|
Post by blny on Jun 20, 2011 20:49:19 GMT -5
Schiefele is a bit of a wild card to me. He's only got one year of CHL hockey under his belt. Yes, on a bad team where he did well. But, sometimes teams play down to their competition and he won't go unchecked near as much next year.
TSN is of the opinion that the club really needs to address the defence. I think there are needs out back and up front - primarily on the wing. With Pleks, Eller, Desharnais, white, Leblanc, Enqvist, Trotter, Dumont, Bournival, and so on, there are a myriad of centers for all sorts of roles. After Avtsin and Kristo things get thin in a hury up front. Palushaj and Gallagher are the only other notables (fwiw, I think Gallagher has real future - Gionta with better hands).
MacKenzie is on record as saying that even picking the top ten this year is very hard. It's wide open. Because of that, I think teams will be more willing to move about, and you may see a slew of trades by teams looking to move down or up depending on philosophy.
If it's me, I'm trying very hard to identify the most talented big forward on the board and the most talented defender. Then, do whatever it takes to get the one you like most.
Our D is by no means set for post-Markov, but with Subban in place, it is far better off. For puck moving, you've got him, Weber, Nash, maybe Carle, Bennett. On the brawn side, it's Tinordi and Yemelin. I put him here because we simply don't know what impact he'll have. We hope a lot, but he could fizzle. Oleksiak isn't reported to be a bruiser, but he's strong, mobile, and effective. We'll see if he's around at 17. It's the area I've seen him most in mock drafts. At this point, he's who I'm leaning to.
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jun 20, 2011 20:57:27 GMT -5
IMO we need help in all areas...Habs just need to pick the best pro regardless of position.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 23:25:04 GMT -5
Schiefele is a bit of a wild card to me. He's only got one year of CHL hockey under his belt. Yes, on a bad team where he did well. But, sometimes teams play down to their competition and he won't go unchecked near as much next year. I hope 16 GMs in front of us think the same way. He really intrigues me and I really liked how he stepped it up at the U18s. No real big, gamebreakers amongst them though. We have a decent enough support cast, and a number of them should make it. It would be nice to land a bigger offensive player if we can. Picking at 17 is no guarantees, as the sure-fire game breakers are long gone. You are drafting on potential and development. I like Gallagher too, this kid has fire in his game. The top nine seem to be at one level, and then it really gets muddled up for sure. The rest of the first round and likely half of the second round are a whole lot of players that are likely all over the map on various teams' lists. GMs are likely going to move a bit to get the guy they really want, especially those teams with tons of picks. Pretty hard to argue with that logic. Wonder how Goat defines "whatever it takes". What would he be willing to do on draft day to secure a guy they really covet? He traded a second rounder and got back a fourth rounder (MacMillan) to get Tinordi last year. That is as big a splash as the Habs have made on draft day for a while. BG did give up his first rounder for Tanguay a number of years back. I think there is a strong possibility that the best player available, barring the Habs moving up or down, could be a defenseman depending on whether guys like Klefbom, Brodin and Beaulieu are still there. Connor Murphy is a wildcard due to his injury, but a team could really like him. I actually wish we had a second rounder this year. It is a pretty deep draft based on overall talent and there are some decent defensive prospects forecasted for the second round that would look very nice in our system. Great to see all this pre-draft chatter on our site. I can hardly wait to see what happens on Friday night and on Saturday morning.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 20, 2011 23:33:55 GMT -5
gnick, nice mock. I do like your "surprise" pick of Connor Murphy at 18. He is the biggest unknown for me as some teams could really have him ranked high based on his small body of work this season. He sure seems to have the tools and an NHL ready size.
If Colorado goes to sleep on Friday night with Huberdeau and Strome in the system, they will be grinning from ear to ear. Edmonton fans won't complain about the combo of RNH and Siemens either, as they have seen lots of both come in and terrorize the Oil Kings all season.
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 21, 2011 1:33:48 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 21, 2011 7:24:17 GMT -5
Nice job gnick! 2. Coloardo - Johathan Huberdeau C - QMJHL - Huberdeau has the offensive instincts you just can't teach. Came into his own this year leading Saint John to Memorial Cup win voted Memorial Cup MVP. Scored even with more heralded Couturier despite being a half year younger than Couturier. Doesn't have Courturier size and strength but can play game at higher tempo. I had both pretty even. Possible I suppose, but I would be surprised if he went this high to Colorado. I'm always a little bit leery of players that seem to come out of nowhere just in time for their draft years. Chad Kilger and Benoit Pouliot come to mind. But then what do I know? 4. Devils - Dougie Hamilton -D - Hamilton - First little surprise of the draft. Has the size of a Chris Pronger and could be impact player like he was also. Decent hands, will score 10 goals and 45-50 points annual someday. Just my opinion but I see him having a better career than Larsson. No surprise to me, I have the Devils taking Hamilton too. Though not ahead of Larsson. 13. Calgary - Oscar Klefbom D - Sweden - His draft rankings jumped at after he captained Team Sweden to Silver medal at U18 tourny. I think his draft rankings were artifically low this year as any 17 year old in Swedish top league he never got top ice time this season and played part of the year with a virus. Not much to dislike about Klefbom. The Swede has size, wheels with decent hands. I have him as sleeper of the draft - has potential to be #1 NHL defeneseman someday. Me too. I want this kid. 18. Chicago - Connor Murphy - D - UF NTDP - Connor is first major surprise of my draft. I all but had him drafted at #22. But with the Hawks drafting here and Bowman's and Hawks tendency to go college route in last few drafts. Murphy is a wildcard but has huge upside. His play was curtailed this year to a back injury which has since been adressed. He is the son of long time NHLer Gord Murhpy. So, he has the bloodlines. My mock draft is going to make Skilly very angry. 19. Edmonton - Duncan Siemens D - Saskaton - Oilers second pick in frist round, this is the pick they got in Penner trade. Oilers stay close to home and draft Blades defenseman Siemens. He adds siize and toughness to Oilers organization. If Siemens is still on the board and we pass on him then I will be very angry. 27. Tampa - Rocco Grimaldi - C- US NTDP - This could be one of most interesting picks in draft as Grimaldi at 5' 6" will be the shortest player to ever be selected in frist round of draft. He also is a offensive wizard who put up good offensive numbers playing for the US Development. Has great speed and despite his small frame not afraid to throw his weight around . A real wildcard. I could actually see Montreal picking him, in what would no doubt be an extremely controversial move. But I could also see him turning into a star, he has that much talent and drive. You can't hit what you can't catch.
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 21, 2011 7:43:44 GMT -5
In the last 11 drafts, the Habs have had 13 first round picks.
8 of those 13 came from the American system - (Tinordi, Leblanc, McDonnagh, Pacioretty, Fischer, Higgins, Komisarek and Hainsey)
5 of those American system players were defensemen - (Tinordi, McDonnagh, Fischer, Komisarek and Hainsey)
Of the remaining 5 players that were not in the American system, 2 came from Russia (Perezhogin and Kostitsyn), and 3 came from the WHL (Hossa, Chipchura and Price)
I'd be shocked if we selected a QMJHL or OHL player in the first round ... more shocked if it was a center
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Since 2000, looking at Rounds 1 and 2 ...
We've had 22 selections .... of those 22 selections 5 of them came from the QMJHL or OHL.
Only ONE ... yes ONE ... was from the OHL - Pernel Karl Subban.
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 21, 2011 10:22:04 GMT -5
IMO we need help in all areas...Habs just need to pick the best pro regardless of position. My concern with this lay with the possibility it gets confused with 'most NHL ready player available'. IMO, that means this player has peaked at 18. I don't need an 18 year old to be ready to play in the NHL right now unless I'm picking in the top 3, and even then it's not a prerequisite.
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jun 21, 2011 13:20:17 GMT -5
My concern with this lay with the possibility it gets confused with 'most NHL ready player available'. IMO, that means this player has peaked at 18. I don't need an 18 year old to be ready to play in the NHL right now unless I'm picking in the top 3, and even then it's not a prerequisite. I'm with you on that...definitely not the best 18 year old but the one that will be the best 25 year old. It could very well end up being Rocco Grimaldi at #17. He's 5'6" and many Habs fans will be screaming if we pick him, but he's not likely to make the team before at least some of our smurfs move on. If we think he's a future Martin St. Louis then he's the guy we have to take, even if its going to be unpopular with the average Habs fan.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2011 14:19:29 GMT -5
My concern with this lay with the possibility it gets confused with 'most NHL ready player available'. IMO, that means this player has peaked at 18. I don't need an 18 year old to be ready to play in the NHL right now unless I'm picking in the top 3, and even then it's not a prerequisite. I'm with you on that...definitely not the best 18 year old but the one that will be the best 25 year old. It could very well end up being Rocco Grimaldi at #17. He's 5'6" and many Habs fans will be screaming if we pick him, but he's not likely to make the team before at least some of our smurfs move on. If we think he's a future Martin St. Louis then he's the guy we have to take, even if its going to be unpopular with the average Habs fan. He is seen as one of the most offensively gifted players in this draft, bar none. He is also fast and fearless, with tons of skill. He will be a good player for some team down the road. If he is still around at 17, I guarantee he is on the Habs' draft list somewhere.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2011 14:37:02 GMT -5
IMO we need help in all areas...Habs just need to pick the best pro regardless of position. My concern with this lay with the possibility it gets confused with 'most NHL ready player available'. IMO, that means this player has peaked at 18. I don't need an 18 year old to be ready to play in the NHL right now unless I'm picking in the top 3, and even then it's not a prerequisite. Yeah, this draft does not have the top end talent with a lot of guys that can step right into the NHL as 18 year olds. It has a lot of guys who should develop into pretty darn good NHLers at ages 22-25 though. It is actually quite deep in that regard. With our 17th pick, some patience will be needed. Just look at the folks already writing off Tinordi (2010 22nd overall) after one CHL season, in which he had to make a huge adjustment to travel and playing schedules and style of hockey. He has not even come close to growing into that big body yet, and the games I watched clearly showed that. He sure has the raw materials though, so I hope he keeps moving along a slow and steady development path. Others are ready to deem Leblanc (2009 18th overall) nothing better than a third liner because he did not have dominant offensive stats last year in the Q. Well, he was playing with a bad shoulder and on a team coached by a guy who plays the trap all the time, so offense was not the coach's priority. He also was adjusting from a very short Ivy League season to a long CHL season with the World Juniors thrown in for good measure. Leblanc still has that compete level and desire to win, and the ability to step in and do the little things that help teams win. You cannot teach that, and it will help him when he finally makes the Habs. In what role remains to be seen, but he will be a well rounded two way guy by the time he makes the jump. Back to the 2007 draft, both McDonagh (12th) and Pacioretty (22nd) definitely had speed bumps along their development path. McD is now looking like a pretty steady eddy guy on the blueline for the Blueshirts, and MaxPac is poised to have his first full season with the Habs in an effective power forward role. Up until Max's callup midway through last season, there was still many a question as to whether he could develop into that role. Whomever name is called at spot #17 this Friday night, that person will not be an overnight saviour. That is why teams like the Habs do prefer best projected players available, regardless of immediate team need. Now, drafting more players with size year in and year out will also eventually change the size outlook of the team. That too takes time, as most other teams come into the draft with that same goal in mind.
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 21, 2011 19:02:06 GMT -5
Pierre's monster pick for Montreal is Saad at 17. The back and forth with Button wasn't so much a prediction of what would happen, but who they each felt was the best pick for each team.
Button said he spoke to a number of people in the know, and the players at this draft to a man say that Grimaldi is the hardest to play against.
|
|
|
Post by Anardil1 on Jun 21, 2011 20:20:48 GMT -5
Pierre's monster pick for Montreal is Saad at 17. The back and forth with Button wasn't so much a prediction of what would happen, but who they each felt was the best pick for each team. Button said he spoke to a number of people in the know, and the players at this draft to a man say that Grimaldi is the hardest to play against. Further proof that Pierre hates the Habs. If they pick Saad, I`ll puke...projectile like
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2011 20:33:33 GMT -5
Pierre's monster pick for Montreal is Saad at 17. The back and forth with Button wasn't so much a prediction of what would happen, but who they each felt was the best pick for each team. Button said he spoke to a number of people in the know, and the players at this draft to a man say that Grimaldi is the hardest to play against. Not even in my top ten for our pick. Not even close.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 21, 2011 20:38:57 GMT -5
If anyone watched the That's Hockey 2Nite show right after the Mock Draft Special, Button did a re-draft for the 2009 and 2010 NHL drafts. His biggest mover up (ie, the guy who he would have picked a lot higher now instead of then) in both drafts was Jarred Tinordi, whom he moved up 14 spots into the top ten. He commented that the kid is raw and will take time, but he sees him as a big, reliable big-minutes defenseman in the pros. This coming from Craig Button, who can sometimes be all over the map with prospects and mock drafts, so take it for what it is worth. He also had Seguin going first ahead of Hall too, but he said the same thing leading into the draft last year too. He did not have any comments on Leblanc, so he likely ended up with him in a very similar draft position to that in which he was picked.
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jun 21, 2011 20:43:37 GMT -5
I didn't see the show but i saw the rankings (or previous draft re-do's). The Tinordi hype is kind of baffling...i'm far from writting the guy off, but Button had him ahead of Gudbranson which is very hard to believe.
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jun 21, 2011 20:43:57 GMT -5
Pierre's monster pick for Montreal is Saad at 17. The back and forth with Button wasn't so much a prediction of what would happen, but who they each felt was the best pick for each team. Button said he spoke to a number of people in the know, and the players at this draft to a man say that Grimaldi is the hardest to play against. Not even in my top ten for our pick. Not even close. Saad or Grimaldi?
|
|
|
Post by seventeen on Jun 21, 2011 22:30:06 GMT -5
If anyone watched the That's Hockey 2Nite show right after the Mock Draft Special, Button did a re-draft for the 2009 and 2010 NHL drafts. His biggest mover up (ie, the guy who he would have picked a lot higher now instead of then) in both drafts was Jarred Tinordi, whom he moved up 14 spots into the top ten. He commented that the kid is raw and will take time, but he sees him as a big, reliable big-minutes defenseman in the pros. This coming from Craig Button, who can sometimes be all over the map with prospects and mock drafts, so take it for what it is worth. He also had Seguin going first ahead of Hall too, but he said the same thing leading into the draft last year too. He did not have any comments on Leblanc, so he likely ended up with him in a very similar draft position to that in which he was picked. I guess one can be pleased over his opinion of Tinordi, but I'm scratching my head at the Hall/Seguin thinking. From what I've seen of both, it's not close. Hall demands to be a difference maker, while at this point, Seguin is just a biggish, fast guy. Not a hope in hell I'd take Tyler over Taylor. Which dilutes the Tinordi business more than a little.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2011 0:00:54 GMT -5
Not even in my top ten for our pick. Not even close. Saad or Grimaldi? Grimaldi by a long shot. That type of offensive skillset and work ethic is really hard to ignore. If it was in a bigger frame, we would be talking top five IMO.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 22, 2011 0:05:36 GMT -5
If anyone watched the That's Hockey 2Nite show right after the Mock Draft Special, Button did a re-draft for the 2009 and 2010 NHL drafts. His biggest mover up (ie, the guy who he would have picked a lot higher now instead of then) in both drafts was Jarred Tinordi, whom he moved up 14 spots into the top ten. He commented that the kid is raw and will take time, but he sees him as a big, reliable big-minutes defenseman in the pros. This coming from Craig Button, who can sometimes be all over the map with prospects and mock drafts, so take it for what it is worth. He also had Seguin going first ahead of Hall too, but he said the same thing leading into the draft last year too. He did not have any comments on Leblanc, so he likely ended up with him in a very similar draft position to that in which he was picked. I guess one can be pleased over his opinion of Tinordi, but I'm scratching my head at the Hall/Seguin thinking. From what I've seen of both, it's not close. Hall demands to be a difference maker, while at this point, Seguin is just a biggish, fast guy. Not a hope in hell I'd take Tyler over Taylor. Which dilutes the Tinordi business more than a little. He was one of the only guys who liked Seguin over Hall last year. I did not fully understand it then, and I don't after seeing a pretty decent first season for Taylor in Edmonton (slow start and late injury included). As for the unexpected Tinordi hype, he is just projecting his expectation of where Tinordi's development could take him. That's far from a guarantee, but that is why draft picks are made in the first place. The first anniversary usually is still many years away from the penultimate assessment. We can only hope!!
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 22, 2011 5:50:47 GMT -5
Grimaldi by a long shot. That type of offensive skillset and work ethic is really hard to ignore. If it was in a bigger frame, we would be talking top five IMO. ... at the very least. wrt to Saad, I don't know much about him other than his stats and the fact he's fallen down the rankings. Point a game players in junior just don't blow my skirt up. Do people forget Jason Ward, or the host of other 'big power forwards' taken as the 'great white hope' (as it were)? He hasn't used that size to dominate at any level that I can see. And, btw, 6'1 and 208lbs isn't all that big in this day and age. He may bulk up a little, but he's not about to put on 3 inches of height and tower over people. www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=9553&tab=scr“Brandon has very good speed and agility and that makes him dangerous, he’s solid on his skates and fights through checks very well. He plays a solid two-way game and is very responsible defensively.” Yes, let's go out of our way to draft a third line player with our only pick in the top 2 rounds. The next Travis Moen can be found later on.
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 22, 2011 6:51:47 GMT -5
Grimaldi by a long shot. That type of offensive skillset and work ethic is really hard to ignore. If it was in a bigger frame, we would be talking top five IMO. ... at the very least. wrt to Saad, I don't know much about him other than his stats and the fact he's fallen down the rankings. Point a game players in junior just don't blow my skirt up. Do people forget Jason Ward, or the host of other 'big power forwards' taken as the 'great white hope' (as it were)? He hasn't used that size to dominate at any level that I can see. And, btw, 6'1 and 208lbs isn't all that big in this day and age. He may bulk up a little, but he's not about to put on 3 inches of height and tower over people. www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=9553&tab=scr�Brandon has very good speed and agility and that makes him dangerous, he�s solid on his skates and fights through checks very well. He plays a solid two-way game and is very responsible defensively.� Yes, let's go out of our way to draft a third line player with our only pick in the top 2 rounds. The next Travis Moen can be found later on. Which is why I think we might end up drafting a defenseman again. There seems to be more value in that position than at forward. Aside from Grimaldi, who I don't think is going to be around when we pick, there isn't much home-run potential in the forward crop. Or seemingly at least. I'm not a scout, haven't seen most of them play, etcetera, etcetera. But from the reading I have done most of the forwards in our draft range project, best case scenario, as hardworking, two-way, character forwards with possibly second line potential. Of course somebody could surprise a la Corey Perry, and if Timmins spots somebody like that, then good on him, but initial reviews are rather mediocre for most of the forwards. But on the other hand there are some definite home-run type reviews for guys like Jamie Oleksiak, Oscar Klefbom, Nathan Beaulieu, Connor Murphy, Joe Morrow, and Jonas Brodin. The people that like these kids, like them A LOT. Top two defensemen a lot. And I'd take a potential top 2 defenseman over a potential second line forward any day of the week... Of course, you have to actually pick the right player...
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 23, 2011 5:55:38 GMT -5
My kick at the can...
1. Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C : Best player available, also happens to fit the Oiler mold of speed and skill.
2. Colorado: Adam Larsson, D : Having both Erik Johnson and Adam Larsson on the same roster is just too good an opportunity to pass up. Or at least it should be.
3. Florida: Gabriel Landeskog, LW : Big, talented, full of character, what's not to like?
4. New Jersey: Douglas Hamilton, D : A team that could use a little bit of everything, depth wise, they really can't make a "bad" pick here. Unless, of course, Adrian Foster re-enters the draft. Hamilton's comparisons to Alex Pietrangelo are very flattering, and I think the Devils are going to start rebuilding that vaunted blueline they used to have.
5. New York Islanders: Jonathon Huberdeau, C : Or do they go with Couturier? I originally had the Isles taking defenseman Ryan Murphy, as a top-level defenseman just makes too much sense. But a Tavares/Huberdeau one-two punch down the middle sure sounds nice.
6. Ottawa: Sean Couturier, C : Or do they move up to get Huberdeau? No, I say, no. Couturier is their guy. Or do they move down to 7th to get an extra pick or two, because they think Strome and Huberdeau are equally talented? No, I already said it! Couturier is their guy!
7. Winnipeg: Ryan Strome, C : The first pick in the new history of the old franchise goes to... Or do they go with Couturier? Oh right, the Senators took him. Watch for Strome to play at least nine games in the NHL next year, to start the season.
8. Columbus: Mika Zibanejad, C : Columbus wants to trade this pick though, and I'm sure they want somebody that can step in right away and provide the fans with a little sizzle. Zibanejad is mature enough to play next year.
9. Boston: Jamie Oleksiak, D : Boston is revelling in their bad-boy image now, and adding another 6'7 defenseman who plays with an edge fits perfectly. I hate them. Plus, he plays right up the street from them, so they know him well.
10. Minnesota: Duncan Siemans, D : Tough defenseman, not flashy, but a guy teams like to have come playoff time.
11. Colorado: Rocco Grimaldi, C While he's been very good as a center, I see him as a winger in the NHL, perhaps as early as two years from now. Very, very, very small. But an elite offensive talent.
12. Carolina: Mark Scheifele, C : A reliable, hard-nosed, two-way center. Had an outstanding U18 by all accounts. Rod BrindA'mour approves this pick.
13. Calgary: Mark NcNeill, C. Just too easy. The big western boy for the team that likes to draft big western boys. It will never happen. Could be the next Brendan Morrow. Or Kyle Chipchura.
14. Dallas: Ryan Murphy, D : Murphy still on the board at 14 is a dream for the Stars. Much like Cam Fowler falling last year it's inexplicable, and the Stars won't try to explain it. They'll just grab a guy that many had top 10, if not top 5. He might play in the NHL next year.
15. New York Rangers: Oscar Klefbom, D : Some will say they have enough young defensemen, but I say you can never have enough young defensemen. That's where they do their best drafting anyways. "Klefbom" is Swedish for "PK Subban". If only we could move up from 17 to get this pick.
16. Buffalo: Nathan Beaulieu, D : They have not drafted a European in four years. And I don't mean in the first round, I mean period. Not even a European playing in North America. They do however, draft a lot of Sea Dogs.
17. Montreal: Connor Murphy, D : A wildcard, this pick should drive half the fan base completely nuts. ANOTHER American defenseman?? Yes, another American defenseman. And an injury-riddled one to boot. Let the debate begin!
18. Chicago: Matthew Puempel, LW : Has good character, works hard, has pretty good skill. Sounds like everything Benoit Pouliot should be. We will be debating Murphy versus Puempel for years. Or at least until one or both make it to the NHL that is.
19. Edmonton: Joe Morrow, D : The Oilers almost never draft defensemen in the first round. In fact, they've only drafted three defensemen in the first round in the last 20 years. Yes, that's right, three first round defensemen since 1990. And all three of those defensemen were actually the SECOND first round picks the Oilers had in those years. This is their second first round pick, so they're allowed to take a defenseman.
20. Phoenix: Brandon Saad, LW : He's so Saad they're not moving to Winnipeg. (and lame-o was that joke-o).
21. Ottawa: Sven Bartschi, LW : Leave it to the Senators to draft a "Sven." Don Cherry has a heart-attack trying to think up clever ways to botch his name.
22. Anaheim: Tyler Biggs, RW : They haven't drafted a European higher than the 3rd round in six years now. I see no reason why they will start now. Biggs has the potential to be an elite power-forward, but seems to disappear for long stretches. Had a disappointing U18 tournament which could have really boosted his stock.
23. Pittsburgh: Alexandr Khokhlachev, LW : Gino like.
24. Detroit: Zach Phillips, C : Despite the cliche the Red Wings don't draft Europeans all that high. They do draft guys with preppy sounding names though; Riley, Landon, Thomas, Brendan, Justin, Cory...
25. Toronto: Brett Ritchie, RW : Size, truculence, etc. etc..
26. Washington: Jonas Brodin, D : Ranked as high as top ten on some charts the Capitals are ecstatic to land him this late.
27. Tampa: Niklas Jensen, LW: Great Dane!
28. San Jose: Joel Armia, RW : Comparisons to Jani Rita just aren't fair. Or are they?
29. Vancouver: Victor Rask, C : His stock has plummeted all year, but in a couple of years he might make a nice project for the Sedins to mentor.
30. Toronto: Boone Jenner, C : High character, questionable upside.
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 23, 2011 7:46:26 GMT -5
My understanding re Murphy is that he had an undiagnosed back ailment that was causing a host of problems. It's been properly diagnosed, but a) is the damage done and b) once you have back issues they seldom vanish all together. At 18, to have been battling back problems for a few years (sounds eerily familiar ...) will be enough to scare some off. Too much of a wild card for me despite his upside.
|
|
|
Post by franko on Jun 23, 2011 8:16:49 GMT -5
Hey, BC, do you really think Grimaldi is going to go that high?
I know he's a smurf [albeit a tough one] but wouldn't it be nice to get a little heart back into the lineup?
|
|
|
Post by BadCompany on Jun 23, 2011 8:30:13 GMT -5
My understanding re Murphy is that he had an undiagnosed back ailment that was causing a host of problems. It's been properly diagnosed, but a) is the damage done and b) once you have back issues they seldom vanish all together. At 18, to have been battling back problems for a few years (sounds eerily familiar ...) will be enough to scare some off. Too much of a wild card for me despite his upside. Definitely a risk. But many people want the Habs to swing for the fences, and this would be as good a pitch as any to go for the home run. Could be crippled by 22, or could turn into a 6'3, 220lbs version of Mark Streit, with leadership and character. Could be anything in between, he really hasn't played enough for people to get a good read on him. Definite gamble, though with huge upside. Hey, BC, do you really think Grimaldi is going to go that high? I know he's a smurf [albeit a tough one] but wouldn't it be nice to get a little heart back into the lineup? I do think he's going to go that high. From everything I've heard he's just too good an offensive talent. Some say he's got 1st overall talent, and you can't teach that. I think that the success of guys like St. Louis, Ennis, Gerbe, even Kane and Kessel will make some team take a chance on Grimaldi. Granted, Rocco is smaller than even those guys, but at what point does it matter? 5'7, 5'6, 5'5... when you're that small another inch or two doesn't make a difference, really, you're not going to beat up Chara either way.
|
|
|
Post by blny on Jun 23, 2011 12:23:19 GMT -5
Definitely a risk. But many people want the Habs to swing for the fences, and this would be as good a pitch as any to go for the home run. Could be crippled by 22, or could turn into a 6'3, 220lbs version of Mark Streit, with leadership and character. Could be anything in between, he really hasn't played enough for people to get a good read on him. Definite gamble, though with huge upside. If he's as solid an all around player as his father was, then he'll be a good player.
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2011 17:04:32 GMT -5
Which is why I think we might end up drafting a defenseman again. There seems to be more value in that position than at forward. Aside from Grimaldi, who I don't think is going to be around when we pick, there isn't much home-run potential in the forward crop. Or seemingly at least. I'm not a scout, haven't seen most of them play, etcetera, etcetera. But from the reading I have done most of the forwards in our draft range project, best case scenario, as hardworking, two-way, character forwards with possibly second line potential. Of course somebody could surprise a la Corey Perry, and if Timmins spots somebody like that, then good on him, but initial reviews are rather mediocre for most of the forwards. But on the other hand there are some definite home-run type reviews for guys like Jamie Oleksiak, Oscar Klefbom, Nathan Beaulieu, Connor Murphy, Joe Morrow, and Jonas Brodin. The people that like these kids, like them A LOT. Top two defensemen a lot. And I'd take a potential top 2 defenseman over a potential second line forward any day of the week... Of course, you have to actually pick the right player... BC, I think you are right. I expect that there is a very good chance that the best player available when we pick will be a defenseman too. There is a good chance there is still a potential top pairing or at least top four guy on the board. It would be a better option than a potential third liner IMO. Only one more day!
|
|
|
Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 23, 2011 17:05:53 GMT -5
My understanding re Murphy is that he had an undiagnosed back ailment that was causing a host of problems. It's been properly diagnosed, but a) is the damage done and b) once you have back issues they seldom vanish all together. At 18, to have been battling back problems for a few years (sounds eerily familiar ...) will be enough to scare some off. Too much of a wild card for me despite his upside. That's what likely makes him the biggest wildcard tomorrow night. Someone is going to feel he is well worth the risk, just a matter of where and when he gets picked.
|
|
|
Post by Skilly on Jun 23, 2011 18:44:38 GMT -5
I admit up front, I don't follow the prospects, but i do study drafting patterns. So this is more my prediction of what I think will happen in the top 10...
1. Edmonton - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins C - 9 out of 10 draft experts think he will go number 1, and well i wasn't the tenth. Go figure.
2. Colorado - Gabriel Landeskog F - The team already has two young good centers, two or three good young defensemen playing in the NHL. But their wingers are aged or a group of no-namers. Rumour is they are high on Huberdeau, I say they pick the European.
3. Florida - Jonathan Huberdeau C - The last four years the Panthers have selected a defenseman as their first non-goalie selection. That has to change.
4. New Jersey - Adam Larsson D - Lou Mantra ... defense, defense, defense
5. New York Islanders - Doug Hamilton D - They have selected Niedereiter, Nelson, Tavares, Bailey and Okposo in the past five drafts, although I would not be surprised to see them take Courterier.
6. Ottawa - Sean Courterier C - If the rumours are true that they are looking to trade Spezza, than Courterier is the future replacement.
7. Winnipeg - Mika Zibanejad C - Atlanta was a team that appears to select players that are most ready to play.
8. Philadelphia - Ryan Strome C - Holmgren starts the rebuild
9. Boston - Ryan Murphy D - They obviously need a PP QB.
10. Minnesota - Jonas Brodin D - they like defensemen and the like Europeans with their first pick ... so combine the two
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My prediction of who we will draft. Well history tells us it is going to be a US defensemen and there are alot of them in this draft. And surprisingly, I agree with BC that drafting a top 4 or 5 defenseman has more value to us than drafting a third liner .... so thats why we finally draft a forward, and my gut tells me it is going to be Mark McNeill (Calgary drafts Oleksiak, BC ....)
|
|