Draft 2020 Draft & Undrafted Free Agent Thread: Part V

[Synergy27]

I don't like the idea of trading down tbh. I'd be interested in trading up incase someone unforeseen falls a bit but other than that, I'm hanging out where ever the Carolina pick is (or trading it for an established body.)

There are other ways to acquire 2nd round picks.

Agreed. This is either a trade up year or a trade the pick with other stuff for a prospect that is closer to making an impact. Timeline and cap phasing are critical now.

 

[Matt Rentfree]

Was Will Cuylle available at 72? If so, you disappoint me.

He was, and I'm sorry to disappoint you. But if a London Knights player with real upside is available in the 3rd round, I'm taking him.

If it's any consolation, I would have taken him at 86 if he was available but he was taken at 81.

 

[Edge]

Instead of trading up with Carolina’s pick and losing assets. How about we just trade down and get two 2nd round picks?

We do not have any picks in the 2nd.

Personally I wouldn’t mind. I think the prospects from 15-35 are more or less in the same range. It’s a matter of who you like.

The Rangers on the hand haven’t traded down on the first in forever, if ever. So it would be unprecedented for them. Typically they grab their guy and go home.

For as much as I am really interested in talent well into the mid-rounds, all things equal I’d hope for someone I really like to drop into a range where we can slide up and grab them.

 

[egelband]

Agreed. This is either a trade up year or a trade the pick with other stuff for a prospect that is closer to making an impact. Timeline and cap phasing are critical now.

Agreed. It’s never bad to have high upside projects but the parent club situation is getting a bit more pressing. Not urgent or anything. But it’s clear they’re expecting to start contending next season.

 

[Ghost of jas]

Personally I wouldn’t mind. I think the prospects from 15-35 are more or less in the same range. It’s a matter of who you like.

The Rangers on the hand haven’t traded down on the first in forever, if ever. So it would be unprecedented for them. Typically they grab their guy and go home.

For as much as I am really interested in talent well into the mid-rounds, all things equal I’d hope for someone I really like to drop into a range where we can slide up and grab them.

Calling Dawson Mercer.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

If the Rangers could still get Khusnutdinov after dropping 3-4 spots and pick up a 2nd, I’d be satisfied.

I guess, but for me adding depth in picks isn't really something we need to be concerned about. I'd actually look to add picks for future drafts rather than this one. Our system is already pretty flush as guys in our 11-20 range would populate the top 10 or even top 5 for a ton of teams.

If its something that they really want, then okay. But I still think that there are better ways to land a 2nd in this years draft that don't involve trading down. I'd get aggressive and try to trade up if someone like Mercer or Jarvis falls into the late teens. That would really put a stamp on not only the draft, but this chapter of the rebuild.

 

[aufheben]

Yeah the group of 5 up top are some of the more impressive players in the class.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend watching Kushnutdinov's stuff. His zone entries are God tier.

Kid is very intriguing. Don’t you think though that Chytil already covers a lot of those bases?

 

[Ghost of jas]

I guess, but for me adding depth in picks isn't really something we need to be concerned about. I'd actually look to add picks for future drafts rather than this one. Our system is already pretty flush as guys in our 11-20 range would populate the top 10 or even top 5 for a ton of teams.

If its something that they really want, then okay. But I still think that there are better ways to land a 2nd in this years draft that don't involve trading down. I'd get aggressive and try to trade up if someone like Mercer or Jarvis falls into the late teens. That would really put a stamp on not only the draft, but this chapter of the rebuild.

I’m good with either scenario. If the Rangers want to move up because Lundell or Mercer is in their range, great. But, if they’re at 23 and they know the players they like will be there a few spots lower and someone is offering a 2nd, I’m making the deal.

 

[aufheben]

Agreed. This is either a trade up year or a trade the pick with other stuff for a prospect that is closer to making an impact. Timeline and cap phasing are critical now.

The question is: what do they use to trade up? They don’t have a pair of 2nds to use, or even one 2nd, and a 3rd round pick isn’t going to boost your 1st round up.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Kid is very intriguing. Don’t you think though that Chytil already covers a lot of those bases?

Not to the same extent. Chytil's zone entries are strong and hes gotten pretty good along the walls but I don't see the creativity from Chytil, nor do I see the same level of motor, this kid is pretty relentless.

I don't think he has his zone entry prowess either, I mean it when I say he is a zone entry God. I wonder about his control and situation in Russia. I wouldn't be in a rush to bring him over as he definitely needs time to cook, but I'd be hoping that hes more on a Buchnevich timeline than a Kaprizov one. Im not spending a 1st on a guy who is going to take 5-6 years to come over.

 

[Edge]

Calling Dawson Mercer.

No joke, he’s on the short list of guys I’d really push for if he got within range.

He seems to be falling on some lists and mocks and as much as I love some of the names later, I’d definitely move picks, prospects or a roster player to grab him.

Lafreniere and Mercer? Throw Cuylle in with a third round pick and I am thrilled.

 

[Edge]

The question is: what do they use to trade up? They don’t have a pair of 2nds to use, or even one 2nd, and a 3rd round pick isn’t going to boost your 1st round up.

I think you’re looking at one or both thirds. A second next year, possibly Georgiev being moved for a second. I think guys like Howden, Hajek and Lemieux are possibly in play. I think they have some options if they like someone enough and the Canes pick is close enough.

 

[aufheben]

Not to the same extent. Chytil's zone entries are strong and hes gotten pretty good along the walls but I don't see the creativity from Chytil, nor do I see the same level of motor, this kid is pretty relentless.

I don't think he has his zone entry prowess either, I mean it when I say he is a zone entry God. I wonder about his control and situation in Russia. I wouldn't be in a rush to bring him over as he definitely needs time to cook, but I'd be hoping that hes more on a Buchnevich timeline than a Kaprizov one. Im not spending a 1st on a guy who is going to take 5-6 years to come over.

Like I said: very intriguing. He was literally all over the ice—and shifty too.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I’m good with either scenario. If the Rangers want to move up because Lundell or Mercer is in their range, great. But, if they’re at 23 and they know the players they like will be there a few spots lower and someone is offering a 2nd, I’m making the deal.

Mercer, Jarvis and Schneider are the only guys I'd be interested in trading up for who would realistically be there around that range.

I'm assuming Lundell is off the board between 9-13. Not sure we have what it takes to make THAT big a jump with out getting a little crazy.

 

[aufheben]

No joke, he’s on the short list of guys I’d really push for if he got within range.

He seems to be falling on some lists and mocks and as much as I love some of the names later, I’d definitely move picks, prospects or a roster player to grab him.

Lafreniere and Mercer? Throw Cuylle in with a third round pick and I am thrilled.

Looked like an excellent stick-handler; What else is there to him?

 

[aufheben]

Mercer, Jarvis and Schneider are the only guys I'd be interested in trading up for who would realistically be there around that range.

I'm assuming Lundell is off the board between 9-13. Not sure we have what it takes to make THAT big a jump with out getting a little crazy.

Is Lundell worth trading up for? I really don’t want to go through another Lias Andersson thing with the “safe bet, ready-to-step-in, defensively responsible, good positioning” crap all over again.

 

[Synergy27]

The question is: what do they use to trade up? They don’t have a pair of 2nds to use, or even one 2nd, and a 3rd round pick isn’t going to boost your 1st round up.

Yeah, agree. I view trading up as less likely than trading the pick in a package. But theoretically, that pick can be packaged with an extraneous winger from somewhere in the organization.

 

[Edge]

Looked like an excellent stick-handler; What else is there to him?

Love the two-way game, the commitment to all aspects of the ice, very good offensive instincts, incredibly flexible to different roles and even different positions. Could be a center...

The downside, might not have the offensive ceiling of some of your other guys. It’s unknown if you’re looking at a top six forward or more of a middle six forward. But if he’s the latter, he’s a hell of a middle six forward. He doesn’t have blazing speed, or an amazing shot. His skill by skill breakdown isn’t going to compare to some of the other options (Gunler, Bourque, Lapierre, etc.).

But I think this kid’s upside is underrated and I think he’s another one of those guys who could be BPA and for like a glove with this team.

He’s on a very short list of guys I trade up for with the Canes pick.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Looked like an excellent stick-handler; What else is there to him?

From what I have heard, Mercer is one of the best skaters in the draft. Not so much the speed, but more his versatility and changing angles.

 

[Edge]

Is Lundell worth trading up for? I really don’t want to go through another Lias Andersson thing with the “safe bet, ready-to-step-in, defensively responsible, good positioning” crap all over again.

Better player maker, more elegant player than Andersson. Less sandpaper and mucking.

He’s a cerebral player, not unlike Henriksson in the sense that you don’t notice him and then you realize he has two assists. Or he’s in the right spot to get a goal, or that he broke up the play and started the break-out the other way.

But he’s not a highlight reel type.

In terms of upside, there is some debate there. I hear some teams view him as a legit, higher-end second line center. Maybe even a 1B type. Others view him as being closer to a third line center with above average offense for the role.

The Rangers I think were leaning toward the former and I am fairly confident he is in their top 10. I’ll know more after the draft on specifics.

He’s on my short list for a trade up.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Is Lundell worth trading up for? I really don’t want to go through another Lias Andersson thing with the “safe bet, ready-to-step-in, defensively responsible, good positioning” crap all over again.

I have him pegged as a mid 1st talent.

I think the Lias comparisons are unfair though. He's faster than he looks (I wouldn't classify his skating a strength, it's definitely a weakness) and he does a lot of little things really well. The skill won't overwhelm you as I don't think he stands out anywhere, but he isn't a scrub, he's smart and efficient.

I'd slot him comfortably behind the trio I'd trade up for, but he is a good player.

 

[Edge]

From what I have heard, Mercer is one of the best skaters in the draft. Not so much the speed, but more his versatility and changing angles.

I find him to be a strong skater, more than a fast one. It doesn’t hold him back, but I don’t think it has him flying past people at the higher levels.

You’re right in the sense that he’ll shift gears, make the right moves (in combo with his IQ) and he’s hard to knock off the puck.

He looks bigger out there than he is, and part of me wonders if that’s because he’s so strong on his skates.

 

[aufheben]

I have him pegged as a mid 1st talent.

I think the Lias comparisons are unfair though. He's faster than he looks (I wouldn't classify his skating a strength, it's definitely a weakness) and he does a lot of little things really well. The skill won't overwhelm you as I don't think he stands out anywhere, but he isn't a scrub, he's smart and efficient.

I'd slot him comfortably behind the trio I'd trade up for, but he is a good player.

It’s still too many apparent things in common for me. Like I literally could not identify which player he was.

Every description I’ve read about this kid sounds like someone talking about a Toyota.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Love the two-way game, the commitment to all aspects of the ice, very good offensive instincts, incredibly flexible to different roles and even different positions. Could be a center...

The downside, might not have the offensive ceiling of some of your other guys. It’s unknown if you’re looking at a top six forward or more of a middle six forward. But if he’s the latter, he’s a hell of a middle six forward. He doesn’t have blazing speed, or an amazing shot. His skill by skill breakdown isn’t going to compare to some of the other options (Gunler, Bourque, Lapierre, etc.).

But I think this kid’s upside is underrated and I think he’s another one of those guys who could be BPA and for like a glove with this team.

He’s on a very short list of guys I trade up for with the Canes pick.

There some Mark Stone in his game. I don't want to throw that label on him because Stone has become such a good player, but I see a ton of similarities.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

It’s still too many apparent things in common for me. Like I literally could not identify which player he was.

Every description I’ve read about this kid sounds like someone talking about a Toyota.

1. LOL at Toyota. Toyotas are solid cars though.
2. He moves play in the right direction (As per @Amazing Kreiderman he had the 2nd highest CF% in all of Liiga. Not amongst just draft eligibles, he was #2 overall in that regard.)
3. He didn't drive high danger chances though. Which along with the skating was enough to knock him down a peg a bit for me.

Anyone who can limit scoring chances again and pin a team in their own end is A OK by me though. Even if he tops out as a 3rd or 4th line player, those are pretty good qualities to have.