Right, how many guys are worth that pick if they got Sandin at $1.4M for around the 30th pick? I just think it’d have to be someone so good that it’s less than 50% likely. Maybe they’ve got a 5% shot at Bedard and a 4% chance at EP40.
I doubt Kuznetsov is an attractive positive asset in that sort of trade (at least not unconditionally). Bundle the pick with McMichael, Miro, future picks, sure, but that's selling off the farm. In the right scenario, okay, but I wouldn't bank on teams moving out franchise talents for that (and it not being beat out by other offers). Could happen...but I suspect they make the pick. Even if it's at 9 or 10 depending on how the last few picks ahead of them go they may still be able to land a prime talent.
That would have the added bonus of providing endless plot twists as Kuzy and Rick Tochett attempt to co-exist
Picks 8-10 for the last bunch of drafts, plus notables drafted in the next 5-7 picks or so:
I think our possibilities are:
Well, if Michkov can slide to 8 it would be awesome.
Probably right and that’s probably the right thing to do given the “retooling” stance.
Ovie's final years are doomed. This team isn't going to be any better than mediocre with the current core, and they don't have the assets to bring in enough upgrades to change that. At best they can get back to being a 7-8 seed first round loser.
Why do you see his upside so limited? You mention his floor several times but he does have plenty of upside too. Among the draft-eligible players he is propably one if not the most improved player this season. That's why he is flying up the rankings just like Seider did. I do think he is different sort of player than Seider who is more defensively sound whereas Reinbacher is more creative with the puck on his stick. Dislodging Carlson offensively is propably too much to ask for short-term but 74 has been relied too heavily upon for years and has been trending down ever since our Cup run.
It's not super limited, I just don't see elite skill. It can come with time for some as they put in the work and add more elements but it's not altogether there despite the production. He does have a strong foundational defensive game and can in theory drive play as a top 4 RD. He's not as stout physically as Seider was (or as big) so I'm not sure the parallels are great. He's more proficient and sound. The sense is strong but I don't think it's Adam Fox elite or else there would be even more hype. I'm not trying to sell him short altogether. He's a legit top 10 prospect with a higher floor than most. He's perhaps a very logical player to replace Carlson in three years all-around. I just wouldn't bank on him being a great PPQB despite the production because the creativity isn't there yet. I see him more as at best a Pietrangelo with a bit less offense. Still quite valuable but I'd prefer a potential star forward.
Smith, Moore and Leonard weren't mentioned in the top 10 pre-season either. Back then you had Ritchie, Stramel, Allen and Yager more often getting top 10 play. So they've all earned it. They had to earn it to emerge in this draft year. To DR's credit he's basically off the map and not benefiting from such an established program like the NTDP. He's going to be really good but I don't think he's as strong a prospect as Seider. What may fuel him is at least in part the complete lack of a quality D alternative. Everyone else is a stretch in one area whereas he has no glaring weakness. He's an easy bet as the best D in this class. Beyond that is less clear.
I'd opt for Moore's speed and Leonard's hands and power game. So...eight forwards at least. There's still the World Championships and U18s to go so not inconsequential in how perceptions will end up. For now that would be my inclination. Barlow vs. Reinbacher is where its gets interesting. I'd probably give DR the edge thanks to higher top-end speed and positional value.
