Prospect Info: Draft 2025 - Waiting for the Draft Lotto

[Empoleon8771]

I think that Sullivan news basically guarantees the Rangers are giving the Penguins their 2026 1st. They're going to hire Sullivan and probably rebound into a playoff team.

 

[lokomotiv15]

Watching the U18s this year and Kindel really popped in his first game for Canada. He was hard to miss while watching games to see a bit of Howe, so nice to see that continue.

That being said, what was more of note is how exciting that 2026 draft looks like its going to be. A bunch of kids eligible for next years draft (and also next years U18s) look unreal out there.

That Xavier Villeneuve kid (although one of the older kids in next years draft), looks unreal. Like a cut and paste of Lane Hutson on the point. Carels looks like a great 2-way d-man with good size for his age and some good grit and physicality. Di Iorio looks like he has the tools to be a super dynamic scorer. Drives play, good skills, great shot. Ryan Roobroeck looks bigger than his listed' 6'4 and looks like a right handed version of what everyone wants to imagine McQueen is this season.

And that's just on Canada's U18 team this season. Every other team has at least 1 or two extremely noticeable Draft-1 guys.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

I think that Sullivan news basically guarantees the Rangers are giving the Penguins their 2026 1st. They're going to hire Sullivan and probably rebound into a playoff team.

Sullivan usually runs a pretty tight ship.

I'd think he'd have a big problem with a guy like Miller. Dude could barely stand Ian Cole.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

I think that Sullivan news basically guarantees the Rangers are giving the Penguins their 2026 1st. They're going to hire Sullivan and probably rebound into a playoff team.

bring it on, I say.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

This suddenly is very exciting. Maybe, just maybe, we draft a kid who might actually get a legitimate nine-game trial to begin next season!

 

[Jared Grayden]

This suddenly is very exciting. Maybe, just maybe, we draft a kid who might actually get a legitimate nine-game trial to begin next season!

It's not a strong draft. The most NHL ready prospect in this draft is Misa and even he would likely benefit in an NCAA season before coming into the NHL. No prospect in this draft should be expected to even make a nine game sample in the NHL regardless of the NHL organization and coach they play for.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

The most NHL ready prospect in this draft is Misa and even he would likely benefit in an NCAA season before coming into the NHL. No prospect in this draft should be expected to even make a nine game sample in the NHL regardless of the NHL organization and coach they play for.

If we draft a center, that player has an EASY depth chart to surpass on the way to nine games.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

Why do we care about anyone playing 9 games lmao

 

[Jared Grayden]

If we draft a center, that player has an EASY depth chart to surpass on the way to nine games.

what exactly is the value in getting the prospect a nine game sample in their draft year? The only way it makes any sense in this scenario is if they win the lotto and get Misa.

 

[Epic Neal Time]

If Brady Martin keeps up his U18 performance, I can see him getting into the top-10. Momentum is on his side, and that Tom Wilson hit alone probably moved him up a slot on some boards. Some team can definitely talk themselves into him over Eklund/O'Brien, especially Boston/Philly/Buffalo.

I think we'd swing for more upside/offensive ceiling, but if we get the Rangers pick, I'd consider him an option at 9 or 11.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

what exactly is the value in getting the prospect a nine game sample in their draft year? The only way it makes any sense in this scenario is if they win the lotto and get Misa.

What better way to evaluate a prospect than to play him NHL regular-season minutes? I don't understand the question. Do you think Jett Luchanko is a lesser prospect now after playing for Philly last season? What are we talking about here?

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

What better way to evaluate a prospect than to play him NHL regular-season minutes? I don't understand the question. Do you think Jett Luchanko is a lesser prospect now after playing for Philly last season? What are we talking about here?

I’m saying it doesn’t matter at all and it’s a waste of time to care about.

I don’t think Luchanko or anyone else is any better or worse for playing 9 games.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

I’m saying it doesn’t matter at all and it’s a waste of time to care about.

I don’t think Luchanko or anyone else is any better or worse for playing 9 games.

Wow, I could not disagree more.

 

[chethejet]

Dibas and staff have seen these players and pretty much know their pecking order after the top 4. Rangers hire sully and they are thinking 2025/26 will be a playoff year and possibly more. Sullivan is walking into a hornets nest and had Sid to do the locker room work. Plus if he plays the heavy in a roster full of vets, lookout below. I take my chances in the 2026 lottery pick draft.

 

[DesertPenguin]

This suddenly is very exciting. Maybe, just maybe, we draft a kid who might actually get a legitimate nine-game trial to begin next season!

Once again, I will re-iterate, we are winning the 2OA lotto and drafting Misa. Misa plays wing with Malkin next year, and takes over at C in 2026/2027 when Geno either retires or slides to wing. It is known. Heck, if that happens you can move Rakell for defensive help and be fine.

McGroarty Crosby Rust
Misa Malkin Koivunen
Hallander Novak Tomasino
Hayes Lizotte Dewar

 

[Jag68Sid87]

Once again, I will re-iterate, we are winning the 2OA lotto and drafting Misa. Misa plays wing with Malkin next year, and takes over at C in 2026/2027 when Geno either retires or slides to wing. It is known. Heck, if that happens you can move Rakell for defensive help and be fine.

McGroarty Crosby Rust
Misa Malkin Koivunen
Hallander Novak Tomasino
Hayes Lizotte Dewar

For the record, I am playing Misa and Malkin at center and try to balance out three lines.

But I won't quibble if this happens!

 

[SEALBound]

For the record, I am playing Misa and Malkin at center and try to balance out three lines.

But I won't quibble if this happens!

I don't think we have a center that maximizes Misa's offensive game at wing. I would run:

McGroarty-Sid-Malkin
Rakell-Misa-Rust
Koivunen-Novak-Tomasino/Hallander

Rakell and Rust can help insulate Misa in his first season.

 

[Jag68Sid87]

I don't think we have a center that maximizes Misa's offensive game at wing. I would run:

McGroarty-Sid-Malkin
Rakell-Misa-Rust
Koivunen-Novak-Tomasino/Hallander

Rakell and Rust can help insulate Misa in his first season.

Well, since we are doing this...

Rakell-Crosby-Marner
McGroarty-Malkin-Koivunen
Novak-Misa-Tomasino
Hallander-Ponomarev-Dewar
Hayes

Trade Rust for a left defensive defenseman to play with Karlsson.

 

[SEALBound]

Well, since we are doing this...

Rakell-Crosby-Marner
McGroarty-Malkin-Koivunen
Novak-Misa-Tomasino
Hallander-Ponomarev-Dewar
Hayes

Trade Rust for a left defensive defenseman to play with Karlsson.

And in two years:

McKenna-Crosby-Marner
Kaprizov-Misa-Koivunen
McGroarty-Novak-Tomasino