Official 2015 NHL Draft Thread

[Taro T]

The rall

ying cry for a tank is that you can only get elite talent from the top of the draft. How do you get there? You either 1. have a skinflint owner who cheapskates his way to last place, 2. have inept management that can't draft for ###### and makes poor personnel choices, or 3. You purposely set your team up to lose. With this change elite talent can get distributed beyond 1. and 2. and it negates the necessity for 3.

 

Question, would Darcy still be here if he had these new rules and bumbled his way into Stamkos or Tavares? :ph34r:

Darcy might have still been here had RR not started last season in Buffalo, so no telling.

 

Agree w/ your 1st paragraph, but IF a team now barely missing the playoffs has a reasonable shot of getting the 1st overall pick there may be some serious tanking taking place in the middle of the pack. Hopefully this change doesn't give anybody more than a % or 2 better chance or it'll bite these guys in the rear.

[North Buffalo]

So time to start boning up on the 2015 draft no that this one is over. NHL.com article already out: http://www.nhl.com/i....htm?id=724468.

 

Other than Eichel and McDavid, who is really out there that makes 2015 considered deep?

 

http://www.nhl.com/i...s.htm?id=724468

 

Here is some info from an already published mock draft: http://www.draftsite...ock-draft/2015/

 

And an article from the Toronto Sun: http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/26/forward-thinking-previewing-the-2015-nhl-draft

Edited June 29, 2014 by Icehole

[Hoss]

So time to start boning up on the 2015 draft no that this one is over. NHL.com article already out: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=724468.

 

Other than Eichel and McDavid, who is really out there that makes 2015 considered deep?

 

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=724468

 

Pavel Zacha, Noah Hanifin, Travis Konecny and Mathew Barzal.

 

All of those guys and McEichel would've been in contention for the first pick this year if not locks to be the first pick.

[Huckleberry]

I am convinced this was forced through so McDavid has a better chance of going either to a Canadian market or a large media market. Whatever. If we finish last we can draft Eichel and BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF WHO EVER GETS MCDAVID.

 

We got Lemieux to beat the crap out of them now :D

 

But cutting the last place team odds from 25 % to 12.5 % the summer before one of the biggest drafts in years is suspect to say the least.

Edited June 29, 2014 by Heimdall

[North Buffalo]

Who is Colin White. Need to have a friend check up on him. Sabres mocked to pick him with Isles pick.

[MattPie]

Darcy might have still been here had RR not started last season in Buffalo, so no telling.

 

Agree w/ your 1st paragraph, but IF a team now barely missing the playoffs has a reasonable shot of getting the 1st overall pick there may be some serious tanking taking place in the middle of the pack. Hopefully this change doesn't give anybody more than a % or 2 better chance or it'll bite these guys in the rear.

 

There was a caller on the radio talking about how the first pick should go to the best of the last 5 teams so they have a reason to compete. All that does (along with a bunch of other schemes) is move the "tank" around in the standings. If you're sitting at 24th or 25th with a week to go in the season, you're going to be hoping to lose down to 26th and get the pick. I'm not sure if a team would really forego a playoff series in hopes for the pick most years, but you never know this year.

[Brawndo]

Here is Cory Pronman's Top Ten

 

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

 

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston College (Hockey East)

 

3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)

 

4. Noah Hanifin, D, USNTDP (USHL)

 

5. Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL)

 

6. Pavel Zacha, LW, Libersch (Czech Extraliga)

 

7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL)

 

8. Colin White, C, USNTDP (USHL)

 

9. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

 

10. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)

[26CornerBlitz]

Here is Cory Pronman's Top Ten

 

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

 

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston College (Hockey East)

 

3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)

 

4. Noah Hanifin, D, USNTDP (USHL)

 

5. Travis Konecny, C, Ottawa (OHL)

 

6. Pavel Zacha, LW, Libersch (Czech Extraliga)

 

7. Mathew Barzal, C, Seattle (WHL)

 

8. Colin White, C, USNTDP (USHL)

 

9. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

 

10. Dylan Strome, C, Erie (OHL)

 

FYI, it's BU for Eichel instead of BC.

 

Pronman says these four guys are elite prospects:

 

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

There is no debate here. None. At all. McDavid is the best prospect since Sidney Crosby, although he's not at the same level Crosby was at the same age. His skating, hands, and hockey sense are all elite, and his hockey IQ could be generational, as he simply looks like a unique player in terms of how he processes the game. It will take a very bad draft season -- coupled with someone else taking a big step forward -- for Connor to not end the year as my No. 1 prospect.

 

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (Hockey East)

Jack's skill level is outstanding, as he can make opponents look foolish regularly. He's a very good skater as well to couple with his elite hands and good understanding of how to create offense. He's currently a fixture as the second best prospect in this class, but he's a late 1996 birth date, so we'll see how he looks in a year from now when the younger players get their very critical 17-year-old seasons going.

 

3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)

A player of Swedish and Eritrean decent, Kylington is the best Swedish defense prospect since Victor Hedman. He is the youngest player to ever score a goal in the history of Sweden's top division. He's a dynamic defenseman, with plus-plus skating and instincts who can make plays at both ends, but is probably tilted towards offense.

 

4. Noah Hanifin, D, USNTDP (USHL)

Hanifin had a better IIHF under-18 tournament than both Jack Eichel and Jacob Trouba did at the same age -- although slightly below Seth Jones' tournament -- after an extremely impressive 16-year-old season. He's pretty physically developed for his age (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) and has high-end mobility, and very good puck-moving skills. The offensive tools and size makes for a very appealing package in this defenseman.

Edited June 30, 2014 by 26CornerBlitz

[Brawndo]

FYI, it's BU for Eichel instead of BC.

 

Pronman says these four guys are elite prospects:

 

1. Connor McDavid, C, Erie (OHL)

There is no debate here. None. At all. McDavid is the best prospect since Sidney Crosby, although he's not at the same level Crosby was at the same age. His skating, hands, and hockey sense are all elite, and his hockey IQ could be generational, as he simply looks like a unique player in terms of how he processes the game. It will take a very bad draft season -- coupled with someone else taking a big step forward -- for Connor to not end the year as my No. 1 prospect.

 

2. Jack Eichel, C, Boston University (Hockey East)

Jack's skill level is outstanding, as he can make opponents look foolish regularly. He's a very good skater as well to couple with his elite hands and good understanding of how to create offense. He's currently a fixture as the second best prospect in this class, but he's a late 1996 birth date, so we'll see how he looks in a year from now when the younger players get their very critical 17-year-old seasons going.

 

3. Oliver Kylington, D, Farjestad (SHL)

A player of Swedish and Eritrean decent, Kylington is the best Swedish defense prospect since Victor Hedman. He is the youngest player to ever score a goal in the history of Sweden's top division. He's a dynamic defenseman, with plus-plus skating and instincts who can make plays at both ends, but is probably tilted towards offense.

 

4. Noah Hanifin, D, USNTDP (USHL)

Hanifin had a better IIHF under-18 tournament than both Jack Eichel and Jacob Trouba did at the same age -- although slightly below Seth Jones' tournament -- after an extremely impressive 16-year-old season. He's pretty physically developed for his age (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) and has high-end mobility, and very good puck-moving skills. The offensive tools and size makes for a very appealing package in this defenseman.

 

Nice catch. Did not notice that when I cut and pasted the list.

[shrader]

Nice catch. Did not notice that when I cut and pasted the list.

 

If you're not careful, you might make an enemy with a certain BU alum around here. :death:

 

;)

[X. Benedict]

If you're not careful, you might make an enemy with a certain BU alum around here. :death:

 

;)

 

I had a stopwatch waiting for a response from you. :lol:

[Crusader1969]

359 days 9 hours and 43 mins away - The Buffalo Sabres Select ????

[Brawndo]

If you're not careful, you might make an enemy with a certain BU alum around here. :death:

 

;)

I had a stopwatch waiting for a response from you. :lol:

 

Well if Eichel is not drafted by the Sabres, I hope he has a long and distinguished Collegiate Career at BU

[Brawndo]

From Puck Daddy:

But nothing they’ve done here should subvert the Dishonor For Connor and/or Sack For Jack draft lottery campaigns and for that they get a GRADE: A-

 

How do we feel about these campaign slogans?

[Robviously]

From Puck Daddy:

 

 

How do we feel about these campaign slogans?

Terrific.

[inkman]

How do we feel about these campaign slogans?

Terrible

[Hoss]

From Puck Daddy:

 

 

How do we feel about these campaign slogans?

 

Meh. But there's nothing really out there. Be the other team's snack for Jack? Way too long.

 

Lack for Jack?

Shave it for McDavid? Sounds like a bad porn.

[Two or less]

Well I'm merely pointing out how it feels. Obviously I don't want mediocre and I do have a breaking point. This year is not it. I'm curious what the renewal rate was on season's after the deadline on the 23rd.

 

I think it's irrelevant. Obviously the Sabres want to keep paying fans happy, but at the same time, how many will jump to buy season tickets and how big will the waiting list become if the Sabres are able to land Connor McDavid?

[inkman]

Meh. But there's nothing really out there. Be the other team's snack for Jack? Way too long.

 

Lack for Jack?

Shave it for McDavid? Sounds like a bad porn.

Over paying hacks with stacks for Jack.

 

 

[Byebye]

Can someone explain to me how McDavid going to a Canadian market, or large market team is going to help the NHL? I don't get it...

 

The teams in Canada don't need McDavid to sell tickets, we're sold out every game every night. A large market team is already selling out. It doesn't make sense to me. If ever there was a conspiracy theory of the NHL rigging the lottery or whatever the conspiracy is, wouldn't it consist of a team that is broke or not selling tickets? To, you know, attract people to make more money! If anyone here thinks Bettman is trying to get McDavid to Canada you could not be more wrong, Bettman would resign before a player like that went to a Canadian market. Toronto Maple Leafs basically carry the NHL and they haven't won a cup since 67. Now if McDavid went to Arizona and all of the sudden they sold out, now that would be a conspiracy theory

Edited July 4, 2014 by Naulter8

[Trettioåtta]

Can someone explain to me how McDavid going to a Canadian market, or large market team is going to help the NHL? I don't get it...

 

The teams in Canada don't need McDavid to sell tickets, we're sold out every game every night. A large market team is already selling out. It doesn't make sense to me. If ever there was a conspiracy theory of the NHL rigging the lottery or whatever the conspiracy is, wouldn't it consist of a team that is broke or not selling tickets? To, you know, attract people to make more money! If anyone here thinks Bettman is trying to get McDavid to Canada you could not be more wrong, Bettman would resign before a player like that went to a Canadian market. Toronto Maple Leafs basically carry the NHL and they haven't won a cup since 67. Now if McDavid went to Arizona and all of the sudden they sold out, now that would be a conspiracy theory

 

The damage that the league would incur, including some legal issues i imagine, if it was found to be tampering with the draft means it is just never going to be worth them doing so. It would be impossible to grow the game. All anyone would know about hockey was the league decides where the players play - thus making it a joke.

 

On your point more directly, I agree and it was started by the fact the Pens were going under and going to move when suddenly they land Crosby and the franchise is turned around

[Weave]

Can someone explain to me how McDavid going to a Canadian market, or large market team is going to help the NHL? I don't get it...

 

The teams in Canada don't need McDavid to sell tickets, we're sold out every game every night. A large market team is already selling out. It doesn't make sense to me. If ever there was a conspiracy theory of the NHL rigging the lottery or whatever the conspiracy is, wouldn't it consist of a team that is broke or not selling tickets? To, you know, attract people to make more money! If anyone here thinks Bettman is trying to get McDavid to Canada you could not be more wrong, Bettman would resign before a player like that went to a Canadian market. Toronto Maple Leafs basically carry the NHL and they haven't won a cup since 67. Now if McDavid went to Arizona and all of the sudden they sold out, now that would be a conspiracy theory

 

Right. That is what they want you to believe.

[Crusader1969]

Can someone explain to me how McDavid going to a Canadian market, or large market team is going to help the NHL? I don't get it...

 

The teams in Canada don't need McDavid to sell tickets, we're sold out every game every night. A large market team is already selling out. It doesn't make sense to me. If ever there was a conspiracy theory of the NHL rigging the lottery or whatever the conspiracy is, wouldn't it consist of a team that is broke or not selling tickets? To, you know, attract people to make more money! If anyone here thinks Bettman is trying to get McDavid to Canada you could not be more wrong, Bettman would resign before a player like that went to a Canadian market. Toronto Maple Leafs basically carry the NHL and they haven't won a cup since 67. Now if McDavid went to Arizona and all of the sudden they sold out, now that would be a conspiracy theory

 

One of the biggest revenue source (if not biggest) for the NHL is the new television contract with Rogers in Canada. The Leafs due to the legions of sheep - errr fans are the biggest drivers for ratings. If the Leafs became cup contenders for a decade, the tv ratings would soar and the contract would become even more valuable.

 

CHL Top Prospects Game

 

Tickets go on sale in September at Niagaraicedogs.net. Great opportunity to see the 2015 draft class in person. It would be awesome to see the arena filled with Sabres fans.

Edited July 4, 2014 by Crusader1969

[LTS]

I feel like I had gone through this thread... but I can't recall us having a discussion on this.

 

If the Sabres end up with 2 of the top 4 picks in the draft next year. Do they only use the highest of those picks and perhaps trade the other and get some immediate talent?

 

I'm thinking that if I had 1/2 I would pick McDavid and then the sweepstakes for 2 would have to be awesome. There's little doubt the Sabres could get another team's first rounder as well as a couple of established roster players that would boost them up quickly.

 

I know it's easy to say they could have McDavid and Eichel.. but do they need both?

[Robviously]

I feel like I had gone through this thread... but I can't recall us having a discussion on this.

 

If the Sabres end up with 2 of the top 4 picks in the draft next year. Do they only use the highest of those picks and perhaps trade the other and get some immediate talent?

 

I'm thinking that if I had 1/2 I would pick McDavid and then the sweepstakes for 2 would have to be awesome. There's little doubt the Sabres could get another team's first rounder as well as a couple of established roster players that would boost them up quickly.

 

I know it's easy to say they could have McDavid and Eichel.. but do they need both?

You'd take both. You'd never have an opportunity like this again.