Prospect Info: The 2016 Draft Thread [Draft Lottery April 30th]

[HeavyHitter99]

OEL has the youth and offense (including as a PP stud) to be a perfect fit on the Oilers... that's what makes him so desirable.

Sure there might be few better dmen... but they are either older, more expensive or simply not even within the realm of being available.

Not saying OEL is available either, but he ticks a LOT of boxes and would obviously be an excellent addition.

It doesn't matter if he's a top 5 dman or like someone said the 11th best dman, the point is is that he is one of the best dmen in the league. Is there dmen I would take before him? Yah probably around 8 or so but most of them are older than him. His DZ play could use improvement but he isn't Karlsson level bad in his own end.

Everyone was getting excited about Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, etc. well OEL is younger (slightly) and arguably better than both of them. We are getting too picky especially when we are saying things like Davidson is one of our best defensemen.

 

[McJadeddog]

It doesn't matter if he's a top 5 dman or like someone said the 11th best dman, the point is is that he is one of the best dmen in the league. Is there dmen I would take before him? Yah probably around 8 or so but most of them are older than him. His DZ play could use improvement but he isn't Karlsson level bad in his own end.

Everyone was getting excited about Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, etc. well OEL is younger (slightly) and arguably better than both of them. We are getting too picky especially when we are saying things like Davidson is one of our best defensemen.

yeah, you can make an argument for OEL being in the 5-8 range (for overall best Dman in the league) pretty easily i think .... he's not keith or doughty or weber, but he isn't THAT far off either .... i don't think anybody would have him outside the top-12 or so in the league, including his detractors

if we could trade our pick this year + something else that isn't at the level of eberle/RNH, you make that deal 12 times out of 10.... the problem is that i don't think arizona would go for that, even if the pick was #1 and the player was nurse

 

[McJadeddog]

Laine closing the gap between him and Matthews. There's a clear 1-2-3 at this point.

i don't think he's closing the gap on matthews, i think there is still a significant gap between laine and matthews ... but i do agree that there is a clear 1-2-3

 

[McKappa]

I would love to have Laine now. big physical presence that could completely decimate the opposition with mcdavid as a setup man.

I wouldnt be suprised if he ends up better than Matthews. I still think Matthews has a 90 percent chance of being picked 1st but laine could easily end up being better

 

[BarDownBobo]

So with our trades today we now have three 3rds and three 5ths. Now I'm sure a few of these will be traded for players at the draft(Andrew Shaw please) but I'm wondering if anyone here has some players who interest them in that range. Here's a few I'm keeping an eye on:

Sean Day: Day hasn't lived up to expectations after being granted exceptional status in 2013, but there is still a lot to like about him. Huge frame at 6'3" and 230lbs and can skate like the wind. He's a guy who would be worth taking a flyer on in the 3rd if he slides that far, because if he puts it together he could be a force.

Vladimir Kuznetsov: The first overall pick in the CHL Import Draft has had a seemingly smooth transition to North America, putting up 51 points in 57 games to date.

Vitali Abramov: Abramov has had an even better transition to NA than Kuznetsov so far, putting up 87 points in 59 games. His 5'9" 170lb frame will likely scare some teams off, but the raw skill alone would make him a solid gamble in the 3rd.

Do you guys have any favorites for in that range?

 

[40oz]

So with our trades today we now have three 3rds and three 5ths. Now I'm sure a few of these will be traded for players at the draft(Andrew Shaw please) but I'm wondering if anyone here has some players who interest them in that range. Here's a few I'm keeping an eye on:

Sean Day: Day hasn't lived up to expectations after being granted exceptional status in 2013, but there is still a lot to like about him. Huge frame at 6'3" and 230lbs and can skate like the wind. He's a guy who would be worth taking a flyer on in the 3rd if he slides that far, because if he puts it together he could be a force.

Vladimir Kuznetsov: The first overall pick in the CHL Import Draft has had a seemingly smooth transition to North America, putting up 51 points in 57 games to date.

Vitali Abramov: Abramov has had an even better transition to NA than Kuznetsov so far, putting up 87 points in 59 games. His 5'9" 170lb frame will likely scare some teams off, but the raw skill alone would make him a solid gamble in the 3rd.

Do you guys have any favorites for in that range?

I'm really interested to see how Day progresses. Kid has had a an incredibly tough set of circumstances heaped on him in the last year.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/ohl-steelheads-exceptional-player-sean-day-opens-up-about-life-off-the-ice/

 

[Aerchon]

It doesn't matter if he's a top 5 dman or like someone said the 11th best dman, the point is is that he is one of the best dmen in the league. Is there dmen I would take before him? Yah probably around 8 or so but most of them are older than him. His DZ play could use improvement but he isn't Karlsson level bad in his own end.

Everyone was getting excited about Pietrangelo, Shattenkirk, etc. well OEL is younger (slightly) and arguably better than both of them. We are getting too picky especially when we are saying things like Davidson is one of our best defensemen.

He is a very good defenseman. But I dont think he is a good fit for the Oilers.

Ive watched more Ottawa than Pho/Ari but decent amount for both. Karlsson is both better offensively and more notably defensivly. Funny that you used him as an example as someone OEL is better than.

I dont think you will find many outside this board or Ari board that wouldn't strongly disagree with your statement.

While Karlsson is a true offensive defenseman first and foremost his defensive game isnt as deficient as OEL's. Not that the Eastern bias award nominations are a great indicator but there is a reason why Karlsson is always in the conversation and OEL almost never is.

 

[belair]

So with our trades today we now have three 3rds and three 5ths. Now I'm sure a few of these will be traded for players at the draft(Andrew Shaw please) but I'm wondering if anyone here has some players who interest them in that range. Here's a few I'm keeping an eye on:

Sean Day: Day hasn't lived up to expectations after being granted exceptional status in 2013, but there is still a lot to like about him. Huge frame at 6'3" and 230lbs and can skate like the wind. He's a guy who would be worth taking a flyer on in the 3rd if he slides that far, because if he puts it together he could be a force.

Vladimir Kuznetsov: The first overall pick in the CHL Import Draft has had a seemingly smooth transition to North America, putting up 51 points in 57 games to date.

Vitali Abramov: Abramov has had an even better transition to NA than Kuznetsov so far, putting up 87 points in 59 games. His 5'9" 170lb frame will likely scare some teams off, but the raw skill alone would make him a solid gamble in the 3rd.

Do you guys have any favorites for in that range?

I think you'd have to move up to grab Day. Probably the same for guys like Dineen and Morrison as well, who I'd take a flyer on. Later on guys like Katchouk and Gettinger would be decent adds. Also a nice mid-round pick would be Pius Suter.

 

[PKSpecialist]

So with our trades today we now have three 3rds and three 5ths. Now I'm sure a few of these will be traded for players at the draft(Andrew Shaw please) but I'm wondering if anyone here has some players who interest them in that range.

I assume our picks will be in the later part of round 3, so from 76-90 here is a look at my big board:

76. RW - Ty Ronning - Vancouver Giants - 5'9-160 - Diminutive winger is an offense force when he commits to getting dirty.
77. G - Jack LaFontaine - Janesville Jets - 6'2,185 - Athletic goaltender who tracks the puck well.
78. LW - Graham McPhee - US NTDP - 5'11,176 - Winger is solid at both ends and has great compete level.
79. C - Henrik Borgstrom - HIFK U20 - 6'3,170 - Big center has incredible puck skill, but skill and effort don't always match.
80. C - Matt Filipe - C - Cedar Rapids Rough Riders - 6'2,203 - Versatile forward plays a power game with a pro shot.
81. C - Matthew Boucher - Quebec Remparts - 5'9,175 - Small center works hard and plays in all situations.
82. RW - Nicholas Caamano - Flint Firebirds - 6'1,183 - Big winger skates well and seems to get in position to score.
83. LW - Michael O'Leary - Dubuque Fighting Saints - 6'1,161 - Winger with good hockey sense had fantastic showing USHL Top Prospects game.
84. C - Tye Felhaber - Saginaw Spirit - 5'11,194 - Regained confidence after slow start and is showing the ability to dominate at times.
85. C - Mitchell Mattson - Grand Rapids High - 6'4,190 - Big North Dakota commit is a project in the works.
86. C - Otto Somppi - Halifa Mooseheads - 6'1,181 - Hard working playmaker is solid all around but not overly dynamic.
87. G - Evan Cormier - Saginaw Spirit - 6'2,198 - Has struggled with consistency, but the defense in front of him has contributed to that.
88. RW - Janne Kuokkanen - Karpat U20 - 6'1,175 - Playmaking winger was good at Ivan Hlinka and is an opportunistic scorer.
89. G - Filip Gustavsson - Lulea HF J20 - 6'2,185 - Smart goalie stays square to the shooter and stays deep to read the play.
90. C - Garrett Pilon - Kamloops Blazers - 5'10,170 - Smart and competitive forward forechecks hard and keeps the wheels turning.

When taking our needs into account and the players skillsets, my personal opinion would be taking G Jack LaFontaine and RW Nicholas Caamano, but it is early and we don't even know where we will pick yet.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

He is a very good defenseman. But I dont think he is a good fit for the Oilers.

Ive watched more Ottawa than Pho/Ari but decent amount for both. Karlsson is both better offensively and more notably defensivly. Funny that you used him as an example as someone OEL is better than.

I dont think you will find many outside this board or Ari board that wouldn't strongly disagree with your statement.

While Karlsson is a true offensive defenseman first and foremost his defensive game isnt as deficient as OEL's. Not that the Eastern bias award nominations are a great indicator but there is a reason why Karlsson is always in the conversation and OEL almost never is.

Ummm have you seen Karlsson's defensive play? It's crap. He gets nominated because of his offense pure and simple. Watch his game more closely and you will see how awful it is.

If you don't have time to do so then watch him when the Oilers play the Sens. You can count the stupid decisions he makes defensively and how often the OILERS can make him look like a pylon. Pure and simple.

Don't get me wrong I'm a fan of his but his DZ game is garbage.

 

[McAsuno]

Ummm have you seen Karlsson's defensive play? It's crap. He gets nominated because of his offense pure and simple. Watch his game more closely and you will see how awful it is.

If you don't have time to do so then watch him when the Oilers play the Sens. You can count the stupid decisions he makes defensively and how often the OILERS can make him look like a pylon.

Yeah, no doubt. In terms of offense, Karlsson's the best d man for that. But for actually playing D, he's not good at all.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

Yeah, no doubt. In terms of offense, Karlsson's the best d man for that. But for actually playing D, he's not good at all.

One of the only dmen in the league (maybe the only one) that actually gets beat by Taylor Hall's stupid deke move he's been trying since he's stepped in the league that never works every season he makes Karlsson look bad.

 

[Roof Daddy]

I would love to have Laine now. big physical presence that could completely decimate the opposition with mcdavid as a setup man.

I wouldnt be suprised if he ends up better than Matthews. I still think Matthews has a 90 percent chance of being picked 1st but laine could easily end up being better

If we won the lottery and the Leafs were picking 2nd, I wonder if they'd consider the Pens 1st fair value to jump from 2 to 1? The Pens pick would be in the 15-20 range where we could nab the best RHD (McAvoy) in the draft. He's also a Long Island kid, could be a key trade chip in acquiring Hamonic.

 

[PKSpecialist]

If we won the lottery and the Leafs were picking 2nd, I wonder if they'd consider the Pens 1st fair value to jump from 2 to 1? The Pens pick would be in the 15-20 range where we could nab the best RHD (McAvoy) in the draft. He's also a Long Island kid, could be a key trade chip in acquiring Hamonic.

Toronto would likely be happy with one of the Finns, but they, like the Blue Jackets have to be coveting Matthews above all else. Both teams lack the long term elite number one center to turn their teams around. I would think if it comes down to it, those two teams will be in a bit of a bidding war for Matthews, and you could really get a good deal for the pick.

Hypothetically, would you let the Leafs pick 1 and 2, and take Rielly and the Pittsburgh pick? Rielly is a 21 year old dman who is extremely skilled offensively and already has over 200 games in the league.

 

[Aerchon]

Yeah, no doubt. In terms of offense, Karlsson's the best d man for that. But for actually playing D, he's not good at all.

I find it hilarious that you guys are describing OEL to a tee and can't even see it.

I agree Karlsson is defensively suspect at times as well just not as defensively suspect as OEL.

I am not going to claim I've watched every game of either of these guys but I've seen a lot of Karlsson and only a bit less of OEL. There is always the chance I just seen Karlsson more at his best and OEL more at his worst but my findings tend towards the general consensus.

They are two players cut from the same cloth just with Karlsson being significantly better. Something no one should be disagreeing with if they are even remotely trying to be honest.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

I find it hilarious that you guys are describing OEL to a tee and can't even see it.

I agree Karlsson is defensively suspect at times as well just not as defensively suspect as OEL.

I am not going to claim I've watched every game of either of these guys but I've seen a lot of Karlsson and only a bit less of OEL. There is always the chance I just seen Karlsson more at his best and OEL more at his worst but my findings tend towards the general consensus.

They are two players cut from the same cloth just with Karlsson being significantly better. Something no one should be disagreeing with if they are even remotely trying to be honest.

We aren't describing OEL to a tee btw because he can actually defend and he doesn't look like a ****ing pylon when he plays the Oilers.

Karlsson is better at offense and is anyone disputing that?? No and no.

Is Karlsson terrible defensively? Yes

Stop trying to make it seem like we are debating who is better. Obviously Karlsson is BECAUSE OF HIS OFFENSE. He is a ppg defender after all.

Anyways I'm done derailing this thread. People can discuss trading for OEL or other dmen in the trade thread.

 

[McKappa]

Now that we've got so many later picks we could package them with our 2nd to trade into the first round. We should definitely consider this if a good RHD falls.

 

[Gone]

If we won the lottery and the Leafs were picking 2nd, I wonder if they'd consider the Pens 1st fair value to jump from 2 to 1? The Pens pick would be in the 15-20 range where we could nab the best RHD (McAvoy) in the draft. He's also a Long Island kid, could be a key trade chip in acquiring Hamonic.

Toronto does that all day long. They will need a #1 center and the chance to grab AM for a mid 1st rounder is a no brainer.

 

[Aerchon]

We aren't describing OEL to a tee btw because he can actually defend and he doesn't look like a ****ing pylon when he plays the Oilers.

Karlsson is better at offense and is anyone disputing that?? No and no.

Is Karlsson terrible defensively? Yes

Stop trying to make it seem like we are debating who is better. Obviously Karlsson is BECAUSE OF HIS OFFENSE. He is a ppg defender after all.

Anyways I'm done derailing this thread. People can discuss trading for OEL or other dmen in the trade thread.

I am guessing you only watch Oilers games. Calling Karlsson a pylon is laughable. He is one of the best skaters in the league and gets caught our of position at least slightly less, from what I've seen, than OEL.

To each their own. Agree to disagree.

Maybe I just seen him bad and no one else cares enough to watch Arizona to see what you are seeing.

 

[12345678910]

Toronto would likely be happy with one of the Finns, but they, like the Blue Jackets have to be coveting Matthews above all else. Both teams lack the long term elite number one center to turn their teams around. I would think if it comes down to it, those two teams will be in a bit of a bidding war for Matthews, and you could really get a good deal for the pick.

Hypothetically, would you let the Leafs pick 1 and 2, and take Rielly and the Pittsburgh pick? Rielly is a 21 year old dman who is extremely skilled offensively and already has over 200 games in the league.

I lurk you guys as much as the Leafs board, so as I Leafs fan I'll weigh in. I imagine Shanny would swap the Pens pick to move up. As everyone in the NHL knows Toronto hasn't had a #1 centre since Mats left, so my money is they do that deal.

Reilly is completely untouchable though. That would be a lateral move, potentially backwards move for the Leafs. They'd happily take Laine and focus on Stamkos in FA.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

I am guessing you only watch Oilers games. Calling Karlsson a pylon is laughable. He is one of the best skaters in the league and gets caught our of position at least slightly less, from what I've seen, than OEL.

To each their own. Agree to disagree.

Maybe I just seen him bad and no one else cares enough to watch Arizona to see what you are seeing.

Just fyi if you looked into my post history you would learn that I have a job in hockey and don't only watch oiler games. I've watched both players since they were 16, have continued to watch them and I feel I have a pretty good understanding of their respective games. You don't understand what I mean by pylon. When a player tries to make a skilled move on Karlsson he struggles to stop them. This is a consistent issue with him. Once again the Oilers and many other teams make him look bad in the DZ, less players make OEL look bad in the DZ. I don't think OEL is some defensive specialist but he doesn't make as many mistakes as Karlsson imo. Regardless they both could use improvement and I think we can both agree on that.

Like you said to each their own. We aren't getting anywhere

 

[Philly85*]

I used to think Karlsson was a 4th forward. I understand he hasn't looked good a couple times vs Edmonton, but the man is an absolute stud. Top 3. Sure he isn't a pure shutdown player in terms of his defensive capability. But he has the puck on his stick so much, can control the flow of the game so well and is such a good skater, your team isn't needing to defend all that much when he's on the ice. I used to hate but I'm a Karlsson convert. The guy is a magnificent ****ing player and I couldn't even fathom what it would be like if the Oilers had him.

Love OEL too but he is a different beast, he's a "more capable" Alex Pietrangelo, in terms of offensive production and capability, as well as defending pretty much any kind of player as well as Pietro. It's a rotating deck of chairs with the 3-10 best Dmen in the league.

Karlsson-Doughty-Josi are the top of the top in the league IMO. Fun debating that sort of stuff, great era for amazing Dmen in the league currently.

Sorry, I just realized this was the draft thread lol.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

I used to think Karlsson was a 4th forward. I understand he hasn't looked good a couple times vs Edmonton, but the man is an absolute stud. Top 5, top 3. Sure he isn't a pure shutdown player in terms of his defensive capability. But he has the puck on his stick so much, can control the flow of the game so well and is such a good skater, your team isn't needing to defend all that much when he's on the ice. I used to hate but I'm a Karlsson convert. The guy is a magnificent ****ing player and I couldn't even fathom what it would be like if the Oilers had him.

Love OEL too but he is a different beast, he's a "more capable" Alex Pietrangelo, in terms of offensive production and capability, as well as defending pretty much any kind of player as well as Pietro. It's a rotating deck of chairs with the 3-10 best Dmen in the league.

Karlsson-Doughty-Josi are the top of the top in the league IMO. Fun debating that sort of stuff, great era for amazing Dmen in the league currently.

Sorry, I just realized this was the draft thread lol.

Nobody is debating Karlsson's ability with the puck or to create offense. But this is a solid post overall. Yah this is the draft thread, I apologize for derailing it.

 

[HeavyHitter99]

For this draft I actually really like some the talent that could likely be picked up in one of the last rounds. Guys like David Quenville are obvious but picking up someone like Brinson Pasichnuk in the 6th could be a real steal.

For 3rd rounders Ty Ronning is obvious but Alan Lyszczarczyk, Joey Anderson, Andrew Peeke, Boris Katchouk, Oskar Steen, David Bernhardt, Mikhail Berdin and Stepan Falkovsky aren't on a lot of people's radar I noticed on here. Max Lajoie and Markus Niemelainen could also maybe fall to the third as could Sawchenko.

 

[PKSpecialist]

For this draft I actually really like some the talent that could likely be picked up in one of the last rounds. Guys like David Quenville are obvious but picking up someone like Brinson Pasichnuk in the 6th could be a real steal.

For 3rd rounders Ty Ronning is obvious but Alan Lyszczarczyk, Joey Anderson, Andrew Peeke, Boris Katchouk, Oskar Steen, David Bernhardt, Mikhail Berdin and Stepan Falkovsky aren't on a lot of people's radar I noticed on here. Max Lajoie and Markus Niemelainen could also maybe fall to the third as could Sawchenko.

I find there to be quite a few small defenders this year who look to have the skillset to be impactful in the NHL. Samuel Girard is of course leading the pack, but Quenneville and Nikita Makeyev, Captain of the Russia U18 team are two of my favorites. Makeyev is an absolute warrior on the backend despite his stature.

I am apparently higher on Peeke than you. I have him at 54 right now. Steady, physical defender with a big shot. He has that knack for getting his shot through to the net too. I agree with you on Pasichnuk. Well over a point per game and over 3PIM's per game for Bonnyville. Surprised there hasn't been any traction on him as a higher pick as in terms of pure numbers he is rivaling what Fabbro is doing in the BCHL while playing on a much less offensive team. (Not comparing the two as they play a very different style - numbers only).

I will add another possible steal of a defender for you in Owen Headrick from Lake Superior State. He's an overager for this draft(by about 20 days). He played in the NOJHL last year, and has quickly become one of, if not the best defender on his college team while also being the youngest.

On Mikhail Berdin, I am very high on this young netminder. He is fluid, smooth, and shows good vision and puck tracking. He has a great push from side to side. He is super skinny(6'2, 165). As he gets stronger and more controlled, I think the sky is the limit. He is the second goalie on my board right now at 43.