2020 Draft & Undrafted Free Agent Thread: Part IV

[LaffyTaffy]

I think that if at our pick both Lundell and Sanderson are available, the only reason to take Sanderson is if you dont see Lundell ever being a top line player. We need elite Forward prospects more than D prospects. We have that Boom Bust factor in our D pool with Miller, Lundkvist, Jones. I dont mention Robertson because he seems like a 4/5 dman with a decent chance of reaching that potential. Our forward pool is filled with good but not elite prospects. Kakko and Kravtsov will continue to develop, but we do not know how good Kravtsov will be yet, and I would much rather take a swing on a potentially elite forward. Sanderson can be very good, but I would prefer a forward.

 

[eco's bones]

+1

i believe two solid young goalies is the best option. An injury can occur at any moment and we will still have this Covid thing floating around. By season’s end, every point counts so keep the goaltending strong.

I've come to the conclusion that if you can work it out with the cap having two No. 1 quality goaltenders is a great way to go. Sooner or later you will have to move one because of cap concerns so it's also a good idea to always have a very good prospect either in reserve or coming up. It's kind of analogous to pitching in a way--one great starter can take you a long ways with some other decent starters in the rotation but two great starters or a great starter and a terrific relief guy and you've got something to build a team around. Also overusing your best guys can burn them out. I don't think it's smart to think Igor can play 60 regular season games and then expect him to play another higher octane 20 to 25 in the postseason. He's never played close to that number of games before. The team he played for in the KHL was always a dominant team--the Rangers have some great players and some great younger players but they're hardly a dominant team.

 

[True Blue]

Honestly, so do I.

There is enough there off the bat where I'm very comfortable taking him in the top 10 and if the offense comes around, hes a superstar.

Not going as far a superstar, but there is a lot to like. Battles, skates well, may not pile up points but will certainly help in the transition game. And truth be told, the Rangers may well need the stay more at home type. No problem if he was their pick towards the end of the top 10. No way he is around 12 or 13.

 

[True Blue]

I'm not sure about that with Kopitar around for a few more years and Turcotte in the system they may very well take Stuzle who can play the wing.

The Kings will certainly take Blyfield and have their own version of Getzlaf. Blyfield is right up their alley.

 

[Trxjw]

Pretty sure Bobby Mac said two teams had Sanderson as the top D man in the draft and had him in their top 3 overall. Wouldn't surprise me at all if we were one of them.

I said it in the other thread but I think trading out of the #1 spot would be monumentally stupid. In order to do it another team would have to do something stupid, like making a Godfather offer, which I just can't see happening. As much as I love Byfield and Stuzle, can you really walk away from an almost sure-thing in Lafreniere? Sure, it could be a grand-slam if one of them ends up as an elite C and Sanderson ends up as a top-pairing D but the risk is immense.

Definitely see some similarities to 2013 with this draft class.

 

[True Blue]

I think that if at our pick both Lundell and Sanderson are available, the only reason to take Sanderson is if you dont see Lundell ever being a top line player. We need elite Forward prospects more than D prospects. We have that Boom Bust factor in our D pool with Miller, Lundkvist, Jones. I dont mention Robertson because he seems like a 4/5 dman with a decent chance of reaching that potential. Our forward pool is filled with good but not elite prospects. Kakko and Kravtsov will continue to develop, but we do not know how good Kravtsov will be yet, and I would much rather take a swing on a potentially elite forward. Sanderson can be very good, but I would prefer a forward.

Lundell is not going to be "elite". But neither is Sanderson. That said, where Sanderson will be around I am more comfortable with him being a #3 type than any other forward being a future top liner.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

Pretty sure Bobby Mac said two teams had Sanderson as the top D man in the draft and had him in their top 3 overall. Wouldn't surprise me at all if we were one of them.

I asked @Edge about this when Bob’s list came out and if I remember he said we probably were not one of those teams that had Sanderson top 3

Rangers top 3 is Laf, Byfield and Stutzle. Very possible Sanderson is in their top 5 though

Edge can chime in if he likes

 

[Edge]

I asked @Edge about this when Bob’s list came out and if I remember he said we probably were not one of those teams that had Sanderson top 3

Rangers top 3 is Laf, Byfield and Stutzle. Very possible Sanderson is in their top 5 though

Edge can chime in if he likes

I don't think the Rangers have him in their top 3. I've suspected there are 4 or maybe 5 guys they really like. Lafreniere, Byfield and Stutzle are givens. I've suspected number 4 could be Holtz and number 5 could be Sanderson. But I'm not 100 percent sure on that. I do know they really like both guys.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

Finally doing some research on this draft so playing catch up with you all...but a little ways in and the one guy that makes me scratch my head for why he’s ranked so high is Connor Zary. Seems like a classic Jr superstar...gets away w subpar skating and dangling through everyone at this level, TBD on beyond.

 

[Edge]

If you think Sanderson is going to be a top pairing D for the next decade, you take him

I'd rather take an elite forward, but if you take Sanderson you make due and start strategizing ways to trade another LD prospect for the forward

I could definitely see them looking at Sanderson and having visions of him lining up with literally anyone they put on the right side - Trouba, Fox, ADA, Lundkvist, etc.

The Rangers have a lot of potential on the left side. But they also had potential on the right side when they traded for Fox and later Trouba. Point being, if they want someone, I don't think fear about having too many options in the future is going to be a deterrent.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Lundell is not going to be "elite". But neither is Sanderson. That said, where Sanderson will be around I am more comfortable with him being a #3 type than any other forward being a future top liner.

Ehhhh I wouldn't make that claim just yet.

I think its possible that he turns out to be one of the best D in the league. I don't think its fair to put that kind of ceiling on Lundell.

With Sanderson, he will defend as well as anyone (and actually defend, not Marc Staal defend) and put up points by default at ES. The question with him is if he becomes a PP guy and there I have my doubts, but its possible.

 

[eco's bones]

Personally if the Rangers won the lottery and could turn Lafreniere into Stutzle and Sanderson I'd do it. Byfield and Sanderson would work too. Lafreniere might turn into the biggest stud of them all still but I think Stutzle for one has a legit chance to be just as good. He would be my No. 2. Byfield would be No. 3. If the Kings took Byfield I'd be more than happy to take Stutzle. But anyway Stutzle and Byfield should turn into legit 1st line players and Sanderson into a legit 1st pairing D.

On Sanderson---Niedermayer never really put up huge numbers either. He put up good offensive numbers but he was more an all around defenseman. Looking at Jaccob Slavin in the series we just played--that's what I'd kind of be looking for from Sanderson. The Rangers have offensive D anyway--it's not an issue. Being better in their own zone is an issue--Sanderson IMO would help that a lot. K'Andre Miller, Lindgren, Zac Jones, Matt Robertson--yeah that's too many but it also screams top defense in front of a great young goalie.

I think Lundell is more likely to become a very good 2C than a 1C. He's a potential top 10 pick that might fall into the early teens.

 

[Edge]

For scouts who love Sanderson's upside, the dream scenario is someone like Niedermayer.

For others, it's maybe an end result somewhat similar Bouwmeester.

I kind of feel Niedermayer is over-projecting, but Bouwmeester I could see as a possibility.

Point being, he's a kid who has is generating some buzz not necessarily because of his present altitude (which, by the way, is still very good), but rather because of his perceived trajectory and the altitude they think he can hit.

 

[Edge]

Personally if the Rangers won the lottery and could turn Lafreniere into Stutzle and Sanderson I'd do it. Byfield and Sanderson would work too. Lafreniere might turn into the biggest stud of them all still but I think Stutzle for one has a legit chance to be just as good. He would be my No. 2. Byfield would be No. 3. If the Kings took Byfield I'd be more than happy to take Stutzle. But anyway Stutzle and Byfield should turn into legit 1st line players and Sanderson into a legit 1st pairing D.

On Sanderson---Niedermayer never really put up huge numbers either. He put up good offensive numbers but he was more an all around defenseman. Looking at Jaccob Slavin in the series we just played--that's what I'd kind of be looking for from Sanderson. The Rangers have offensive D anyway--it's not an issue. Being better in their own zone is an issue--Sanderson IMO would help that a lot. K'Andre Miller, Lindgren, Zac Jones, Matt Robertson--yeah that's too many but it also screams top defense in front of a great young goalie.

I think Lundell is more likely to become a very good 2C than a 1C. He's a potential top 10 pick that might fall into the early teens.

Based on chats, I wonder if the Rangers actually have Stutzle second. I'm thinking it's quite possible they project him as a center, or believe he is just as capable of being developed to play either side on the wings. So, playing make-believe for a second, I could see them feeling that Stutzle has a chance to be an elite forward, and Sanderson has a chance to be a top-pairing defenseman and feel that the combination, and depth, make for a stronger team and long-term approach.

 

[Trxjw]

I asked @Edge about this when Bob’s list came out and if I remember he said we probably were not one of those teams that had Sanderson top 3

Rangers top 3 is Laf, Byfield and Stutzle. Very possible Sanderson is in their top 5 though

Edge can chime in if he likes

That Edge guy has no idea what he's talking about.

But in all seriousness, I don't have the quote handy, so I could very well be mistaken. I thought it was that 2 teams had him as the best D and they both had him in the top-3 but that was months ago that I watched the clip. Plus it's possible some teams are trying to play some mind games with other teams since I'd have to think most orgs have somewhat of an idea who is participating in these surveys every year.

 

[Trxjw]

Based on chats, I wonder if the Rangers actually have Stutzle second. I'm thinking it's quite possible they project him as a center, or believe he is just as capable of being developed to play either side on the wings. So, playing make-believe for a second, I could see them feeling that Stutzle has a chance to be an elite forward, and Sanderson has a chance to be a top-pairing defenseman and feel that the combination, and depth, make for a stronger team and long-term approach.

I've heard the name Elias Petterson when some folks talk about Stutzle. If the Rangers see that as well... well we know how much they liked him in 2017. So it's certainly possible.

As far as the Ottawa trade thing, I still think it would be foolish, but I'm not much of a risk taker either.

 

[Edge]

That Edge guy has no idea what he's talking about.

But in all seriousness, I don't have the quote handy, so I could very well be mistaken. I thought it was that 2 teams had him as the best D and they both had him in the top-3 but that was months ago that I watched the clip. Plus it's possible some teams are trying to play some mind games with other teams since I'd have to think most orgs have somewhat of an idea who is participating in these surveys every year.

I would definitely believe some teams have Sanderson as the top D. I'd also venture that list has grown with each passing month of this season.

Where he's ranked? That's harder to ping. I remember back in 2018 there was talk about Dobson going in the top 5, even as high as fourth. He didn't go at all in the top 10. Sanderson could find himself in a very similar position on draft day.

 

[Edge]

I've heard the name Elias Petterson when some folks talk about Stutzle. If the Rangers see that as well... well we know how much they liked him in 2017. So it's certainly possible.

As far as the Ottawa trade thing, I still think it would be foolish, but I'm not much of a risk taker either.

It's a risk, and in that scenario, I'm fairly torn. It would certainly generate the kind of attention the NHL would LOVE though.

 

[True Blue]

Ehhhh I wouldn't make that claim just yet.

I think its possible that he turns out to be one of the best D in the league. I don't think its fair to put that kind of ceiling on Lundell.

With Sanderson, he will defend as well as anyone (and actually defend, not Marc Staal defend) and put up points by default at ES. The question with him is if he becomes a PP guy and there I have my doubts, but its possible.

Not disagreeing with the premise, just stating my viewpoints. I see neither is "elite", but of course both have the potential. With both, it may well come down to what kind of offense are they able to produce. I think that Lundell's floor is as a third line center, who has a high compete and fantastic defensive ability. I also believe that he will put up points, the question is how many? Sanderson's floor I see as excellent 2nd pairing defenseman. He does defend as well as anyone, but is he an elite shut down defenseman? Not sure, but I think that he is closer to be able to get that than to hitting 45 points. We shall see, but I will be just as happy with either pick.

 

[Trxjw]

I would definitely believe some teams have Sanderson as the top D. I'd also venture that list has grown with each passing month of this season.

Where he's ranked? That's harder to ping. I remember back in 2018 there was talk about Dobson going in the top 5, even as high as fourth. He didn't go at all in the top 10. Sanderson could find himself in a very similar position on draft day.

Yeah I mean I can certainly see how a team would get him there. He really checks a lot of boxes in terms of tools and if you think the clear upside is a #1, then you can easily make the argument for him being above Drysdale.

Like you said, I think it'll be a case of some teams really liking him vs some others not so much.

 

[Edge]

Yeah I mean I can certainly see how a team would get him there. He really checks a lot of boxes in terms of tools and if you think the clear upside is a #1, then you can easily make the argument for him being above Drysdale.

Like you said, I think it'll be a case of some teams really liking him vs some others not so much.

I think a big factor will be how much teams fall in love with this year's crop of forward prospects.

You hae some big skill upside at the top of this draft, and it may be hard for some teams to turn down a chance to grab a guy their scouts think can pop in 30 goals at the NHL level.

 

[Trxjw]

It's a risk, and in that scenario, I'm fairly torn. It would certainly generate the kind of attention the NHL would LOVE though.

I mean I can definitely see the appeal and how, if it works, it would set up the Rangers for years. That being said if you whiff on one or the other, let alone both, it's going to be a shit show. Probably one that comes up on a list of "The top-10 reasons we're firing you, Jeff."

From the Ottawa perspective, having a legitimate Quebecois star in the NHL next season would do a lot for their bottom-line but it's still putting a lot of eggs in one basket for a team that needs help pretty much everywhere.

 

[Edge]

I mean I can definitely see the appeal and how, if it works, it would set up the Rangers for years. That being said if you whiff on one or the other, let alone both, it's going to be a shit show. Probably one that comes up on a list of "The top-10 reasons we're firing you, Jeff."

From the Ottawa perspective, having a legitimate Quebecois star in the NHL next season would do a lot for their bottom-line but it's still putting a lot of eggs in one basket for a team that needs help pretty much everywhere.

I think the Rangers could justify it by saying it was a three player draft and they got one of those three, plus the top rated defenseman.

I think Ottawa can justify it by pointing to all the picks they've made in recent years and how this gives them the Franchise player who can start learning in the NHL as early as next season. They also still leave the draft having made a later first round pick.

In that sense, Ottawa isn't all that different from the Rangers in the sense that they have to start showing some progress on NHL ice, not just stockpiling tons of potential and hoping it makes its way to an NHL rink. They get an immediate tangible roster player.

 

[NoQuitInNewMexico]

Do we have a date for this extra lottery thing?

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Do we have a date for this extra lottery thing?

August 10th