2020 Draft & Undrafted Free Agent Thread: Part II

[Joey Bones]

Presuming that a similar deal to the Edmonton one from last year might be available (Buch for #8 overall which would have been Zegras for us), I think we'd be insane not to accept that deal.

Buch may be less valuable now with a year less term, but he's also had a year with a bit higher production as well, so who knows? But I'd add to a package like that to get a pick if my guy was there. For Lundell? Maybe not. But if Holtz or Rossi is still on the board? All day long.

Not quite sure about that. You tend to forget that by removing Buch, the Rangers have an integral player absent from their top 6 for at least 2 years. In moving a roster player like Buch, or even Strome, the Rangers would need a player in return to fill the void along with the pick. The Rangers certainly aren't going to be rebuilding for much longer.

 

[Joey Bones]

I'm not talking about giving them away. If there's someone they're enamored with, I'd be willing to pay the cost. Obviously within reason.

I view it as asset management. You can't keep everything, there's just not enough space on the roster. How many top6 forwards can we ice? How many RHD? Use the strengths to fill weaknesses or to get an equal/greater value but at a later return date. Keep the ball and talent rolling into the system

Think you'd be moving the wrong pieces....

 

[Edge]

So, I've seen the Edmonton negotiations from last year brought up from time to time, but I think we need to flesh out the context a little bit.

Part of the push to move up last year was the belief that someone like Zegras, or another name, would have a good chance to step into the NHL this upcoming season (2020-21). So, from a timing perspective, the talent would be coming in as this team was ready to start its next chapter --- aka next season.

But now that we are closing in on the start of the next chapter, there's not really a desire to move assets to get someone who pushes that back a year (2021-22). It's important to remember that efforts last year were driven by a fall 2020 target date, not a 2021 or 2022 date --- which is what we'd likely be looking at now.

Having said that, if the Rangers are sitting at 10th, and someone like Lundell is there, they very well could view it as a major bonus and potentially a way to get the same result (a center stepping in for the 2020-21 season), albeit not the one they may have originally envisioned. As a result, there's a slight chance the Rangers could look to move up a couple of slots as well, if they're within range. But we're talking about going from 12 to 10 or 13 to 11, not going from 15 to 8.

My gut tells me there's probably only a handful (maybe only 2 or 3) scenarios for which they would even consider moving assets to jump 1 or 2 slots. But outside of that, the Rangers strategy with the 14th and 21st picks would most likely be to stay put --- once again assuming that the picks aren't moved prior to the draft.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

So, I've seen the Edmonton negotiations from last year brought up from time to time, but I think we need to flesh out the context a little bit.

Part of the push to move up last year was the belief that someone like Zegras, or another name, would have a good chance to step into the NHL this upcoming season (2020-21). So, from a timing perspective, the talent would be coming in as this team was ready to start its next chapter --- aka next season.

But now that we are closing in on the start of the next chapter, there's not really a desire to move assets to get someone who pushes that back a year (2021-22). It's important to remember that efforts last year were driven by a fall 2020 target date, not a 2021 or 2022 date --- which is what we'd likely be looking at now.

Having said that, if the Rangers are sitting at 10th, and someone like Lundell is there, they very well could view it as a major bonus and potentially a way to get the same result (a center stepping in for the 2020-21 season), albeit not the one they may have originally envisioned. As a result, there's a slight chance the Rangers could look to move up a couple of slots as well, if they're within range. But we're talking about going from 10 to 12 or 13 to 11, not going from 15 to 8.

My gut tells me there's probably only a handful (maybe only 2 or 3) scenarios for which they would even consider moving assets to jump 1 or 2 slots. But outside of that, the Rangers strategy with the 14th and 21st picks would most likely be to stay put --- once again assuming that the picks aren't moved prior to the draft.

I keep telling you...

They're going to win the lottery, get the second pick, and draft Byfield.

No movement required.

 

[CharlestownChiefsESC]

I keep telling you...

They're going to win the lottery, get the second pick, and draft Byfield.

No movement required.

Byfield could drop below 2 as well. Especially if Detroit falls to 2. They're definitely gonna take Stuzle

 

[duhmetreE]

Think you'd be moving the wrong pieces....

what pieces would you move?

 

[duhmetreE]

Who at the top of the draft needs a big RHD?

I know it's unlikely but with the emergence of our young RHD, it has to be a thought at the least.

 

[Ola]

Seing Zion Nybeck again tonight. I like this kid more and more. Someone could be getting a steal in that one. He is effective away from the puck too kind of like Debrincat with his speed and intensity.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

@Steve Kournianos couple of questions for you....

Curious to why you have Gunler so low?

Similarly curious to why Askarov falls out of the top 10?

I agree why Lapierre drops out of the 1st round, but why so low into the 3rd?

Also, have to commend that you have Khusnutdinov as high as you have (maybe a bit too high) as well as Colangelo and Hirvonen. I think all three will be 1st round picks come June.

My contention is that people fell in love with Gunler’s stats and ignored multiple factors. A perceived attitude issue — overblown or not — is still an attitude issue.

Two things I notice — his teammates don’t pass it to him when he’s open like they should. The other thing is he’s a perimeter player and rarely engages or supports puck battles. If he has 10-15 shifts a game he can go 9-14 without ever sneezing on an opponent or an opponent sneezing on him. Very odd and I can’t explain it other than his teammates want more out of him.

On skill alone, he’s a top-10 pick. And I love speed and skill, but also want players to look like they care.

I think he’ll be a Buchnevich — periods of inconsistency, bouts with multiple coaches, and 20g 30a if the stars align. Late 1st at best and I’ve seen him play so much I can see him in my sleep.

Askarov is being coddled by Russia. Might be coming from Tretiak himself. Kid is healthy and played like five games since WJC. Don’t like it.

Lapierre wasn’t good when he was healthy-ish after the Hlinka. He’ll be Charmin soft now that he’s one hit away from retirement. Great skill as a playmaker but an incomplete draft resume.

 

[mas0764]

Not quite sure about that. You tend to forget that by removing Buch, the Rangers have an integral player absent from their top 6 for at least 2 years. In moving a roster player like Buch, or even Strome, the Rangers would need a player in return to fill the void along with the pick. The Rangers certainly aren't going to be rebuilding for much longer.

No, they don't need that player. They get by without until the drafted stud is up to speed.

Again with the "we have to compete next year" insistence. I cannot believe it.

 

[Joey Bones]

So, I've seen the Edmonton negotiations from last year brought up from time to time, but I think we need to flesh out the context a little bit.

Part of the push to move up last year was the belief that someone like Zegras, or another name, would have a good chance to step into the NHL this upcoming season (2020-21). So, from a timing perspective, the talent would be coming in as this team was ready to start its next chapter --- aka next season.

But now that we are closing in on the start of the next chapter, there's not really a desire to move assets to get someone who pushes that back a year (2021-22). It's important to remember that efforts last year were driven by a fall 2020 target date, not a 2021 or 2022 date --- which is what we'd likely be looking at now.

Having said that, if the Rangers are sitting at 10th, and someone like Lundell is there, they very well could view it as a major bonus and potentially a way to get the same result (a center stepping in for the 2020-21 season), albeit not the one they may have originally envisioned. As a result, there's a slight chance the Rangers could look to move up a couple of slots as well, if they're within range. But we're talking about going from 12 to 10 or 13 to 11, not going from 15 to 8.

My gut tells me there's probably only a handful (maybe only 2 or 3) scenarios for which they would even consider moving assets to jump 1 or 2 slots. But outside of that, the Rangers strategy with the 14th and 21st picks would most likely be to stay put --- once again assuming that the picks aren't moved prior to the draft.

Well said!!

 

[Joey Bones]

what pieces would you move?

Honestly, no one. NYR should let their great/good prospects develop.

Like @Edge said, we are now starting to see a competitive team that could push for the playoffs. The next chapter is on the horizon. NYR should start looking to add to their roster, rather than their pipeline. Not saying to start trading off prospects for a rental top 6 forward and what not, but simply saying there is a change finally and they are keeping to their plan.

 

[Joey Bones]

No, they don't need that player. They get by without until the drafted stud is up to speed.

Again with the "we have to compete next year" insistence. I cannot believe it.

Well get over it. The Rangers are starting to compete and it's obvious in the acquisitions and team chemistry.

 

[mas0764]

Well get over it.

No.

 

[Ola]

My contention is that people fell in love with Gunler’s stats and ignored multiple factors. A perceived attitude issue — overblown or not — is still an attitude issue.

Two things I notice — his teammates don’t pass it to him when he’s open like they should. The other thing is he’s a perimeter player and rarely engages or supports puck battles. If he has 10-15 shifts a game he can go 9-14 without ever sneezing on an opponent or an opponent sneezing on him. Very odd and I can’t explain it other than his teammates want more out of him.

On skill alone, he’s a top-10 pick. And I love speed and skill, but also want players to look like they care.

I think he’ll be a Buchnevich — periods of inconsistency, bouts with multiple coaches, and 20g 30a if the stars align. Late 1st at best and I’ve seen him play so much I can see him in my sleep.

Askarov is being coddled by Russia. Might be coming from Tretiak himself. Kid is healthy and played like five games since WJC. Don’t like it.

Lapierre wasn’t good when he was healthy-ish after the Hlinka. He’ll be Charmin soft now that he’s one hit away from retirement. Great skill as a playmaker but an incomplete draft resume.

Your ranking looks great!

Two questions.

I would personally have Zion Nybeck a lot higher. Can I ask what your thoughts are on him?

John Jason Peterka is from my view point darn skilled. Still he seems to have few backers and I’ve not seen anyone that is really high on him. Do you have any thoughts of why that may be the case? Attitude issues? Like I wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if someone had him top 10-15. But I’ve of course not followed him closely.

A few other thoughts:
*I am not the biggest Gunler fan. I would have him where you have him. Border line 1st.
*I think Helge Grans could be a big sleeper pick. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the 1st.

 

[bobbop]

Questions for my draft experts...with the prospect season for all intents being over, we will not have the benefit of late scouting and important games. It seems like in the past, there were a number of players who were late risers. That opportunity Will not exist this year.

What effect does that have on the draft?

 

[Irishguy42]

Questions for my draft experts...with the prospect season for all intents being over, we will not have the benefit of late scouting and important games. It seems like in the past, there were a number of players who were late risers. That opportunity Will not exist this year.

What effect does that have on the draft?

Depends on how much some scouts weigh things like the WJC, which is likely a in disguise. But for every few players who are the undeserved "late risers" because they had a random good showing, there will be the "late fallers" who will be pushed down, despite having a larger sample size earning them a higher ranking.

Will definitely affect the draft class.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Questions for my draft experts...with the prospect season for all intents being over, we will not have the benefit of late scouting and important games. It seems like in the past, there were a number of players who were late risers. That opportunity Will not exist this year.

What effect does that have on the draft?

Without an u18 tournament, I wouldn't be surprised if that sees a bunch of European kids drop because that tournament is a big indicator for EU prospects

 

[bobbop]

Without an u18 tournament, I wouldn't be surprised if that sees a bunch of European kids drop because that tournament is a big indicator for EU prospects

So would it stand to reason that a few gems may drop, perhaps as far as the third round?

 

[aufheben]

So who are people looking at for #14OA and #21OA?

 

[Edge]

So who are people looking at for #14OA and #21OA?

It really depends on who comes off the board first. It’s much easier for me to go off a mock draft.

Broadly speaking, I’d be perfectly alright if the haul was something like Holloway and Mysak.

 

[Edge]

Questions for my draft experts...with the prospect season for all intents being over, we will not have the benefit of late scouting and important games. It seems like in the past, there were a number of players who were late risers. That opportunity Will not exist this year.

What effect does that have on the draft?

I’d say this is a distinct possibility.

I think you’ll still see a few teams roll the dice, but many might not want to take the chance over accuracy concerns. Those concerns could reduce the overall number of risks teams are willing to take.

As a result, this could potentially be a draft where we see more NHL talent emerge from the later rounds - similar to what we used to see a bit more often. These talents will be available not so much because they dropped, but because they didn’t rise.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

So would it stand to reason that a few gems may drop, perhaps as far as the third round?

That's possible

 

[Ranger Ric]

With the NCAA playoffs cancelled NHL teams will be able to sign all undrafted players no longer eligible for the draft. The Rangers already have signed Patrick Khodorenko when Michigan State was eliminated from the Big 10 playoffs and Hartford signed two players, Zach Guittiari and Michael O'Leary.

Every March the website "Last Word on Hockey" releases its analysis of the top NCAA free agents. This morning the LWOH releases the first two parts of its five part series. This is not a ranking, just a listing of the top players arranged in alphabetical order. 2020 College Hockey Free Agents - Part 2 - Last Word on Hockey. You can link to part 1 from part 2.

In part two, the analysis addresses Zach Giuttari:

"Giuttari was the captain of the Brown Bears. He put up four goals and 15 points in 31 games this season. Brown played huge minutes for the Black Bears, often logging between 25 and 30 minutes a night and playing in all situations. Giuttari is an above-average skater with good speed in both directions. He also shows good pivots, edgework and agility. This allows him to get around the ice with ease and helps him to play a two-way game. While he doesn’t make a lot of highlight-reel plays, Giuttari is a steady defender who usually makes the smart play."

An analysis of Khodorenko should be in part 3 of the series. The analysis is a good starting point for looking at other NCAA players who might sign with the Rangers or Hartford.

 

[Fitzy]

So who are people looking at for #14OA and #21OA?

I want Rossi and Stutzle.

If Raymond drops I want us to go all in on trading up for him.