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What's Worse? Picking Drouin Out Of Need or Seth Jones Going To Tampa?

June 29, 2013, 8:16 PM ET [107 Comments]
Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
If Colorado holds true to these rumors and takes Nathan MacKinnon with the #1 overall pick of the NHL Draft tomorrow, Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon is in a very tough spot. There is no question talented forwards are the need for this team, but defensive phenom Seth Jones is a can't miss prospect and arguably the most valuable player in the draft.

However, there is another interesting factor at play.

A lot of people forget that the Tampa Bay Lightning sit right behind the Panthers at #3 and will have the benefit of taking what's left.

The Lightning are Florida's most hated rival(yes, there is a rivalry in Florida), and drafting Jonathan Drouin out of need will give Tampa a franchise defenseman in Jones on a silver platter. Is that a player Florida wants to face for the next decade?

Obviously Tampa landing Drouin instead should Tallon select Jones is no laughing matter for Florida. In many circles Drouin is the #1 or #2 player in this draft. Pairing him up with Stamkos for years to come is another frightening proposition for all opposition.

But the dilemma remains...does Tallon draft out of need or best player available?


It would be hard to imagine MacKinnon and Jones not being the first two players chosen, regardless of order. On paper, Jones to Colorado and MacKinnon to Florida are absolute perfect fits in terms of respective team needs.

Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, & Co. keep stating publicly that MacKinnon is their guy. Not so sure the masses are buying that. Having the chance at drafting a bonafide franchise defenseman is a rare opportunity for most clubs, and the importance of that position cannot be overstated. Would Colorado really pass on the talent Jones possesses?

But if they do, and the decision for Tallon is between Jones and Drouin, it is an extremely difficult decision.

While the Panthers are relatively solid on the blue line both on the big club and developing in the minors, Jones would still be an exciting addition to a youthful core.

Drouin has been often compared to Jonathan Huberdeau. They also play the same position, which also may hurt Drouin's chances of ending up in Florida. However, such talented players are often moved around to accommodate the other roster players, and visions of a Huberdeau-Bjugstad-Drouin line in the future sure do look good.

Looking at the top 3 teams in the draft, the needs are defense, offense, defense, and yet the picks are likely to go offense, defense, offense if there are no trades or movement. For a draft this top heavy, it still would make sense to take the best player available regardless of current roster depth.

Of course this is a great problem to have for both the Panthers and the Lightning, as an almost certain star will be arriving to bolster their teams. In essence it's a win-win for all.

Tallon will do what is best for the Panthers, but one would have to think keeping a defensive stud away from a rival that is need of just that would be extra special.

If MacKinnon is there at #2, then this is all for not, but if he goes to Colorado, Seth Jones has to be the pick for the Florida Panthers. His overall game and potential is just too much to pass on.

Your thoughts?

Dan Spiegel...
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