2016 NHL Draft

[IKnowPhysics]

I'm down with Keller.  Corey Pronman has him ranked at four:

 

 

4. Clayton Keller, C, USA U18 (USHL) 

DOB: 6/29/98 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 168 
GP: 55 | G: 33 | A: 60

 

One of the best players ever to participate at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP), Keller put up monstrous numbers between his USHL, collegiate and international performances. He's a complete offensive player who seems to generate chances and display distinct puck-moving abilities whenever he takes a shift. Keller has an explosive first step and an above-average top gear. He's not an incredible skater for a smaller guy, but he still skates very well. Keller handles the puck at a top level, too, but his clear best trait is his hockey sense. He just makes so many good, high-level decisions with and without the puck that allow his team to maintain possession and get shooting lanes. Keller never seems rattled with the puck, and makes the right plays seem easy.

 

While not a defensive stalwart, Keller has shown decent defensive prowess this season. His size and physical game limitations are obvious issues, but there is a lot to like in his game other than that.

 

Ranking explanation: One could argue the stats favor Pierre-Luc Dubois over Keller, as the former has been a scoring and shots machine in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), even though Keller was among the best scorers in USNTDP history. However, Keller shows a different level of skill. His vision is much better, he's a better skater and puck handler, and while Dubois is bigger and a better defensive player, Keller was no slouch defensively. He was often the first player coach Danton Cole sent over the boards in a critical defensive situation. Compared to Tkachuk, Keller is nearly a full year younger than him, so I almost take a glance at Tkachuk during his time in the NTDP last season versus Keller now, and it's a no-brainer in Keller's favor. Obviously, one has to consider what Tkachuk has done since then, but he didn't have an overwhelmingly great season, nor do his tools grade at such a higher level than Keller's, other than his physical game. Nylander and Keller have similar skill sets, but Keller is a competent center and better defensively.

 

 

If he's there, we take him at 8.

[WildCard]

Looks like Thorny was right, thanks for the link IKP

[Rasmus_]

I've liked Keller for a while, if he's the best player available and if Murray feels his talent/skill and value outweighs that of Chychrun, Juolevi, Sergachev, Nylander and whomever else is on the board.  I'm sure you'll see him draft them.  At this point, whether it's a forward, defensemen, trading the pick, something interesting will happen when Murray and company are on the draft floor.  I want the defensemen, but with how things are leading, I'm good with any of the above if it makes sense.  

[LGR4GM]

So one of the things in the quoted report on Keller is that he isn't a fantastic skater for his size. I think what they are down on him about is that his top end speed isn't McDavid like.  He has a good speed but not great. That said everything else about his skating is great. His agility and starts/stops are fantastic.  I think Keller at #8 could be a bit of a reach due to size issues but I would trust GMTM to make that pick. Keller is one of maybe a handful of guys outside of the big 3 who could reach the big 3's level in the pro's. 

Edited May 16, 2016 by LGR4GM

[Derrico]

I'm seriously sold on Keller.  He would likely be a bigger risk then most other guys that will be available but he probably has the highest ceiling.  I know it seems silly throwing out a name like Pat Kane but Kane is similar in size and this guy has unbelievable skill.  His ceiling could be up near that ilk.  I'm to the point where I'm going to be disappointed if he goes before 8 or if he's available and we don't take him.

Edited May 16, 2016 by Derrico

[TrueBlueGED]

Can I take credit for starting the Keller bandwagon here at Sabrespace? I desperately need to wash away the "Nichushkin > Risto" stench from a few years ago.

[Randall Flagg]

Can I take credit for starting the Keller bandwagon here at Sabrespace? I desperately need to wash away the "Nichushkin > Risto" stench from a few years ago.

I think O'Reilly took care of the stench.

 

However, being all in on Keller over the meh defensemen likely to be available is a little like preferring Nuke over Risto at the time, isn't it?

 

I just found out about Keller a week or two ago, and he's in the list of forwards I want at 8 if available, which includes the top 3, Tkachuk, PLD, Nylander. I don't think I touch Logan Brown where we are, and I don't know much about anyone else. Don't want the defensemen.

[LGR4GM]

Can I take credit for starting the Keller bandwagon here at Sabrespace? I desperately need to wash away the "Nichushkin > Risto" stench from a few years ago.

You can.

 

I am not on or off that bandwagon. Keller has pro's and cons just like Chychrun and Sergachev. I think this board might be overreacting though to the other defenders and cons

[North Buffalo]

I think O'Reilly took care of the stench.

However, being all in on Keller over the meh defensemen likely to be available is a little like preferring Nuke over Risto at the time, isn't it?

I just found out about Keller a week or two ago, and he's in the list of forwards I want at 8 if available, which includes the top 3, Tkachuk, PLD, Nylander. I don't think I touch Logan Brown where we are, and I don't know much about anyone else. Don't want the defensemen.

I agree, still think Sabres can sign a D, draft more D in later rounds and develop one but they need someone with nice hands Nylander or Keller fit that bill. So including Big 3, Nylander Tkachuk, PLD and Keller any more Euro forwards or Bellows worthy of consideration. I guess I am asking if any D get drated in top 7 before Sabres pick. Liking me some Keller, not sure Sabres need a Tkachuk, maybe but the definetly need a scorer, so I am trying to figure chances Nylandrr or Keller there with eighth.

[LGR4GM]

Since Puljujarvi is not playing at world's we should all know why

Ryan Kennedy ‏@THNRyanKennedy  May 15

As per @PanuMarkkanen , Jesse Puljujarvi played the Finnish playoffs and under-18s with lower body injury. Was operated on, hence no worlds

[Crusader1969]

I agree, still think Sabres can sign a D, draft more D in later rounds and develop one but they need someone with nice hands Nylander or Keller fit that bill. So including Big 3, Nylander Tkachuk, PLD and Keller any more Euro forwards or Bellows worthy of consideration. I guess I am asking if any D get drated in top 7 before Sabres pick. Liking me some Keller, not sure Sabres need a Tkachuk, maybe but the definetly need a scorer, so I am trying to figure chances Nylandrr or Keller there with eighth.

 

At this point the only other Forward who may go before the Sabres draft is Logan Brown.

 

I think best case scenario is Sabres turn to pick and they still have Nylander, Keller and 2 out of 3 of the Dmen still on the board.

 

If we knew exactly how the Sabres felt Guhle would fit in long term we would be able to narrow it down even further. My feeling is that they believe he can be the top pair LHD that they will play with Risto in another year or two.

If they think he is more likely to be a 2nd pair dman, I think they go Chryhrun or Juolevi (i think 1 will be gone leaving the other the Buffalo).

 

Hopefully there is one more seat on the Keller bandwagon cause I think im in!

Edited May 16, 2016 by Crusader1969

[WildCard]

What are the odds we can keep our pick and move back up into the top 10?

[Taro T]

What are the odds we can keep our pick and move back up into the top 10?

The odds are very good that they can. The odds they can put together a package that doesn't have everyone here wailing & gnashing their teeth to do it are not very good.

[WildCard]

The odds are very good that they can. The odds they can put together a package that doesn't have everyone here wailing & gnashing their teeth to do it are not very good.

Outside of Edmonton, who would be willing? We could trade our 2017 1st, Zemgus, Bogo, and Ennis for Colorado's 10th, 2nd round pick in 2017, and Barrie's rights. 

Edited May 16, 2016 by WildCard

[Rasmus_]

Personally I'd be good trading back into the late teens.  There is a chance someone like Fabbro, Jones, McAvoy, and a few others could be there looming.  Possibly even free falling McLeod.  It all depends on what you want.  But if we could walk away with Keller and Fabbro/McAvoy/Bean or Chychrun and Jones/McLeod I would be stoked.  We're at the stage where building is all about sparking the last few areas to push this over the edge.  I realize Fabbro is a RHD.  But he's so talented in his own right.  

Edited May 16, 2016 by TheCerebral1

[LGR4GM]

On an entirely seperate note:

 

I think with our 2nd round pick at #38 overall, I would take a defender. There should be some there and I think they could be top 4 guys. Realistically we will have a few to chose from. My guy at #38 overall, Cam Dineen.

[Rasmus_]

On an entirely seperate note:

 

I think with our 2nd round pick at #38 overall, I would take a defender. There should be some there and I think they could be top 4 guys. Realistically we will have a few to chose from. My guy at #38 overall, Cam Dineen.

 

So behind on the second round and later group myself.  

[Thorner]

What is he regarded as then? Every mock and rankings I've seen have him 8-13. I would consider trading up for him though. Worst case is he's taken and we get Serg or Juolevi

Here on Elite Prospects, it shows his ranking on some of the big lists and 9 is the highest. It's very likely he'll be available at 8. He may even be considered a slight reach at 8. Again, not speaking of my own opinion of him as a prospect.

 

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=226432

 

And I've seen few mocks with him as high as 8, too. I'm not saying I don't want him. Quite the contrary. I'd prefer Nylander, Keller could be next of the forwards I would want that are likely to be or decently likely to be available when we pick. I am thinking though that if Murray wants him, he'll likely be there. But I'm not sure Murray would rank him that high.

 

Looks like Thorny was right, thanks for the link IKP

Sarcasm? :p

 

I'm seriously sold on Keller. He would likely be a bigger risk then most other guys that will be available but he probably has the highest ceiling. I know it seems silly throwing out a name like Pat Kane but Kane is similar in size and this guy has unbelievable skill. His ceiling could be up near that ilk. I'm to the point where I'm going to be disappointed if he goes before 8 or if he's available and we don't take him.

The only way realistically Keller is gone at 8 is if there are 0 defencemen taken in the top 7, and Logan Brown doesn't go then, either. Very unlikely. Edited May 17, 2016 by Thorny

[beerme1]

 not sure Sabres need a Tkachuk, maybe but the definetly need a scorer, so I am trying to figure chances Nylandrr or Keller there with eighth.

 

GMTM is running to the podium to shout Tkachuk if he's there and gets to choose between those three guys. If not well there really is a JFK conspiracy.

[Thorner]

We will have the ability to select one of Tkachuk, Dubois, Nylander or Keller, or if not, have the pick of all 3 D. 8 is a good spot.

[WildCard]

Here on Elite Prospects, it shows his ranking on some of the big lists and 9 is the highest. It's very likely he'll be available at 8. He may even be considered a slight reach at 8. Again, not speaking of my own opinion of him as a prospect.

 

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=226432

 

And I've seen few mocks with him as high as 8, too. I'm not saying I don't want him. Quite the contrary. I'd prefer Nylander, Keller could be next of the forwards I would want that are likely to be or decently likely to be available when we pick. I am thinking though that if Murray wants him, he'll likely be there. But I'm not sure Murray would rank him that high.

 

Sarcasm? :P

Nope  :beer:

 

I was on EliteProspects, hence why I'd never seen him ranked higher than 8th

[Thorner]

Nope  :beer:

 

I was on EliteProspects, hence why I'd never seen him ranked higher than 8th

Have a Duff beer :beer:

[TrueBlueGED]

We will have the ability to select one of Tkachuk, Dubois, Nylander or Keller, or if not, have the pick of all 3 D. 8 is a good spot.

Yup. Only way I end up mad is if we go with someone like Logan Brown or Jake Bean.

[Derrico]

Yup. Only way I end up mad is if we go with someone like Logan Brown or Jake Bean.

This.

[Rasmus_]

Yup. Only way I end up mad is if we go with someone like Logan Brown or Jake Bean.

 

The only way that is acceptable is if they move down.   :P

Edited May 17, 2016 by TheCerebral1