Confirmed with Link: Casey Mittelstadt (2017, 8th) - Signed, #37

[old kummelweck]

I wonder if Murray would have even considered this kid given his combine? We may see a very different drafting philosophy with the new regime.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

[NHL2]c-52306803[/NHL2]

 

[old kummelweck]

I understand feeling burned by the college guys after the last two years. But if you think the 8th overall pick is going to spend 4 years in college you are out of your mind. It's a bad look for supposedly tuned in fans.

No way he stays in college any longer than the Sabres want him there. Even in his post-draft interview, right after he walked off the stage, he hedged a little about going to the Gophers. Of course, that is a pipe dream, but kids like him want to turn pro as soon as possible.

Personally, I see him slotted somewhere between the end of Zemgus and/or Larsson's next contract, and as insurance if things get complicated with Reinhart from a cap perspective (Reinhart may still have a bit to prove and looking for his next deal to be short term). So the 2-3 year time frame before he's blue and gold. He'll probably take the Fasching route.

Sabres will (hopefully) not be picking this high again, and we all remember how hard it is to find this type of player in the first round teens. So even though I wanted one of the top D, when this kid was there and Liljegren appeared to be a reach, it looks like the right pick.

 

[old kummelweck]

His highlight reel reminds me of a hybrid of Patrick Kane and Sam Reinhart.

 

[26CornerBlitz]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...first-round-picks-scouting-reports/424648001/

8. Buffalo Sabres: C Casey Mittelstadt. A very heady and skilled player at both ends. Operates on a different level from the rest of his teammates, both at the high school and USHL levels, but when working with other high hockey IQ guys on his wing during international events, he demonstrates superior skills and thought processes. Able to read off creative linemates and move instinctively to open ice, creating dangerous chances constantly. He's got an explosive stride with an effortless shot release. We love his competitive fire. Likes to carry the puck and gains the offensive zone easily, backing defenders off the blue line. Has continued to round out his game in a gradual build-up, getting incrementally bigger, stronger and faster each of the past three seasons. Thick build and deceptively strong. Needs to move his feet more - it's so easy for him to dominate at high school level that he picked up some lazy footwork habits.

 

[Jame]

Can you be "deceptively strong" if you can't do a pull-up?

 

[26CornerBlitz]

Can you be "deceptively strong" if you can't do a pull-up?

Get on the ice with him and report back from your own personal experience.

 

[Chainshot]

Can you be "deceptively strong" if you can't do a pull-up?

Lower body - people bounce off due to his leg strength.

 

[Jame]

Lower body - people bounce off due to his leg strength.

So he's been doing leg week... all year?

 

[The Red Helmet]

So he's been doing leg week... all year?

Pretty obvious that people who spend all day and every day at the rink would build up great leg strength through skating. He probably hasn't been on any sort of training regiment in his life but likely has a great lower body base to build from due to his excessive skating. With proper training and nutrition the upper body strength will come.

 

[Husko]

Pullups are kind of a stupid measure because it's a muscle memory exercise. Someone could go to the gym every day for a year, but if they never try pullups they won't be able to do any after the year even if they work their arms and back. Start practicing pullups everyday and you'll be able to do over 10 at once within a couple months.

 

[Jeremy2020]

Pullups are kind of a stupid measure because it's a muscle memory exercise. Someone could go to the gym every day for a year, but if they never try pullups they won't be able to do any after the year even if they work their arms and back. Start practicing pullups everyday and you'll be able to do over 10 at once within a couple months.

I think you missed the point of the post. Reality is an anethma to the objective of said post.

 

[Husko]

I think you missed the point of the post. Reality is an anethma to the objective of said post.

Huh?

 

[Jame]

I think you missed the point of the post. Reality is an anethma to the objective of said post.

come again?

 

[truthbluth]

Over the initial shock. I still hate it, but it's more about GMBot not considering the relative scarcity of skilled defenders when calculating 'BPA', and less about the actual player, who may be fine. Would still rather have drafted the possession player, Vilardi, if we were going to stupidly draft a forward. At least that would have been a skill set the Sabres are lacking in.

 

[MayDay]

Over the initial shock. I still hate it, but it's more about GMBot not considering the relative scarcity of skilled defenders when calculating 'BPA', and less about the actual player, who may be fine. Would still rather have drafted the possession player, Vilardi, if we were going to stupidly draft a forward. At least that would have been a skill set the Sabres are lacking in.

The Sabres do currently need help at defense, but a #8 overall draft pick is not the way to address that. You don't solve immediate team needs by drafting a player that's 2-3 years away from even playing in the NHL, and further away from being an important contributor.

Because in 2-3 years the situation will be different. Maybe in 3 years Risto, McCabe, Guhle, and Antipin are a really solid top 4 and/or we have added defensive veterans through trade or free agency.

By the time the #8 pick in this draft is ready to play in the NHL and have an impact, our team needs are likely to be completely different.

That's why I always favor BPA. The only possible exception being if you are drafting at #1 and there's an NHL-ready franchise center and franchise defense at the top about equally ranked. In that case, sure, draft your position of greater need.

 

[Der Jaeger]

So he's been doing leg week... all year?

Just spit out my drink.

 

[truthbluth]

The Sabres do currently need help at defense, but a #8 overall draft pick is not the way to address that. You don't solve immediate team needs by drafting a player that's 2-3 years away from even playing in the NHL, and further away from being an important contributor.

Because in 2-3 years the situation will be different. Maybe in 3 years Risto, McCabe, Guhle, and Antipin are a really solid top 4 and/or we have added defensive veterans through trade or free agency.

By the time the #8 pick in this draft is ready to play in the NHL and have an impact, our team needs are likely to be completely different.

That's why I always favor BPA. The only possible exception being if you are drafting at #1 and there's an NHL-ready franchise center and franchise defense at the top about equally ranked. In that case, sure, draft your position of greater need.

Yeah, by 'Sabres' I mean Sabres organization, including prospect depth. We will need D in 3-4 years, and you don't get high end ones of you don't draft them. This feels like a groundhog day.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Yeah, by 'Sabres' I mean Sabres organization, including prospect depth. We will need D in 3-4 years, and you don't get high end ones of you don't draft them. This feels like a groundhog day.

Drafting of the sure for way, but Buffalo has a surplus of highly skilled forwards, so picking from a surplus of them could get you a defenseman with some really nice potential.

 

[Sabre Dance]

Yeah, by 'Sabres' I mean Sabres organization, including prospect depth. We will need D in 3-4 years, and you don't get high end ones of you don't draft them. This feels like a groundhog day.

Not yet. Lets see what happens in the 2nd.

 

[truthbluth]

Drafting of the sure for way, but Buffalo has a surplus of highly skilled forwards, so picking from a surplus of them could get you a defenseman with some really nice potential.

I assume you mean by trade. Taylor Hall only returned Adam Larsson. Defensemen are more valuable than forwards.

 

[Husko]

Since 2010 we have used 3 first round picks on defensemen (Risto, Zadorov, Pysyk). Two of those three are obviously no longer here. This is how you create an organizational black hole. But whatever, we're getting away from the point of this thread, debating he merits of pullups.

 

[Ace]

I think there should be a moratorium on using terrible Chia trades as a basis for any argument.

And a blanket statement that D have more value than forwards is asinine. Who has more value McDavid or any D? Crosby or any D

 

[Sabre Dance]

Since 2010 we have used 3 first round picks on defensemen (Risto, Zadorov, Pysyk). Two of those three are obviously no longer here. This is how you create an organizational black hole. But whatever, we're getting away from the point of this thread, debating he merits of pullups.

More 2nd rounders please. Since 2010 they drafted 2, McCabe and Guhle.

 

[Fly Boy]

I actually love Mittlestadt, but never really expected him to be the pick. That being said a thought crossed my mind yesterday. Would anybody really be upset with this pick had Murray taken Serg or Chychrun last year? I certainly can't fault GMJB for going BPA in his first draft.