To this writer, the team's choice at third overall is clear: Quinton Hughes. When you have a chance to draft a dynamic/elite skater, the choice should be very simple. While Zadina is a nice prospect, I have concerns that the limitations to his skating will always hinder him from being the game changer at the NHL level that this team desperately needs. Zadina is no Pasternak, who is an above average skater. The only thing they share is the same nationality. Those who worry about Hughes' size should be reminded that the Boston Bruins have largely revamped their defense with smallish, mobile players (Krug, Grzelcyk and McAvoy) who have converted the Bruins from a slow, lumbering team to one that can skate with any team in the league. That mobile defense will allow them to be a contender for the next half decade. Yes, its preferable to have a player that is both large and has elite skating ability. Unfortunately, that player will be drafted first overall. As demonstrated by his performance at the WHC, if drafted by the Canadiens, Hughes should immediately make the team, and with Mete and Petry, quickly convert Montreal's defense from being one of the league's slowest to one that can form a stable foundation for the future. I really suspect that if Carolina did not already have one of the youngest and most mobile bluelines in the league, Hughes would be a compelling option for them. If Hughes is taken, and we draft wisely with our 4 picks in the second round, management can correct many of its sins and mistakes of the past few years. And wouldn't that be a nice change.
