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GDT: - 2023 Caps NHL Draft Thread | Page 67 | HFBoards - NHL Message Board and Forum for National Hockey League
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GDT: 2023 Caps NHL Draft Thread

HTFN said:
So we basically got a Landeskog right? That's kind of what it seems like he projects into being, something of a Landeskog.

You can win with those, I'm not mad about it, but it's a tough transition piece unless you lock Wilson up and people just have to deal with those two for the next 3-5 years.
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And Miroshnichenko. RW pretty much on lock. Though I've mentioned previously it's at least conceivable they could put Leonard at center. He'd be more of a shooter and checker in that role than a playmaker but he's got the defensive sense to do it.
 
AlexBrovechkin8 said:
I’m much happier as a Caps fan than I am if I’m a Habs, Yotes, or Red Wings fan.

Leonard had 94 points in 57 games this season. He’s a skilled guy who also happens to be a guy people hate to play against.
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Leonard also played in the USHL on a line that was stacked with the best players in the entire USHL, including the guy who went 4th overall. Not a real apples to apples comparison of points totals against other players in this draft playing in tougher situations.

I’m not saying Leonard is a bust, far from it. I think this pick could absolutely work. But he could be a Connor Brown just as likely as being a top liner.
 
maybe gmbm didnt want to mortgage the future for a guy who may or may not come over in 4 years from now
 
The ceiling for me just seems so low. Is Oshie the best he could become? That’s not good enough for #8 in this draft
 
Brian23 said:
I don't think there's any comparable to Landeskog. Landeskog was knocked for not being physical or grimey.
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In his draft profile, sure. In what actually came to the NHL, he brings it enough that certain west coast fans call him dirty so.... that's got to count for something.
 
twabby said:
The ceiling for me just seems so low. Is Oshie the best he could become? That’s not good enough for #8 in this draft
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Bias aside I think I'm drawing a pretty okay comparable
 
Brian23 said:
I'm just bothered that the selling point of a player is his physicality and tenacity at the 8th pick. When you have constantly say "this is someone you win with" instead of talking about their skill and ability, it's just something that gives me pause.

Seems way to safe a pick imo.
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The thing about a guy like Leonard is that the things that he does well translate directly to the pro game. Yeah, he's got some jam, but he's a solid finisher, can run a bang-bang play with anyone, and he's got way more brain than some are giving him credit for. His offensive awareness is borderline elite; he feels the game well, rotating into space as his linemates shift.

The one knock against him I heard a few times is the concern that he may have drafted a bit off his linemates, but that's never been my impression. He's definitely got the most mustard on his shot of the three of them, and also the best release. He does need to work on his D presence, but this kid is coachable, so I'm not worried.

I think Benson is a more complete player, but his size is hurting him. He's probably one of the most balanced forwards in the draft, but isn't elite in any single category, so you worry a bit that his size and the increased speed/snarl of the pro game might overwhelm some of what makes him special.

I like Dvorsky a lot, but he's more of a question mark for me. I think he has comparable upside to Leonard for sure, but his floor feels significantly lower to me. He'd have been more of a gamble, in my opinion.

Given how the chips fell at 1-7, Leonard was the no-brainer pick for me. I'd have been good with Benson or Dvorsky, but Leonard's impact elevates a team more. He's a great complementary player, and we'll need a bunch of that in the coming years.
 
Coyotes going with two russians with those first two draft picks no one should have guessed.

Those coordinated cranberry colored suites pretty expected for a team that doesn't have an arena.
 
hockeykicker said:
maybe gmbm didnt want to mortgage the future for a guy who may or may not come over in 4 years from now
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this. a huge risk. if he'd been there at 8, sure you pick him, but honestly, Philly's got a long wait ahead. If you were MM, what about that organization would make you want to hurry over?
 
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