins likes to scout. Not quite Minnesota high school, but not far from it either. Actually plays with current Hab prospect Danny Kristo, so you would think the Habs brass has seen a lot of him. Committed to Harvard for next season, so he apparently isn’t dumb either. He’s even slotted to go right around where we should be picking. All set up, quick and easy, to be a Habs pick. Who needs scouts?
Of course, it might be a little too quick and easy. How often does the seemingly obvious pick end up being the actual pick?
Another “obvious” choice would be Simon Depres. Huge defenseman, good skater, former 1st overall pick in the QMJHL draft. Not a big hitter, or point-producer, but projects as a top shut-down defenseman. As Marc Staal is in the process of proving you don’t have to be a big hitter to be a top shut-down, physical defenseman. Of course, it would be nice if he was a killer as well, but I’d be happy with somebody that effectively clears the front of the net, doesn’t get beat one-on-one, and always makes the smart play. Some will say we have a lot of defense prospects already, but we actually don’t have a lot of them who are great defensively. Maybe McDonagh eventually, but it never hurts to have another shut-down guy, especially if he can move the puck half-decently.
The question is, will these guys be around when we pick at #30?
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Post by franko on Apr 14, 2009 15:18:36 GMT -5
somebody that effectively clears the front of the net, doesn’t get beat one-on-one, and always makes the smart play. be still my beating heart see above comment |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 14, 2009 15:37:25 GMT -5
Brian Burke has indicated that he would put together a package to get the #1 pick. How he does it is problematic because his cupboard is bare.
I am ready for Gainey to package Komisarek and Higgins and Hamrlik to get Tavares. Islanders would take this ahead of anything the breafs can put together.
We need a big #1 star. Haven't had one since Lafleur.
Lecavalier is getting older and he isn't an Ovetchkin, Malkin, Crosby anymore. Tavares will be in that category.
Given all our free agents and our 8th place squeeze into the playoffs, we are not in the final year of Gaineys 5 year plan.
We are in year one rebuilding.
Lots of youth with enthusiasm and limited talent.
Lots of talent with limited enthusiasm.
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Post by jkr on Apr 14, 2009 15:43:20 GMT -5
Brian Burke has indicated that he would put together a package to get the #1 pick. How he does it is problematic because his cupboard is bare. I live fairly close to Toronto & hear their media all the time. I haven't heard Burke say a word about this. Do you have any kind of link or source? |
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Post by jkr on Apr 14, 2009 15:44:10 GMT -5
The question is, will these guys be around when we pick at #30? Habs are picking at 30 because they won the Cup right?  |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 14, 2009 19:24:18 GMT -5
Islanders win the lottery, so the draft order remains the same. The Islanders have a big opportunity IMO. TB is sitting at #2 and likely want Hedman anyway (because they need another franchise center, right? lol). I'd bet the Islanders can get Tampa to give them something to get to #1 and take Hedman if they play it right, make waves around the league that they're entertaining offers for the pick so someone can take Hedman at #1.
Now, I don't give any GM in the NHL enough credit to do that. None are as cunning as NFL GMs nor as ruthless, but the Islanders have a great opportunity that I'm certain they'll squander.
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 14, 2009 19:33:48 GMT -5
I need Garth Snow's address.
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Post by Anardil1 on Apr 14, 2009 19:52:57 GMT -5
Finally something to get excited about.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 15, 2009 1:21:17 GMT -5
Brian Burke has indicated that he would put together a package to get the #1 pick. How he does it is problematic because his cupboard is bare. I live fairly close to Toronto & hear their media all the time. I haven't heard Burke say a word about this. Do you have any kind of link or source? Brian Burke looking to move up in the draft article says he is possibly looking to get #1 pick from Islanders. |
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 15, 2009 3:09:17 GMT -5
Why stop at the #1 pick? With that boatload of roster talent and prospect depth, Burke could pry away the 2nd as well.
Where else do you year bluster like this?
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Post by jkr on Apr 15, 2009 6:00:54 GMT -5
I live fairly close to Toronto & hear their media all the time. I haven't heard Burke say a word about this. Do you have any kind of link or source? Brian Burke looking to move up in the draft article says he is possibly looking to get #1 pick from Islanders. THanks. Burke wants it so Burke will get it, right.  |
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Post by franko on Apr 15, 2009 7:24:11 GMT -5
Brian Burke looking to move up in the draft article says he is possibly looking to get #1 pick from Islanders. Burke wants it so Burke will get it, right. He seems to have forgotten that Mad Mike isn't the GM on the island anymore. His initial offer was, I hear, Grabs and Joseph. . . "two of their better players down the strech" . . . and a conditional pick should they make the playoffs next year. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 15, 2009 7:38:31 GMT -5
Burke wants it so Burke will get it, right. He seems to have forgotten that Mad Mike isn't the GM on the island anymore. His initial offer was, I hear, Grabs and Joseph. . . "two of their better players down the strech" . . . and a conditional pick should they make the playoffs next year. If I'm Garth Snow I respond with a counter offer - anything thing the Leafs offer should include their first & Luke Schenn. Keep insisting on Schenn until Burke stops calling. |
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Post by Doc Holliday on Apr 15, 2009 8:05:28 GMT -5
I am ready for Gainey to package Komisarek and Higgins and Hamrlik to get Tavares. Islanders would take this ahead of anything the breafs can put together. We need a big #1 star. Haven't had one since Lafleur. I'm not convinced at all the Isles would like Hammer's heavy contract and Komi is a UFA... Isles don't have an offensive star to build on and I think they'll take the opportunity to draft one rather than give it away. Unless the offer is so juicy it can't be turned down and I don't think we have the chips to make such an offer. If Burke really wants Tavares, he knows any offer not including Schenn is a waste of everybody's time. |
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Post by BadCompany on Apr 15, 2009 8:41:41 GMT -5
If I'm Garth Snow I respond with a counter offer - anything thing the Leafs offer should include their first & Luke Schenn. Keep insisting on Schenn until Burke stops calling. There is just no incentive for any team to trade a first overall pick. While there are no sure-things, a first overall is about as close as you can get in sports, and when one is as hyped as Tavares is... well, why would you trade it for anything less than a grandslam homerun? I'm sure Snow will say he's listening to offers, but like you said unless the offer starts with Schenn and their 7th overall... actually, I'd insist on Schenn, the 7th overall, their 2nd round pick this year (if they have one) AND their first rounder next year. If Burke gets all righteous on me, I simply hang up and take Tavares... |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Apr 15, 2009 8:45:15 GMT -5
I expect a few centers to be drafted by the Habs this time around. Luckily the draft seems to be a good year for centers. Here's a few that could interest Montreal ........ I think: Louis Leblanc...... for reasons stated above. Was considered to be a top 10 prospect at one point. Landon Ferraro- Son of former NHLer Ray Ferraro, Landon has speed having won the fastest skater event at the Top Prospects Game's Skill Competition. Knows how to score with 37 goals. Said to have smarts and works hard. Plays RW too. Peter Holland- Should be gone by Montreal's turn but who knowns. More of a power forward who skates well that shots and passes effectively. Scott Glennie-a pure goal-scorer, he is a speedy and talented forward. At one time, he was tied for 6th in the WHL scoring race but had his season cut short with a broken elbow. Plays RW too. Jacob Josefson-Swedish centerman is a guy I'm having a hard time getting info on  Jeremy Morin- goal scorer....... but said to have attidude issues and fitness levels needs to improve. Dark horse I think. Non center's i would consider are Simon Després, Charles-Oliver Roussel and Zack Kassian. Simon Després is rock solid. Fluid, good hockey instinct, calm... the complete package. Charles-Oliver Roussel is a very good two way defenseman who reminds me of a Shea Weber. Very good at both sides of the rink and can play pretty tough. Zack Kassian- I would draft him just because I think his name sounds cool but the right- winger is also one of the OHL's toughest players and doesn't shy away from the dirty areas. A bit slow in terms of skating but a nice combination of size, skill and energy. A bit raw but we've been looking for a Milan Lucic or a Brendan Morrow and I think he could fit in that mould. If I'm Garth Snow I respond with a counter offer - anything thing the Leafs offer should include their first & Luke Schenn. Keep insisting on Schenn until Burke stops calling. There is just no incentive for any team to trade a first overall pick. While there are no sure-things, a first overall is about as close as you can get in sports, and when one is as hyped as Tavares is... well, why would you trade it for anything less than a grandslam homerun? I'm sure Snow will say he's listening to offers, but like you said unless the offer starts with Schenn and their 7th overall... actually, I'd insist on Schenn, the 7th overall, their 2nd round pick this year (if they have one) AND their first rounder next year. If Burke gets all righteous on me, I simply hang up and take Tavares... I think Burke is just setting up the Leafs fans for disappointment..... maybe he's gota deal in his pocket though  |
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Post by jkr on Apr 15, 2009 10:01:37 GMT -5
If I'm Garth Snow I respond with a counter offer - anything thing the Leafs offer should include their first & Luke Schenn. Keep insisting on Schenn until Burke stops calling. There is just no incentive for any team to trade a first overall pick. While there are no sure-things, a first overall is about as close as you can get in sports, and when one is as hyped as Tavares is... well, why would you trade it for anything less than a grandslam homerun? I'm sure Snow will say he's listening to offers, but like you said unless the offer starts with Schenn and their 7th overall... actually, I'd insist on Schenn, the 7th overall, their 2nd round pick this year (if they have one) AND their first rounder next year. If Burke gets all righteous on me, I simply hang up and take Tavares... I can't remember the last time a 1st overall pick was traded. I know Milbury included the 2nd overall (Spezza) in the Yashin deal but that was Milbury.  |
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 15, 2009 10:43:06 GMT -5
Well I know Sportsnet has been showing over and over again the stupid Doug Maclean - Hockey Central commercial when they traded for Florida's first overal pick to grab Rick Nash. That was in 2002 and then Florida traded the first pick in 2003 to Pittsburgh where Pitts drafted Fleury #1 I believe. My question is what did Columbus and Pittsburgh give up? I am thinking their first rounders + ?
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 15, 2009 11:16:55 GMT -5
Well I know Sportsnet has been showing over and over again the stupid Doug Maclean - Hockey Central commercial when they traded for Florida's first overal pick to grab Rick Nash. That was in 2002 and then Florida traded the first pick in 2003 to Pittsburgh where Pitts drafted Fleury #1 I believe. My question is what did Columbus and Pittsburgh give up? I am thinking their first rounders + ? Florida got Columbus' first pick (#3, Bouwmeester) in 2002 and the right to swap picks in 2003 for Nash. Florida got Pittsburgh's first (#3, Horton) in 2003, their 2nd (#55, Stefan Meyer) and Mikael Samuelsson for Fleury and a 3rd round pick. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 15, 2009 12:49:46 GMT -5
Well I know Sportsnet has been showing over and over again the stupid Doug Maclean - This is where I stopped reading. |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 15, 2009 13:50:03 GMT -5
I expect a few centers to be drafted by the Habs this time around. Luckily the draft seems to be a good year for centers. Here's a few that could interest Montreal ........ I think: Louis Leblanc...... for reasons stated above. Was considered to be a top 10 prospect at one point. Landon Ferraro- Son of former NHLer Ray Ferraro, Landon has speed having won the fastest skater event at the Top Prospects Game's Skill Competition. Knows how to score with 37 goals. Said to have smarts and works hard. Plays RW too. Peter Holland- Should be gone by Montreal's turn but who knowns. More of a power forward who skates well that shots and passes effectively. Scott Glennie-a pure goal-scorer, he is a speedy and talented forward. At one time, he was tied for 6th in the WHL scoring race but had his season cut short with a broken elbow. Plays RW too. Jacob Josefson-Swedish centerman is a guy I'm having a hard time getting info on Jeremy Morin- goal scorer....... but said to have attidude issues and fitness levels needs to improve. Dark horse I think. Non center's i would consider are Simon Després, Charles-Oliver Roussel and Zack Kassian. Simon Després is rock solid. Fluid, good hockey instinct, calm... the complete package. Charles-Oliver Roussel is a very good two way defenseman who reminds me of a Shea Weber. Very good at both sides of the rink and can play pretty tough. Zack Kassian- I would draft him just because I think his name sounds cool but the right- winger is also one of the OHL's toughest players and doesn't shy away from the dirty areas. A bit slow in terms of skating but a nice combination of size, skill and energy. A bit raw but we've been looking for a Milan Lucic or a Brendan Morrow and I think he could fit in that mould. There is just no incentive for any team to trade a first overall pick. While there are no sure-things, a first overall is about as close as you can get in sports, and when one is as hyped as Tavares is... well, why would you trade it for anything less than a grandslam homerun? I'm sure Snow will say he's listening to offers, but like you said unless the offer starts with Schenn and their 7th overall... actually, I'd insist on Schenn, the 7th overall, their 2nd round pick this year (if they have one) AND their first rounder next year. If Burke gets all righteous on me, I simply hang up and take Tavares... I think Burke is just setting up the Leafs fans for disappointment..... maybe he's gota deal in his pocket though Don't know if Ferraro or Despres will still be around when we finally get to pick. Even if they are, it's no Tavares. I really liked our Corey Locke pick a couple of years ago. He led the OHL in scoring two years in a row. This year he was in the top 10 in AHL scoring. He is small and slow. No guarantee of NHL success, he was a fourth round pick. Tavares is the closest to a sure thing. A little slow but a pure scorer. Smartest offensive player since Gretzky. He would look good in the flannel as long as he isn't put between Laraque and Stewart. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 15, 2009 14:15:21 GMT -5
I'm sorry to say, HFLA, but we've got nothing that the Islanders would want in exchange for Tavares.
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 15, 2009 15:05:21 GMT -5
Well I know Sportsnet has been showing over and over again the stupid Doug Maclean - Hockey Central commercial when they traded for Florida's first overal pick to grab Rick Nash. Is the intent of this spot to give hope to Leafs' fans that Burke can somehow actually land Tavares? |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 15, 2009 15:24:08 GMT -5
Simply, Burke needs to swing two trades. He first needs to get to #4 or #5, then he needs to get to #2, where Tavares will be available from the Islanders. The first jump should be pretty simple because I'd bet that LA or even Atlanta wouldn't mind dropping a few spots (or even giving up the pick entirely) for some established talent (Kaberle could get them this far). Then it's a matter of convincing the Islanders that Evander Kane or Brayden Schenn AND Luke Schenn is worth giving up Tavares for.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Apr 15, 2009 17:17:11 GMT -5
Simply, Burke needs to swing two trades. He first needs to get to #4 or #5, then he needs to get to #2, where Tavares will be available from the Islanders. The first jump should be pretty simple because I'd bet that LA or even Atlanta wouldn't mind dropping a few spots (or even giving up the pick entirely) for some established talent (Kaberle could get them this far). Then it's a matter of convincing the Islanders that Evander Kane or Brayden Schenn AND Luke Schenn is worth giving up Tavares for. If the Hab's can't put together a better package than the leavs can, we are in worse shape than I thought. I don't really expect to get JT, but if he ends up in TO I will be very upset. No, I'm not interested in Lecavalier who will be joining us at age 30, not 19. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 15, 2009 19:20:24 GMT -5
Simply, Burke needs to swing two trades. He first needs to get to #4 or #5, then he needs to get to #2, where Tavares will be available from the Islanders. The first jump should be pretty simple because I'd bet that LA or even Atlanta wouldn't mind dropping a few spots (or even giving up the pick entirely) for some established talent (Kaberle could get them this far). Then it's a matter of convincing the Islanders that Evander Kane or Brayden Schenn AND Luke Schenn is worth giving up Tavares for. If the Hab's can't put together a better package than the leavs can, we are in worse shape than I thought. I don't really expect to get JT, but if he ends up in TO I will be very upset. No, I'm not interested in Lecavalier who will be joining us at age 30, not 19. I'm not interested in Lecavalier, either. Philly traded Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Ron Hextall, Peter Forsberg, Steve Duchesne, future considerations, round 1 pick in the 1994 draft, round 1 pick in the 1993 draft and cash for Lindros. For reference, Ricci and Simon were Philly's 1990 1st and 2nd rounders (4th and 25th overall, respectively) , Forsberg their 1991 1st rounder (6th overall), Duschene a 20g 60pt forward, Huffman Philly's 1986 1st round pick. Simply, we'd more or less need to match that offer of 5 (the 2nd rounder would be a 1st nowadays) first round picks, Price, Andrei Kostitsyn and Chris Higgins (plus something else to match the cash). That's all ignoring the fact that Philly's 1st round picks were top 10 prospects for their respective years. The Islanders don't and won't want our veteran talent who will only be their assets for a couple seasons. Guys like Komisarek (unrestricted), Higgins (RFA, 1 year to UFA), Hamrlik (2 years to UFA), and probably even Markov (2 years to UFA) aren't appealing because they aren't longterm assets and are depreciating assets at that. So yes, we can make an offer to beat the Leafs, but truthfully any team can if they want to. edit: I don't realistically think it would take that much, but the point remains that our established players have little value in this trade. |
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Post by Skilly on Apr 15, 2009 20:20:53 GMT -5
Islanders win the lottery, so the draft order remains the same. The Islanders have a big opportunity IMO. TB is sitting at #2 and likely want Hedman anyway (because they need another franchise center, right? lol). I'd bet the Islanders can get Tampa to give them something to get to #1 and take Hedman if they play it right, make waves around the league that they're entertaining offers for the pick so someone can take Hedman at #1. Now, I don't give any GM in the NHL enough credit to do that. None are as cunning as NFL GMs nor as ruthless, but the Islanders have a great opportunity that I'm certain they'll squander. I don't think you can write into a contract "you can't draft player x" .... so it is a huge gamble for someone to swap picks because a GM made it seem he didnt want Tavares. Would other GMs black-ball him .... maybe, but I'd draft Tavares anyway. |
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Post by CrocRob on Apr 15, 2009 23:47:31 GMT -5
Islanders win the lottery, so the draft order remains the same. The Islanders have a big opportunity IMO. TB is sitting at #2 and likely want Hedman anyway (because they need another franchise center, right? lol). I'd bet the Islanders can get Tampa to give them something to get to #1 and take Hedman if they play it right, make waves around the league that they're entertaining offers for the pick so someone can take Hedman at #1. Now, I don't give any GM in the NHL enough credit to do that. None are as cunning as NFL GMs nor as ruthless, but the Islanders have a great opportunity that I'm certain they'll squander. I don't think you can write into a contract "you can't draft player x" .... so it is a huge gamble for someone to swap picks because a GM made it seem he didnt want Tavares. Would other GMs black-ball him .... maybe, but I'd draft Tavares anyway. Yeah, it's a risk just like everything else in life. That's why your only target is Tampa, who already has 2 franchise centers on their roster. If Colorado is #2 the opportunity doesn't exist, same with just about every other team. |
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). Matt Duchene is a very dynamic player who has been moving up I here. Wouldn't be surprised to see him go at 3 as indicated in your chart.
