2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[LGR4GM]

These are probably the three best players we can get at 8. With Ristolainen falling just behind them. I'd want Nurse, Lindholm, Monahan.

I couldn't disagree more. Taking Nurse at #8 if we had the choice of Lindholm or Monahan is insanity in my mind. Lindholm is one of the best 2-way players as is Monahan and both of them have offensive skills as well as character. Both are credited with being extremely hard workers. In the end I think the drop off from say Nurse to a guy like Pulock or Santini (guys possibly available at 16) is not as significant as the dropoff btw Lindholm/Monahan and a guy like Zykov or Erne

[X. Benedict]

I couldn't disagree more. Taking Nurse at #8 if we had the choice of Lindholm or Monahan is insanity in my mind. Lindholm is one of the best 2-way players as is Monahan and both of them have offensive skills as well as character. Both are credited with being extremely hard workers. In the end I think the drop off from say Nurse to a guy like Pulock or Santini (guys possibly available at 16) is not as significant as the dropoff btw Lindholm/Monahan and a guy like Zykov or Erne

 

That's an excellent point about the drop-off. I wouldn't be upset with Monahan.

The thing that worries me about Monahan is he doesn't sound like a top line center - but more of a generalist in terms of talent.

I really think he's closer to Wennburg than to Barkov.

Buffalo with two picks has some flexibility here - 2nd line centers can be found in Domi, Lazar, Horvat. Wennberg all who may be available at 16.

[26CornerBlitz]

I couldn't disagree more. Taking Nurse at #8 if we had the choice of Lindholm or Monahan is insanity in my mind. Lindholm is one of the best 2-way players as is Monahan and both of them have offensive skills as well as character. Both are credited with being extremely hard workers. In the end I think the drop off from say Nurse to a guy like Pulock or Santini (guys possibly available at 16) is not as significant as the dropoff btw Lindholm/Monahan and a guy like Zykov or Erne

 

Good point on the consideration of positional dropoff. I just hope they have the choice of among those three as unlikely as it is IMO

[Derrico]

IMO if Monahan and/or Lindholm are there at 8 (unlikely either is there let alone both) I think you have to take one of them. I think this thing still might come down to Nurse or Risto if we don't trade out of 8. I like hearing the points for each of these guys. I like the idea of Risto already playing key minutes in a superior league. However, the 'experts' have Nurse going in the top 7 in several mock drafts and I have yet to see Risto crack the top 7. Why is that? (I'm being serious with that question, not sarcastic).

 

Also, I have changed my opinion and will not be upset with them taking a D at 8. I think there is a bit of a myth that we have these great young D-men in the pipline and adding a guy with top pairing potential is huge for any organization. I say grab Nurse/Risto and either take a highly regarded forward at 16 or even trade up a few spots to make sure you get the forward prospect you were coveting.

[LGR4GM]

IMO if Monahan and/or Lindholm are there at 8 (unlikely either is there let alone both) I think you have to take one of them. I think this thing still might come down to Nurse or Risto if we don't trade out of 8. I like hearing the points for each of these guys. I like the idea of Risto already playing key minutes in a superior league. However, the 'experts' have Nurse going in the top 7 in several mock drafts and I have yet to see Risto crack the top 7. Why is that? (I'm being serious with that question, not sarcastic).

 

Also, I have changed my opinion and will not be upset with them taking a D at 8. I think there is a bit of a myth that we have these great young D-men in the pipline and adding a guy with top pairing potential is huge for any organization. I say grab Nurse/Risto and either take a highly regarded forward at 16 or even trade up a few spots to make sure you get the forward prospect you were coveting.

Lindholm can also play RW and I say that because scouting reports have discussed him playing wing at times. It is a possibility.

 

As for the Nurse/Risto thing, Nurse has a higher ceiling than Risto. His size and his hockey IQ give him that but he is less of certainty. Risto is a safe pick who has a much better chance of being a solid guy in your top pairing. Nurse projects better offensively and is just riskier.

 

As for the final point, we can take a top defensive prospect such as Pulock or Santini (Santini would be a physical shutdown force) at 16 and that player would have as much impact as Nurse at 8 impo.

[X. Benedict]

IMO if Monahan and/or Lindholm are there at 8 (unlikely either is there let alone both) I think you have to take one of them. I think this thing still might come down to Nurse or Risto if we don't trade out of 8. I like hearing the points for each of these guys. I like the idea of Risto already playing key minutes in a superior league. However, the 'experts' have Nurse going in the top 7 in several mock drafts and I have yet to see Risto crack the top 7. Why is that? (I'm being serious with that question, not sarcastic).

 

Also, I have changed my opinion and will not be upset with them taking a D at 8. I think there is a bit of a myth that we have these great young D-men in the pipline and adding a guy with top pairing potential is huge for any organization. I say grab Nurse/Risto and either take a highly regarded forward at 16 or even trade up a few spots to make sure you get the forward prospect you were coveting.

 

Nurse looks like a spectacular skater for his size. But can he add weight?

Risto might have the lower ceiling but he's more NHL ready.

Nurse is the riskier pick IMO.....but there may be more upside.

[Derrico]

Lindholm can also play RW and I say that because scouting reports have discussed him playing wing at times. It is a possibility.

 

As for the Nurse/Risto thing, Nurse has a higher ceiling than Risto. His size and his hockey IQ give him that but he is less of certainty. Risto is a safe pick who has a much better chance of being a solid guy in your top pairing. Nurse projects better offensively and is just riskier.

 

As for the final point, we can take a top defensive prospect such as Pulock or Santini (Santini would be a physical shutdown force) at 16 and that player would have as much impact as Nurse at 8 impo.

 

I agree that if we got Lindholm at 8 and a Santini at 16 (I love the sound of Santini's game) then I would be very happy with the first round. However, if the magnificent 7 are gone in the top 7 then I think it would be more wise to go D F than reaching for a F and taking a D at 16.

 

Thanks for the analysis (as well as X) on Nurse/Risto. Do we go more NHL ready and safer or the guy with the higher upside? I like the thought of a dominant, physical Dman with offensive upside. That's why Nurse is so intriguing but Risto sounds pretty good too. From all I've read, both project to possible top pairing defenders. I think this rebuild will take a couple of years to complete so IMO I don't necessarily need a guy ready to step into the NHL next season and would have more patience for a Nurse type of player. That goes for the whole draft, not just the first pick.

[Koomkie]

this should probably be in a different thread?? but have you seen next summer UFA list? http://capgeek.com/free-agents/?year_id=2014&team_id=-1&position_id=-1&fa_type_id=2

Vanek is one of MANY stars that could head to FA. it is stacked! i am wondering if this is another reason we should try and trade him now because this year has so few good players? or is this a reason he decides to stay with us, because he may not get as much from another team? i think we should get rid of him now, for picks/prospects/players and then just go big next year on FA trying to get some of the higher end talent.

[LGR4GM]

this should probably be in a different thread?? but have you seen next summer UFA list? http://capgeek.com/f...-1&fa_type_id=2

Vanek is one of MANY stars that could head to FA. it is stacked! i am wondering if this is another reason we should try and trade him now because this year has so few good players? or is this a reason he decides to stay with us, because he may not get as much from another team? i think we should get rid of him now, for picks/prospects/players and then just go big next year on FA trying to get some of the higher end talent.

Those lists always look like. Why? Because you can't sign UFA's until July 1 of the last year of their deal. You can't sign anyone until they enter that final year. Over the summer and next year that number will easily drop by 60%

[Koomkie]

Those lists always look like. Why? Because you can't sign UFA's until July 1 of the last year of their deal. You can't sign anyone until they enter that final year. Over the summer and next year that number will easily drop by 60%

oh im aware of that, but there will be a lot of players that will go to FA as well. if just 5 of those guys go then i feel like it changes things a little. just my opinion. i feel like we dont get as much for vanek at the deadline because of it. maybe i am wrong

[LGR4GM]

oh im aware of that, but there will be a lot of players that will go to FA as well. if just 5 of those guys go then i feel like it changes things a little. just my opinion. i feel like we dont get as much for vanek at the deadline because of it. maybe i am wrong

Since 2005 I believe or maybe it is 2007 but Vanek is in the top 10 for most goals scored and is probably considered one of the top 5 LW's. If he is available teams will go gah gah.

[26CornerBlitz]

I agree that if we got Lindholm at 8 and a Santini at 16 (I love the sound of Santini's game) then I would be very happy with the first round. However, if the magnificent 7 are gone in the top 7 then I think it would be more wise to go D F than reaching for a F and taking a D at 16.

 

Thanks for the analysis (as well as X) on Nurse/Risto. Do we go more NHL ready and safer or the guy with the higher upside? I like the thought of a dominant, physical Dman with offensive upside. That's why Nurse is so intriguing but Risto sounds pretty good too. From all I've read, both project to possible top pairing defenders. I think this rebuild will take a couple of years to complete so IMO I don't necessarily need a guy ready to step into the NHL next season and would have more patience for a Nurse type of player. That goes for the whole draft, not just the first pick.

 

On the question of Nurse vs Risto, take a look at the respective ranking of each of them from several sources: http://www.mynhldraft.com/2013-nhl-draft-prospect-rankings

[Robviously]

Nurse looks like a spectacular skater for his size. But can he add weight?

Risto might have the lower ceiling but he's more NHL ready.

Nurse is the riskier pick IMO.....but there may be more upside.

I think I'm back to wanting Nurse over Ristolainen at #8 if all of the top 7 are gone. I'll take higher upside over closer to the NHL in this case. If we miss out on the magnificent seven, I think he's the next guy with the most potential to be a star (and we need stars).

 

Plus most young players do manage to add weight and strength (except for Tyler Myers, who also forgot to add work ethic and intensity).

[LaFontaineToMogilny]

With the reported expected run on centers, the KHL ghost, the language barrier and what have you, I am starting to get a little tingling in my stomach that it's remotely possible that Valeri Nichushkin could drop a spot or three.... I'd say thank you very much.

[Derrico]

On the question of Nurse vs Risto, take a look at the respective ranking of each of them from several sources: http://www.mynhldraf...ospect-rankings

 

Interesting, thanks for that.

 

In summary, 5 of the 8 have Nurse ranking higher than Risto.

 

Nurse is ranked as high as 6th, Risto 8th.

 

Nurse cracks the top 10 in 5 of the 8 rankings, Risto is ranked in the top 10 twice.

[X. Benedict]

I think I'm back to wanting Nurse over Ristolainen at #8 if all of the top 7 are gone. I'll take higher upside over closer to the NHL in this case. If we miss out on the magnificent seven, I think he's the next guy with the most potential to be a star (and we need stars).

 

Plus most young players do manage to add weight and strength (except for Tyler Myers, who also forgot to add work ethic and intensity).

 

I wouldn't be disappointed with either.

I have a preference for Risto - but I'm willing to take a bigger swing with Nurse.

[26CornerBlitz]

I wouldn't be disappointed with either.

I have a preference for Risto - but I'm willing to take a bigger swing with Nurse.

 

IMO Nurse doesn't represent a bigger swing, but instead it may be a longer wait for him to realize his full potential.

 

One publication's scouts breakdown on Nurse and Risto:

 

SCOUTS QUOTE on Nurse : “Nurse has the top natural athletic ability in this draft crop and we could be witnessing the humble beginnings of a perennial all-star at the next level. NHL teams will be climbing over each other to get their hands on this big, strong, two-way talent.”

 

NHL POTENTIAL: Top Pairing Physical Two-Way Defenseman

 

SCOUTS QUOTE on Ristolainen: “Opinions are all over the place on this guy as some scouts

like him as a top-10 talent and future NHL top four blue liner who plays for 15 year plus seasons while others have doubts and see him struggling with the pace of the NHL game.”

 

NHL POTENTIAL: Top 4 Two-Way Defenseman

 

Edit: Putting Zadorov in for consideration

 

SCOUTS QUOTE on Zadorov: “An impressive physical specimen, Nikita shows some great potential to be a solid two way defender that will make a big impact at the next level. He has great size and outstanding mobility when coupled with that size. He hits like a Mack truck and gets his large frame into passing and shooting lanes effectively.

He also has some ability to rush the puck up ice and jump into the attack that will develop further. I could see him as a strong two-way top four blue liner at the next level.”

 

NHL POTENTIAL: Top 4 Two-Way Physical Defenseman

[LGR4GM]

I'll say that if I am the Sabres I take or get a trade so I can take the top forward available at 8 and then I draft a defender at 16. I think the comment about teams want centers is probably true but I think some the teams in front of buffalo are blowing smoke and will take something else.

[LGR4GM]

I think my push for Risto has to do with I have seen our first round picks be billed as "great potential" and then they failed. Risto is safe but Nurse is unproven potential. I think Nurse has the higher ceiling there for we should take him if that is our option btw him and Risto and the other forwards are gone.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

Just spent a little time looking at a bunch of the top 30 guys.....

 

There's one guy who stands out that I think is a can't-miss in terms of getting a good, tough hockey player.......Curtis Lazar.

 

Other than the Fin center up top, this guy looks to be possibly the most NHL ready in terms of having the body of a man, much like Girgensons last year. Looks like he is a center, but from the limited film I saw, maybe ends up a better wing longterm....hard to tell his skillset over a few minutes of tape. Maybe some of you guys have a better clue. I saw him crashing the net without fear in a few clips, and supposedly he is a decent setup man.

 

The guy has the frame and it is already filling out. His interviews are polished and the kid seems to be sharp, quick on the tongue, and is willing to be his own critic. On a physical and psych profile....I find it hard to see this kid being a bust. It looks like he was bordering the top 10 going into the year, but now is floating around 20-30. With what I saw, I just hope he is around at #16 because he fits our needs, and I would think someone goes early on him because you just can't teach that type of body and mind. Maybe not as work-crazy as Girgensons...but he looks like he may have more offensive upside than him.

 

Someone tell me I'm on the right track????

[dudacek]

Like Lazar a lot. He is one of many good options at 16.

An extra pick in the top 25 would be wonderful.

[Hoss]

IMO if Monahan and/or Lindholm are there at 8 (unlikely either is there let alone both) I think you have to take one of them. I think this thing still might come down to Nurse or Risto if we don't trade out of 8. I like hearing the points for each of these guys. I like the idea of Risto already playing key minutes in a superior league. However, the 'experts' have Nurse going in the top 7 in several mock drafts and I have yet to see Risto crack the top 7. Why is that? (I'm being serious with that question, not sarcastic).

 

Also, I have changed my opinion and will not be upset with them taking a D at 8. I think there is a bit of a myth that we have these great young D-men in the pipline and adding a guy with top pairing potential is huge for any organization. I say grab Nurse/Risto and either take a highly regarded forward at 16 or even trade up a few spots to make sure you get the forward prospect you were coveting.

 

Chances are one of them will be there at eight. I am nearly 100% sure, if we stay at eight, we will draft either Monahan or Lindholm.

[26CornerBlitz]

Just spent a little time looking at a bunch of the top 30 guys.....

 

There's one guy who stands out that I think is a can't-miss in terms of getting a good, tough hockey player.......Curtis Lazar.

 

Other than the Fin center up top, this guy looks to be possibly the most NHL ready in terms of having the body of a man, much like Girgensons last year. Looks like he is a center, but from the limited film I saw, maybe ends up a better wing longterm....hard to tell his skillset over a few minutes of tape. Maybe some of you guys have a better clue. I saw him crashing the net without fear in a few clips, and supposedly he is a decent setup man.

 

The guy has the frame and it is already filling out. His interviews are polished and the kid seems to be sharp, quick on the tongue, and is willing to be his own critic. On a physical and psych profile....I find it hard to see this kid being a bust. It looks like he was bordering the top 10 going into the year, but now is floating around 20-30. With what I saw, I just hope he is around at #16 because he fits our needs, and I would think someone goes early on him because you just can't teach that type of body and mind. Maybe not as work-crazy as Girgensons...but he looks like he may have more offensive upside than him.

 

Someone tell me I'm on the right track????

 

Very solid defensive minded Center is the book on him with limited offensive potential. IIRC he was at the Sabres' Combine, so they may be looking at him as a possibility at 16.

[WannabeGM]

What about Nikita Zadorov? Most like him better than Ristolainen.

[Hoss]

What about Nikita Zadorov? Most like him better than Ristolainen.

 

Would be extremely disappointed if Zadorov was the pick.