Great read on the draft and potential players the Sabres may draft...

[LabattBlue]

http://www.sabresprospects.com/

 

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Two or less]

Yup good read. I really don't see a point of trading a Derek Roy for size like Schenn or Kane. Both could be great players, but both are projects. I mean, Kane, at the start of the WJC was a late 1st round player if even a first rounder. He had a huge WJC and a good season and his stock jumped by a lot. There is no sure thing. But in Roy we already know what we have.

 

If Sabres want to find size via the draft, I am hoping to draft Zach Kassian. Anyone see this kid play? Big kid. He is a very close thing to a Lucic. But best case could be said like a Jerome Iginla. Kid will fight against anyone. Kid never loses along the boards and his favorite games and the games where it's heated and lots of hitting. If the Sabres start dealing and land a few younger grinders for guys like MacArthur or even maybe Ennis/Gerbe then i hope we try to pick Jordan Schroeder. Hard working American kid. His stock has dropped after the WJC when he was pretty invincible against Canada and Slovakia but he still managed to get 11pt and something like 35% of all of USA's points. Before the WJC, some compared Schroeder to Patrick Kane. Now that would be a steal with the 13th pick.

[VansTheMans]

Names that jumped out at me:

 

Chris Kreider

A strong, quick skater who piles up offense, Chris Kreider has all the the tools to be an excellent center at the pro level. In 26 games with Phillps-Andover Academy, the dominating 6'2, 200-pounder produced 33 goals and 56 total points. With the Sabres lacking size and character in the middle of their lineup, Kreider is a natural leader who can dictate offense with his long stride and laser beam shot.

 

Not knowing anything about Kreider nor any of these draft picks, I must say Im interested in the Sabres drafting a quality center with some size. This team is very shallow up the middle; its way past due to refill some talent in that position.

Zach Budish

In Minnesota, 6'4, 230-pound Zach Budish is a strong skating forward with the size, hands, and strength to dominate the tough areas. A natural leader, the hard working Budish was a raw first round talent and clear-cut favorite for the Mr. Hockey Award as Minnesota's top high school player before tearing knee ligaments during the Edina Hornets football season. The athletic right wing and former middle linebacker will attend Minnesota in the fall, and if fully recovered with a strong combine showing, be an ideal player for the Sabres to consider in the first round.

 

6'4 and 230 pounds!? Hardworking!? Also plays football!? Sign me up on this kid, he sounds like a monster. Not to mention, he's going to be a Minnesota Golden Gopher. Him and Vanek both sharing a common school eh? ;)

 

Despres

An imposing figure and supremely talented skater, Simon Despres plays a Jay Bouwmeester-type of game that might be too good to pass up. He uses his big 6'4, 214-pound body to block shots and absorb hits, and cooly carries the puck with a long, effortless stride that gives him the feel of a franchise player. Like Moore, Despres doesn't have a mean streak or fill a concentrated need, but the package is very attractive nonetheless.

 

Drafting another quality dman definitely cant hurt the Sabres. If he is a real quality talent, he may be worth trying to pursue (either through our 1st round, or trade one of our current players for another team's 1st round and draft him with that).

 

 

We like Kassian's game immensely, but are feeling that he and Cowan (and Josefsson for that matter) will be gone, making another guy we like very much - Kreider - a surprise early target for the Sabres at #13.

 

If Kassian will be gone, then I'd be extremely happy if the Sabres were able to get any of the three players I mentioned above. Im really liking the sound of Budish. Dude sounds like a friggen horse. :thumbsup:

[Chief Enabler]

http://www.sabresprospects.com/

 

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I'm sure Regier loves to prospect and read the endless reviews on these kids as much as I love consumer reports on my next camera <_< . This might be his strength, we all know what he sucks at; bringing veteran talent to his fold or chemistry (If there is such a thing).

 

Even in the first round, that individual will not see a crack of sunshine in Buff anytime soon. It's funny how kids are already being paired with Myers as a dynamic duo :rolleyes: . Zagrapan and Stafford are the issues IMO, Marek is a bust, and I think we've seen the light of day with Drew. I am all for a pony-up for top ten talent, but Roy isnt my answer.

 

At the end of the day, forecasting 4 years away is great for a successful franchise. Problem is, the Sabres need fixing yesterday.

[shrader]

At the end of the day, forecasting 4 years away is great for a successful franchise. Problem is, the Sabres need fixing yesterday.

 

Don't you mean 4-5 years ago? :D

[LabattBlue]

At the end of the day, forecasting 4 years away is great for a successful franchise. Problem is, the Sabres need fixing yesterday.

There is a trend now for teams to sign 1st round picks either right out of the draft or before their eligibility is completed. There is a good chance Myers will be a Sabre one season removed from being drafted. It may be 4 or more years for mid to late rounders, but not guys drafted early.

[Two or less]

There is a trend now for teams to sign 1st round picks either right out of the draft or before their eligibility is completed. There is a good chance Myers will be a Sabre one season removed from being drafted. It may be 4 or more years for mid to late rounders, but not guys drafted early.

 

Totally. Technology is an amazing thing. These kids are getting developed at a much greater speed nowadays. Only 3 of the top 10 picks last year didn't play in the NHL. That's pretty remarkable.

[jimiVbaby]

Yup good read. I really don't see a point of trading a Derek Roy for size like Schenn or Kane. Both could be great players, but both are projects. I mean, Kane, at the start of the WJC was a late 1st round player if even a first rounder. He had a huge WJC and a good season and his stock jumped by a lot. There is no sure thing. But in Roy we already know what we have.

 

If Sabres want to find size via the draft, I am hoping to draft Zach Kassian. Anyone see this kid play? Big kid. He is a very close thing to a Lucic. But best case could be said like a Jerome Iginla. Kid will fight against anyone. Kid never loses along the boards and his favorite games and the games where it's heated and lots of hitting. If the Sabres start dealing and land a few younger grinders for guys like MacArthur or even maybe Ennis/Gerbe then i hope we try to pick Jordan Schroeder. Hard working American kid. His stock has dropped after the WJC when he was pretty invincible against Canada and Slovakia but he still managed to get 11pt and something like 35% of all of USA's points. Before the WJC, some compared Schroeder to Patrick Kane. Now that would be a steal with the 13th pick.

While I like the post, there's a couple things I'd like to comment on..

 

Kane didn't have a huge WJC, more like 2 goals and 4 assists while being buried on the third line with Della Rovere and Patrice Cormier. Also, 90 something points in 60 something games in the WHL is a big deal. While he didn't have a big year in 07-08, I think he deserves a year to adjust. He plays an all around game that I liken to Jarome Iginla and to see the Sabres say bye bye to Roy in order to change the attitude of this team in the future, I'm all for it. Call me crazy, but Kane will be in the NHL in '10 and will make a bigger overall impact to his team than Tavares.

 

I haven't seen Kassian play so we've probably read the same things, and if they stand pat at 13 I wouldn't mind stocking up on big center men.

 

As for Schroeder I really liked his game towards the beginning of the WJC but really seemed to tail off as the going got tough. He had one hell of a wrister but his size was very limiting. The fact that smaller scorers (he's reported at 5'8'') have found and niche in the NHL makes him interesting, he may be too much of a risk for the Sabres especially because of the diminutive their farm system as it is even if they deal Gerbe or Ennis away.

 

There's been talk in the past about Ryan Ellis, a 5'10'' puck moving/power play specialist on this board and while I would support that pick at 13, I could see why there would be some frustration amongst fans. He's small, not intimidating, and looks like he's still rocking his baby teeth but his decision making and point play was second to none at the WJC... and that's something the Sabres are desperately missing.

[Chief Enabler]

There is a trend now for teams to sign 1st round picks either right out of the draft or before their eligibility is completed. There is a good chance Myers will be a Sabre one season removed from being drafted. It may be 4 or more years for mid to late rounders, but not guys drafted early.

Doubtful IMO. For arguement sake, I have not come across anything suggesting Myers "coming along"quickly. I was under the impression that he was drafted with the intention of at least 3 years away. Granted, last year he was one of the best players available at that time, I wont argue the pick. I just hope he grows a mean streak and muscle for that frame.

 

2010-2011 defense?-Weber-Butler-Sekera-Myers-vet?-vet?

[LabattBlue]

I just hope he grows a mean streak and muscle for that frame.

I really don't think you can grow a mean streak. At this point in his career, either you have it or you don't. I'm not saying he won't become slightly more physical, but chances are from a physical play/fighting perspective this will either stay on par at the NHL level with where it is at now or it will decrease.

[Chief Enabler]

I really don't think you can grow a mean streak. At this point in his career, either you have it or you don't. I'm not saying he won't become slightly more physical, but chances are from a physical play/fighting perspective this will either stay on par at the NHL level with where it is at now or it will decrease.

I remember Chara being a beast in his early days, now its gone IMO. It would be a shame to see Goliath go down easily.

[Two or less]

While I like the post, there's a couple things I'd like to comment on..

 

Kane didn't have a huge WJC, more like 2 goals and 4 assists while being buried on the third line with Della Rovere and Patrice Cormier. Also, 90 something points in 60 something games in the WHL is a big deal. While he didn't have a big year in 07-08, I think he deserves a year to adjust. He plays an all around game that I liken to Jarome Iginla and to see the Sabres say bye bye to Roy in order to change the attitude of this team in the future, I'm all for it. Call me crazy, but Kane will be in the NHL in '10 and will make a bigger overall impact to his team than Tavares.

 

I never really followed Kane much before the WJC because well, I always seen him as a late round pick. For sake of conversation, this is why I said his stock rose based on the WJC-

 

From the January 26th issue of the Hockey News. (Fight debate issue)

 

Evander Kane, C, Canada- A late addition to the Canadian team, Kane started as a forth liner and finished the tournament as a point-per-game player who impressed with his hockey sense. "He really helped himself," a scout said. "He showed he could compete at this level; pretty impressive."

 

2009 Draft stock: Went up

 

After that tournament, i started to track him more and it did seem to me that many of the experts started putting him near or in the top-10 and now almost each mock i see he's a top 8 pick.

[jimiVbaby]

I never really followed Kane much before the WJC because well, I always seen him as a late round pick. For sake of conversation, this is why I said his stock rose based on the WJC-

After that tournament, i started to track him more and it did seem to me that many of the experts started putting him near or in the top-10 and now almost each mock i see he's a top 8 pick.

The quote seems correct, and I may be discounting his point per game play while on the third line, but I still didn't see him make an in your face impact as Cody Hodgson, Tavares or Ryan Ellis. The fact is Kane wasn't exactly featured on the top two lines in big games. Half of those 6 games Canada played were against inferior competition, and Della Rovere did his best Sean Avery impression during the bigger games stealing the spotlight that Kane most likely would have gotten. All in all, if Kane in still in juniors next year (and he should be) I'm sure he'll be the centerpiece of the Canadian team. As for his rising stock, why do you still see him as a late round pick? What flaws do you see in his game? It seems like you keep tabs on the juniors, are there other players that aren't covered on the website that pique your interest?

[Two or less]

The quote seems correct, and I may be discounting his point per game play while on the third line, but I still didn't see him make an in your face impact as Cody Hodgson, Tavares or Ryan Ellis. The fact is Kane wasn't exactly featured on the top two lines in big games. Half of those 6 games Canada played were against inferior competition, and Della Rovere did his best Sean Avery impression during the bigger games stealing the spotlight that Kane most likely would have gotten. All in all, if Kane in still in juniors next year (and he should be) I'm sure he'll be the centerpiece of the Canadian team. As for his rising stock, why do you still see him as a late round pick? What flaws do you see in his game? It seems like you keep tabs on the juniors, are there other players that aren't covered on the website that pique your interest?

 

Sorry, i must not been clear. I never truly paid attention to Kane because he was always rumored to be late first round. And if i recall, he was considered soft. After the WJC, i liked his game a lot and paid attention to him and wished we would pick him where ever we ended up. But he's way too good to be in the 13th position right now. No way he will be there and like the author of sabresprospects (kris baker i think) wrote, if we want a Kane, or a Schenn we must trade the 13th and a Derek Roy. Not worth the gamble. But, i think Kane is the total package. My "favorite" 3 forwards in this draft (in terms of skill) are Schenn, MPS and Kassian. Kassian only because of his style. A Lucic type player can be just as good as a star sniper if he goes to the right player and like i said, if all goes right for him (coaching, development) he could be a Iginla. The best player in this draft IMO is Schenn. I've said it for almost a year, i love his game so much.

 

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He has playmaking ability. He goes infront of the net. He scores clutch goals. He fights. He's an animal.

 

As for other picks, many players interest me. Some of the 2nd or even 3rd round picks that i think will be good and i've kept an eye out are-

 

-Ryan O'Reilly - Tough center. Leader. Good skater and a great penalty killer. Pretty much a total Lindy Ruff player. He lacks a scoring touch and prolly will be available mid 2nd round. But he has play making ability, could be a future C and can play against opponent top lines.

-Tyson Barrie - Puck moving d-men, he's tiny, but many scouts i've read talk about him as next Dan Boyle.

-Tommi Kivisto - went from finland to whl to adjust and adjusted really quickly, which was a surprise. He is big, fights, and moves real well with the puck, like most finns do.

-Tomas Tatar - Love this kid. One of my favorite prospects in this draft but won't go until may 3rd round because of size. He was a force in the WCJ and was a true warrior. Even vs. the big teams, vs. the big d-men, he was awesome.

-Marcus Foligno - Think Nick is tough? This kid lacks some of the skills, but he's tougher. This kid doesn't lose battles ever. He's projected late 2nd, early 3rd round, mainly because he lacks the skills, but has great hands, something you can't teach. If he gets in front of the net and works on position, he will be scoring goals.

[jimiVbaby]

Sorry, i must not been clear. I never truly paid attention to Kane because he was always rumored to be late first round. And if i recall, he was considered soft. After the WJC, i liked his game a lot and paid attention to him and wished we would pick him where ever we ended up. But he's way too good to be in the 13th position right now. No way he will be there and like the author of sabresprospects (kris baker i think) wrote, if we want a Kane, or a Schenn we must trade the 13th and a Derek Roy. Not worth the gamble. But, i think Kane is the total package. My "favorite" 3 forwards in this draft (in terms of skill) are Schenn, MPS and Kassian. Kassian only because of his style. A Lucic type player can be just as good as a star sniper if he goes to the right player and like i said, if all goes right for him (coaching, development) he could be a Iginla. The best player in this draft IMO is Schenn. I've said it for almost a year, i love his game so much.

 

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He has playmaking ability. He goes infront of the net. He scores clutch goals. He fights. He's an animal.

 

As for other picks, many players interest me. Some of the 2nd or even 3rd round picks that i think will be good and i've kept an eye out are-

 

-Ryan O'Reilly - Tough center. Leader. Good skater and a great penalty killer. Pretty much a total Lindy Ruff player. He lacks a scoring touch and prolly will be available mid 2nd round. But he has play making ability, could be a future C and can play against opponent top lines.

-Tyson Barrie - Puck moving d-men, he's tiny, but many scouts i've read talk about him as next Dan Boyle.

-Tommi Kivisto - went from finland to whl to adjust and adjusted really quickly, which was a surprise. He is big, fights, and moves real well with the puck, like most finns do.

-Tomas Tatar - Love this kid. One of my favorite prospects in this draft but won't go until may 3rd round because of size. He was a force in the WCJ and was a true warrior. Even vs. the big teams, vs. the big d-men, he was awesome.

-Marcus Foligno - Think Nick is tough? This kid lacks some of the skills, but he's tougher. This kid doesn't lose battles ever. He's projected late 2nd, early 3rd round, mainly because he lacks the skills, but has great hands, something you can't teach. If he gets in front of the net and works on position, he will be scoring goals.

Good read. What I've seen of Schenn it looks like you're spot on, and really if Burke doesn't jump up to the number one spot take Tavares then he will do whatever it takes to get Schenn secured. Call me an optimist (and I feel stupid for saying this), but I feel like Darcy is going to something a little more drastic at the draft in order to shake up the locker room and get the fans talking. Here's to hoping that size, toughness and a scoring touch type of player is going into the system.