saintunspecified
Registered User
- Nov 30, 2017
- 6,311
- 4,534
The skating issues are imo overblown. He's not a burner, but he has the kinds of strengths that help compensate for not being a burner. He reminds me a lot more of JVR, for example, than Dal Colle. The skill, shot, strength, reach, and willingness to go to the net hard are all there. I don't think it would take very long before he could replace Palmieri/Lee as the guy down low on the PP.No one with skating issues. I'd rather trade the pick than pick a bad skater, and I'm pro-keeping the pick.
My list of the players of whom there is a decent chance will be available in order of preference:
1. Luchanko (Slight preference - his ceiling is high, but his floor is also the highest who may be available. Barring injury luck he's the player most likely to have a long career. Intelligence + athleticism is a good combination. If he were a better finisher, he'd be a top 5-10 pick.)
2. Greentree (very good size + skill combo + enthusiasm for going to the net)
3. Solberg (again, intelligence + athleticism is a great foundation)
4. Brandsegg-Nygaard
5. Hage
6. Chernyshov
7. Boisvert
I would far rather trade down than draft:
- Connelly
- Jiricek
If he falls, and there is opportunity to trade up to get Catton, NYI should explore it. I didn't think it would be possible, but just released McKenzie list has him dropping to 12th. If he drops further than that, it would be a mistake for teams that allowed it to happen, and a potential opportunity.
I would think long and hard about what to do if Eiserman happened to be available. I don't think that's going to happen, but who knows. I think he's got a much higher floor than e.g. Wahlstrom. But imo he's not nearly as creative as Phil the thrill. I wouldn't trade up for him, but I would pick him ahead of my list if he were to fall miraculously.