Prospect Info: Current #2 overall poll and discussion

[Eggtimer]

I’m team Slafkovsky but this draft will end up having several players moving up lots in a re-draft in 2-3 years.

I love Slafs game but I just don’t see top end elite skills that will make him a PPG winger. That’s perfectly fine though, I think he is the type of player that makes his line mates better , Plus brings a net front presence ame good pick control in the O zone, buyimg time amd space for Bratt /Hughes etc.
I hope I am wrong, and there is a very good chance of that happening lol, and he becomes more like Nash than Kakko.

 

[ninetyeight]

I’m team Slafkovsky but this draft will end up having several players moving up lots in a re-draft in 2-3 years.

Maybe, with all the recent top3 struggles that seems to be a very common thought. But maybe Wright and Slaf will be miles above everyone else and we'll be laughing at every post questioning them, wondering how anyone couldn't possibly have seen it coming, with Wrights unbelievable prior seasons and Slaf's incredible international success.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I’m team Slafkovsky but this draft will end up having several players moving up lots in a re-draft in 2-3 years.

I love Slafs game but I just don’t see top end elite skills that will make him a PPG winger. That’s perfectly fine though, I think he is the type of player that makes his line mates better , Plus brings a net front presence ame good pick control in the O zone, buyimg time amd space for Bratt /Hughes etc.
I hope I am wrong, and there is a very good chance of that happening lol, and he becomes more like Nash than Kakko.

Again, Slafkovsky has the best combination of puckhandling/playmaking in the entire 2022 class. He skates well, he shoots extremely well and has a borderline elite hockey IQ. How is that a lack of elite skill?

If you draft him? You're literally drafting Slafkovsky because of his elite skills.

 

[severian]

Not sure if I’m late to the party, but I thought this was a pretty good article about managing expectations around having the top pick.

What the Canadiens can learn from how the Devils approached and accepted the 2017 draft

The Devils took Nico Hischier in 2017, a player similar to Shane Wright, and they are happy even if he didn't turn into the best player,

theathletic.com

My only fear with this draft is that we end up with the Nolan Patrick like pick.

 

[Lou is God]

Not sure if I’m late to the party, but I thought this was a pretty good article about managing expectations around having the top pick.

What the Canadiens can learn from how the Devils approached and accepted the 2017 draft

The Devils took Nico Hischier in 2017, a player similar to Shane Wright, and they are happy even if he didn't turn into the best player,

theathletic.com

My only fear with this draft is that we end up with the Nolan Patrick like pick.

More likelihood of Wright ending up like Patrick than Slaf.

 

[FooteBahl]

Again, Slafkovsky has the best combination of puckhandling/playmaking in the entire 2022 class. He skates well, he shoots extremely well and has a borderline elite hockey IQ. How is that a lack of elite skill?

If you draft him? You're literally drafting Slafkovsky because of his elite skills.

So you’re trying to tell us he’s not a Nate Bastian clone?

 

[Devils090]

Not sure if I’m late to the party, but I thought this was a pretty good article about managing expectations around having the top pick.

What the Canadiens can learn from how the Devils approached and accepted the 2017 draft

The Devils took Nico Hischier in 2017, a player similar to Shane Wright, and they are happy even if he didn't turn into the best player,

theathletic.com

My only fear with this draft is that we end up with the Nolan Patrick like pick.

If Montreal takes Slaf you trade down and take Nemec or Jiricek, Wright could be a great player but we don’t need another center. Get some extra picks and trade down.

 

[My3Sons]

If Montreal takes Slaf you trade down and take Nemec or Jiricek, Wright could be a great player but we don’t need another center. Get some extra picks and trade down.

That's possible. It just depends upon how the NJ staff sees the individual players. If they really like Wright and see him as head and shoulders above everyone else they should take him. if they have him in a tier with equivalent players than exploring a trade down to the bottom of the tier makes sense. It's tough because teams evaluations are often at odds even internally.

 

[Devils090]

That's possible. It just depends upon how the NJ staff sees the individual players. If they really like Wright and see him as head and shoulders above everyone else they should take him. if they have him in a tier with equivalent players than exploring a trade down to the bottom of the tier makes sense. It's tough because teams evaluations are often at odds even internally.

Very true, and ultimately Fitz makes the call so really depends what he feels on Wright in that situation. Really hope Montreal just makes it easy on us and takes Wright.

 

[My3Sons]

Very true, and ultimately Fitz makes the call so really depends what he feels on Wright in that situation. Really hope Montreal just makes it easy on us and takes Wright.

Of the top three, I've watched some Slaf and some Cooley, both of whom look like very good young players in context. I haven't watched any Wright to make any determinations about him. I know all the picks this season are a bit polarizing, but I don't think it has to be all or nothing like some suggest (not saying that you are doing that). If Wright, Slaf, or Cooley are 60-65 point contributors who play well in all three zones that's still an excellent player. Maybe not quite a first overall pick but still an excellent player. I'd think getting a player like that at second overall is a good outcome.

 

[glenwo2]

Of the top three, I've watched some Slaf and some Cooley, both of whom look like very good young players in context. I haven't watched any Wright to make any determinations about him. I know all the picks this season are a bit polarizing, but I don't think it has to be all or nothing like some suggest (not saying that you are doing that). If Wright, Slaf, or Cooley are 60-65 point contributors who play well in all three zones that's still an excellent player. Maybe not quite a first overall pick but still an excellent player. I'd think getting a player like that at second overall is a good outcome.

it would certainly be a better outcome than whatever player we'd end up at #5 had we not won the lottery.

 

[Saugus]

Not sure if I’m late to the party, but I thought this was a pretty good article about managing expectations around having the top pick.

What the Canadiens can learn from how the Devils approached and accepted the 2017 draft

The Devils took Nico Hischier in 2017, a player similar to Shane Wright, and they are happy even if he didn't turn into the best player,

theathletic.com

My only fear with this draft is that we end up with the Nolan Patrick like pick.

I think there's little risk of this. Slafkovsky doesn't seem like he will be as injury prone as Patrick (although who can say for sure?).

And even if Slafkovsky doesn't reach his full potential, he can still be a useful NHL player, given his size and passing ability. I don't think his options are limited to superstar or bust.

 

[severian]

it would certainly be a better outcome than whatever player we'd end up at #5 had we not won the lottery.

Not necessarily. Did the Avs miss out in 2017 by losing the lottery and ending up with Makar at #4? While it seems like Wright is the clear #1 there is certainly no guarantee that he (or Slafkovsky for that matter) will end up as the best player of this draft class.

 

[devilsblood]

If Montreal takes Slaf you trade down and take Nemec or Jiricek, Wright could be a great player but we don’t need another center. Get some extra picks and trade down.

Very true, and ultimately Fitz makes the call so really depends what he feels on Wright in that situation. Really hope Montreal just makes it easy on us and takes Wright.

Many of us have jumped into the draft slaf boat, but might it actually be better for the Devils if MTL takes Slaf, we trade down, and then take a RHD plus pick up an asset?

 

[severian]

Many of us have jumped into the draft slaf boat, but might it actually be better for the Devils if MTL takes Slaf, we trade down, and then take a RHD plus pick up an asset?

Possibly but what's the trade to move down? It's very likely that Nemec and Jiricek are both gone by #6.

 

[ninetyeight]

And what's even a realistic return for trading down? Especially when there's still Cooley left for Arizona. Do they even pay a 2nd or 3rd rounder for it?

 

[severian]

And what's even a realistic return for trading down? Especially when there's still Cooley left for Arizona. Do they even pay a 2nd or 3rd rounder for it?

Especially since Nemec and Jiricek going to Seattle and Philly is a very likely scenario. The overwhelmingly most likely scenario is that the Devils stand pat at 2 and take who they think is BPA. I'm still wondering if it's possible that Fitz thinks that is Nemec.

 

[devilsblood]

And what's even a realistic return for trading down? Especially when there's still Cooley left for Arizona. Do they even pay a 2nd or 3rd rounder for it?

I think the trade up, would have to be from further down.

We talked about CBJ having the #6 and #12 yesterday, that would look super interesting to me. Do they have Cooley, or even Slaf that high on their board to want to make that trade?

Especially since Nemec and Jiricek going to Seattle and Philly is a very likely scenario. The overwhelmingly most likely scenario is that the Devils stand pat at 2 and take who they think is BPA. I'm still wondering if it's possible that Fitz thinks that is Nemec.

I'm guessing those guys are #'4 and 5?

Are either of those teams so well rounded that picking a RHD is very likely?

I'd be interested in a trade down, but if we do, and then get none of Slaf or the 2 RHD then we effed up.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

And what's even a realistic return for trading down? Especially when there's still Cooley left for Arizona. Do they even pay a 2nd or 3rd rounder for it?

Maybe #6 and #12?

 

[ninetyeight]

Maybe #6 and #12?

#6 is tough if it goes Slaf, Wright, Cooley, Nemec, Jiricek. Who do we take then? Kemell?

Edit: I guess Gauthier at #6 could be fair value and a good fit

I'd happily just pick Wright if Slaf is gone.

 

[devilsblood]

#6 is tough if it goes Slaf, Wright, Cooley, Nemec, Jiricek. Who do we take then? Kemell?

Edit: I guess Gauthier at #6 could be fair value and a good fit

I'd happily just pick Wright if Slaf is gone.

Say Slaf goes #1, would someone in that 3-5 range trade up to get Wright/Cooley?

 

[ninetyeight]

Say Slaf goes #1, would someone in that 3-5 range trade up to get Wright/Cooley?

Maybe, but only Arizona is the most desperate for C. And there’s a guaranteed one left for them. Seattle just got Beniers so I think they are pretty comfortable with picking a D. Maybe Philly, sources say they are looking to pick either of the Dmen, but I guess they could be interested in Wright. But what kinda return are you guys expecting, even if it’s 1st+2nd (or worse) then at least I would just pick Wright.

Wright has franchise two-way guy potential and I think even his floor is a solid top6 guy. I think people get too hung up on positions, centers can play wing and even having 3 elite centers would be massive forward depth.

 

[glenwo2]

I think there's little risk of this. Slafkovsky doesn't seem like he will be as injury prone as Patrick (although who can say for sure?).

And even if Slafkovsky doesn't reach his full potential, he can still be a useful NHL player, given his size and passing ability. I don't think his options are limited to superstar or bust.

Yep.

Between Superstar and bust, there is "Elite". And I think Slaf can be an Elite player in this league.

Not necessarily. Did the Avs miss out in 2017 by losing the lottery and ending up with Makar at #4? While it seems like Wright is the clear #1 there is certainly no guarantee that he (or Slafkovsky for that matter) will end up as the best player of this draft class.

By that same token, though, there is certainly no guarantee that whomever the Devils would've selected at #5 (and that is IF they did not decide to trade down) would be another "Cale Makar" either.

 

[Lou is God]

Maybe, but only Arizona is the most desperate for C. And there’s a guaranteed one left for them. Seattle just got Beniers so I think they are pretty comfortable with picking a D. Maybe Philly, sources say they are looking to pick either of the Dmen, but I guess they could be interested in Wright. But what kinda return are you guys expecting, even if it’s 1st+2nd (or worse) then at least I would just pick Wright.

Wright has franchise two-way guy potential and I think even his floor is a solid top6 guy. I think people get too hung up on positions, centers can play wing and even having 3 elite centers would be massive forward depth.

If I'm Arizona and Slaf goes #1, I sit tight and be willing to "settle" for Cooley if we take Wright, both are centers and Arizona have so many other holes to fill it doesn't make sense giving up other vital assets to ensure you get Wright.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

#6 is tough if it goes Slaf, Wright, Cooley, Nemec, Jiricek. Who do we take then? Kemell?

Edit: I guess Gauthier at #6 could be fair value and a good fit

I'd happily just pick Wright if Slaf is gone.

The only way I think it happens is if our scouts think there is nothing separating the bunch of guys after Wright and CBJ really loves Cooley or Slaf or whoever at 2.