GrassValleyGreg

From the lowly Oilers! 2008 at 12, 2009 at 10, and the first overall of 2010 and 2011. :o Never fun to rehash but at least it appears we've rediscovered the importance of early draft picks.

Here is the Hockey Writers' Mock Draft released this morning. They peg Sprong at 21, and have Andersson flying up the board to 24, right on cue. 21st overall: Buffalo Sabres (from NY Islanders) (Mike Straw) – F Daniel Sprong – Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) After the Sabres took franchise center Jack Eichel at number two, it was clear that the second first-round pick was more of a luxury than anything else. While it’s likely that the team would rather trade it than keep it, the ability to add more first-round talent is never a bad thing. Sprong is a player that is rising on draft boards due to his strong passing game and incredible hockey sense. His overall strength and play in the defensive zone need to be improved, but he’s definitely a prospect that could turn into a nice role player for the Sabres down the line. 24th overall: Toronto Maple Leafs (from Nashville) (Andrew Forbes) – D Rasmus Andersson – Barrie Colts (OHL) Andersson could be a late first round steal for the Maple Leafs. His size and skill set makes him a solid pick for the blue line on Toronto. He may be one of the most underrated players in the first couple rounds of the draft with his quickness and ability to read the game. Look for him to move up and be a possibility for the Leafs at 24.

Thanks Hoss. I think this is going to be our next coach, and I'm totally fine with it. It's a relief all of this drama is now behind us. Also, since you changed your avatar, I was trying to figure out who the youthful howling Rick reminded me of. Finally figured it out...

Holy cow. Reports saying Toronto offering 7-8m? Unsubstantiated but still. Desperation from a bad and barren Leaf squad.

Man, I thought you were just a harmless Board provocateur who could put together a sentence but now I'm thinking you're just a Grade A jerk! Was trying to get the thread back on track. Why pick fights if you don't need to? Here's to waking up to Babs in the morn...

My God, that was brutal to scroll through. Been a tough thread - maybe the anticipation and uncertainty getting to some. Let's all celebrate with a new hire tomorrow, or the understanding that he did not want to leave Detroit and collectively move on. Either way, let's do it together!!! Appreciated this fodder and the discussion that followed. Think you're pretty dead on Dude. Would be a great match for Risto. Especially considering his accelerated improvement at the end of the season and Babs's (?) predilection for Scandinavian point men (doesn't sound right. and i know they were both Swedes, but allow me to indulge. shoot, that doesn't sound right either).

Bob McKenzie on Babcock

The thing I may be looking forward to most in 2015/16 is Jack's ability to enter the zone cleanly, especially on the PP. He earned this responsibility almost immediately on USA and looked special in gaining the zone, retaining possession and setting up the play. Many times it was his speed on display - dashing in, stopping, and feeding it back to the blueline. Other times it was his quick hands and creativity. This skill set alone - something we may not have had since Myers Year 1 and the Brian Campbell years - will improve our PP dramatically. No more depending solely on the dump and chase and hope (thank God).

Super careful with his words, but I think there are tells that indicate he is closing the door on the Wing chapter of his life. This quote especially, talking about the Detroit ownership/management: "I'm as excited as anyone to have that opportunity come to a close and make a decision now. It's been good, but its time to make a decision and get on with things here."

Why has a whiny, Euro soccer player taken over our Jackie thread? Show some respect.

Sure, I knew this was a fake account. I just enjoy embarrassing myself publicly. Either way, back to our boy!

Uhhhhhh.

Also, here is the assist. Incredible vision. Knows Seth is creeping down the whole time and he has the instinct to keep his eyes set on 29 (think it's Brock, a guy I'm sure the D was game-planning for in the high slot) to prolong deception.

Haha thanks, not the prettiest but I'll take it. Gonna be fun watching this kid's milestones.

Anybody come across any highlight replays from today?

Excited to see how Jackie boy reacts to an unexpected loss. Will he not coast in his own zone?? Stayed home from work today to watch this game. First IIHL I'll be taking in, so I'm very excited. Thanks everyone for the updates throughout the tourney. I'll try to put some thoughts together and add to the convo.

Our boy!!!! :) :) :) http://es.pn/1zMV3zW

General statement of the Board bud. An exaggeration also. More a point thats he's all our new kid!!!!!! :)

Thanks for sharing the video. Can we stop with this incessant bickering about coast in D end v. conserving energy non-coast? It is like two obnoxious parents arguing about their parenting style. Nitpicking about whatever they can find in hopes of perfecting the kid (overbearing father) v. blindly accepting him as perfect (Momma's boy). And this after 3 games against pros. Take it easy guys. And enjoy.

Great examples of self-absorption!!

This is a message board I'm sure of varying ages and levels of maturity. Surely, shut up does not deserve to be called out as untoward discourse. Further, the 2-person debate surrounding this does not deserve a full Board page.

Sources: Todd McLellan on list of candidates.

It's fair to say a lot of this coasting critique is sourced to the shift to wing.

Just turned on the third. Has Eich not been getting much PT? I see at the very least he is not on PP1 (which is expected). Edit: On PP 2 though. And this is such valuable preseason experience for the kid.

Got it. Thanks for sharing the videos. My new porn. I think that U17 6-5 shootout win against Canada emphasizes the truly exciting storyline here: Captain Canada v. Captain America. Another reason I was happy to see Edmonton win over Arizona. It has now solidified a true blockbuster rivalry that transcends both team and city. Buffalo is lucky to have such a huge share of the franchise. The NHL will be better for it, and USA youth hockey will be better for it. And we'll be at the center of it all.