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

[Goldenhands]

Big fan of Kakko too and if he does make the switch to C I could see him challenge for the top spot, and thats no slight to Hughes.

wow this kid is sick, looks like a generational talent out there...

 

[BB88]

Short of getting a 1C, he is without a doubt my favorite going in the 2019 draft. Insanely dynamic.
Actually think he could make the transition to C, he already controls the ice like one and is a force along the boards.

His only weakness is that he's a W. Big +++ for him is that he practises with Laine/Ristolainen/Rantanen in the offseasons. Can't get much better than that in Finland.



Good highlight video to show improvements in his weakness.

 

[Goldenhands]

Hughes looking good again against the big boys today!! Picked up an apple!!! Do you think fourth round would be too much of a reach....

Ive been starting to watch some of his last games with Michigan (thx to youtube) and I have to admit I was wrong thinking he was that much defensively flawed and risky.. His puck skills and skating are elite, a big notch above Boqvist IMO, while Boqvist has the better shot, defensively Boqvist possibly has the edge but not by much since both have flaws... Hughes will probably always struggles to countain bigger fowards deep in his own end when opponents are cycling the puck but considering how much he brings offensively, thats easier to forgive... If I had to chose between Hughes and Boqvist at this point, I would go with Hughes personally... Still a better fan of Dobson's package and upside though.

 

[yianik]

In terms of some centres.

I just dont know if Dellandrea has the puck skills and creativity to be more than a Danault. So borderline 2C ?

On Lundestrom, I really wonder how his game will transition onto the smaller ice surface. When I see him make a play he seems to do so only when he has ample room.

 

[The Great Weal]

God I f***ing love Hughes

 

[sandviper]

Short of getting a 1C, he is without a doubt my favorite going in the 2019 draft. Insanely dynamic.
Actually think he could make the transition to C, he already controls the ice like one and is a force along the boards.

He is great at protecting the puck and making space. Very agile, but at the same time, his skating technique seems odd to me. That said, for a big kid, he moves well.

 

[Saxon]

God I ****ing love Hughes

Prefect partner for Weber!!!! We need more firsts lol.

 

[Saxon]

Ive been starting to watch some of his last games with Michigan (thx to youtube) and I have to admit I was wrong thinking he was that much defensively flawed and risky.. His puck skills and skating are elite, a big notch above Boqvist IMO, while Boqvist has the better shot, defensively Boqvist possibly has the edge but not by much since both have flaws... Hughes will probably always struggles to countain bigger fowards deep in his own end when opponents are cycling the puck but considering how much he brings offensively, thats easier to forgive... If I had to chose between Hughes and Boqvist at this point, I would go with Hughes personally... Still a better fan of Dobson's package and upside though.

Yeah I never really saw the defensive flaws argument. I just assumed that people were stereotyping offensive d men. He's handled NHL forwards like Horvat in this tournament. His skills are elite everywhere but his slap shot. His skating is amazing. I've seen him called the Barzal of defensemen.... And it's kinda true lol.

 

[Goldenhands]

Yeah I never really saw the defensive flaws argument. I just assumed that people were stereotyping offensive d men. He's handled NHL forwards like Horvat in this tournament. His skills are elite everywhere but his slap shot. His skating is amazing. I've seen him called the Barzal of defensemen.... And it's kinda true lol.

yeah he skates so much like his brother Jack, thats crazy, genetic dont lie here, I can see the Barzal comparison too..

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

In terms of some centres.

I just dont know if Dellandrea has the puck skills and creativity to be more than a Danault. So borderline 2C ?

On Lundestrom, I really wonder how his game will transition onto the smaller ice surface. When I see him make a play he seems to do so only when he has ample room.

I agree about Dellandrea, really like what I saw from him in the WJC18, played well, competes hard, but I am not convinced in his upside, I feel like he lacks some sort of edge in his game which he could exploit to be an impactful offensive player at the NHL level. I see him more as a solid middle6F/3rd liner that coaches will love and trust.

 

[S Bah]

If Habs draft Zadina/Svechnikov probably the best offensive prospects/forwards, or Boqvist/Hughes best PMD's. Then it follows they need to trade for the NYI's two 1st rounders, (11th & 12th OV) for either Capt. Max or A.Galchenyuk, getting an opportunity at either Kotkaneimi/Veleno/Kupari for a 2nd line center, or a combination of Dobson/Bouchard using their multiple 2nd's to move into position for the prospects they really desire, IMHO!!!...
The alternative is taking the 3rd OV and hoping they draft Dellandrea, Khovanov, Tychonick, McIsaac and count on being a top Lottery team next year.(finishing last gets you at least 4thOV) More chances of getting #1 centers next year.
Time to make the moves that will ensure the Habs being a strong team in the immediate future. With so many teams already having passed the Habs SC window opening, leaving a quick rebuild. Similar to that of the Boston Bruins in 2015, trading Milan Lucic for LA Kings 1st & Martin Jones, then acquiring SJ's 1st for Martin Jones and the beat goes on.

This type of creative thinking needs to be used Now when the opportunities are within grasp. Particularly with having won the Lottery, drafting 3rd instead of 6th the most likely spot by odds. The Habs can improve their lot by striking while favor is in their midst. Galchenyuk hasn't shown the ability to play a complete game, despite his talent. Max is not happy with the trade talk from season's end, so change the environment. Zadina/Boqvist, Bouchard/Dobson, Kotkaneimi/Veleno, three of those prospects will create a new positive atmosphere, whilst having 4 - 2nd's to acquire huge depth in quality project players ( 2nd pairing/line players) who knows Dellandrea could play next season, McIsaac in 2-3 yrs.
Habs definitely need to stop sitting on the fence, time for decisive action. Price & Weber are only getting older, great veterans that can excel for 4-5 yrs..(that's their SC window at best as core players, IMHO.)

 

[LastWordArmy]

Nils Lundkvist

Nils Lundkvist Scouting Report: 2018 NHL Draft - Last Word on Hockey

 

[S Bah]

This Entry Draft (2018) the Habs need to have their focus on the pulse of each opponents needs. Thereby beating them to the punch, making the trades that acquire the picks, which allow them to get those players that fit their plans to a Tee. In the past so many teams have moved ahead of the Habs to acquire players, that the fans cherished. This draft should be used to correct those issues, moving pieces that ensure the Habs draft 3 of their top ranked prospects. Defencemen rarely make the leap in their rookie season, having AHL Laval as the farm team allows hands on availability in development.
Joel Bouchard being an ideal man for the job ensuring the Habs prospects proper development. No more Yes men running the show, let's have the Alpha men in those positions. Worked excellent in Toronto, Boston, LA, Chicago & Pittsburgh, no surprise that competition drives success, always has IMHO!!!... Add Washington to that list.

 

[Whitesnake]

So...Kaut isn't playing?

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

So...Kaut isn't playing?

Against Sweden ? Nah he wasn't in the lineup, sadly.

 

[Whitesnake]

Against Sweden ? Nah he wasn't in the lineup, sadly.

Wasn't in the lineup in the first game either against Slovakia.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Wasn't in the lineup in the first game either against Slovakia.

It sucks that they're giving him the rookie treatment, especially since he played the entire season in the pro league . They could have at lest given him a few reps on the PP. Old school mentality I guess.

 

[Anardil]

I can't believe that there are still posters obsessed with getting a center with the first pick this year. There is not one center available this year that is expected to develop into a sure fire 1st liner. Kotkaniemi is trending the right way, but even then, most are projecting him to top out as a 2nd liner.

I'll say this again. Unless Bergy has a miraculous off season, the Habs will be in the running to win the Lose 4 Hughes sweepstakes. 2019 IS the year to vastly improve the gaping hole at center, even if they don't win the lottery outright. There are vastly better center prospects available in 2019.

 

[tooji]

I really want another top 10 pick. Being able to come out of this draft with a Zadina-Hughes/Dobson/Kotkaniemi/Boqvist combo would be unreal.

 

[S Bah]

Watching Brayden Point(C - 79th OV) for Tampa Bay, playing like a 1st rounder gives one hope for Vejdemo, Evans etc. being able to play in our Top Six. Perhaps the Habs draft Adam Boqvist(RHD/LHD) & trade for his brother Jesper (C - 36th OV 2017 NJD's) both fan favorites here on HF Habs Board. Gaining a couple more 1st round picks in a deep draft year, can only speed up the Habs rebuild IMHO!!!...

 

[Saxon]

Watching Brayden Point(C - 79th OV) for Tampa Bay, playing like a 1st rounder gives one hope for Vejdemo, Evans etc. being able to play in our Top Six. Perhaps the Habs draft Adam Boqvist(RHD/LHD) & trade for his brother Jesper (C - 36th OV 2017 NJD's) both fan favorites here on HF Habs Board. Gaining a couple more 1st round picks in a deep draft year, can only speed up the Habs rebuild IMHO!!!...

Rather have the Hughes brothers lol

 

[S Bah]

Drafting Filip Zadina RW , could help the Habs immensely, giving them a 1 - 2 - 3 punch on RW of Gallagher - Zadina - Scherbak, that's great RW depth for our top Nine. Centers for all our talented wingers, may be in abundance come Sept. Training Camp. If not the Habs should try augmenting their depth with more high quality picks if possible. Extra depth can always be traded later for future draft picks, changing from center to wingman is considered easier than wingman to center. Having McCarron(1st), Poehling(1st), Ikonen(2nd), Bitten(3rd), Vejdemo(3rd), Audette(5th), Gregoire(6th) Pezzetta(6th), Evans(7th), Verbeek (Free Agent), Eisenschmid(Free agent) are all center options, lots of competition for any Habs center role. The highest draft position was 25th OV by Poehling(C) & McCarron(RW/C) hoping for a possible 1st line center here is pushing the envelope. Fans have to look at the starting 1st line center of all competing playoff teams, to see how improbable drafting one in the 2nd round will be.

With a horde of wingers, Pacioretty & Galchenyuk are always the biggest trade assets talked about. Either player should be worth a 1st round pick or two & a salary dump roster player, to the NYI's.(Trying to resign Tavares.)IMHO....

Sorry I can't see the Habs winning a SCC for at least 3 - 4 yrs., so trading core type players while they have great value seems like the sensible solution. The Habs will be considerably weaker for next year, then our young prospects will get more icetime in bigger roles. Also the Habs will ultimately get a high draft pick in each round the next two seasons.
Common sense at this stage, unless I miss my guess.

 

[S Bah]

Rather have the Hughes brothers lol

Yeah so would I, much rather have Quinn(LHD) & Jack(C) than Jesper(C) and Adam(RHD/LHD?) Jack Hughes looking like a #1 OV (C) instead of #36 OV (C), huge difference. Adam & Quinn are a saw-off at this point, 1/10th's of seconds between them. Quinn is a better skater, Adam better shot, both have great upsides IMHO. Habs have a history of SCC's with brother acts playing for them, Richard's & Mahovlich's are only a couple of their brother teammates. I feel it's a missing ingredient for our team, oldtime Habs fans will remember how important those brother's were to team chemistry though. Henri (C) & Rocket(RW) while Peter(C) & Frank(LW) many memorable moments from all of them.

 

[S Bah]

Rather have the Hughes brothers lol

While the thought of having Q. Hughes(LHD) to play alongside either Weber or Petry is awesome, so too is Zadina being the best RW to lace up as a Hab(IMHO) since Guy Lafleur the ace junior center became record setting Habs RW.

 

[S Bah]

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.