2016 NHL Draft

[Brawndo]

Speaking of that...

 

 

 

This is a fear I have about adding Chychrun. While I'd like to think Murray would be smarter about this than Regier, I think whatever team drafts Chychrun will face significant temptation to have him in the NHL this year because his physical body is ready for it. I think doing so would be a pretty significant mistake.

 

Adam Kimelman was on GR yesterday and said he feels that Mikhail Sergachev is most ready to play in the NHL next year.

[ct fab]

I agree with this - I think that serg will be the best of them. You can't teach 6'2" 220 at 18 years old with his skating ability, nastiness and shot

[WildCard]

I know you all know this, so at the risk of sounding redundant, most ready does not mean the best player

[beerme1]

Center for about the last decade ;)

 

 

I was going to say Center for about 17 years under Darcy but yours is more accurate. I think. Cause we had Peca at one point.

 

 

I hope this doesn't come off as playing semantics: what if we can only add a top-4 D, as opposed to a legit top pair? Though I'm not McCabe's biggest fan, it's certainly possible he'd be fine on the 2nd pair if our top pair was truly studly. But what if we have to go the "strong top-4" approach (sort of like what the Rangers looked like before Girardi and Staal dropped off the face of the planet) rather than true top/2nd pair split? I think we have to aim higher for our second pair in that case. Lot of uncertainty there, and a whole ton sitting on Risto's shoulders.

 

I think you are really, really under valuing my man Jake McCabe. Captain of a Team USA team. Brought along at the proper pace by getting his seasoning and is after all, still a freaking kid at what 22? I love McCabe and the future legend of Jake. Seriously though.

[pi2000]

I was going to say Center for about 17 years under Darcy but yours is more accurate. I think. Cause we had Peca at one point.

 

 

 

I think you are really, really under valuing my man Jake McCabe. Captain of a Team USA team. Brought along at the proper pace by getting his seasoning and is after all, still a freaking kid at what 22? I love McCabe and the future legend of Jake. Seriously though.

 

I, too, like McCabe's upside.    He has an offensive side that he hasn't shown yet.   I think once he gets more comfortable defending, we'll seem him open it up offensively.     He's a keeper, top-4 pairing.

[ct fab]

Top but I don't think he's top 2 material. Which is fine

[Thorner]

I get that we were lacking centre talent for a long time, but besides the tank years where we were intentionally bad (Kaleta at Centre), we had the bodies to fill the centre position. We literally have 2 NHL LHD on the roster and need at least 3.

[Hoss]

I get that we were lacking centre talent for a long time, but besides the tank years where we were intentionally bad (Kaleta at Centre), we had the bodies to fill the centre position. We literally have 2 NHL LHD on the roster and need at least 3.

I think you're overestimating the handedness a bit. I would imagine most prefer to have three lefties and three righties, but I don't think there a literal lack of defenseman. We have the people to fill the spots if need be but they're certainly not all the preferred options.

The need at center was more than our current need on defense.

 

I am a big believer in Jake McCabe. I have no doubt he can be a very good top-four defender.

I believe that there's a bigger hole at the top of the defense than there is anywhere else on the team immediately, but I don't know that it's as easy as just saying "it should be the top priority." I say this mainly because Stamkos is available and, if you're convinced he still has elite offensive ability and will for several more years, he's the top priority simply because you won't match his level of addition (probably) ever without having a top draft pick.

The hope is likely that you can add both Stamkos (or Okposo, Eriksson, etc) AND a defender capable of playing big minutes with Risto who will keep you from forcing the Guhles and 2016 Draftees of the world into the lineup.

 

Let's get to late June already, I can't wait.

Edited June 10, 2016 by Hoss

[WildCard]

The sense that a lot of people are getting right now is that the Columbus Blue Jackets are not sold on Jesse Puljujarvi at that spot, and that they may be looking at a more positionally-oriented name, and that is a center.

 

Specifically, two centers come to mind. One is Logan Brown, who’s the big 6-foot-6 American from St. Louis who plays for the Windsor Spitfires, who has been kind of rocketing up the draft charts. The other is Clayton Keller, another American who broke a lot of Patrick Kane’s records at the U.S. national program that he’s been a part of for the last couple of years. Now, he’s a small center. He’s Patrick Kane dimensions as well.

 

But in any case, there is this sense that if somebody wants to move into the No. 3 hole to grab Puljujarvi – if the Blue Jackets could get themselves a pick that’s a few picks later, or not dropping out of the Top 10, then they would still have a shot at one of Brown or Keller.

 

  - McKenzie

http://www.todaysslapshot.com/from-the-ice/mckenzie-outlines-why-blue-jackets-may-trade-top-draft-pick/

I think you're overestimating the handedness a bit. I would imagine most prefer to have three lefties and three righties, but I don't think there a literal lack of defenseman. We have the people to fill the spots if need be but they're certainly not all the preferred options.

The need at center was more than our current need on defense.

 

I am a big believer in Jake McCabe. I have no doubt he can be a very good top-four defender.

I believe that there's a bigger hole at the top of the defense than there is anywhere else on the team immediately, but I don't know that it's as easy as just saying "it should be the top priority." I say this mainly because Stamkos is available and, if you're convinced he still has elite offensive ability and will for several more years, he's the top priority simply because you won't match his level of addition (probably) ever without having a top draft pick.

The hope is likely that you can add both Stamkos (or Okposo, Eriksson, etc) AND a defender capable of playing big minutes with Risto who will keep you from forcing the Guhles and 2016 Draftees of the world into the lineup.

 

Let's get to late June already, I can't wait.

I like you're style of reasoning. I still don't want Stamkos though  :P

 

On another note, I do think McCabe pans out

Edited June 10, 2016 by WildCard

[ct fab]

Yep we do need a LHD but saying we're desperate for one isn't exactly true. Often righthanded shooters prefer the offwing as the angle is better. I shoot lefty and preferred playing RW or RD if I wasn't playing center - makes one-timers easier also

[LGR4GM]

I know you all know this, so at the risk of sounding redundant, most ready does not mean the best player

Exactly

[LGR4GM]

Speaking of not NHL ready players... I have a guy for the 3rd round if he is there.

 

6' 6" 205lbs, Markus Niemelainen. He played in the OHL for the first time last year on the Saginaw Spirit dropping 27 points (1g, 26a). Few things about those numbers, first is that this is the 3rd round and well guys aren't going to have 8g and 37a on defense anymore. Second Neimalainen is a June 98 birthday so he just turned 18. Finally this was his first year on NA ice and in the OHL as he is a Finnish hockey player. 

 

His skating is regarded by everyone as a good skater for his size. Apparently backwards or forwards he has some good speed. His defensive zone play is excellent and he is considered a bit of a defensive defender although many note he has a hard shot with a quick release so we could see more offense from him. On top of that he has a good hockey IQ and good passing skills. He's going to spend at least 2 more years in juniors and then probably 1-2 years in the AHL before he makes an NHL roster but if you could grab him at say #69 it is worth it. Note he could be off the board by #68 as some have him projected to go 2nd, like pick 45-50.  

 

 

On a fun sidenote it would be amusing if we took Juolevi and then Niemalainen panned out, we could have 3 of our top 4 defenders from Finland. 

[jsb]

Yep we do need a LHD but saying we're desperate for one isn't exactly true. Often righthanded shooters prefer the offwing as the ###### angle is better. I shoot lefty and preferred playing RW or RD if I wasn't playing center - makes one-timers easier also

Agreed but typically it is something that at this level has to be developed as a youngster or in the AHL. Otherwise you just have to be patient with someone who's natural skill set is of the other side. It is the same in baseball and soccer, there are subtle differences on how things are perceived when you are playing the opposite field and or foot, especially at the speed the pros play at.

 

Speaking of not NHL ready players... I have a guy for the 3rd round if he is there.

 

6' 6" 205lbs, Markus Niemelainen. He played in the OHL for the first time last year on the Saginaw Spirit dropping 27 points (1g, 26a). Few things about those numbers, first is that this is the 3rd round and well guys aren't going to have 8g and 37a on defense anymore. Second Neimalainen is a June 98 birthday so he just turned 18. Finally this was his first year on NA ice and in the OHL as he is a Finnish hockey player. 

On a fun sidenote it would be amusing if we took Juolevi and then Niemalainen panned out, we could have 3 of our top 4 defenders from Finland. 

The most interesting items to me of this board is some of the info you and others post, such as this. Your work is appreciated because I do realize it is time consuming. +1

[Rasmus_]

Speaking of not NHL ready players... I have a guy for the 3rd round if he is there.

 

6' 6" 205lbs, Markus Niemelainen. He played in the OHL for the first time last year on the Saginaw Spirit dropping 27 points (1g, 26a). Few things about those numbers, first is that this is the 3rd round and well guys aren't going to have 8g and 37a on defense anymore. Second Neimalainen is a June 98 birthday so he just turned 18. Finally this was his first year on NA ice and in the OHL as he is a Finnish hockey player. 

 

His skating is regarded by everyone as a good skater for his size. Apparently backwards or forwards he has some good speed. His defensive zone play is excellent and he is considered a bit of a defensive defender although many note he has a hard shot with a quick release so we could see more offense from him. On top of that he has a good hockey IQ and good passing skills. He's going to spend at least 2 more years in juniors and then probably 1-2 years in the AHL before he makes an NHL roster but if you could grab him at say #69 it is worth it. Note he could be off the board by #68 as some have him projected to go 2nd, like pick 45-50.  

 

 

On a fun sidenote it would be amusing if we took Juolevi and then Niemalainen panned out, we could have 3 of our top 4 defenders from Finland. 

 

I've seen Niemelainen listed anywhere from 25-27 through the top of the third round.  It's all based on the scouting staffs of the teams and slated style of play and preference.  Anywhere from 25-40 is a crap shoot.  

[dudacek]

I dump on Button but last year he had Kyle Connor 6, Zach Werenski 7 and Brock Boeser 9 — three guys who would move up signifcantly if that draft was re-held today.

 

My prediction (and a guy I like) for the Sabres' pick at 38: Lucas Johansen.

- left shot D

-athletic, 6'1 180

-good skater

- defensively aware

- 49 points in 69 games

- showed good improvement during the year

- models game after Nick Lidstrom

- ranked 30-50

- Ryan's kid brother

- plays for Buffalo's go-to spot, Kelowna

[Thorner]

I think you're overestimating the handedness a bit. I would imagine most prefer to have three lefties and three righties, but I don't think there a literal lack of defenseman. We have the people to fill the spots if need be but they're certainly not all the preferred options.

The need at center was more than our current need on defense.

 

I am a big believer in Jake McCabe. I have no doubt he can be a very good top-four defender.

I believe that there's a bigger hole at the top of the defense than there is anywhere else on the team immediately, but I don't know that it's as easy as just saying "it should be the top priority." I say this mainly because Stamkos is available and, if you're convinced he still has elite offensive ability and will for several more years, he's the top priority simply because you won't match his level of addition (probably) ever without having a top draft pick.

The hope is likely that you can add both Stamkos (or Okposo, Eriksson, etc) AND a defender capable of playing big minutes with Risto who will keep you from forcing the Guhles and 2016 Draftees of the world into the lineup.

 

Let's get to late June already, I can't wait.

 

Oh I agree with most of this. But I don't think I am overestimating handedness for D at all. Even if you take a look around at other NHL rosters and how they are structuring their D corps, D are almost always playing on the "correct" side. The proof there is in the proverbial pudding. It would take a special talent to adequately play the opposite side, and even then, their skills wouldn't be maximized. We saw from small sample sizes that both Bogo and Pysyk struggled when playing on the left. 

 

It's different with forwards, where playing on the off-wing can be an advantage. It's not so with D. 

 

When it comes down to it, if we don't add a LHD, we'll be playing Gorges, McCabe, and Pysyk as LHD 1-3. We won't make the playoffs. 

 

You are probably right that our overall D talent right now is higher than that of our centre talent back in the day, but in terms of just sheer numbers, we only have 2 traditional LHD on the roster, whereas I don't believe there was a point where we didn't have 4 centremen, regardless of talent level. 

 

Anyways, the comparison is largely irrelevant. I think we all agree that adding a LHD this offseason is of high priority. 

Edited June 10, 2016 by Thorny

[Hoss]

Columbus Dispatch reporter Aaron Portzline:

Told #CBJ have received at least 2 offers for No. 3 pick. Both very legit offers worth considering, but not enough to sway Kekalainen & Co.

[WildCard]

Columbus Dispatch reporter Aaron Portzline:

Told #CBJ have received at least 2 offers for No. 3 pick. Both very legit offers worth considering, but not enough to sway Kekalainen & Co.

Hmmm, I wonder who has the ammo and wants a RW that bad? (Not sarcasm) 

 

In the future, this denotes sarcasm => /s

[Hoss]

From Kris Baker of Sabrespospects this morning:

Having three lefts and three rights is an ideal luxury on D but let's not overthink it. Not mandatory.

 

He also shared the organizational depth chart for prospects which showed that we only have two RHD prospects (Borgen and Florentino) while having five LHD (Guhle, Martin, Stephens, Austin, Chukarov).

[WildCard]

From Kris Baker of Sabrespospects this morning:

Having three lefts and three rights is an ideal luxury on D but let's not overthink it. Not mandatory.

 

He also shared the organizational depth chart for prospects which showed that we only have two RHD prospects (Borgen and Florentino) while having five LHD (Guhle, Martin, Stephens, Austin, Chukarov).

I really think we can get a d-man in FA that can help us win now anyways. BPA has to be the pick IMO, and I'm all aboard the Keller train

[TrueBlueGED]

Oh I agree with most of this. But I don't think I am overestimating handedness for D at all. Even if you take a look around at other NHL rosters and how they are structuring their D corps, D are almost always playing on the "correct" side. The proof there is in the proverbial pudding. It would take a special talent to adequately play the opposite side, and even then, their skills wouldn't be maximized. We saw from small sample sizes that both Bogo and Pysyk struggled when playing on the left.

 

It's different with forwards, where playing on the off-wing can be an advantage. It's not so with D.

 

When it comes down to it, if we don't add a LHD, we'll be playing Gorges, McCabe, and Pysyk as LHD 1-3. We won't make the playoffs.

 

You are probably right that our overall D talent right now is higher than that of our centre talent back in the day, but in terms of just sheer numbers, we only have 2 traditional LHD on the roster, whereas I don't believe there was a point where we didn't have 4 centremen, regardless of talent level.

 

Anyways, the comparison is largely irrelevant. I think we all agree that adding a LHD this offseason is of high priority.

I definitely think handedness matters more for Dmen than forwards. For an outside organization example, I remember Nashville wanted Jones to play with Weber on the top pair, but Jones couldn't adapt to playing his off hand well enough. Maybe for the 3rd pair it's not as critical, but how many top-4 defensemen are playing their off side? I can't think of any off the top of my head. Brodin maybe? It's rare.

[Thorner]

From Kris Baker of Sabrespospects this morning:

Having three lefts and three rights is an ideal luxury on D but let's not overthink it. Not mandatory.

 

He also shared the organizational depth chart for prospects which showed that we only have two RHD prospects (Borgen and Florentino) while having five LHD (Guhle, Martin, Stephens, Austin, Chukarov).

 

It shouldn't be defined as a luxury when almost all teams have it. I'll do the legwork. http://www2.dailyfaceoff.com/teams/usually has fairly accurate line ups listed. 

 

As for the organizational depth, that's all well and good. How many of those LHD can play for us next year? How many have long term top pair potential? I'm not saying anyone here believes this, but if anyone thinks we can go into next season without adding a LHD and make the playoffs, there is no chance that can be seen as a feasible option. 

 

I'll post back with the results of other team's D combos. 

[TrueBlueGED]

I really think we can get a d-man in FA that can help us win now anyways. BPA has to be the pick IMO, and I'm all aboard the Keller train

Barring a trade prior to free agency opening, I'll be pretty surprised if we don't walk away with Yandle or Goligoski. I'll also be surprised if there's not angst about the contract :lol:

 

Anyway, with #8 being unlikely to make an impact this year (and if it's a Dman probably not next year either), I agree it has to be BPA without regard to position.

[WildCard]

Barring a trade prior to free agency opening, I'll be pretty surprised if we don't walk away with Yandle or Goligoski. I'll also be surprised if there's not angst about the contract :lol:

 

Anyway, with #8 being unlikely to make an impact this year (and if it's a Dman probably not next year either), I agree it has to be BPA without regard to position.

What're you projecting for either? 

 

Yandle (29 years old) => 6X6?

 

Goligoski ((30 years old) => 4X5?

[That Aud Smell]

I definitely think handedness matters more for Dmen than forwards.  . . . how many top-4 defensemen are playing their off side? I can't think of any off the top of my head. Brodin maybe? It's rare.

It shouldn't be defined as a luxury when almost all teams have it.

 

Yep yep yep.