2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[Robviously]

Sorry, I was a day behind. Yeh, disappointed, oh well. Sabres can't even get that lucky... AtSon's baseball game yesterday, didn't follow hockey. At least he was good, gave up 1 run, struck out 5, hit one, walked one, and gave up one hit... not bad for his first time pitching. PS He is a lefty with a natural breaking ball... In 10 years you never know????

Can he play center?

[Grumpy]

Can he play center?

Yea Levitre can. Oh, sorry, we'll play the kicker drafted in the 6th rd at center, or guard.. Oh, sorry, wrong sport, but our GM;s have something in common.Darcy, Buddy? They are BOTH dumber than dirt.; But we are blessed with both of them. OMG

[North Buffalo]

Can he play center?

He skates but is not a hockey nut, more likely basketball center. He is already 4'10" at 8 years old with big dogs... size 7 sneakers. Tough keeping up feeding this boy. :(

[Two or less]

Mock drafts agree on top pick -- and that's it: http://www.nhl.com/i...id=nhl:topheads

 

(D) Darnell Nurse, (C/LW) Hunter Shinkaruk, and (D) Zach Fucale at #9 respectively

 

(G) Zach Fucale, (D) Shea Theodore, and (D) Shea Theodore at # 18 respectively

 

Note: Didn't know Nurse was Donovan McNabb's nephew

 

http://profootballta...d-nhl-prospect/

 

I dont like the idea of picking Fucale. To me, these are just lazy reporters trying to fill out a mock to please the fans who go to nhl.com for a quick look at a potential draft. They saw all the Miller speculation and assumed Sabres will need a goalie. There's no way we select a goalie in the first round with Makarov, Hackett, Enroth, and Ullmark who are all pretty well respected. I like the idea of picking a goalie in each draft at some point, but in later rounds.

 

And, im sure he has a long shot of making the NHL, but IMO this would be a pretty good draft selection at some point.... http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?cat=1&dpid=83137&sort=finalRank&year=2013

[Robviously]

Ottawa picked up two points to end the season, so Minnesota's pick is the 16th overall unless they win the Cup, in which case it's 30th overall.

 

Entry Draft Order

The order of selection among the Member Clubs in each season shall be determined in the following manner:

A composite of all Member Clubs shall be prepared by placing:

i) First the Clubs which failed to qualify for the preceding playoffs in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest points total and followed by the Club having the next lowest points total, and so forth.

ii) The Clubs which participated in the preceding playoffs (but had not been ranked first in their respective Divisions and had not won the Stanley Cup that season) in order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.

iii) The Clubs which had been ranked first in their Divisions during the next preceding season (but had not won the Stanley Cup that season) in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.

iv) The Stanley Cup winner shall select last, thus, positioning all Clubs on the list.

In the event of a tie for any position, such tie shall be resolved by application of the rules governing the determination of final League standings. The resulting list shall constitute the order of selection.

 

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26377

[Sabres Fan in NS]

I dont like the idea of picking Fucale. To me, these are just lazy reporters trying to fill out a mock to please the fans who go to nhl.com for a quick look at a potential draft. They saw all the Miller speculation and assumed Sabres will need a goalie. There's no way we select a goalie in the first round with Makarov, Hackett, Enroth, and Ullmark who are all pretty well respected. I like the idea of picking a goalie in each draft at some point, but in later rounds.

 

And, im sure he has a long shot of making the NHL, but IMO this would be a pretty good draft selection at some point.... http://www.nhl.com/i...lRank&year=2013

 

Two of the mockers have Fucale being drafted by the Sabres in the first round. I would be over the moon, as they say.

 

Barring a lotto miracle I really like Kimelman's mock draft ... Nurse at #9 and Fucale at #18.

 

Hoffner has Fucale at #9 and Theodore at #18 ... this is almost as good.

[Derrico]

Two of the mockers have Fucale being drafted by the Sabres in the first round. I would be over the moon, as they say.

 

Barring a lotto miracle I really like Kimelman's mock draft ... Nurse at #9 and Fucale at #18.

 

Hoffner has Fucale at #9 and Theodore at #18 ... this is almost as good.

 

Are we not picking 8th unless we lose the lottery tonight?

[LGR4GM]

Two of the mockers have Fucale being drafted by the Sabres in the first round. I would be over the moon, as they say.

 

Barring a lotto miracle I really like Kimelman's mock draft ... Nurse at #9 and Fucale at #18.

 

Hoffner has Fucale at #9 and Theodore at #18 ... this is almost as good.

I'd bet a lot of Money that Darcy Regier does not draft a GT in the first round. This draft will never happen. Further more I guarantee that we draft a forward in the 1st as our offense is lackluster at best. These mocks lack any understand of team needs or GM tendency.

 

Also as I have noted before I am fully against drafting a GT in the 1st especially in the first half of that round. Considering the apparent depth in this draft for forwards its a great time to avoid GT until late.

 

Are we not picking 8th unless we lose the lottery tonight?

Yes if one of the teams 9-14 wins the lottery we would be bumped down. My gut says Colorado wins the lottery.

[shrader]

Ottawa picked up two points to end the season, so Minnesota's pick is the 16th overall unless they win the Cup, in which case it's 30th overall.

 

 

 

http://www.nhl.com/i...ge.htm?id=26377

 

Did they get rid of the rule where the final 4 teams get the last pick already? I thought they just added that one in a year or two ago.

[LGR4GM]

does anyone have an issue with me changing the threads title to "2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres"

 

I will wait til after the lottery in case it happens but we prob won't draft 1st overall and I would love to keep the draft talk going

[X. Benedict]

Two of the mockers have Fucale being drafted by the Sabres in the first round. I would be over the moon, as they say.

 

Barring a lotto miracle I really like Kimelman's mock draft ... Nurse at #9 and Fucale at #18.

 

Hoffner has Fucale at #9 and Theodore at #18 ... this is almost as good.

 

Goalies usually drop. Goalies are such projects that it is pretty rare to get a first round one no matter how much promise.

I think he goes 25-30.

[LGR4GM]

Also here our the ISS rankings:

http://www.isshockey.com/iss-top-30/

 

Note that Nikita Zadorov and Elis Lindholm get ranked higher than Sean Monahan helping him drop to 9th on these rankings. I am going to use them to do another mock of the 14 non playoff teams.

[Sabres Fan in NS]

Goalies usually drop. Goalies are such projects that it is pretty rare to get a first round one no matter how much promise.

I think he goes 25-30.

 

Ummm,

 

Isn't 25 - 30, in the first round .......... :P

 

I understand your take and agree, as most would, about goalies.

 

If I were a GM of an NHL team I would risk a mid-high (? - say 8th to 18th) first round pick on Fucale. Just my eye test from watching him for 2 years. I accept it's a gamble, but I really think he will be special. IMO, his potential ceiling is higher than Miller's turned out to be.

[X. Benedict]

Ummm,

 

Isn't 25 - 30, in the first round .......... :P

 

I understand your take and agree, as most would, about goalies.

 

If I were a GM of an NHL team I would risk a mid-high (? - say 8th to 18th) first round pick on Fucale. Just my eye test from watching him for 2 years. I accept it's a gamble, but I really think he will be special. IMO, his potential ceiling is higher than Miller's turned out to be.

 

I've never seen him. Just talking about a goalie in the first round is high praise. How close to NHL ready?

 

I think just Malcolm Subban is the only 1st rounder G in recent years.

[TrueBlueGED]

I've never seen him. Just talking about a goalie in the first round is high praise. How close to NHL ready?

 

I think just Malcolm Subban is the only 1st rounder G in recent years.

 

Andrei Vasilevsky and Jack Campbell have also gone in the 1st recently :P

 

But you're right, goaltenders going in the 1st is fairly rare.

[X. Benedict]

Andrei Vasilevsky and Jack Campbell have also gone in the 1st recently :P

 

But you're right, goaltenders going in the 1st is fairly rare.

 

Nice. Campbell of course!

[LGR4GM]

Here it is my pre lottery draft predictions.

 

2013 NHL Draft: Some changes will be made in the order based on what my speculations are about the lottery and trades.

1) Colorado: Seth Jones, RD

The Avalanche will win the lottery and move up to #1. They need at every position. I think considering how appalling their defense is that they take the safe bet.

 

2) Florida: Nathan MacKinnon, C

Disappointed at losing out on Jones a weak Florida team will grab the RH center. I was tempted to say Drouin with this pick but I think with the imminent departure of Weiss they will take a center.

 

3) Tampa Bay: Darnell Nurse, LD

Boasting an aging defensive group that frankly wasn’t that good, the Lightning grab a guy who can immediately help their blueline and is going to grow into a corner stone on their defensive end.

 

4) Nashville: Jonathan Drouin, LW

Agile and gifted this kid has the offensive skills to help one of the weakest offensive teams in the entire league. It slots right into their lineup and they never look back.

 

5) Carolina: Valery Nichushkin, C

I was tempted to change this but I still the Canes taking the skilled Russian and not worrying that it will be a couple years before they see him. They are better than they played this past season and he gives them even more firepower up front.

 

6) Calgary: Sasha Barkov, C

In complete disarray and looking like a joke, the Flames take the best center left and build around him for their long and much needed overhaul.

 

7) Edmonton: Rasmus Ristolainen, RD

With a plethora of forwards and a lackluster defense they take the talented Finn who is considered an all-around player and could make the lineup this upcoming year. Already playing against men, he has shown that he is a good puck mover and strong on his skates.

 

8) Buffalo: Sean Monahan, C

No surprises here, if Monahan is available then the Sabres are taking him. A big center with a lot of skills including leadership, he is a piece you can build a cup a team around and will give us more center depth.

 

9) New Jersey: Elias Lindholm, C

With their forwards all up for contracts pretty much the Devils will grab a top flight center to help begin to replace Parise and eventually Elias. The Swedish center will fill a big gap in their top 6 in a few years.

 

10) Dallas: Bo Horvat, C

Looking to shore up a weak defense and desperately wanting a center, the stars take the big 200lb Bo of the London Knights. He should contribute in a year or so and fits Dallas well.

 

11) Philadelphia: Nikita Zadarov, LD

Pleased that the large defender dropped to them, the Flyers take this tank to bolster a blue line that makes swiss cheese look solid.

 

12) Buffalo via Phoenix: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW

Phoenix trades down? What is he thinking? Well Buffalo gives them the 15^th overall pick and St Louis 2^nd round pick. Phoenix adds a pick and doesn’t move down too far. They draft Ryan Pulock. Shinkaruk all though not overly large and playing a wing we have covered, is very skilled and is a future replacement for the aging and possibly leaving Thomas Vanek.

 

13) Winnipeg: Fredrik Gauthier, C

Still trying to build a team the Jets will look to add someone whose size and skill up the middle will help to get them to the next level. Solid pick still a couple years away.

 

14) Columbus: Anthony Mantha, RW

With a multitude of picks in the 1^st and 2^nd I would not be surprised if they moved up. Barring that they don’t they will take a big rugged winger to add to a talent pool that looks poised to push this team into playoff contention.

[LGR4GM]

on a completely separate note:

Nichushkins

 

ps. he is #43

[Trettioåtta]

If Drouin is available and Tampa don't pick first, you have to think they take him - get Marty St Louis to teach young Marty St Louis - Stamkos won't even notice his line mate has changed for the next 15 years

[deluca67]

Here it is my pre lottery draft predictions.

12) Buffalo via Phoenix: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW

Phoenix trades down? What is he thinking? Well Buffalo gives them the 15^th overall pick and St Louis 2^nd round pick. Phoenix adds a pick and doesn’t move down too far. They draft Ryan Pulock. Shinkaruk all though not overly large and playing a wing we have covered, is very skilled and is a future replacement for the aging and possibly leaving Thomas Vanek.

Monahan at # 8 would be a solid pick. Not a bit fan of moving up to tab a smaller winger when there will be centers and d-men with good size available. Mantha, Gauthier, Pulock and Hagg will possibly be options when the Sabres take their second pick. No need to toss away a valued 2nd rounder.

[LabattBlue]

Monahan at # 8 would be a solid pick. Not a bit fan of moving up to tab a smaller winger when there will be centers and d-men with good size available. Mantha, Gauthier, Pulock and Hagg will possibly be options when the Sabres take their second pick. No need to toss away a valued 2nd rounder.

I'm all in favor of sitting tight with all 4 picks, and finding players to build around. Only one problem...the guy overseeing hockey operations.

[deluca67]

I'm all in favor of sitting tight with all 4 picks, and finding players to build around. Only one problem...the guy overseeing hockey operations.

That is most depressing part of all of this. The Sabres are in a prime position to have some fresh ideas and eyes come in to the organization. They have a few decent prospects, a bunch of picks and some bigger ticket items ready to move and they screw it all up by leaving Regier in charge.

[WildCard]

I'm all in favor of sitting tight with all 4 picks, and finding players to build around. Only one problem...the guy overseeing hockey operations.

Maybe it's just everyone making the best of a worst situation, but a ton of people around here seem pretty stoked about the prospects coming up, especially the recent draft choices of Grigs Girgensons and Armia, not to mention Ennis' success as well as Myers success/potential. Quite honestly, I have faith in Darcy's draft this time around, especially under new ownership he seems to have drafted pretty well, although it is undoubtedly too early to know for certain

[LabattBlue]

Maybe it's just everyone making the best of a worst situation, but a ton of people around here seem pretty stoked about the prospects coming up, especially the recent draft choices of Grigs Girgensons and Armia, not to mention Ennis' success as well as Myers success/potential. Quite honestly, I have faith in Darcy's draft this time around, especially under new ownership he seems to have drafted pretty well, although it is undoubtedly too early to know for certain

It's more than just drafting players, it's all about being able to BUILD A TEAM, and if you think DR is capable of that, we will agree to disagee.

[WildCard]

It's more than just drafting players, it's all about being able to BUILD A TEAM, and if you think DR is capable of that, we will agree to disagee.

I think I may agree with that, but could you expound a bit more on it? Sorry but I'm unsure what you mean here. Drafting seems to be the fundamental base through which a GM can build a team, and if it's trades we're discussing I think DR has proven himself capable over these past couple of years.

 

I'm not sure what else there is to building a team that he can control, other than the coaching staffs, which I think he has done a horrible job of.