Couturier dropped to 8th. Fowler to 12th and gormley to 13th. You can disagree but anything is possible with players who have big question marks.

However I agree in that I also can't see Reinhardt cracking the top 5. I can see te leafs taking a dman or perhaps taking a leaf of faith on faksa. Drafting Kitchener rangers usually works out well.

Edit: I understand leads are ok with d but I think they shop schenn for their big forward and pick a potential top pairing guy to play with Gardiner
- ystoil

I agree anything can happen, but the chances this year is unlikely because most scouts and GMs seem to be roughly on the same page....but just like in a seemingly perfect marriage, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Also, I've never seen so much speculation about trading within the top 5 spots before and where there's smoke, there's fire....so it wouldn't shock me at all to see anyone move into or out of the top 5 for the right deal.

For me personally, I would love to see the Leafs be able to somehow trade up into one of the top 2 spots and grabbing Yakupov or Galchenyuk. It would take a lot....and I'm actually okay with dealing our first rounder next year for it to happen.

How come you have Edmonton picking first overall ?
- Mount Albert

I think they'll just take Yakupov. Burke and many others will go hard after the pick as probably happens every year, but I see Edmonton just saying to teams we'll except this super highball package, because why not say that, and then they'll just take the pick.

I agree anything can happen, but the chances this year is unlikely because most scouts and GMs seem to be roughly on the same page....but just like in a seemingly perfect marriage, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Also, I've never seen so much speculation about trading within the top 5 spots before and where there's smoke, there's fire....so it wouldn't shock me at all to see anyone move into or out of the top 5 for the right deal.

For me personally, I would love to see the Leafs be able to somehow trade up into one of the top 2 spots and grabbing Yakupov or Galchenyuk. It would take a lot....and I'm actually okay with dealing our first rounder next year for it to happen.
- Phenom

I'd love to see the Leafs in at least 2nd for sure, but I don't think they should or will offer next year's first...Burke already got burned on guessing this team was far enough along that it wouldn't bottom out, twice, I think he'll be cautious now with firsts at least.

I still think it's possible he moves players and prospects but I just have a feeling the Leafs are gonna say okay let's just hold our firsts for the next couple of years.

I think they'll just take Yakupov. Burke and many others will go hard after the pick as probably happens every year, but I see Edmonton just saying to teams we'll except this super highball package, because why not say that, and then they'll just take the pick.
- Zezel

I agree that's probably what will happen, but I honestly think the Oilers would be dumb not to SERIOUSLY consider dealing the pick. Yakupov is definitely the pick of the crop but the Oilers do not need him. Other teams do.....including teams picking in the top 10. They can acquire at least 2 solid assets and stay in the top 10 where they can still have a quality pick.....especially if someone unexpected falls to them. It would be a very smart move on their part.

What is with all of this talk of the Oilers not needing Yakupov? The Oilers offence is brutal

Couturier dropped to 8th. Fowler to 12th and gormley to 13th. You can disagree but anything is possible with players who have big question marks.
- ystoil

I betcha the teams that passed over Couts Isl-Ott-Win regret it big time

And how did that work out? I'm just saying that given the state of their franchise they won't be going off the board is it very rarely works out...
- sabresfan365

I guarantee they won't go off their board. Trouble is each team has their own board developed by their scouts.

I'd love to see the Leafs in at least 2nd for sure, but I don't think they should or will offer next year's first...Burke already got burned on guessing this team was far enough along that it wouldn't bottom out, twice, I think he'll be cautious now with firsts at least.

I still think it's possible he moves players and prospects but I just have a feeling the Leafs are gonna say okay let's just hold our firsts for the next couple of years.
- Zezel

I want to keep the pick too, but that might be the difference in Edm or Clb either trading with us, as opposed to another team. It's a risk, but I don't think anyone is anticipating the Leafs having another lottery pick next year. But like I said, anything can happen. I just hope we have the assets attractive enough to get it done. I think we do, as Burke has built up quite an impressive stable of prospects and young players.....but of course, I'm a Leaf fan so I obviously overrate my players, like all the haters say we do......so that might not be enough to get it done.

I agree that's probably what will happen, but I honestly think the Oilers would be dumb not to SERIOUSLY consider dealing the pick. Yakupov is definitely the pick of the crop but the Oilers do not need him. Other teams do.....including teams picking in the top 10. They can acquire at least 2 solid assets and stay in the top 10 where they can still have a quality pick.....especially if someone unexpected falls to them. It would be a very smart move on their part.
- Phenom

There is definitely merit to that option, it really could come up aces for them too, I just think these top pick elite forwards are like the black soul gems in Skyrim lol, you just drop other things to pick them up at all times. They'll be loaded for skilled forwards, but they can wait and see what happens. Who knows, what if Nuge's shoulders keep blowing out on him over the years, and he's like Hemsky, a super elite skill guy who can't stay healthy? Not saying that will happen Oil fans, and I love Hemsky, but then you're glad you kept Yakupov and the other guys for at least a couple of years.

Basically I'm saying the odds are so long on hitting these kinds of picks, you don't get a chance to even get one let alone three of them very often you should take the luxury and hold them for a bit.

I could see the Oil being like some Detroit teams or 80s Oil teams where they didn't really even need to have the absolute top goalie or D corps to win.

There is definitely merit to that option, it really could come up aces for them too, I just think these top pick elite forwards are like the black soul gems in Skyrim lol, you just drop other things to pick them up at all times. They'll be loaded for skilled forwards, but they can wait and see what happens. Who knows, what if Nuge's shoulders keep blowing out on him over the years, and he's like Hemsky, a super elite skill guy who can't stay healthy? Not saying that will happen Oil fans, and I love Hemsky, but then you're glad you kept Yakupov and the other guys for at least a couple of years.

Basically I'm saying the odds are so long on hitting these kinds of picks, you don't get a chance to even get three of them very often you should take the luxury and hold them for a bit.

I could see the Oil being like some Detroit teams or 80s Oil teams where they didn't really even need to have the absolute top goalie or D corps to win.
- Zezel

I see what you mean but at the same time you can't make decisions based on the fact some of your players might not be able to stay healthy. That's a risk no matter what....with anyone.

I see what you mean but at the same time you can't make decisions based on the fact some of your players might not be able to stay healthy. That's a risk no matter what....with anyone.
- Phenom

Definitely, either option is taking a chance...I just think firsts overall are so rare to get and have the biggest jackpot upside so it's hard to trade them for anything

I agree that's probably what will happen, but I honestly think the Oilers would be dumb not to SERIOUSLY consider dealing the pick. Yakupov is definitely the pick of the crop but the Oilers do not need him. Other teams do.....including teams picking in the top 10. They can acquire at least 2 solid assets and stay in the top 10 where they can still have a quality pick.....especially if someone unexpected falls to them. It would be a very smart move on their part.
- Phenom

They should trade down to about 5th and get Gardiner with that pick

If I were the Oil I'd be looking to trade the 1st for a pick anywhere from 3-5 and a good defensive prospect. I.E. something along the lines of Bealieau + 3rd (Take Murray, or Reinhart I guess) for Yakupov. Oilers get 2 good defense prospects in one draft, something they definitely need

Obviously the Oilers could probably get more with the 1st, but it's just something to think about

Definitely, either option is taking a chance...I just think firsts overall are so rare to get and have the biggest jackpot upside so it's hard to trade them for anything
- Zezel

It's rare if your name is not the Edmonton Oilers!

I agree anything can happen, but the chances this year is unlikely because most scouts and GMs seem to be roughly on the same page....but just like in a seemingly perfect marriage, you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Also, I've never seen so much speculation about trading within the top 5 spots before and where there's smoke, there's fire....so it wouldn't shock me at all to see anyone move into or out of the top 5 for the right deal.

For me personally, I would love to see the Leafs be able to somehow trade up into one of the top 2 spots and grabbing Yakupov or Galchenyuk. It would take a lot....and I'm actually okay with dealing our first rounder next year for it to happen.
- Phenom

I dont see the oilers coveting/valuing a 2013 first as much as u may think. Even the leafs pick that may turn out to be a lottery.
At least i hope not.

If dealing down is something they're serious about, i think it would be a top 4 dman that can move in and help immediately as the main piece. As well as said teams first.

This should be the oilers last year where they are looking at the draft as a major part of the rebuild if u get my meaning..
In fact, i personally wouldnt be at all opposed to gambling our first in 2013 in a deal for a player that can help us now as well.

They should trade down to about 5th and get Gardiner with that pick
- I-own_da-Northwest

I don't think they can get Gardiner, Schenn would be possible though.

I don't think they can get Gardiner, Schenn would be possible though.
- Nucker101

Yeah I was just looking at previous drafts and on average it looks like if u want to move up 4-7 spots, you're giving up a late pick in that same round or a decent player. While I think Schenn is a slightly above average player...I question if him and a 5th would be enough to get a deal done.

I don't think they can get Gardiner, Schenn would be possible though.
- Nucker101

Gardiner is overrated, he is 1 year younger than Schenn averaged about 5:30 more minutes per game than Schenn and managed to put up a WHOPPING 8 more points.

He was also put on the 1st PP unit, Schenn was not even on a PP unit if I'm not mistaken, meaning he had more minutes, more offensive quality minutes, and didn't put up numbers much better.

Get a coach who knows what he's doing, give Schenn some confidence and responsibility, and I bet he turns into the player everyone expected him to be when he was selected 5th overall

What is with all of this talk of the Oilers not needing Yakupov? The Oilers offence is brutal
- andymaury

Yup

And what is this talk of the Leafs not needing defense? It's also brutal and the center they want most likely won't be there.

I don't think they can get Gardiner, Schenn would be possible though.
- Nucker101

1st, Paajarvi and the 3rd rounder for 5th Gardiner and Ashton?

Thoughts?

1st, Paajarvi and the 3rd rounder for 5th Gardiner and Ashton?

Thoughts?
- ystoil

No.

If I were the Oil I'd be looking to trade the 1st for a pick anywhere from 3-5 and a good defensive prospect. I.E. something along the lines of Bealieau + 3rd (TakAe Murray, or Reinhart I guess) for Yakupov. Oilers get 2 good defense prospects in one draft, something they definitely need
Obviously the Oilers could probably get more with the 1st, but it's just something to think about
- FinAddict

Certainly not an unreasonable idea.
But,
The oilers already have alot more decent defensive prospects than i think most people realize. Probably due to the fact that those top round picks have been so overshadowed by the superstar first overall pick.

Oscar Klefbom at 19th last year is a bluechipper and cant be considered too far behind Nathan beaulieu. He was named to the first team wjc i think. David Musil at 31 last year as well, Solid.
Martin marincin in the 2nd round the year before. Gernat whos playing beautifully for the oil kings currently. Even davidson, blain and fedun are far from nobodies.

Just keep yakupov who seems to be pretty close to a sure bet. Or trade him for an already established guy rather than just get more defensive prospects.

1st, Paajarvi and the 3rd rounder for 5th Gardiner and Ashton?

Thoughts?
- ystoil

No. We keep prv. Take him and ashton out if the deal.

1st and a 3rd rounder
For
Gardiner and the 5th overall

Even then i dunno. U never know, but I think yakupov is gonna be the real deal.
For some reason i have more confidence in this Pick than i did either of hall or the nuge.

Doubt burke does it anyway. Hes got a major hard on for jake

Yup

And what is this talk of the Leafs not needing defense? It's also brutal and the center they want most likely won't be there.
- robin_steele264

This.
They overrated How good there defence was gonna be by a country mile.
It was extremely mediocre.

No.
- robin_steele264

Agree