Team Board Mock Draft

[KiwiGriff]

Respect to all those who voted for Taujinoti. You know what, I’m not even going to correct my appalling spelling from trying to write it on my phone. You know who I mean.

 

[Fezzy126]

Debated between Wood and Barlow, eventually went with Barlow.

I'm not his biggest fan, but given Bob's midseason list and his recent playoff run, I'm really surprised Yager didn't even get a vote.

 

[HOOats]

Does Barlow have a standout trait? His production doesn't seem backed up by elite shot, speed, or hands from what I've read. Leadership, defensive chops, strong production, and ok size are nice, but our pool is so imbalanced that overriding need should require a clear BPA and this doesn't sound like it. Breaking into our forward group is going to be hell in 2-3 years. If we take a swing on a forward with iffy skating, I'd prefer the shot and size of Wood.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Thanks for the clarification.

It sounds like you all really want to avoid drafting a winger? Sounds like you want a defenseman (not ASP) but if that’s not possible, you want a center (Moore)?

I personally have Danielson(9th), Reinbacher(10th), Barlow(11th) and Honzek(12th) in a tight, four player tier. So for me, I’d be quite happy to get Barlow or Honzek, here. But if you all don’t want wingers, Moore is a sensible target. Moore(14th) is in my next tier of four with Yager(13th), Wood(15th) and Ritchie(16th). So I’d probably go Yager if I wanted a center. Of course, he’s not a sure-shot C. I am confident Ritchie is. So if I was hellbent on positional preference, he’d be my guy.

Positionally, any forward we draft is gonna feel "meh" to me (unless the Russian factor drops Michkov all the way to us lol). We're loaded with young guys up front already, and our prospect pool is stuffed with even more talented young forwards. That's not to say every guy we already have will pan out or no one in this range of the draft will be better; it just isn't filling any current or foreseeable organizational gap. It's a hat on a hat.

 

[Chainshot]

Does Barlow have a standout trait? His production doesn't seem backed up by elite shot, speed, or hands from what I've read. Leadership, defensive chops, strong production, and ok size are nice, but our pool is so imbalanced that overriding need should require a clear BPA and this doesn't sound like it. Breaking into our forward group is going to be hell in 2-3 years. If we take a swing on a forward with iffy skating, I'd prefer the shot and size of Wood.

Mostly shot related - he goes to areas and finishes.

I've firmed up my Simashev vote, I'm not going to shift. I went back to re-read what I wrote about him when I was watching his MHL stuff and came away with a renewed vigor toward him as the pick.

 

[rt]

Does Barlow have a standout trait? His production doesn't seem backed up by elite shot, speed, or hands from what I've read. Leadership, defensive chops, strong production, and ok size are nice, but our pool is so imbalanced that overriding need should require a clear BPA and this doesn't sound like it. Breaking into our forward group is going to be hell in 2-3 years. If we take a swing on a forward with iffy skating, I'd prefer the shot and size of Wood.

He’s above average at all things but seems to be very intelligent on the ice, has a shot that is a difference maker, and has all the hallmarks of being a character contributor.

From what I watched in 21/22 and 22/23 - he’s made a ton of progress in his game. And he was already highly touted.

I think he’s become a plus-skater and a plus-stick handler. It’s extremely hard to protect the puck and go inside, to the net, and get a shot off mid-stride, with a guy on you. And he does it a lot. That’s coming with progress to his feet and his puck handling and his overall strength.

I also believe his shot has improved quite a bit. His catch and release, the way it’s coming off of his stick and how he’s added a mid-stride wrister. He was all about hanging out in and ripping one timers. That and mop up. But he’s really bringing some deceptive shot selections to the table these days. And he’s deadly as the bumper on the PP, too. Handling in a hurry, turning and firing.

There was a lot of Hoffman in there. But there’s a lot more Horvat, now.

And I’m talking offense only. He’s also very good defensively, great compete, and kills penalties well. Not like a Hoffman, at all.

Another factor is that he’s doing it on a minus team with a below league average offense, little depth, and two 5’10 linemates without NHL futures (one undrafted and the other a late round pick). Owen Sound ain’t Winnipeg.

I had Cutter Gauthier 5th or 6th overall in the last draft. Barlow is pretty much a winger version of that. More or less.

Barlow had 59gp and 46g this season. How does he stack up against recent Top 10 picks from the CHL in their draft years?

2022
4th Wright - 63gp 32g
8th Savoie - 65gp 35g

2021 *COVID*

2020
1st Lafreniere - 52gp 35g
2nd Byfield - 45gp 32g
8th Quinn - 62gp 52g
9th Rossi - 56gp 39g
10th Perfetti - 61gp 37g

2019
3rd Dach - 62gp 25g
7th Cozens- 68gp 34g

2018
2nd Svechnikov - 44gp 40g
5th Hayton - 63gp 21g
6th Zadina - 57gp 44g

2017
1st Hischier - 57gp 38g
2nd Patrick - 33gp 20g
6th Glass - 69gp 32g
9th Rasmussen - 50gp 32g
10th Tippett - 60gp 44g

That’s 17 kids in those five classes. Barlow would rank 2nd among them in goals.

On average, those 17 profile as a 5th overall pick (5.47th overall - lol), who had 57gp and 34g.

What does that mean? Well nothing. Because it’s just goal scoring. But among top 10 picks in the NHL draft, he’s one of the most prolific goal scorers in recent history.

I think he definitely does fit the typical profile of a Top 10 pick. Exceeds it really. Given he doesn’t have mobility or size or character or nationality concerns and his goal scoring is so much higher than typical. He grades out on these VERY narrow parameters as more like a Top 5 pick in an average top five (at least recently).

I’ve got him 11th but I think I just convinced myself to move him to 10th and knock Reinbacher down one.

Mostly shot related - he goes to areas and finishes...

Sorry for the novel I wrote. Your blurb is honestly about 80% as effective as mine in less than 1% of the words.

Not sure why I’m posting so much here. Im a Yotes fan. Good luck at the draft guys. I hope you get who you want.

 

[Ace]

I’ve switched to Simashev because this Barlow stuff can not stand

 

[Ace]

A guy Simashev’s size who can skate like he does and already defends like he does…i know we aren’t afraid of drafting Russians on this board so the only reason I can imagine not voting for him is where people see him go in public mocks. Yeah he isn’t the handedness you want. Boohoo. He’s exactly what everyone says they want

 

[Matt Ress]

A guy Simashev’s size who can skate like he does and already defends like he does…i know we aren’t afraid of drafting Russians on this board so the only reason I can imagine not voting for him is where people see him go in public mocks. Yeah he isn’t the handedness you want. Boohoo. He’s exactly what everyone says they want

Personally, the reason I give Barlow a slight edge is because you can generally get that defensive defenseman in mid rounds and public mocks are all over the place anyway. Granted, Simashev would probably be a year or two closer with a bit more offensive ability. He's more polished than your mid round guy. I like Simashev a lot here, don't get me wrong but the slight edge goes to BPA imo.

 

[Fjordy]

Personally, the reason I give Barlow a slight edge is because you can generally get that defensive defenseman in mid rounds and public mocks are all over the place anyway.

With such skating, hands, size, defense and IQ, it is unlikely. Usually there will always be something missing.

 

[HOOats]

With such skating, hands, size, defense and IQ, it is unlikely. Usually there will always be something missing.

Was about to say the same thing. Not sure any 6'4, elite skating, great stick, great reads, KHL-experienced guys go mid-rounds (except Novikov ofc ).

I do think the thought experiment of imagining him as Jack Parker of USNTDP or Draven McMurray of Red Deer, putting up 5-25-30, going stride-for-stride with the top forwards at WJC, would have people thinking a bit differently. Luckily we have Ruslan Pechonkin recreating the Junior Red Army here.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Does Barlow have a standout trait? His production doesn't seem backed up by elite shot, speed, or hands from what I've read. Leadership, defensive chops, strong production, and ok size are nice, but our pool is so imbalanced that overriding need should require a clear BPA and this doesn't sound like it. Breaking into our forward group is going to be hell in 2-3 years. If we take a swing on a forward with iffy skating, I'd prefer the shot and size of Wood.

Or you could just look at good old fashioned stats and pick Perreault

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

He’s above average at all things but seems to be very intelligent on the ice, has a shot that is a difference maker, and has all the hallmarks of being a character contributor.

(SNIP)


Sorry for the novel I wrote. Your blurb is honestly about 80% as effective as mine in less than 1% of the words.

Not sure why I’m posting so much here. Im a Yotes fan. Good luck at the draft guys. I hope you get who you want.

We like your stuff when you post about prospects? I know I've enjoyed reading it. Turning towards your interests, do you think Arizona is going to make all their picks in the 2nd round 24-25? It certainly looks possible given how few contracts they're carrying.

I'm quite keen on seeing how it turns out, no one ever has really pursued a strategy like that; Buffalo could have in 2015 but changed course.

 

[rt]

We like your stuff when you post about prospects? I know I've enjoyed reading it. Turning towards your interests, do you think Arizona is going to make all their picks in the 2nd round 24-25? It certainly looks possible given how few contracts they're carrying.

I'm quite keen on seeing how it turns out, no one ever has really pursued a strategy like that; Buffalo could have in 2015 but changed course.

Thanks! I believe they’ll start consolidating assets (assuming they get ownership/arena sorted out).

I believe the plan WAS to take on somewhat less odious contract dumps and sign somewhat more decent UFAs this summer. To mildly improve and pacify the existing core of young roster players.

But with Keller giving them a 45 day deadline to figure out the future or trade him, and assuming Crouse would be approximately 24 hours behind Keller, I’m not so sure any longer.

So if they purchase the Fiesta property or if Ishbia purchases them, or if there’s at least MOUs or handshakes on any of that, Keller stays and I go back to my first statement. If things continue to stay nebulous off-ice, then perhaps they’ll look to trade Keller and Crouse and will actually use those picks.

Time will tell.

 

[RefsIdeas]

He’s above average at all things but seems to be very intelligent on the ice, has a shot that is a difference maker, and has all the hallmarks of being a character contributor.

From what I watched in 21/22 and 22/23 - he’s made a ton of progress in his game. And he was already highly touted.

I think he’s become a plus-skater and a plus-stick handler. It’s extremely hard to protect the puck and go inside, to the net, and get a shot off mid-stride, with a guy on you. And he does it a lot. That’s coming with progress to his feet and his puck handling and his overall strength.

I also believe his shot has improved quite a bit. His catch and release, the way it’s coming off of his stick and how he’s added a mid-stride wrister. He was all about hanging out in and ripping one timers. That and mop up. But he’s really bringing some deceptive shot selections to the table these days. And he’s deadly as the bumper on the PP, too. Handling in a hurry, turning and firing.

There was a lot of Hoffman in there. But there’s a lot more Horvat, now.

And I’m talking offense only. He’s also very good defensively, great compete, and kills penalties well. Not like a Hoffman, at all.

Another factor is that he’s doing it on a minus team with a below league average offense, little depth, and two 5’10 linemates without NHL futures (one undrafted and the other a late round pick). Owen Sound ain’t Winnipeg.

I had Cutter Gauthier 5th or 6th overall in the last draft. Barlow is pretty much a winger version of that. More or less.

Barlow had 59gp and 46g this season. How does he stack up against recent Top 10 picks from the CHL in their draft years?

2022
4th Wright - 63gp 32g
8th Savoie - 65gp 35g

2021 *COVID*

2020
1st Lafreniere - 52gp 35g
2nd Byfield - 45gp 32g
8th Quinn - 62gp 52g
9th Rossi - 56gp 39g
10th Perfetti - 61gp 37g

2019
3rd Dach - 62gp 25g
7th Cozens- 68gp 34g

2018
2nd Svechnikov - 44gp 40g
5th Hayton - 63gp 21g
6th Zadina - 57gp 44g

2017
1st Hischier - 57gp 38g
2nd Patrick - 33gp 20g
6th Glass - 69gp 32g
9th Rasmussen - 50gp 32g
10th Tippett - 60gp 44g

That’s 17 kids in those five classes. Barlow would rank 2nd among them in goals.

On average, those 17 profile as a 5th overall pick (5.47th overall - lol), who had 57gp and 34g.

What does that mean? Well nothing. Because it’s just goal scoring. But among top 10 picks in the NHL draft, he’s one of the most prolific goal scorers in recent history.

I think he definitely does fit the typical profile of a Top 10 pick. Exceeds it really. Given he doesn’t have mobility or size or character or nationality concerns and his goal scoring is so much higher than typical. He grades out on these VERY narrow parameters as more like a Top 5 pick in an average top five (at least recently).

I’ve got him 11th but I think I just convinced myself to move him to 10th and knock Reinbacher down one.


Sorry for the novel I wrote. Your blurb is honestly about 80% as effective as mine in less than 1% of the words.

Not sure why I’m posting so much here. Im a Yotes fan. Good luck at the draft guys. I hope you get who you want.

Excellent insight! I’ve liked Barlow quite a bit as well. I just don’t see a way he doesn’t become a productive NHLer. I think if it’s firmly BPA at the pick, it’s Barlow. If it’s BPA at a position of need - Simashev makes more sense.

 

[Zman5778]

Sorry for the novel I wrote. Your blurb is honestly about 80% as effective as mine in less than 1% of the words.

Not sure why I’m posting so much here. Im a Yotes fan. Good luck at the draft guys. I hope you get who you want.

With stuff like this, you're welcome to post here anytime!! IMO, it's always nice to read the opinions of other very knowledgeable fans on HF in general (as opposed to just HF Sabres).

 

[Chainshot]

He’s above average at all things but seems to be very intelligent on the ice, has a shot that is a difference maker, and has all the hallmarks of being a character contributor.

From what I watched in 21/22 and 22/23 - he’s made a ton of progress in his game. And he was already highly touted.

I think he’s become a plus-skater and a plus-stick handler. It’s extremely hard to protect the puck and go inside, to the net, and get a shot off mid-stride, with a guy on you. And he does it a lot. That’s coming with progress to his feet and his puck handling and his overall strength.

I also believe his shot has improved quite a bit. His catch and release, the way it’s coming off of his stick and how he’s added a mid-stride wrister. He was all about hanging out in and ripping one timers. That and mop up. But he’s really bringing some deceptive shot selections to the table these days. And he’s deadly as the bumper on the PP, too. Handling in a hurry, turning and firing.

There was a lot of Hoffman in there. But there’s a lot more Horvat, now.

And I’m talking offense only. He’s also very good defensively, great compete, and kills penalties well. Not like a Hoffman, at all.

Another factor is that he’s doing it on a minus team with a below league average offense, little depth, and two 5’10 linemates without NHL futures (one undrafted and the other a late round pick). Owen Sound ain’t Winnipeg.

I had Cutter Gauthier 5th or 6th overall in the last draft. Barlow is pretty much a winger version of that. More or less.

Barlow had 59gp and 46g this season. How does he stack up against recent Top 10 picks from the CHL in their draft years?

2022
4th Wright - 63gp 32g
8th Savoie - 65gp 35g

2021 *COVID*

2020
1st Lafreniere - 52gp 35g
2nd Byfield - 45gp 32g
8th Quinn - 62gp 52g
9th Rossi - 56gp 39g
10th Perfetti - 61gp 37g

2019
3rd Dach - 62gp 25g
7th Cozens- 68gp 34g

2018
2nd Svechnikov - 44gp 40g
5th Hayton - 63gp 21g
6th Zadina - 57gp 44g

2017
1st Hischier - 57gp 38g
2nd Patrick - 33gp 20g
6th Glass - 69gp 32g
9th Rasmussen - 50gp 32g
10th Tippett - 60gp 44g

That’s 17 kids in those five classes. Barlow would rank 2nd among them in goals.

On average, those 17 profile as a 5th overall pick (5.47th overall - lol), who had 57gp and 34g.

What does that mean? Well nothing. Because it’s just goal scoring. But among top 10 picks in the NHL draft, he’s one of the most prolific goal scorers in recent history.

I think he definitely does fit the typical profile of a Top 10 pick. Exceeds it really. Given he doesn’t have mobility or size or character or nationality concerns and his goal scoring is so much higher than typical. He grades out on these VERY narrow parameters as more like a Top 5 pick in an average top five (at least recently).

I’ve got him 11th but I think I just convinced myself to move him to 10th and knock Reinbacher down one.


Sorry for the novel I wrote. Your blurb is honestly about 80% as effective as mine in less than 1% of the words.

Not sure why I’m posting so much here. Im a Yotes fan. Good luck at the draft guys. I hope you get who you want.

Excellent post, rt. I would think that is going to go into their evaluation of him if he is there - I think he's probably more like at 8/9/10 than at 13 but it's possible.

Best of luck with the Coyotes. We've been through some of this too and it's easy to empathize after Buffalo had their bankruptcy and ownership issues in the early 2000's where the league stepped in to help.

 

[spfan]

If ASP is available to Buffalo, then that's a perfect pick for them.
I don't see it being too likely that ASP will be available at that point though.

 

[SundherDome]

Trade back for Musty.

 

[Ehran]

If ASP is available to Buffalo, then that's a perfect pick for them.

Curious as to why people think this is true?

IMO, with Dahlin and Power already in Buffalo the need for a high end puck moving defenseman is a not a priority. And ASP would get little power play time. I think the Sabres need more of a right-handed Samuelson to pair with Power than they do someone like ASP.

Need a right handed D-man? Yes, absolutely. (Edit: Or someone that can effectively play on the right side).

Need it to be a Top 10 pick? No.

 

[tsujimoto74]

If ASP is available to Buffalo, then that's a perfect pick for them.
I don't see it being too likely that ASP will be available at that point though.

Which of Dahlin/Power do you think he's bumping from the top 4 and the PP? I'm sure some team would be delighted to draft him, but that team ain't us.

 

[Fjordy]

If ASP is available to Buffalo, then that's a perfect pick for them.
I don't see it being too likely that ASP will be available at that point though.

No thx

 

[Hasbro]

Dmitri Simashev edges out Taro Tsujimoto.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Jim Bob]

Curious as to why people think this is true?

IMO, with Dahlin and Power already in Buffalo the need for a high end puck moving defenseman is a not a priority. And ASP would get little power play time. I think the Sabres need more of a right-handed Samuelson to pair with Power than they do someone like ASP.

Need a right handed D-man? Yes, absolutely. (Edit: Or someone that can effectively play on the right side).

Need it to be a Top 10 pick? No.

I think it is as simple as ASP being a RHD and no real thought to how he would fit on the roster long term with Dahlin & Power entrenched in the top 4 and on the PP.

It's kind of like the people that think that the Sabres should trade for Erik Karlsson, IMO.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I know handedness isn't a major thing...but at some point Buffalo should have more than two mediocre RHDs. On top of that, they need a quality DEFENDER and it would be nice if that player had some size. You usually don't draft based on current team needs, but the top half of the Sabres D-corps is going to look the same for a long time, so they can confidently project out what they will need on defense for a while.

ASP is none of what they need, aside from being right-handed. Assuming Reinbacher and Leonard are gone, best case is Willander. Two-way guy with a bit of size and range/reach and good skating...almost sounds like a RHD version of Slavin.