2014 NHL Draft Discussion

[542365]

As long as they are good enough, players can be as cocky as they want. MJ and Kobe have crazy egos, but they can back it up with rings.

I tend to agree with this, but this guy's even more different than that. The article basically points out that he feels he should be allowed to question the coach and have an input into how the team is run, the set up on the PP/PK etc. I, personally, don't have a problem with that, but hockey coaches and GM's typically do have a problem with that. He's very polarizing. I have no idea where he's going to be picked. He could honestly go anywhere from 10-70

 

[SweetyV]

I completely disagree with this. If we don't take a center among relatively equal players, it would be a mistake. However, if the Best Player Available (BPA) is not a center, we still grab him. If somehow Fleury (LHD), Ritchie (RW), Virtanen (LW) or Kapanen (LW) somehow fell to us (projected 7-14 range), and we got Schmaltz (C) or Bleakley (C) with our 33rd, Demko (G) or Pollock (LW) with our actual second and MacInnis (C) with our 3rd rounder, that would be a hell of a draft and it wouldn't have a center drafted 21st. There is no chance we get that many steals, but the point is if we can get a steal, we take it and worry about a center later.

Okay well, obviously if a guy who is slated to go high slips to 21 then yeah, by all means. I'm just basing off of mocks I've seen and who is predicated to be available.

 

[Majorityof1]

Okay well, obviously if a guy who is slated to go high slips to 21 then yeah, by all means. I'm just basing off of mocks I've seen and who is predicated to be available.

The way this draft is, it is a definite possibility. After top 3, maybe 4 as Draisaitl is trending up, its a crap shoot. We need talent in all positions. Even at RW and RHD where we are strong. But I agree, among equal players, we should go for a C. I've seen us reach for a McKeown in mocks, and while I think he is a solid pick, that would be a mistake for us.

 

[Captain Creampuff]

Kane is a cocky *******. I could care less if they are cocky if they are extremely talented. There are a lot of guys who would be a great pick at 21. If we trade our 1st for Spezza I would like to see us put a package together of Vannelli/Schmaltz or one if not both of our 2nd rounders. We have the pieces to both move up in the draft and/or trade for one of the centers available.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Barbashev on a line with Tarasenko when Tarasenko is in his prime would be a treat to watch.

 

[jbron]

Barbashev is the player I would love to see the Blues get. I would trade up a few spots if necessary. With Ho Sang the issue is not his talent or his off the ice issues. Simply put it's whether he wants to commit to play NHL hockey. That's the big red flag. He has more talent than just hockey and what does he really want to do? Figure that out from a 17 year old and wow you would really have some insight.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Barbashev is the player I would love to see the Blues get. I would trade up a few spots if necessary. With Ho Sang the issue is not his talent or his off the ice issues. Simply put it's whether he wants to commit to play NHL hockey. That's the big red flag. He has more talent than just hockey and what does he really want to do? Figure that out from a 17 year old and wow you would really have some insight.

What amazes me going through all the draft info I'm getting via publications, etc. The first 15 are pretty consistent. Then guys are 18 on one publication and in the 70s on another. Ho Sang is one such player as one of the publications didn't believe the nature of his game will play out at the next level. Don't have it with me to give you the source, but it was interesting that this particular publication paid close attention to that aspect when addressing player profiles. Will Blues fans ever forget the immortal Kyle Reeves the 89 goal scorer?

 

[Frenzy31]

Barbashev is the player I would love to see the Blues get. I would trade up a few spots if necessary. With Ho Sang the issue is not his talent or his off the ice issues. Simply put it's whether he wants to commit to play NHL hockey. That's the big red flag. He has more talent than just hockey and what does he really want to do? Figure that out from a 17 year old and wow you would really have some insight.

I like Schmaltz. Maybe the most skilled player when we are picking. Adding skill is critical, IMO.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

I like Schmaltz. Maybe the most skilled player when we are picking. Adding skill is critical, IMO.

I also like Donato from a skill standpoint. I really like Adrian Kempe. I can see him developing much like Jacob De La Rose has with the Canadiens. In Sweden if you can play defense, then you often get pidgeon-holed in that role. He may have more to offer offensively moving over here playing more of a 200 ft game.

 

[DUMBA55]

Is there a 'hockey bar' near the downtown area that would likely have the draft on tomorrow night? I know many people disregard the draft and dont follow the NHL whatsoever so Im not sure if it is hard to find a bar with NHL coverage or the NHL network.

 

[SirPaste]

Is there a 'hockey bar' near the downtown area that would likely have the draft on tomorrow night? I know many people disregard the draft and dont follow the NHL whatsoever so Im not sure if it is hard to find a bar with NHL coverage or the NHL network.

Not really a hockey bar downtown but there a sports bars with tons of TVs that will probably put it on for you if you ask. You can try Flannerys or Over Under on Wash Ave, there's a hooters on Market that might have it on, not sure where else downtown but I'm sure there are other spots as well

 

[SirPaste]

Im gonna copy and paste an email I just sent to my dad and brother, they dont really pay attention to the draft like I do so I try and give them a heads up of what I want before hand. At the same time, im no scout and only have seen limited amounts of these guys and could be totally wrong, but for the most part I respect most of your guys's input so I would appreciate it

Hey dad, I remember you asking me about the guys I wanted in the draft so figured id show you who I was talking about. Figured id send it to Billy as well.

This is my number one choice, Nikita Scherbak, he is projected to go anywhere from 10-30, he reminds me of a young Malkin, not saying hes that good just plays the same type of game, if we get him its an absolute steal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_NRHZllwZA

My #2 choice, Ivan Barbeshev, projected anywhere from 10-18, would also be a steal for us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGwLRG6ZN2s

#3 Jared McCann, this kid is just a beast, also a center which we need, only reason i dont have him in my top 2 is because its a super longshot he makes it to us, but iI just really like this kid, big dude with tons of skill.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umr1Ip5SimU

#4 Dylan Larkin, this is the only youtube i could find, but he is compared to a David Backes with more offensive skill, I guess you would call that a healthy Ryan Kesler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgRsCw8xJZc

#5 Nick Schmaltz, Big, skilled center/wing, great shot. Also, already drafted his little brother in the first round a couple years ago so the front office might want to get the family thing going


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9QNiNfK3Pg

And then we got Edmontons 2nd round pick which is pretty much a late first round pick, I wan Ryan MacInnis(yes, Als son) or Conner Bleackley

 

[Lord Helix]

On the NHL Network's mock draft, Dave Reid and Craig Button had the Blues picking Barbashev. Notable players left on the board were Kempe at 22, MacInnis at 24, Schmaltz at 25, and Scherbak at 26. That leaves Bleackley and Ho Sang available in the 2nd round. This draft could go very well for us.

Edit: I wouldn't mind snagging Goldobin either.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

This wouldn't be a bad draft for the Blues to turn the 2nd pick into a later 2nd round pick and a 3rd should their guy not be on the board and feel their guy could fall a few slots. Lots of d-men that have the talent to fill 4 to 6 roles and project forwards that could develop beyond bottom 6 that are all fairly close. We could really use some depth of projectable talent in our system after getting only 4 picks and signing no college or junior free agents this year.

 

[WJC_Fan]

Mock draft competition page

There is a competition on the mock draft page where people are posting their first round. The Blues' pick is pretty interesting. There are 17 different prospects that the Blues picked with the 21st pick.

The leaders as of now:
Kempe: 7
Scherbak: 6
Pastrnak: 4
Larkin, Barbashev, and Ho-Sang with three.

I went with Goldobin

Safe to say that the Blues pick is a near impossible guess until pick 21

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

There is a competition on the mock draft page where people are posting their first round. The Blues' pick is pretty interesting. There are 17 different prospects that the Blues picked with the 21st pick.

The leaders as of now:
Kempe: 7
Scherbak: 6
Pastrnak: 4
Larkin, Barbashev, and Ho-Sang with three.

I went with Goldobin

Safe to say that the Blues pick is a near impossible guess until pick 21

I would hope some of those guys fall to that slot. I would be hard pressed not to pick Scherbak, Larkin, Barbashev, and Goldobin over Kempe. Lots and lots of skill and talent. I just don't seem them falling. I see the defensemen falling with how deep the draft is.

 

[SweetyV]

Panthers considering trading the 1st pick to multiple teams, including some out of the top 10

 

[bleedblue1223]

Barbashev and Ho-Sang would be pretty nice. I have to think we'd be one of the teams to draft Ho-Sang in the 2nd if he falls like he is projected to.

 

[jbron]

If we keep the 33rd pick there should be some good value at that spot.
There are a group of players that seem to fall in and out of the end of the first round based on scouting reports.( Ho Sang, Pasternak, Bleackley, Goldobin, Schmaltz, Lemieux,Dougherty, etc.) Further, with the break after the first round selections, it allows for a refocus and possible trade
going into Saturday.

 

[Captain Creampuff]

Hearing all the talk today, I'm afraid that if we keep or 1st rounder that we will draft MacInnis with it.

 

[Frenzy31]

Hearing all the talk today, I'm afraid that if we keep or 1st rounder that we will draft MacInnis with it.

I don't see that happening with our 1st. Maybe Oiler 2nd.

 

[Captain Creampuff]

I don't see that happening with our 1st. Maybe Oiler 2nd.

I hope it doesn't happen, but you just never know with our drafting. If Barbashev is still available I would love to snag him at 21.

 

[542365]

I still have a feeling we won't be selecting at 21, or at all tonight. If we do, I will be very excited because I like a LOT of prospects, and one of them is bound to be our pick. I would be happy with any selection at 21 other than a goalie, or Travis Sanheim. I understand the excitement around Sanheim, but he's so raw and has so much improving to do before you could even consider putting him in the AHL, much less up with the big boys. I've changed my opinion so many times about who I want the Blues to draft most at 21 because there are so many prospects that are intriguing. I think I'm leaning now towards Barbashev or Scherbak. They aren't centers, but they are very talented and I'd be thrilled with either.

 

[R S]

Hearing Blues are in heavy on Scherbak. Met with him yesterday, again today. I know they had three scouts to watch him in his final game of the season where he scored a beauty of a goal after controlling the puck offensively like it was on a string. I looked at the scouts after the goal and their jaws were on the floor.

I bet they take him if he's still on the board.

 

[542365]

Hearing Blues are in heavy on Scherbak. Met with him yesterday, again today. I know they had three scouts to watch him in his final game of the season where he scored a beauty of a goal after controlling the puck offensively like it was on a string. I looked at the scouts after the goal and their jaws were on the floor.

I bet they take him if he's still on the board.

Thanks for the insight. I hope he falls that far.