2017 Draft & UDFA Thread

[Joey Bones]

He is closer to 5'6, if you have seen him in person you would know that his listed height is an exaggeration. Huge difference being 5'10 about 2 inches under average and being 5'6-5'8 4-6 inches under average. He could still grow but his brother is older and still small and his listed size is also exaggerated. He is also very slight. He is a good player but not worth a 1st.

http://www.tsn.ca/patrick-has-decided-edge-in-tsn-hockey-mid-season-draft-ranking-1.661533 Liljegren back to three

Agree to disagree then.... Think he is a perfect offensive squirt for a crappy team like Spokane.

 

[Joey Bones]

http://www.tsn.ca/patrick-has-decided-edge-in-tsn-hockey-mid-season-draft-ranking-1.661533

Finally some love for Zhukov

Out of all the TSN analysts, Bob McKenzie is the most real with who deserves to be higher and who deserves to be lower.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

http://www.tsn.ca/patrick-has-decided-edge-in-tsn-hockey-mid-season-draft-ranking-1.661533

Finally some love for Zhukov

Out of all the TSN analysts, Bob McKenzie is the most real with who deserves to be higher and who deserves to be lower.

There are not 6 goalies better than Zhukov, and he's closer to a first round pick than a 3rd round pick. I don't consider that love for Zhukov. McKenzie along with a lot of the other draft experts in USA and Canada tend to rank the North American players way too high.

 

[Joey Bones]

There are not 6 goalies better than Zhukov, and he's closer to a first round pick than a 3rd round pick. I don't consider that love for Zhukov. McKenzie along with a lot of the other draft experts in USA and Canada tend to rank the North American players way too high.

I've seen many other mocks that have Zhukov lower than that. The fact that he is getting recognized on a legit (whether if you like TSN or not) sports broadcasting ranking, says something. Other draft heads, like us, will now take the list McKenzie provided to look further into his play, which will help his stock. Just because you don't like the TSN rankings, favoring "North Americans over other countries", don't mean that other fans won't take the list into account.

And there are two goalies, I feel, are better than Zhukov at the moment; Oettinger and Luukkonen.

 

[Joey Bones]

Remember him? Last year, PB and I were both very high on him and he went undrafted. This year, he's been killing it in the MHL. Also getting more KHL action, too.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=312234

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Friedman wrote in the 30 thoughts the other day that teams have stepped up their Russian scouting this season because there's a belief the KHL will shrink and lose a few teams this offseason. So whether that leads to more Russians picked, or just Russia FA's signed to come over remains to be seen

 

[Joey Bones]

Friedman wrote in the 30 thoughts the other day that teams have stepped up their Russian scouting this season because there's a belief the KHL will shrink and lose a few teams this offseason. So whether that leads to more Russians picked, or just Russia FA's signed to come over remains to be seen

This is very interesting. Could you post the link at all? Would be greatly appreciated!

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

This is very interesting. Could you post the link at all? Would be greatly appreciated!

No problem, here's the link: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-lightnings-yzerman-not-biting-low-offers-bishop/

And here's specifically what I was talking about (albeit it doesn't sound as big of an increase as I remembered):

15. Hearing there is more than the usual amount of scouting going on with KHL players. That league is considering going with fewer teams next season, so NHL clubs are readying for the possibility of some extra players being available. Just like last year, the bigger names are St. Petersburg’s Evgeny Dadonov (56 points in 48 games) and Vadim Shipachev (68 points in 45 games), but it will cost millions to bring them over.

 

[Joey Bones]

No problem, here's the link: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-lightnings-yzerman-not-biting-low-offers-bishop/

And here's specifically what I was talking about (albeit it doesn't sound as big of an increase as I remembered):

Thank you, GK!! Definitely intriguing news. It was reported earlier in the year that teams were looking at Vladimir Tkachev, too (AK Bars Tkachev, not Admiral Tkachev, however I could see interest in both tbh).

 

[Ghost of jas]

I keep seeing Cal Foote dropping in the rankings, He'd be an ideal 1st round pick. I'd love to get a 2nd round pick and end up with Foote and Luke Martin. The RHD depth in the organization would jump dramatically.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Thank you, GK!! Definitely intriguing news. It was reported earlier in the year that teams were looking at Vladimir Tkachev, too (AK Bars Tkachev, not Admiral Tkachev, however I could see interest in both tbh).

It's going to be a really interesting offseason, and even more so if the KHL is actually going to contract. Teams will have an even bigger pool of talent to reach into to replace players taken in expansion or just to improve their team in general

 

[The Gloaming]

I want Cody Glass. We haven't drafted a C in the first round in God knows how long. It's time.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

I want Cody Glass. We haven't drafted a C in the first round in God knows how long. It's time.

I'd be OK with Glass but i'd prefer one of the PMDs or Yamamoto.

 

[Fitzy]

I want Cody Glass. We haven't drafted a C in the first round in God knows how long. It's time.

My concern with chasing a real pivot in the first is that, since it's a hugely in demand position, teams often go that way over a better player at wing or defense.

I'd rather not a reach pick for positional purposes in our first 1st rounder in 5 years.

 

[BBKers]

I'd be OK with Glass but i'd prefer one of the PMDs or Yamamoto.

Id be Ok with trading up the #31 NYR pick to nab Liljegren if he drops to a reasonable position in the 25-30 range

 

[Mac n Gs]

Id be Ok with trading up the #31 NYR pick to nab Liljegren if he drops to a reasonable position in the 25-30 range

I see what you did there

If he's available, we should definitely try to move up and nab him. If not, I'd be ok taking a guy like Branstom, Jokiharju, Makar, Foote, etc. I have to look more into Martin, but a guy I want them to take in the 2nd (please get a 2nd rounder somehow Gorton) or 3rd is Connor Timmins.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Of those that are reasonably available i'd like one of Brännström, Välimäki, Yamamoto or maybe Jokiharju. If Hague, Foote or Makar drops then they're obviously in the mix aswell but i doubt they'll drop, also unsure if i'd pick Foote over the 4 guys i mentioned first. It would be hard to not want Popugayev if he drops, his tools are ridiculous.

Edit: The more i think about it, the more i want Popugayev, imagine having Kreider rush down the left on one line then you have the Russian version of Kreider coming down the right the next shift on another line.

 

[Konamic Ice Hockey]

I see what you did there

If he's available, we should definitely try to move up and nab him. If not, I'd be ok taking a guy like Branstom, Jokiharju, Makar, Foote, etc. I have to look more into Martin, but a guy I want them to take in the 2nd (please get a 2nd rounder somehow Gorton) or 3rd is Connor Timmins.

If Cal drops to us that would be huge, he is what the NYR need. Right shot D that plays a smooth game at both ends. I saw him a few times last season, his game stood out to me in a good way every time.

 

[Joey Bones]

I keep seeing Cal Foote dropping in the rankings, He'd be an ideal 1st round pick. I'd love to get a 2nd round pick and end up with Foote and Luke Martin. The RHD depth in the organization would jump dramatically.

I like Cal Foote. He is a solid and consistent two-way defender on Kelowna and has put up a load of points on the backend. With this said, he does have a few red flags. Footwork could get better and for a big guy he isn't overly physical. His decision making is also worrisome, as in he clears the puck around the boards a lot and coughs it up to the opposing defender. Think Girardi in the sense of clearing the puck. I'm not saying he isn't good (I think that most teams will bite on him early), but there are some components that could use tweaking. Think he's a project pick at the moment.

It's going to be a really interesting offseason, and even more so if the KHL is actually going to contract. Teams will have an even bigger pool of talent to reach into to replace players taken in expansion or just to improve their team in general

Agreed

I want Cody Glass. We haven't drafted a C in the first round in God knows how long. It's time.

He's very good. High intensity player with such a knack for battling for puck possession. He is relentless on the forecheck and will steal the puck from opposing players that aren't careful in their own zone. Base speed is good (could get better) and positioning is good as he plays center and wing. Great wrist shot and great IQ. Defensively he's good. As a center, you need to help out you defenders along the boards and he does that. Could be better at the backcheck. Sometimes tries too much to throw the puck in front of the net when no one is there, but that, I think, can be fixed with coaching. Could definitely see him starting cycling plays in the NHL. I would be happy to see NYR select him with their first pick. Would definitely be a fan favorite type.

My concern with chasing a real pivot in the first is that, since it's a hugely in demand position, teams often go that way over a better player at wing or defense.

I'd rather not a reach pick for positional purposes in our first 1st rounder in 5 years.

There is no reach with Glass. He's a riser for a reason. Plays a complete game and is highly competitive. Stanley Cup teams need to have guys that are relentless to push the opposition. Whoever selects him will be very pleased in the results. IMO, he should go top 10. Realistically, he'll go mid 1st.

Id be Ok with trading up the #31 NYR pick to nab Liljegren if he drops to a reasonable position in the 25-30 range

That's a pipe dream, BBKers. Don't think he drops outside of the top 10. Would be lovely, though.

I see what you did there

If he's available, we should definitely try to move up and nab him. If not, I'd be ok taking a guy like Branstom, Jokiharju, Makar, Foote, etc. I have to look more into Martin, but a guy I want them to take in the 2nd (please get a 2nd rounder somehow Gorton) or 3rd is Connor Timmins.

I'm assuming the NYR pick would be somewhere in the 20's where players like Brannstrom, Jokiharju, Heiskanen (fingers crossed), Vaakanainen and Yamamoto are available. As much as I want Makar, think teams will reach on him early. A lot of E. Karlsson to his game. Martin hasn't had a stellar year as a true freshman in Michigan, but can definitely keep up. Michigan isn't that good of a team this year and you could obviously tell the growing pains from Martin. Again, it's his first year playing in the BIG 10 and you can see the two-way potential. Not worth a 1st rounder, though.

Of those that are reasonably available i'd like one of Brännström, Välimäki, Yamamoto or maybe Jokiharju. If Hague, Foote or Makar drops then they're obviously in the mix aswell but i doubt they'll drop, also unsure if i'd pick Foote over the 4 guys i mentioned first. It would be hard to not want Popugayev if he drops, his tools are ridiculous.

Edit: The more i think about it, the more i want Popugayev, imagine having Kreider rush down the left on one line then you have the Russian version of Kreider coming down the right the next shift on another line.

Valimaki will go top 10. Too solid of a pick. Brannstrom could be there as could Jokiharju and Yamamoto. Hague is very good. Big, strong and speedy with a booming clapper. Makar is explosive, has high IQ and has an edge to his game. I still question his commitment to UMass-Amherst, though. I like Foote, but can be a hit or miss, IMO. I already commented (above) on what I think of Cal if you want to check for yourself. As for Popugaev, he's a big boy with an exceptional, all-three shot and can pass the puck. With that said, he is not so sound defensively and is sluggish compared to Kreider. Think Cody Glass would be the better option next to Kreider. I like Popugaev's offensive upside, but his defense and speed need work.

 

[Trxjw]

Glass is this year's top riser, IMO. I think he'll sneak into the top 10. From what I've heard and read, he's got a high floor with a very high ceiling.

 

[Joey Bones]

Glass is this year's top riser, IMO. I think he'll sneak into the top 10. From what I've heard and read, he's got a high floor with a very high ceiling.

Agreed. Here are some highlight vids....

No. 8 in white


No. 8 in red


No. 8 in black

 

[Irishguy42]

Could you imagine if we somehow got him and then he was assigned #15?

 

[Joey Bones]

Could you imagine if we somehow got him and then he was assigned #15?

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

Joey Bones - Popugayev really doesn't lack speed at all, he did a full lap (all star style) during the KHL prospect camp when he was 16 in 13.528 seconds. Other then that i agree with most of your post there

Still not sure myself how to separate these Finnish D-men, i have Heiskanen as the top 10 pick with Välimäki, Vaakanainen and Jokiharju in the 15-30 range right now. I'd be fine with any of the 4 though for NYR.

 

[Joey Bones]

Joey Bones - Popugayev really doesn't lack speed at all, he did a full lap (all star style) during the KHL prospect camp when he was 16 in 13.528 seconds. Other then that i agree with most of your post there

Still not sure myself how to separate these Finnish D-men, i have Heiskanen as the top 10 pick with Välimäki, Vaakanainen and Jokiharju in the 15-30 range right now. I'd be fine with any of the 4 though for NYR.

In comparison to Kreider, Popugaev is slow. Not saying he doesn't have bad base speed, but I'm saying it could get better. Should've clarified.

Agreed with the Finnish defenders. All four look like solid choices. Realistically they'll scatter throughout the draft, but I'd put them as Valimaki (top 10), Heiskanen (top 10), Vaakanainen (10-20), Jokiharju (15-25) value wise.