Draft and UDFA Thread 2017-18

[eco's bones]

There are a lot of ways draft day could go. Specific needs and smokescreen tactics will be plentiful beforehand, but this draft (just like any year) will be exciting!! Here are some bold predictions that I think could happen leading up to and on draft day....

Trade Rumors
1. Karlsson won't be traded, but Hoffman will
2. Edmonton will move No. 10, not Draisaitl, to get rid of Lucic
3. Calgary will move into the 1st round by trading Hamilton AND Bennett
4. Carolina won't trade Skinner, but will trade Lindholm
5. Rangers won't trade Zuccarello, but will move two of Hayes, Vesey, Namestnikov, Spooner
6. Toronto will try to trade Marner
7. Kessel will stay in Pittsburgh
8. Vegas will obtain ROR
9. Montreal, Chicago and St. Louis will be the most active teams moving pieces around
10. Islanders, Dallas and Vegas will be the least active teams moving pieces around

Draft
1. Brady Tkachuk will drop out of the top 10
2. Jesperi Kotkaniemi will go in the top 5
3. Joe Veleno will be selected in the top 10
4. Jared McIsaac will go in the top 15
5. The biggest riser in the 1st round will be Ty Dellandrea
6. The biggest faller in the 1st round will be Joel Farabee
7. Vitali Kravtsov won't rise as much as most are thinking. He'll go in the early 20's
8. Filip Zadina WON'T drop out of the top 5
9. Bulat Shafigulin, Calen Addison and Jake Wise will be 1st round picks on Friday
10. Grigori Denisenko, Dominik Bokk and Ryan Merkley will fall out of the 1st round



With the 9th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.... The New York Rangers select....
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OLIVER WAHLSTROM!!!!!!!!!

Feel free to ask any questions!!

I'll start with the draft part. Seriously doubt Tkachuk will drop out of the top 10. I don't see him getting past us for one thing. Quinn was asked about him and said he expects he's going to be more the goal scorer. It's a player he's coached and knows pretty well. I also don't see Veleno in the top 10 or McIsaac in the top 15.

On the trade rumors--Karlsson was asking out last year and now this business with Hoffman and his girlfriend. That very well could hurt Hoffman's trade value....and then if you're keeping Karlsson you absolutely have to get a commitment from him because he'll be on the last year of his contract. Ottawa has another major problem to think about. Do you take the 4OA this year or do you give it to Colorado---because the way things look now and with either or both of Karlsson and Hoffman leaving town--they could very easily be a bottom 5 team next maybe the worst team and this year's 4OA could easily turn into next year's Jack Hughes.

So on to Lucic and the 10OA. Like should the Rangers trade Spooner > Lucic, 10OA+ their next two 2nd round draft picks? Because we're talking 5 years and $30 million worth a cap hit. Is a 10th overall worth $30 mil in cap space? I don't know--I really don't think so. If you think Lucic can be a good everyday player for you at least for a couple years I guess that's something but if I were the Rangers I'd be really careful about what I'd give up and what else I was getting back if I were doing that. Though I should say though that I've liked Lucic a lot in the past. I think his skating may have become a real issue though.

As far as Kevin Hayes--OTOneH I think Quinn wants him on his team. OTotherH he is way more valuable IMO than Spooner, Vesey or Namestnikov. So we shall see.

I think Kessell will move and maybe Hagelin too.

Lou Lamoriello is going to go looking for a goalie.

 

[Joey Bones]

Quite the list of predictions, Veleno in the top 10 hmm Chicago?

I can't see the Rangers passing on Tkachuk but would be quite happy with Walhstrom as well.

I can't see Farabee falling, if he does I'd be all for moving up to get him.

Yeah, I'm not saying that this is exactly what is going to happen. I just feel that these things could happen while bringing the shock factor.

Been saying all year long that I think Veleno can crack the top 10 and seeing the "need" for centers, I can see him (and Hayton) being picked up early. Some people question his offensive upside in the NHL, but I think if he can play like he played in Drummondville, he can have a really good top 6 career in the NHL. Otherwise, like @Mac n Gs mentioned before, he'd be similar to Matt Cullen, which isn't a bad thing whatsoever.

With Quinn in as HC, I don't think Tkachuk will fall past NYR, but he should. Think there are better players than him that have top 10 talent. I definitely think he's a 1st rounder, don't get me wrong, but his shot really irks me and has made some bad plays while under pressure. I don't think he's done well enough to be in the same ball park as Hughes, Dobson, etc. I've said it before, but his play right now looks like Scott Hartnell's and I'm not liking that at No. 9.

I'm one of the Farabee fans, but, again, outside the top 10. The reason why I have him falling is because he isn't going to BU until the 19/20 season. Not this coming fall. That raises a bit of concern for me seeing he can't play in the USNTDP program next year. So where will he play next season? Could he sign and just jump right into the AHL? Maybe, but I'm not sure how that'll help/hurt his development. Very risky management for whoever drafts him, IMO.

 

[Synergy27]

I think the Rangers go with a forward at 9OA, but if they don't, do the defenseman in that range (Dobson/Bouchard/etc.) project to impact the game as much as say Werenski or Mcavoy?

I really, really just want them to stand pat with that pick and don't go off the board. I'll be happy with any of the guys projected to go around there and I'll be hoping they find a way to get more than one of them.

 

[Joey Bones]

Those are some pretty bold predictions. Especially the draft part.
Good read.
Why do you think Bokk will drop so far?
I wouldn't be shocked if Veleno went top certainly the Islanders would grab him at 11/12.
Seems like you've been right about Dellandrea for a while. Sucks seems like we won't be able to grab him at 26 or 28 but wouldn't Bokk be a good consolation prize?

Oh, definitely!! Hence why they're bold, lolol. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this will actually happen. These are just some things that I could see happening. It just isn't so mainstream.

It's been rumored by some that Bokk's a bit conceded. Rubbed some people the wrong way at the combine. It's not crazy bad (like what is reported on Merkley), but it was significant enough on first impression. Think Tolvanen last year type conceded, but obviously two different scenarios played out. I still think Bokk is a top 20 talent, but with those rumors he could very well slip. Have to remember he didn't necessarily light up the SHL when called upon, either. It'll be interesting to see where he winds up, but I think NYR should gamble with him with No. 26 or No. 28. Could be a really good player in a few years.

We'll see on Dellandrea and Veleno. I just think they're better players than advertised, especially Ty!!

 

[Chytilmania]

Foudy is a former track-and-field athlete. So that was not a surprise to many scouts. Takes a lot of work for that to translate to NHL level hockey.

But it can be an asset. Anyhow, what follows is just my stupid opinion.

For me, the NHL Combine measures things too much like the NFL or other NA sports. The vertical jump and some other tests just sound silly.

• VO2max, on the other hand, is useful but only if you combine it with on-ice skills and compare similarly skilled players. It is perhaps the most valuable statistics scouts can take away. If comparing two similarly skilled players one has better endurance than the other than that is perhaps the most important factor to functioning on a high level late in the season, in back-to-back games and protecting against injury.
  
• Pull-ups depend on prior, often non-hockey related training and how an individual's back muscles have developed. There are people who just have to focus specifically overcoming their lack of back muscle development with specific training. Question is - do you want to spend time doing it if you are developing a top prospect? It´s not really a predictor of NHL success for a highly skilled player.
• I have no idea how grip strength is hockey related. And I am someone who likes doing deadlifts without wraps or a belt.
• The power output tests on the bike and on the bench are somewhat useful. But there you have to compare similarly sized players with each other. On the bench, there is a rough correlation with a heavy shot and you can see Svechnikov and Wahlstrom with the same result. And on the bike likewise with the strength of first strides in skating (Boqvist and Dobson ranking high there).

Chin ups are directly correlated to slapshots and are one of the predictor lifts in hockey. I believe power cleans and split squats would be the others. Bench has nothing to do with shooting.
Eccentric hamstring strength will be correlated with skating.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

I think the Rangers go with a forward at 9OA, but if they don't, do the defenseman in that range (Dobson/Bouchard/etc.) project to impact the game as much as say Werenski or Mcavoy?

I really, really just want them to stand pat with that pick and don't go off the board. I'll be happy with any of the guys projected to go around there and I'll be hoping they find a way to get more than one of them.

Not those 2 guys.Dobson is good but hes really a 2 way guy. Bouchard has skills, but he doesn't move as well as those 2.

Quinn Hughes is of that ilk, Boqvist has serious skills too.

Calen Addison could be a later 1st guy who drives a ton of offense though. Really hoping for him with a later 1st.

 

[Lion Hound]

Brooks mentioned Wahlstrom and Bouchard. Do we think he knows what he's talking about with who we are targeting?

Did he mention Anderson last year?

Not sure if he mentioned Anderson last year.

Brooks had himself a carrier year. Maybe due to process of elimination, I mean it feels like there aren't too many on the beat that really have anything significant. Brooks was on his game this year though and broke the biggest peice which was the rebuild.

If Wahlstrom that's amazing. If Bouchard, I'd be very happy.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Not sure if he mentioned Anderson last year.

Brooks had himself a carrier year. Maybe due to process of elimination, I mean it feels like there aren't too many on the beat that really have anything significant. Brooks was on his game this year though and broke the biggest peice which was the rebuild.

If Wahlstrom that's amazing. If Bouchard, I'd be very happy.

Bob was the first and only one who had Lias.

I believe he had a center list that was like this:

Pettersson
Glass
Andersson
Suzuki

 

[E-Train]

Bob was the first and only one who had Lias.

I believe he had a center list that was like this:

Pettersson
Glass
Andersson
Suzuki

Correct. He tweeted that exact order.

 

[Lion Hound]

There are a lot of ways draft day could go. Specific needs and smokescreen tactics will be plentiful beforehand, but this draft (just like any year) will be exciting!! Here are some bold predictions that I think could happen leading up to and on draft day....

Trade Rumors
1. Karlsson won't be traded, but Hoffman will
2. Edmonton will move No. 10, not Draisaitl, to get rid of Lucic
3. Calgary will move into the 1st round by trading Hamilton AND Bennett
4. Carolina won't trade Skinner, but will trade Lindholm
5. Rangers won't trade Zuccarello, but will move two of Hayes, Vesey, Namestnikov, Spooner
6. Toronto will try to trade Marner
7. Kessel will stay in Pittsburgh
8. Vegas will obtain ROR
9. Montreal, Chicago and St. Louis will be the most active teams moving pieces around
10. Islanders, Dallas and Vegas will be the least active teams moving pieces around

Draft
1. Brady Tkachuk will drop out of the top 10
2. Jesperi Kotkaniemi will go in the top 5
3. Joe Veleno will be selected in the top 10
4. Jared McIsaac will go in the top 15
5. The biggest riser in the 1st round will be Ty Dellandrea
6. The biggest faller in the 1st round will be Joel Farabee
7. Vitali Kravtsov won't rise as much as most are thinking. He'll go in the early 20's
8. Filip Zadina WON'T drop out of the top 5
9. Bulat Shafigulin, Calen Addison and Jake Wise will be 1st round picks on Friday
10. Grigori Denisenko, Dominik Bokk and Ryan Merkley will fall out of the 1st round



With the 9th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.... The New York Rangers select....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
OLIVER WAHLSTROM!!!!!!!!!

Feel free to ask any questions!!

Love bold predictions!

I think there are too many teams in on Tkachuk to fall out of the top 10. If he's there at 9 and Wahlstrom is off the board I think he's a NYR.

Lots of hype about Kotkaniemi. When Bob speaks like he did in the podcast that's a good indication teams have a lot of interest.

Agree on Dellandrea 100%. One of my favorites in this draft.

I have no idea what to expect with Kravtsov. I wanted him at #26, but there's been a lot of talk on him. When the Rangers say they have a guy they are pretty sure is going to be there still at #9 I actually think it's one of two players. Kravtsov or Farabee

I don't think Farabee falls.

If the pick is Wahlstrom at #9 I'm setting off a 4" titanium salute in my backyard!

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Isn't Bob's list supposed to come out tonight?

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

Isn't Bob's list supposed to come out tonight?

tomorrow afternoon

 

[bl02]

Love bold predictions!

I think there are too many teams in on Tkachuk to fall out of the top 10. If he's there at 9 and Wahlstrom is off the board I think he's a NYR.

Lots of hype about Kotkaniemi. When Bob speaks like he did in the podcast that's a good indication teams have a lot of interest.

Agree on Dellandrea 100%. One of my favorites in this draft.

I have no idea what to expect with Kravtsov. I wanted him at #26, but there's been a lot of talk on him. When the Rangers say they have a guy they are pretty sure is going to be there still at #9 I actually think it's one of two players. Kravtsov or Farabee

I don't think Farabee falls.

If the pick is Wahlstrom at #9 I'm setting off a 4" titanium salute in my backyard!

I agree I just can't see the Rangers passing on Tkachuk at 9 if he's there. Doubt he will be. Was just listening to the top hockey prospects on sirius Radio and they had Tkachuk at 3. They really feel he has the offensive tools and ability to create space for his teammates that are overlooked because some people just think he's a guy that is gonna bowl people over.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

thanks fam.

 

[eco's bones]

Yeah, I'm not saying that this is exactly what is going to happen. I just feel that these things could happen while bringing the shock factor.

Been saying all year long that I think Veleno can crack the top 10 and seeing the "need" for centers, I can see him (and Hayton) being picked up early. Some people question his offensive upside in the NHL, but I think if he can play like he played in Drummondville, he can have a really good top 6 career in the NHL. Otherwise, like @Mac n Gs mentioned before, he'd be similar to Matt Cullen, which isn't a bad thing whatsoever.

With Quinn in as HC, I don't think Tkachuk will fall past NYR, but he should. Think there are better players than him that have top 10 talent. I definitely think he's a 1st rounder, don't get me wrong, but his shot really irks me and has made some bad plays while under pressure. I don't think he's done well enough to be in the same ball park as Hughes, Dobson, etc. I've said it before, but his play right now looks like Scott Hartnell's and I'm not liking that at No. 9.

I'm one of the Farabee fans, but, again, outside the top 10. The reason why I have him falling is because he isn't going to BU until the 19/20 season. Not this coming fall. That raises a bit of concern for me seeing he can't play in the USNTDP program next year. So where will he play next season? Could he sign and just jump right into the AHL? Maybe, but I'm not sure how that'll help/hurt his development. Very risky management for whoever drafts him, IMO.

FWIW Darren Pang asked Quinn about Brady Tkachuk and this is what Quinn said:

'Brady does it all. A lot of people get enamored with his physical play and the edge that he plays with, which they should--but what can get lost in watching Brady Tkachuk is how talented he is, how smart he is--he's got great vision, he's got great hands, he's going to be a goal scorer, he brings a personality to the locker room--I just can't say enough great things about him and someone's going to get a heck of a player'.

 

[Joey Bones]

I'll start with the draft part. Seriously doubt Tkachuk will drop out of the top 10. I don't see him getting past us for one thing. Quinn was asked about him and said he expects he's going to be more the goal scorer. It's a player he's coached and knows pretty well. I also don't see Veleno in the top 10 or McIsaac in the top 15.

On the trade rumors--Karlsson was asking out last year and now this business with Hoffman and his girlfriend. That very well could hurt Hoffman's trade value....and then if you're keeping Karlsson you absolutely have to get a commitment from him because he'll be on the last year of his contract. Ottawa has another major problem to think about. Do you take the 4OA this year or do you give it to Colorado---because the way things look now and with either or both of Karlsson and Hoffman leaving town--they could very easily be a bottom 5 team next maybe the worst team and this year's 4OA could easily turn into next year's Jack Hughes.

So on to Lucic and the 10OA. Like should the Rangers trade Spooner > Lucic, 10OA+ their next two 2nd round draft picks? Because we're talking 5 years and $30 million worth a cap hit. Is a 10th overall worth $30 mil in cap space? I don't know--I really don't think so. If you think Lucic can be a good everyday player for you at least for a couple years I guess that's something but if I were the Rangers I'd be really careful about what I'd give up and what else I was getting back if I were doing that. Though I should say though that I've liked Lucic a lot in the past. I think his skating may have become a real issue though.

As far as Kevin Hayes--OTOneH I think Quinn wants him on his team. OTotherH he is way more valuable IMO than Spooner, Vesey or Namestnikov. So we shall see.

I think Kessell will move and maybe Hagelin too.

Lou Lamoriello is going to go looking for a goalie.

Yeah, the trade scenarios could change. We're not in the organizations so we obviously don't know. I'm just saying that 10th overall would be a bold move to be in play for anybody, not just the Rangers, for Lucic's contract.

As for Ottawa, I can just see Dorion starting to mismanage his players, hence why I think Karlsson stays. His wife, apparently, loves Ottawa so that could push Karlsson to stay another year. Hoffman is in the shit, right now, but teams would think that his value will be much lower on the trade market. I think Dorion could panic and balk at a cheap offer. I mean, it could happen. Look at all those terrible Montreal trades, lolol. Hell, even Sather made some bad trades.

Pittsburgh might be in a cap situation soon, so yeah I think they'll move both. But the bold thing they could do is keep Kessel and try for another cup. They don't really need to dump somebody until next year. Juicy stuff there.

It's not really a big shock with the Islanders grabbing another keeper, though. Greiss and Halak both played underwhelming hockey this year. Grubauer is the obvious candidate there, but they could look at Juuse Saros or Harri Sateri as cheap options if Lou feels one of Greiss and/or Halak can bounce back.

As for the draft, I've been saying all year that Tkachuk is not a top 10 talent. He isn't as safe as most think. Saw him live at multiple games this year and he is seriously lacking at his shot. Also, Quinn played him on the 2nd and 3rd lines trying to gain offense. But he primarily sat in the front of the net. I wish he gave a little more effort. He's a good skater and plays a great physical game, but, ATM, I see him very similar to Scott Hartnell. I don't think that's worth No. 9 overall when potentially a Boqvist, Hughes, Dobson, Wahlstrom or Kotkaniemi is there.

FWIW, Quinn is also one voice in the organization. Gorton could think highly of another prospect and Drury and Gordie could agree with GMJG. Just saying. Although Quinn has coached Brady, it's the organization as a whole that agrees on the pick. We'll see....

I can easily see Veleno (and Hayton for the matter) go early, due to all the center "needs". Think if Veleno can play like he did with Drummodville, he'd be a really solid top 6 prospect. I think a team might be intrigued with McIsaac's upside and safety that they take him over someone as raw as, say, Bode Wilde and K'Andre Miller. Again, we'll see....

 

[Joey Bones]

FWIW Darren Pang asked Quinn about Brady Tkachuk and this is what Quinn said:

'Brady does it all. A lot of people get enamored with his physical play and the edge that he plays with, which they should--but what can get lost in watching Brady Tkachuk is how talented he is, how smart he is--he's got great vision, he's got great hands, he's going to be a goal scorer, he brings a personality to the locker room--I just can't say enough great things about him and someone's going to get a heck of a player'.

Yeah, I know. I watched the interview on NHL Network. I just think it's very one sided. I mean, I'm sure Quinn wasn't gonna bash Brady's game on a televised interview. When I saw BU play, he played Hickey and Greenway like they were Malkin and Letang, lolol.

 

[Joey Bones]

Love bold predictions!

I think there are too many teams in on Tkachuk to fall out of the top 10. If he's there at 9 and Wahlstrom is off the board I think he's a NYR.

Lots of hype about Kotkaniemi. When Bob speaks like he did in the podcast that's a good indication teams have a lot of interest.

Agree on Dellandrea 100%. One of my favorites in this draft.

I have no idea what to expect with Kravtsov. I wanted him at #26, but there's been a lot of talk on him. When the Rangers say they have a guy they are pretty sure is going to be there still at #9 I actually think it's one of two players. Kravtsov or Farabee

I don't think Farabee falls.

If the pick is Wahlstrom at #9 I'm setting off a 4" titanium salute in my backyard!

Appreciate the support!!

Yeah, like I've said before, I'm not saying verbatim that this is what's going to happen. Just things that I could see happening that isn't so mainstream to what most already know.

When it comes to Brady, though, Quinn will obviously praise a player he previously coached. He won't bash his game over a televised interview, you know? But as much as Quinn could praise Brady, he's got to entice Gorton, Gordie, Drury and such to select him at No. 9. That's only one vote, you know? Maybe the organization sees someone as the better prospect at No. 9. Just saying, it happens.

Supposedly one scout last year was really really high on Heponiemi, but NYR didn't select him. He went to Florida in the early 2nd.

 

[eco's bones]

Yeah, the trade scenarios could change. We're not in the organizations so we obviously don't know. I'm just saying that 10th overall would be a bold move to be in play for anybody, not just the Rangers, for Lucic's contract.

As for Ottawa, I can just see Dorion starting to mismanage his players, hence why I think Karlsson stays. His wife, apparently, loves Ottawa so that could push Karlsson to stay another year. Hoffman is in the ****, right now, but teams would think that his value will be much lower on the trade market. I think Dorion could panic and balk at a cheap offer. I mean, it could happen. Look at all those terrible Montreal trades, lolol. Hell, even Sather made some bad trades.

Pittsburgh might be in a cap situation soon, so yeah I think they'll move both. But the bold thing they could do is keep Kessel and try for another cup. They don't really need to dump somebody until next year. Juicy stuff there.

It's not really a big shock with the Islanders grabbing another keeper, though. Greiss and Halak both played underwhelming hockey this year. Grubauer is the obvious candidate there, but they could look at Juuse Saros or Harri Sateri as cheap options if Lou feels one of Greiss and/or Halak can bounce back.

As for the draft, I've been saying all year that Tkachuk is not a top 10 talent. He isn't as safe as most think. Saw him live at multiple games this year and he is seriously lacking at his shot. Also, Quinn played him on the 2nd and 3rd lines trying to gain offense. But he primarily sat in the front of the net. I wish he gave a little more effort. He's a good skater and plays a great physical game, but, ATM, I see him very similar to Scott Hartnell. I don't think that's worth No. 9 overall when potentially a Boqvist, Hughes, Dobson, Wahlstrom or Kotkaniemi is there.

FWIW, Quinn is also one voice in the organization. Gorton could think highly of another prospect and Drury and Gordie could agree with GMJG. Just saying. Although Quinn has coached Brady, it's the organization as a whole that agrees on the pick. We'll see....

I can easily see Veleno (and Hayton for the matter) go early, due to all the center "needs". Think if Veleno can play like he did with Drummodville, he'd be a really solid top 6 prospect. I think a team might be intrigued with McIsaac's upside and safety that they take him over someone as raw as, say, Bode Wilde and K'Andre Miller. Again, we'll see....

If Ottawa dumps Hoffman it will probably be for less than he's worth. If they hang on to an unsigned Karlsson for his final year---they'll be looking at moving him at the deadline or they'll be losing him for nothing. I just can't see them doing that--even if they're in playoff position. Dorion IMO is not the greatest GM and he's in a horrible spot and working for a lunatic of an owner. And if they're not in playoff position--if they tank like last year and they owe their 1st to Colorado.......Anyway I would think Hoffman will be moved for sure. Karlsson probably.....and if that turns into their plan they might as well let the Avalanche take the 4OA this year.

If I'm remembering correcting Melnyk dissed Karlsson hard last year and it was part of the riff--part of why Karlsson said he wanted out and Melnyk is not going away. Could EK be persuaded to stay?---if the team looks like it's going to be bad for a while?--would you? FWIW I've been to Ottawa a few times--I like it too.

Pittsburgh's kind of in the situation we were in after 2014. They're going to be bleeding quality players to stay on the right side of the cap. They've also been draining their prospect pool--depending a lot on shrewd college free agent deals. Crosby, Malkin and Letang getting older. Do they have another Cup in them? Maybe--but two, three years from now they could be in serious trouble. When you win you got to pay to keep your roster together.

The Isles could grab Mark Hunter and the Marlies coach--I'm forgetting his name now. Their first order of business is keeping Tavares--then getting a goalie and putting their defense back in order.

I think the Rangers like Tkachuk and Hughes the most at least after Dahlin and Svechnikov. I wouldn't be shocked to see them try to move up 2 or 3 spots to get one of them. Quinn is one voice--but that BU/Boston thing seems to be pretty strong right now. The comments from a number of quarters that the Rangers need to be tougher to play against. Well........

 

[iamitter]

I'm intrigued by Semyon Der-Arguchintsev with our 5th rounder. Youngest player in the draft and fairly skilled to boot.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

This comes off as a hit piece and it doesn't really highlight the things that he does well but...

DO-NOT-WANT

 

[bl02]

I'm intrigued by Semyon Der-Arguchintsev with our 5th rounder. Youngest player in the draft and fairly skilled to boot.

Boy you're showing Sam no mercy with that name.

 

[eco's bones]

Yeah, I know. I watched the interview on NHL Network. I just think it's very one sided. I mean, I'm sure Quinn wasn't gonna bash Brady's game on a televised interview. When I saw BU play, he played Hickey and Greenway like they were Malkin and Letang, lolol.

No he wasn't. He didn't have to say that much though. He could have just said---'Yeah, he's a really good player and I like him. Some team's going to be lucky to get him.' And the interesting thing to me is his mentioning his hands and that he's going to be a goal scorer. And that seems to be a focal point for those who don't like Tkachuk so much--that's he's not going to be a goal scorer.

 

[iamitter]

Boy you're showing Sam no mercy with that name.

He goes by SDA

 

[mas0764]

Not really even close to an even comparison. Shot generation is the premium skill in today´s hockey. And an accurate sniper is very desirable.

Besides that, Zadina is a great player alongside the boards. More aware defensively and a better two-way player than Tkachuk, who is OK as well.

Physicality is meaningful as an indicator but not really something you compare top draft picks for. More of a nice-to-have. Don´t draft for nice-to-have abilities in the top 10, IMHO.

If the Rangers don’t do everything in their power to move up for Zadina if he slides, they are nuts.