2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[WildCard]

Erne....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHby1n9ahxY

 

Check out the burst at 45without the puck...

3:31-4:25 is a thing o' beauty. He just seems so quick to the puck and when he's on it as well.

[LGR4GM]

I like Rychel too, but Erne has more tools - Iginla to Morrow, in their primes.

(Not saying either player will reach that level).

 

Also, this draft looks so good - I am sure we are talking 2003 again - but there are going to be busts, there always are.

What players scare you guys - at 8 and at 16?

What tools do you see Erne having that Rychel lacks?

[dudacek]

 

What tools do you see Erne having that Rychel lacks?

 

Rychel can't skate as well, or shoot as well. Not that he's bad in those areas, he's just not as good.

Check out X's video. I don't see Rychel having the ability to make those plays in the NHL.

Erne might.

 

I don't want Nurse or Zadarov at eight.

I think either could struggle while Domi (for example) becomes a star two or three picks later.

 

And I am with X on Mantha and Gauthier - I want skilled players with an edge.

[LGR4GM]

What players scare you guys - at 8 and at 16?

At 8: Horvat, Zadarov, Pulock

At 16: Erne, Zykov, Morrissey

 

Rychel can't skate as well, or shoot as well. Not that he's bad in those areas, he's just not as good.

Check out X's video. I don't see Rychel having the ability to make those plays in the NHL.

Erne might.

Rychel is a little slower but I think his shot is better. Erne isn't as good in front of the net IMPO. Also I don't question Rychel's work ethic at all. I'd say they have comparable hands.

 

NHL Network analyst Craig Button told NHL.com, "Kerby is a power winger who gives you everything he has in the game. Never, ever will Kerby leave his team short on effort or determination."

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=672936

[dudacek]

if you have doubts about Erne's attitude, you take Rychel. If not you take Erne.

They are both nice prospects.

[shrader]

Good article from the Redline guys this week in USA Today.'

http://m.usatoday.co...le/news/2388455

 

Some possibilites for the Sabres - Horvat - Domi - Erne

 

Domi is built like a bowling ball at 5-9, 194 pounds, and uses his speed and low center of gravity to gain leverage in battles and drive through checkers to get to net. Unlike his famous dad, he's a highly skilled offensive player with a blurry-fast release on an accurate shot that makes him supremely dangerous from the circles in. He's also a real opportunist around the net and can explode through even the slightest of openings.

At Red Line, we're huge fans of Horvat, and feel he doesn't get the love he deserves. His hard-driving style and aggressive play in the trenches open up operating room for his linemates, and he has great touch around the net himself. Horvat scored a bushel of hugely important goals in the playoffs, and is the type of player who is able to elevate his game a few levels at crunch time in big games. He also registers off the charts in personal character, and is a likely captain at the NHL level.

Adam Erne is a rugged winger with size and natural aggression. He attacks the net with power and dominates below the circles at the offensive end. He's a big-time hitter, yet has the hands and offensive finesse to beat defenders wide with speed and slick moves. Unfortunately, there are times when his attitude has beenquestioned, and some veterans on the Quebec Remparts felt he was a prima donna who let the publicity go to his head. So teams will do a thorough vetting process

 

I've heard some of the stories of what Quebec threw at Erne to draw him away from the NCAA (and many other players who eventually chose the CHL route). I have no surprise that many of them wind up as prima donnas.

[LGR4GM]

if you have doubts about Erne's attitude, you take Rychel. If not you take Erne.

They are both nice prospects.

Agreed. I would say they could go one right after the other Erne at 16, Rychel at 17 or vice versa. Either way they season sucked but this draft is going to be entertaining.

[X. Benedict]

What tools do you see Erne having that Rychel lacks?

 

I like Erne's skating stride....covers a lot of ground and gets to full speed quickly.

Also I think the big ass helps in the paint. He's kinda has a bit of the Brett Hull ass ....which is good for setting up and makes a player hard to move.

 

Rychel I wouldn't sneeze at, but I think he'll have more of the power-forward development curve. I just think Erne makes it to the show faster mostly because of his outside speed.

[LGR4GM]

What if the Sabres went: Monahan/Lindholm at 8 and then decided to be a bit crazy and took the top scoring winger in the draft at 16...

 

It would be a reach but not because of ability but the dreaded SIZE problem we have around here. Niclas Petan. 120pts last year in the WHL and 28pts in the playoffs this kid looks to be Ennis but better. It would a reach and a very risky pick but he is really good.

 

Petan is listed at 5'9" and 170lbs

[dudacek]

Too many good players still available at 16 for that move.

I'd look at him at 38.

 

I put some weight into filling in the missing pieces, especially in such a deep, balanced draft, so each pick is affected by the pick that came before.

If we went Ristolainen and Santini with our first two picks, then Petan at 38 makes sense because we need to come out of this draft with some offence.

If we went Lindholm and Shinkaruk however, Petan would probably be off my radar.

[LGR4GM]

Too many good players still available at 16 for that move.

I'd look at him at 38.

 

I put some weight into filling in the missing pieces, especially in such a deep, balanced draft, so each pick is affected by the pick that came before.

If we went Ristolainen and Santini with our first two picks, then Petan at 38 makes sense because we need to come out of this draft with some offence.

If we went Lindholm and Shinkaruk however, Petan would probably be off my radar.

I know Santini is supposed to be this really amazing defensive defender but I can't get excited about drafting him at 16. I agree with you in regards to Petan though. I think with how much size and skill is available he drops.

[dudacek]

It's interesting to look at how the Sabres young depth chart projects:

 

? Grigorenko ?

Armia Hodgson Ennis

Larsson Girgensons Foligno

 

Myers ?

Pysyk McCabe

McNabb Gauthier-Leduc

 

Hackett

Makarov

 

Pretty solid in my view, particularly when you consider any of the third line guys have some potential to combine third-line grit with enough skill to play top six.

Looking at the holes also makes a pretty solid case for Ristolainen (physical, potential top two D) and Erne (power forward with first-line upside) to be our picks at 8 and 16.

 

It also make an even better case to improve the grit factor in that first-line centre slot by somehow leveraging Grigorenko, Vanek and/or Miller into McKinnon, Barkov or Lindholm (all three of whom are tougher and more competitive than Grigs).

[LGR4GM]

It's interesting to look at how the Sabres young depth chart projects:

 

? Grigorenko ?

Armia Hodgson Ennis

Larsson Girgensons Foligno

 

Myers ?

Pysyk McCabe

McNabb Gauthier-Leduc

 

Hackett

Makarov

 

Pretty solid in my view, particularly when you consider any of the third line guys have some potential to combine third-line grit with enough skill to play top six.

Looking at the holes also makes a pretty solid case for Ristolainen (physical, potential top two D) and Erne (power forward with first-line upside) to be our picks at 8 and 16.

 

It also make an even better case to improve the grit factor in that first-line centre slot by somehow leveraging Grigorenko, Vanek and/or Miller into McKinnon, Barkov or Lindholm (all three of whom are tougher and more competitive than Grigs).

I don't think we have seen all that Grigorenko has to offer by a long shot. I would rather keep him. It sounds as though he was not ready for the NHL but that he understands now exactly what it takes and is working harder.

 

As for the winger idea, Lindholm does play center but could also be moved to wing in much the same way Larsson was. Also I think you need to factor in Dan Catenacci for your young guys roster. I still think with his speed and grit he will be a top 6 winger but this year in AHL is crucial to that for him.

[Weave]

It's interesting to look at how the Sabres young depth chart projects:

 

? Grigorenko ?

Armia Hodgson Ennis

Larsson Girgensons Foligno

 

Myers ?

Pysyk McCabe

McNabb Gauthier-Leduc

 

Hackett

Makarov

 

Pretty solid in my view, particularly when you consider any of the third line guys have some potential to combine third-line grit with enough skill to play top six.

Looking at the holes also makes a pretty solid case for Ristolainen (physical, potential top two D) and Erne (power forward with first-line upside) to be our picks at 8 and 16.

 

It also make an even better case to improve the grit factor in that first-line centre slot by somehow leveraging Grigorenko, Vanek and/or Miller into McKinnon, Barkov or Lindholm (all three of whom are tougher and more competitive than Grigs).

 

Not that it changes your point any but you have every winger reversed.

 

I assume Armia is projected into the #1 RW slot.

[X. Benedict]

 

It also make an even better case to improve the grit factor in that first-line centre slot by somehow leveraging Grigorenko, Vanek and/or Miller into McKinnon, Barkov or Lindholm (all three of whom are tougher and more competitive than Grigs).

 

Early days for Grigs. He is only about 6 months older than most of the guys in the draft and 6 months ago Grigs was already on an NHL roster.

[dudacek]

I'd like Armia to assume a Vanek like role on the right side, and it's possible.

But I think his performance so far projects him more as a good offensive second liner, unless he ends up riding shotgun for an elite centre.

 

Catenacci definitely belongs here. Enough edge and skill to project anywhere for a second line wing to a fourth line centre.

And he gives this group some much-needed speed.

I'm quite interested in seeing how he develops.

 

I cant be the only one who would sacrifice Grigs in a package that returned Barkov or McKinnon?

I mean I'd do that in a second.

[X. Benedict]

I cant be the only one who would sacrifice Grigs in a package that returned Barkov or McKinnon?

I mean I'd do that in a second.

I'm in no hurry to package Grigorenko.

[LGR4GM]

I'd like Armia to assume a Vanek like role on the right side, and it's possible.

But I think his performance so far projects him more as a good offensive second liner, unless he ends up riding shotgun for an elite centre.

 

Catenacci definitely belongs here. Enough edge and skill to project anywhere for a second line wing to a fourth line centre.

And he gives this group some much-needed speed.

I'm quite interested in seeing how he develops.

 

I cant be the only one who would sacrifice Grigs in a package that returned Barkov or McKinnon?

I mean I'd do that in a second.

McKinnon yes, Barkov I would be hesitant. Grigorenko has so much offensive talent it is scary. Hes 2yrs away though which sucks.

[Koomkie]

I'd like Armia to assume a Vanek like role on the right side, and it's possible.

But I think his performance so far projects him more as a good offensive second liner, unless he ends up riding shotgun for an elite centre.

 

Catenacci definitely belongs here. Enough edge and skill to project anywhere for a second line wing to a fourth line centre.

And he gives this group some much-needed speed.

I'm quite interested in seeing how he develops.

 

I cant be the only one who would sacrifice Grigs in a package that returned Barkov or McKinnon?

I mean I'd do that in a second.

 

 

i'd rather keep grigs and draft lindholm with the number 8 (wishful thinking) than trade him and our #8 for mckinnon. grigs will be just fine.

[deluca67]

Early days for Grigs. He is only about 6 months older than most of the guys in the draft and 6 months ago Grigs was already on an NHL roster.

He shouldn't have been. One of many mistakes this front office has made over the years.

[sicknfla]

I have never watched a draft in any sport that went according to plan. I would feel better though if Mel Kiper or Todd McShay did a hockey mock and had the top 7 gone before us. That is about as sure as it gets that someone is falling to us.

[X. Benedict]

He shouldn't have been. One of many mistakes this front office has made over the years.

True - the second mistake was not letting him play through the growing pains.

 

Hard to blame Grigo for his handling. I'd rather keep Grigo than add picks to him for a package for Barkov.

[TrueBlueGED]

I cant be the only one who would sacrifice Grigs in a package that returned Barkov or McKinnon?

I mean I'd do that in a second.

 

I'm with you, which is part of the reason it's so unlikely to happen. And I don't mean it as a shot at Grigs, I still have high hopes for him. It's just everything I've read ABOUT Barkov had me salivating.

[LGR4GM]

I'm with you, which is part of the reason it's so unlikely to happen. And I don't mean it as a shot at Grigs, I still have high hopes for him. It's just everything I've read ABOUT Barkov had me salivating.

Ennis and 8 or Maybe Ennis and 16 to Nashville for 4... that may get you 4.

 

Then you draft Barkov, late him play for you next year as the #2 center. Move Grigorenko to wing.

[26CornerBlitz]

Ennis and 8 or Maybe Ennis and 16 to Nashville for 4... that may get you 4.

 

Then you draft Barkov, late him play for you next year as the #2 center. Move Grigorenko to wing.

 

Horrible idea. Talk about setting up a player for failure. Nothing about Grigs' game says winger.