NHL Entry Draft: Mock Draft Poll: 22nd Overall Pick

[Ghost of jas]

Alright, so I wanted to give this some time for others to put their picks out there before I chimed in with mine.

So looking at the board, I see pros and cons to each name out there. But I also have to balance that with my belief as to what the Rangers will do.

Right off the bat, I have a hard time seeing the Rangers trading down. That's just not their M.O. and I suspect, like usual, they have their guys they want and don't want to roll the dice on losing out because they added a second round pick.

There's the temptation to go into Germany, and the Rangers have been watching that talent pool for a while. But I don't know if this is the year they take the plunge.

From a pure talent/skill approach, Bourque and Perrault are probably the best two talents remaining on the board at this point. But, in both cases, I don't know if either fits the Rangers profile and reaction to both names was somewhat under-stated. They could still certainly be the picks, but there's obvious reservations there internally.

I will also say that I think the perceived upside compared to other names on the board might be a little over-stated on our board, vs. how scouts and a lot of teams see it. In both cases, because of their limitations, I'm not sure there's a wide support base for the view that either Bourque or Perrault are real top-notch offensive threats. I think there's belief that their shortcomings might limit them to more of a "specialist" kind of role. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's just worth noting if people think the debate is 30 goal/60 point second line forward vs. 15 goal/35 point third line player.

I think teams and scouts have quite a few guys much closer, or even ahead of those names.

Khusnutdinov is a distinct possibility here. While there are concerns about the hands matching the feet, and whether the energy and zip translates into a top six role, or more of a middle role, the Rangers do like him quite a bit.

And that brings us to Ridly Greig. Probably this draft's biggest riser, he's generating interest from teams before and after our draft slot. I think he could sneak into the teens and not even be on the board. There's some belief that you're looking a third line forward. There's also belief you're looking at a top six guy who brings something different to the table. Like Khusnutdinov, there's a lot the Rangers apparently like here.

I'm going to confess that I've been talked into taking Greig here if these offerings are on the table. I think he brings a different element and I've come around on his potential as a top six player who could really take off with type of talent the Rangers are assembling.

While I think Greig and Khunutdinov might be higher than Perrault and Bourque for the Rangers, I want to emphasize that it's really hard to lock down the most likely choice. Picking later makes that a challenge, and frankly, I only have a partial list.

I can tell you that Greig is in the Rangers top 20, but I don't know exactly where. I also only know about 75% of the team's top 20. So I don't know if the rest of the list is made up of the usual suspects or mystery candidates. I also don't know the exact placement. Even a guy they are lukewarm on could win out if they feel the talent is too hard to pass on.

I say that because we could arrive at this scenario during the draft, and Greig is ranked 18th by the Rangers. But for all I know, Wallinder is 17th.

But at the end of the day, I think Greig has the skill, upside and uniqueness to appeal to the Rangers, and he fits their profile. If I had to put money on pick, I'd make the modest wager Greig is the guy in this scenario.

So, what you’re saying is Greig is getting taken by Montreal?

 

[Edge]

So, what you’re saying is Greig is getting taken by Montreal?

I'd keep an eye on Montreal and Calgary for sure.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Give me a line with Mavrik Bouque and Hunter Skinner!

 

[cmdevisser]

It comes down to Khustnutdinov or Mysak for me.

I think Mysak has some of the highest offensive upside outside of the top-10, and I really cant figure out why people aren't higher on him. That said, I think Khustnutdinov has pretty solid offensive upside and he projects to be exactly the kind of Center that a wing heavy offense would need going forward. Calm and cool transporting the puck, super active in all three zones, great at transitions and breakouts -- I really like this player for the Rangers.

My only question is his finishing. It's not a huge weakness, but I doubt it will ever be an overwhelming strength. Fortunately, playing with guys like Panarin, Kravstov, Laf, etc. should help him here as his high hockey IQ would ensure he was in position to receive good passes in dangerous areas where his lack of an elite shot shouldn't be an issue.

So, it's kind of a team fit that I'm looking for.

 

[Edge]

My preference order would be:

Grieg
Bourque
Perrault
Khusnutdinov
Reichel
Brisson
Mysak

 

[Krams]

Voted Brisson but it'll probably be Greig.

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

As they said on Seinfeld, "Next!"

 

[JimmyG89]

After taking Lafreniere, I think the Rangers would be looking for a center in this spot. There are a few candidates, but I think they dip back to the Czech league and go with Mysak with this pick. Feels a little bit like the Chytil pick. His numbers in the Czech league were great for a draft eligible player, and on top of that, went to the OHL and did very well.

He's also someone with a later birth date, so he's on the younger side of draft eligible players.

 

[eco's bones]

Alright, so I wanted to give this some time for others to put their picks out there before I chimed in with mine.

So looking at the board, I see pros and cons to each name out there. But I also have to balance that with my belief as to what the Rangers will do.

Right off the bat, I have a hard time seeing the Rangers trading down. That's just not their M.O. and I suspect, like usual, they have their guys they want and don't want to roll the dice on losing out because they added a second round pick.

There's the temptation to go into Germany, and the Rangers have been watching that talent pool for a while. But I don't know if this is the year they take the plunge.

From a pure talent/skill approach, Bourque and Perrault are probably the best two talents remaining on the board at this point. But, in both cases, I don't know if either fits the Rangers profile and reaction to both names was somewhat under-stated. They could still certainly be the picks, but there's obvious reservations there internally.

I will also say that I think the perceived upside compared to other names on the board might be a little over-stated on our board, vs. how scouts and a lot of teams see it. In both cases, because of their limitations, I'm not sure there's a wide support base for the view that either Bourque or Perrault are real top-notch offensive threats. I think there's belief that their shortcomings might limit them to more of a "specialist" kind of role. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's just worth noting if people think the debate is 30 goal/60 point second line forward vs. 15 goal/35 point third line player.

I think teams and scouts have quite a few guys much closer, or even ahead of those names.

Khusnutdinov is a distinct possibility here. While there are concerns about the hands matching the feet, and whether the energy and zip translates into a top six role, or more of a middle role, the Rangers do like him quite a bit.

And that brings us to Ridly Greig. Probably this draft's biggest riser, he's generating interest from teams before and after our draft slot. I think he could sneak into the teens and not even be on the board. There's some belief that you're looking a third line forward. There's also belief you're looking at a top six guy who brings something different to the table. Like Khusnutdinov, there's a lot the Rangers apparently like here.

I'm going to confess that I've been talked into taking Greig here if these offerings are on the table. I think he brings a different element and I've come around on his potential as a top six player who could really take off with type of talent the Rangers are assembling.

While I think Greig and Khunutdinov might be higher than Perrault and Bourque for the Rangers, I want to emphasize that it's really hard to lock down the most likely choice. Picking later makes that a challenge, and frankly, I only have a partial list.

I can tell you that Greig is in the Rangers top 20, but I don't know exactly where. I also only know about 75% of the team's top 20. So I don't know if the rest of the list is made up of the usual suspects or mystery candidates. I also don't know the exact placement. Even a guy they are lukewarm on could win out if they feel the talent is too hard to pass on.

I say that because we could arrive at this scenario during the draft, and Greig is ranked 18th by the Rangers. But for all I know, Wallinder is 17th.

But at the end of the day, I think Greig has the skill, upside and uniqueness to appeal to the Rangers, and he fits their profile. If I had to put money on pick, I'd make the modest wager Greig is the guy in this scenario.

The thing with Greig to me is we're either getting a Konecny type if he hits his ceiling or a Cizikas type most likely otherwise. I think we need more asshole personalities and he seems to have that. When the Rangers talk about being harder to play against I think he fits that pretty well.

 

[mas0764]

I’m cool with it if it’s Khusnutdinov.

I don’t know as much about Grieg. Is he really an NHL center?

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Alright, so I wanted to give this some time for others to put their picks out there before I chimed in with mine.

So looking at the board, I see pros and cons to each name out there. But I also have to balance that with my belief as to what the Rangers will do.

Right off the bat, I have a hard time seeing the Rangers trading down. That's just not their M.O. and I suspect, like usual, they have their guys they want and don't want to roll the dice on losing out because they added a second round pick.

There's the temptation to go into Germany, and the Rangers have been watching that talent pool for a while. But I don't know if this is the year they take the plunge.

From a pure talent/skill approach, Bourque and Perrault are probably the best two talents remaining on the board at this point. But, in both cases, I don't know if either fits the Rangers profile and reaction to both names was somewhat under-stated. They could still certainly be the picks, but there's obvious reservations there internally.

I will also say that I think the perceived upside compared to other names on the board might be a little over-stated on our board, vs. how scouts and a lot of teams see it. In both cases, because of their limitations, I'm not sure there's a wide support base for the view that either Bourque or Perrault are real top-notch offensive threats. I think there's belief that their shortcomings might limit them to more of a "specialist" kind of role. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's just worth noting if people think the debate is 30 goal/60 point second line forward vs. 15 goal/35 point third line player.

I think teams and scouts have quite a few guys much closer, or even ahead of those names.

Khusnutdinov is a distinct possibility here. While there are concerns about the hands matching the feet, and whether the energy and zip translates into a top six role, or more of a middle role, the Rangers do like him quite a bit.

And that brings us to Ridly Greig. Probably this draft's biggest riser, he's generating interest from teams before and after our draft slot. I think he could sneak into the teens and not even be on the board. There's some belief that you're looking a third line forward. There's also belief you're looking at a top six guy who brings something different to the table. Like Khusnutdinov, there's a lot the Rangers apparently like here.

I'm going to confess that I've been talked into taking Greig here if these offerings are on the table. I think he brings a different element and I've come around on his potential as a top six player who could really take off with type of talent the Rangers are assembling.

While I think Greig and Khunutdinov might be higher than Perrault and Bourque for the Rangers, I want to emphasize that it's really hard to lock down the most likely choice. Picking later makes that a challenge, and frankly, I only have a partial list.

I can tell you that Greig is in the Rangers top 20, but I don't know exactly where. I also only know about 75% of the team's top 20. So I don't know if the rest of the list is made up of the usual suspects or mystery candidates. I also don't know the exact placement. Even a guy they are lukewarm on could win out if they feel the talent is too hard to pass on.

I say that because we could arrive at this scenario during the draft, and Greig is ranked 18th by the Rangers. But for all I know, Wallinder is 17th.

But at the end of the day, I think Greig has the skill, upside and uniqueness to appeal to the Rangers, and he fits their profile. If I had to put money on pick, I'd make the modest wager Greig is the guy in this scenario.

VALIDATED!

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Can we do a new poll with 2 options:

1. Mavrik Bourque
2. Trade down

 

[Edge]

I’m cool with it if it’s Khusnutdinov.

I don’t know as much about Grieg. Is he really an NHL center?

Probably more likely to be a wing. But I think Perrault and Bourque are in the same boat, and quite possibly Khusnutdinov.

 

[Edge]

The thing with Greig to me is we're either getting a Konecny type if he hits his ceiling or a Cizikas type most likely otherwise. I think we need more asshole personalities and he seems to have that. When the Rangers talk about being harder to play against I think he fits that pretty well.

I'm actually surprised this board likes Bourque as much as it does. In many ways he seems like the type of player that people would be bitching about on a regular basis at the NHL level.

 

[Ratelleitlikeitis]

I'm actually surprised this board likes Bourque as much as it does. In many ways he seems like the type of player that people would be bitching about on a regular basis at the NHL level.

I was seeing him in Philly as Giroux is getting on.

 

[Lion Hound]

Marat Khusnutdinov


This is my guy this year. I think he is the player that will make everyone say...Why the hell did we pass up on this kid?

 

[Edge]

Marat Khusnutdinov


This is my guy this year. I think he is the player that will make everyone say...Why the hell did we pass up on this kid?

The more I talked to people about Greig, the more I started to wonder about him going to the Flyers, playing for them in two years, and this board starting to have those second thoughts if the silky finesse moves don't work against grown men in the best league in the world.

I worry that we might underestimate the skill because it doesn't resemble highlight reel clips, only to realize it works when we see the D+1 and D+2 progress.

 

[Oscar Lindberg]

The more I talked to people about Greig, the more I started to wonder about him going to the Flyers, playing for them in two years, and this board starting to have those second thoughts if the silky finesse moves don't work against grown men in the best league in the world.

I worry that we might underestimate the skill because it doesn't resemble highlight reel clips, only to realize it works.

So like Joel Farabee is what you’re saying haha

 

[Edge]

So like Joel Farabee is what you’re saying haha

Joel Farabee, or Trevor Zegras, or some of the other names of people prospects who supposedly didn't have the same tools to work with as some of their contemporaries, or were too small, or weren't strong enough, or weren't as dangerous as the other guy who has the potential to be the goal scorer we've dreamed off and thus worth a big swing.

To some extent, while we accuse the Rangers of having a pattern, the truth is that we have one as well.

We want take the skill and finesse guys, but then covet the grit/skill combinations and want one of our own. But then we hesitate to draft them because they don't look as pretty when their teenagers. But then we can't afford them when they're adults, and/or we create trade propsals where we trade the finesse for grit. And in truth the guys we usually want to trade for something different are the guys who fit the Bourque/Perrault mold.

 

[True Blue]

Grieg is the choice for multiple reasons. If gone, then hoping for Amirov. No way Holloway is still there. Failing on all three, Mysak.

 

[eco's bones]

Probably more likely to be a wing. But I think Perrault and Bourque are in the same boat, and quite possibly Khusnutdinov.

People get hung up too much on the center position. There are always lots of centers drafted every year and half to two thirds of them if they make it in the NHL make it as a wing or a part time wing. Wing just doesn't have the same level of responsibility and for a younger player it's easier to break in that way.

 

[JCProdigy]

The thing with Greig to me is we're either getting a Konecny type if he hits his ceiling or a Cizikas type most likely otherwise. I think we need more asshole personalities and he seems to have that. When the Rangers talk about being harder to play against I think he fits that pretty well.

Totally agree. I want Panarin to look around in a few years and say:

 

[Edge]

People get hung up too much on the center position. There are always lots of centers drafted every year and half to two thirds of them if they make it in the NHL make it as a wing or a part time wing. Wing just doesn't have the same level of responsibility and for a younger player it's easier to break in that way.

So here's the deal. If you draft Bourque, you gotta draft him with the idea that playing RW is a distinct possibility.

Right now the defense, the consistency, and the faceoffs will need work to stick at center. To the latter point, he was at 50 percent last year, and the upper 40s the season before. So, in combination, that usually doesn't make for an NHL center projection.

So if the deciding factor is position, we might be in for a little bit of a change down the line.

 

[nyr2k2]

People get hung up too much on the center position. There are always lots of centers drafted every year and half to two thirds of them if they make it in the NHL make it as a wing or a part time wing. Wing just doesn't have the same level of responsibility and for a younger player it's easier to break in that way.

This is why I prefer Brisson to Bouque. I have doubts that Bourque stays at C. I have no doubt that Brisson stays at C. I mean there are other reasons I like Brisson better, but that's part of it.

 

[aufheben]

The thing I like about Khusnutdinov is he apparently has the skill set of a utility #3/4C. Players like that are super-valuable to contending teams. I don’t see the need to draft a boom-or-bust kid here.

Plus he just has such a killer hockey name.