Prospect Info: 2025 Draft discussion

[SEALBound]

I can see Dubas flipping this 1st and one of the 3rds for 2 2nd rounders.

As annoying at that might be, I wouldn't necessarily hate that. I think the difference between late firsts and 2nd round players is fairly minimal and there are countless example of 2nd rounders outperforming late 1sts to extent that the better overall (statistical) option might be quantity over quality. That said, there are a couple guys I've been eyeing that are in that 25-50 range that I think would be good pick ups.

First would be Cole McKinney. He's a center with decent size in the USHL. Committed to Michigan next year but he was a very good 2-way game. I think if you can get Misa and another top center next year, you can look to develop McKinney into your future, long-term 3C.

Next is Nathan Behm. Again, he's got size, a very good shot, and skates well. I think he likely projects to be a third line wing but his defensive game needs work. So he could work if he was a third wheel on a top 6 line or he could improve his defensive play and be an offensive threat on a bottom 6 line.

 

[Freeptop]

The Rangers 1st rounder is a real wildcard in this situation IMO. We know it can't be a top-13 pick, but I could definitely see the Rangers going on a run in the playoffs if they manage to get into the playoffs. I can see them being anywhere between barely missing the playoffs to making a ECF run, which puts that pick anywhere between like 14 and 28.

If the Penguins are sitting at #8 or something like that, I'd entertain trying to trade up with that NYR 1st to get into the top-3. I really want to get either Misa or Hagens and I think you could move up by doing say #8 and #22 (assuming the Rangers 1st falls at #22) for #3 and #35 (early 2nd rounder of team picking at #3).

If the Rangers' pick is 20+, I would be surprised if Dubas uses that pick to select a player in the Draft. More likely is that he either trades it for prospects/players, or trades down to get more picks.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

Getting into the top 4 of this year's draft without having to add the Rangers 1st would go a long way towards accelerating the "retool".

Any of Schaefer, Misa, Hagens, or Martone could realistically be impact additions to the team in short order.

 

[Ulf5]

it's still very early to be grading picks give it a month or two.

Good read for top 10, top 50 listed after. Video commentary accompanies on Schaefer, maybe a couple others I didn't watch.

Matthew Schaefer a unanimous No. 1 in Bob McKenzie's Mid-season NHL Draft Ranking | TSN

"As far as I’m concerned,” one NHL head scout said, “[Matthew Schaefer] is No. 1 and he’s staying there - even if he never plays another game this season."

www.tsn.ca