Mayfield at number 24

[newfy 695]

With the draft coming up I've been looking into a lot of the prospects, especially ones that are realistic in the wings range.

There seem to be 2 guys who fit what the wings need perfectly and are projected to go wight when they pick, Scott Mayfield and possibly 6'7 Oleksiak as well (might be gone earlier).

Mayfield has a very good shot at being there however. Looking at this guy he has:

1) Size - 6'4 and 200 lbs, he will probably fill out another 25 pounds and be a huge player out there, it has been stated teh wings would like to add size to their prospect pool as well.

2) A mean streak - Compares himself to Pronger, imagine the wings with a 6'4 defenseman who actually uses it all to punish his opposition. There are no real high end prospects in the wings system who are real bruisers. Smith an Sheahan could be but they look to be more complimentary physical guys, Mayfield is the real deal.

3) Mobility - the kid can skate very well for a guy his size. We're not looking at a Boris Valabik here who just has size, Mayfield has the mobility.

4) Outstanding defensive skills - he is a straight up shut down defender. One of the best one on one defenseman in this draft, the wings could use someone to tighten up their back end like that.

His offense has been questioned, but he has also played on a god awful team the last 2 years, the wings also dont need a tonne of offense with a plethora of puck movers in the prospect pool.

At 24, if Mayfield is around I think (unless something crazy happens and someone slips) he will be one of the BPA and fill a huge organizational need as well. Would be a perfect compliment to Smith down the road as a rock solid defender and both could also punish the hell out of other teams.

[Shaman 713]

at 24? no, hes projected currently in the middle of the second round. Now if the wings drafted him in the second round? That would be fine, but no way will the wings would draft him that high. Alexander Khokhlachev, Tomas Jurco, or if he drops Joel Armia would be more realistic first round draft picks.

[Finnish Wing 110]

Skilled players play in more offensive roles and top line minutes. Skilled players are more valuable. The same applies to the draft. Rarely it's wise to pick physicality or size etc. over skill in the early rounds. You can dominate with size in the junior leagues if you're more mature physically already. Some players mature earlier, but in the end it's the potential you look for - and skill will become more important in time.

[Konnan511 1,736]

At 24, I'm looking at any one of : Khokhlachev, Alexander or Karlsson, William or Jaskin, Dmitri or Klefbom, Oscar

[redwingfan19 293]

see my post in the draft thread, this guy would be the perfect complement to smith 3-4 years down the road. wings have enough high end offensive talent in they system. i believe he is also a right handed shot.

totally on board with this!

[newfy 695]

at 24? no, hes projected currently in the middle of the second round. Now if the wings drafted him in the second round? That would be fine, but no way will the wings would draft him that high. Alexander Khokhlachev, Tomas Jurco, or if he drops Joel Armia would be more realistic first round draft picks.

You must have him confused with someone else. Hes not projected close to the middle of the second round lol. Most mocks have him going right around 20, most right before the wings pick. Khocklachev is another small skilled forward, its not like the wings dont have any of those.

Skilled players play in more offensive roles and top line minutes. Skilled players are more valuable. The same applies to the draft. Rarely it's wise to pick physicality or size etc. over skill in the early rounds. You can dominate with size in the junior leagues if you're more mature physically already. Some players mature earlier, but in the end it's the potential you look for - and skill will become more important in time.

We're talking about a big, physical potential prime Adam Foote/ Luke Schenn/ Derian Hatcher.

This isnt an Andreas Lilja, this is the guy getting credited as having the best one on one defensive skills in the draft. The wings need a shutdown guy like that. As for dominating because hes physically mature, he isnt. Hes still adjusting and filling out his 6'4 frame. Hes probably got 30 pounds to add.

Hes not an unskilled player, hes just not flashy. But I guess on LGW if he doesnt have youtube videos of him dangling, his skillset wont be appreciated

[Konnan511 1,736]

You must have him confused with someone else. Hes not projected close to the middle of the second round lol. Most mocks have him going right around 20, most right before the wings pick. Khocklachev is another small skilled forward, its not like the wings dont have any of those.

We're talking about a big, physical potential prime Adam Foote/ Luke Schenn/ Derian Hatcher.

This isnt an Andreas Lilja, this is the guy getting credited as having the best one on one defensive skills in the draft. The wings need a shutdown guy like that. As for dominating because hes physically mature, he isnt. Hes still adjusting and filling out his 6'4 frame. Hes probably got 30 pounds to add.

Hes not an unskilled player, hes just not flashy. But I guess on LGW if he doesnt have youtube videos of him dangling, his skillset wont be appreciated

Khocklachev is 5'11" 180. he'll add another inch or two and another 20-30 pounds as well. Why is Mayfield the only guy allowed to grow? 6'1" 205 isn't small by any means.

[newfy 695]

Khocklachev is 5'11" 180. he'll add another inch or two and another 20-30 pounds as well. Why is Mayfield the only guy allowed to grow? 6'1" 205 isn't small by any means.

Youre assuming he'll grow, you have no clue if he'll add 30 pounds or gain another few inches.

Mayfield doesn't need to grow, it is just likely he will put on weight because he is 6'4 and underweight for his height.

Khocklachev is undersized, I'm sure he is a great player but now what the wings need. I can see Armia or whoever because he is 6'3 but why the hell when there are guys that big on the board, would the wings pick another small forward when there is equal skill with size that is going to be around?

[Shaman 713]

You must have him confused with someone else. Hes not projected close to the middle of the second round lol. Most mocks have him going right around 20, most right before the wings pick. Khocklachev is another small skilled forward, its not like the wings dont have any of those.

We're talking about a big, physical potential prime Adam Foote/ Luke Schenn/ Derian Hatcher.

This isnt an Andreas Lilja, this is the guy getting credited as having the best one on one defensive skills in the draft. The wings need a shutdown guy like that. As for dominating because hes physically mature, he isnt. Hes still adjusting and filling out his 6'4 frame. Hes probably got 30 pounds to add.

Hes not an unskilled player, hes just not flashy. But I guess on LGW if he doesnt have youtube videos of him dangling, his skillset wont be appreciated

I am going by scouting reports and the drafts done by companies, not by HF board know it alls. Hes not a first rounder this year. And besides the wings defensive worries arent 3-6 years down the road they are now to 2 years, so this draft will have 0 effect on the defensive problems the wings face, but in that window they do face some issues with their forwards (Zetterberg and Dats both hitting their mid thirties). At best Mayfield would be a fix in 3-4 years so even though you're right that the wings need defensive prospects, they will likely have to look outside the organization to fill those holes.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Youre assuming he'll grow, you have no clue if he'll add 30 pounds or gain another few inches.

Mayfield doesn't need to grow, it is just likely he will put on weight because he is 6'4 and underweight for his height.

Khocklachev is undersized, I'm sure he is a great player but now what the wings need. I can see Armia or whoever because he is 6'3 but why the hell when there are guys that big on the board, would the wings pick another small forward when there is equal skill with size that is going to be around?

So it's ok to say your prospect will get bigger but it's unfathomable for me to say mine will?

[redwingfan19 293]

Youre assuming he'll grow, you have no clue if he'll add 30 pounds or gain another few inches.

Mayfield doesn't need to grow, it is just likely he will put on weight because he is 6'4 and underweight for his height.

Khocklachev is undersized, I'm sure he is a great player but now what the wings need. I can see Armia or whoever because he is 6'3 but why the hell when there are guys that big on the board, would the wings pick another small forward when there is equal skill with size that is going to be around?

and with the wings going North American with their last 4 1st round picks (albeit one was a goalie) and the thin pool of defensive prospects, a guy like mayfield makes perfect sense with the pick. it has got to the point where they wings have so many offensive prospects that they have to trade them away because there is no room on the roster and guys are out of options. guaranteed one of emmerton and mursak will be gone by camp. simply no room, it's a pretty safe bet the wings go with a D-man with the first pick. kenny knows he can try to hit homeruns with the jarnkroks, almqvists, pulkinens in the latter rounds.

[newfy 695]

I am going by scouting reports and the drafts done by companies, not by HF board know it alls. Hes not a first rounder this year. And besides the wings defensive worries arent 3-6 years down the road they are now to 2 years, so this draft will have 0 effect on the defensive problems the wings face, but in that window they do face some issues with their forwards (Zetterberg and Dats both hitting their mid thirties). At best Mayfield would be a fix in 3-4 years so even though you're right that the wings need defensive prospects, they will likely have to look outside the organization to fill those holes.

Well on NHL.com mocks they have him going at 20th and 22nd or something like that, they know quite a bit I would say. That is far from mid second round. CSS has him ranked 24th and I have seen several others putting him in the 20s as well. I welcome you to post a link that has him going in the mid second round, at the latest Ive seen him going at around 31 or 32

So it's ok to say your prospect will get bigger but it's unfathomable for me to say mine will?

No its not ok for you to assume an 18 year old will grow 2 inches, he very well could but by that age its pretty rare. Gaining 30lbs on a 5'11 frame is also a stretch. The guy I'm talking about is already 6'4 so he doesnt need to grow so no I havent said he'll get bigger. But at 6'4 its likely that he probably will gain about 20 pounds, unlike a 5'11 player. Especially with the style of play each player plays, putting on weight will be much more in Mayfields training.

Thats why its ok for me to call Kholklachev undersized, because he is

[Konnan511 1,736]

Well on NHL.com mocks they have him going at 20th and 22nd or something like that, they know quite a bit I would say. That is far from mid second round. CSS has him ranked 24th and I have seen several others putting him in the 20s as well. I welcome you to post a link that has him going in the mid second round, at the latest Ive seen him going at around 31 or 32

No its not ok for you to assume an 18 year old will grow 2 inches, he very well could but by that age its pretty rare. Gaining 30lbs on a 5'11 frame is also a stretch. The guy I'm talking about is already 6'4 so he doesnt need to grow so no I havent said he'll get bigger. But at 6'4 its likely that he probably will gain about 20 pounds, unlike a 5'11 player. Especially with the style of play each player plays, putting on weight will be much more in Mayfields training.

Thats why its ok for me to call Kholklachev undersized, because he is

Freshman girls gain 20-30 pounds all the time with ease over the course of a school year. If they can do it, so can Khocklachev. I grew about an inch and a half my first couple years of college and a lot of people I know continue to grow until their early 20s.

So again. Why is it ok for Mayfield to grow, but Khocklachev can't?

[Shaman 713]

Well on NHL.com mocks they have him going at 20th and 22nd or something like that, they know quite a bit I would say. That is far from mid second round. CSS has him ranked 24th and I have seen several others putting him in the 20s as well. I welcome you to post a link that has him going in the mid second round, at the latest Ive seen him going at around 31 or 32

No its not ok for you to assume an 18 year old will grow 2 inches, he very well could but by that age its pretty rare. Gaining 30lbs on a 5'11 frame is also a stretch. The guy I'm talking about is already 6'4 so he doesnt need to grow so no I havent said he'll get bigger. But at 6'4 its likely that he probably will gain about 20 pounds, unlike a 5'11 player. Especially with the style of play each player plays, putting on weight will be much more in Mayfields training.

Thats why its ok for me to call Kholklachev undersized, because he is

Wow, way to spin it, hes 24th among NORTH AMERICAN SKATERS.

[LeftWinger 4,936]

again, these are the guys I like....I posted this in the first draft thread....

31. RD Myles Bell – Regina (WHL)

DOB: Aug. 19/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.00 | Weight: 202lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 48GP 11G 21A 31P -6 60PIM

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Bell is a high-risk, high-reward defenseman that is capable of making momentum-changing plays. Although listed as a defenseman, Bell could almost be listed as a fourth forward as he seems to spend as much time joining the rush and the play up ice as he does in his own end. He loves to carry the puck up the ice and will attempt to stickhandle through traffic. He makes a strong first pass out of his end and has a very heavy shot from the point. Bell also loves delivering big hits. He can run around out of position when he locks on to a target. While he loves to rush the puck, his puck handling skills are good, but not elite in the way some other draft-eligible players’ are. His risky tendencies have often led to troubles in his own end and it must be determined whether his abilities are good enough for him to play the same way in the pros or whether he will just become a defensive liability.

32. RW Tyler Biggs – US Under 18 Team (USHL)

DOB: Jan. 30/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 210lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 12GP 5G 2A 7P +5 35PIM

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Biggs has a pro body and uses it well. He also knows when to stand up for his teammates and provides good leadership. Biggs skates well with a powerful stride that takes him from point A to point B with good speed. He’s a little choppy though in tight turns and when he has to change directions. Most of the consensus has him higher, but we think there’s players with more upside ahead of him.

35. RC Colin Jacobs – Seattle (WHL)

DOB: Jan. 20/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 204lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 45GP 17G 16A 33P -12 49PIM

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Colin Jacobs is a prototypical Western Hockey League center. Big, strong, and tough as nails, Jacobs hails from Coppell, Texas, not exactly a hockey hotbed. Jacobs has already surpassed his goal and point totals from last season, and continues to play his rough and tumble style while playing a much larger role on a young Seattle team. Colin projects as a second or third line center in the NHL, but is still a very raw player that will need a few years of solid development.

38. LW Stefan Noesen – Plymouth (OHL)

DOB: Feb. 12/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 195lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 49GP 24G 31A 55P +14 56PIM

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Noesen is one of the big surprises out of the OHL this year, as he has really relished the increased role he’s earned himself with Mike Velucci’s team this season. He’s an above average skater who’s a prototypical north/south winger. Plays his off wing, but takes a lot of faceoffs and is very adept in the faceoff circle. Not a very creative player and looks to shoot first often, but has a pretty good shot. Hard nosed player who sacrifices the body and isn’t afraid to dish out his weight either. Offensive potential at the pro level is still questionable, but he competes hard and brings it every game.

41. RC Rickard Rakell – Plymouth (OHL)

DOB: May 05/93 | Shoots: R | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 185lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 17G 18A 35P +11 12PIM

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Like Noesen, he came into the year off the chart a bit but has quickly entrenched himself as a legitimate prospect and was rewarded with a nod for the Swedish World Junior squad. He’s an above average skater who just does a lot of things well and is a player that a coach can use in a lot of situations due to his versatility. After playing mostly on the wing, he’s been thrown into a center position and made the transition fairly easily. He competes hard and leaves it all on the ice and also has a bit of grit which is a positive as well. Decent offensive threat and there’s no doubt that his upside isn’t capped with what he’s shown thus far.

42. LD Joe Morrow – Portland (WHL)

DOB: Dec. 09/92 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 198lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 39GP 4G 22A 26P +3 41PIM

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After being injured early in the season, Morrow came back into the lineup with a lot of confidence, which led him to post 8 points in his first 7 games of the season. The slick-skating rearguard has since cooled off, posting 12 points in 22 games through November and December, while going -1 during that time span. Morrow has to fight for time on a stacked Portland defense, but has shown that he can hold his own while playing alongside other top prospects. Morrow is a very good skater who makes a solid first pass out of his own zone, and also has an underrated shot from the Portland blue line. Like some of his fellow teammates, Morrow will need to continue to improve in his own end to raise his stock even more, but with his raw skills, the sky is the limit.

46. LC Boone Jenner – Oshawa (OHL)

DOB: Jun. 15/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.03 | Weight: 197lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 43GP 14G 29A 43P +3 34PIM

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Jenner has great size and strength for a 17 year old and is very hard to move off the puck. He’s not afraid to get physical and he can handle body contact effectively as well. He has a good release and likes to shoot the puck and wants the puck to be on his stick. Some may view this as a good trait, but with Jenner it borders heavily on immaturity as he is constantly calling for the puck at inopportune times. Jenner’s skating is still pretty choppy, but it’s improving, and aside from that there’s a lot that translates well to the NHL level, but he needs to find some consistency and make better decisions with the puck to be a more effective player.

52. LW Adam Lowry – Swift Current (WHL)

DOB: Mar. 29/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.04 | Weight: 184lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 48GP 14G 16A 30P -14 64PIM

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After getting off to a slow start to the season while recuperating from mono, Lowry is quickly becoming one of the fastest risers in the WHL for this year’s upcoming NHL draft. Lowry has been nearly a PPG player for the Broncos since the end of November. Lowry isn’t the best skater and could stand to improve his first step, but he’s a power forward in the making that does a lot of little things that coaches love. The son of former NHLer Dave Lowry works the boards well, wins puck battles, is strong on the puck, throws his weight around, takes his man, and has surprisingly good hands for his size. At 6’4, Lowry already has the ability to overpower his opponents and he doesn’t look he’s finished growing yet.

30. LC JT Miller – US U18 Team (USHL)

DOB: Mar. 14/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.01 | Weight: 198lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 12GP 1G 9A 10P +4 37PIM

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Miller is a very strong, powerful skater and he uses his speed to help him both offensively and defensively. Miller is an extremely hard worker and has the ability to get to loose pucks as well as separate the puck from the carrier seemingly at will. He has strong puck skills to go with his skating and is very dedicated to his end of the ice. The only knock on Miller is that when you see him play and admire his skills, you wonder why he doesn’t produce the numbers to match those skills.

27. RW Seth Ambroz – Omaha (USHL)

DOB: Apr. 01/93 | Shoots: L | Height: 6.02 | Weight: 211lbs

Season Statistics (Jan 28th): 28GP 14G 12A 26P +8 37PIM

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Ambroz may not have held on to Top 5 status as some were predicting but he remains an interesting prospect. He has continued to increase his production since his rookie USHL campaign as a 15 year old and is currently at a point per game pace. Ambroz provides offense through his natural goal scoring ability and quick hands in front. He also provides a physical presence and shows no fear or reservations on the ice. The question on Ambroz has been and remains his skating. Before you see him play, you tend to expect more due to the hype and can leave disappointed, until you look at the score sheet. It will be interesting to see if he stays the NCAA route with Minnesota or takes his game to Seattle in the WHL.

any of these guys in the first and/or second (or further down if they are around) would make me a very excited fan. Since it usually takes 3-4 years of developing before they make the big club, any small flaws these kids have SHOULD be worked out before they make the jump...

[Finnish Wing 110]

again, these are the guys I like....I posted this in the first draft thread....

I drafted that Boone Jenner kid in NHL 11. He's my 4th line center in GR, a decent player.

[newfy 695]

Freshman girls gain 20-30 pounds all the time with ease over the course of a school year. If they can do it, so can Khocklachev. I grew about an inch and a half my first couple years of college and a lot of people I know continue to grow until their early 20s.

So again. Why is it ok for Mayfield to grow, but Khocklachev can't?

Yeah those freshman girls are gaining the same type of weight that an NHL hockey player should gain, and its not like girls retain weight much easier that guys either.

So you grew an inch in college, most guys grow a bit after the age of 18 but not a whole bunch and definitely not 2 inches on average, its an exception not the rule. Kholclachev is listed at 5'10 that is undersized.

And one last time, maybe I should put it in cap locks if you dont get it his time. Mayfield is already 6'4 and only 195 pounds. I am not saying he will grow at all, but at that size it is much more likely with that big of a frame at 18 that he will gain more weight that Kholchlachev will. Its not that hard to figure out. By 18 most guys are done growing height wise, but their testosterone levels allow them to bulk up on muscle and fill out.

IM NOT SAYING YOUR FAVOURITE RUSSIAN PROSPECT WONT GROW AT ALL, BUT IF YOU THINK HIS CHANCES AT GAINING 2INCHES AND 30LBS ARE HIGHER THAN A PLAYER WHO IS 6'4 AT 18 GAINING 20-30 LBS, YOU ARE WRONG PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Wow, way to spin it, hes 24th among NORTH AMERICAN SKATERS.

Yeah I said CSS, maybe youre not aware but thats central scouting services. They scout NA skaters. ISS (International scouting servies) are the ones who scout Europe. I figured you would know that or maybe you just didnt notice it, its not like I was trying to hide it or something.

[Shaman 713]

Yeah those freshman girls are gaining the same type of weight that an NHL hockey player should gain, and its not like girls retain weight much easier that guys either.

So you grew an inch in college, most guys grow a bit after the age of 18 but not a whole bunch and definitely not 2 inches on average, its an exception not the rule. Kholclachev is listed at 5'10 that is undersized.

And one last time, maybe I should put it in cap locks if you dont get it his time. Mayfield is already 6'4 and only 195 pounds. I am not saying he will grow at all, but at that size it is much more likely with that big of a frame at 18 that he will gain more weight that Kholchlachev will. Its not that hard to figure out. By 18 most guys are done growing height wise, but their testosterone levels allow them to bulk up on muscle and fill out.

IM NOT SAYING YOUR FAVOURITE RUSSIAN PROSPECT WONT GROW AT ALL, BUT IF YOU THINK HIS CHANCES AT GAINING 2INCHES AND 30LBS ARE HIGHER THAN A PLAYER WHO IS 6'4 AT 18 GAINING 20-30 LBS, YOU ARE WRONG PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Yeah I said CSS, maybe youre not aware but thats central scouting services. They scout NA skaters. ISS (International scouting servies) are the ones who scout Europe. I figured you would know that or maybe you just didnt notice it, its not like I was trying to hide it or something.

I am personally aware of this, but the problem is some arent, and since the draft is made up of both NA Skaters and EU Skaters his 24 ranking is not a valid assessment of where he will be drafted, hes much closer to 45 than 25. So the way you put in in your response made it sound like he was ranked mid 20s in all skaters which is not true and only one of the NHL mock drafts have him going to the Ducks the rest hes not first round.

Edited June 12, 2011 by Shaman464

[Datsyerberger 279]

Yeah I said CSS, maybe youre not aware but thats central scouting services. They scout NA skaters. ISS (International scouting servies) are the ones who scout Europe. I figured you would know that or maybe you just didnt notice it, its not like I was trying to hide it or something.

Except that CSS provides ranking lists for both NA and international skaters, and saying simply "CSS" instead of "CSS north american skaters" is an intentional obfuscation of the facts. Keep in mind that particular list also leaves out goalies, both international and NA. Meanwhile, here's your wording.

Well on NHL.com mocks they have him going at 20th and 22nd or something like that, they know quite a bit I would say. That is far from mid second round. CSS has him ranked 24th and I have seen several others putting him in the 20s as well.

You discuss how some people project him in the early 20s, then use the CSS NA skaters only list to make it sound like "the price is right" for Mayfield in the region of the Wings pick. Sorry, but...

[Konnan511 1,736]

Yeah those freshman girls are gaining the same type of weight that an NHL hockey player should gain, and its not like girls retain weight much easier that guys either.

So you grew an inch in college, most guys grow a bit after the age of 18 but not a whole bunch and definitely not 2 inches on average, its an exception not the rule. Kholclachev is listed at 5'10 that is undersized.

And one last time, maybe I should put it in cap locks if you dont get it his time. Mayfield is already 6'4 and only 195 pounds. I am not saying he will grow at all, but at that size it is much more likely with that big of a frame at 18 that he will gain more weight that Kholchlachev will. Its not that hard to figure out. By 18 most guys are done growing height wise, but their testosterone levels allow them to bulk up on muscle and fill out.

IM NOT SAYING YOUR FAVOURITE RUSSIAN PROSPECT WONT GROW AT ALL, BUT IF YOU THINK HIS CHANCES AT GAINING 2INCHES AND 30LBS ARE HIGHER THAN A PLAYER WHO IS 6'4 AT 18 GAINING 20-30 LBS, YOU ARE WRONG PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Yeah I said CSS, maybe youre not aware but thats central scouting services. They scout NA skaters. ISS (International scouting servies) are the ones who scout Europe. I figured you would know that or maybe you just didnt notice it, its not like I was trying to hide it or something.

Where did you get that notion from?

I've asked you a million times, why can your guy get bigger but mine can't? You've never answered it, instead, you've done nothing but belittle me and make condescending remarks towards me.

And he's listed as 5'11" from the latest reports I've seen. Also, tatar put on 20 lbs of muscle in one seasona nd he's smaller than Khocklache, but I see how it's easy to forget to mention that.

[WorkingOvertime 536]

Skilled players play in more offensive roles and top line minutes. Skilled players are more valuable. The same applies to the draft. Rarely it's wise to pick physicality or size etc. over skill in the early rounds. You can dominate with size in the junior leagues if you're more mature physically already. Some players mature earlier, but in the end it's the potential you look for - and skill will become more important in time.

I would agree with you if the Wings had a top-10 pick, but the better skill players all go within the top-10. I'm fine with the Wings picking a shut-down dman in the first round if he is projected to be a good shut-down dman in the NHL. The Wings need players to make it to the NHL and not be fringe players, regardless of role. IMO the Wings are just as likely (or more likely) to find a skilled forward in the other rounds (not round one) than the are at the bottom of the first round. Therefore, picking a shut-down dman is not a wasted pick.

If Biggs is available, I want the Wings to pick him, but he will probably go earlier.

EDIT- All of the skilled players that are near-ready NHLers are taken before the Wings will pick. Any top-line talents will likely have to be a high-risk player, and that should occur in later rounds.

Edited June 12, 2011 by WorkingOvertime

[mjlegend 155]

Myles Bell has some very serious and significant legal problems to go through in the next while.

[Finnish Wing 110]

I would agree with you if the Wings had a top-10 pick, but the better skill players all go within the top-10. I'm fine with the Wings picking a shut-down dman in the first round if he is projected to be a good shut-down dman in the NHL. The Wings need players to make it to the NHL and not be fringe players, regardless of role. IMO the Wings are just as likely (or more likely) to find a skilled forward in the other rounds (not round one) than the are at the bottom of the first round. Therefore, picking a shut-down dman is not a wasted pick.

If Biggs is available, I want the Wings to pick him, but he will probably go earlier.

You as a Red Wings fan should know that's absolutely rubbish.

[Konnan511 1,736]

Myles Bell has some very serious and significant legal problems to go through in the next while.

Is he the guy who killed a girl by drunk driving?

[Datsyerberger 279]

Is he the guy who killed a girl by drunk driving?

Yea, I believe that's the guy. Under-aged drunk driving, even. Oops.