Like any draft, we won't know how to evaluate these picks for a few years.
I think we'd largely agree that, based on perceived value, there were some underwhelming choices.
I really like the direction we're heading in, but I have some pretty serious reservations as well.
My win conditions for this draft (for 2022)
1. A top pairing defenseman- if you take a defenseman at #6, #35, #60, #128, and #177, I really do think you need to develop a top pairing guy from this draft class. That is a tooooon of assets to sink into the blue line, especially the top 10 pick and two seconds. To call this draft a success, I think we've got to look back in a few years and say, "Yeah, not everyone panned out. But it was worth it because X is one of our top guys on D." Seider is obviously the most likely candidate there, but a hit on Johansson, Tuomisto, or the depth guys would also work of course.
2. A middle six winger- passing on the forwards available at #6 and #35 puts more pressure on guys like Zadina and Veleno to pan out as top six guys. To supplement this, I'd really like to see one of Mastrosimone, Grewe, or the depth guys carve out a role as a middle six guy. While things are falling into place more clearly on offense than on defense, we still need to continue stocking the cupboards with talented forwards. I don't expect a top line guy out of this forward group, but with five picks I'd like to see a middle six, quality NHLer.
3. Another NHLer- most likely one of the second round defensemen, but any other prospect could qualify here. If for example, Seider proved to be a minute-munching #2 defenseman, Mastrosimone found a role as a supplemetary middle six guy, and Johansson/Tuomisto served as #4 or #5 guy, Grewe found a role as a third line pest, etc. this condition would be met.
On initial reaction, this is what I'd want to see to consider this draft a success. It might seem ambitious, but we had a top 10 pick, three seconds, and plenty of depth picks. To successfully rebuild, you've got to hit on some of those.
Ultimately I remain less thrilled than 2018, and I'm seeing some eerie similarities to 2017, but I remain optimistic that we've added a few quality guys going forward here.
P.S. RIP the Zegras Dream (January 2019-June 2019)
Edit: For the record, I generally do like our work this draft.