Didn't think I'd be back here this early, but here we are.
What's the early outlook for the top of the draft so far? Hagens/Misa/Martone?
So far, it looks like we want a top 5 pick (Hagens, Martone, Schaefer, Misa, McQueen). Then, from 6-16 its pretty close.
Desnoyers looks solid but hard to project how dynamic he will be offensively.
Hensler has lots of tools but not the greatest toolbox.
Spence is Leonard if Leonard was bigger but with every other skills down a notch or two.
Lakovic is big and fun but still a project.
Frondell has got insane hands and great vision but has below average skating and is always hurt.
And finally, theres Eklund whom I love and is close to entering the top 5 conversation, especially if McQueen is out long term.
If we assume that we get a top 5 pick and that CGY finishes between 11-16, Id say best case scenario for us would be Schaefer and Desnoyers OR Misa and trading the CGY pick + for a guy like Nemec or Nikishin (would be fun with Vanya).