Prospect Info: Devils Win #2 Overall -- Slafkovsky vs. Jiricek vs. Nemec

[Captain3rdLine]

We could also use a RHD like Jiricek though. Imagine being able to roll out one of Jiricek and L. Hughes for the majority of a game, or even pair them together. I don't envy Fitz on this one

As I said I have some concerns and am not convinced on Jiricek. I like Nemec more

 

[StevenToddIves]

slaf's stock rose bc of olympics, kind of like how nico's did too. i think it'd be nice to snag him

wouldn't be mad about jiricek tho

Slaf also dominated the Finnish juniors, and he finished his Finnish (get it?) season very strong.

 

[Lou Bloom]

A big thing to consider for this pick is that there's a very real shot that Slafkovsky can make the team out of camp which is important for a team that's looking to finally make a push out of the basement. The fact that there was rumors that they were thinking about possibly trading the pick before the lottery results shows they value immediate impact.

 

[FooteBahl]

Congratulations! We are in the great situation! And thanks for your work.

I cant say whom I want more - Jiricek or Slafkovsky. Hamilton isn`t forever here, but Slafkovsky would be great fit for both Nico and Jack. I can`t understand what will make this team better - Slafkovsky-Hischier-Bratt\Holtz, Yegor\Bratt-Jack-Dawson top-6 or Jiricek- L Hughes pair.

Don’t forget, we’re getting Quinn in five or so.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

A big thing to consider for this pick is that there's a very real shot that Slafkovsky can make the team out of camp which is important for a team that's looking to finally make a push out of the basement. The fact that there was rumors that they were thinking about possibly trading the pick before the lottery results shows they value immediate impact.

Maybe but I wouldn’t count on it. It’s probably more likely he plays somewhere else but it wouldn’t surprise me if they brought him over and he made it out of camp.

 

[ZachaFlockaFlame]

Slaf also dominated the Finnish juniors, and he finished his Finnish (get it?) season very strong.

f*** NYR but imagine the hilarity if we took the Euro winger at 2 in a weaker draft and he becomes a star versus their situation with Kakko.

Side note, that lottery just ended us talking about Fiala

 

[SKNJD9]

f*** NYR but imagine the hilarity if we took the Euro winger at 2 in a weaker draft and he becomes a star versus their situation with Kakko.

Side note, that lottery just ended us talking about Fiala

Fiala, a pick swap and David F'in Putney cause we feel like it

 

[Guadana]

f*** NYR but imagine the hilarity if we took the Euro winger at 2 in a weaker draft and he becomes a star versus their situation with Kakko.

Side note, that lottery just ended us talking about Fiala

Thanks God we will end talking about FIala. I was not a fan from the beggining. Steve did tell everything about him as a concept of the player. I can`t add something new.

 

[Oneiro]

I mean I wouldn’t mind swapping with Arizona, getting an extra first and then you address both RHD and wing.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I mean I wouldn’t mind swapping with Arizona, getting an extra first and then you address both RHD and wing.

The problem is I do not see another team valuing one of these players enough over another to make a move like that.

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

A big thing to consider for this pick is that there's a very real shot that Slafkovsky can make the team out of camp which is important for a team that's looking to finally make a push out of the basement. The fact that there was rumors that they were thinking about possibly trading the pick before the lottery results shows they value immediate impact.

That doesn’t seem to be the direction the team wants to go. Marty has stated that they want to make sure they don’t rush anyone. I doubt Slafkovsky’s skating will be good enough to make an impact next season.

 

[SKNJD9]

I mean I wouldn’t mind swapping with Arizona, getting an extra first and then you address both RHD and wing.

AZ is gonna go center and they likely feel we won't go with Cooley. They have no incentive to make that trade

 

[Lou Bloom]

Maybe but I wouldn’t count on it. It’s probably more likely he plays somewhere else but it wouldn’t surprise me if they brought him over and he made it out of camp.

There's plenty of examples of forwards making the leap to the NHL immediately with Sillinger, Stuetzle, Kakko, Dach, Svechnikov, Kotkaniemi, Tkachuk's x2, etc... None of which were 1st overall picks. That doesn't mean Slafkovsky is a lock to make the team but there's certainly a track record for forwards selected as high as #2 playing their D+1 season in the NHL.

 

[The Wumpus]

And we actually have our own 2nd rounder (#37) for the first time in like 10 years. There are always solid depth d-men available in the early 2nd round.

 

[Doc5]

Congrats on the win guys! I am so so jealous of your core Hughes, Bratt, Hischier, Mercer and then add in Luke Hughes, Holtz and then one of Jiricek or Slafkovsky.... Insane.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

And we actually have our own 2nd rounder (#37) for the first time in like 10 years. There are always solid depth d-men available in the early 2nd round.

Yes Slafkovsky and then a RD in the early 2nd.

 

[Oneiro]

The problem is I do not see another team valuing one of these players enough over another to make a move like that.

You’re probably right, although if there is a draft where a team might pass on the consensus No. 1 it could be this one.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

I think it is pretty obvious who I want. Not only is Slafkovsky the best prospect in the draft but he also fits the largest need in the organization. My question is if I want him to play another season in the Liiga/shift to SHL or start him on the 3rd line. I am leaning towards another year in Europe and have him join the Devils with Hughes in 23/24.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

That doesn’t seem to be the direction the team wants to go. Marty has stated that they want to make sure they don’t rush anyone. I doubt Slafkovsky’s skating will be good enough to make an impact next season.

Slafkovsky’s skating is fine. I don’t think he’ll play next year but it’s not like his or any 18 year olds skating will improve that significantly from 18-20. Might get a bit stronger and faster but that’s it.
Slafkovsky isn’t going to make an impact through his skating. It will be with his IQ, size, Playmaking, skill, and board play.

 

[Eggtimer]

it’s just hard to get top pairing defenseman anywhere other than the draft. both of those guys have tremendous potential. i’m sure slaf will be a fine player, but we can find that elsewhere when we’re ready. especially with our surplus of young talent that could be available to trade.

I don’t know. I am not directly comparing them but I think Slaf is like a Tkachuk. Not many of this around. Yes wing is easier to find , however , not this type of winger . That’s what makes it such a hard choice for me.

 

[Devs3cups]

"Slafkovsky reminds me a lot of Mikko Rantanen, but he's more physical than Rantanen. If he can continue to blend the finesse of his game with powerful physical tools, he could become a real beast at the NHL level."

 

[Nubmer6]

I don’t know. I am not directly comparing them but I think Slaf is like a Tkachuk. Not many of this around. Yes wing is easier to find , however , not this type of winger . That’s what makes it such a hard choice for me.

At the same time, it's been SOOOOO long since we've had a D that can dominate defensively and add significant offense at the same time. This decision's going to be really, really hard.

 

[GettingYourMoms]

I don’t know. I am not directly comparing them but I think Slaf is like a Tkachuk. Not many of this around. Yes wing is easier to find , however , not this type of winger . That’s what makes it such a hard choice for me.

He isn't a pest and he isn't fighter. Tkachuk comparison is therefore nonsensical.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

The fact that there was rumors that they were thinking about possibly trading the pick before the lottery results shows they value immediate impact.

Fitz said that himself. The rumor part was they would trade it for someone like Fiala which I doubt they were considering.

 

[Eggtimer]

The problem is I do not see another team valuing one of these players enough over another to make a move like that.

Maybe Columbus wanting to make sure they get Cooley ? Trade #6 and #12 for #2 plus? Sorry . I won’t brig out trading the pick on this thread . Just addressing the question on who might want #2 badly

He isn't a pest and he isn't fighter. Tkachuk comparison is therefore nonsensical.

I wasn’t comparing them that way…just sayig Slaf is as rare of a player as Tkchuck who is also a winger.