2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[Derrico]

Unless we're dressing a squad of 7 Bobby Orrs with 7 Nik Lidstrom's in Rochester, there's plenty of room for an elite D prospect. This team needs help just about everywhere and with the glut of picks they've built up in the coming years, they should have the chance to stock up just about everywhere.

 

Completely agree. I'd much rather the forward but if we don't trade up this seems somewhat likely to me. It that scenario plays out I guess the debate comes down to Nurse, Zardov or Ristolainen.

 

I will get shot for this but...

 

If Carolina was willing to trade down because they are targeting defense, hypothetically and with a lot of speculation, what if we offered them a defender and our 8 pick to jump up to 5th?

 

I don't think you'd get shot for that. It just depends on what Dman. I don't want it to by Pysyk. Also, that's a great strategy if Darcy and managment has a clear view on who they want more between Monahan or Lindholm.

[LGR4GM]

North Buffalo just did. Again, I really think Edmonton trades out of that pick (obviously could be wrong). Why would you draft Nichuskin and then say he will never see the NHL ice? I somewhat agree with that point, that's why you DON'T draft him.

No what he said was he doesn't think we should take a defender at 8 and he argued for moving up or being creative, unless it is buried further back he said nothing of reaching at 8.

 

As for Nichushkin, I said that because the kid is a talent. I won't get to interview him or talk to his coaches. I won't get to do anything like that but Darcy and scouts will. If there is a chance he really does want to play in the NHL than you take him if he is available, it is a boom or bust project. He is too good to be ignored. If he played in NA right now he would be a top 3 pick. It is a gamble I would not take but I can see the Sabres taking because they will have more info than us.

[X. Benedict]

Completely agree. I'd much rather the forward but if we don't trade up this seems somewhat likely to me. It that scenario plays out I guess the debate comes down to Nurse, Zardov or Ristolainen.

 

Nurse has a high ceiling. I don't see Edmonton passing on him if they pick, but otherwise I think they trade out of the spot.

[LGR4GM]

Completely agree. I'd much rather the forward but if we don't trade up this seems somewhat likely to me. It that scenario plays out I guess the debate comes down to Nurse, Zardov or Ristolainen.

 

 

 

I don't think you'd get shot for that. It just depends on what Dman. I don't want it to by Pysyk. Also, that's a great strategy if Darcy and managment has a clear view on who they want more between Monahan or Lindholm.

What about 16, Pysyk, and another pick to get up to 5th overall?

 

Nurse has a high ceiling. I don't see Edmonton passing on him if they pick, but otherwise I think they trade out of the spot.

Agreed I think they take Nurse if he is there, which I think he will be. They also could take Ristolainen as they have scouted and taken some fins in recent years.

[X. Benedict]

What about 16, Pysyk, and another pick to get up to 5th overall?

Edmonton might take that deal at 7. I don't think Carolina does.

I wonder how bad Staals knee is.

[Derrico]

No what he said was he doesn't think we should take a defender at 8 and he argued for moving up or being creative, unless it is buried further back he said nothing of reaching at 8.

 

As for Nichushkin, I said that because the kid is a talent. I won't get to interview him or talk to his coaches. I won't get to do anything like that but Darcy and scouts will. If there is a chance he really does want to play in the NHL than you take him if he is available, it is a boom or bust project. He is too good to be ignored. If he played in NA right now he would be a top 3 pick. It is a gamble I would not take but I can see the Sabres taking because they will have more info than us.

 

Of course he would but the fact is he doesn't. Grigorenko played over here and the 'Russian factor' had him drop all the way down to us at what, 13? Grig was also suppose to be top 3 tallent. I would just be very surprised if he's selected in the top 7 and I may get shot for this but feel like he may be there at 16 if we really do want him. We can agree to disagree but there is no way I'm taking him. Why would he sign a 3 year KHL contract immidately before the NHL draft?

 

What about 16, Pysyk, and another pick to get up to 5th overall?

 

No. Mainly because although I'm in the minority I won't be crushed by us adding a high end D prospect. This also factors in my feelings on Pysyk and how I think he's going to be a very good NHL defenceman.

[Claude_Verret]

Edmonton might take that deal at 7. I don't think Carolina does.

I wonder how bad Staals knee is.

 

Yes, that could certainly change their thinking with the 5th pick. Plus Rutherford says they want veteran D help this offseason, so how successful they are with that before they pick will impact what they do. Staal supposedly back in Raleigh today for an MRI.

[X. Benedict]

Of course he would but the fact is he doesn't. Grigorenko played over here and the 'Russian factor' had him drop all the way down to us at what, 13? Grig was also suppose to be top 3 tallent. I would just be very surprised if he's selected in the top 7 and I may get shot for this but feel like he may be there at 16 if we really do want him. We can agree to disagree but there is no way I'm taking him. Why would he sign a 3 year KHL contract immidately before the NHL draft?

More than the Russian factor, it was concerns about Grigs attitude and waning play. I think it was more a case of other prospects stocks rising while Grigs was playing through Mono.

[LGR4GM]

OMFG THIS IS HILARIOUS!!!!!

 

http://fans.hurricanes.nhl.com/community/topic/21377-poll-and-with-the-5th-pick-in-the-2013-nhl-draft-the-carolina-hurricanes-pick/page-26

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Posted 12 May 2013 - 01:19 PM

Although JR is very conservative. It would be interesting if he took Nichushkin at #5 and traded our #2 and McBain for another 1st round pick from a team that will draft a defenseman, ie: Edmonton, Buffalo, or Philadelphia. Then the Canes would have a shot at Ristolainen, Nurse, or Zadorov.

 

Trading McBain would give us almost $2M in needed cap space. We still have a nucleus of assets to trade for a quality, physical defenseman, similar to an Eric Johnson (<$4M for at least a couple of years).

 

If need be, the Canes could wait on Nich but I'm sure JR would pressure him in the combine interviews and post-draft to come here now.

 

Anyone of the defenseman draftees could be in a 3rd pairing next season. They are big and physical with a lot of upside. I especially like the caliber of opponents Ristolainen has been playing against ... he may have the best chance of being NHL-ready."

 

and also completely off topic I give you the Human Highlight Reel

http://thehockeywriters.com/jonathan-drouin-the-human-hockey-highlight-film/

[drnkirishone]

I do still think we have good defensive depth even after watching this season. What we dont have is high end talent/potential. We have a whole lot of 4,5,6 types that could jump up a position if they hit their ceiling. We dont have any first pairing talent outside of erhoff and myers (if he rediscovers his game). i dont follow the draft real close. But what are the chances of the top 3 ranked D being available for our second pick?

[LGR4GM]

I do still think we have good defensive depth even after watching this season. What we dont have is high end talent/potential. We have a whole lot of 4,5,6 types that could jump up a position if they hit their ceiling. We dont have any first pairing talent outside of erhoff and myers (if he rediscovers his game). i dont follow the draft real close. But what are the chances of the top 3 ranked D being available for our second pick?

At #16... well the top 4 defenders are Nurse/Ristolainen/Zadarov/Pulock roughly in that order. Jones doesn't count because well hes going 1st. Nurse and Ristolainen most likely will not be there. Between Carolina, Edmonton and Philly that is something I feel certain about. I also think Zadarov will be gone as well (most likely philly if the other two are gone). That leaves Pulock who is a good player and could be available at 16. He is fairly well rounded but not as physical as the other 3. He is 6'1" 211lbs and has a canon of a shot.

[dudacek]

Just because a player is the second best defenceman in the draft does not mean he is better than the sixth or seventh best forward.

[Derrico]

Just because a player is the second best defenceman in the draft does not mean he is better than the sixth or seventh best forward.

 

I agree. But IMHO in this case he is.

[LGR4GM]

I agree. But IMHO in this case he is.

Would you be willing to put up your top 8/9 just so we can see better how you are thinking?

[X. Benedict]

I agree. But IMHO in this case he is.

 

Highlights are highlights....but one gets the impression from watching nurse that the physical talent is there. And the release is obvious, it looks like he can hit the net from anywhere.

 

And he throws some hands.

 

There is always risk, but a kid like this could be as transformative as any forward.

[TrueBlueGED]

Edmonton might take that deal at 7. I don't think Carolina does.

I wonder how bad Staals knee is.

 

I don't think it will matter unless it's completely destroyed. ACL injuries tend not to be as bad for hockey players as for football or basketball players (and even in the case of football players, they've been coming back ahead of schedule like clockwork in recent years).

[X. Benedict]

I don't think it will matter unless it's completely destroyed. ACL injuries tend not to be as bad for hockey players as for football or basketball players (and even in the case of football players, they've been coming back ahead of schedule like clockwork in recent years).

 

Probably a good point. Though it took Markov most of 2 years to recover. It no longer is a death sentence.

[TrueBlueGED]

Probably a good point. Though it took Markov most of 2 years to recover. It no longer is a death sentence.

 

That's only because he's Russian, and therefore was lazy with the rehab :ph34r:

[Derrico]

Would you be willing to put up your top 8/9 just so we can see better how you are thinking?

 

Here is my top 9 in order:

 

1. Jones

2. MacKinnon

3. Drouin

4. Barkov

5/6. Monahan

5/6. Lindholm (I think I like Monahan better but it's very close)

7. Nurse

8. Zadarov

9. Ristolainen

 

Basically, if it goes like this, you have your pick of Zadarov or Ristolainen or you take the next best forward (Nichushkin, Shinkaruk or maybe even Domi). Nischushkin has the talen to be better than Zardov or Ristolainen but I really fear he'll never play in the NHL and in a full rebuild with a deep draft, the Sabres cannot miss on this pick. The teir of forwards beginning with Shinkaruk et al. are vastly inferior to the above mentioned D IMO.

[SabresBillsFan]

I think I will be pissed if they trade Vanek and the eighth overall pick just to move up to 4th or 5th. I think you hold on to Vanek and if they do trade him trade him for a 1st, 2nd and possible prospect. You just don't trade him to move up a few spots. I think people really under estimate Vaneks scoring. He is one of the best snipers in the league. If this guy had a true number 1 center all these years his numbers would be up their with Stamkos and Ovi. He can at least fetch as much as Pom's, Nash and Gaborik.

[SabresBillsFan]

I understand that some people want a defenseman. My question to you is who is going to score goals. If you look at Rochester and our prospects in other leagues this team has hardly any offensive firepower. We need top 6 players. I think we can draft a defenseman in round two or three that can pan out. If we move up I wouldn't mind if they move up with the 16th pick and keep the 8th. Just like they did last year. Have at least two top 10 picks and still have a second left. That's we're they drafted McCabe. This scouting department can't afford to miss these next couple of years. The key is how they are going to build the team. Is it based on size? Speed? Hardworking with not alot of superstars?

[Robviously]

I understand that some people want a defenseman. My question to you is who is going to score goals. If you look at Rochester and our prospects in other leagues this team has hardly any offensive firepower. We need top 6 players. I think we can draft a defenseman in round two or three that can pan out. If we move up I wouldn't mind if they move up with the 16th pick and keep the 8th. Just like they did last year. Have at least two top 10 picks and still have a second left. That's we're they drafted McCabe. This scouting department can't afford to miss these next couple of years. The key is how they are going to build the team. Is it based on size? Speed? Hardworking with not alot of superstars?

The Sabres can't draft an elite goal scorer if there isn't one available when they draft. If their choice is between a mediocre forward prospect or a potential no.1 defenseman with size and grit, take the defenseman. They'll have the entire rest of the draft to acquire so-so forward prospects.

[Derrico]

I understand that some people want a defenseman. My question to you is who is going to score goals. If you look at Rochester and our prospects in other leagues this team has hardly any offensive firepower. We need top 6 players. I think we can draft a defenseman in round two or three that can pan out. If we move up I wouldn't mind if they move up with the 16th pick and keep the 8th. Just like they did last year. Have at least two top 10 picks and still have a second left. That's we're they drafted McCabe. This scouting department can't afford to miss these next couple of years. The key is how they are going to build the team. Is it based on size? Speed? Hardworking with not alot of superstars?

 

Easier said than done. Who do you draft at 8 and 16? What is ur proposal to move up from 16 and who do you want taken there? If the draft goes like I feel it will, I'm not sure there will be any superstars at the forward position left. We could move up but finding a team willing to move down will be very difficult.

[North Buffalo]

North Buffalo just did. Again, I really think Edmonton trades out of that pick (obviously could be wrong). Why would you draft Nichuskin and then say he will never see the NHL ice? I somewhat agree with that point, that's why you DON'T draft him.

 

As others stated, I did not advocate reaching, but rather either trading up to get a valuable forward worth the pick or trading back to get more picks, possibly another number 1 next year.

 

I don't want Psysk traded either because I think he could end up being a number 1 D with Erhoff. However, Psysk, and Vanek for a 4 or 3 overall I might consider. That would give the Sabres 3 number 1 picks and then a D at number 8 would work, but I doubt anyone would go for that.

 

The Sabres shouldn't draft a D no matter how talented at 8 and I agree they shouldn't reach for lesser talent at 8 so either trade up or trade down if they don't thing a talented forward isn't available at 8. Just my opinion, what my main concern is that outside of the top 3 centers, I am not sure keeping the 8th pick is worth it and by definition will be a reach for the Sabres or just not worth it.

 

D take too long to develop and talented ones often don't show their true colors for a couple of years. The Sabres need help up the middle, the D in the pipeline seem to be talented enough to fill all six spots. Again centers and scorers are seriously lacking on this team.

[SabresBillsFan]

 

 

Easier said than done. Who do you draft at 8 and 16? What is ur proposal to move up from 16 and who do you want taken there? If the draft goes like I feel it will, I'm not sure there will be any superstars at the forward position left. We could move up but finding a team willing to move down will be very difficult.

 

I'm talking up moving up from 16th not into the top 5 but maybe 9-12 spot. Yes they might not get one of the so called top 4 picks but that's not to say that the players picked 5-30 won't pan out to be better players in the future. Remember Getzlaf was a 19th pick and Perry was 10th. So whose to say that you won't get superstars. I think Domi is going to be a solid player. Don't under estimate this guy. I think there are solid offensive players there they aren't as good as the top 4 guys right now but whose to say they won't be in the near future.

 

 

 

As others stated, I did not advocate reaching, but rather either trading up to get a valuable forward worth the pick or trading back to get more picks, possibly another number 1 next year.

 

I don't want Psysk traded either because I think he could end up being a number 1 D with Erhoff. However, Psysk, and Vanek for a 4 or 3 overall I might consider. That would give the Sabres 3 number 1 picks and then a D at number 8 would work, but I doubt anyone would go for that.

 

The Sabres shouldn't draft a D no matter how talented at 8 and I agree they shouldn't reach for lesser talent at 8 so either trade up or trade down if they don't thing a talented forward isn't available at 8. Just my opinion, what my main concern is that outside of the top 3 centers, I am not sure keeping the 8th pick is worth it and by definition will be a reach for the Sabres or just not worth it.

 

D take too long to develop and talented ones often don't show their true colors for a couple of years. The Sabres need help up the middle, the D in the pipeline seem to be talented enough to fill all six spots. Again centers and scorers are seriously lacking on this team.

 

Totally agree about the defense. Plus I feel we don't need a goalie. People need to look at our system. Scoring wise there is not much there. We need offense. If this team trades Vanek I want exactly what Pom's, Gaborik and Nash fetched. I don't think that's asking alot but that's what his value would be. If he played with Getzlaf he would be easily a 40 goal scorer year in and year out.