Forwards, particularly centers generally always tend to hold the top spots in draft rankings a year out since production is such much easier as a forward. As we slowly get closer to draft day more defensemen and wingers will likely emerge. It's also why the 2024 draft was so widely viewed as weak originally since there were so few of those early blooming forwards a year or 2 out
As much as I would absolutely love a Tkachuk replacement, we desperately need Centers, unless you think Zary and Pospisil can become a legit 1/2 combo.
Not wrong but I think he will be similar to how teams were with Michkov. Michkov is comparable to guys like Fantilli, Carlson, and Smith from his draft but because those guys can all play center they had a clear advantage. I like Martone and I expect him to go top 5 but as of right now if I had to choose between him or Frondell, Ryabkin, and Misa I would choose one of the 3 centers. Martone will also probably be in high demand to the teams that have already drafted their centers like San Jose, Chicago, and Anaheim.
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I really wanted another pick around 15 lastyear, and would love that again.
I think right now he's rated around late 1st - more than a few small very skilled guys like him.
I’ve seen him quite a bit and I just think there is special talent there. Regardless of who else is available I think he’s going to be the steal of the draft. Benak for example is really intriguing too but he’s not a burner so I’m not sure how his skill translates (kinda like Poirier). Where with Schmidt he’s a dynamic skater and I think there is easily top line potential.
