I feel that the Sabres would take Bennett over Ekblad at 2 and hope that Sam2 can overcome the hype that he won't play center in the NHL. Stay in Juniors another year, get stronger at Center and then come up in 2015.
- thatsapickle

Murray has esentiall said we are taking the highest ranked pick....as ranked by the Sabres scouts.

He may be the default #1 defenseman, but according to the mock drafts on NHL.com that just got posted, Reinhart is going #1.
- HonkFortheGoose

I just can't see them taking another center. This is a team that eventually will have to cut someone out of the equation when they start seeing dollar signs. Between Eberle, Hall, Nuge, and Yakupov, thats already a big chunk of change they will someday be throwing to their star players. The problem is they are all offensive players. Depending on which scouts you talk to or read up on, there are some who say Reinhart is the default #1 and others who say Ekblad is.

I just can't see them taking another center. This is a team that eventually will have to cut someone out of the equation when they start seeing dollar signs. Between Eberle, Hall, Nuge, and Yakupov, thats already a big chunk of change they will someday be throwing to their star players. The problem is they are all offensive players. Depending on which scouts you talk to or read up on, there are some who say Reinhart is the default #1 and others who say Ekblad is.
- AuthorityHero

Other than RNH, they don't have have any other good centers though. That's the part that we Sabres fans are concerned about. It's why we can't count on them taking Ekblad if they get the 1st overall pick over us. And god knows about any other team.

I just can't see them taking another center. This is a team that eventually will have to cut someone out of the equation when they start seeing dollar signs. Between Eberle, Hall, Nuge, and Yakupov, thats already a big chunk of change they will someday be throwing to their star players. The problem is they are all offensive players. Depending on which scouts you talk to or read up on, there are some who say Reinhart is the default #1 and others who say Ekblad is.
- AuthorityHero

I think in that scenario they say goodbye to Gagner and draft 1 of Reinhart, Bennett or Draistill.. I've read from various Edmonton sources that they are interested in all three.. including Ekblad obviously.

I think in that scenario they say goodbye to Gagner and draft 1 of Reinhart, Bennett or Draistill.. I've read from various Edmonton sources that they are interested in all three.. including Ekblad obviously.
- bluengold12

I could see that, I wouldn't even be surprised if we see Gagner dealt during the draft either.

I'm hesitant to do a mock draft because I have a feeling a team other than the Sabres win the lottery... I will do one for the top 10 though after the 15th.

I could see that, I wouldn't even be surprised if we see Gagner dealt during the draft either.
- AuthorityHero

Yeah for sure. I bet Gagner or possibly Eberle gets traded regardless just a hunch.

For fun here's the Oilers offseason moves

Trade Eberle for Voynov+ pick

Move Gagner to RW

Sign Niskanen

Draft Draisaitl 2nd after Sabres take Reinhart 1st

For fun here's the Oilers offseason moves

Trade Eberle for Voynov+ pick

Move Gagner to RW

Sign Niskanen

Draft Draisaitl 2nd after Sabres take Reinhart 1st
- sbroads24

They would trade Yakupov before Eberle. I don't see that happening.

They would trade Yakupov before Eberle. I don't see that happening.
- AuthorityHero

If they want a legit defensemen they will most likely have to move Ebs

"Sam Reinhart is the best forward in this draft. There’s no question." @CraigJButton on who the Oilers should draft if Ekblad is gone.

We paid him the bulk of the money up front too. So he will carry the 4 mil cap hit but bot the 4 mil paycheck. Perfect for a team like Florida or Pheonix.
- Buffalo-Sabres

Would you give us some picks and prospects for Kesler and Edler?

Would you give us some picks and prospects for Kesler and Edler?
- Grumpy13

Kesler? Sure. We'll give you St. Louis's 1st in 2015 plus 2 seconds and Justin Kea.

Excellent read
- jaumiller

It was ok. Nothing we don't all know though.

Better than a poll and a highlight video though.

I just can't see them taking another center. This is a team that eventually will have to cut someone out of the equation when they start seeing dollar signs. Between Eberle, Hall, Nuge, and Yakupov, thats already a big chunk of change they will someday be throwing to their star players. The problem is they are all offensive players. Depending on which scouts you talk to or read up on, there are some who say Reinhart is the default #1 and others who say Ekblad is.
- AuthorityHero

There is zero doubt in my mind they take Reinhart with the top pick if they win the Lottery.

Would you give us some picks and prospects for Kesler and Edler?
- Grumpy13

STL and Grigorenko
would be a nice pairing to go with your other terrible 1st rd pick in Bo Horvat

Topic 2..

Jim Matheson ‏@NHLbyMatty
With Calg's win in TBay last night, Oilers guaranteed to finish with 2nd or 3rd pick in June draft unless lottery change.


I didn't think they could change the lottery rules for this year so soon to the draft!! If this happens I will be really pissed.. anyone know if they can change it for this year so soon?
- bluengold12

I'm sure he means right now they can't fall deeper than #3 in terms of standings and could reach #2 due to standings but due to current lottery rules they might have a different pick.

There is zero doubt in my mind they take Reinhart with the top pick if they win the Lottery.
- dadeadhead

Wouldn't say zero.. I think they could take Bennett or Draistil as well.. they fit more of a need for Edmonton... Not that they are better than Reinhart.. I don't think they are but I wouldn't say Reinhart is the unanimous pick they if they win the lotto.

I'm sure he means right now they can't fall deeper than #3 in terms of standings and could reach #2 due to standings but due to current lottery rules they might have a different pick.
- GilPerreault11

Current lottery rules would be exactly what you just said though.. 2nd or 3rd pick 4th at worst 1st at best.. The way he worded it would be that they may change the lottery system which could be the dreaded NBA way... I doubt it comes to that especially so soon to this draft but any way someone can screw over Buffalo they will find a way to do it so I wouldn't be awe struck

Wouldn't say zero.. I think they could take Bennett or Draistil as well.. they fit more of a need for Edmonton... Not that they are better than Reinhart.. I don't think they are but I wouldn't say Reinhart is the unanimous pick they if they win the lotto.
- bluengold12

Only true center in the top 10.

The others are hybrids that will more than likely either start on the wing or remain there for their careers.

They'll take Reinhart as will we.

Only true center in the top 10.

The others are hybrids that will more than likely either start on the wing or remain there for their careers.

They'll take Reinhart as will we.
- dadeadhead

They don't really need that though.. They are in a different situation then us. Need grittier bigger guys Draistill or EKblad or skilled but gritty guys Bennett..

Reinhart is a lot like RNH. Not saying they wont draft Reinhart if they win the lottery but it makes more sense for them to get one of the other guys.

Current lottery rules would be exactly what you just said though.. 2nd or 3rd pick 4th at worst 1st at best.. The way he worded it would be that they may change the lottery system which could be the dreaded NBA way... I doubt it comes to that especially so soon to this draft but any way someone can screw over Buffalo they will find a way to do it so I wouldn't be awe struck
- bluengold12

Like I said he was talking standings. Then we'll wait and see what happens at the lottery. They could win it and go to #1.

Like I said he was talking standings. Then we'll wait and see what happens at the lottery. They could win it and go to #1.
- GilPerreault11

I get what your saying but not entirely sure that's what he meant.. hope your right rather than what I thought it might be.

They don't really need that though.. They are in a different situation then us. Need grittier bigger guys Draistill or EKblad or skilled but gritty guys Bennett..

Reinhart is a lot like RNH. Not saying they wont draft Reinhart if they win the lottery but it makes more sense for them to get one of the other guys.
- bluengold12

Playmaking wise yes. Overall hockey sense and 2 way game not close.

Reinhart's father said he is an Anze Kopitar type center. That's exactly what the Oilers (and Sabres) need

They don't really need that though.. They are in a different situation then us. Need grittier bigger guys Draistill or EKblad or skilled but gritty guys Bennett..

Reinhart is a lot like RNH. Not saying they wont draft Reinhart if they win the lottery but it makes more sense for them to get one of the other guys.
- bluengold12

They need a true #1 or #2 center. Gagner is not the answer.

They are all set on wingers at the moment, which is where the others will more then likely start their careers at. It's the reason they are listed as c/lw hybrids. Grigorenko was listed the same way c/rw. Many of us said if they are going to play him right away they should play him on the wing 1st. IMO had they of done that, he would be further along in his development.