Prospect Info: 2025 Draft: We are #1….1

[CheckingLineCenter]

I read a comparison of Mrtka to Seider. How accurate is this?

Not very accurate at all imo he’s not physical and that’s a big part of Seider’s game. I’ve seen Tyler myers but I dont think that is very apt

i feel like if he hits his upside he is going to be an awesome, albeit not physical, defensive dman. So maybe Parayko? Bigger righty Dumo with better puck rushing? Idk. Don’t have good comp.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I think the Tyler Myers comparison with Mrtka is more about the size plus lack of physicality, Mrtka is another guy that doesn't really play as physical as his size suggests. That said, Myers isn't particularly good defensively while Mrtka projects to be a very good defensive defenseman with a good outlet pass.

Mrtka is more like a 6'6" version of Slavin. That doesn't mean he'll end up as good as Slavin, but stylistically he's more comparable to a bigger Slavin.

 

[Jesse]

I think the Tyler Myers comparison with Mrtka is more about the size plus lack of physicality, Mrtka is another guy that doesn't really play as physical as his size suggests. That said, Myers isn't particularly good defensively while Mrtka projects to be a very good defensive defenseman with a good outlet pass.

Mrtka is more like a 6'6" version of Slavin. That doesn't mean he'll end up as good as Slavin, but stylistically he's more comparable to a bigger Slavin.

Yeah probably the better comp. Agree about the lack of physicality too. He's mostly a stickwork guy at the blueline in defense. I also hate to beat this dead horse some more but I feel like his puck moving is massively overplayed. Not in his ability to do it, in his seeming desire to do it.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Yeah probably the better comp. Agree about the lack of physicality too. He's mostly a stickwork guy at the blueline in defense. I also hate to beat this dead horse some more but I feel like his puck moving is massively overplayed. Not in his ability to do it, in his seeming desire to do it.

Tbf he’s coming to the small ice and is 6’6. I can see why there’s trepidation. WHL rinks probably felt like a coat closet to him

But I think it’s pretty unlikely he’s 6’6 Slavin. He can’t skate backwards like that and if he could he’d be going 2nd or 3rd.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Tbf he’s coming to the small ice and is 6’6. I can see why there’s trepidation. WHL rinks probably felt like a coat closet to him

But I think it’s pretty unlikely he’s 6’6 Slavin. He can’t skate backwards like that and if he could he’d be going 2nd or 3rd.

Yeah I didn't mean upside when I made the Slavin comparison, because you're right he'd be going at the top of the draft if that was his upside. I just think that Slavin's probably the best stylistic comparison for Mrtka.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Haven’t listened, no idea if that’s an accurate quote or paraphrase, but saw this on twitter

 

[Ugene Magic]

Haven’t listened, no idea if that’s an accurate quote or paraphrase, but saw this on twitter

It would make sense if NYIs take Hagens #1 and Schaefer slides to #2.

I'm getting that he's interpreting Misa going to the Hawks at #3.

 

[SEALBound]

Time will tell but I think a team would regret passing on Misa for a different forward in this draft. If you need a dman, Schaeffer over Misa obviously.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

A 6'6 version of Slavin sounds like one of the best blueliners in the world. That's really high praise.

 

[SEALBound]

It would make sense if NYIs take Hagens #1 and Schaefer slides to #2.

I'm getting that he's interpreting Misa going to the Hawks at #3.

Hagens is a Long Island kid and obviously not a bad pick but if you're taking him over Misa, I think there are intangibles or off-the-ice things there that you are benefiting from while acknowledging a decrease in ability.

"Yeah, they're both good but we want the home town kid", is something I could see.

ETA: Looking at it though, maybe that's good. Maybe a bunch of teams have wildly different lists and it helps us get a good center.

 

[chethejet]

I like drafting center or centers depending on the Rangers pick. Posted for last couple months O'Brien and Martin and then Dubas offer sheet for a really good center in 2026.

 

[Turin]

Haven’t listened, no idea if that’s an accurate quote or paraphrase, but saw this on twitter

BRADY MARTIN ROCKETS TO 1ST OVERALL

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Our center situation is pretty dire. I am behind drafting Eklund if he is there at 11, but ideally we have to pick one of the seven available centers. And yeah, I am including McQueen because it would make no sense for us to pass on him unless he has a really bad injury situation that the medical staff give a major thumbs down on.

So the way I see it, Seattle is the key! I doubt they draft a center so for them it will either be Mrtka, Smith or Eklund/Martone imo. They have a decent group of wingers, too. So, fingers crossed the Kraken take one of the D-men. If they do, they we can breathe easily knowing we will land one of the 7 centers or Eklund.

I would be disappointed if we went in a different direction, unless it is a high-ceiling center with warts that they really like. We are staring down a situation with only Crosby as a legit top-six center beyond 2025-26. I mean, I absolutely do NOT want to see Malkin retire but it is now out there and I assume it is coming from him or someone super duper close to him.

So we absolutely need to draft Malkin's replacement this year, unless we believe our 2026 pick can make that leap more easily. I doubt it. Of course, there are always trades that can help provide more centers but that will also be very very hard. We are not alone in our quest for centers! It feels like 3/4 of the league want help at center.

Let's hope the Kraken help us out.

 

[Kasperi kapanen]

Our center situation is pretty dire. I am behind drafting Eklund if he is there at 11, but ideally we have to pick one of the seven available centers. And yeah, I am including McQueen because it would make no sense for us to pass on him unless he has a really bad injury situation that the medical staff give a major thumbs down on.

So the way I see it, Seattle is the key! I doubt they draft a center so for them it will either be Mrtka, Smith or Eklund/Martone imo. They have a decent group of wingers, too. So, fingers crossed the Kraken take one of the D-men. If they do, they we can breathe easily knowing we will land one of the 7 centers or Eklund.

I would be disappointed if we went in a different direction, unless it is a high-ceiling center with warts that they really like. We are staring down a situation with only Crosby as a legit top-six center beyond 2025-26. I mean, I absolutely do NOT want to see Malkin retire but it is now out there and I assume it is coming from him or someone super duper close to him.

So we absolutely need to draft Malkin's replacement this year, unless we believe our 2026 pick can make that leap more easily. I doubt it. Of course, there are always trades that can help provide more centers but that will also be very very hard. We are not alone in our quest for centers! It feels like 3/4 of the league want help at center.

Let's hope the Kraken help us out.

Buffalo too, they can afford to reach on a boring big RHD… Fiddler

 

[Jacob]

Desnoyers is on NHL Network right now. Just tuned in but Moncton is up 2-0.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I'm like 95% sure that Buffalo drafts Mrtka this year, he's exactly what that defense needs and would be a great long-term partner for Dahlin.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Who is the next rempe? Let’s take that guy.

 

[GilbertSeinfeld]

Who is the next rempe? Let’s take that guy.

Just acquire him from the Rangers, Sullivan hates those types.

 

[Jacob]

Desnoyers looks decent tonight. He’s not exactly dominating but they’re 2 good teams very deep in the playoffs. 2 PP assists. He’s sound defensively, very aware when picking up his guy on the backcheck. He’s not just coming back, he’s always looking and making sure he’s got his guy. Likes to climb up guys backs and strip the puck. Finishes a lot of checks, but not putting them through the glass. Seems to play the left wall on the PP but I think that’s because Moncton has a glut of lefties so they put their best lefty on his “bad” side. Takes away his shot but he’s still making plays.

His skating is good. It’s not unbelievable but it’s enough he can close ground on guys or just get enough of a step on them to make something happen.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Desnoyers looks decent tonight. He’s not exactly dominating but they’re 2 good teams very deep in the playoffs. 2 PP assists. He’s sound defensively, very aware when picking up his guy on the backcheck. He’s not just coming back, he’s always looking and making sure he’s got his guy. Likes to climb up guys backs and strip the puck. Finishes a lot of checks, but not putting them through the glass. Seems to play the left wall on the PP but I think that’s because Moncton has a glut of lefties so they put their best lefty on his “bad” side. Takes away his shot but he’s still making plays.

His skating is good. It’s not unbelievable but it’s enough he can close ground on guys or just get enough of a step on them to make something happen.

We will be seeing a lot of him in the coming years when the Flyers draft him.

 

[Rudy Russo]

Just acquire him from the Rangers, Sullivan hates those types.

That's it, Acciari to the Rangers!

 

[PensFutures]

That's it, Acciari to the Rangers!

You sure wanna give this up?

 

[eXile3]

Desnoyers looks decent tonight. He’s not exactly dominating but they’re 2 good teams very deep in the playoffs. 2 PP assists. He’s sound defensively, very aware when picking up his guy on the backcheck. He’s not just coming back, he’s always looking and making sure he’s got his guy. Likes to climb up guys backs and strip the puck. Finishes a lot of checks, but not putting them through the glass. Seems to play the left wall on the PP but I think that’s because Moncton has a glut of lefties so they put their best lefty on his “bad” side. Takes away his shot but he’s still making plays.

His skating is good. It’s not unbelievable but it’s enough he can close ground on guys or just get enough of a step on them to make something happen.

I was reading a couple different scouting reports on him and some others yesterday. It sounds like his game is simple but effective which I have no problem with.

 

[Trade]

I was reading a couple different scouting reports on him and some others yesterday. It sounds like his game is simple but effective which I have no problem with.

Love it!

I've really missed Dominik Simon

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I like the lefty on left wing or vice versa on the PP

Phil on the half wall obviously worked but always thought he’d be insane working the right wing. Opens up a lot more passing lanes than your off side (plus he never had a one timer) even though it decreases your shooting angle

Marner is very very good from that spot.