NHL 19 Franchise Mode Thread

[Tak7]

Hey, guys, I need a hand if possible. I lucked out and landed 3rd Overall in the entry draft with my expansion team. Currently, there is a TWF Elite LW Forward in the mould of Markus Naslund ranked at #3. I would like to move to try and move up to #2 Overall for an Elite Centre. I am confused though based on their stat line. For the Centre, it says his skillsets are A for shooting and a bunch of other letters. The 3rd overall winger though has A's across the board. Are the Centre's low grades mean he's the worse player? Please let me know. I plan on doing the draft tomorrow afternoon PST.

Here are pics of the two players.

Kaminsky (2nd OA Center)
Granlund (3rd OA Left Winger)

I would much prefer to take a centre since my new expansion organization has zero centre prospects in its system. I'm confident I can find a good goalie prospect and some D in the later rounds. But if the left winger is going to be the far better player I have to go with him. It is confusing though that the Centre is the consensus #2 overall by Central Scouting and my Scouting Department.

Please let me know if you have any advice or knowledge of this system and which is the better prospect. Or if the grade ratings are a concern at all. I'm looking for an NHL ready player. If that is the winger he may be my best choice since my team stinks lol.

In this situation, I'd be taking Granlund - the letter grades mean that he's the better player RIGHT NOW, and therefore has a much better base for his potential to grow off of.

The other pick has some weaknesses in his game - those weaknesses will get better as he grows and improves, but they may continue to be weaknesses for him relative to the rest of his game.

Just something to keep in mind. The better the grades, the higher the overall the player is when drafted, meaning he's got better fundamental stats for his potential to build on, theoretically making him the better pick.

 

[Hockey Rush]

In this situation, I'd be taking Granlund - the letter grades mean that he's the better player RIGHT NOW, and therefore has a much better base for his potential to grow off of.

The other pick has some weaknesses in his game - those weaknesses will get better as he grows and improves, but they may continue to be weaknesses for him relative to the rest of his game.

Just something to keep in mind. The better the grades, the higher the overall the player is when drafted, meaning he's got better fundamental stats for his potential to build on, theoretically making him the better pick.

Thanks so much for the explanation. Yeah, I am debating if I should move up to 2 to grab Granlund so the team ahead doesn't still him. or should I wait and pick up #4 OA a Chara comp like D man who's 6'3 207 Pounds is:

B Shooting | B- Puck skills | B Sense | A Skating | A Physical | B Defence

I'm really tempted to take the shutdown guy if I can't move up and they nab him. My issue is he is a defensive shutdown D. The only top 10 D in the game that is a shutdown guy is Suter. That doesn't make me super confident lol. What would you consider the safer bet? the C or the Defensive D?

 

[Tak7]

Thanks so much for the explanation. Yeah, I am debating if I should move up to 2 to grab Granlund so the team ahead doesn't still him. or should I wait and pick up #4 OA a Chara comp like D man who's 6'3 207 Pounds is:

B Shooting | B- Puck skills | B Sense | A Skating | A Physical | B Defence

I'm really tempted to take the shutdown guy if I can't move up and they nab him. My issue is he is a defensive shutdown D. The only top 10 D in the game that is a shutdown guy is Suter. That doesn't make me super confident lol. What would you consider the safer bet? the C or the Defensive D?

They both sound like really good picks, to be honest.

My personal preference in franchise mode has always been to avoid DFD's that high in the draft - they normally develop to have AWESOME defensive categories, but it always seem like they really tend to lack somewhere else; either puck skills, or physicality, etc., there always seems to be a category, somewhere, that they lack, which is why I always draft TWDs instead.

For "safer bet" in your case, it's Granlund - no massive weaknesses, solid foundation, very high potential. He will be a very good player for you. DFDs, I just find the way they develop in the NHL franchise to be very unusual and hard to predict.

 

[Hockey Rush]

They both sound like really good picks, to be honest.

My personal preference in franchise mode has always been to avoid DFD's that high in the draft - they normally develop to have AWESOME defensive categories, but it always seem like they really tend to lack somewhere else; either puck skills, or physicality, etc., there always seems to be a category, somewhere, that they lack, which is why I always draft TWDs instead.

For "safer bet" in your case, it's Granlund - no massive weaknesses, solid foundation, very high potential. He will be a very good player for you. DFDs, I just find the way they develop in the NHL franchise to be very unusual and hard to predict.

Would you consider a Top 4 D man fair value around 22nd in the draft?

I am preparing for my draft - I like to write out who I am considering at each spot. Typically have a list of 3 for each spot. Plus a few extras' i am interesting in moving up for if the value is right. There is a solid looking Top 4 D I got 3 bars on ranked 22nd. Seems like a decent value if I can get a pick there.

Yeah DFD's I've heard in 18 weren't the greatest. This kid has solid offensive stats but there is the worry he can top out. Last DFD taken in real life that high is probably Gudbranson unless u consider Seth Jones a DFD. He was as stud defensively .

 

[ThorNton Apologist]

The custom rosters for expansion are a huge step in the right direction but the expansion mode still falls short.

First off we are forced to start at the 2018 draft with a group of all computer generated players. Why can’t we skip the draft altogether instead of having TWO 2018 draft classes.

Second, all players have 1 year burned off their contracts because your starting before the re-sign players. We do the 2019 FA class in 2018 before we play a game. Just not realistic at all

 

[Hockey Rush]

Would you consider a Top 4 D man fair value around 22nd in the draft?

I am preparing for my draft - I like to write out who I am considering at each spot. Typically have a list of 3 for each spot. Plus a few extras' i am interesting in moving up for if the value is right. There is a solid looking Top 4 D I got 3 bars on ranked 22nd. Seems like a decent value if I can get a pick there.

Yeah DFD's I've heard in 18 weren't the greatest. This kid has solid offensive stats but there is the worry he can top out. Last DFD taken in real life that high is probably Gudbranson unless u consider Seth Jones a DFD. He was as stud defensively .

The game has a 1 Bar Franchise D at 18 but that is so inaccurate lol. I don't think that is worth trading up for.

 

[Echo Roku]

I mean, top 4 low or top 4 medium makes a big difference. Late first rounders tend to be much bigger gambles, anyways.

 

[Hockey Rush]

I mean, top 4 low or top 4 medium makes a big difference. Late first rounders tend to be much bigger gambles, anyways.

Yeah, he was a 3 bar Med Top 4. Hardly a for sure thing. Apparently, the D I was looking at is only 3 bars in his "role". Which makes it interesting if he becomes a 2-way defender.

I think I will take Granlund if he is there then trade back a spot if they take him. Then I can take whoever is left the C or the D. If I can get a decent pick or prospect back.

Appreciate you guys helping me understand this stuff.

 

[Tak7]

Would you consider a Top 4 D man fair value around 22nd in the draft?

I am preparing for my draft - I like to write out who I am considering at each spot. Typically have a list of 3 for each spot. Plus a few extras' i am interesting in moving up for if the value is right. There is a solid looking Top 4 D I got 3 bars on ranked 22nd. Seems like a decent value if I can get a pick there.

Yeah DFD's I've heard in 18 weren't the greatest. This kid has solid offensive stats but there is the worry he can top out. Last DFD taken in real life that high is probably Gudbranson unless u consider Seth Jones a DFD. He was as stud defensively .

Absolutely ! In most drafts, the first 3-5 picks are ELITE, and then transition into TOP 6 F / TOP 4 D potential, so nabbing a top 4D in the first round is always a solid pick. Not saying you can't find better (there's always an ELITE or two that floats around each draft outside the first 3-5 picks, as a gem), but your 1st rounders should always be guaranteed NHL players type of picks, whereas some of those later Elites can be project players.

Small tip, from someone who used to love writing stuff down the way you do - the DRAFT BOARD, lets you do almost all of this in-game now, and is one of the best new features in Franchise Mode. From the Draft Board you can find out which picks you have in the coming draft (ie. your 1st rounder = 22nd overall, your 2nd rounders = 36th and 48th overall).

Knowing those numbers, you can go to DRAFT CLASS, go down to your numbered pick, and find a few picks that you like. Instead of writing them down, you can PIN THEM, so that when you eventually get to the draft and your pick comes up, the game will show you which handful of players you are considering for each pick if you sort by your pins.

Good luck man! Don't hesitate to ask anymore questions if you have

 

[Victorious Secret]

I wish they would tweak the scouting so you could mass select players and then select report type instead of having to do it on each player. It's incredibly mind-numbing. Also, the indicator for how confident the scout is just doesn't differentiate it enough. It's the same symbol except brighter. It should be more readily identifiable of a level. Add a colour. Do something.

 

[Echo Roku]

I wish they would tweak the scouting so you could mass select players and then select report type instead of having to do it on each player. It's incredibly mind-numbing. Also, the indicator for how confident the scout is just doesn't differentiate it enough. It's the same symbol except brighter. It should be more readily identifiable of a level. Add a colour. Do something.

The bars. 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Those correlate with each level.

 

[Hockey Rush]

Does anyone know what a Theo Fleury like Center plays like? Theo was tiny this guy in my draft is 6'1 188 pounds lol.

Is it uncommon to see a top 3 draft eligible centre take a year or two?

 

[ThorNton Apologist]

Does anyone know what a Theo Fleury like Center plays like? Theo was tiny this guy in my draft is 6'1 188 pounds lol.

Is it uncommon to see a top 3 draft eligible centre take a year or two?

Usually the top 5 are ready to start in the NHL. I’ve put a 3rd overall in the AHL for a year since he came from SHL.

The player comparisons seem a little iffy. I see lots of Theo Fluery and Joe Thornton comparables

 

[MarkusKetterer]

So is this thread basically the new Be A GM?

 

[Hockey Rush]

So is this thread basically the new Be A GM?

be a GM 3.0? It's been franchise mode for the last few seasons. The scouting has really put a nice touch on the drafting. It used to be frustrating seeing "a top 5 and top 10" then 20 guys listed 1st round Lol.

 

[MarkusKetterer]

be a GM 3.0? It's been franchise mode for the last few seasons. The scouting has really put a nice touch on the drafting. It used to be frustrating seeing "a top 5 and top 10" then 20 guys listed 1st round Lol.

Well I only have a PS3 so I am stuck doing Legacy. PS4 and a new NHL game is definitely not in my financial cards.

 

[Hockey Rush]

Well I only have a PS3 so I am stuck doing Legacy. PS4 and a new NHL game is definitely not in my financial cards.

Fair enough. It isn't cheap that is for sure.

 

[Hockey Rush]

Does anyone know what an elite forward with straight A's across their attributes starts as? 79? 82? 84?

I've heard some players can start with a rather high rating.

 

[Shesty31]

Does anyone know what an elite forward with straight A's across their attributes starts as? 79? 82? 84?

I've heard some players can start with a rather high rating.

I drafted a low elite with all A+ to A- grades in the late first, he ended up starting out as a 78.

For perspective in the same draft I drafted a medium elite guy with my 6th overall pick who was only a 62 overall.

 

[tmlfan98]

I've already come across a franchise SNP winger (1st overall to OTT) and 3 franchise goalies 5 sim years in. 2 of the goalies were late 1sts and the other one was an early 7th. I have 2 of the franchise goalies lol.

 

[Victorious Secret]

I'm 8 years in and have yet to see a franchise goalie.

 

[kinger8998]

computers hard drive lost a whole offseason post.... am restarting my rangers GM today and will have a post tonight

 

[Gardner McKay]

I'm 8 years in and have yet to see a franchise goalie.

Really? I have seen one almost every other draft (I am about 8 seasons in). I have drafted two of them with late round picks.

 

[Hockey Rush]

Hey, guys, I need a hand if possible. I lucked out and landed 3rd Overall in the entry draft with my expansion team. Currently, there is a TWF Elite LW Forward in the mould of Markus Naslund ranked at #3. I would like to move to try and move up to #2 Overall for an Elite Centre. I am confused though based on their stat line. For the Centre, it says his skillsets are A for shooting and a bunch of other letters. The 3rd overall winger though has A's across the board. Are the Centre's low grades mean he's the worse player? Please let me know. I plan on doing the draft tomorrow afternoon PST.

Here are pics of the two players.

Kaminsky (2nd OA Center)
Granlund (3rd OA Left Winger)

I would much prefer to take a centre since my new expansion organization has zero centre prospects in its system. I'm confident I can find a good goalie prospect and some D in the later rounds. But if the left winger is going to be the far better player I have to go with him. It is confusing though that the Centre is the consensus #2 overall by Central Scouting and my Scouting Department.

Please let me know if you have any advice or knowledge of this system and which is the better prospect. Or if the grade ratings are a concern at all. I'm looking for an NHL ready player. If that is the winger he may be my best choice since my team stinks lol.

So here is the update!

I started the Draft last night. I attempted to move up to #2 Overall to secure the winger Granlund because his attributes were A"s across the board. I was unsuccessful in trading up so I waited it out and prayed. Good news for me though! Granlund slid to #3 overall and I was able to nab him!

Granlund is a 77 OA Winger with 85 skating skills, 82 shooting skills, and is listed as a fourth line winger. I tried playing a few preseason games with him and my new squad but man it is tough to score lol. I managed 4 goals in the first 3 games Granlund had one. In what was going to be his final pre-season game I switched him to Centre for the third period and man he shined. Although he didn't score he was a lot more dynamic given he had more space to move in the middle. He kept getting pushed to the outside on the wing. So we have 2 or 3 more preseason games left and we are going to give him an extended look at centre. His faceoffs are at a very good 77 Overall so it looks encouraging.

I also made a deal with the Montreal Canadiens who were 5th OA in the draft. Sending them Grubauer, Giordano, Hickey, and a 4th for the 5th overall selection! I was hoping that Defensive defenseman would slide to me but unfortunately, Buffalo took him at 4th Overall. I did, however, manage a very promising 17 yr TWD with a really high offensive ceiling and strong 2-way play. I also made a deal with St Louis to move up from 35th overall to 30th overall to nab a forward I was crushing on. In the deal, we sent them Ekholm, JT Miller, and a 4th for Ivan Barbashev and D man Vince Dunn.

The player we got at 30th overall was projected to be a Top 6 forward (3 bars) unfortunately though he did end up turning into a Top 9 Forward. Not a bad situation for sure but not the top 6 guy we had hoped for. We also picked up a goalie we still need to properly assess he is currently a (3 bar) Elite goaltender who is 47 OA. Overall a solid situation.

Round 1:
#3 Marrku Granlund LW/C (TWF) 77 Overall Elite
#5 Martin Bruin RD (TWD) 69 Overall Elite
#30 Kunetchyun LW (SNP) 59 Overall Top 9 F

Round 2:
#58 Braeden Reghier G (HYB) 49 Overall Elite (3 bars)

Round 3:
Manderlane RW (Sniper) 63 Overall Top 9 F

Round 4:
Haliander D (OFD) 54 Overall Top 2 AHL D

Round 5:
Kostitsyn C (PLY) 53 Overall AHL Top 6 F

Round 6:
Trevor Lewis G (HYD) 48 Overall NHL Backup

Overall it was a solid draft. Whether or not the goalie becomes elite or not will largely determine the success of the draft. The Centre I was looking at 2nd in the draft came out as a 74 Overall. Our guy definitely is more ready. So far early in pre-season lines are. (expansion draft remember)

Nyquist - Krejci - Williams
Barbashev - Granlund - B.Ritchie
Jaskins - Fast - Eaves
McGinn - Pyatt - Hayes

Dunn - Stralman
Martinez - Braun
Zboril - Beaulieu

(Zboril is getting a trial on the bottom pair)

Korpisalo
Bernier

Scratches: Lovejoy, Esterle, Connolly

I flipped a 2nd along with Adam Larsson for Krejci and Zboril (Top 4 Prospect). Bruins were reportedly looking to replace him with Tavares and his cap hit is a tad high for his 83 OA. Figured he would be a good stopgap #1 C.

In free agency we landed:

Nyquist for 2 years with an AAV of 7.5 M
Williams for 2 years with an AAV of 4.2 M

Both free agents wanted 2-year deals so I overpaid for both of them. Korpisalo has been phenomenal with a GGA average of 0.96 PG. The only way we have a chance of winning is by shutting down the opposition. This teams offence is pretty terrible lol. Granlund looks solid in the pre-season though. Only 1 G in 5 pre seasons games but he has looked dangerous at times, especially in the middle. Although Dunn is only a 81 overall the kid can skate. He has looked a lot better on the first pairing then Martinez because of his speed.

Thanks to everyone helping me out with the draft and scouting! Very help!

 

[Hockey Rush]

In this situation, I'd be taking Granlund - the letter grades mean that he's the better player RIGHT NOW, and therefore has a much better base for his potential to grow off of.

The other pick has some weaknesses in his game - those weaknesses will get better as he grows and improves, but they may continue to be weaknesses for him relative to the rest of his game.

Just something to keep in mind. The better the grades, the higher the overall the player is when drafted, meaning he's got better fundamental stats for his potential to build on, theoretically making him the better pick.

Good choice. Working out well for me. He is actually dominant in the dot as well. I lucked out he's such a good TWF lol. Have you guys ever changed a guys "role" to attempt to change their overall stat growth? Does it work? Let's say with Granlund here.. He is a 2 way forward. If I switch him to sniper or playmaker will he develop more of those stats? or does he follow his original role more.