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Post by seventeen on Jun 15, 2018 17:12:29 GMT -5
Part of this could be Bergevin. One thing he's quite good at is keeping people off balance as to what he's going to do. Whether that's planning or reacting  I don't know, but good draft strategy includes keeping opponents guessing as to your intentions. Tkachuk didn't seem to be in the picture at all and suddenly the Habs are considering taking him. Hmmmmmmm, really? Let's see, what do we really need?f A centre?, Check. A LHD who could be a top pairing guy? Check. An elite scorer regardless of their position like Zadina? Check. A big, strong winger who projects to not be as good a scorer as his brother? Maybe not so much. Yet, here we are, purportedly considering selecting Tkachuk at #3. I have to commend Bergevin on this stuff. He's got some GM's confused. Personally I'd be flabbergasted if the Habs picked Tkachuk (which probably guarantees that will happen) |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 17, 2018 12:41:57 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Jun 17, 2018 13:53:24 GMT -5
Very true, but at least this draft has a lot of good defenseman (not being sarcastic) and the overall strength is much better. Forget Dahlin, just compare Yakupov to Svechnikov. Huge difference.
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Post by folatre on Jun 17, 2018 14:21:47 GMT -5
Interesting, I had not look at McKeen's.
I would certainly simplify matters at #3 and pick Zadina, the kid likeliest to be an offensive game breaker. But it will actually surprise me if Bergevin selects the natural goal scorer.
If Kotkaniemi is Montreal's targeted player, Montreal needs to be careful about moving down and missing the target. Kotkaniemi's stock was rising all through spring and it is really hard to say how picks 3-9 play out in the first round. Ken Holland is supposedly very bullish on Zadina, but if you move down to #6 I would say there is only a 50 percent chance he will be there. I know people think if Karlsson is escaping from Ottawa this summer that the Sens are going to pick Dobson or Boqvist, but it is far from obvious. And Phoenix, I think from a marketing perspective, would probably take Tkachuk if he is there but there are no guarantees.
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Post by blny on Jun 18, 2018 10:44:49 GMT -5
Engels is quoting unnamed sources that indicate Kotkaniemi is the guy Montreal is going after. They will look to move down if they can, and still pick him.
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Post by franko on Jun 18, 2018 10:50:46 GMT -5
Engels is quoting unnamed sources that indicate Kotkaniemi is the guy Montreal is going after. They will look to move down if they can, and still pick him. #wedon'tneednostinkinscoring |
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Post by blny on Jun 18, 2018 10:53:08 GMT -5
Engels is quoting unnamed sources that indicate Kotkaniemi is the guy Montreal is going after. They will look to move down if they can, and still pick him. #wedon'tneednostinkinscoring |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 18, 2018 13:26:20 GMT -5
Part of this could be Bergevin. One thing he's quite good at is keeping people off balance as to what he's going to do. Fake transparency ... not a chance  A cut and paste from an email exchange with Stu Gowan: "I’ve learned not to predict anything Bergevin is going to do – I don’t think he knows what he’s doing half the time."Jesperi Kotkaniemi was nowhere near the top-5 until short time ago ... up until then he was a 1st-round, middle-of-the-pack player ... now he's a can't-miss dynamo ... where did he come from ... He's got the fan base confused, too ... Wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's a Hab at some point in the future ... Cheers. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 17:08:26 GMT -5
Okay, time to start posting some draft posts to look at who could possibly be available with our picks. My first instalment is our first six picks (top three rounds). I will post the second half with the remaining four picks hopefully tonight. I am also still working on my first round mock, so that will be later this week for sure.
My picks are based on some draft guides, draft lists, and player observations (I have seen a number of these guys). It is just a quick armchair list and likely is somewhat out to lunch, but I have fun speculating before each draft. It helps me get a sense of the talent (or lack thereof) in each draft and around each pick the Habs may make.
On with my crazy but fun musings....they are not in order of my preferences by the way.
First Round – 3rd pick
Filip Zadina, RW, Halifax (QMJHL), 6’0” 196 – A dynamic goal scorer, one of the best scoring talents in the draft, has good vision, good skater. Had a great WJC last year, was a big impact player for the Czech Republic. He was in the consensus top 3 of this draft up until recently.
Brady Tkachuk, LW, Boston U (NCAA), 6’3” 196 – a big physical winger who uses his body to protect puck and win battles, has a strong skill set so is not just about size, good hockey sense. He also was good for the USA at the WJC. The concern is does he drive the play enough or can he be a high end scorer in the pros and his skating is not considered fast by current NHL standards.
Noah Dobson, RD, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL), 6’3” 180 – not too long ago if we talked D at this spot I would have said either Hughes or Boqvist. Dobson has really risen up the charts as the season progressed. He is the most complete defender not named Dahlin in my opinion. Good skater, reads the game well, good hockey sense.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Fin Elite), 6’2” 188 – really was noticed with his great play at the U18s, but had been making a name for his play prior to that. Played centre at the U18 after being on the wing in the men’s league to help his adjustment to pro hockey. Solid offensive skills, good hands, really solid hockey IQ, and his skating is decent for his size (although it should improve as he gets stronger and a more explosive first step).
Second Round – 35th and 38th picks (combined list as many possible picks in common)
Jonatan Berggren, RW, Skelleftea (SweJr), 5’10” 181 – was Sweden’s best forward at the U18s. Skilled player who is a very good skater. Creates offensive with his play.
Matthias Samuelsson, D, NTDP (USHL), 6’3” 216 - a physical defender who plays a very solid two way game, good hockey IQ and makes solid reads on defense. Not as mobile as teammate K’Andre Miller, but more of a solid defender.
Jacob Olofsson, C, Timra (Swe-Als), 6’2” 192 – big two way centre with good hockey IQ, many scouts feel he has untapped offensive potential.
Jack Wise, C, NTDP (USHL), 5’10” 189 – a fast skating centre who is a talented playmaker with good hands and hockey sense.
Filip Hallander, C/LW, Timra (Swe-Als), 6’0” 180 – high hockey IQ, good skater, hard working player.
Jay O’Brien, C, Thayer Academy (USHS), 6’0” 175 – the most talked about high schooler this year. Skilled centre with good skating and lots of creativity. Did get some games in at a higher level this year and more than held his own.
Second Round – 56th pick
Ivan Morozov, C, Mamonty (MHL), 6’1” 185 – a skilled playmaking centre with good vision and hockey sense. Solid at the U18s for Russia as their top centre.
Kirill Marchenko, RW, Mamonty (MHL), 6’3” 170 – played on top line with Morozov at U18s. Good skill and skating ability, but also adds a physical element to his game on the forecheck and along the boards.
Cam Hillis, C, Guelph (OHL), 5’11” 170 – Very good skater, who is a creative playmaker and competes hard.
Nicolas Beaudin, D, Drummondville (QMJHL) – skilled offensive defender who is a good puck moving defenseman, and those have high value in today’s NHL.
Second Round – 62nd pick
Cole Fostad, C/LW, Prince Albert (WHL), 5’10” 160 – playmaking centre with good hands, good hockey sense and solid skating.
Jesse Ylonen, RW, Espoo (Fin-El), 6’0” 160 – good skating winger with good puck skills.
Chase Wouters, C, Saskatoon (WHL), 5’11” 177 - good two way centre with a good shot, good hockey sense, and is known as a consistent performer with character (there, I used “the” word!!).
Jack Drury, C, Waterloo (USHL), 5’11” 175 – offensive hard working centre who has good skating skills. Put up good offensive numbers in the USHL.
Third Round – 66th pick
Blade Jenkins, C, Saginaw (OHL), 6’1” 195 – offensive centre, decent skater who needs to find more consistency to his game.
Anton Malyshev, D, Yaroslavl (MHL), 6’0” 185 – very solid two way defender with good mobility and good hockey sense. Was the captain of Russia’s U18 team and was the most complete defender in my opinion, even ahead of the Danila’s and other higher ranked than him (he does not show up on that many lists – but he looks like a player to me).
Semen Der-Argunchinstev, C, Peterborough (OHL), 5’10” 159 – born on the last day of draft eligibility, so still has some growing and maturing physically to do. A good centre on a bad team. Shifty playmaker who needs to get stronger to stop being knocked off the puck.
Alexander Khovanov, C, Moncton (QMJHL), 5’1” 180 – a draft wild card to many (myself included). Was highly regarded when he came over to the Q, and then got hepatitis on vacation last summer. Missed the Ivan HIinka and a good portion of last season recovering. Very skilled centre who is very creative. Seemed to have lost a step once he got back from his long recovery, but it is clear he was not fully recovered. A team will draft on his projection and previous play not on his play for the portion of this season.
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Post by seventeen on Jun 18, 2018 17:47:34 GMT -5
Thanks NWT. Interesting names, there, but so difficult to predict who is going to be available at our spots. This year more than most has a lot of guys who could go 15 spots apart, just depending on the individual tastes of the clubs drafting. We've talked about Jake Wise before and he's a guy I'd love to have available in the second round. I've seen some lists with him in the lower first round and others with him in the lower 2nd round. What a disparity! Berggren is another kid who may be gone in the first round. It seems all he can do is score. Doesn't seem to get a ton of hype but I saw one scout's quote..."“Every game I watched Sweden in the U-18's, he seemed to be the catalyst for what happened on the ice.” I love descriptions like that. Both of those kids also are described as having 'character' so they shouldn't dissuade Bergevin on that score .. Another observation. The AThletic did a purely statistical review of the draftees and the #4 guy on their list was Ryan Merkley.  I know you'll love that comment. Merkley has real 'character' issues. He seems to put effort into the game only when he wants to. So he has a big red flag flying over him and there will be teams who have him on a 'do not draft' list. Thing is, if you can afford to gamble with a pick, his skill level is so high (offensively, on a par with Dahlin) that there's a temptation to grab him. I think a team with multiple first round picks might waste a later pick on him. High risk, high return. Scouts have asked, is he PK Subban or Ryan Murphy? Olofsson I'm not sure of. He was more highly regarded in September but others passed him by as the year went along. Too many descriptions remind me of DelaRose, who is an ok player, but I'd be hoping for more from a 2nd rounder in a deeper draft than 2013. Jesse Ylonen's skills caught my eye, though I can't recall seeing him play. He needs to fill out, though, 6' 167 lbs. And he's an older, October birthday. Heck, I could probably go on and on, but those are some good names you put out and I expect Timmins and Co to have done their homework. Hopefully Eric Crawford has been banned from the meetings. PS. I fixed your height on Jack Drury. I don't mind small, fast guys, but at 5' 1" I might draw the line . |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 18:10:11 GMT -5
The early seconds were really tough. There are a number of guys I like with those picks more than the ones I listed, but I think they will go in the first or before we pick. Or more accurately, I think they SHOULD go before we pick.
The reality that there is a huge group between 15 and 45 that are close, so it will come down to team preferences. I can almost guarantee that there will be a few names that drop that I will be table pounding on Friday night after the first round is over.
Olofsson was a late add when I removed somebody that I expect will go before we pick. I initially was sceptical and thought of DLR 2.0, but I have read some more promising views of him. A lot of 17 year olds playing in men’s leagues get very little ice time, and without really good linemates. You have to project beyond those stats, and it really varies team by team as some Swedish teams are very deep. I saw he and rival centre Gustafsson at some U18 games I watched. Just re-watched one tonight.
In the end, I trust our scouts who see guys a ton and do their off ice homework too.
I left Merkley off any of my lists!! Someone will bite on that raw talent. Maybe even us.
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Post by seventeen on Jun 18, 2018 18:32:36 GMT -5
I left Merkley off any of my lists!! Someone will bite on that raw talent. Maybe even us. That's where a team with a really good development group has an advantage. If, and yes it's a big if, you can get him to see what he could become by working at it, you can get a steal. You really need to do your due diligence on him, though. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 19:02:43 GMT -5
Okay, the later four picks we have in the 4th and 5th rounds. Still some interesting names around (at least interesting to me - but that is my inner draft geek speaking!!).
Fourth Round – 97th pick
Gabriel Fortier, C, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), 5’10” 170 – two way centre who is a good skater and is known for his solid work ethic.
Ruslan Iskhakov, C, CSKA (MHL), 5’8” 152 – undersized buzz bomb who skates really well, has nice puck skills and is a good playmaker. Was noticeable at the U18s for Russia.
Blake McLaughlin, C/LW, Chicago (USHL), 5’11” 160 – skilled and creative centre with good vision and hockey sense.
Bulat Shafigullin, C, Nizhnekamsk (MHL), 6’1” 165 – really took off with a big MHL playoffs, good vision, but does need to get stronger and fill out his frame.
Fourth Round – 102nd pick
Wyatte Wylie, D, Everett (WHL), 6’0” 190 – vastly improved player, especially with his skating and mobility. Good hockey IQ and makes good decisions with the puck.
Axel Andersson, D, Djurgardens (Swe-Jr), 6’0” 178 – good skating defender, good offensive skills and solid first pass.
Logan Hutsko, C-RW, Boston College (NCAA), 5’10” 172 – undrafted last year due to a broken neck. A relentless forward with good overall game. Led Boston College in scoring as a freshman.
Fourth Round – 122nd pick
Xavier Bouchard, D, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL), 6’3” 190 – mobile defender with good hockey sense. Solid two way defender.
Vladislav Yeryomenko, D, Calgary (WHL), 6’0” 185 – undrafted last year, but has improved and was Calgary’s top defender that they used in all situations. Also looked good playing for Belarus as a top defender against his peers.
Johan Sodergran, C, Linkoping (SHL), 6’2” 205 – good skater with good hands and a good shot. Showed offensive awareness and has good size playing against men.
Fifth Round – 128th pick
Xavier Bernard, D, Drummondville (QMJHL), 6’2” 205 – a different Xavier B. 2 way defender with good size, solid skater and good first pass.
Justin Almeida, C, Moose Jaw (WHL), 5’11” 160 – undrafted last year after putting up forgettable offensive numbers, but he really exploded this season by comparison (from 28 points to 98 points in similar number of games). He is slight but really shifty with a great shot. He played on the Warriors top line all season.
Toni Utunen, D, Leki (Fin-Jr), 5’11” 170 – captain of Finland’s U18 team. Great skating two way defender.
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Post by blny on Jun 18, 2018 19:06:36 GMT -5
Thanks for all that work NWT!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 19:10:56 GMT -5
Thanks for all that work NWT! Thanks...it is not work if it is fun, right!?! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 19:16:36 GMT -5
My bias towards centres and mobile defenders should be obvious. I also went for guys with skill and skating, and hopefully good hockey sense or IQ. These are the kind of guys I would hope we would target (or at least similar players with similar attributes). You can pick up depth defenders and bottom line guys for next to nothing at the trade deadline. Draft for skill please!!
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Post by Dschens on Jun 18, 2018 19:40:19 GMT -5
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was nowhere near the top-5 until short time ago ... up until then he was a 1st-round, middle-of-the-pack player ... now he's a can't-miss dynamo ... where did he come from ... The U18 worlds back in April did change a lot of minds I guess. Kotkaniemi centered the Finnish top line between Niklas Nordgren (potential 2nd rounder this year) and Kaapo Kakko (potential top 3 pick next year), so he had worthy linemates and a great chance to shine. Capturing gold and setting up the U18 world championship winning goal for Nordgren on a shorthanded breakaway rounded his great tournament off. Maybe we would've had a different outlook at the upcoming draft if Wahlstrom had scored the equalizer in the dying seconds of the final. But this subject has to be a controversy in a parallel universe. Back to JK: He's one of the youngest prospects in this draft. He is seven months and peanuts younger than Zadina, so we can suppose that he's behind in his development compared with Zadina. I think we would hear arguments that JK challenges Jack Hughes for the top spot in the 2019 draft, if he was only two months and 10 days younger. He played winger as a 16-years old in the Finnish U-20 league in the 2016-17 season. He had knee surgery in the summer of 2016 and came back late in November 2017 therefore he missed a notable time of that season and arguably a part of his development curve in particular his leg strength. He played winger in the 2017-18 season too, but already in the Finnish Elite League for Porin Ässät. Thus he has played in a league which does have much less exposure than the CHL to all these so-called experts outside of the real scouting industry. Furthermore he didn't play his natural position as a center at Ässät in the last two years because he was very young for both leagues. But he did impress playing center among peers at the Finnish U18 teams. And last but not least he's young and missed precious development time. All these reasons add to his late rising in the draft rankings especially in these lists which were compiled after the U18 world championships. I can only recommend reading the Kotkaniemi thread at the prospects board on HF. |
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Post by folatre on Jun 18, 2018 19:43:23 GMT -5
My preference at #3 continues to be Zadina. Hockey is debatable, but for me it would be ill advised to pass on a pure goal scorer. I do not place much stock on chin ups, etc. at the combine.
NW, I was looking at McKenzie's list today and I am curious whether you think any of the second tier of centre prospects like Kupari, Lundestrom, McLeod, Dellandrea, Doudy, and Groulx could drop to the #35-38 range.
I would like to grab Beaudin at #56 though that may end up being too late. He is pretty smooth and as a longer term development project to allow him to get stronger and learn how use his stick better defensively he could pay dividends down the line.
The idea of taking a chance on a talented Russian at #62 or #66 seems like good business since those guys are sometimes undervalued, though Montreal as an organisation seems to have some already existing degree of bias or stereotyping against them. Perhaps if a kid was in the CHL, management might not discount their talent.
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Post by folatre on Jun 18, 2018 20:03:48 GMT -5
You make some good points Dschens. I liked what I saw of him leading Finland to gold and it is true that being the youngest in his draft class makes it a bit harder to gauge where is ceiling may be.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 20:12:07 GMT -5
My preference at #3 continues to be Zadina. Hockey is debatable, but for me it would be ill advised to pass on a pure goal scorer. I do not place much stock on chin ups, etc. at the combine. NW, I was looking at McKenzie's list today and I am curious whether you think any of the second tier of centre prospects like Kupari, Lundestrom, McLeod, Dellandrea, Doudy, and Groulx could drop to the #35-38 range. I would like to grab Beaudin at #56 though that may end up being too late. He is pretty smooth and as a longer term development project to allow him to get stronger and learn how use his stick better defensively he could pay dividends down the line. The idea of taking a chance on a talented Russian at #62 or #66 seems like good business since those guys are sometimes undervalued, though Montreal as an organisation seems to have some already existing degree of bias or stereotyping against them. Perhaps if a kid was in the CHL, management might not discount their talent. I think some of those centres could drop. I really like Dellandrea, but he moved up after the U18s. I have seen lists with some of those guys mid first, some late first, and some early second round. It really varies. The most likely to be available IMO is Groulx, but I just don’t see the offensive upside that I would hope other available prospects may have at the same pick. I am really interested in seeing where Liam Foudy goes. His speed is something else. I like the value of Russians this draft, as you likely can tell from my list. I just wonder if the team feels the same way. I know TT watched a lot of the U18s and spent a lot of time there with our Russian scout. They will have watched a bunch of these guys. With 10 picks you can gamble on a Russian playing overseas if he really drops. Kravtsov and Denisenko should go in the first after Svechnikov, but I will secretly hope they drop. Highly unlikely given their first round skill set, even though both play in Russia. There are lots of guys I like better than my list, I just don’t think they will be available when our picks come up. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 18, 2018 20:23:51 GMT -5
McKenzie has Kotkaniemi at 5th. He was at 19 mid year and 10 at the draft lottery edition. Bob polls scouts to develop his list. Bob even refers to him as something missing in this draft previously...a POTENTIAL first line centre.
Dobson is another that moved up in top end of the rankings.
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Post by blny on Jun 18, 2018 20:24:53 GMT -5
Thanks for all that work NWT! Thanks...it is not work if it is fun, right!?! Effort then. Lots of char ... attitude. |
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Post by seventeen on Jun 18, 2018 23:23:28 GMT -5
Thanks...it is not work if it is fun, right!?! Effort then. Lots of char ... attitude. True Grit. |
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Post by jkr on Jun 19, 2018 6:19:13 GMT -5
McKenzie has Kotkaniemi at 5th. He was at 19 mid year and 10 at the draft lottery edition. Bob polls scouts to develop his list. Bob even refers to him as something missing in this draft previously...a POTENTIAL first line centre. Dobson is another that moved up in top end of the rankings. I saw that show last night. He had also moved Tkachuk into 3rd ahead of Zadina. I just don't trust that they will get this right. |
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Post by blny on Jun 19, 2018 6:33:29 GMT -5
McKenzie has Kotkaniemi at 5th. He was at 19 mid year and 10 at the draft lottery edition. Bob polls scouts to develop his list. Bob even refers to him as something missing in this draft previously...a POTENTIAL first line centre. Dobson is another that moved up in top end of the rankings. I saw that show last night. He had also moved Tkachuk into 3rd ahead of Zadina. I just don't trust that they will get this right. I personally think any teams that allow Zadina to fall are doing so at their peril. The whole "centers are everything" paranoia is going to see teams draft thoroughly average players whose value has been artificially inflated because of their position over the actual bpa. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2018 8:30:16 GMT -5
The pressure is on to get this draft right.
I just hope the pressure to be competitive next season is not greater, such that we see the third pick be part of a deal in the next couple of days.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 19, 2018 8:34:44 GMT -5
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was nowhere near the top-5 until short time ago ... up until then he was a 1st-round, middle-of-the-pack player ... now he's a can't-miss dynamo ... where did he come from ... The U18 worlds back in April did change a lot of minds I guess. Kotkaniemi centered the Finnish top line between Niklas Nordgren (potential 2nd rounder this year) and Kaapo Kakko (potential top 3 pick next year), so he had worthy linemates and a great chance to shine. Capturing gold and setting up the U18 world championship winning goal for Nordgren on a shorthanded breakaway rounded his great tournament off. Maybe we would've had a different outlook at the upcoming draft if Wahlstrom had scored the equalizer in the dying seconds of the final. But this subject has to be a controversy in a parallel universe. Back to JK: He's one of the youngest prospects in this draft. He is seven months and peanuts younger than Zadina, so we can suppose that he's behind in his development compared with Zadina. I think we would hear arguments that JK challenges Jack Hughes for the top spot in the 2019 draft, if he was only two months and 10 days younger. He played winger as a 16-years old in the Finnish U-20 league in the 2016-17 season. He had knee surgery in the summer of 2016 and came back late in November 2017 therefore he missed a notable time of that season and arguably a part of his development curve in particular his leg strength. He played winger in the 2017-18 season too, but already in the Finnish Elite League for Porin Ässät. Thus he has played in a league which does have much less exposure than the CHL to all these so-called experts outside of the real scouting industry. Furthermore he didn't play his natural position as a center at Ässät in the last two years because he was very young for both leagues. But he did impress playing center among peers at the Finnish U18 teams. And last but not least he's young and missed precious development time. All these reasons add to his late rising in the draft rankings especially in these lists which were compiled after the U18 world championships. I can only recommend reading the Kotkaniemi thread at the prospects board on HF. Thanks Dschens ... I read stuff on this a while back but reading it again gives me a better perspective ... from what I understand, the club wants to get better now and if they're serious about that then they'd be wise to draft Filip Zadina ... that said, the only concern I have if they draft Jesperi Kotkaniemi, is if they rush him into the lineup too soon ... I remember all the hype surrounding Gillaume Latendresse only to see him (retire?) from active play ... but the general consensus was le Club had brought him into the league too soon ... I guess I'm just a tad gun shy about drafting a guy who wasn't anywhere near the top-3 radar for most of the year ... oh well ... Friday is nearing ... Cheers. |
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Post by madhabber on Jun 19, 2018 9:22:55 GMT -5
This is just my opinion, but I'll weigh in nonetheless.
According to all the rumors, the Habs are looking at/have to chose between:
a) Filip Zadina - a sniper - potential 40 goal guy in the future - potential first line winger. Outlook: hope for Tarasenko type career.
b) Jesperi Kotkaniemi - an all-round center -potential second line center with a small outside chance as a first line center. Outlook: hope for a Plekanec type career.
c) Brady Tkachuk - power forward - second line maybe first. Outlook: his brother.
d) Noah Dobson/Evan Bouchard/Quinn Hughes - Defensemen and the only left D of the 3 is the lowest rated of the 3. Outlook: varies but Roman Josi.
(ps - I'm not comparing the players as in style of play, except Tkachuk, but projected career stats if everything goes according to plan)
So what is more important. A #1 winger or a #2 center. I'm discounting the D's unless we move down in the draft. They are either rated too low or play the wrong side and we have no room for them. With Weber, Petry and Juulsen, the right side is full for the forseable future unless they trade one.
My choice is clear, I chose the guy with the highest potential and that's Zadina. We may be short on centers, but we are also short on snipers. Besides who will Domi and Drouin setup if we pick someone else.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jun 19, 2018 9:40:05 GMT -5
Olofsson I'm not sure of. He was more highly regarded in September but others passed him by as the year went along. Too many descriptions remind me of DelaRose, who is an ok player, but I'd be hoping for more from a 2nd rounder in a deeper draft than 2013. What I read about Olofsson was that he was a big part of Timra moving back into the SHL this past season and that he disappeared in the U18s. Unfortunately, I have only seen him play at the U18s. I went and re-watched the SWE-CAN game last night to focus on him and Gustafsson. I think Gustafsson would be a decent option with our late second rounders if he is still available. He is still pretty lanky but was used as the top centre at the U18s since Hallander was injured. I think he can get more power and jump in his stride when he fills out and gets stronger. Back to Oloffson, you can see the makings of a decent two way guy. He did have a nice primary assist on Boqvist's first goal that showed really good vision and passing while in transition. He just seems so well coached on the defensive side of the game. That will endear NHL coaches but I would want to see more offensive instincts, which apparently were not on display at the U18s compared to his league and playoff play. If our scouts saw that offensive skill in his league play then I would be comfortable with him being picked. I still prefer a guy at that point with less questions about their offensive upside though, truth be told. By comparision, Dellandrea is a guy I would do cartwheels over if he dropped to our second round pick. Too bad he had too good of a U18s and likely is out of reach now as a result. You will get a kick out of this....Merkley was really good in that game. He had two primary assists on the last two Canadian goals including the game winner in OT. You really cannot deny his raw talent. I am going to rewatch the SWE-FIN semi from the U18 as I want to compare Kotkaniemi, Olofsson and Gustafsson head to head. I know they will go a round apart in the draft, but I am curious to see how big the gap in talent is between the Finn and the two Swedes. When I last watched the game, I was focused on Kotkaniemi for the most part as I had not seen him play up to that point. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jun 19, 2018 11:20:10 GMT -5
... another opinion ...Wagman: Kotkaniemi not a top-ten prospect (link) |
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I don't know, but good draft strategy includes keeping opponents guessing as to your intentions. Tkachuk didn't seem to be in the picture at all and suddenly the Habs are considering taking him. Hmmmmmmm, really? Let's see, what do we really need?f A centre?, Check. A LHD who could be a top pairing guy? Check. An elite scorer regardless of their position like Zadina? Check. A big, strong winger who projects to not be as good a scorer as his brother? Maybe not so much. Yet, here we are, purportedly considering selecting Tkachuk at #3. 
I know you'll love that comment. Merkley has real 'character' issues. He seems to put effort into the game only when he wants to. So he has a big red flag flying over him and there will be teams who have him on a 'do not draft' list. Thing is, if you can afford to gamble with a pick, his skill level is so high (offensively, on a par with Dahlin) that there's a temptation to grab him. I think a team with multiple first round picks might waste a later pick on him. High risk, high return. Scouts have asked, is he PK Subban or Ryan Murphy? 