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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the Nico Hischier vs Nolan Patrick debate and who should go 1st overall.
Todd Cordell
Since the draft lottery alone, I have watched and tracked data for five Hischier games and six Patrick games.
After closely evaluating the two players I've decided I prefer Hischier's game,
which I wrote about earlier this month.
I've always prioritized skill and ability to create with the puck. To me, Hischier offers more in that regard. He is quicker, has a higher top speed, and is the more dynamic player. I watched his play without the puck quite closely, too, and I think he is a lot better defensively than some give him credit for.
At the top of the draft, you need to hit a homerun. I think Hischier has game-breaking potential the Devils desperately need and should be the pick at No. 1.
James Tanner
If I was the Devils, I'd take Nolan Patrick. Unless he has some kind of chronic injury that worries them, I see no reason to buck convention with this pick. He is / has been the front-runner since day-1 and so I'd just go with him.
That said, a #1 overall pick probably has some sweet trade value and since Patrick isn't considered to be a strong player relative to the #1 overall pick of most years, I'd trade down a couple times, maximize the asset and still pick a player with as decent a shot to be a star in the top ten.
Peter Tessier
Is Nico vs Nolan the new Taylor vs Tyler? Probably and in the end how do we measure that previous name rivalry of the potential 2 top picks?
Here's the inside thing on Patrick (Disclosure: he's my son's age and I know many of his hockey peers in Winnipeg). The kid has talent and size but the one thing that has dogged him is injuries and durability. In fact, some would say some rather sexist/derogatory things about his 'toughness'. Are they right? That remains to be seen but GMs should be cautious and do their homework because a big #1 Centre is usually something that makes mouths drool.
If I'm the GM I pick Nico unless I know that Nolan is 100% healed and there's nothing lingering. There's too much smoke around him.
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