With the 14th overall selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins select…

[The Old Master]

it's early but where we are at i'm leaning towards a center. they seem to be the hardest to get unless you draft one.

 

[Wattsburgh]

I would give up almost everything to move up to #4 and grab Michkov. He's a franchise changing player, even with the wait that somes with it.

I'm talking 14th + Jake for #4.

I would do that for Fantilli maybe but not just number 4. Besides, Michkov might slide all the way to number 8 if there are passive teams. I’m not giving away more assets than we already have done, for someone who we may be able to get at 14, and a POJ. But I appreciate your sentiments for Michkov. Would love to see him on Malkin’s wing.

 

[Wattsburgh]

it's early but where we are at i'm leaning towards a center. they seem to be the hardest to get unless you draft one.

Nate Danielson comes to mind. I see a Robert Thomas in him.

 

[Randy Butternubs]

Michkov is still a bit slight as his height and weight are the same as mine. Though I think Patrick Kane came into the NHL with the same dimensions.

 

[PensandCaps]

I would do that for Fantilli maybe but not just number 4. Besides, Michkov might slide all the way to number 8 if there are passive teams. I’m not giving away more assets than we already have done, for someone who we may be able to get at 14, and a POJ. But I appreciate your sentiments for Michkov. Would love to see him on Malkin’s wing.

I think Michkov will be a better player, if you want an immediate impact but a lesser player, then Fantilli is the guy.

But He's a lock to go top 3 for that reason, Pro ready. Michkov is pro ready, but will be in Russia for 2-3 years. Kinda like Malkin.

 

[eXile3]

Michkov is the 2nd best player in the draft. It’s really good draft to have a lottery pick.

 

[Kasperi kapanen]

delete

 

[Jacob]

I’m kinda liking a lot of guys available here now that I dig around. Yager looks real good, like a Barzal that shoots. Sandin-Pellikka looks like he has some high upside too.

 

[The Old Master]

I would do that for Fantilli maybe but not just number 4. Besides, Michkov might slide all the way to number 8

there is no way for him to drop past the caps, and i could see them moving up to get him. so, unless we "over" and i do mean "over" pay to get him , it's not going to happen.
edit; i'm all for trying

 

[The Old Master]

I’m kinda liking a lot of guys available here now that I dig around. Yager looks real good, like a Barzal that shoots. Sandin-Pellikka looks like he has some high upside too.

I'm there too but we still need to draft wisely.

 

[Freeptop]

No clue if I’m accurate, I don’t profess to know how NHL organisations scout and draft, but I seem to recall reading an article where teams tend to have around half a dozen players on their board around their projected pick. My concern would be that the Pens seem to think that they were winning the Cup this year and so they really like someone around #32. Probably have very little scouting around where we pick.

So, that's technically accurate, but I think it doesn't mean what you think it does.

Teams build up a ranked list that starts with the player they think is the best in the draft, then often only has around 100 or so players on it. They only have that many because different teams end up having different players on their boards so there's no point in going all the way down to number 225. By the time you get past the second round, most teams have radically different boards (sometimes even before then). Note that this is why you'll see random trading of 7th round picks: the team trading away no longer has any players left on their board available, while the team acquiring the pick still does.

So, each team does rank starting from the top players. But, after you get past the early first round, it isn't a hard-set ranking. It's more of a set of tiers. So when it comes time for your pick, especially in later rounds, you'll have around a half dozen players left on your board that as an organization that you like, and that's where the scouts will argue for taking their player over another one.

This is also the point where they might do things like, "we have no goalies in the system, so this would be a good time to add goaltending..." or "we could use more defensemen" and the like. Basically, if you've got a group of six players that are all roughly equal, you start looking for tie breakers. Incidentally, this is where the GM ends up having the most influence on the later rounds of the draft, because it's the GM who is likely deciding what the tie breakers are going to be (whether it's organizational need/fit, or which scout to listen to...)

Basically, the initial ranking is more to get a rough idea of who you want to think about when your pick comes up, but the final decision is going to be made on the floor.

They aren't building their lists by looking at who CSS ranks around 32nd and then only looking at those players - they start looking at these prospects long before they are going to have a set position that late in the draft, anyway, so it's not like they even _could_ only look at who would be available that late.

 

[Wattsburgh]

there is no way for him to drop past the caps, and i could see them moving up to get him. so, unless we "over" and i do mean "over" pay to get him , it's not going to happen.
edit; i'm all for trying

Good point about the Capitals but that’s who I was referring to when I said 8. Or else I would have said outside the top 10 and rounded up lol. But I didn’t think about them trading up.

When guys like Mercer, Jarvis, and Boldy are going in the teens, teams are less trendy with taking a flyer on someone who’s involved in the politics of the game (unfortunate for him since I have him at number 2 behind Bedard talent wise).

Like I said, I would love seeing him next to Malkin and I’d think he would thrive here on his line.

 

[spfan]

Hard to tell exactly who will be available. Some players will drop.

I usually disagree with who the Pens draft. Pickering was a pretty good pick. Not my 1st choice, but not bad. Other than that, I haven't liked many of their picks in many years. So unfortunately, I'm a little untrusting of their drafting.

I could see Andrew Cristall dropping to 14. I would love to get him. Scouts are a little divisive on him. I and some have him firmly in the top 10. He's #7 for me right now. But some see him closer to the end of the 1st.

Couple of RHD in David Reinbacher and Axel Sandin-Pelikka could maybe be available. But again, these 2 are a little divisive. Reinbacher seems like he's the guy like every year, where 1 player is ranked mid 1st or so and then suddenly people are ranking them top 10. Sandin-Pelikka I think is a little more likely to be available at 14. I like all these 3 players above.

Brayden Yager is possibly going to be available. He's been a bit of a faller in the year. He is a Center, but there's a chance he's better at wing in the NHL. Obviously we need to replace Crosby and Malkin eventually, so Yager is a decent prospect to help fill that in the future. He is kind of boom or bust though.

Dalibor Dvorsky could be available. I think he's definitely going to be an NHL Center. So that is an attractive option to improve our depth there and take over for Crosby, Malkin eventually. The positive about him is that he's a pretty safe pick. I think he's definitely a 3C at worst. The con is that his upside is a little lower than some other options. But 2C is a pretty likely outcome for him. He has been 1 of the bigger fallers in the daft. But again, he's still very likely to be a middle six Center.
Think Jordan Staal kind of here.

Eduard Sale is possible. Similar to Yager in that he's boom or bust. He's 100% a winger though. He's also had his stock fall some. Though the U-18's could improve his stock again.

Matthew Wood, similar to Sale. More boom or bust winger. His skating is his biggest knock. And obviously this team could use more speed though.

Riley Heidt is an underrated player by many. Wouldn't be my top pick of this list, but a very realistic option. Does player Center, but could maybe see him having to play LW in the NHL. top 6 upside, but I think he's a pretty safe option too. Similar-ish to Dvorsky.

Nate Danielson, also similar to Dvorsky. Definitely an NHL Center. Safe middle six Center option.

Those would be my picks. Not necessarily in order.

Of course there is the potential that we win the lottery and move up to 4th or 5th overall.
Then Michkov, Carlsson, Benson are my picks.

 

[spfan]

I’m kinda liking a lot of guys available here now that I dig around. Yager looks real good, like a Barzal that shoots. Sandin-Pellikka looks like he has some high upside too.

Yager would be a solid pick and has good upside. To me, Barzal was a pretty significantly better prospect though.

 

[spfan]

There’s no way Michkov makes it past the top 5. Stop dreaming lol

Jumping to #4 is damn near impossible.

I wouldn't be completely shocked if Michkov dropped past 5. I certainly believe in his upside. And I'm 50/50 on ranking him 2nd or 3rd myself. But GM's are simply scared of certain things. His size is 1 thing. His contract too(it is a stupid reason, but it still impacts). And just the general Russian factor. And even more so with how things are in the real world.

I would be kind of mad if Pens passed on him at 4th or 5th though. But Carlsson, Benson are great options in those spots too.

I would give up almost everything to move up to #4 and grab Michkov. He's a franchise changing player, even with the wait that somes with it.

I'm talking 14th + Jake for #4.

I do agree with Michkov's upside. But I think that would definitely put an end to the Crosby/Malkin winning a cup era.

 

[spfan]

If we could get a top 10 pick in this draft by trading Guentzel, would you do it?

Not for 6-10.

 

[Pancakes]

it's early but where we are at i'm leaning towards a center. they seem to be the hardest to get unless you draft one.

Give me the best player available. No idea what our needs will be by the time this player makes the team.

 

[spfan]

If no one, then Heidt.

Sale probably fits that specific description best of players in their current range. But to me them being over 6'0" isn't very important.

 

[Wattsburgh]

So, that's technically accurate, but I think it doesn't mean what you think it does.

Teams build up a ranked list that starts with the player they think is the best in the draft, then often only has around 100 or so players on it. They only have that many because different teams end up having different players on their boards so there's no point in going all the way down to number 225. By the time you get past the second round, most teams have radically different boards (sometimes even before then). Note that this is why you'll see random trading of 7th round picks: the team trading away no longer has any players left on their board available, while the team acquiring the pick still does.

So, each team does rank starting from the top players. But, after you get past the early first round, it isn't a hard-set ranking. It's more of a set of tiers. So when it comes time for your pick, especially in later rounds, you'll have around a half dozen players left on your board that as an organization that you like, and that's where the scouts will argue for taking their player over another one.

This is also the point where they might do things like, "we have no goalies in the system, so this would be a good time to add goaltending..." or "we could use more defensemen" and the like. Basically, if you've got a group of six players that are all roughly equal, you start looking for tie breakers. Incidentally, this is where the GM ends up having the most influence on the later rounds of the draft, because it's the GM who is likely deciding what the tie breakers are going to be (whether it's organizational need/fit, or which scout to listen to...)

Basically, the initial ranking is more to get a rough idea of who you want to think about when your pick comes up, but the final decision is going to be made on the floor.

They aren't building their lists by looking at who CSS ranks around 32nd and then only looking at those players - they start looking at these prospects long before they are going to have a set position that late in the draft, anyway, so it's not like they even _could_ only look at who would be available that late.

Nice post.

Hard to tell exactly who will be available. Some players will drop.

I usually disagree with who the Pens draft. Pickering was a pretty good pick. Not my 1st choice, but not bad. Other than that, I haven't liked many of their picks in many years. So unfortunately, I'm a little untrusting of their drafting.

I could see Andrew Cristall dropping to 14. I would love to get him. Scouts are a little divisive on him. I and some have him firmly in the top 10. He's #7 for me right now. But some see him closer to the end of the 1st.

Couple of RHD in David Reinbacher and Axel Sandin-Pelikka could maybe be available. But again, these 2 are a little divisive. Reinbacher seems like he's the guy like every year, where 1 player is ranked mid 1st or so and then suddenly people are ranking them top 10. Sandin-Pelikka I think is a little more likely to be available at 14. I like all these 3 players above.

Brayden Yager is possibly going to be available. He's been a bit of a faller in the year. He is a Center, but there's a chance he's better at wing in the NHL. Obviously we need to replace Crosby and Malkin eventually, so Yager is a decent prospect to help fill that in the future. He is kind of boom or bust though.

Dalibor Dvorsky could be available. I think he's definitely going to be an NHL Center. So that is an attractive option to improve our depth there and take over for Crosby, Malkin eventually. The positive about him is that he's a pretty safe pick. I think he's definitely a 3C at worst. The con is that his upside is a little lower than some other options. But 2C is a pretty likely outcome for him. He has been 1 of the bigger fallers in the daft. But again, he's still very likely to be a middle six Center.
Think Jordan Staal kind of here.

Eduard Sale is possible. Similar to Yager in that he's boom or bust. He's 100% a winger though. He's also had his stock fall some. Though the U-18's could improve his stock again.

Matthew Wood, similar to Sale. More boom or bust winger. His skating is his biggest knock. And obviously this team could use more speed though.

Riley Heidt is an underrated player by many. Wouldn't be my top pick of this list, but a very realistic option. Does player Center, but could maybe see him having to play LW in the NHL. top 6 upside, but I think he's a pretty safe option too. Similar-ish to Dvorsky.

Nate Danielson, also similar to Dvorsky. Definitely an NHL Center. Safe middle six Center option.

Those would be my picks. Not necessarily in order.

Of course there is the potential that we win the lottery and move up to 4th or 5th overall.
Then Michkov, Carlsson, Benson are my picks.

Great input.

Sale probably fits that specific description best of players in their current range. But to me them being over 6'0" isn't very important.

Not when Sid is 5’11”.

 

[spfan]

Nice post.


Great input.


Not when Sid is 5’11”.

Thanks.

I don't think it means Crosby necessarily needs a big winger.
6'1" and over is kind of a high bar. I can understand if it's above like 5'8" or so, but 6'0" is more than fine.

And some comparisons in this draft class, Ryan Leonard is a more physical forward than Sale, but Sale is 6'1", while Leonard is 5'11".

 

[The Old Master]

Good point about the Capitals but that’s who I was referring to when I said 8. Or else I would have said outside the top 10 and rounded up lol. But I didn’t think about them trading up.

When guys like Mercer, Jarvis, and Boldy are going in the teens, teams are less trendy with taking a flyer on someone who’s involved in the politics of the game (unfortunate for him since I have him at number 2 behind Bedard talent wise).

Like I said, I would love seeing him next to Malkin and I’d think he would thrive here on his line.

i have him high also, and would love seeing him with geno. it would be a good way to bring back some life in his game. it's just more of a pipe dream than reality.

 

[Wattsburgh]

I mean size doesn’t exactly matter when Crosby is 5’11” himself. But he is Sidney.

DeBrincat is 5’7” and I’d take him over my left wrist.

 

[spfan]

I mean size doesn’t exactly matter when Crosby is 5’11” himself. But he is Sidney.

DeBrincat is 5’7” and I’d take him over my left wrist.

I wasn't sure if you were agreeing or disagreeing.

Yeah, it's nice if the player is 6'2" and skilled. But I'll take the 5'10" very skilled player over the 6'4" meh player.

 

[The Old Master]

Give me the best player available. No idea what our needs will be by the time this player makes the team.

ritchie maybe?

 

[Wattsburgh]

I wasn't sure if you were agreeing or disagreeing.

Yeah, it's nice if the player is 6'2" and skilled. But I'll take the 5'10" very skilled player over the 6'4" meh player.o

Was agreeing. I’ve seen too many Eric Tangradi’s in my lifetime lol.