Derrico

I can get on board with this.

:w00t: That is great.

Hmmmmm, who could it be?

Yep they're a mess right now. Once they get some injured D back things may get better though. If the pick is in the top 10 and they defer to next year it may burn them in the long run. With Charles Wang running an 'internal budge' for his team, who knows if they add anything in the offseason and they likely lose Vanek. From the sounds of this years and next years drafts it may be a blessing in disguise we get next years pick which could end up being another top 10 selection.

Well, Dal Colle was finally held off of the score sheet tonight in a 6-5 loss. Plenty of chances for him from the parts of the game I saw tonight. Hes a big lanky kid. He isn't necessarily the most physical player but will battle and isnt the fastest out there but is usually in great position. I'll be interested to see how he looks at Canada's World Junior camp.

It's partly his line mates as he plays mainly with Laughton and cassels. He still finishes off plays and looks dominate at times. He goes again tonight so I'll let you know what I see.

So vanek left the game with an upper body injury after the first shift. Anyone have an update on his injury?

Hat trick for dal colle tonight. Generals keep rolling.

It sure looked like the Risto pick was Devine too.

It's interesting looking back at Darcy's drafts and he seemed to trade away 2nd in multiple years whereas now we've traded for 2nd. It's too early too tell obviously but I have high hopes for some of our 2nd this past draft and the one before. He didn't have 2nd picks in 2002, 2009, 2010 and 2011. I'd say the only 2nd guys that would make your front line list came in 2001 with Jason Pomminstein and Derek Roy in the same draft. Two other notables inlcude Mike Weber and Enroth. Actually, looking through his picks, I think he's done better in the 2nd round than the first. The only notable first rounder he drafted is Vanek. When you think of guys like Miller as late round picks I think Darcy's done better later in the draft than the first round.

I think that was only because Colorado had the top pick. Any other team and it's McKinnon, no brainer. But the Avs are so deep down the middle that it lead some to believe the Avs may go D. Obviously didn't happen as I think everyone and their grandmother had McKinnon as the top pick.

Here's a good article from future considerations. Talks about players to watch and discusses the potential first overall pick and how there is no concensus. Also gives a troubling quote about Reinhart from a Western scout and indicates this is the first time since 2007 there isn't really a consensus at this point. Keep in mind though that Patrik Kane went first overall in '07. http://futureconsiderations.ca/directors-cut-race-for-no-1-wide-open/

I'd be interested in McNabb.

Dale Colle with a very impressive night Tuesday with 5 assists. Now sits at 11 goals and 22 assists for a rediculous 33 points through 18 games. That's good for second in the OHL. Yes it helps playing with Scott Laughton but this kid can flat out play. You may ask when I'll stop posting Dal Colle's points every night, I'll stop when he goes off the scoresheet for a game.

I'll get flamed for supporting this but I completely agree. Again I must start by saying we are a long way from the draft and things can change but if Ekblad is considered by many to be much better than the next forward prospect and is still considered to be a truely elite D prospect I think you have to take him. I would much rather an elite forward prospect but if he's the concensus BPA come the Sabres pick (even if it's one) then I want them to take this kid. You can win alot of games with a very strong D and ofcourse this would open up the idea of trading one of the young guys or someone like Myers. As someone mentioned above, players who garner OHL early exemption status in the draft usually end up going first overall in their NHL draft year. Interesting tidbit, 'Ekblad's application to be the only player to be born in 1996 in the OHL draft was approved unanimously...With approval Ekblad became the first defenceman ever granted "exceptional player" status.'

Interesting, I'll have to watch more of him. I still worry about that small stature though. Sure he can still grow but some guys are just too small to do it at the pro level. Smaller guys can do things in junior they can't at the show.

I haven't read anything suggesting Vanek type. Vanek is 6'2 and Nylander is 5'10. I don't think he has the size to go to the areas Vanek goes too. I'm thinking a better Ennis. Best case scenario would be Danny Briere. This is so early in the year but as of right now from what I've read and watched I'd take: Reinhart, Ekblad, Dal Colle, Draistl and Bennett ahead of Nylander. Anton Karlsson maybe ahead as well. Bennett would be interesting. Didnt he play minor league hockey with McDavid. Would be something to take him and then get real lucky next draft.

There is something about Nylander that worries me. I admit to having not seen much footage on him but something about being a 5'10'' winger whom one scout described as 'his defensive game needs some work' just scares me off. With us likely getting a top 3 pick and certainly a top 5 pick I can think of five other guys I'd rather take.

Yep.

Really? Maybe there is a newer ISS ranking out there but as of October 14th they had Dal Colle ranked third. http://www.hockeysfu...ther-prospects/ FYI Draisaitl is ranked 10th in this report.

I may be slightly biased but if Dal Colle can stay healthy and keep his current pace up I can't see him falling outside of the top 5.

Interesting question. I say no. Pysyk, Risto and Zadarov (possibly McCabe) are going to be the cornerstones of this D once our rebuild is over. I wouldn't want to move any of them. The more I hear about Ekblad the more I think he will be ranked #1 by seasons end. That could be a great thing if we select second; giving us the best forward prospect as ranked by our scouts. I know it's a long way out but the question is what do you do if Sam R goes first? I've read a few reports saying this kid could be a legit top end Dman. The whole BPA versus team need would then come into play. I know, we're a long way away from knowing the final rankings and projections. Interesting discussion in a season filled with anger and disappointment.

I don't know LGR. Just because a trade doesn't take place does not mean it was not explored. I would have to think a GM and or anyone in management is looking at all scenarios and not just crossing their arms and taking the 'safe' pick. In one breath you're saying they have been taking one safe pick and one high risk/reward and then you are saying what, they're not making enough risk/reward moves? As you said, they went with the risky pick of Grigs and then had the balls/vision whatever you want to call it and moved up to take their other guy; Girgs. As for this past draft, I think the scouting staff and Devine in particular really wanted Risto as their guy. I (and you and most ppl) wanted them to make that Sekera trade and pick up Lindholm but obviously Risto was who they wanted and thought he'd be there at 8 thus not wasting assets. As for Dal Colle, as badly as I want him on this team, it's going to take a heck of a lot to move up from 17 or 18 to 4 or 5 (where he'll go) and I doubt a second rounder will be nearly enough to move you up that far in the first. A team like Edmonton who wants a D may slide a few spots if there are obvious forward picks at say pick 4 or 5 but they're not going to move down to 17. Say we have the #5 pick this draft and there are two D prospects sitting in the next projected spots, would you take a second rounder and ahl guy to move down to 17 or 18?

Completely agree.

Ya we should certainly have some options. Does there appear to be a Crosby or mcdavid? No. However I think we will get a guy certainly having top line potential who will hopefully have a long career in buffalo.