I’m sure you’re right. I guess I just don’t care until they’re farther along on their path to becoming an NHLer. Historically, the vast majority of prospects picked in that 23-27 range don’t amount to anything special.
I dunno... I just can’t get excited about people I’ve never heard of, who will probably never amount to anything anyway.
I’m sure you’re right. I guess I just don’t care until they’re farther along on their path to becoming an NHLer. Historically, the vast majority of prospects picked in that 23-27 range don’t amount to anything special.
these kids are among the top 30 players for their age group in the world..what have you ever done?
also the leafs are at 26 right now. recent #26 picks
2013 - Theodore (in the NHL)
2014 - Scherbak (in the NHL)
2015 - Juulsen (in the NHL)
2016 - Thompson (in the NHL)
2017 - Oettinger (consider the best goalie prospect of his draft class)
These people are supposed to impress me?
you keep digging yourself a hole....there have been multiple talented guys picked in that range of late.
Theodore/Pastrnak/Boeser were the best of 2013-2015 in that range. Skjei went 28 in 2012, Namestikov 27 in 2011, Kuznetsov 27 in 2010, Palmieri 26 in 2009, Carlson 27 in 2008, Backlund 24 in 2007, Varlamov 23 in 2006.
there has basically been a star picked in that range every year for the last decade. most years have at least 2 other solid NHLers in that range as well
well when you make an ignorant comment like they are unlikely to ever amount to anything and 4 straight #26 make the NHL..it kinda puts you in your place. the leafs would kill for a dman like theodore right about now btw
If we are looking to go C with the 1st rd pick, I wouldn't be opposed to moving up to grab him depending on the price. I currently have him ranked 10th OA. He is a great prospect.Move up, draft Jesperi Kotkaniemi
kotkaniemi or kupari can switch places so i'd pick either. theorically velano could drop as well.
I don't understand why you're in this thread. You stated you don't know who any of these players are and clearly don't want to learn, so what value are you adding?Lol every first round pick makes the NHL. Their team gives them a chance no matter how much they suck. What do they do once in the NHL?
Unimpressive group of yours.
I don't understand why you're in this thread. You stated you don't know who any of these players are and clearly don't want to learn, so what value are you adding?
Thomas won't be a C at the next level. He doesn't generate enough speed through the neutral zone to use the ice up the middle and he's not good/competitive enough in scrums/loose-puck, 1 on 1 battles...primarily because he's held back because of his size. The reason why some smaller centers like Point can stick around as a C as a smaller player is he's incredibly dynamic, quick, and can make use of all that open ice. He also has the skating to cover a ton of ground. Other smaller centers like Crosby just have ridiculous lower body strength. I don't think Thomas is particularly strong at any of those facets to project as a C at the next level, let alone one under Babcock's expectations.
I'm as optimistic as anyone that we have the organization and willpower to develop a C (which is why I'm at least mildly optimistic this team can take Foudy, perhaps with our 2nd, and try to hit a home-run with him as a C) but there has to be some projection involved when you consider, who is going to be a C at the next level, particularly under the pretenses of Babcock.
Between the 5, I go Kupari, but there's no chance he drops to our pick.
I can't see him as an NHL center eitherThomas won't be a C at the next level. He doesn't generate enough speed through the neutral zone to use the ice up the middle and he's not good/competitive enough in scrums/loose-puck, 1 on 1 battles...primarily because he's held back because of his size. The reason why some smaller centers like Point can stick around as a C as a smaller player is he's incredibly dynamic, quick, and can make use of all that open ice. He also has the skating to cover a ton of ground. Other smaller centers like Crosby just have ridiculous lower body strength. I don't think Thomas is particularly strong at any of those facets to project as a C at the next level, let alone one under Babcock's expectations.
I'm as optimistic as anyone that we have the organization and willpower to develop a C (which is why I'm at least mildly optimistic this team can take Foudy, perhaps with our 2nd, and try to hit a home-run with him as a C) but there has to be some projection involved when you consider, who is going to be a C at the next level, particularly under the pretenses of Babcock.
Between the 5, I go Kupari, but there's no chance he drops to our pick.
I'd avoid merkley, at least in the first round. His attitude isn't the best and he takes way to many risks that he doesn't even try to cover for if they go wrong. Now if we move back and he's there and we have another pick... I might consider him. To me though there are too many red flags.I bet most woulda said that about liljegren too.
I put Kupari there ebcause there IS a chance he drops that low. its looking unlikely though as his stock has improved.
honestly though im hoping for Merkley and the leafs being able to turn him into Ryan Ellis 2.0.