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I'd be happy with either Mason McTavish or William Eklund. Just don't want Jesper Wallstadt at #6 would love to use the Caps #22 pick along with one of our Mid 2nds and take Sebastian Cossa though.

The possibility that we don't finish in prime lotto territory next season is something I've been considering. We're no longer running down the clock on a glut of albatross contracts. Yzerman wants the team to start getting younger and more competitive. Seider could be an immediate difference-maker. Injuries shouldn't be as big a problem as they were this season. All of which is to say: Maybe this team's upswining is already underway. I dunno that that should impact our drafting strategy in the here and now. But it's something to think about.

In my shoot-from-the-hip mock draft of the top 8 that I did right after the lotto draw results, I had CBJ taking McTavish. I do suspect they'd like to get a centerman, and I think McTavish's rugged game fits their brand. I'd be fine with us getting McTavish. I know some people are concerned that he's "a rich man's Abdelkader." And I respect that. But I'd say there's roughly the same level of risk with all the candidates. There's definitely an argument to be made that we should be taking a really high-skill puck wizard type (indeed, that's why I like Lucius), but I can very easily imagine those guys becoming Athanasiou types, i.e. highly skilled but not particularly great players. McTavish reminds me of Brayden Point in some ways. Plays a smart, straightforward, responsible, highly-competitive "I'm going to beat you because I just am" type of game. Seems to thrive in big-stage settings.

I fine with whichever skater he takes... I just looked at TSN and Button has him drafting Wallstedt. I guess we'd have to live with it, but of all the names bouncing around, the G has to be the biggest risk I think. This guy better be Hasek 2.0 IMO to risk that #6. There is an outside chance we aren't even a lottery team next season depending on what Yzerman does with UFA's and or trades. I'd hate to miss out on a great LHD or a C that drops to us for a huge gamble in net. I know, I know, Jesper is supposed to be all world, maybe better than Askarov, but still, the G position has to be the biggest risk of being a bust. I would just rather go safe with Hughes (et.al) and get a G later in the draft. But, really, they are very high on Bednar, maybe that pick works out? I think I will be most disappointed if he drafts Wallstedt...but I still have to trust the process! (BTW, am I the only who would prefer giving Mrazek and contract instead of Bernier? *Different thread)

I'm on record saying we take McTavish or Lucius. But, yeah, we might as well be picking names out of a hat. Wiiiiiiiiide open.

I would prefer one of the Swedes personally, but who knows what Yzerman does.

1. I was pointing out that the first round picks in the playoffs were all starters, and how that might lead someone with a simple mind to conclude that 1st round goalies was the way to go. Sorry that you missed that. 2. Well then why would I bring up details that clearly debunks my narrative? Because it doesn't. If you bothered to read it, I clearly pointed out that both MAF and Varlamov, although being first round picks, were playing for teams that didn't even draft them. In other words, the Islanders and Knights got their playoff starting goaltenders without having to use a first round pick to get them. Comprende? And between Vasilevskiy and Price, only Price was drafted in the top 10. Vasilevskiy was drafted 19th. Not too far away from the Wings 2nd pick. Out of the entire NHL, only one team has found success in the playoffs with a top 10 goalie that they drafted. Montreal. That's it. If that gives you reason to think that drafting a goalie with the 6th pick is a no brainer, then I don't know what to tell you because you cleary can't handle anyone disagreeing with you, no matter how much evidence there is to support it.

Multiple outlets saying that Yzerman may be targeting McTavish at #6. That is the problem with picking out of the top 2 or 3. So many good quality players, you just hope to choose the right one. Hughes, Edvinsson, Wallstedt, McTavish, Eklund...not including guys who may fall...it's gonna be crazy! Heck even Guenther may fall. It just seems so up in the air! Most folks see Power as the #1, but I would not be surprised if someone else went first.

This has been an unusual past 18 months with the pandemic. I'd say this draft may see more subjective/personal hunch picks than ever before. For all we know Yzerman and the scouts might feel there's not 1 skater that really stands out between #5 thru #10 - maybe at #6 Wallstedt has the highest ceiling of that bunch (think Lundqvist) and everyone else might be seen as 2nd line forwards or 2nd pairing Dmen. As usual I really don’t follow the prospects so I don’t have any strong opinion - however it would be nice to add a goalie who can be our legit starter for years to come.