Prospect Info: Draft 2025 - Waiting for the Draft Lotto

[CheckingLineCenter]

Richards was a coke addict to washed out pretty early due to that, but before that, he peaked at 30 goals and 80 points and had about a 60 point pace from 2006-2014 while regularly getting Selke votes.

I wouldn’t blame you for taking Nylander over Richards but I think it’s reasonable to take Richards over Nylander.

I would easily take Mike Richards over William Nylander if the Mike Richard’s doesn’t come with a coke habit

Not to get too off topic but I feel like the gap in ES production is too great. And also Nylander is kinda like Malkin-lite in that when he’s on… he is taking over shifts/games by himself.

But Richards was a dawg so I get it lmao.

Just how much dawg do you gotta have for me to take you over a star haha

 

[Empoleon8771]

Not to get too off topic but I feel like the gap in ES production is too great. And also Nylander is kinda like Malkin-lite in that when he’s on… he is taking over shifts/games by himself.

But Richards was a dawg so I get it lmao.

Just how much dawg do you gotta have for me to take you over a star haha

I think the thing with Richards is that he had like a 4 year peak in Philly where he was a borderline top-5 center, so I think at his best he was truly a "star" player. Had he won a cup in 2010 with Philly, I legitimately think he would have gotten the Toews treatment that Toews got after winning that cup.

He was averaging about 70 points a year, getting Selke votes (including finishing 2nd in 2008-2009), was one of the most physical centers in hockey and was the captain of a pretty successful team. Was definitely a unicorn of a player at his best. But like we said, he fell off quickly and it was mostly due to partying and drugs.

It's impossible to say what Martin's true offensive upside is, but coincidentally his draft year (33 goals and 72 points in 57 games) and Richards' draft year (37 goals and 89 points in 67 games) aren't that different. Martin's pace would have been 39 goals and 85 points in 67 games. Granted juniors in 2003 and 2025 are wildly different so you can't just draw that blanket comparison, but it's interesting their stat lines are similar nonetheless.

 

[Empoleon8771]

Also completely unrelated from the draft, but I was looking at the OHL in Richards' draft year to see how much different production was then. Who the hell is Corey Locke and how did he put up 151 points in 66 games

151 points in 66 games is nearly Crosby level, Crosby had 168 in 62 games in his draft year.

 

[SEALBound]

Also completely unrelated from the draft, but I was looking at the OHL in Richards' draft year to see how much different production was then. Who the hell is Corey Locke and how did he put up 151 points in 66 games

151 points in 66 games is nearly Crosby level, Crosby had 168 in 62 games in his draft year.

He was only 5'8. Not surprised you missed him.

Actually, he put up a pretty respectable AHL career and it looks like he dominated that Austrian league at the end.

 

[Turin]

Not to get too off topic but I feel like the gap in ES production is too great. And also Nylander is kinda like Malkin-lite in that when he’s on… he is taking over shifts/games by himself.

But Richards was a dawg so I get it lmao.

Just how much dawg do you gotta have for me to take you over a star haha

I’m always taking the top six center unless I already have them. You *need* those guys.

But for this draft if you think Eklund had better chance to be a Nylander caliber player than Martin does Richards then you take Eklund

 

[SEALBound]

I think the thing with Richards is that he had like a 4 year peak in Philly where he was a borderline top-5 center, so I think at his best he was truly a "star" player. Had he won a cup in 2010 with Philly, I legitimately think he would have gotten the Toews treatment that Toews got after winning that cup.

He was averaging about 70 points a year, getting Selke votes (including finishing 2nd in 2008-2009), was one of the most physical centers in hockey and was the captain of a pretty successful team. Was definitely a unicorn of a player at his best. But like we said, he fell off quickly and it was mostly due to partying and drugs.

It's impossible to say what Martin's true offensive upside is, but coincidentally his draft year (33 goals and 72 points in 57 games) and Richards' draft year (37 goals and 89 points in 67 games) aren't that different. Martin's pace would have been 39 goals and 85 points in 67 games. Granted juniors in 2003 and 2025 are wildly different so you can't just draw that blanket comparison, but it's interesting their stat lines are similar nonetheless.

Offensive upside is always going to be a question mark no matter what player we pick. The secondary question might be - if they are not scoring for us, do they have other assets or attributes that are of value? If Eklund isn't scoring, what's he doing for us? I think if Martin isn't scoring, you can at least say something like "well he's a physical, responsible 3C" who I imagine we teach to PK. Sam Bennett, for example, provides more than just scoring for the Panthers. If Nylander isn't scoring for the TML, what's he doing?

 

[Empoleon8771]

I’m always taking the top six center unless I already have them. You *need* those guys.

But for this draft if you think Eklund had better chance to be a Nylander caliber player than Martin does Richards then you take Eklund

Yeah I think the concern with Martin is that you don't know if he's going to stick at center. Their more realistic projections are Barbashev for Martin and Jarvis for Nylander. Barbashev is a damn good player, but you take Jarvis over that pretty easily.

The way I look at it is that Martin>Eklund if Martin sticks at center, but Eklund>Martin if Martin has to move to RW.

 

[Jared Grayden]

Offensive upside is always going to be a question mark no matter what player we pick. The secondary question might be - if they are not scoring for us, do they have other assets or attributes that are of value? If Eklund isn't scoring, what's he doing for us? I think if Martin isn't scoring, you can at least say something like "well he's a physical, responsible 3C" who I imagine we teach to PK. Sam Bennett, for example, provides more than just scoring for the Panthers. If Nylander isn't scoring for the TML, what's he doing?

At least by the tracking metrics, Eklund is arguably the most defensively responsible forward in the class. I've never heard any opinions other than his defensive game being strong and detailed. Martin's a better hitter, but doesn't hit more than Eklund does either. Upside and position definitely matter and I can see the argument for Martin in that regard. But as far as floor, Eklund is about as safe as it gets. Granted, if he's only Hagelin 2.0 that's not a great value #9 pick to me.

 

[Empoleon8771]

At least by the tracking metrics, Eklund is arguably the most defensively responsible forward in the class. I've never heard any opinions other than his defensive game being strong and detailed. Martin's a better hitter, but doesn't hit more than Eklund does either. Upside and position definitely matter and I can see the argument for Martin in that regard. But as far as floor, Eklund is about as safe as it gets. Granted, if he's only Hagelin 2.0 that's not a great value #9 pick to me.

Yeah I think both Eklund and Martin have projectable skillsets that make them pretty safe bets at being bottom-6 players at worst. Eklund would be more in the Kapanen mold while Martin would be more in the Laughton mold. The nice thing about both guys is that they both seem like they have the upside to pop off and become legit core pieces, but they're also fairly safe prospects that should still have spots in the NHL even as bottom-6 guys. Neither guy is a top-6 or bust type of skillset.

 

[SEALBound]

At least by the tracking metrics, Eklund is arguably the most defensively responsible forward in the class. I've never heard any opinions other than his defensive game being strong and detailed. Martin's a better hitter, but doesn't hit more than Eklund does either. Upside and position definitely matter and I can see the argument for Martin in that regard. But as far as floor, Eklund is about as safe as it gets. Granted, if he's only Hagelin 2.0 that's not a great value #9 pick to me.

A pick at 9ov only turning into Hagelin would be rough in a sense but, really, a responsible 3rd line winger with scoring capabilities would be fine "bottom" for me.

At the same time, if we are talking rock-bottoms here - defensive 3rd line wing vs defensive, physical 3rd line center? I might opt for the center.

I'm currently fighting with myself wondering if any additional potential Eklund has is worth over-ruling our desperate need for a center. I think in my heart, I know Eklund is more likely to a be a flashier producer on the wing but my brain is telling me - go for the physical center. My ultimate decision probably hinges on whether or not we get that Rangers pick. If we get 9 and 11, and Eklund is there, yes take him and then best center at 11. If we only get our pick at 9, I think it's center for me with full acknowledgement that Eklund could very well be a better offensive producer than JOB/Martin.

 

[Ugene Magic]

A pick at 9ov only turning into Hagelin would be rough in a sense but, really, a responsible 3rd line winger with scoring capabilities would be fine "bottom" for me.

At the same time, if we are talking rock-bottoms here - defensive 3rd line wing vs defensive, physical 3rd line center? I might opt for the center.

I'm currently fighting with myself wondering if any additional potential Eklund has is worth over-ruling our desperate need for a center. I think in my heart, I know Eklund is more likely to a be a flashier producer on the wing but my brain is telling me - go for the physical center. My ultimate decision probably hinges on whether or not we get that Rangers pick. If we get 9 and 11, and Eklund is there, yes take him and then best center at 11. If we only get our pick at 9, I think it's center for me with full acknowledgement that Eklund could very well be a better offensive producer than JOB/Martin.

For a winger you are not looking for the comparable offense to defense. You go the high offense and lesser defense. But at center you want a very comparable offense to defense or two-way game considering they are to be back deep in the defensive zone.

Out of all the centers risk to rewards... it reads like this.

1st tier:
1. Misa
<-------------Schaefer slots here
2. Hagens
<-------------Martone falls in here
3. Frondell
4. O'Brien

2nd tier:
<------------ Eklund falls in this range
5. Martin
6. Desnoyers <--- People like his punishing game away from the puck and defensively, but being from the QMJHL his risk to reward is not as low
7. McQueen <--- we all know what is going on here

That's my list.

 

[Pancakes]

Also completely unrelated from the draft, but I was looking at the OHL in Richards' draft year to see how much different production was then. Who the hell is Corey Locke and how did he put up 151 points in 66 games

151 points in 66 games is nearly Crosby level, Crosby had 168 in 62 games in his draft year.

I like how I've seen some people out there wondering if McKenna can break Rob Brown's WHL scoring record. McKenna is good but he ain't scoring 212 points in a season. Crosby didn't even do that. Modern goaltending is too good.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

“If Eklund isn’t scoring what is he doing for us”

Legitimately everything besides great playmaking. Hitting, driving transition (exits and entries), beating guys one on one, forechecking, winning races.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

My list right now

1. Schaefer
tier
2a. Misa (bigger better forechecker)
2b. Hagens (more of a true C than Misa imo)
4. Martone
tier
5. Eklund
tier
6. Frondell
Tier
7-12. Complete shitshow

 

[Empoleon8771]

I feel like Desnoyers' playoff performance may be pushing him up in the draft as well. I know he doesn't look that impressive whenever I've watched him, but he was dominant at even strength in the regular season in the Q (28 goals and 64 points in 56 games at even strength) and has brought it to a new level in the playoffs. Desnoyers is leading the Q in points in the playoffs with 9 goals and 24 points in 13 games, which is clearing the 2nd leading scorer on his team by 7 points and 3rd leading scorer on his team by 10 points.

Without taking into account the lottery, my top-10 right now feels like it will be:

1. San Jose: Schaefer
2. Chicago: Misa
3. Nashville Hagens
4. Philly: Desnoyers
5. Boston: Martone
6. Seattle: Frondell
7. Buffalo: Mrtka
8. Anaheim: Martin
9. Pittsburgh: Eklund
10. NYI: O'Brien

This isn't who I'd prefer but how I feel the top-10 will shake out. If the Rangers do give the Penguins their 1st this year, I'd be talking with Anaheim to see if I can move up to 8 to grab both Martin and Eklund.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I will never root for a kid to not succeed but I legit hate Desnoyers as a prospect lol. Low pace and passive.

Just an efficiency/finishing merchant in a joke league.

 

[The Old Master]

what are the odds whoever wins the lottery gifts the pens the pick to commemorate the courage displayed by dubas in dumping sully?

about the same as us winning it.

 

[Ogelthorpe]

San Jose 1, Pittsburgh 2, Chicago 3, Philly 4, Nashville 5

Book it.

I would love that.

 

[The Old Master]

I think if Martin isn't scoring, you can at least say something like "well he's a physical, responsible 3C" who I imagine we teach to PK.

if we are drafting a 3rd line anything at 9 oa, i'd rather draft a defense man

 

[Ryder71]

For a winger you are not looking for the comparable offense to defense. You go the high offense and lesser defense. But at center you want a very comparable offense to defense or two-way game considering they are to be back deep in the defensive zone.

Out of all the centers risk to rewards... it reads like this.

1st tier:
1. Misa
<-------------Schaefer slots here
2. Hagens
<-------------Martone falls in here
3. Frondell
4. O'Brien

2nd tier:
<------------ Eklund falls in this range
5. Martin
6. Desnoyers <--- People like his punishing game away from the puck and defensively, but being from the QMJHL his risk to reward is not as low
7. McQueen <--- we all know what is going on here

That's my list.

Honestly I'm not that high on Frondell. I'd prefer Martin. He IMO has a higher floor.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I will never root for a kid to not succeed but I legit hate Desnoyers as a prospect lol. Low pace and passive.

Just an efficiency/finishing merchant in a joke league.

Just be happy the Penguins aren’t going to get him then

Although that weird scenario where the Penguins get #3 overall could result in them drafting Desnoyers, but it’s so unlikely it’s not even worth considering it.

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

I've also read that the Sharks are entertaining trading down from 1st if they end up there after the lotto. Sitting 9th overall is probably way too much of a drop, but if this team had just done the end of the season (TDL onward) correctly, they could be sitting 4th and that might be within striking distance to jump up for a Schaefer or Misa.

Hope we get some draft day deals, those are always good for a bit of entertainment in an otherwise relatively boring day.

 

[Duffy13]

little surprised there is no polls on the draft lottery winner, just laid down a cool fake $1000 on the Penguins winning the lottery in Sportbook.

Better be fake!!

 

[Zirakzigil]

I've also read that the Sharks are entertaining trading down from 1st if they end up there after the lotto. Sitting 9th overall is probably way too much of a drop, but if this team had just done the end of the season (TDL onward) correctly, they could be sitting 4th and that might be within striking distance to jump up for a Schaefer or Misa.

Hope we get some draft day deals, those are always good for a bit of entertainment in an otherwise relatively boring day.

Only if they end up 2nd. And even then I doubt it.

 

[SEALBound]

“If Eklund isn’t scoring what is he doing for us”

Legitimately everything besides great playmaking. Hitting, driving transition (exits and entries), beating guys one on one, forechecking, winning races.

Okay that wasn't a dig at Eklund (or Martin for that matter). It was merely an exercise to further the debate of Eklund vs Martin and more importantly, the value we see in wing vs center because a wing has to be >>> over the center to get the nod if all else is equal. I think Eklund vs Martin is neck and neck right now.

Again, I think Eklund is probably a better talent, but is he THAT much better, or is Martin to sacrifice position? That's where my doubts begin.