2022 Draft Thread - July 7-8 (CBJ to pick 6th (via CHI) and 12th overall)

[majormajor]

I think the trade to move up for the Jackets is with Arizona. 6 and 12 for 3 and one of those Arizona picks in the 30s. If Arizona wants local boy Gauthier but doesn’t want to draft him at 3. Assuming Wright is first and the Devils don’t move the pick and take Slafkovsky, then the Jackets can grab Cooley at 3 and should still have a decent pick in the early 30s to grab a defenseman (Luneau? Warren?) or some forward that Jarmo likes. 6 and 12 for Cooley seems like too much if we can the 6 and 12 for Cooley and some other pretty good prospect instead.

FYI the Devils 2nd rounder was included in their offer, and that pick is around #37. Not much different from the package you're discussing.

 

[koteka]

FYI the Devils 2nd rounder was included in their offer, and that pick is around #37. Not much different from the package you're discussing.

Ah, missed that.

 

[Toe Pick]

Conversation about moving up to 2nd got me curious about what kind of value the 2nd, 6th, and 12th overall returned over the past 10 years. Obviously the verdict is still out on some of the more recent picks but the results are definitely interesting -- especially with the mixed bag at 2nd overall:

2nd overall
C - Matt Beniers
C - Quinton Byfield
W - Kaapo Kakko
W - Andrei Svechnikov
C - Nolan Patrick
W - Patrik Laine
C - Jack Eichel
C - Sam Reinhardt
C - Alexander Barkov
D - Ryan Murray

6th overall
D - Simon Edvinsson
D - James Drysdale
D - Mortiz Seider
W - Filip Zadina
C - Cody Glass
W - Mathew Tkachuk
C - Pavel Zacha
W - Jake Virtanen
C - Sean Monahan
D - Hampus Lindholm

12th overall
C - Cole Sillinger
C - Anton Lundell
W - Mathew Boldy
D - Noah Dobson
C - Martin Necas
C - Michael McLeod
W - Denis Gurianov
W - Brendan Perlini
C/W - Max Domi
C - Mikhail Grigorenko

Biggest takeaway from me is Jarmo and company will have to have some VERY strong convictions about who they'd get at 2 being a star to give up both the 6th and 12th given the history above.

 

[Youngguns1380]

Seems like every fan base ahead of us picking in the Draft ( ARZ, PHI, SEA) are enamored with Cutter Gauthier. After the combine everyone of their fanbases some way or another envisioning their Teams picking Cutter Gauthier - I guess the flavor of the week? . I will be happy taking Cooley or Jiricek - thank you

 

[majormajor]

Seems like every fan base ahead of us picking in the Draft ( ARZ, PHI, SEA) are enamored with Cutter Gauthier. After the combine everyone of their fanbases some way or another envisioning their Teams picking Cutter Gauthier - I guess the flavor of the week? . I will be happy taking Cooley or Jiricek - thank you

It certainly won't be Cooley available at #6 and probably not Jiricek either. I think the more likely scenario is a top 5 like this

Wright
Slafkovsky
Cooley
Jiricek
Gauthier

That would leave us with Nemec, who I doubt will be a top pair guy. I'd rather have Gauthier, so I'm hoping the Flyers or Kraken take Nemec.

I'd add that the Gauthier situation isn't "flavor of the week". We also heard "flavor of the week" last year when McTavish shot up the rankings late. This is actually just lists catching up to where real NHL scouts have players. Teams like Gauthier more than the fanbases do. Internet scouts that prefer small players tend to skew lists early and things correct to reality late.

 

[Xoggz22]

It certainly won't be Cooley available at #6 and probably not Jiricek either. I think the more likely scenario is a top 5 like this

Wright
Slafkovsky
Cooley
Jiricek
Gauthier

That would leave us with Nemec, who I doubt will be a top pair guy. I'd rather have Gauthier, so I'm hoping the Flyers or Kraken take Nemec.

I'd add that the Gauthier situation isn't "flavor of the week". We also heard "flavor of the week" last year when McTavish shot up the rankings late. This is actually just lists catching up to where real NHL scouts have players. Teams like Gauthier more than the fanbases do. Internet scouts that prefer small players tend to skew lists early and things correct to reality late.

Good post. My only disagreement is that I think Nemec will be a top pair guy. Is still like Gauthier and Mintyukov.

 

[Youngguns1380]

It certainly won't be Cooley available at #6 and probably not Jiricek either. I think the more likely scenario is a top 5 like this

Wright
Slafkovsky
Cooley
Jiricek
Gauthier

That would leave us with Nemec, who I doubt will be a top pair guy. I'd rather have Gauthier, so I'm hoping the Flyers or Kraken take Nemec.

I'd add that the Gauthier situation isn't "flavor of the week". We also heard "flavor of the week" last year when McTavish shot up the rankings late. This is actually just lists catching up to where real NHL scouts have players. Teams like Gauthier more than the fanbases do. Internet scouts that prefer small players tend to skew lists early and things correct to reality late.

Hey this is a fan board - so here is wishing Cooley is there at 6

 

[Mikey09]

I tried the draft simulator finally. I also did few trades and moved down from 12 as players i wanted to use that pick on, were already taken (Nazar/Geekie/Miroshnichenko). On the other hand, i will be more then ok with CBJ taking Nemec, Gauthier and Bichsel with their first 3 picks, What do you think?

 

[BB88]

Seems like every fan base ahead of us picking in the Draft ( ARZ, PHI, SEA) are enamored with Cutter Gauthier. After the combine everyone of their fanbases some way or another envisioning their Teams picking Cutter Gauthier - I guess the flavor of the week? . I will be happy taking Cooley or Jiricek - thank you

Reading Flyers it more like sounds they are terrified they’ll end up picking him at 5.

I guess it’s starting to feel like either Nemec or Gauthier will be there at 6.

If Gauthier can develop into as good of a player as PLD it would make it worth it, anything less is not worth it

 

[DougKnowsBest]

It’s really not fair to hold pld’s last shift against gauthier. But wow that was a disgusting shift.

I’d like to see a YouTube style reaction video of gauthier watching the shift. Might give us some insight

 

[Hello Johnny]

Some thoughts on some defensemen...

I've come around on Mintyukov and see the high upside, and now feel more comfortable about his floor. I still have him just outside the top 10 but like the player a lot.

Really like Ryan Chesley. Seems like a very good defender, and I wonder how much better his offensive numbers would be if he wasn't on a team with Hutson and Casey as PPQBs. He still scored 12 goals. Could be a good one.

Bichsel is one of those guys I can't get a read on. He's not very quick but has a long and smooth stride. He can pass the puck and has some moxie with it on his stick. Good shot. Could make someone look very smart if he's picked in the right spot.

My question is how high is his ceiling?

 

[Xoggz22]

Some thoughts on some defensemen...

I've come around on Mintyukov and see the high upside, and now feel more comfortable about his floor. I still have him just outside the top 10 but like the player a lot.

Really like Ryan Chesley. Seems like a very good defender, and I wonder how much better his offensive numbers would be if he wasn't on a team with Hutson and Casey as PPQBs. He still scored 12 goals. Could be a good one.

Bichsel is one of those guys I can't get a read on. He's not very quick but has a long and smooth stride. He can pass the puck and has some moxie with it on his stick. Good shot. Could make someone look very smart if he's picked in the right spot.

My question is how high is his ceiling?

Was listening to Kournianos the other day and his recent Russian prospect report. He loves Mintyukov and I recognize it's probably obvious but his primary point on his defense (the current knock on him) was that as a 16 year old in Russia he played a different game, was very responsible and not asked to do as much. This year he was playing 25+ min per game, the team was not very good and he was asked to do a lot. Take it with a grain of salt but he doesn't see it as a flaw in his game, just he situation he was in. Makes some sense. The more you are on the ice, the more likely a mistake (or few) is going to happen. Especially on a bad team. I've watched some and just think he has high upside and a reasonable floor. I know he's a LHD but think he would be a great addition.

I also like Chesley but not enough to consider him at 12 and it's unlikely (possible but...) that he's there at 44. Has a good all around game, decent size but not really a standout at anything (that I can see). He is a RHD and woudl have time to develop. I wouldn't put him above Ceulemans in our pool if we drafted him. I think Corson has higher upside overall game (maybe more offense from Chesley but Corson certainly looked good the 2nd half of the year)

Haven't watched Bichsel but he's a fast riser. From what I've heard and read, he's a good skater, aggressive, solid gap control and good breakout with some offense that started to come. The question is around whether he'll continue with the offensive push and will that translate to the NHL. He's a higher floor, lower ceiling type but if the offense came along... could be a high end D-man with size.

 

[LazyCircuits]

I think Bichsel is a safe second pair guy but could end up a monster like a budget brand Scott Stevens. He is on my shortlist for #12

 

[VT]

It says everywhere how Slavkovsky will be number 2, but I wouldn't be so sure, and to me the rankings might look like this:

1. Wright
2. Jiřicek/Nemec/Cooley (because the situation with RHD of Devils isn't so ideal. Hamilton is 29 and although he's very good in offense, his defense isn't ideal. Also Hughes Hischier have often been injured, one option is to acquire Cooley and trade Hischier. The second thing these players could be more interesting for other teams than Slafkovsky too).
3. Nemec/Jiricek (Arizona has big problems not only with centers but RHD too, I think with right d-men more).
4. Cooley/Gauthier (the information was Kraken want a forward and Cooley is ideal for them, Gauthier is a center too.)
5. Gauthier/Nemec/Jiricek (Gauthier can play center and his body is ideal for Philly. Also don't forget a coach. If Torts will be he would want Gauthier and not Slavkovsky, similar like it was on 2016 draft when he wanted PLD and not Puljujarvi. If number 2 will be Cooley).
6. Slafkovsky (I know we need a center and RHD, but I think we should give a chance to our young RHD and centers... Jenner, Sillinger, Roslovic, Kuraly, maybe Johnson soon. But a problem with small wingers is too).

But I'm not such good specialist like a lot of you, so what do you think?

If my tip:

1. Wright
2. Jiricek
3. Nemec
4. Cooley
5. Gauthier
6. Slafkovsky

 

[majormajor]

Bichsel is one of those guys I can't get a read on. He's not very quick but has a long and smooth stride. He can pass the puck and has some moxie with it on his stick. Good shot. Could make someone look very smart if he's picked in the right spot.

My question is how high is his ceiling?

I think maybe #2D ceiling, #4 floor. Not your top scorer but he can do everything else. I like the hands and the speed. I had Bichsel around 15th but I think I should bump him up to closer to 10th.

There's a thorough technical scouting report on Bichsel here with video analysis. It reassured me about some of the little things he has to work on, he's closer to putting it together than I thought.

Was listening to Kournianos the other day and his recent Russian prospect report. He loves Mintyukov and I recognize it's probably obvious but his primary point on his defense (the current knock on him) was that as a 16 year old in Russia he played a different game, was very responsible and not asked to do as much. This year he was playing 25+ min per game, the team was not very good and he was asked to do a lot. Take it with a grain of salt but he doesn't see it as a flaw in his game, just he situation he was in. Makes some sense. The more you are on the ice, the more likely a mistake (or few) is going to happen. Especially on a bad team. I've watched some and just think he has high upside and a reasonable floor. I know he's a LHD but think he would be a great addition.

He plays on a very bad team. I personally don't know the stats but I've heard that
Saginaw gets much better results at both ends when Mintyukov is on the ice. I like his defending a lot when he's just trying to play defense.

I also like Chesley but not enough to consider him at 12 and it's unlikely (possible but...) that he's there at 44. Has a good all around game, decent size but not really a standout at anything (that I can see). He is a RHD and woudl have time to develop. I wouldn't put him above Ceulemans in our pool if we drafted him. I think Corson has higher upside overall game (maybe more offense from Chesley but Corson certainly looked good the 2nd half of the year)

I might have those two ranked similarly. I would say that Chesley is a standout at pure defending. He's very strong and sound.

Haven't watched Bichsel but he's a fast riser. From what I've heard and read, he's a good skater, aggressive, solid gap control and good breakout with some offense that started to come. The question is around whether he'll continue with the offensive push and will that translate to the NHL. He's a higher floor, lower ceiling type but if the offense came along... could be a high end D-man with size.

I don't see more than a couple D with a higher ceiling than Bichsel.

I think Bichsel is a safe second pair guy but could end up a monster like a budget brand Scott Stevens. He is on my shortlist for #12

Same here.

 

[BB88]

It says everywhere how Slavkovsky will be number 2, but I wouldn't be so sure, and to me the rankings might look like this:

1. Wright
2. Jiřicek/Nemec/Cooley (because the situation with RHD of Devils isn't so ideal. Hamilton is 29 and although he's very good in offense, his defense isn't ideal. Also Hughes Hischier have often been injured, one option is to acquire Cooley and trade Hischier. The second thing these players could be more interesting for other teams than Slafkovsky too).
3. Nemec/Jiricek (Arizona has big problems not only with centers but RHD too, I think with right d-men more).
4. Cooley/Gauthier (the information was Kraken want a forward and Cooley is ideal for them, Gauthier is a center too.)
5. Gauthier/Nemec/Jiricek (Gauthier can play center and his body is ideal for Philly. Also don't forget a coach. If Torts will be he would want Gauthier and not Slavkovsky, similar like it was on 2016 draft when he wanted PLD and not Puljujarvi. If number 2 will be Cooley).
6. Slafkovsky (I know we need a center and RHD, but I think we should give a chance to our young RHD and centers... Jenner, Sillinger, Roslovic, Kuraly, maybe Johnson soon. But a problem with small wingers is too).

But I'm not such good specialist like a lot of you, so what do you think?

If my tip:

1. Wright
2. Jiricek
3. Nemec
4. Cooley
5. Gauthier
6. Slafkovsky

I said the moment they won it they should take a Dman at 2nd but it sounds like Slaf for Devils.

1RD would make Devils a beast of a team moving forward

 

[LJ7]

It says everywhere how Slavkovsky will be number 2, but I wouldn't be so sure, and to me the rankings might look like this:

1. Wright
2. Jiřicek/Nemec/Cooley (because the situation with RHD of Devils isn't so ideal. Hamilton is 29 and although he's very good in offense, his defense isn't ideal. Also Hughes Hischier have often been injured, one option is to acquire Cooley and trade Hischier. The second thing these players could be more interesting for other teams than Slafkovsky too).
3. Nemec/Jiricek (Arizona has big problems not only with centers but RHD too, I think with right d-men more).
4. Cooley/Gauthier (the information was Kraken want a forward and Cooley is ideal for them, Gauthier is a center too.)
5. Gauthier/Nemec/Jiricek (Gauthier can play center and his body is ideal for Philly. Also don't forget a coach. If Torts will be he would want Gauthier and not Slavkovsky, similar like it was on 2016 draft when he wanted PLD and not Puljujarvi. If number 2 will be Cooley).
6. Slafkovsky (I know we need a center and RHD, but I think we should give a chance to our young RHD and centers... Jenner, Sillinger, Roslovic, Kuraly, maybe Johnson soon. But a problem with small wingers is too).

But I'm not such good specialist like a lot of you, so what do you think?

If my tip:

1. Wright
2. Jiricek
3. Nemec
4. Cooley
5. Gauthier
6. Slafkovsky

I think you're right that the top 6 could shake up a lot before draft day. After Wright it could be any order. Slafkovsky seems like he'll go high but if NJD pass on him things could get crazy. Gauthier joining the "consensus" top 6 makes things very interesting up top and that list may not even be the first 6 that are taken. I could honestly see any player besides Wright falling to 6. I have a new hope that we may be able to land Jiricek but we'll see. And for the record I still expect Slafkovsky to be picked 2nd, I think Gauthier could very well go before our pick though.

 

[Finner]

Nemec and Kasper. Take it and use it

 

[Xoggz22]

If they Devils did go with a RHD at #2 (let's just say Jiricek for simplicity), then Slafkovsky does have a chance to slide. I would think something like:

1 - Wright
2- Jiricek
3 - Cooley (no way they go RD and not Cooley in my opinion)
4 - Slafkovsky (While I think they would strongly consider Nemec here, I don't see Slafkovsky sliding past Seattle)
5 - Gauthier/Nemec
6 - Nemec/Gauthier

I think it's a toss up with Philly but don't see any realistic possibility that Slafkovsky slides to CBJ with a shift of Jiricek to NJD. I also still think NJD is crazy to pass on him. Best available AND fits a big need for NJD. Likely best option to play in NHL next year too.

 

[majormajor]

It looks to me like Slaf will sooner go 1st overall than slip past 2nd. Pronman just polled scouts and execs and 7 favored Wright and 5 favored Slafkovsky.

 

[Hello Johnny]

I think maybe #2D ceiling, #4 floor. Not your top scorer but he can do everything else. I like the hands and the speed. I had Bichsel around 15th but I think I should bump him up to closer to 10th.

There's a thorough technical scouting report on Bichsel here with video analysis. It reassured me about some of the little things he has to work on, he's closer to putting it together than I thought.



He plays on a very bad team. I personally don't know the stats but I've heard that
Saginaw gets much better results at both ends when Mintyukov is on the ice. I like his defending a lot when he's just trying to play defense.



I might have those two ranked similarly. I would say that Chesley is a standout at pure defending. He's very strong and sound.



I don't see more than a couple D with a higher ceiling than Bichsel.



Same here.

Thanks for the notes. Last year I stubbornly didn't rate Edvinsson very highly and would rethink that today. I see some similarities between he and Bichsel. Is that fair to say?

 

[Hello Johnny]

I know everyone has Cooley locked in to Arizona, but is there any likelihood that Gauthier, an Arizona kid, goes #3?

 

[VT]

Here's one thing that many don't realize. All of my TOP 6 + more would play in Team Slovakia too. Slavkovsky got a lot of points for draft just for playing in the Olympics and World Championships (although very good). Similarly Nemec, although he got more for playing in the Slovak league. And I'm sure the others wouldn't have to play any worse. On the other hand, Mesar didn't play due to injuries, so although he played very well in our league, his "actions" have decreased.

 

[majormajor]

Here's one thing that many don't realize. All of my TOP 6 + more would play in Team Slovakia too. Slavkovsky got a lot of points for draft just for playing in the Olympics and World Championships (although very good). Similarly Nemec, although he got more for playing in the Slovak league. And I'm sure the others wouldn't have to play any worse. On the other hand, Mesar didn't play due to injuries, so although he played very well in our league, his "actions" have decreased.

I understand that all of the top prospects would have made team Slovakia, but Slafkovsky can boast more than that. He was going up against NHL defenseman and beating them.

 

[majormajor]

Thanks for the notes. Last year I stubbornly didn't rate Edvinsson very highly and would rethink that today. I see some similarities between he and Bichsel. Is that fair to say?

They're both giant men that can fly, so that is already rare company. Edvinsson's skating is amazing all around - he's got top end agility and pivots, whereas Bichsel is more of a straight line guy. In some ways Bichsel shows more polish at this point, people were shy on Edvinsson because he was more of a mess. I don't see Bichsel having Edvinsson's sky high upside but it is still probably around top ten upside in this draft. Imagine a Zadorov type who can skate fast and move the puck, every team would want that in their top four.

I know everyone has Cooley locked in to Arizona, but is there any likelihood that Gauthier, an Arizona kid, goes #3?

Yes. Pronman just polled scouts (the latest in the Athletic) and at least a couple of them said they'd take Gauthier top 3.