Also of note, the 2nd and 3rd rounds feature a lot of potential D and G targets that could really beef up the feeder system for either position. Let's not forget that at one point the team went from having too many defensemen to having almost none of any quality because the prospects turned into suspects. That can happen with forwards as well. It also didn't help that a perceived are of prospect strength was used repeatedly to make deals in other areas without being backfilled when they moved Myers, Sekera, McNabb, Webber, Pysyk and Zadorov over a span of 3 years (hell go back one more to them buying out Ehrhoff). They kept Risto and McCabe in all of that shuffle but moved 7 NHL level defensemen to address either draft pick acquisition or other players. They could be in a similar state if they start using forward prospects in deals in short order as well. We won't know immediately who might fully develop or if someone gets hurt or their development stalls.
There are going to be a lot of options for depth outside of round 1 regardless of who they decide is their top ranked player at the moment they make their selection.
There are going to be a lot of options for depth outside of round 1 regardless of who they decide is their top ranked player at the moment they make their selection.
