2018 NHL Entry Draft Thread (Less then 24 Hours Edition)

[le_sean]

I’d completely understand and would back the decision to draft Kotkaniemi at 3 if they so choose (though I still prefer Zadina). It’s defeating trying to find any type of good centre in a trade. They’ll have to resort to signing Stastny to an albatross contract.

 

[WinterLion]

I’d completely understand and would back the decision to draft Kotkaniemi at 3 if they so choose (though I still prefer Zadina). It’s defeating trying to find any type of good centre in a trade. They’ll have to resort to signing Stastny to an albatross contract.

Hopefully they feel that one of the guys is going to be extremely special... If they are really close on them all (as I am), then taking the Finnish Centre that is one of the younger players is fine! Take it to the bank. He will be a very good C.

 

[Runner77]

I’d completely understand and would back the decision to draft Kotkaniemi at 3 if they so choose (though I still prefer Zadina). It’s defeating trying to find any type of good centre in a trade. They’ll have to resort to signing Stastny to an albatross contract.

If Zadina is clearly superior to Kotkaniemi, it would be a mistake in my view to draft him in the third spot. Even if they drafted Kotkaniemi, there's no saying when he'd be ready for the NHL and meantime an elite sniper like Zadina would probably be in a position to help them starting next season. Plus, some have Kotkaniemi with no. 2C upside but no one is saying Zadina is a 2nd line player.

So regardless if they drafted Kotkaniemi, they'd still have to add a top 6C -- they couldn't just bank on him being ready next year. You're still at risk of landing the Stastny albatrosser.

 

[ProspectsSTC]

I know draftwired isn't the most reliable simulation engine, but damn if it isn't fun sometimes.

3. Svechnikov
35. Berggren
38. Lundkvist
56. Gustafsson
57. Wise
66. Hillis
97. Shafigullin
102. Zhuravylov
123. Kurashev
128. Morozov

What more could you ask for?

 

[LastWordArmy]

Our look at Jett Woo

Jett Woo Scouting Report: 2018 NHL Draft #40 - Last Word on Hockey

 

[CapSpace]

The Habs have a nice quandary picking 3rd OV, any of five prospects between 2nd -6th have very little subtle differences that intrigue this old Habs fan. I can imagine the round table of Hab scouts discussing the pro's & con's of each prospect. How their intangibles will fit with present veterans, will require some serious thinking. Hopefully they get input from Serge Savard whose abilities in finding the right mix, won the Habs last SCC 25 yrs. ago.
Zadina's play in the WJHC's pretty much sealed my opinion about his worth, if available at 3rd OV. Don't be surprised that Carolina picks Filip 2nd OV , having great chemistry with Necas will come into the conversation have no doubt about that.
Regardless the Habs staff are faced with drafting a future star player, none of us have any input as to whose name will be called. Happy I am, that the Habs got J.Drouin last year and a player of similar talent level again this year, it's all good for our future.
Perhaps Columbus will trade Pierre Luc Dubois(C/LW) for our 3rd OV , Adam Boqvist(RHD) could be a great partner for Zach Werenski(LHD), giving them the best Top Four PMD's in the NHL. A deal that can benefit both teams IMHO, that might solve the Habs need for a 1st line center, wishful thinking on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

CBJ would not to this. They saw something in Dubois and it's paying off big time. They traded their 1C (Johansen) for a 1D (Jones) and they already have some solid young guy to replace him. There is no way they are gonna trade him for a W.

 

[le_sean]

If Zadina is clearly superior to Kotkaniemi, it would be a mistake in my view to draft him in the third spot. Even if they drafted Kotkaniemi, there's no saying when he'd be ready for the NHL and meantime an elite sniper like Zadina would probably be in a position to help them starting next season. Plus, some have Kotkaniemi with no. 2C upside but no one is saying Zadina is a 2nd line player.

So regardless if they drafted Kotkaniemi, they'd still have to add a top 6C -- they couldn't just bank on him being ready next year. You're still at risk of landing the Stastny albatrosser.

The way I look at it is the prospects from 4-10 are essentially interchangeable. I don’t think anyone would really complain if the Habs ion Dobson at 4, it Wahlstrom at 4 or Kotkaniemi at 4. So really is it that big of a deal if you take that player at 3? If you truly believe the U18 is a sign of things to come and your only viable option at C in the pipeline is Poehling, you have a reason to do it. You’re not getting a centre for Pacioretty, or it would have already happened. So the other option is to trade the 3rd for one, so why not just draft one?

 

[Runner77]

The way I look at it is the prospects from 4-10 are essentially interchangeable. I don’t think anyone would really complain if the Habs ion Dobson at 4, it Wahlstrom at 4 or Kotkaniemi at 4. So really is it that big of a deal if you take that player at 3? If you truly believe the U18 is a sign of things to come and your only viable option at C in the pipeline is Poehling, you have a reason to do it. You’re not getting a centre for Pacioretty, or it would have already happened. So the other option is to trade the 3rd for one, so why not just draft one?

If 4-10 are interchangeable, where are these Kotkaniemi comments about him having second line C upside coming from? Are they justified?

Also, why don't we ever see Zadina cast in the same light? No one has ever said that Zadina projects as a second line winger.

 

[yianik]

I look at the Cs available and I pretty much see 2C, 3c upside.

With Kotkaniemi though, I see 1C potential and if he can better his skating, as I read he did over the past year, then he betters his odds.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I would not draft Kotkaniemi with the 3rd pick. Draft Zadina. Then go after centers with the 35 and 38 picks. See what we can get for Patch.

 

[admiralcadillac]

The habs are bad enough everywhere that BPA is a must at all times

 

[Saxon]

I know draftwired isn't the most reliable simulation engine, but damn if it isn't fun sometimes.

3. Svechnikov
35. Berggren
38. Lundkvist
56. Gustafsson
57. Wise
66. Hillis
97. Shafigullin
102. Zhuravylov
123. Kurashev
128. Morozov

What more could you ask for?

I'd sign off on this right now lol. Every draft wire mock I've seen is too good to be true lol

 

[S Bah]

Just listened to Craig Button's assessment of Jesper Kotkaneimi(C) being similar to LA Kings Anze Kopitar. He says Kotkaneimi will be ranked no lower than #5 on his list for June, that's the icing on the carrot cake for this old horsetrader. I'm All In for the Finnish Centerman, having a PP with J.Drouin(LW) Kotkaneimi(C) and two of Gallagher/Scherbak/Galchenyuk(RW & pointman)with Weber unleashing the bombs from the point. Now I can relax knowing the Habs will have the center issue solved from within, no more wish & a prayer for a Top Drawer Center to arrive Special Delivery. (As the clouds part & 6'2"- 200lbs. player parachutes into the Bell Center in time for an important faceoff, yeah not happening this lifetime!!!...)
I can barely wait for the Exhibition games to begin in September, competition for the center roles will be like they were in the 70's. I thought the Habs would never have another center ever for yrs., some form of penalty for winning too many SCC's.

 

[WeThreeKings]

Speaking of Mamma Mia. I saw his prospect forum page got bumped. The powerplay goal was something else there.. those were quick hands and quite the backhand. Never seen him do that in any games I've watched.

 

[S Bah]

CBJ would not to this. They saw something in Dubois and it's paying off big time. They traded their 1C (Johansen) for a 1D (Jones) and they already have some solid young guy to replace him. There is no way they are gonna trade him for a W.

That's completely okay by this lifelong Habs fan, pick Kotkaneimi to augment Poehling/Evans/Danault. All of a sudden the Habs have depth at center, for the first time in 25yrs. I will be extremely Happy with that outcome. As will A.Galchenyuk(LW), J.Drouin(LW) & Pacioretty(LW)playing on the wings where they excel with NHL level centers. The Habs fortunes can change drastically, particularly if they can trade for a top Five pick for Q. Hughes or E. Bouchard.
I'm a greedy Old Habs fan Too!!!... They drafted Alex Wennberg(C) whose filled Johansen's slot, Dubinsky(C) is solid as a #3 for them, I follow all the news for most teams, just joking.

 

[Mrb1p]

If 4-10 are interchangeable, where are these Kotkaniemi comments about him having second line C upside coming from? Are they justified?

Also, why don't we ever see Zadina cast in the same light? No one has ever said that Zadina projects as a second line winger.

Kotkaniemi has as high an offensive ceiling as any forward but Svech in this draft.

 

[Habs Icing]

The way I look at it is the prospects from 4-10 are essentially interchangeable. I don’t think anyone would really complain if the Habs ion Dobson at 4, it Wahlstrom at 4 or Kotkaniemi at 4. So really is it that big of a deal if you take that player at 3? If you truly believe the U18 is a sign of things to come and your only viable option at C in the pipeline is Poehling, you have a reason to do it. You’re not getting a centre for Pacioretty, or it would have already happened. So the other option is to trade the 3rd for one, so why not just draft one?

You're thinking and posting like a calm rational human being with no pressure. MB is under the gun. Every move he will make will not involve the same dispassionate outlook that you would take. To save his neck every move he'll make this off season will be for immediate gratification. There will be no long term planning. His team will need to show immediate and dramatic improvement. If he drafts a center in this year's draft he's looking at a two maybe three year wait. The tightening noose around MB's neck will not make him wait that long.

 

[Mrb1p]

You're thinking and posting like a calm rational human being with no pressure. MB is under the gun. Every move he will make will not involve the same dispassionate outlook that you would take. To save his neck every move he'll make this off season will be for immediate gratification. There will be no long term planning. His team will need to show immediate and dramatic improvement. If he drafts a center in this year's draft he's looking at a two maybe three year wait. The tightening noose around MB's neck will not make him wait that long.

Then hes not the man for the job.

At some point i understand the hate for MB, but if thats really what is going on, the problem is with ownership.

 

[Fozz]

It's not like this the last chance this team will have to draft a potential top center. If anything, next year's crop looks much more promising with tons of very very good centermen. Drafting a top line scoring winger now and a talented center next year will work just fine in building a contender. There's little sense in rushing things and passIng on superior talent for the sake of filling an immediate need.

 

[SML2]

• Canadiens Draft Simulation using: Draftwired (400)
  http://www.draftwired.com:8888/apps/dwNHL
  Trades:
  (28) from NYR for (35, 97, 102)
  (32) from BUF for (38, 123, 128)
  (63, 89) from MIN for (56)
  Picks:
  Rd 1 Pk 3 - Andrei Svechnikov (RW) Barrie
  Rd 1 Pk 28 - Dominik Bokk (RW) Vaxjo J20
  Rd 2 Pk 32 - Jett Woo (RD) Moose Jaw
  Rd 2 Pk 57 - David Gustafsson (C) HV71 J20
  Rd 3 Pk 63 - Cole Fonstad (RW) Prince Albert
  Rd 3 Pk 66 - Niklas Nordgren (RW) HIFK
  Rd 3 Pk 89 - Tyler Madden (C) Tri-City

So I am not a Montreal fan but I was trying to figure out what the MTL strategy was going to be on draft day. I ran about a dozen or so simulations and was curious as to if the plan is to trade the #3, use the number 3 and use all the second rounders, or to try to move up with the second into additional firsts. Everytime I run a sim for my team, NYR, Montreal is offering up picks to move up. This was what I thought was one of my better MTL results.

 

[yianik]

Then hes not the man for the job.

At some point i understand the hate for MB, but if thats really what is going on, the problem is with ownership.

I have posted several times now that this is on Molson if things continue to go off the rails.

First , he continues to entrust someone who has made , overall, a disaster of a team..

Next, it is pretty evident to all that Molson's standing order to MB is make the play offs tbis season or else.

So now he has set up a very short term goal. It isn't to do what is necessary to get us on track to win a Cup, it is "get me my play off money now ".

Really short sighted.

 

[yianik]

• Canadiens Draft Simulation using: Draftwired (400)
  http://www.draftwired.com:8888/apps/dwNHL
  Trades:
  (28) from NYR for (35, 97, 102)
  (32) from BUF for (38, 123, 128)
  (63, 89) from MIN for (56)
  Picks:
  Rd 1 Pk 3 - Andrei Svechnikov (RW) Barrie
  Rd 1 Pk 28 - Dominik Bokk (RW) Vaxjo J20
  Rd 2 Pk 32 - Jett Woo (RD) Moose Jaw
  Rd 2 Pk 57 - David Gustafsson (C) HV71 J20
  Rd 3 Pk 63 - Cole Fonstad (RW) Prince Albert
  Rd 3 Pk 66 - Niklas Nordgren (RW) HIFK
  Rd 3 Pk 89 - Tyler Madden (C) Tri-City

So I am not a Montreal fan but I was trying to figure out what the MTL strategy was going to be on draft day. I ran about a dozen or so simulations and was curious as to if the plan is to trade the #3, use the number 3 and use all the second rounders, or to try to move up with the second into additional firsts. Everytime I run a sim for my team, NYR, Montreal is offering up picks to move up. This was what I thought was one of my better MTL results.

Thanks for sharing, nice of you. Even better, thanks for Svech.

 

[WinterLion]

If 4-10 are interchangeable, where are these Kotkaniemi comments about him having second line C upside coming from? Are they justified?

Also, why don't we ever see Zadina cast in the same light? No one has ever said that Zadina projects as a second line winger.

I think those comments are coming because he has had a very steep curve this year and people haven't caught up. I have a feeling he is the Oliver Ekman Larsson or Ryan Johanssen of this draft. Of course there are no guarantees... the same goes for Zadina...

The fact is the Habs will have a guy that they think stands out. Just don't be surprised if it isn't Zadina.

 

[WinterLion]

It's not like this the last chance this team will have to draft a potential top center. If anything, next year's crop looks much more promising with tons of very very good centermen. Drafting a top line scoring winger now and a talented center next year will work just fine in building a contender. There's little sense in rushing things and passIng on superior talent for the sake of filling an immediate need.

Absolutely, but that is assuming that Kotkienemi is a reach. I am not convinced that he is. He is definitely in the same league as Wahlstrom and Boqvist... Of course if you love someone more just take that guy. Just get the guy you like best at 3... that is all! We need talent... just get more of that!

 

[WinterLion]

Kotkaniemi has as high an offensive ceiling as any forward but Svech in this draft.

Yes I think this is fair.

The fact is that taking the Centre over the winger is almost always the better option. They tend to take a bit longer to develop, but then have a higher ceiling and bigger impact. I know we don't want to draft by position, but this is a real factor.