Draft and UDFA Thread 2017-18

[StutzleForNYR]

What do you guys think about Dominik Bokk? Would he be a fit for the Rangers if he was available? I'd love to see a German, especially one who played for my home team, in a Rangers jersey

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What do you guys think about Dominik Bokk? Would he be a fit for the Rangers if he was available? I'd love to see a German, especially one who played for my home team, in a Rangers jersey

Big fan of his game, but we don't exactly have a need for wingers.

 

[Lion Hound]

What do you guys think about Dominik Bokk? Would he be a fit for the Rangers if he was available? I'd love to see a German, especially one who played for my home team, in a Rangers jersey

Would be very happy if the pick was 20-30 range and he was the guy stepping to the podium.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Big fan of his game, but we don't exactly have a need for wingers.

I vehemently disagree with this. Who exactly do we have that can add value to the wings that are young players? If you're counting Chytil or Andersson, then you're cheating

 

[LaffyTaffy]

Big fan of his game, but we don't exactly have a need for wingers.

We don't have a need for wingers that score?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

I vehemently disagree with this. Who exactly do we have that can add value to the wings that are young players? If you're counting Chytil or Andersson, then you're cheating

So lets say we get rid of Nash and Grabner after this season, their spots are taken by Chytil and Andersson. Our top 9 is KZB, Zucc, Miller, Hayes, Chytil, Andersson, Vesey. Bottom line is Fast, Nieves, Lettieri. All of those players are relatively young, and even if players like Vesey and Lettieri don't end up as NHL'ers, thats for two 3rd and 4th line wing spots, easy to fill. We could also bring Desharnais back on a short term contract, and I'd have him in the lineup in Vesey's spot. Thats 13 forwards right there. Even if you don't bring back Desharnais, a Paul Carey type can take that role. We also got guys like Gropp, Virta, Gettinger, Ronning who could fill 3rd/4th line roles in the coming years. I don't really see where another top 6 forward fits in, unless we are trading someone. Also, I'm not convinced Chytil even sticks at center, and we know Miller doesn't always play center. We could certainly play some of these guys at wing.

 

[FireGerardGallant]

So lets say we get rid of Nash and Grabner after this season, their spots are taken by Chytil and Andersson. Our top 9 is KZB, Zucc, Miller, Hayes, Chytil, Andersson, Vesey. Bottom line is Fast, Nieves, Lettieri. All of those players are relatively young, and even if players like Vesey and Lettieri don't end up as NHL'ers, thats for two 3rd and 4th line wing spots, easy to fill. We could also bring Desharnais back on a short term contract, and I'd have him in the lineup in Vesey's spot. Thats 13 forwards right there. Even if you don't bring back Desharnais, a Paul Carey type can take that role. We also got guys like Gropp, Virta, Gettinger, Ronning who could fill 3rd/4th line roles in the coming years. I don't really see where another top 6 forward fits in, unless we are trading someone. Also, I'm not convinced Chytil even sticks at center, and we know Miller doesn't always play center. We could certainly play some of these guys at wing.

But this would actually mean our coach plays Buch like he should

 

[Mac n Gs]

So lets say we get rid of Nash and Grabner after this season, their spots are taken by Chytil and Andersson. Our top 9 is KZB, Zucc, Miller, Hayes, Chytil, Andersson, Vesey. Bottom line is Fast, Nieves, Lettieri. All of those players are relatively young, and even if players like Vesey and Lettieri don't end up as NHL'ers, thats for two 3rd and 4th line wing spots, easy to fill. We could also bring Desharnais back on a short term contract, and I'd have him in the lineup in Vesey's spot. Thats 13 forwards right there. Even if you don't bring back Desharnais, a Paul Carey type can take that role. We also got guys like Gropp, Virta, Gettinger, Ronning who could fill 3rd/4th line roles in the coming years. I don't really see where another top 6 forward fits in, unless we are trading someone. Also, I'm not convinced Chytil even sticks at center, and we know Miller doesn't always play center. We could certainly play some of these guys at wing.

Zucc is 30, and I'm sure we'll see a trade somewhere down the line. None of those other players have top-6 potential IMO, and if you have the chance to take a scoring winger, you do it. Still think this first round is where we go defense anyways since there's just better options (assuming we stay in the 20ish range).

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Zucc is 30, and I'm sure we'll see a trade somewhere down the line. None of those other players have top-6 potential IMO, and if you have the chance to take a scoring winger, you do it. Still think this first round is where we go defense anyways since there's just better options (assuming we stay in the 20ish range).

If we are trading Zucc, I think this team is conceding contention, and McDonagh might find his way out the door, as well. In which case, its a completely different picture. We might have multiple first round picks then. And if thats the case, you are taking the highest player on your draft board, absolutely no regard for need, considering you aren't a contender. My philosophy is BPA, keeping need into reasonable account. Nashville should not be going for defensemen, neither should Philly, we shouldn't be drafting goalies, Toronto shouldn't be drafting forwards, etc.

If there's a gulf in difference, you gotta pick for need. And with our team, I think there is a gulf in difference. We have very few, if any, RH defensemen who project to be able to play first pair minutes. We need a first pair RHD, and not like a Shattenkirk or DeAngelo type, we need someone to play with McDonagh. Those are helpful players, but we need a top 4 RH shot who's better defensively. Even if Shattenkirk is the better defenseman than that player, we need someone to play that role for our team.

 

[Savant]

Big fan of his game, but we don't exactly have a need for wingers.

I disagree with the second part of this. There are no wingers in the pipeline.

 

[Edge]

I'd say we need defenseman and wingers.

 

[Trxjw]

I'd say we need defenseman and wingers.

Agreed. We don't have many wingers who project to be scoring guys, and we lack any defensemen who project to be 1/2/3 guys. Definitely could use improvement on both fronts.

 

[Mac n Gs]

If we are trading Zucc, I think this team is conceding contention, and McDonagh might find his way out the door, as well. In which case, its a completely different picture. We might have multiple first round picks then. And if thats the case, you are taking the highest player on your draft board, absolutely no regard for need, considering you aren't a contender. My philosophy is BPA, keeping need into reasonable account. Nashville should not be going for defensemen, neither should Philly, we shouldn't be drafting goalies, Toronto shouldn't be drafting forwards, etc.

If there's a gulf in difference, you gotta pick for need. And with our team, I think there is a gulf in difference. We have very few, if any, RH defensemen who project to be able to play first pair minutes. We need a first pair RHD, and not like a Shattenkirk or DeAngelo type, we need someone to play with McDonagh. Those are helpful players, but we need a top 4 RH shot who's better defensively. Even if Shattenkirk is the better defenseman than that player, we need someone to play that role for our team.

Why is it conceding contention? We’d have no idea what he’d return, and if it models the Brassard trade, you yield an immediate NHL ready player. I think those are two offseason moves anways, and I’m fine with being bad for a year or two. We won’t actually be bad because of parity (Sabres or Yotes levels of bad) and our talent levels.

I’m with you on BPA by the way, even if it comes down to need.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Episode of the Hockey News podcast this week is 95% about draft eligibles from the World Juniors. They all love Brady Tkachuk and think he was the best player on team USA and not Mittlestadt. They compared Zadina's impact to that of Hischier last year. They said scouts still believe Svechnikov is #2, and they all gushed about Dahlin and how he was even better than they thought he was going to be in the tournament.

 

[Lion Hound]

With the exception of G, I don't think there is one single position that the NYR's shouldn't look for via draft.

Via prospect depth, C is def their strongest position. Andersson and Chytil. I don't think Chytil will remain at C position however. I think the NYR will move him to the wing at some point. With that said, I think its BPO for the NYR at the draft. I think it should always be BPO anyway.

Feel like the Rangers drafting strategy was always pretty simple over the past ten years or so. They went heavy on American born players. Kreider, Miller, Stepan, Skjei, Callahan, Dubinsky. I feel like this drafting strategy changed last year with a very strong USA prospect available (Mittlestadt) when they took the podium. They selected Lais. So far they look pretty good in doing so. Not to make another Andersson/Mittlestadt debate, but just a point that I think the actual drafting strategy has changes somewhat or at least it did with last years draft. We will see where they go with this years draft.

 

[ManUtdTobbe]

I'd love Bokk, high ceiling, scoring, wingers is arguably our weakest position in our prospect pool and on NYR it's where we're the oldest pretty much, he'd definitely fill a big need imo.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

I liked their strategy last draft

They took a lot of guys out of Euro leagues. I'm totally fine with them doing something similar in June

I will maintain that they need to get another first in this draft. They should take a forward and a defenseman. Where they take said players depends on who is available.

My presumption is the Rangers pick will be in the early twenties. If they get another late twenties pick, you could look at having one of Bokk/Lundestrom/Thomas (just a few I assume will be in that early twenties range) and Miller/Dobson/Wilde

Sounds like a good draft to me but the rankings will be very different by the time the draft rolls around

 

[Edge]

Zadina, Bokk and Woo are three kids who just continue to impress me whenever I see them. I had them at 3, 20 and 10 respectively.

Zadina is out of our range. But man would I love to get Woo or Bokk.

 

[Lion Hound]

Craigs list, top 31 post WJC.

Still no love for Domonik Bokk from Button or MacKenzie.

Svechnikov down to 4
Merkley up to 12


https://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-dahlin-cemented-top-status-at-world-juniors-1.962249

1. Rasmus Dahlin
2. Adam Boqvist
3. Brady Tkachuk
4. Andrei Svechnikov
5. Filip Zadina
6. Barret Hayton
7. Quinn Hughes
8. Bode Wilde
9. Oliver Wahlstrom
10. Evan Bouchard
11. Noah Dobson
12. Ryan Merkley
13. Jacob Olafsson
14. Rasmus Kupari
15. Joel Farabee
16. Isaac Lundestrom
17. Rasmus Sandin
18. Jack McBain
19. Gregori Denisenko
20. Ty Smith
21. Jared McIssac
22. Filip Hallander
23. Akil Thomas
24. Serron Noel
25. Joe Valeno
26. Jesperi Kotkaniemi
27. Mattias Samuelsson
28. Benoit-Olivier Groulx
29. Albin Eriksson
30. Adam Ginning
31. Jet Woo

 

[LaffyTaffy]

If Ty Smith or Jett Woo are anywhere near our picking position I jump at that opportunity.

 

[Mac n Gs]

I’d be ecstatic if we could walk away with Farabee, Wilde, Smith, or Woo

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Vitaly Kravtsov didn't make his list at all, but Barrett Hayton is #6. Sensible.

 

[Mac n Gs]

Here are @Steve Kournianos ‘s rankings:



I’m curious why he still doesn’t have Dahlin at 1

 

[Edge]

Veleno continues to draw a wide range of opinions.

He's a good all-around player, but the offense just hasn't been there.

Even if we forget him ever quite matching the "exceptional" status he was granted, there's no way you can't be underwhelmed by the production.

 

[Lion Hound]

Here are @Steve Kournianos ‘s rankings:



I’m curious why he still doesn’t have Dahlin at 1

Not on board with the Dahlin thing. To me Dahlin is the clear cut #1 in this draft. After that...I really like his top 31 with a few small exceptions.

Like
Smith in the top 10, and I think having him higher then Brady is accurate.
Despite the bad WJC he still has Hughes top 10.
I think he was the only one I see that has Farabee over Wahlstrom which I agree with also
Akil Thomas at 13 is higher then everyone else. He is my fav mid round pick in this draft.
Bokk at #28. Many of the experts don't have Bokk in the first round at all.

Don't like
Jesper Kotkaniemi Really high on the list at 9th. Im not sold on him. I feel like im watching Kevin Hayes when I watch Kotkaniemi.
Lundestrom at 47. I think he's top 20 all day long. I think Lundestrom is one of the closest players in the draft to NHL Ready.
Jet Woo is in no mans land at 52. RDH, Righty Shot. Seems like the tools are there. Skating a concern? What doesn't Steve like on him?

1	1	Andrei Svechnikov	RW	Barrie	OHL	L	3/26/00	6’2	187	RUS
2	2	Rasmus Dahlin	LHD	Frolunda	SHL	L	4/13/00	6’2	181	SWE
3	3	Filip Zadina	LW	Halifax	QMJHL	L	11/27/99	6’0	198	CZE
4	5	Joe Veleno	C	Drummondville	QMJHL	L	1/13/00	6’2	194	CAN
5	4	Ty Smith	LHD	Spokane	WHL	L	3/24/00	5’11	176	CAN
6	8	Adam Boqvist	RHD	Brynas J20	Superelit	R	8/15/00	5’11	170	SWE
7	18	Joel Farabee	LW	U.S. U18	NTDP	L	2/25/00	5’11	162	USA
8	6	Brady Tkachuk	C/LW	Boston Univ.	HE	L	9/16/99	6’2	194	USA
9	7	Jesperi Kotkaniemi	C	Assat	Liiga	L	7/6/00	6’2	190	FIN
10	10	Quinn Hughes	LHD	Michigan	Big-10	L	10/14/99	5’9	168	USA
11	15	Rasmus Kupari	C	Karpat	Jr-A SM-Liiga	R	3/15/00	6’0	168	FIN
12	22	Oliver Wahlstrom	C/W	U.S. U18	NTDP	R	6/13/00	6’1	205	USA
13	17	Akil Thomas	C	Niagara	OHL	R	1/2/00	5’11	165	CAN
14	11	Bode Wilde	RHD	U.S. U18	NTDP	R	1/24/00	6’2	194	US/CAN
15	16	Ryan McLeod	C	Mississauga	OHL	L	9/21/99	6’2	190	CAN
16	33	Noah Dobson	RHD	Acadie-Bathurst	QMJHL	R	1/7/00	6’3	178	CAN
17	48	Barrett Hayton	C	Sault Ste Marie	OHL	L	6/9/00	6’1	179	CAN
18	12	Jared McIsaac	LHD	Halifax	QMJHL	L	3/27/00	6’1	195	CAN
19	23	Evan Bouchard	RHD	London	OHL	R	10/20/99	6’2	181	CAN
20	28	Vitali Kravtsov	C/W	Belye Medvedi	MHL	L	12/23/99	6’2	170	RUS
21	14	Milos Roman	C	Vancouver	WHL	L	11/6/99	5’11	194	SVK
22	13	Ty Dellandrea	C	Flint	OHL	R	7/21/00	6’1	181	CAN
23	30	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	C/LW	Halifax	QMJHL	L	2/6/00	6’1	192	CAN
24	37	K’andre Miller	LHD	U.S. U18	NTDP	L	1/21/00	6’3	206	USA
25	74	Alexander Alexeeyev	LHD	Red Deer	WHL	L	11/15/99	6’3	200	RUS
26	29	Dmitry Zavgorodniy	RW	Rimouski	QMJHL	R	8/11/00	5’9	161	RUS
27	21	Calen Addison	RHD	Lethbridge	WHL	R	4/11/00	5’11	178	CAN
28	46	Dominik Bokk	RW	Vaxjo J20	Superelit	R	2/3/00	5’11	154	GER
29	19	Jakub Skarek	G	Dukla Jihlava	Extraliga	L	11/10/99	6’3	196	CZE
30	31	Jacob Olofsson	C	Timra IK	Allsvenskan	L	2/8/00	6’2	193	SWE
31	42	Grigori Denisenko	LW	Loko Yaroslavl	MHL	R	6/24/00	5’10	163	RUS

[TBODY] [/TBODY]