C Clayton Keller - Boston University, NCAA (2016, 7th, ARI)

[Rabid Ranger]

Keller is as skilled a player as there is in this draft. He's also a very good skater, has a strong work ethic, and has a bit of room to grow (especially putting some weight on and getting stronger which he will do). I would not be shocked if he goes top 6/7 much less top 10.

 

[Saxon]

Keller is as skilled a player as there is in this draft. He's also a very good skater, has a strong work ethic, and has a bit of room to grow (especially putting some weight on and getting stronger which he will do). I would not be shocked if he goes top 6/7 much less top 10.

He's going ninth........ I hope...

 

[ps241]

Tyler Johnson is close, I woudln't say he's carved out a place as an elite centerman though, atleast not the the extent of Giroux. He's in the firnge 20 to 35 range with guys like Turris. Giroux is an elite center. I'd say even if they aren't known as two way guys, you have to add guys like Crosby, Malkin, Thornton, Getzlaf, Johansen, etc who use great strength on the puck to control possession and maintain it. I think Keller is comaprable to guys like Marner (though I think Marner is the better prospect, which seems to be a fairly universal view). Keller's a great prospect, and I think has a case to be discussed at 4 and 5, although he really doesn't fit Edmonton's needs, and doesn't seem to fit Benning's interests.

Even though they were my examples I look at Keller as being much closer to Giroux than Johnson pedigree wise as far as draft seasons go. I agree that Keller and Edmonton that is a poorly timed fit....hats off to you 93LEAFS if you can figure out Benning's next move though because the guy always has me baffled

Keller is one of my favorite prospects in this draft but boy is that 4-12 range interesting in 2016.

In no order Chychrun, Juolevi, sergachyov, PLD, Thachuk, Nylander, Jost, Keller, Brown??

 

[93LEAFS]

Even though they were my examples I look at Keller as being much closer to Giroux than Johnson pedigree wise as far as draft seasons go. I agree that Keller and Edmonton that is a poorly timed fit....hats off to you 93LEAFS if you can figure out Benning's next move though because the guy always has me baffled

Keller is one of my favorite prospects in this draft but boy is that 4-12 range interesting in 2016.

In no order Chychrun, Juolevi, sergachyov, PLD, Thachuk, Nylander, Jost, Keller, Brown??

If he passed on Ehlers and Nylander for Virtanen, I think its safe to say he'd pass on Keller for one of PLD and Tkachuk. But who knows he could surprise me, draft Keller, and acquire a 2nd rounder as a throw in on a trade, just wouldn't bet on it.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Even though they were my examples I look at Keller as being much closer to Giroux than Johnson pedigree wise as far as draft seasons go. I agree that Keller and Edmonton that is a poorly timed fit....hats off to you 93LEAFS if you can figure out Benning's next move though because the guy always has me baffled

Keller is one of my favorite prospects in this draft but boy is that 4-12 range interesting in 2016.

In no order Chychrun, Juolevi, sergachyov, PLD, Thachuk, Nylander, Jost, Keller, Brown??

Yup following the Big 3 in no particular order

 

[Juxtaposer]

If he passed on Ehlers and Nylander for Virtanen, I think its safe to say he'd pass on Keller for one of PLD and Tkachuk. But who knows he could surprise me, draft Keller, and acquire a 2nd rounder as a throw in on a trade, just wouldn't bet on it.

The difference there is that Ehlers and Nylander were vastly better prospects. I'm as huge a Keller fan as there is, but PLD and Tkachuk are the very least arguably as good as Keller and I'd probably take both over him.

 

[Ohashi_Jouzu*]

The difference there is that Ehlers and Nylander were vastly better prospects.

I don't know about that.

 

[93LEAFS]

The difference there is that Ehlers and Nylander were vastly better prospects. I'm as huge a Keller fan as there is, but PLD and Tkachuk are the very least arguably as good as Keller and I'd probably take both over him.

I know the difference, was just saying why I can't see the Canucks drafting Keller, and was willing to predict what Benning would do. I'm not saying PLD or Tkachuk would be the wrong pick.

 

[monster_bertuzzi]

The difference there is that Ehlers and Nylander were vastly better prospects. I'm as huge a Keller fan as there is, but PLD and Tkachuk are the very least arguably as good as Keller and I'd probably take both over him.

What they are is a lot bigger, and unfortunately there is still a bias against ''little'' 5'9'' guys like Keller.

 

[Random Forest]

Better to have intel than lack it. If you had some, you would know it would be pretty big news for the Avs to draft a 5'10" forward who's more on the smaller frame as well. Especially considering Avs front office said they want to get bigger, so they might have seen something in Keller they like. Or Keller might be too good to pass up on instead of going after Gauthier or one of the defenders. Just because this doesn't affect you, doesn't mean it's wasteful information to everyone else.

Yeah, I've got some intel. The Avs have also been scouting Nylander, Jost, Chychrun, Sergachev, and Juolevi. But I hear teams in the Avs neighborhood also like those players. Stunning revelations, I know.

Scouting Keller hardly means much. I know hockey fans around here get starved for clues as the draft approaches... but this isn't really news. Of course they're scouting and considering him.

 

[S E P H]

Yeah, I've got some intel. The Avs have also been scouting Nylander, Jost, Chychrun, Sergachev, and Juolevi. But I hear teams in the Avs neighborhood also like those players. Stunning revelations, I know.

Scouting Keller hardly means much. I know hockey fans around here get starved for clues as the draft approaches... but this isn't really news. Of course they're scouting and considering him.

Yeah no **** Sherlock that Avs are scouting everyone else, I never once argued against that. I just mentioned that I was told from a fellow insider that Avs were specifically targeting Keller and Brown during the last half of the season. That's news, even if you want to discredit me with every ounce of your being, especially when there isn't a substantial gap between players 6th to 13th. And as I said before, if you really had Sherlock's deduction powers, you would understand that Avs targeting a smaller player shows how good he really is, because they want to get bigger in size everywhere (Draft, UFA, and trades).

You just had to come here and post an "holier than thou" attitude about "theyrez targetz everyone". Of course they are, but maybe you missed the keyword in my whole post saying, "heavily scouting".

 

[Random Forest]

Yeah no **** Sherlock that Avs are scouting everyone else, I never once argued against that. I just mentioned that I was told from a fellow insider that Avs were specifically targeting Keller and Brown during the last half of the season. That's news, even if you want to discredit me with every ounce of your being, especially when there isn't a substantial gap between players 6th to 13th. And as I said before, if you really had Sherlock's deduction powers, you would understand that Avs targeting a smaller player shows how good he really is, because they want to get bigger in size everywhere (Draft, UFA, and trades).

You just had to come here and post an "holier than thou" attitude about "theyrez targetz everyone". Of course they are, but maybe you missed the keyword in my whole post saying, "heavily scouting".

What a strange and rambly response. Not sure where you inferred some "holiness" from my post. I just don't think your intel was very valuable. Sorry.

Lots of teams "heavily scout" lots of different players. It's a far cry to say they are "targeting" anybody on the basis of sending scouts to frequently watch two players who are right in their wheelhouse. It's literally the Avs responsibility to "heavily scout" Logan Brown and Clayton Keller, and it hardly implies any heightened degree of interest no matter how desperate people around here are for any kind of information. I know you fancy yourself an insider, but this doesn't really fall as insider information to me.

 

[S E P H]

What a strange and rambly response. Not sure where you inferred some "holiness" from my post. I just don't think your intel was very valuable. Sorry.

Lots of teams "heavily scout" lots of different players. It's a far cry to say they are "targeting" anybody on the basis of sending scouts to frequently watch two players who are right in their wheelhouse. It's literally the Avs responsibility to "heavily scout" Logan Brown and Clayton Keller, and it hardly implies any heightened degree of interest no matter how desperate people around here are for any kind of information. I know you fancy yourself an insider, but this doesn't really fall as insider information to me.

Did you have a bad week?

I never once called myself an "insider" nor did I ever think I was an "insider". You're just making up things now just to show that you must be angry. Angry enough to make a full on argument on a online forum over something so unnecessary (which you obviously consider my information). I just decided to mention one tiny detail of what I was told, you then decided to come in here with guns blazins' and make a huge deal over something so trivial. Even that other poster said you didn't have to be a dick about it. You're entitled to your opinion of it not being news worthy, but if you had a more virtuous standard, you would also follow the guidelines of "if you nothing good to say, don't say anything at all". Or maybe you like starting fictitious arguments to boost your post count, whatever works am I right?

 

[Avs44]

What a strange and rambly response. Not sure where you inferred some "holiness" from my post. I just don't think your intel was very valuable. Sorry.

Lots of teams "heavily scout" lots of different players. It's a far cry to say they are "targeting" anybody on the basis of sending scouts to frequently watch two players who are right in their wheelhouse. It's literally the Avs responsibility to "heavily scout" Logan Brown and Clayton Keller, and it hardly implies any heightened degree of interest no matter how desperate people around here are for any kind of information. I know you fancy yourself an insider, but this doesn't really fall as insider information to me.

What's your issue? Come barging in here with strawmen and a somewhat obnoxious attitude and start mocking SEPH for mentioning that the Avs were targeting two players in particular in their scouting? It's a piece of information, and something that some of us might actually find interesting. Your response is just off the charts and completely nonsensical. You're picking a fight just for the sake of it, there is practically no other explanation.


Now a bit back on topic, it would be a surprise if the Avs did actually draft Keller. I want him if he's still there at 10, I've never particularly bought into targeting size as a good idea, but I think the Avs' interest would indicate they are really, really high on him.

 

[Random Forest]

Did you have a bad week?

I actually had a fantastic week, thanks for asking!

I never once called myself an "insider" nor did I ever think I was an "insider". You're just making up things now just to show that you must be angry.

"...I was told from a fellow insider that..."

Definition of "fellow": a person in the same position, involved in the same activity, or otherwise associated with another.

Angry enough to make a full on argument on a online forum over something so unnecessary (which you obviously consider my information). I just decided to mention one tiny detail of what I was told, you then decided to come in here with guns blazins' and make a huge deal over something so trivial. Even that other poster said you didn't have to be a dick about it. You're entitled to your opinion of it not being news worthy, but if you had a more virtuous standard, you would also follow the guidelines of "if you nothing good to say, don't say anything at all". Or maybe you like starting fictitious arguments to boost your post count, whatever works am I right?

I've spent maybe 6 minutes of my life on this discussion-- no anger here. I just think offering non-information as though it were information obfuscates the reality that we have just about know idea who the Avs (or any team for that matter) is partial to selecting, and I feel there are too many people out there with twitter handles and free time pretending they have something valuable worth saying.

What's your issue? Come barging in here with strawmen and a somewhat obnoxious attitude and start mocking SEPH for mentioning that the Avs were targeting two players in particular in their scouting? It's a piece of information, and something that some of us might actually find interesting. Your response is just off the charts and completely nonsensical. You're picking a fight just for the sake of it, there is practically no other explanation.

Not sure you know what a strawman is? All I've said is that I don't think "heavily scouting" implies "targeting". Of course they're heavily scouting those two players. I do have to say the indignation of you two is particularly amusing.

 

[Avs44]

I've spent maybe 6 minutes of my life on this discussion-- no anger here. I just think offering non-information as though it were information obfuscates the reality that we have just about know idea who the Avs (or any team for that matter) is partial to selecting, and I feel there are too many people out there with twitter handles and free time pretending they have something valuable worth saying.

Not sure you know what a strawman is? All I've said is that I don't think "heavily scouting" implies "targeting". Of course they're heavily scouting those two players. I do have to say the indignation of you two is particularly amusing.

All of your posts have been dripping in sarcasm right from the start. You took a mocking tone just responding to SEPH sharing a piece of information for absolutely no reason whatsoever. You don't get to feign innocence now and pretend you were just intelligently pointing something out you disagreed with, sarcasm is not inviting any sort of conversation. SEPH is an Avs fan and a valuable contributor on our board, particularly regarding prospects and the draft. You can make whatever assumptions you like, but the only valueless thing in this back-and-forth was the guy who was just here to mock someone else. You certainly seem like a very angry individual who is just looking for a place to take frustration out, so I'll let you be.

 

[Random Forest]

All of your posts have been dripping in sarcasm right from the start. You took a mocking tone just responding to SEPH sharing a piece of information for absolutely no reason whatsoever. You don't get to feign innocence now and pretend you were just intelligently pointing something out you disagreed with, sarcasm is not inviting any sort of conversation. SEPH is an Avs fan and a valuable contributor on our board, particularly regarding prospects and the draft. You can make whatever assumptions you like, but the only valueless thing in this back-and-forth was the guy who was just here to mock someone else. You certainly seem like a very angry individual who is just looking for a place to take frustration out, so I'll let you be.

Neat-o. I'll reiterate, I don't think it's particularly newsworthy that the Avs are "heavily scouting" Brown and Keller nor do I think it suggests who the Avs may be partial to selecting. Any other inferences you've made about me or what I'm saying are of your own construction. If you think I'm a dick, that's totally fair. Can't say I care all that much.

 

[EscapedGoat]

Did you have a bad week?

I never once called myself an "insider" nor did I ever think I was an "insider". You're just making up things now just to show that you must be angry.

Not trying to take sides in a fight but you did say "fellow insider". When I first read that it came off a little obnoxious. I'm assuming it was an unintended term on your part but I can see why someone would call you on it.

On topic, have a feeling anyone who takes "the next best guy" instead of Keller due to his size will regret it. Little guys with his skillset don't often completely bust.

 

[Ducks Nation*]

I want the Ducks to trade a defensemen and get a chance to get this guy so bad.

 

[S E P H]

Not trying to take sides in a fight but you did say "fellow insider". When I first read that it came off a little obnoxious. I'm assuming it was an unintended term on your part but I can see why someone would call you on it.

On topic, have a feeling anyone who takes "the next best guy" instead of Keller due to his size will regret it. Little guys with his skillset don't often completely bust.

Yeah, that was bad word usage on my part, I apologize for that. I never meant to say I was an insider.

Keller is probably more talented than Hishon, but I do have some shades of fear when I compare the two. Both have similar areas of strength, play styles, and weaknesses as well.

 

[Flames Draft Watcher]

I think he's a top 10 talent all day. I'd be thrilled with taking him at 6.

Craig Button had him at 6, his brother Todd, the (Flames head scout) likely talk with each other a fair bit and share info. Craig had Jankowski ranked in the first round, when pretty much every other list had him in the 2nd. Craig even said the Flames should take him. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Keller was the Flames target 6.

I'd say there's almost no chance of Keller going 6th. To believe he'd go 6th you'd have to ignore everything Flames management has said about competing in our division and you'd have to ignore his size concerns (which you clearly do.) The Flames are a team looking to add some big, skilled players to surround Gaudreau, Shinkaruk and Manigiapane with. Adding another tiny forward literally makes no sense for the Flames given what Treliving and Burke have talked about in regards to needing size to compete against the big, strong teams in our division like ANA, LA and SJ

Drafting 6th the Flames have a rare opportunity to get a big, strong, skilled player. A lot harder to find those than it is to find skilled undersized players.

 

[Evolu7ion]

What they are is a lot bigger, and unfortunately there is still a bias against ''little'' 5'9'' guys like Keller.

At the combine Ehlers and Nylander both measured 5"11.0', and Keller measured 5"10.25'... Not sure 0.75' makes a huge difference... Plus Keller is one of the youngest in the draft and could very easily still be growing.

 

[scoutman1]

i love this guy, he is exciting and smart to watch, I personally think he is underrated because of his size which is BS to me. Personally who ever gets this guy is going to have a good one for the future.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

I'd say there's almost no chance of Keller going 6th. To believe he'd go 6th you'd have to ignore everything Flames management has said about competing in our division and you'd have to ignore his size concerns (which you clearly do.) The Flames are a team looking to add some big, skilled players to surround Gaudreau, Shinkaruk and Manigiapane with. Adding another tiny forward literally makes no sense for the Flames given what Treliving and Burke have talked about in regards to needing size to compete against the big, strong teams in our division like ANA, LA and SJ

Drafting 6th the Flames have a rare opportunity to get a big, strong, skilled player. A lot harder to find those than it is to find skilled undersized players.

Sure.. And I guess you can choose to ignore Treliving's comments about the need for us to add skill and goalscoring ability to our prospect pool, something is lacking which is a reason we acquired Shinkaruk.

It's also myth that's it harder to find size over skilled players. We drafted Kanzig, Bruce, and Smith, non of which are locks to be everyday players. Passing on a player like Keller just because he's not over 6ft is just foolish.

 

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Sure.. And I guess you can choose to ignore Treliving's comments about the need for us to add skill and goalscoring ability to our prospect pool, something is lacking which is a reason we acquired Shinkaruk.

It's also myth that's it harder to find size over skilled players. We drafted Kanzig, Bruce, and Smith, non of which are locks to be everyday players. Passing on a player like Keller just because he's not over 6ft is just foolish.

I didn't say it was hard to find size, I said it is hard to find big, skilled players. You don't draft a tiny skilled player at 6 when there are big skilled players available. Kanzig, Bruce, Smith are not high skill players. Big skilled players are rare and valuable. Small skilled players can be found throughout the draft. Keller is not as rare or valuable a commodity as some of the other players available at #6