Adam Fantilli vs. Leo Carlsson vs. Matvei Michkov

[HanSolo]

This might be better placed on the prospects board but I figure why not get the discussion going here?

If your team was drafting second overall, who are you picking? I think we can safely say these three are in the next tier behind Bedard. Michkov put up outstanding numbers in the KHL, Carlsson had a terrific showing in the SHL playoffs and Fantilli had a fantastic year in the NCAA. As ever, the politics rule is in effect so let's steer away from the details underlying sensitive topics, but I'd say the concerns that Michkov is 3 years away from coming to NA and there's a greater than zero chance that he won't come over is a relevant factor.

So who's your pick?

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[BoHorvat 53]

Went with Carlsson, don't think you can go with Michkov here knowing he's in Russia for the next 3 years (otherwise it would've been him), so it's really your preference between Carlsson and Fantilli

 

[HanSolo]

Went with Carlsson, don't think you can go with Michkov here knowing he's in Russia for the next 3 years (otherwise it would've been him), so it's really your preference between Carlsson and Fantilli

This is the biggest reason for the poll. For me I had the same mindset for the longest time but the longer I've contemplated Michkov the more I've been feeling like he might be worth the risk and the wait.

 

[biturbo19]

Might depend a little bit on how safe my hypothetical job is, and the timeline on that. It's really the big question with Michkov. I'd hate to be fired because my team needs that help and spark immediately, before i get a chance to see him suit up over here.

Especially when both Carlsson and Fantilli still offer big upside, more immediate impact, and at the more premium position as Centers. It's hard though, not to look at the cases of guys like Kucherov and Kaprizov, and think it might be worth the wait and even taking a winger over a center. Those guys are both transformative talents for their respective franchises that define an era. Michkov has the potential to be the same...but that doesn't do you a lot of good as a GM if you need to start turning things around in the next year or two based on how much leash you have to run out with ownership.


I think in that case, Fantilli might be my least favourite of the three...but also probably the safest bet to make the most immediate impact. I like Carlsson over him for potential...but he also might take a little bit longer to make that transition to the NHL and really find his footing as a scorer. At that point, i think you might as well just look at Michkov anyway, where he'll be coming over later...but by that point, i don't think it's unreasonable to expect him to be much more "polished" and "ready" to be an immediate impact player in the NHL from basically Day 1.



Chips are down...gun to my head...assuming i don't have unlimited run out as hypothetical GM, i probably take Carlsson. It's hard to go wrong with a guy like that. But i think i'd be pretty to land any of them if that decision is made for me.

 

[Gliff]

I think Michkov has the highest ceiling but his floor is literally never stepping foot on NHL ice.

While the other 2 have extremely high floors with only slightly lower ceilings.

You could make an argument the Ducks could use any of them, but I think Fantilli is a PERFECT line mate for Zegras and Terry.

 

[centipede2233]

there have been plenty of Russians who delayed entry to the NHL and even when they were drafted there was uncertainty. Malkin, kaprisov, Tarasenko. And each and every time they turned out to be stars or superstars. I would make my pick based on history and believe michkov will be a franchise winger like a kaprisov, Pasternak etc and take him.