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NHL Draft Q&A: Answers February 14, 2012 |
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You ask, and I answer. Enjoy!
Truebeliever says: Hey b-huds, I am assuming the top 3 dmen in the draft are Murray, Dumba, and Trouba. Out of those 3, who do you think is the best potential dman? Everybody says Murray is the most NHL ready, but is he the best available?
It really depends on what you want. However, I think Dumba has the ultimate most upside because of his explosive offensive game and aggressive style of play. He likely has the best feet of all the Dmen in this class as well. You just combine the shot, big hits, skating, hockey sense and you get a package that really could be molded well.
And being a former teammate of RNH helps if it's Edmonton.
Mfreedman says: Hey Brian, Just wondering if there is a big bodied 2nd/3rd line centre that you can see Burke targeting with a pick in the 15-20 range?
After the top centers in Grigo and Galchenyuk, there's a good splash of big bodied centers who look more like 2-3 guys. Faksa and Girgensons bring those big bodies and down low offensive play, while Gaunce brings a well rounded game and high work ethic. Did I mention Brendan Gaunce is a huge Leafs fan?
Kennycheesemm says: With all of the injuries in this years crop of draft eligibles, where do you see Marty Frk from the Mooseheads being picked?
He's fallen a bit from the early accolades and likely goes somewhere around 20. With the concussion, lack of any real consistency this year and then opting out of the World Juniors, he's been on a slow decline for many.
Matt1337 says: How does a guy like Alex Galchenyuk still hold a top 10 spot in this draft? I understand he is a very skilled player, but with his injury and not playing at all this year, do you expect him to drop come draft day? Will the russian factor also play into him dropping?
Why? 2012 is a weak draft class. After looking much stronger last season, injuries, and a lack of development in many has left people questioning the ultimate upside. It's quite evident when most of the first round forwards look more like 2nd and 3rd line forwards than real elite players.
Galchenyuk is just full of skill and is an elite talent. Could he fall because of the injury? Absolutely, but whoever gets him after a certain point is getting a steal.
As for the "Russian factor", Galchenyuk's father is of Belarusian decent, however Galchenyuk was born in the States and plays internationally for the red white and blue.
Barbecued Hockey says: With the Canes slotting for a top 5 or top 10 pick this season who do you see them targeting in the draft? Are there any standout scoring power forwards available in this draft that would be available several slots back from the number 1 pick?
Who would they target? Well it's really hard to say this early, so let's go off the precipice that they'd like a scoring power forward type in the 5ish range. You're likely looking at a guy like Filip Forsberg, who brings a six-foot-one frame, pro release, adept skating and a physical edge to his game. He has a nose for the net as well as good pucks skills. He's not the typical mean Lucic-like player that teams are trying to find, but he's a good offensive forward with an edge, and some size.
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