2014 NHL Draft Discussion

[542365]

Letunov is 6'2, 155 4 inches taller, and 5 pounds lighter than Fabbri. That's a skinny kid. Plenty of room to fill out.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Big Russian center, I approve lol.

 

[GrandPapillon*]

2 Russians in the top 3 picks. Don't think it is a secret that the team is building around Tarasenko as the centerpiece. Rightfully so.

 

[Oberyn]

I'm glad to see our organization recognized our lack of depth at center and targeted that at this draft. Well done by Bill Armstrong.

 

[Caser]

Not a fan of Letunov, but probably Blues' scouts know better. Two Russians picked that high, is Tarasenko working part time as a chief scout during summer vacation?

 

[542365]

2 Russians in the top 3 picks. Don't think it is a secret that the team is building around Tarasenko as the centerpiece. Rightfully so.

I was thinking the same thing, but we may both be reading too much into it Good chance that they were just the best picks available, and the Blues don't shy away from drafting Europeans just because they're Europeans, and I'm thrilled we don't.

 

[bleedblue1223]

Wonder if we make a move for Burmistrov's rights. I've never been too high on him, but with all our Russians, it wouldn't be a bad thing to try and get him.

 

[PitchDoug]

Loving these picks (3rd one surprised me too, but all sorts of reasons to like it). I really thought there would be a big trade involving Spezza, or someone, during the draft.

 

[Jbcraig1883]

Letunov has great reviews in all the scouting guides...fills out and have a skilled center!

 

[Captain Creampuff]

This draft made me the happiest person in the world.

 

[SirPaste]

Id like us to get Karlsson somehow

 

[sbkbghockey]

I've been critical of the Blues drafting too many "projects" over the last few drafts. I don't know what to think about this one, normally I'm fine taking a chance with an extra 2nd rd pick like that but there was still some high level talent on the board at 52. At the same time, Maxim Letunov has potential and a lot of time to grow. Letunov is going back to the USHL this season then off to BU for 2015-16. He's at least five years away.

 

[Oberyn]

Warren Foegele sounds interesting. He'd be a nice pick.

 

[Vladys Gumption]

2 Russians in the top 3 picks. Don't think it is a secret that the team is building around Tarasenko as the centerpiece. Rightfully so.

I was thinking the same thing, but we may both be reading too much into it Good chance that they were just the best picks available, and the Blues don't shy away from drafting Europeans just because they're Europeans, and I'm thrilled we don't.

I just think it's more of a case of us being comfortable taking Russians and it helps that Tarasenko is already here. Barbashev was a slam dunk, no brainer no matter what nationality he was. I still can't believe he made it to 33.

 

[Vladys Gumption]

Wonder if we make a move for Burmistrov's rights. I've never been too high on him, but with all our Russians, it wouldn't be a bad thing to try and get him.

If we could take a flyer on him for cheap, I would be interested.

 

[tfriede2]

I've been critical of the Blues drafting too many "projects" over the last few drafts. I don't know what to think about this one, normally I'm fine taking a chance with an extra 2nd rd pick like that but there was still some high level talent on the board at 52. At the same time, Maxim Letunov has potential and a lot of time to grow. Letunov is going back to the USHL this season then off to BU for 2015-16. He's at least five years away.

Yeah, but at 52, the number of players who will be in the NHL (if at all) within 2-3 years is extremely small. Pretty much every player picked from here on out is a project.

 

[Majorityof1]

Loving these picks (3rd one surprised me too, but all sorts of reasons to like it). I really thought there would be a big trade involving Spezza, or someone, during the draft.

Most people did think there would be a Spezza deal. Right now its a game of chicken. Teams are low balling and Ottawa wants a lot. It kind of backfired for Ottawa as nobody even called them on draft day. They lost out of a first round pick because of it. It will backfire on other teams once Stasny signs and some teams will be without a center.

 

[PitchDoug]

Rats - been cool to see Turgeon in a Blues uniform someday

 

[Majorityof1]

There was a Turgeon available? We could have gotten MacInnis and Turgeon. Would have been the 90s all over again.

 

[Majorityof1]

Yeah, but at 52, the number of players who will be in the NHL (if at all) within 2-3 years is extremely small. Pretty much every player picked from here on out is a project.

Donato and Karlsson had both fallen for who knows what reason. They could have gone early 2nd. Better picks in my opinion. But maybe we were worried we wouldn't have roster room for all that talent being NHL ready in 2-3 years.

Karlsson is still available <fingers crossed>

 

[PitchDoug]

There was a Turgeon available? We could have gotten MacInnis and Turgeon. Would have been the 90s all over again.

and could have added a Quennville too

 

[tfriede2]

Lindblom and Point are still available, along with Karlsson.

 

[Robb_K]

Here's Top Shelf Prospects' take on Letunov:
Maxim Letunov, C, Yougstown Phantoms (6’2″ 150 lbs): Russian centre comitted to Boston University for the 2015-16 season and who put up 43 points in 60 games. Tall and Lanky he will need some time to add some muscle, but he has slick hands and good playmaking ability. Excellent hockey sense and seems to always make the right play with the puck on his stick.


MY take:
He's a skinny stringbean that needs to fill out, and get a LOT stronger. So, there were doubts about him. But, he's got offensive skill that's a lot better than his 100th ranking, and his #82 draft position. IF he bulks up nicely with a lot of strength, his 6:02 frame ought to carry at least 205-210 lb., he could be another "steal" in this draft. He's also got to work on his faceoffs. But, he's great offensive instincts, a good shot, soft hands and is a good skater. He'll be ready for The NHL in 3 years. A project, and a bit of a gamble. I'd have probably picked someone else. But, if he comes through, a great choice.

 

[tfriede2]

Goalies Husso and Kahkonen are also available. Husso, in particular, has been ranked high.

 

[KirkOut]

We traded Polak?