2014 NHL Draft Discussion

[Frenzy31]

I like that, I wouldn't be upset with Larkin or Kempe at 21 either

I wouldn't mind Larkin either, no interest in Kempe. Kempe sounds a lot like MSP.

 

[542365]

Are you talking about MacInnis?

No, Clarke.

 

[bleedblue1223]

No, Clarke.

Oh, I think everyone was talking about MacInnis. Clarke really isn't worth drafting unless it's very late IMO. His production dropped like a rock last season.

 

[Oberyn]

I hope we don't draft MacInnis, never been a fan.

 

[tfriede2]

I wouldn't mind Larkin either, no interest in Kempe. Kempe sounds a lot like MSP.

Really? From the scouting reports I've read he sounds like a 6'3 version of Sobotka except with a higher offensive ceiling. Motor that never quits, can be physical, good two-way player.

 

[SirPaste]

I wouldn't mind Larkin either, no interest in Kempe. Kempe sounds a lot like MSP.

I think you might have Kempe confused with someone else

 

[Majorityof1]

I think Kempe sounds like a much better Berglund. We all have our comparison. Big Sweede who can play LW or center with a big shot and plays solid D. Berglund has the tools to be good, he just doesn't have the confidence or aggression, and his lack of foot speed hurts. It doesn't appear Kempe has those problems. He apparently loves contact on the boards while fighting for the puck, which Berglund can shy away from. Kempe was described in one scouting report as a "bull in a china shop" with the way he throws his body around. He is said to have a strong but unusual skating stride. Not sure how this translates into speed. Hopefully he is faster than Bergie. His wide stride though gives him more balance and good puck possession, which Berglund also excels at. So with his aggression and hopefully confidence, a better Berglund.

 

[jbron]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgJp3pw2OHI

Here is some video on Kempe.

 

[SweetyV]

Kempe should be target number one for us

 

[thedustman]

I like everything that is being said. I also wouldn't mind taking a chance on Gavin Bayreuther in a later round.

So possible targets we would be happy with at #21 are:
Kempe
Fabbri
Larkin
Barbashev
Scherbak
... who else?
I just wanna get a list of players in my head that would be solid picks

 

[Bluesnatic27]

Kempe is very smooth and I love his all around play. Call me crazy, but he kind of looks like a very watered down Toews, so I hope the Blues nab him.

My ideal right now is:
21: Kempe
33: Schmaltz
52: Donato

 

[Majorityof1]

I like everything that is being said. I also wouldn't mind taking a chance on Gavin Bayreuther in a later round.

So possible targets we would be happy with at #21 are:
Kempe
Fabbri
Larkin
Barbashev
Scherbak
... who else?
I just wanna get a list of players in my head that would be solid picks

Ho-sang is a definite possibility. Bleackley is another solid 2-way guy, although I like Kempe better. Tuch or McCann, like Larkin, probably won't fall to us, but would be great if they did. Vrana might be a bit of a stretch. His stock is going down but he has high potential. Wouldn't mind if he or Schmaltz fell to us at 33 but they could definitely go before that. If Nylander or Dal Colle starts to drop out of the top 10, I want to trade up, although not sure what that would cost. They could be the steal of the draft as they have amazing skill but question marks. I've seen both projected anywhere from 3 to 10.

 

[jbron]

If the Blues keep the 21st pick, my top three in order are
Barbashev
Kempe
Scherbak

Fabbri and Larkin should be gone. Ho-Sang, too risky for me. If D's Honka and Sanheim end up going before the Blues draft, they should get
good value at 21. One guy that I like at #33 is John Quenneville.

 

[Frenzy31]

Really? From the scouting reports I've read he sounds like a 6'3 version of Sobotka except with a higher offensive ceiling. Motor that never quits, can be physical, good two-way player.

THN has him at 6'1". Also says he doesn't have the offensive skill set or resume when compared to other prospects. He has speed, motor, and plays a heavy game. Sobotka is a good comparison, but so is MSP.

I would rather have more skill with our 21st pick then a guy projected to be a top 9 player.

 

[JustOneB4IDie]

I hope we don't draft MacInnis, never been a fan.

I'll second the motion.

 

[Multimoodia]

On a few mock drafts now I have seen Goldobin fall to 21st or later.
I have mixed thoughts on this. On one hand he might be the most talented player by far at that point of the draft, but he's not a center and instead plays the Blues most deep position, right wing.

I dunno, but if he does fall to 21 I'm not sure Armstrong could not pick him if they follow the BPA strategy.

 

[Majorityof1]

On a few mock drafts now I have seen Goldobin fall to 21st or later.
I have mixed thoughts on this. On one hand he might be the most talented player by far at that point of the draft, but he's not a center and instead plays the Blues most deep position, right wing.

I dunno, but if he does fall to 21 I'm not sure Armstrong could not pick him if they follow the BPA strategy.

I don't think he will be the BPA. He is projected anywhere from 20-30 in the lists I have seen, even falling out of the first round completely in some of them. I have never seen him listed higher, so his stock may have dropped since you saw him there. He is an amazing offensive talent, no question. However, he is really bad defensively and people have questioned his commitment to even try in his own zone. His compete level also drops when he doesn't have the puck. He is knocked for disappearing when he plays bigger opponents as well. He will face many of these in the NHL, and that could be a problem. Overall, despite his amazing wrist shot (watch the thing, its fast) and creativity on the wing, I'll pass. It would be a high risk/reward pick. We already have on of those on the wing in Rattie. He's another guy who's top 6 or bust.

 

[SweetyV]

I'd be surprised if we had our 1st rounder come Friday night. We should be focused on who to take 33rd and 52nd

 

[simon IC]

I'd be surprised if we had our 1st rounder come Friday night. We should be focused on who to take 33rd and 52nd

No offense, but I hope you're wrong.

 

[SweetyV]

In a way, I do as well.

 

[tfriede2]

This would never happen, but it would be funny/interesting if we picked Scherbak, Goldobin, and Kamenev with our first three picks(or substitute Barbashev for Sherbak/Goldobin). We could act like we're trying to be the Red Wings of the 90's.

 

[SweetyV]

Hey, if they're skilled players I don't care if they're from Mars

 

[thedustman]

Hey, if they're skilled players I don't care if they're from Mars

If a player from Mars is available for the 21st pick, he is hands down the best choice for any team.

 

[Majorityof1]

If a player from Mars is available for the 21st pick, he is hands down the best choice for any team.

Martians are generally undersized and their large heads present serious concussion issues.

 

[SirPaste]

Martians are generally undersized and their large heads present serious concussion issues.

But coming from that thin atmosphere gives them elite stamina