I think I would rather us use our first to try to get Nichushkin from Dallas
- dominik7777

How about just keeping it and drafting a superior player instead?

How about just keeping it and drafting a superior player instead?
- Tomahawk

They could.

I guess I am not a huge fan of this draft after the top 3 guys.

If I could get someone like Trouba I am all for using the first in that situation.

They could.

I guess I am not a huge fan of this draft after the top 3 guys.

If I could get someone like Trouba I am all for using the first in that situation.
- J35Bacher

I personally would like to hold onto our picks. I forget who exactly said it here, but someone here said a couple of times this draft could be a year where a lot of "steals" or "hidden gems" may be in the later 1st round to mid 2nd round with the drop off in talent after the big names. And that has intrigued me since. Having said that, my mind could change come draft day what to do with our picks. If we move any picks, I hope it involves moving up in the draft.

NOTE: If you are the poster who commented what I am referring to, please confirm I am quoting you correctly. And even explain why you think/said this

I understand the thinking but I think Trouba has top pair skills which is something hard to find. Add him to Provorov and you have a potential top all situations pair.
- J35Bacher

Why are they going to trade him then?

I personally would like to hold onto our picks. I forget who exactly said it here, but someone here said a couple of times this draft could be a year where a lot of "steals" or "hidden gems" may be in the later 1st round to mid 2nd round with the drop off in talent after the big names. Having said that, my mind could change come draft day what to do with our picks. If we move any picks, I hope it involves moving up in the draft.

NOTE: If you are the poster who commented what I am referring to, please confirm I am quoting you correctly. And even explain why you think/said this
- arichardson22

Wasn't me.

I think after the top 3 there are a lot of interchangeable guys depending on the teams needs at that point in the draft.

It's why I would use the 1st in a chance to get Trouba if it presented itself.

Why are they going to trade him then?
- MJL

Lots of reports of him wanting close to 7 million and WPG having trouble with the new Buff deal and other things.

My feeling is it is kind of the same thing Hamilton did. Reports of wanting a large number so he could be moved. Remember things said about Hamilton and then he signed for like 5.75 cap hit.

That's my feeling. I think it is a US kid saying pay me x amount to stay. I know he is RFA this year.

Wasn't me.

I think after the top 3 there are a lot of interchangeable guys depending on the teams needs at that point in the draft.

It's why I would use the 1st in a chance to get Trouba if it presented itself.
- J35Bacher

I think if I'm moving the 1st I rather acquire a forward RFA, but that's mainly because of our d prospects and lack of scoring. I personally don't know an actual trade that would get Trouba in terms of fair value, but if the deal involved one of Morin or Sanheim with our 1st, I guess I would put my desire for a forward over a dman aside since we would be losing one.

I think if I'm moving the 1st I rather acquire a forward RFA, but that's mainly because of our d prospects and lack of scoring. I personally don't know an actual trade that would get Trouba in terms of fair value, but if the deal involved one of Morin or Sanheim with our 1st, I guess I would put my desire for a forward over a dman aside since we would be losing one.
- arichardson22

I understand.

I am not sure Nichushkin is worth a first right now. He hasn't really blown up like some have thought.

I understand.

I am not sure Nichushkin is worth a first right now. He hasn't really blown up like some have thought.
- J35Bacher

Perhaps we could entertain with a deal involving prospect and our 2nd(s) for him? I do like his size and him being 21.

The two obvious RFA forwards I like are Schwartz and Hoffman. Both older and smaller, but are both LWS and certainly know how to put the puck in the back of the net.

I know a lot of people arent a fan of Gary Bettman but that speech was as good as anything I have read in a long time.

Powerful, detailed and in general evocative.

on one hand I really like the blues. respect them. and root for hitch and several of their players are very likable. On the other hand...if they lose this round I think all hell could break loose on their roster. it is a perfect storm with all the work they have to do to get people signed. could throw the NHL for a loop if they want to shake things up

I think I would rather us use our first to try to get Nichushkin from Dallas
- dominik7777

I've watched pretty much every game of Nichushkin's NHL career to this point. He could put all the pieces together at some point, but he's a bit of a frustrating player at times so far.

Also, he has not always responded well to Lindy Ruff's tough-love approach; doesn't understand that it's being done not to pick on him but to push him to be a more consistent player.

on one hand I really like the blues. respect them. and root for hitch and several of their players are very likable. On the other hand...if they lose this round I think all hell could break loose on their roster. it is a perfect storm with all the work they have to do to get people signed. could throw the NHL for a loop if they want to shake things up
- YuenglingJagr

This is part why I posted on the earlier blog why STL could be a player for Stamkos. Could have some serious shake up and let some UFAs walk and trade Shatty. Could you imagine Stamkos and Tarasenko

This is part why I posted on the earlier blog why STL could be a player for Stamkos. Could have some serious shake up and let some UFAs walk and trade Shatty. Could you imagine Stamkos and Tarasenko
- arichardson22

there is only 1 puck to shoot

How about just keeping it and drafting a superior player instead?
- Tomahawk

Sorry. All picks must be spent on overrated, under achieving NHLers.

there is only 1 puck to shoot
- YuenglingJagr

If one of them shoots it hard enough, perhaps it could split into 2

Wasn't me.

I think after the top 3 there are a lot of interchangeable guys depending on the teams needs at that point in the draft.

It's why I would use the 1st in a chance to get Trouba if it presented itself.
- J35Bacher

Wait, so you want to trade for Trouba and sign Stamkos?

Sorry. All picks must be spent on overrated, under achieving NHLers.
- PhillySportsGuy

it speeds up the process of having to develop them into that ourselves

I've watched pretty much every game of Nichushkin's NHL career to this point. He could put all the pieces together at some point, but he's a bit of a frustrating player at times so far.

Also, he has not always responded well to Lindy Ruff's tough-love approach; doesn't understand that it's being done not to pick on him but to push him to be a more consistent player.
- bmeltzer

No hockey sense. Ponikarovsky 2.0

it speeds up the process of having to develop them into that ourselves
- YuenglingJagr

I hear Eminger is available

Wait, so you want to trade for Trouba and sign Stamkos?
- PhillySportsGuy

Sure.

But I understand that if one happens the other probably can't.

Sure.

But I understand that if one happens the other probably can't.
- J35Bacher

depends what gets traded

depends what gets traded
- YuenglingJagr

I think on top of Read and Streit being moved, that one of Schenn and Simmonds would have to go too. Obviously Amac but that aint happening

I think on top of Read and Streit being moved, that one of Schenn and Simmonds would have to go too. Obviously Amac but that aint happening
- arichardson22

I think MacDonald could be moved if your willing to eat some salary. Just depends on how much your looking to eat.

Sure.

But I understand that if one happens the other probably can't.
- J35Bacher

Don't understand why you're so obsessed with Trouba. He's not really special in any way and he'd cost the team a bunch in terms of money and draft picks to acquire.