Tag Archives: draft

Brennen York, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

1 – Edmonton Oilers

A single day remains before the fate of the Oilers changes forever. It’s been an incredible off season thus far, and Oil Country is buzzing. After the complete dismantling of the MacT regime, Peter Chiarelli has fans talking non stop about what may come from the draft. There’s not a lot of words to describe what Connor McDavid will mean to the Oilers but one thing is certain, he will change the Oilers franchise forever. Though the McDavid pick will be one that is fairly easy, Chiarelli & Co. will have some tough calls when it comes to trades, the 16th pick, and the 33rd pick. 

When it comes to trades, no one is too sure what is going to come down. The Oil need a goalie and I do believe they address that in the next two days, however after hearing that the New York Rangers turned down two second round picks for Cam Talbot, I’d be a like nervous about going after him. Lehner is an option, but he has some question marks around him. Martin Jones name has also been thrown around, but the asking price will be the 33rd pick. 

In the end, Chia will have to ask himself whether or not to worth it when he could throw money at Devan Dubnyk or Antti Niemi. The 16th pick has fans excited, as the last time the Oilers had two first rounders they walked away with RNH and Oscar Klefbom. There’s been trade rumours around this pick for a while as the possibility of making a major deal for a big name defenceman became real after the lottery win. I do believe waiting until the Oilers are finally on the clock before making this pick because the value on that pick will never be higher given the fact that a player like Jeremy Roy or Timo Meier may have slipped. 

If they plan on using the pick, there’s going to be a lot of options on the board. Players like Roy, Meier, maybe even Kyle Connor could slip, but in the likely situation that they’ve all been selected, players like Guryanov, White, and Svechnikov would all be hard to pass on. The talk around using that pick on Ilya Samsonov is blasphemous given the going rate of goalies both on the open market and via trade. He’s a good goalie, but you don’t draft a goalie in the top 20 unless he’s the second coming of Christ. The 33rd pick, however, would be perfectly suited for a goaltender named Samsonov, or even Blackwood. The depth in net is scary, and adding a piece like Samsonov could prove to be a huge pick up. I’m still on the Emil Garipov train when it comes to a solution in net for Edmonton. He’s been putting up stellar numbers overseas, but convincing him to come over for anything less than 4 million may be a challenge. 

It will be the greatest draft in Oilers history, and I personally can’t wait to see what Pete Chiarelli has up his sleeves.

Draft Day Gameplan

– It starts and ends with Connor McDavid.

– Find a goalie. Whether you trade a 5th for rights, or trade for Talbot, don’t leave without a netminder.

– Hit it big with the 16th pick. There will be some good players left, go BPA.

– Find a defenceman. The Oil are shallow on the blue line, so finding a guy capable of playing top pairing minutes is vital.

Oilers Big Board

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Dylan Strome
4. Noah Hanifin
5. Mitchell Marner
6. Ivan Provorov
7. Mikko Rantanen
8. Pavel Zacha
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Denis Guryanov

Who do they take?

Tough call. Could take Connor McDavid OR they could take Connor McDavid. At 16, I like Jeremy Roy.

Darkhorse?

At 16, maybe Debrusk. I doubt it. Will be a player ranked in that range. Noah Juulsen would be interesting.

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2 – Buffalo Sabres

It’s been a rough off season already for GM Tim Murray, however he has consistently come away with some good consolation prizes. First he suffered through the draft lottery in which the first overall pick was ripped from his hands, and we also witnessed something similar when Mike Babcock passed on the Sabres and their vacant coaching spot and moved on to tackle the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, in both of those situations, the Sabres walked away with some pieces that you’d still consider to be very good. Dan Bylsma will prove to be a very wise investment, and though Murray had his eyes (and heart) set on Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel has the ability to be the franchise center the Sabres need. 

This draft is a game changer for the Sabres, and they have a chance to do things even bigger than many expect. I’ve thrown this proposal around in the past, and please note this is purely speculation, but I wonder if Murray would consider shipping off Sam Reinhart in order to attain the third overall selection and grab one of Marner or, the more likely pick, Noah Hanifin. Grabbing a franchise defenceman and a franchise center in the same draft could end up being one of the most brilliant moments in draft day history we’ve seen in a while. 

Aside from the speculation talk, the Sabres have a pretty straightforward draft day ahead of them. Make picks and find a goalie. With the depth in the Sabres organization, it’s possible we see them move one or two pieces or picks in order to grab a goalie like Lehner or Talbot. With picks at 21, 31, and 51, Murray can definitely walk away with some solid prospects. 

At 21, likely a faller, watch for Zboril, Kylington, maybe a guy like Nick Merkley. At 31, if he’s still available, Ilya Samsonov is the guy. At 51, it’s tough to say who’s available, but possibly a player like Travis Dermott or Parker Wotherspoon would be good additions. All in all, it may not be an action packed weekend for the Sabres, but with the promise of Eichel, it will surely be a day to remember.

Draft Day Gameplan

– Stay the course, acquire good, young talent whether it’s through picks or trades.

– Add a young goaltender. I would not pass on Samsonov at 31, but I’d also be very interested in adding a goaltender like Lehner to the mix.

– If there’s a good deal for Grigorenko consider it. Maybe a Grigorenko for Gormley swap?

– Hit it big with 21. I love Jacob Larsson and Oliver Kylington, both of whom are likely available come the 21st pick.

Sabres Big Board

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Dylan Strome
5. Mitchell Marner
6. Ivan Provorov
7. Zach Werenski
8. Pavel Zacha
9. Mikko Rantanen
10. Mathew Barzal

Who do they take?

Jack Eichel.

Darkhorse?

Jack Eichel. No darkhorse, but I do think that grabbing Hanifin at 3 would make a huge difference moving forward.

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

3 – Arizona Coyotes

The game plan for Don Maloney is one that is pretty straight forward: Acquire great young prospects that will be effective in the future. There’s a very good core being built in the desert that includes the likes of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair, and Brendan Perlini, and I have to say, the future looks fairly bright for a team who’s off ice situation is far from it. With the depth of forward prospects, and the fact the Yotes have two first round selections, Maloney may need to start looking at bringing in young NHL players (like Kane in Buffalo) to solidify the core. 

If the Coyotes are going to use the pick, rather than trading down (or to Buffalo for Sam Reinhart), there’s a few good options at 3. It’s extremely unlikely that anyone other than Strome, Hanifin, or Marner will hear their name called that early, with that being said I believe that Dylan Strome is the guy they go with. Strome’s name has been rumoured around the Coyotes organization for a while now, and for a lot of reasons it makes sense. The Coyotes lack size down the middle, as well, they don’t have a prospect who’s really expected to be that number one center who can post 90+ points, and Strome is the guy who may come closest to that. That’s not a knock on Domi or Dvorak, but Strome has the ability to be a number one center and take over a team similar to that of Eric Staal. He may not fall into that elite category like Tavares or Stamkos, but he could end up being a very good player. 

Mitchell Marner is another option in this spot. With ties to Domi and Dvorak, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab the speedy winger even if he brings a game similar to Max Domi. Noah Hanifin brings something the Yotes don’t have. A blue chip defensive prospect. He’s going to be a stud, and if it were me with the pick I’d have no problem grabbing him with the third overall pick. However, I’m not Don Maloney, and I do believe Maloney comes out of the draft with a Strome brother. Further down in the draft, at 30, there will be a lot of good prospects on the board. Keep an eye on Jake Debrusk, Noah Juulsen, and Ilya Samsonov. I know it will be a fun day for Yotes fans, but I’d be cautious as the draft approaches. The Coyotes may not hold the 3rd overall pick come June 26th.

Draft Day Gameplan

– With picks 30 and 32, look at moving into the top 22. It’d be fine to stay, grab two good prospects, but I feel a good player will be there in the top 22/23.

– If you go with Hanifin at 3, look at a Gormley for Grigorenko deal.

– If the choice is to move down, make teams pay a premium. Don’t fall out of the top 10, add one or two A grade prospects.

– Hold on to Mikkel Bodker. I’ve heard rubies around him being dealt, but hang on to him, he’s young, speedy, and proven.

Yotes Big Board (Without McEichel)

1. Dylan Strome
2. Noah Hanifin
3. Mitchell Marner
4. Ivan Provorov
5. Mathew Barzal
6. Mikko Rantanen
7. Pavel Zacha
8. Kyle Connor
9. Travis Konecny
10. Lawson Crouse

Who do they take?

If they pick at 3, they’re likely going with Dylan Strome. Whoever they take there, they will be getting a really good prospect, but Strome fills a need and the argument can be made that he may be the BPA at that point. Strome is justified, Hanifin the smarter pick.

Darkhorse?

In the situation that they trade down, I believe they’d have interest in both Mathew Barzal and Kyle Connor. Both have the potential to be good NHL centers, and I could see them loving Barzal at this point in their rebuild.

Brennen York, NHL, Prospects

4 – Toronto Maple Leafs

No team has more eyes on them heading into the draft than the Toronto Maple Leafs. There are a lot of difficult decisions to be made, and none more intriguing than what will come of the fourth overall pick. Granted, there is a lot of curiosity around which players will be traded, but the only guarantee is that the Leafs will be walking away with a blue chip prospect. There will be elite level skill on the board when the Leafs are on the clock, and Shanahan, Dubas, and Hunter will have an extremely difficult decision to make. McDavid and Eichel will be off the board, Arizona is heavily interested in Dylan Strome and many have him penciled in as the third selection already. That leaves Noah Hanifin, Mitchell Marner, and Ivan Provorov. Some have included Mikko Rantanen and Mathew Barzal into the equation, but I find it highly unlikely given the sure fire prospects that will remain on the board. So circling back to the big three (big four if you include Strome), you have to look at how you’re going to build this Maple Leafs squad. If you take Mitchell Marner, you’re getting an elite playmaker who may be an 80 point guy in the NHL, but you’re also accepting that your team will struggle on the blue line for at least a few years. Drafting Strome brings something similar to Marner in the fact that you leave the blue line rather bare, though you do get a 6’3 center, a size and position combo that is highly coveted around the league. Now if the Leafs go with one of Hanifin or Provorov, which in my opinion is the best route, you attain a franchise defenceman, something every recent Stanley Cup winner has relied heavily upon. Without Doughty or Keith does LA or Chicago win more than one cup? It’s doubtful. I get the hype around Marner, and I’m a huge fan, but if you’re looking at starting a team from scratch, you can’t pass up on a future top 10 defenceman in the NHL. Throughout the draft, the Leafs could use help at almost all positions. At 24, they’re going to get a good prospect, likely someone who fell. Keep an eye on Bittner, Debrusk, and Boeser. It’ll be a tough call for the Leafs brass come June 26th, and will certainly be surrounded with skepticism, but whichever way they go they’re going to get a great prospect.

Draft Day Gameplan

– Attain as many top 60 picks as possible. With the lack of depth throughout the organization, you need as many prospects as you can get.

– I don’t believe you necessarily have to trade Kessel for picks alone, in fact if look at moving him for two or three younger forwards who you can add to your core moving forward.

– Trade Dion. Some may disagree, but I wouldn’t want him leading my young group into the future. Add a 1st round pick and other pieces.

– Make a decision on a goalie. Move out one of Reimer or Bernier and add pieces.

Leafs Big Board (Without McEichel)

1. Dylan Strome
2. Noah Hanifin
3. Mitchell Marner
4. Ivan Provorov
5. Mikko Rantanen
6. Mathew Barzal
7. Pavel Zacha
8. Kyle Connor
9. Zach Werenski
10. Travis Konecny

Who do they take?

In my mind there’s a lot of ways it could go. If Hanifin or Marner go 3, Strome goes 4. If Strome goes 3, Hanifin goes 4. I think Hanifin is the guy you build around, so that’s who I’d go with.

Darkhorse?

Ivan Provorov. Yes, he’s top 5 on my list, but he’s still a dark horse this early. He’s going to be a great defenceman just not sure I’d take him ahead of Marner or Hanifin.

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

5 – Carolina Hurricanes

Of all the teams picking in the top ten, Carolina has the least amount of pressure on them. They could potentially retool and move guys like Ward, Eric, and Jordan in order to get younger, or they could stay the course, add a few players to the mix, and push for a playoff spot. There have been rumours circulating around potentially shipping off Jeff Skinner, but at such a young age, and only one year removed from a 33 goal campaign, I think that would be a mistake. Other rumours around the Canes have them looking at both Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel from Toronto. Could we potentially see a move where Skinner and another piece are sent on their way to Toronto for those two? Possibly. Speaking with Canes fans, I get the sense they would prefer to keep the core intact and add a few pieces without giving up anything significant. One thing GM Ron Francis has going for him is the value of the fifth overall pick this season. One of Hanifin, Marner, or Strome WILL be available in that spot, There are a ton of teams who would be willing to jump up to that spot and grab one of those three guys. That being said, adding a player of, say, Hanifin’s caliber may make a huge difference in Cane Country down the road. He’s a stud, and though I’ve been promoting Ivan Provorov all season, Hanifin is the guy you go with 100%. If for some strange reason Hanifin and Marner are gone by the time the fifth selection comes along, trading down in the draft isn’t a horrible option. Perhaps New Jersey is willing to add a 2nd along with their 6th overall to jump up one spot. In the end, I’m betting the Canes walk away with one of Provorov, Hanifin, or Werenski. Throughout the remainder of the draft, Francis has to look at adding depth up front, especially on the right side. Don’t be surprised if Nikita Korostelev is a Carolina Hurricane by the end of the week. It’ll be interesting to see what may come of the 5th pick but I’m sure whatever it is, Hurricane fans will be excited.

Draft Day Gameplan

– Be open to moving the pick. If you can get additional pieces as well as a top 10 pick, it may be worth it.

– If Noah Hanifin is there, he’s the guy. Some people have soured on him but he’s going to be an excellent NHL’er.

– Heard rumours about Semin plus the 5th overall being moved for a later pick, but whatever you do don’t fall out of the top 8 or 9 picks.

– Add depth at the forward position. At 35 and 66 if be looking at BPA of course, but more specifically Fischer or Senyshyn at 35 and Jens Looke or Spacek at 66.

Canes Big Board (Without McEichel)

1. Noah Hanifin
2. Mitchell Marner
3. Ivan Provorov
4. Dylan Strome
5. Zach Werenski
6. Mikko Rantanen
7. Lawson Crouse
8. Pavel Zacha
9. Timo Meier
10. Mathew Barzal

Who do they take?

If, and that’s a big if, they pick at 5 they go with Noah Hanifin. Considering they could move down, they still leave with a defenceman IMO.

Darkhorse?

We’re in the top 5 now, so dark horses aren’t much of a factor really. If I look at guys who have an outside chance, I’d say one of Mikko Rantanen or Lawson Crouse could be options.