• Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

LeftWinger

Official 2018 NHL Amateur Entry Draft Discussion Thread

Rate this topic

Recommended Posts

21 minutes ago, LeftWinger said:

I believe we need to draft D with our first, but dang, the thought of having any of:

Dahlin, Tkachuk, Svechling, Hughes, Boqvist, Bouchard, Dobson, Zadina.... I am forgetting a few too, but this will be a good one for us! Can Holland screw this up?

I'm pretty sure the Wings will be looking to take a defenseman with the first pick, but it's entirely possible that they decide an available forward is better than the available defensemen. Taking Svechnikov over anyone not named Dahlin is, to me, a no-brainer, but you could also make a case for Zadina or Tkachuk being every bit as appealing as any of Hughes, Boqvist, Bouchard, Dobson. I might be a little disappointed if we take Wahlstrom in the 6-8 range, but on the other hand, we're talking about arguably the top centerman in this draft class. Taking Veleno 8th overall? Could be a reach, but I'm not sure he's any less promising than Larkin was in his draft year.

I'm so pumped for this draft. Lottery's only 12 days away!

http://www.tankathon.com/nhl/mock_draft

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, LeftWinger said:

I believe we need to draft D with our first, but dang, the thought of having any of:

Dahlin, Tkachuk, Svechling, Hughes, Boqvist, Bouchard, Dobson, Zadina.... I am forgetting a few too, but this will be a good one for us! Can Holland screw this up?

He did draft Rasmussen and Bertuzzi and missed out on Chychrun

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
2 hours ago, Dabura said:

I'm pretty sure the Wings will be looking to take a defenseman with the first pick, but it's entirely possible that they decide an available forward is better than the available defensemen. Taking Svechnikov over anyone not named Dahlin is, to me, a no-brainer, but you could also make a case for Zadina or Tkachuk being every bit as appealing as any of Hughes, Boqvist, Bouchard, Dobson. I might be a little disappointed if we take Wahlstrom in the 6-8 range, but on the other hand, we're talking about arguably the top centerman in this draft class. Taking Veleno 8th overall? Could be a reach, but I'm not sure he's any less promising than Larkin was in his draft year.

I'm so pumped for this draft. Lottery's only 12 days away!

http://www.tankathon.com/nhl/mock_draft

Are you sure? I have seen him listed mostly as a RW, occasionally as a C/RW. If he isn't a full time C at the lower levels, I don't think he'll play C at the NHL level. Which is why I'm not high on him. I'm only looking at Svech, Zadina, Tkachuk if I am looking at a forward in the top 10. If I need a Center, I trade down and pick Veleno.

Edited by Neomaxizoomdweebie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
14 hours ago, ChristopherReevesLegs said:

He did draft Rasmussen and Bertuzzi and missed out on Chychrun

I have a feeling we're going to see Ras on the team next season. His only option is Detroit or back to junior. Sending him to junior does absolutely nothing for his development. 

We all know my choice at that pick, we do need a high scoring RW, BUT we had/have so many needs and just look at our power play this year, it's no wonder Holland chose a power play specialist last season. Seeing it powerless this year gives me hope that Ras can change that.  He really has dominated his junior league and needs to take a next step. It's just too bad he can't develop in GR a bit. But hey. Larkin came in and got a spot and stayed. I hope Ras comes in and earns a spot and helps jump start our PP and our rebuild. I just hope Blashill utilizes him correctly.

Edited by LeftWinger

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not really sure why so many are down on Wahlstrom.  Kid came through the same developmental program as Larkin and bested Dylan in ppg at each stage.  If he projects as a center in the NHL I'd be happy with the pick, if he projects as a winger then I pass.  But he's a damn good prospect.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
26 minutes ago, kipwinger said:

Not really sure why so many are down on Wahlstrom.  Kid came through the same developmental program as Larkin and bested Dylan in ppg at each stage.  If he projects as a center in the NHL I'd be happy with the pick, if he projects as a winger then I pass.  But he's a damn good prospect.

I don't think many are "down on Wahlstrom". I think anyone would be thrilled to have him in their organization, but if we're picking top 5, there will likely be better options available. If we fall back to 8, I'd consider taking him for sure, depending on who else is still on the board.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
2 hours ago, LeftWinger said:

I have a feeling we're going to see Ras on the team next season. His only option is Detroit or back to junior. Sending him to junior does absolutely nothing for his development. 

We all know my choice at that pick, we do need a high scoring RW, BUT we had/have so many needs and just look at our power play this year, it's no wonder Holland chose a power play specialist last season. Seeing it powerless this year gives me hope that Ras can change that.  He really has dominated his junior league and needs to take a next step. It's just too bad he can't develop in GR a bit. But hey. Larkin came in and got a spot and stayed. I hope Ras comes in and earns a spot and helps jump start our PP and our rebuild. I just hope Blashill utilizes him correctly.

I'm perfectly content to play him as a bottom 6 center/power-play specialist next year. Think it would be a good step up for him.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For sure. It would be the only step he could take. Sending him back to junior would be a step back. I'm sure he won't get top line, but I mostly meant sitting in the press box most nights, because, you know, process. 

So, youngsters I want to see here next season:

Dahlin (if)

Cholowski

Ras 

Svech Sr. (Jr. too If we get him instead of Dahlin)

Hicketts in some capacity.

Who do you feel should come up?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If we draft any one of Hughes, Bouchard or Dobson, I'd  give them every pre season game to try to make the team. Kronner, E, DD, they're not going anywhere, they can sit out most of the pre season games.

Edited by LeftWinger

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, kipwinger said:

Not really sure why so many are down on Wahlstrom.  Kid came through the same developmental program as Larkin and bested Dylan in ppg at each stage.  If he projects as a center in the NHL I'd be happy with the pick, if he projects as a winger then I pass.  But he's a damn good prospect.

1 hour ago, krsmith17 said:

I don't think many are "down on Wahlstrom". I think anyone would be thrilled to have him in their organization, but if we're picking top 5, there will likely be better options available. If we fall back to 8, I'd consider taking him for sure, depending on who else is still on the board.

I tend to be wary of centermen "who also play wing." I want a centerman's centerman, a bona fide pivot who we are 99% certain will be a pivot in his pro career.

Edited by Dabura

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
35 minutes ago, LeftWinger said:

For sure. It would be the only step he could take. Sending him back to junior would be a step back. I'm sure he won't get top line, but I mostly meant sitting in the press box most nights, because, you know, process. 

So, youngsters I want to see here next season:

Dahlin (if)

Cholowski

Ras 

Svech Sr. (Jr. too If we get him instead of Dahlin)

Hicketts in some capacity.

Who do you feel should come up?

Hicketts, Svech, Ras, Dahlin (if)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If we draft second or third I almost think we have to draft Andrei, Filip, or Brady.  Would you take a defenceman at second or third?  If we draft at # 27 next with the Vegas pick and Bode Wilde, Mattias Samuelsson, and K'Andre Millar are gone how do you fix our defense?  At this point I cant see any other defensemen who can be difference makers and this is the year of the defencemen. If one of those three are available then fine but there is a real possibility they are all gone.

For the record at # 5, I want Evan Bouchard. At # 27 I'm hoping for Sammuelsson or Millar.  Then I would like O'Brien and Khovanov.  If we could work Kevin Bahl in here somehow in the second round that would be ok.  I would like to see us draft Curtis Douglas a little later just to see what a 6'8" centre would look like in red.

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
7 minutes ago, HoweFan said:

If we draft second or third I almost think we have to draft Andrei, Filip, or Brady.  Would you take a defenceman at second or third?  If we draft at # 27 next with the Vegas pick and Bode Wilde, Mattias Samuelsson, and K'Andre Millar are gone how do you fix our defense?  At this point I cant see any other defensemen who can be difference makers and this is the year of the defencemen. If one of those three are available then fine but there is a real possibility they are all gone.

For the record at # 5, I want Evan Bouchard. At # 27 I'm hoping for Sammuelsson or Millar.  Then I would like O'Brien and Khovanov.  If we could work Kevin Bahl in here somehow in the second round that would be ok.  I would like to see us draft Curtis Douglas a little later just to see what a 6'8" centre would look like in red.

If we end up with the number 2 pick, we have to take Svechnikov. If we end up with the number 3 pick, I'm okay with taking either of Zadina or Tkatchuk, but ideally I'd like to trade back a few spots in hopes we can still get one of the defensemen we like. I think it's way too wide open to project who will be available with our Vegas pick, or Ottawa's / our 2nd, but I'd like to use a couple of those picks to move up to the middle of the 1st, if a player we like drops.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
18 minutes ago, Neomaxizoomdweebie said:

Hopefully Rass playing wing in Tri City isn't anything to be concerned about.

It's not. The coach has him and Geekie together for their incredible chemistry, despite the fact theyre both centerman. It has nothing to do with how good of a centerman he is.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
17 hours ago, Neomaxizoomdweebie said:

Are you sure? I have seen him listed mostly as a RW, occasionally as a C/RW. If he isn't a full time C at the lower levels, I don't think he'll play C at the NHL level. Which is why I'm not high on him. I'm only looking at Svech, Zadina, Tkachuk if I am looking at a forward in the top 10. If I need a Center, I trade down and pick Veleno.

I guess I was a bit misleading. Wahlstrom is probably a full-time winger at higher levels, and that's why I'm not crazy about him. But I have the same basic concern about Tkachuk. So, if Tkachuk is the consensus top C, I think you also have to consider Wahlstrom for that title.

I do feel Veleno is more of a "centerman's centerman"; you could absolutely make a case for him being the top C.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If I had to choose between Wahlstrom and Tkachuk, I think I'd take Wahlstrom. While it'd be great to have a throwback power-forward with a mean streak and soft hands (Tkachuk), I think Wahlstrom's game is better suited for today's NHL. He's got size, he's a great skater, he plays a physical game and likes to be in the middle of the action -- but he's also a wildly skilled scorer and playmaker with very real gamebreaking ability. And he shoots right-handed.

"Yet you say you might be disappointed if we take him in the 6-8 range. Be consistent, man!"

I just like those three or four defensemen that much, and we need high-end defensemen that badly. Not that we don't also need a scorer like Wahlstrom (or Zadina), but I don't think he (or Zadina, or Tkachuk) is on Svechnikov's level. If we're not getting Dahlin or Svechnikov, the smart pick is probably Hughes/Boqvist/Bouchard/Dobson. I won't get bent out of shape if the Wings decide otherwise, though. Because all of these players are excellent.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The idea of two towers like Miller and Samuelsson one day on our blue line sounds great!

If we could snag both of them with Vegas and Ottawa's pick, all would be good in thed world! We may get one, but I am not sure either of them get to the second round, even if it is 33 and 36.

If we stay at 5 or drop, and we cone out of June with Hughes/Bouchard/Dobson and Miller and Samuelsson with our 1st three picks....wow! But really there is so much talent available, how could anyone screw it up?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, Dabura said:

If I had to choose between Wahlstrom and Tkachuk, I think I'd take Wahlstrom. While it'd be great to have a throwback power-forward with a mean streak and soft hands (Tkachuk), I think Wahlstrom's game is better suited for today's NHL. He's got size, he's a great skater, he plays a physical game and likes to be in the middle of the action -- but he's also a wildly skilled scorer and playmaker with very real gamebreaking ability. And he shoots right-handed.

"Yet you say you might be disappointed if we take him in the 6-8 range. Be consistent, man!"

I just like those three or four defensemen that much, and we need high-end defensemen that badly. Not that we don't also need a scorer like Wahlstrom (or Zadina), but I don't think he (or Zadina, or Tkachuk) is on Svechnikov's level. If we're not getting Dahlin or Svechnikov, the smart pick is probably Hughes/Boqvist/Bouchard/Dobson. I won't get bent out of shape if the Wings decide otherwise, though. Because all of these players are excellent.

I agree 100%.

2 hours ago, Dabura said:

I guess I was a bit misleading. Wahlstrom is probably a full-time winger at higher levels, and that's why I'm not crazy about him. But I have the same basic concern about Tkachuk. So, if Tkachuk is the consensus top C, I think you also have to consider Wahlstrom for that title.

I do feel Veleno is more of a "centerman's centerman"; you could absolutely make a case for him being the top C.

Tkachuk is also listed as a slash too. He won't be a center at the NHL level. The highest ranked "true" Center is Veleno.

Whenever I See C/LW or C/RW I always see that as the equivalent of "padding a resume". Svech Sr. was listed as a C/LW when he was drafted IIRC, but i don't think there's much argument about him being a winger at the NHL level.

I think if it Dahlin and Svech are gone, I draft one of the D, then I look to trade up into the teens and draft Veleno if I can get him. The problem with that scenario is they'll probably want an early second back in the trade.

I guess my point is, unless it's Svechnikov, there are too many good young D to draft a winger with the first pick.

Edited by Neomaxizoomdweebie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
17 minutes ago, Neomaxizoomdweebie said:

I agree 100%.

Tkachuk is also listed as a slash too. He won't be a center at the NHL level. The highest ranked "true" Center is Veleno.

Whenever I See C/LW or C/RW I always see that as the equivalent of "padding a resume". Svech Sr. was listed as a C/LW when he was drafted IIRC, but i don't think there's much argument about him being a winger at the NHL level.

I think if it Dahlin and Svech are gone, I draft one of the D, then I look to trade up into the teens and draft Veleno if I can get him. The problem with that scenario is they'll probably want an early second back in the trade.

I guess my point is, unless it's Svechnikov, there are too many good young D to draft a winger with the first pick.

Yup.

Tkachuk might be an NHL center, but my money's on him becoming a winger like his his older brother and performing more or less the same as his bro has.

I'm thinking Veleno probably goes in the top 12. That said, I'd be thrilled if we could somehow trade up and get him with our second pick. Maybe an AA+ package gets us there? AA + Vegas's 1st + one of our 2nds? Does that get us a pick in the 9-12 range and, if so, would Veleno be worth it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, Dabura said:

Yup.

Tkachuk might be an NHL center, but my money's on him becoming a winger like his his older brother and performing more or less the same as his bro has.

I'm thinking Veleno probably goes in the top 12. That said, I'd be thrilled if we could somehow trade up and get him with our second pick. Maybe an AA+ package gets us there? AA + Vegas's 1st + one of our 2nds? Does that get us a pick in the 9-12 range and, if so, would Veleno be worth it?

Yes, I think that trade would be accepted. Would I do it? IDK, that's one of those trades I'm glad I don't have to decide.

Edited by Neomaxizoomdweebie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thing is, Larkin is our future #1 Center (if not already) Sure Veleno would be a great pick up, but would we be squandering one of them on the 2nd line? They both cannot be #1 C's...

Personally, If I am not getting Dahlin, then if we trade AA, VEG's pick and a 2nd to get another top 10-12 pick, I am taking another D.  Lets say I get Hughes with our pick, then trade up to #9 and Bouchard or Boqvist is still there, I am taking one of them. I know we need a lot of things, but man if we could score BOTH Hughes Bouchard, my goodness!  Hell even if we got Dahlin, making a deal for another top10-12 is not a bad idea either. Could you imagine Dahlin AND Hughes for example? Nice!

Honestly though, I think just trading AA and VEG's pick can get us somewhere around 10-12. I might offer up one of those 3rds, but I like our 2nds, we could really score big with two picks in the top 12 and two more in the top 5 of the 2nd. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
22 minutes ago, LeftWinger said:

Thing is, Larkin is our future #1 Center (if not already) Sure Veleno would be a great pick up, but would we be squandering one of them on the 2nd line? They both cannot be #1 C's...

Personally, If I am not getting Dahlin, then if we trade AA, VEG's pick and a 2nd to get another top 10-12 pick, I am taking another D.  Lets say I get Hughes with our pick, then trade up to #9 and Bouchard or Boqvist is still there, I am taking one of them. I know we need a lot of things, but man if we could score BOTH Hughes Bouchard, my goodness!  Hell even if we got Dahlin, making a deal for another top10-12 is not a bad idea either. Could you imagine Dahlin AND Hughes for example? Nice!

Honestly though, I think just trading AA and VEG's pick can get us somewhere around 10-12. I might offer up one of those 3rds, but I like our 2nds, we could really score big with two picks in the top 12 and two more in the top 5 of the 2nd. 

Penguins seem to make it work. But I get your point.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now