As much as I would love to get stamkos, I fear stamkos, eichel, and kane are all too similar to compliment each other well.

I would actually like to try and pry Eberle from the Oilers. He might be the best fit rounding out the top 6 for this team.

Kane O'Reilly Eberle
Foligno Eichel Reinhart

I would actually like to see what Foligno could do with those two for reminder of the season. If it fails throw girgensons back up there, until someone else is ready.
- Mentalorgasm5

Is it fair to say I can't agree with any statement fearing that we get another player like Jack? I agree with the Eberle part, we should definitely be kicking tires in Oiler Land. The Foligno idea is a great one I hope Bylsma reeeds this.

I'm seeing Marcus make plays I never did before...him sending passes across the crease and his ability to work and steal pucks has improved 10 fold. His brother was a late bloomer, Marcus isn't Nick, but he could be a guy that shows true skill starting now. Mikey likes it.

Is it fair to say I can't agree with any statement fearing that we get another player like Jack? I agree with the Eberle part, we should definitely be kicking tires in Oiler Land. The Foligno idea is a great one I hope Bylsma reeeds this.

I'm seeing Marcus make plays I never did before...him sending passes across the crease and his ability to work and steal pucks has improved 10 fold. His brother was a late bloomer, Marcus isn't Nick, but he could be a guy that shows true skill starting now. Mikey likes it.
- RhinoFan

When I say similar, I mean style. Stamkos is on another level than kane. He is still on another level than eichel, but the way they carry the puck worries me about line chemistry.

As much as I would love to get stamkos, I fear stamkos, eichel, and kane are all too similar to compliment each other well.

I would actually like to try and pry Eberle from the Oilers. He might be the best fit rounding out the top 6 for this team.

Kane O'Reilly Eberle
Foligno Eichel Reinhart

I would actually like to see what Foligno could do with those two for reminder of the season. If it fails throw girgensons back up there, until someone else is ready.
- Mentalorgasm5

Foligno isn't good enough to be a top six forward. Just like Girgensons

When I say similar, I mean style. Stamkos is on another level than kane. He is still on another level than eichel, but the way they carry the puck worries me about line chemistry.
- Mentalorgasm5

Kane Stamkos O'Riley
Nylander Eichel Reinhart

Problem solved.

Homie... Can you find my old avatar?

Starting to accept and get use to the fact we will be drafting 5-9. If we stay at our current spot of 7th there are five very good prospects that will go 5-9 meaning we have a shot at three of them

Juolevi
Chychrun
Sergachev
Nylander
Dubois

I like the top four the best after reading up on them. Segachev has grown the most on me.

"The two-player limit the CHL imposes on its clubs in regards to European-born players may seem restrictive, possibly xenophobic. What you can’t argue, however, is how it enables teams to be far more deliberate and selective when adding a player from across the pond. Russian-born defenseman Mikhail Sergachev is one of those fortunate ones, but take our word for it when we say he’s not your classic European-trained blueliner. He plays an aggressive and punishing style, mixed in with offensive flair and a strong enough sense to either join the rush or create one himself.

Sergachev has anchored Windsor’s top pairing since the season began, logging minutes on both the top power play and penalty killing units. He possesses above-average speed, and owns a powerful stride which makes him difficult to stop when in full flight. Additionally, Sergachev is a mobile playmaker from the back end, capable of connecting on and receiving difficult passes, whether up the ice or diagonally through a maze of sticks. Most impressive is his hard shot, which he can fire with substantial velocity from the point’s deepest areas. The pace and complexity of the next level shouldn’t intimidate him, but his slot coverage is one area where he must improve to complete his development."

Starting to accept and get use to the fact we will be drafting 5-9. If we stay at our current spot of 7th there are five very good prospects that will go 5-10 meaning we have a shot at three of them

Juolevi
Chychrun
Sergachev
Nylander
Dubois

I like the top four the best after reading up on them. Segachev has grown the most on me.

"The two-player limit the CHL imposes on its clubs in regards to European-born players may seem restrictive, possibly xenophobic. What you can’t argue, however, is how it enables teams to be far more deliberate and selective when adding a player from across the pond. Russian-born defenseman Mikhail Sergachev is one of those fortunate ones, but take our word for it when we say he’s not your classic European-trained blueliner. He plays an aggressive and punishing style, mixed in with offensive flair and a strong enough sense to either join the rush or create one himself.

Sergachev has anchored Windsor’s top pairing since the season began, logging minutes on both the top power play and penalty killing units. He possesses above-average speed, and owns a powerful stride which makes him difficult to stop when in full flight. Additionally, Sergachev is a mobile playmaker from the back end, capable of connecting on and receiving difficult passes, whether up the ice or diagonally through a maze of sticks. Most impressive is his hard shot, which he can fire with substantial velocity from the point’s deepest areas. The pace and complexity of the next level shouldn’t intimidate him, but his slot coverage is one area where he must improve to complete his development."
- bluengold12

Starting? I've seen you post this on like the last 10 blogs

Trading it aside, can't see Murray taking the Russian. There's really nobody on that list that i'd want.

Starting? I've seen you post this on like the last 10 blogs

Trading it aside, can't see Murray taking the Russian. There's really nobody on that list that i'd want.
- Sabresfan-365

No I've been hoping we lose because I've paid most attention to the top 4 prospects. Now recently reading more into the 5-9.

No idea why you wouldn't want any of those players as they are all going to be very good. Sans trading for Hall or Lindhom. (Both in all honesty pipe dreams) looking at the realistic idea I think drafting any of those three D man or Nylander would be excellent additions to the team

Kane Stamkos O'Riley
Nylander Eichel Reinhart

Problem solved.
- bluengold12

Stamkos and kane would have the same issue as eichel and kane as I mentioned.

No I've been hoping we lose because I've paid most attention to the top 4 prospects. Now recently reading more into the 5-9.

No idea why you wouldn't want any of those players as they are all going to be very good. Sans trading for Hall or Lindhom. (Both in all honesty pipe dreams) looking at the realistic idea I think drafting any of those three D man or Nylander would be excellent additions to the team
- bluengold12

They might be very good. Either way, you won't find out for a bit. That's why I don't want them. When I think of who went 5th last year and who is projected to go 5th this year, it's not even close. Hanifin blows that entire group out of the water.

I am more for the draft and develop route but they killed that when they moved multiple first/2nd round picks and prospects for players in their prime (or about to enter).

You can't make those kinds of moves and then be ok with having the fate of your d-core hang in the balance of the 2nd/3rd best 18 year old defensemen in the draft.

They might be very good. Either way, you won't find out for a bit. That's why I don't want them. When I think of who went 5th last year and who is projected to go 5th this year, it's not even close. Hanifin blows that entire group out of the water.

I am more for the draft and develop route but they killed that when they moved multiple first/2nd round picks and prospects for players in their prime (or about to enter).

You can't make those kinds of moves and then be ok with having the fate of your d-core hang in the balance of the 2nd/3rd best 18 year old defensemen in the draft.
- Sabresfan-365

It's different this year because all three defenceman plus Nylander have unique circumstances. European players are usually quicker to be ready for the NHL at least on defense and 2/3 of them are from Europe. Sure they play in the OHL now but are dominating it and also have the Europe pedigree. Churchryn was seen as being as good as Hanifin early on this year but has been on a bit of a decline recently. Still most scouts say he will be ready for next year. I think this defensive core is better overall than last years. Hanifin may be a bigger star but I think as a whole these three average out better. Plus Nylander is said to be possibly better than his older brother.

Stamkos and kane would have the same issue as eichel and kane as I mentioned.
- Mentalorgasm5

Kane has looked good with Eichel so I don't see why having the calming presence of O'Riley wouldn't even things about Stamkos

They might be very good. Either way, you won't find out for a bit. That's why I don't want them. When I think of who went 5th last year and who is projected to go 5th this year, it's not even close. Hanifin blows that entire group out of the water.

I am more for the draft and develop route but they killed that when they moved multiple first/2nd round picks and prospects for players in their prime (or about to enter).

You can't make those kinds of moves and then be ok with having the fate of your d-core hang in the balance of the 2nd/3rd best 18 year old defensemen in the draft.
- Sabresfan-365

Maybe. But he also was "falling" last year like Chychrun too. I remember when it was possible he was going to fall all the way to 10 behind Provorov and Werenski.

It's the same thing every year. Chychrun will probably be the 1st D taken and would be a fine pick

Gorges has a full NTC I believe.
Moulson, limited, no team would be looking acquire him, unless if they're helping us, which means we include a pick. (Easy for Moulson to put those types of teams on his list, since they are few)
Gionta is limited, however, no contending team would be looking to acquire him at 4.25. So easy for him to block any trade.

Limited trade clauses don't mean the player can't be trade, however, given the 3 we are discussing, it pretty much means they are untradeable.

In regards to moulson, at his age, and with his family, he gets paid 5 million to play in the NHL or the AHL. If I were him, I just drive to Rochester to play my games, but that's just me.
- Mentalorgasm5

Idk...
He's still an athlete that (I'd assume) wants to show he can still play in the NHL

Also...
Just bc a guy has an NTC doesn't mean that he will block a trade
Regehr waived to come here... And to leave
Gorges waived to leave a playoff team to come to one he knew would still be bad

I don't think it's as cut & dry as you're making it
I'm not worried that Murray will find a way to fit in who he wants here

It's different this year because all three defenceman plus Nylander have unique circumstances. European players are usually quicker to be ready for the NHL at least on defense and 2/3 of them are from Europe. Sure they play in the OHL now but are dominating it and also have the Europe pedigree. Churchryn was seen as being as good as Hanifin early on this year but has been on a bit of a decline recently. Still most scouts say he will be ready for next year. I think this defensive core is better overall than last years. Hanifin may be a bigger star but I think as a whole these three average out better. Plus Nylander is said to be possibly better than his older brother.
- bluengold12

Looking back at the past few drafts I don't think that's actually true, most of them end up going back, that's just how it is with defensemen, they take a little longer. Chychrun was top 2 early but I don't think they ever compared him to Hanifin. Ditto Alex Nylander, consensus has always been that they're about the same, play the same style too.

As much as I would love to get stamkos, I fear stamkos, eichel, and kane are all too similar to compliment each other well.

I would actually like to try and pry Eberle from the Oilers. He might be the best fit rounding out the top 6 for this team.

Kane O'Reilly Eberle
Foligno Eichel Reinhart

I would actually like to see what Foligno could do with those two for reminder of the season. If it fails throw girgensons back up there, until someone else is ready.
- Mentalorgasm5

Maybe you're right about them all not meshing & it's Kane who gets traded?
I think it's safe to say at this point that Murray will go after Stamkos
Whether he wants to come here or not...
And how all the pieces would fit together...
Obviously, that's tbd

Looking back at the past few drafts I don't think that's actually true, most of them end up going back, that's just how it is with defensemen, they take a little longer. Chychrun was top 2 early but I don't think they ever compared him to Hanifin. Ditto Alex Nylander, consensus has always been that they're about the same, play the same style too.
- Sabresfan-365

Not comparisons in playing style but in terms of value and potential. From everything I've read scouts believe Chyrchrun will be ready for the NHL next year.

Nylander is said to be pretty even with his brother who is being touted as a god by Leafs fans. I've seen some canadian hockey reporters saying Alex is better than his brother in most parts of his game and maybe more dynamic.

As for the Fin and the Russian I think most likely they spend 1 more year in Juniors which isn't perfect but happens 95% of the time. I bet they would still get a 9 game try out here and who knows... Maybe they pull a Risto and show they are ready.

Not comparisons in playing style but in terms of value and potential. From everything I've read scouts believe Chyrchrun will be ready for the NHL next year.

Nylander is said to be pretty even with his brother who is being touted as a god by Leafs fans. I've seen some canadian hockey reporters saying Alex is better than his brother in most parts of his game and maybe more dynamic.

As for the Fin and the Russian I think most likely they spend 1 more year in Juniors which isn't perfect but happens 95% of the time. I bet they would still get a 9 game try out here and who knows... Maybe they pull a Risto and show they are ready.
- bluengold12

Didn't Risto spend a half year in Rochester? This is his 3rd year in the league now and he still has some work to do. Assuming you have to wait the same length or more for the guy you take at 6, 7 or 8...

Edit: Leafs fans also think Brandon Leipsic is the next Brad Marchand, so that doesn't count

Maybe. But he also was "falling" last year like Chychrun too. I remember when it was possible he was going to fall all the way to 10 behind Provorov and Werenski.

It's the same thing every year. Chychrun will probably be the 1st D taken and would be a fine pick
- sbroads24

If that's the case then would we even have a shot at him? He either goes top 5 like originally projected or he falls because the teams up top don't want to take that chance, in which case why would we want to?

Didn't Risto spend a half year in Rochester? This is his 3rd year in the league now and he still has some work to do. Assuming you have to wait the same length or more for the guy you take at 6, 7 or 8...

Edit: Leafs fans also think Brandon Leipsic is the next Brad Marchand, so that doesn't count
- Sabresfan-365

Risto did spend half a year in Rochester but only because we had the luxury of that option. (Don't have the same with OHL)

Like I said I think all three defenceman at the very least would get a 9 game try out here. Our defensive depth isn't on par with a Philadelphia so it makes sense that they would have a better chance of making it. Sure there will be growing pains but I think pretty confidently any of those three would be our best LHD on the team next year even going through any growing pains that may happen.

If that's the case then would we even have a shot at him? He either goes top 5 like originally projected or he falls because the teams up top don't want to take that chance, in which case why would we want to?
- Sabresfan-365

I think all three defenceman are seen as being pretty equal this year. One report from TSN says the Finn will be number 1. Another by Bob McKenzie says a lot of scouts are viewing the Russian as the best yet Churchryn is still seen as the most well rounded and NHL body ready so I think either way you're getting the best defecenman you'll have on this team.

If that's the case then would we even have a shot at him? He either goes top 5 like originally projected or he falls because the teams up top don't want to take that chance, in which case why would we want to?
- Sabresfan-365

It all depends on what is out there in a trade. If we can't land a Lindholm, or Hall etc, then I would rather take Chychrun if he's there at 5 or 6.

There is no guarantee that there is going to be a trade available

Risto did spend half a year in Rochester but only because we had the luxury of that option. (Don't have the same with OHL)

Like I said I think all three defenceman at the very least would get a 9 game try out here. Our defensive depth isn't on par with a Philadelphia so it makes sense that they would have a better chance of making it. Sure there will be growing pains but I think pretty confidently any of those three would be our best LHD on the team next year even going through any growing pains that may happen.
- bluengold12

It isn't?

I don't disagree that they could be good or that they'd easily be the best LHD on the team but that is hardly an impressive feat considering the lefties we have. I just think with a position as important as top pairing D they cant really afford to take any chances. Especially after all the moves they made to speed this up.

Homie... Can you find my old avatar?


- jochfr

It all depends on what is out there in a trade. If we can't land a Lindholm, or Hall etc, then I would rather take Chychrun if he's there at 5 or 6.

There is no guarantee that there is going to be a trade available
- sbroads24

There's almost always a trade available, just have to be willing to pay up.