NHL Entry Draft 2018 Draft - Prospect Discussion (Poll added)

[Peptic Balcers]

I was just joking about the .850.

Yes I did say he will be better. I'll take the over on what ever his save % was last year. For bet to count, say minimum 40 games played? What do you think?

Nah you can keep your money, was more so backing up FQL's point there. It's going to be a small miracle for Condon/Anderson to get a .910 sv% and that would still make them bad. Plus losing a generational talent defenseman isn't going to help. It's not ludicrous to give up the pick. Plus it takes a lot of pressure off of everyone (players/management)

It's also worth giving up the pick solely to stop everyone commenting "and the Avs have their 2019 1st" in literally every single article that I read

 

[derriko]

Odds are if you finish dead last next year, you pick number 4. I don’t think it’s an argument to be had really.

You don’t draft on need. I don’t care if there’s more centers next year. Doesn’t look like it will have the top shelf defenseman that this draft does.

One additional year of experience on a defenseman could be valuable in turning things around (if they go that way)

 

[derriko]

On an a-side, does the Montreal-Arizona trade make it less likely that MTL takes Zadina? I honestly think they trade back or just pick Kotk right where they are.

It’s also curious those two teams are talking trade with them having the 3rd and 5th picks.

 

[SPF6ty9]

Odds are if you finish dead last next year, you pick number 4. I don’t think it’s an argument to be had really.

You don’t draft on need. I don’t care if there’s more centers next year. Doesn’t look like it will have the top shelf defenseman that this draft does.

One additional year of experience on a defenseman could be valuable in turning things around (if they go that way)

I suppose one way to look at it is not just straight odds of where we pick, but factoring in just how much more beneficial the shot of a top 3 pick could be. Lets say we figure based on our team structure and the draft lotto that we'll have a 5% chance of 1st overall next year. The effect of getting a player the level of Auston Matthews, which people seem to be saying about Jack Hughes, magnifies the value of that chance significantly.

Usually I'd rather get a player in sooner so he can contribute sooner. But if we trade both Karlsson and Hoffman and are sticking to this 3-5 year schedule to compete (who the hell knows with these guys, give it a few months and they'll probably change their mind and decide to "go for it") then it's worth considering the benefit of having a prospect on an entry level deal a year longer.

I agree with Foligno, not saying we should give away the 4th pick, but there absolutely should be a well researched and thought out discussion about it. And if we start making decisions to appease the fans by blindly keeping it because of bad publicity, that's when we get in to trouble (ie. trading for Ryan after the Alfie fiasco). Just do what's best for the team and the fan interest will follow, that's how you build a winner.

 

[Sensung]

What if other trades are made that get the Sens a lotto pick?

People act like there is no other way to get a shot at next year's draft class when the Sens are likely to have at lesdt one ticket in hand.

 

[bdp]

Exactly. They're delusional idiots and we should expect them to act accordingly.

They're delusional in different ways that result in a perfect storm of stupidity.

Eugene thinks he can be a cup contender while slashing player and front office salary.

Pierre thinks all his moves are genius, and he's super insecure. No vision, just all about making big trades and being in the news.

Guy, now I like the guy but he's not an NHL coach, thinks his system is infallible and refuses to make changes.

Just a big circle jerk of dumb. They're getting what they deserve.

 

[Ice-Tray]

We're not trading the pick. Get to the acceptance stage already. Why not forward on concerns to the team instead of posting them endlessly in here? Folks could very well get a response from someone who knows something, at the very least the focus of the ire would bear the brunt of the ranting, instead of the board.

Seriously, have any of you emailed the team about your perspectives? Do they respond to direct communications?

 

[SPF6ty9]

What if other trades are made that get the Sens a lotto pick?

People act like there is no other way to get a shot at next year's draft class when the Sens are likely to have at lesdt one ticket in hand.

I would hope we could recoup one. But Karlsson and Hoffman both have no trade clauses that I'm sure they'll use to limit the likelihood of going to a bad team. The most likely return would be high level prospects with picks being a secondary part of the deal. Of course who knows, one of those picks could end up being a lotto pick (especially if the Karlsson deal ends up being to somewhere like the Rangers). But it seems reasonable to assume whatever picks we get back will not be as good as our own.

 

[senswon]

I would hope we could recoup one. But Karlsson and Hoffman both have no trade clauses that I'm sure they'll use to limit the likelihood of going to a bad team. The most likely return would be high level prospects with picks being a secondary part of the deal. Of course who knows, one of those picks could end up being a lotto pick (especially if the Karlsson deal ends up being to somewhere like the Rangers). But it seems reasonable to assume whatever picks we get back will not be as good as our own.

We had the #2 pick this year and lost it. There's no guarantees even if we're the league's worst next year.

Keep this pick.
Do what you can to get #2 for svench or try and get Zadina or even a slick puck mover.
Trade some other dead wood for additional picks (this year or next).

And hope that this past year's circus will be sorted out and our team can go back to the zenith we had the year we made some noise.

Our team stunk this past year and has been a mess.

More opportunities to get it right.
Still a fan. Whaddyagonnado

 

[Gil Gunderson]

They're delusional in different ways that result in a perfect storm of stupidity.

Eugene thinks he can be a cup contender while slashing player and front office salary.

Pierre thinks all his moves are genius, and he's super insecure. No vision, just all about making big trades and being in the news.

Guy, now I like the guy but he's not an NHL coach, thinks his system is infallible and refuses to make changes.

Just a big circle jerk of dumb. They're getting what they deserve.

The fact that a single offer could persuade this team from going to competitor to complete rebuild status (Karlsson deal) shows that we have no idea what the f*** we’re doing.

 

[Cosmix]

It doesn't make a ton of sense. Keep the pick. Everything that could go wrong, did. Sens can bounce back if they get some goaltending, better special teams etc. You don't punt a 4th overall pick lol.

I tend to agree that the team should keep this year’s 4th overall pick. Even if the Senators finish last next season, the probability of getting one of the top 3 picks is about 50/50 so they would probably draft 3rd or 4th next year. I expect the Senators to finish in the bottom 8 teams next year so the team should use the 4th pick this year to get a good start on the rebuild.

 

[Cosmix]

On an a-side, does the Montreal-Arizona trade make it less likely that MTL takes Zadina? I honestly think they trade back or just pick Kotk right where they are.

It’s also curious those two teams are talking trade with them having the 3rd and 5th picks.

I tend to agree with you on this. Taking Kotk 3rd might be their move. So the Senators may have Zadina and Tkachuk as options at 4th OA. I doubt that Dahlen and Svechnikov will be available at 4th OA, but it would be great if one of those did fall to 4th OA.

 

[BondraTime]

I'd be much more comfortable with Kotkaniemi or Dobson than the wingers, but can't really complain either way. They've forgotten more about hockey than I know.

 

[Gil Gunderson]

I didn’t become a Sens fan yesterday.

I’m almost certain that we’ll finish like 10th in the East if we give away the pick this year.

 

[Wallet Inspector]

I didn’t become a Sens fan yesterday.

I’m almost certain that we’ll finish like 10th in the East if we give away the pick this year.

And Im almost certain that we'll pick Tkachuk with our 4th, and our 2019 1st will win 1st overall in the hands of the Avs.

 

[BigRig4]

Not sure if this has already been posted. But holy crap. Zadina just oozes skill. He just has that sixth sense about where to go to get open for high quality shots. He almost has a Hoffman-esque release in the way he winds up behind his body on the wrist shot to sort of hide the release a bit from the goalie. Has a bit of Duchene in him with that edge-work down low. Love this kid, really hope he drops to us.

 

[Daffy]

Not sure if this has already been posted. But holy crap. Zadina just oozes skill. He just has that sixth sense about where to go to get open for high quality shots. He almost has a Hoffman-esque release in the way he winds up behind his body on the wrist shot to sort of hide the release a bit from the goalie. Has a bit of Duchene in him with that edge-work down low. Love this kid, really hope he drops to us.

Yeah he'd be easily the best player available if he's there at 4. Here's hoping!

 

[benjiv1]

Here’s the thing with drafting at #4 this year, vs opting to keep next years pick instead...

Without knowing with 100% certainty, I’m pretty sure we would take Zadina over Svechnikov if presented with the option this year.

If that is the case we could end up with our #2 ranked prospect in the entire draft if Montreal passes on Zadina despite falling back to #4.

So our #2 choice in the entire draft vs anything from #1-31 next year is a no brainer for me.

 

[BondraTime]

Here’s the thing with drafting at #4 this year, vs opting to keep next years pick instead...

Without knowing with 100% certainty, I’m pretty sure we would take Zadina over Svechnikov if presented with the option this year.

If that is the case we could end up with our #2 ranked prospect in the entire draft if Montreal passes on Zadina despite falling back to #4.

So our #2 choice in the entire draft vs anything from #1-31 next year is a no brainer for me.

I'd be extremely extremely, extremely surprised at that . There are guys more connected than me that I trust on the matter as well for me to believe that.

But regardless, I don't think Zadina would be ranked high like that for the Sens, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we passed on him given the chance.

 

[Daffy]

I'd be extremely extremely, extremely surprised at that . There are guys more connected than me that I trust on the matter as well for me to believe that.

But regardless, I don't think Zadina would be ranked high like that for the Sens, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we passed on him given the chance.

That would be so stupid

 

[BondraTime]

That would be so stupid

I've been saying it since January when I heard it, and continued to hear it, Zadina wasn't in multiple guys top 5's of the dozen or so scouts I have spoken to this year (brought up by saying he wasn't the #1 from the Q).

McKenzie stated the same thing yesterday, so I think there is quite a bit of truth there.

 

[Daffy]

I've been saying it since January when I heard it, and continued to hear it, Zadina wasn't in multiple guys top 5's of the dozen or so scouts I have spoken to this year (brought up by saying he wasn't the #1 from the Q).

McKenzie stated the same thing yesterday, so I think there is quite a bit of truth there.

So let's say Dahlin and Svechnikov go 1,2. Montreal takes Kotkaniemi. How would you rank Ottawa's top three choices after that?

 

[BondraTime]

So let's say Dahlin and Svechnikov go 1,2. Montreal takes Kotkaniemi. How would you rank Ottawa's top three choices after that?

Dobson
Zadina
Hughes/Bouchard/Tkachuk/Wahlstrom

I'm not against taking Zadina whatsoever, I'm just stating that it wouldn't/shouldn't be viewed as crazy or strange if he went in the 5-9 range.

 

[Daffy]

Dobson
Zadina
Hughes/Bouchard/Tkachuk/Wahlstrom

I'm not against taking Zadina whatsoever, I'm just stating that it wouldn't/shouldn't be viewed as crazy or strange if he went in the 5-9 range.

Where would you have Kotkaniemi in that group is he's there at 4? So it's your feeling that Ottawa has Dobson higher than Zadina? Or that you have him higher?

 

[BigRig4]

I've been saying it since January when I heard it, and continued to hear it, Zadina wasn't in multiple guys top 5's of the dozen or so scouts I have spoken to this year (brought up by saying he wasn't the #1 from the Q).

McKenzie stated the same thing yesterday, so I think there is quite a bit of truth there.

Out of curiosity, have you heard which player that guy had ranked as #1 from the Q?