Prospect Info: Current #2 overall poll and discussion

[Guadana]

And people, you should stop to think that Mtl will draft Wright.

Just stop it. Slaf is better. And now everybody started to talk about it. Even we know it and wanted Slaf very hard. And trying to influence ourselves hat mtl needs center.


Mtl need BPA. Because they need everything.
If they will draft Wright, only because they are stupid. Who cares about fans, when after two years guy like Seider taking Calder. Guy like Slaf will be very bright player.

If they will draft Wright - its only luck for the Devils. And Devils spent their luck on the draft lottery. We should wait for it. If we will be lucky - hooray. But let's stop to think the way like mtl should draft Wright. They shouldn't.

I really want to take Slaf. But I can't ignore reality. Even with Wright, for whom I'm not really excited about, will make our roster better. Slaf could help to turn the corner and push thus team right into the sky with good goaltending . But Wright is a good prospect. He will be good nhl player. Better to be top 6 center, but even on the wing he will be useful. Devils still in the winning position. Because we didn't know before the season that we could add top-6/top-4 talent. And Wright is a good add. He isn't great defensively, but he can be better, he has tools for it. He shows marks of good forechecking. Two years of covid and year without hockey did hurt his development, but he is a very talented guy still. Nowhere close as Slaf, but still he is very talented. I believe management will find a way what to do when he will decide that he deserve to play top 6 center role.

But its much better to have him, than sign stupidity deal with Johnny the hockey. Wright, like Mercer, Hughes, Hughes Jr, have the long and bright career with many successful years. Its a good fit with timeline.

And with him, our top 9 looks good.
Yegor Hughes Mercer
Bratt Hischier Wright
Gritsyuk Boqvist/Thompson*/UFA Holtz/Zetterlund*
* - if they will recommend themselves as good top 9 nhl forwards

Its a strong forward line. We don't need nothing big more. Because this players are young, talented and fit the timeline. We can easily add some short term proven guys. But we don't have to.

Stop worry about MTL. They are lucky. But we were lucky too. And Wright is a good pick. Not as tremendous as Slaf, but still good. We should accept it.

Now? Yea, I definitely take Seider over Jiricek no question. But at the time of the draft, Jiricek was a little bit better in my opinion and I think better than everyone since Dahlin.

I can't agree with it, but we can agree to disagree. I was a big fan of Seider. And I did like his mechanics more. Jiricek is little bit awkward. But, again, I'm not against to pick him, if we will trade with Seattle at least.

 

[oxman44]

Good post, Sadly you may be right. Its a dose of reality we should all be prepared for. Theres a reason Slaf has made the top of several boards now. he is the best payer. And when you have #1 you draft the best player. I can say that if I was Ken Hughes, I'd Take Slaf. I do still think theres a chance they do take Wright but Im with you, we'd be getting a little lucky if they pass on slaf at this point.

 

[Zacha37]

LeBrun states that Montreal could be looking for NJ to try and move into the first slot to get their hands on Slafkovsky, but would have no problem taking Wright at 2 if that’s who they believe is the BPA, even if he’s a center.

 

[My3Sons]

And people, you should stop to think that Mtl will draft Wright.

Just stop it. Slaf is better. And now everybody started to talk about it. Even we know it and wanted Slaf very hard. And trying to influence ourselves hat mtl needs center.


Mtl need BPA. Because they need everything.
If they will draft Wright, only because they are stupid. Who cares about fans, when after two years guy like Seider taking Calder. Guy like Slaf will be very bright player.

If they will draft Wright - its only luck for the Devils. And Devils spent their luck on the draft lottery. We should wait for it. If we will be lucky - hooray. But let's stop to think the way like mtl should draft Wright. They shouldn't.

I really want to take Slaf. But I can't ignore reality. Even with Wright, for whom I'm not really excited about, will make our roster better. Slaf could help to turn the corner and push thus team right into the sky with good goaltending . But Wright is a good prospect. He will be good nhl player. Better to be top 6 center, but even on the wing he will be useful. Devils still in the winning position. Because we didn't know before the season that we could add top-6/top-4 talent. And Wright is a good add. He isn't great defensively, but he can be better, he has tools for it. He shows marks of good forechecking. Two years of covid and year without hockey did hurt his development, but he is a very talented guy still. Nowhere close as Slaf, but still he is very talented. I believe management will find a way what to do when he will decide that he deserve to play top 6 center role.

But its much better to have him, than sign stupidity deal with Johnny the hockey. Wright, like Mercer, Hughes, Hughes Jr, have the long and bright career with many successful years. Its a good fit with timeline.

And with him, our top 9 looks good.
Yegor Hughes Mercer
Bratt Hischier Wright
Gritsyuk Boqvist/Thompson*/UFA Holtz/Zetterlund*
* - if they will recommend themselves as good top 9 nhl forwards

Its a strong forward line. We don't need nothing big more. Because this players are young, talented and fit the timeline. We can easily add some short term proven guys. But we don't have to.

Stop worry about MTL. They are lucky. But we were lucky too. And Wright is a good pick. Not as tremendous as Slaf, but still good. We should accept it.


I can't agree with it, but we can agree to disagree. I was a big fan of Seider. And I did like his mechanics more. Jiricek is little bit awkward. But, again, I'm not against to pick him, if we will trade with Seattle at least.

Wright with Hischier sounds like it would be a nice pairing behind Hughes. I don't watch enough video to know if there is a true top tier guy who will be the Makar pick.

 

[Guadana]

Wright with Hischier sounds like it would be a nice pairing behind Hughes. I don't watch enough video to know if there is a true top tier guy who will be the Makar pick.

There are some guys with good skating but with hard red flags as defensemen. And you will not draft them by top 5 pick. Korchinsky, Mateychuk,... Lane Hutson) but they are not so good in skating. And have huge red flags.

 

[Hisch13r]

Wright with Hischier sounds like it would be a nice pairing behind Hughes. I don't watch enough video to know if there is a true top tier guy who will be the Makar pick.

I want a Wright-Hughes-Holtz line in the future. Mercer-Hischier-Wright would also be hilarious. Good luck finding a smarter two way line than that

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

LeBrun states that Montreal could be looking for NJ to try and move into the first slot to get their hands on Slafkovsky, but would have no problem taking Wright at 2 if that’s who they believe is the BPA, even if he’s a center.

I would definitely not move up. This is a win-win situation. I would have no issue taking Wright and having ridiculous center depth.

 

[Guadana]

I want a Wright-Hughes-Holtz line in the future. Mercer-Hischier-Wright would also be hilarious. Good luck finding a smarter two way line than that

Wright is right handed. Mercer too. We have plenty of left handed players. Don't make forechecking work for players harder.

 

[R8Devs]

edit: posted above

 

[Hisch13r]

Wright is right handed. Mercer too. We have plenty of left handed players. Don't make forechecking work for players harder.

Yes I know their handedness. It’s not like guys can’t play their off wings.

 

[Guadana]

Yes I know their handedness. It’s not like guys can’t play their off wings.

Of course they can. But its not making their life easier. Especially against competent skilled opponents.

LeBrun states that Montreal could be looking for NJ to try and move into the first slot to get their hands on Slafkovsky, but would have no problem taking Wright at 2 if that’s who they believe is the BPA, even if he’s a center.

I'm in. Slaf is BPA. Interesting what they are asking.

 

[RSeen]

And people, you should stop to think that Mtl will draft Wright.

Just stop it. Slaf is better. And now everybody started to talk about it. Even we know it and wanted Slaf very hard. And trying to influence ourselves hat mtl needs center.


Mtl need BPA. Because they need everything.
If they will draft Wright, only because they are stupid. Who cares about fans, when after two years guy like Seider taking Calder. Guy like Slaf will be very bright player.

If they will draft Wright - its only luck for the Devils. And Devils spent their luck on the draft lottery. We should wait for it. If we will be lucky - hooray. But let's stop to think the way like mtl should draft Wright. They shouldn't.

I really want to take Slaf. But I can't ignore reality. Even with Wright, for whom I'm not really excited about, will make our roster better. Slaf could help to turn the corner and push thus team right into the sky with good goaltending . But Wright is a good prospect. He will be good nhl player. Better to be top 6 center, but even on the wing he will be useful. Devils still in the winning position. Because we didn't know before the season that we could add top-6/top-4 talent. And Wright is a good add. He isn't great defensively, but he can be better, he has tools for it. He shows marks of good forechecking. Two years of covid and year without hockey did hurt his development, but he is a very talented guy still. Nowhere close as Slaf, but still he is very talented. I believe management will find a way what to do when he will decide that he deserve to play top 6 center role.

But its much better to have him, than sign stupidity deal with Johnny the hockey. Wright, like Mercer, Hughes, Hughes Jr, have the long and bright career with many successful years. Its a good fit with timeline.

And with him, our top 9 looks good.
Yegor Hughes Mercer
Bratt Hischier Wright
Gritsyuk Boqvist/Thompson*/UFA Holtz/Zetterlund*
* - if they will recommend themselves as good top 9 nhl forwards

Its a strong forward line. We don't need nothing big more. Because this players are young, talented and fit the timeline. We can easily add some short term proven guys. But we don't have to.

Stop worry about MTL. They are lucky. But we were lucky too. And Wright is a good pick. Not as tremendous as Slaf, but still good. We should accept it.


I can't agree with it, but we can agree to disagree. I was a big fan of Seider. And I did like his mechanics more. Jiricek is little bit awkward. But, again, I'm not against to pick him, if we will trade with Seattle at least.

I'd be perfectly fine with Wright being drafted. There are not many teams that will be able to match our depth up front.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

LeBrun states that Montreal could be looking for NJ to try and move into the first slot to get their hands on Slafkovsky, but would have no problem taking Wright at 2 if that’s who they believe is the BPA, even if he’s a center.

There's just no way to know if this true or gamesmanship. Let the fun begin!

 

[Devilsgrl35]

Am I the only one sitting here not worried at all who we take? We are going to add a fantastic prospect next week. I think our scouting staff deserves our trust. Whether they go Wright, Slaf, Cooley or one of the defenseman at 2, I trust out staff. If it's a defenseman and trade back isn't possible, you absolutely take the player you love.

Just to add, personally, I think Slaf is #1 on our board. After that, who knows.

 

[Eggtimer]

I would certainly be disappointed to come away from this draft without Slaf. But its in MTL's hands. I still think its going to be very hard for Ken Hughes to pass on Wright. its a very tough position to be in, in that particular market. In the end I still think the position premium will tip him over to taking Wright. At least I hope so! Now this pronman smoke may have a little fire to it about Jiriceck. I love the prospect personally but, I am in no way taking him a 2OA. Like people have been saying here, its the skating. from my veiwings and reading people way better at this than me, He has clear skating deficiencies particularly in his hips, which prevent him from efficiently back skating and turning quickly. That unfortunately results in you getting absolutely traffic coned at the NHL level. I assume he can probably work on it and hopefully improve it to an acceptable level. Because everything else in his game is fantastic. Top end, 2 way beast if you look at the rest of his toolkit. But theres just too much risk there that early. Reminds me alot of Clarke's situation last year. If Slafs gone Fitz should either take wright or do his damndest to trade down and get Jiriceck or whomever later, plus assets.

I do not want to take a chance on a prospect with a pick that high . The later rounds is where you take a risk in a guy that has some elite tools but may need work in some areas ( areas that are fixable … if it’s a concern that is very difficult to fix … then pass on that )
In todays NHL , having mobile D is critical . We saw in the finals especially how the Avs were able to negate the forecheck ( most of the time ) by having very mobile D and or have enough hockey IQ to be able to handle pressure and make a quick , safe , play .
If Jiricek has some serious skating issues … I pass . However I am by no means experienced or knowledgeable enough to critique a players skating . I just base it off what the experts and pros say

 

[MauDevils]

There's just no way to know if this true or gamesmanship. Let the fun begin!

I doubt it. Montreal isn't going to trade number one overall, with the draft in Montreal, even if it's only down one spot.

They're just going to make the pick.

 

[Guttersniped]

LeBrun states that Montreal could be looking for NJ to try and move into the first slot to get their hands on Slafkovsky, but would have no problem taking Wright at 2 if that’s who they believe is the BPA, even if he’s a center.

Also while I don’t do “this guy was wrong this or that time so his opinion is forever invalid” because that’s a ridiculous stance, I’m still pretty salty that Pronman was still peddling Perfetti to Detroit in his final mock draft.

He mentioned that they might take Raymond (ya think?) at #4 but he put them down for Perfetti. He had Ottawa taking Sanderson at #5 but mentioned rumors of them taking Askarov or Quinn.
Me & that mock draft:



With Sanderson gone of course, Raymond and Drysdale were left. He had Anaheim taking Raymond, which would have likely been wrong too. Murray said they would have taken either defenseman. (Maybe Raymond still being available changes things but I doubt it.)

The moral here is to not get too committed to Pronman’s mocks.

 

[ninetyeight]

But he’s got the Wright stuff. You gotta take him.

I’m not going to Wright him off because of a few bad reports.

He thinks the game the Wright way and that’s a big deal.

But drafting at 2, it’s not a Wright or wrong scenario; all the choices are reasonable.

Taking him will lead the Devils to their Wrightful place on top.

It will be most Wrighteous if the Devils select him; hat tip Bill and Ted.

Do you and @My3Sons share the same comedy writers by any chance..

 

[LoktionovMVP]

Am I the only one sitting here not worried at all who we take? We are going to add a fantastic prospect next week. I think our scouting staff deserves our trust. Whether they go Wright, Slaf, Cooley or one of the defenseman at 2, I trust out staff. If it's a defenseman and trade back isn't possible, you absolutely take the player you love.

Just to add, personally, I think Slaf is #1 on our board. After that, who knows.

I think taking Nemec/Jiricek at 2 is probably a poor use of resources given we can likely move back to get that player as pick up another asset. I also have no reason to trust our staff given the inexcusable Chase Stillman pick.

 

[PKs Broken Stick]

My memory may be a bit off, but I don't remember any major weaknesses with Seider. He was just not a sexy, flashy offensive defensemen so tons of people had him ranked really low. Jiricek on the other hand....his skating is a major concern for me.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

My memory may be a bit off, but I don't remember any major weaknesses with Seider. He was just not a sexy, flashy offensive defensemen so tons of people had him ranked really low. Jiricek on the other hand....his skating is a major concern for me.

I would be very disappointed if we took Jiricek. His skating isn’t great, I don’t love his poise and decision making and I don’t see that much offensive potential outside of having a very hard shot that he doesn’t get off or on net enough. I could see him turning into a solid NHL defensmen if he fixes some things but I don’t see him as having that high of a ceiling and I don’t think he’s a safe pick. Wouldn’t be very interested even if we traded back to around 5.

I’d be happy with Nemec if we traded back to 4 but I would much rather just take Slafkovsky or Wright.

 

[Poppy Whoa Sonnet]

I doubt it. Montreal isn't going to trade number one overall, with the draft in Montreal, even if it's only down one spot.

They're just going to make the pick.

I think they would if NJ makes it worth their while and especially if they land the guy they wanted anyway (Wright). I don't think the fact that it's in Montreal changes too much in terms of what they do, but what it might do is force them to leak their pick early. Especially if they want Slafkovsky/Cooley, don't want either Slafkovsky or Cooley to get booed by a fanbase primed for them to take Wright.

 

[Eggtimer]

I think there is tons of bluffing and posturing going on with the draft by multiple teams . Probably the same as every year but because we are more involved and in the middle of it , it seems like more than usual .
Habs are probably trying to stir up shit to see if we offer anything to ensure we get Slaf , as well as throw off other teams to see if they get a massive return if trading the pick outright or trade down. I’d say that’s very very unlikely , just Montreal doing their due diligence. Just like us … entertain moving the pick if the return is insane enough . When I’m reality , there is a very very slim chance we move the pick . Same as Montreal .

In the end , I feel confident the Habs go Wright and we go Slafkovsky . In the very unlikely event the Habs go Slafkovsky, I feel we sprint to the stage and take Wright .

I just think I can see as a slight possibility Habs take Slaf and we trade down IF the return is worth the difference between Wright and say a Jiricek / Nemec / Gauthier .

I’m concerned though that Fitz has his mind set on a certain type of player ( Slafkovsky / Gauthier ) and ends up trading down too far and misses out on an elite prospect by adding a couple mediocre assets ( late 2nd round pick / B level prospect / middling forward or D man ) .
We are at the point where we need THE best / highest talent elite piece instead of more than 1 “decent “ prospects . We have enough depth in the system , what we need is a truly elite , game changing prospect instead of two or more “ good” ones . We have tons of “ good” prospects but none truly elite besides Luke Hughes .

I’ll be pissed if we leave the draft without at least one of :
Slafkovsky
Wright
Player like Pastrnak / Tkachuck / Hellebuyck+( aquired via trade )

 

[Captain3rdLine]

 

[Devilsgrl35]

I think taking Nemec/Jiricek at 2 is probably a poor use of resources given we can likely move back to get that player as pick up another asset. I also have no reason to trust our staff given the inexcusable Chase Stillman pick.

You're going to lose faith in the staff over one pick who's still developing and ignore picking Nico over Patrick, Jack over Kakko and stealing Mercer, Bratt and Yegor? And I haven't even mentioned Holtz, Muk, Hughes or Gritsuyk. It's insane the amount of young talent this scouting staff has added. Smith is the one who needs to put it together this upcoming season.

And again, I said if they love a player and can't move back, take the guy you love. This isn't a video game where you can force computers to trade back to get your desired player and collect assets.