Prospect Info: The Second Overall Pick Thread: Part IV (Kakko/Hughes Talk)

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Quoting RB from the Roster Building thread, but I think it's more appropriate here:

Patience.

JD in response to Pidto asking something about if he were still in the booth, how would he deal with talking about Kaapo Kakko (presumably joking about the name):

"Well, I know there's two good ones there. I can tell ya that. That's a heck of a start for me with both Hughes and Kakko. They're both terrific players. We'll see what New Jersey does, and we'll have a big smile on our faces."

If you weren't already reassured that they won't go off the board, you should be now.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Who are the other players he was looking at for the worlds?

Is seider the only other draft eligible?

Yes

 

[Hischier and Hughes]

Any GM who trades away Jack Hughes for that package should be fired on the spot

According to Vancouver fans thats way too much

 

[TheBloodyNine]

According to Vancouver fans thats way too much

Someone tell them it's supposed to be way too much.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

According to Vancouver fans thats way too much

In my experience, if both teams thing it's a bad trade, it's usually a good trade. This is probably the exception but purely because the Rangers shouldn't trade away the first top-3 pick they have in 40+ years

 

[Fugazy]

JD just said they’ll see what the Devils do and smile with whoever’s left

No off board picks

I appreciate him being upfront about it and leaving zero room for speculation.

 

[nyr2k2]

Who are the other players he was looking at for the worlds?

Is seider the only other draft eligible?

Maybe doing some pro scouting.

 

[GeorgeKaplan]

Who are the other players he was looking at for the worlds?

Is seider the only other draft eligible?

I don’t know what other players he was looking at, but he’s a higher up at USA hockey, no?

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I think its a 100% lock we will be selecting either Kakko or Hughes at 2 given the latest conversations with Jd, Gorton, Drury, etc.

After that, I think its about a 80% chance the Devils take Hughes. Maybe more.

Things are becoming clearer.

 

[Ola]

Who are the other players he was looking at for the worlds?

Is seider the only other draft eligible?

There are many UDFAs there, other teams prospects and players.

But most importantly, I think they basically are ‘networking’ with our own guys and GMs of other teams and so forth. A lot of people are over there. Personal connections matter.

 

[Ola]

I think people watching the WCHs benefit a lot from it from the perspective of getting to know NHL players too, they appreciate it more and more. NHL teams are very hiarctic (sp). You get a role and often stay in it. Your linemates don’t differ that much, and especially not in terms of top end guys.

It’s a pretty unique opportunity to get to see players in a different environment. Many games are played with a bit more joy and maybe less pressure, some guys thrives when they are more relaxed.

It’s one thing to be able to find one environment and eventually make it work, but it’s another to be able to adjust and make it work with others. Some might play for a defensive coach in the NHL and is let loose in the WCH, or offensive coach in the NHL and you can see how they handle the WCHs.

I think many in top management ‘want’ to see the WCHs. It’s interesting, you don’t want to miss it. Not in terms of who wins gold/silver/bronze — but following the players/coaches/systems, those type of things.

 

[Trxjw]

Full presser is here if anyone didn't catch it: Full Press Conference Introducing John Davidson as Rangers President - MSGNetworks.com

 

[BenedictGomez]

I think its about a 80% chance the Devils take Hughes. Maybe more.

Definitely more.

Like way, way, way, way, way, more, and then a little bit more after that.

 

[Harbour Dog]

Definitely more.

Like way, way, way, way, way, more, and then a little bit more after that.

Yeah, after their Twitter post a couple days ago about each kid's performance at the World's 'not mattering much' or however they phrased it; that sold me. I'd say it's 95%+ that they're taking Hughes.

 

[GoAwayPanarin]

Yeah, after their Twitter post a couple days ago about each kid's performance at the World's 'not mattering much' or however they phrased it; that sold me. I'd say it's 95%+ that they're taking Hughes.

100%.

Its been that way since they won the lottery. It wouldn't matter if Kakko put up 30 points in the worlds, Shero doesn't have the stones to take anyone but Jack.

 

[darko]

I'd trade pick 2 for Elias Pettersson + 10 overall.

 

[mas0764]

I'd trade pick 2 for Elias Pettersson + 10 overall.

Pass.

I’m not even sure i do it if they throw in next year’s First. But that would get me listening.

 

[darko]

Pass.

I’m not even sure i do it if they throw in next year’s First. But that would get me listening.

EP is really really good.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

EP is really really good.

And so will Kakko.

I pass on that too.

 

[DanielBrassard]

Pettersson, Boeser, a prospect, the 10th, next year’s #1 (unprotected), plus 2nd round picks both this year and next is about what I’d expect.

I don't think we should pass up McDavid at #2 if he's going to be available.

 

[iamitter]

I'd trade pick 2 for Elias Pettersson + 10 overall.

I think that's a very easy yes for me.

 

[JCProdigy]

For argument's sake, the Debs take Kakko. We're on the clock at #2 and Vancouver comes calling for Hughes. What would it take for you to even consider trading the pick?

Replace "Bacon and eggs" with "draft picks and great players".

 

[LeetchisGod]

EP is really really good.

So is Kakko. I also like that he has size. We are building a big and skilled forward group. I believe it will pay dividends in the playoffs down the road.

 

[darko]

I think that's a very easy yes for me.

Yeah EP is a special player. I hope Kakko is as good as him. That #10 you can grab Krebs or Zegras.

 

[darko]

So is Kakko. I also like that he has size. We are building a big and skilled forward group. I believe it will pay dividends in the playoffs down the road.

The thing is that EP is already a PPG player (or thereabouts). Pick #10 on top of it is what makes me say yes to the trade.