April's Red Line Report

[BadCompany]

www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2004-04-22-woodlief_x.htm

1. Alexandre Ovechkin LW 6-1/195
2. Evgeni Malkin C 6-3/186
3. Cam Barker D 6-3/206
4. Alexander Radulov RW 6-1/178
5. Lauri Tukonen C 6-2/196
6. Rostislav Olesz C 6-2/191
7. Drew Stafford RW 6-2/200
8. Andrew Ladd LW 6-2/199
9. Marek Schwarz G 5-11/165
10. Enver Lisin RW 6-1/189

Here is what they said about Alexandre Picard:

We spoke highly of Alexandre Picard's competitiveness and fire last month so we'd like to update his progress in that regard. The Lewiston Maineiacs left winger finished the first round of the QMJHL playoffs in a tie for the league scoring lead with seven goals and 11 points in seven games. Here at RLR, we are always thrilled to see a young player take his game to a new level when the stakes get higher. And for a player like Picard, whose bread and butter is his edge in the offensive zone, there can be no better development than to carry his team in the postseason.

For what its worth, Montreal seems to think along the same lines as Red Line does; they pegged Alex Perezhoghin as a project with tremendous upside, and we snared him; they loved Kastistyin, and we snared him; they said Ryan O'Byrne was a sleeper, and we snared him...

Would Montreal consider trading up to the 13-14th spot, if Picard is still around?

Here is an interesting scenario to consider - most people think there is going to be a lockout next year (at least). Given that, if you are a pessimistic GM, would you trade a guy like Ribeiro, or Ryder, to move up in the draft (not necessarily for Picard, but to move up) knowing that neither Ribeiro or Ryder will play next year, but the guy you draft will? Then, when hockey resumes, your pick, who you traded away a top, young player for, will be more ready to break into the NHL, and have an impact, thus lessening the "hurt?"

[blny]

It's a big risk to remove a somewhat proven commodity for an unproven one. Who knows what kind of season Picard will have next year. He may be a flash in the pan. Ribs is starting to pay dividends, and Ryder is a star in the making. I'd consider a move of Ribs if the right one came along though. However, it would have to be higher in this years draft than 13-14th. It would have to be a more elite pick.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

BadCompany said:

www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2004-04-22-woodlief_x.htm

1. Alexandre Ovechkin LW 6-1/195
2. Evgeni Malkin C 6-3/186
3. Cam Barker D 6-3/206
4. Alexander Radulov RW 6-1/178
5. Lauri Tukonen C 6-2/196
6. Rostislav Olesz C 6-2/191
7. Drew Stafford RW 6-2/200
8. Andrew Ladd LW 6-2/199
9. Marek Schwarz G 5-11/165
10. Enver Lisin RW 6-1/189

Here is what they said about Alexandre Picard:

We spoke highly of Alexandre Picard's competitiveness and fire last month so we'd like to update his progress in that regard. The Lewiston Maineiacs left winger finished the first round of the QMJHL playoffs in a tie for the league scoring lead with seven goals and 11 points in seven games. Here at RLR, we are always thrilled to see a young player take his game to a new level when the stakes get higher. And for a player like Picard, whose bread and butter is his edge in the offensive zone, there can be no better development than to carry his team in the postseason.

For what its worth, Montreal seems to think along the same lines as Red Line does; they pegged Alex Perezhoghin as a project with tremendous upside, and we snared him; they loved Kastistyin, and we snared him; they said Ryan O'Byrne was a sleeper, and we snared him...

Would Montreal consider trading up to the 13-14th spot, if Picard is still around?

Here is an interesting scenario to consider - most people think there is going to be a lockout next year (at least). Given that, if you are a pessimistic GM, would you trade a guy like Ribeiro, or Ryder, to move up in the draft (not necessarily for Picard, but to move up) knowing that neither Ribeiro or Ryder will play next year, but the guy you draft will? Then, when hockey resumes, your pick, who you traded away a top, young player for, will be more ready to break into the NHL, and have an impact, thus lessening the "hurt?"

Nice tactic BC, but I don't think so. A very small percentage of draft choices ever make it to the NHL. A smaller % get to lead their team in scoring live Ribs did. A tiny % get to vie for rookie of the year or show Ryders character. This is not a deep draft.
Any trade for a legitimate shot at Crosby is worth it and a shot at Ovchekin is worth a try. Trading away young players for the privilege of standing on the podium with an 18 year old wearing your jersey and cap is not the way to build a franchise. Ribs and Ryder are proven performers. Teenagers with pimples have a long rocky road to follow and most of them get lost along the way.