Buffalo is the most likley to move up. They are going to move vanek miller stafford (maybe ennis) at some point probably the draft. They have 8th, 16th, and 2 second rounders this year. 2 second rounders in 2014 and 2015.

Buffalo will move up.

Having a solid third pairing was the idea in chicago, to soften Keith and Seabrook's minutes.

This in no way was an indication of his ability to play.
Teams are always looking form big fluid defenders that are world class skaters, like Seth Jones, and Brent Seabrook.
- wiz1901

Ah. I thought Hjalmarsson and Oduya had just moved up the depth chart. Seabrook a world class skater? I always thought that was a weakness. Hmm.

Who's playing 2C in Chicago right now? Is Bolland 3C?

I trulty don't think this kid's size is seen as a great disability and it doesn't take many views to see how he helps MacKinnon be better.
He excelled in the World Junior Tourney Under-20s when MacKinnon sputtered and was much younger than most.

There is big hockey sense connected to his skill and game.

There will be no slip past five, if that would be a slip.

There is a set top three and you could argue it probably could with Valery Nichushkin, no ebe a top four since he says he's coming now.

I have always maintained there is a top six that would (in any other year of NHL Drafts) contain prospects that would be top three selections. that speaks to the super strong first tier.

It starts to be all about what the speciifc team is llking to do.

You could argue Barkov is that big centre on your NHL team, even if he "only" reaches 2nd line status.
You could argue Monahan has a lot of Jonathan Toews in him and played for a really mediocre junior team.
You could argue Nichushkin provides you with a plug in player, who, if cannot fit now, can go develop for Moska Dynamo.
You could argue that the gifted MacKinnon is a tremendous junior player that has benefitted from having a rare gifted winger in Drouin, and that if teams perceive MacKinnon as not completely having all the tools to be an NHL top centre, that they think in terms of him being a wing. If that is the case, it might temper their enthusiasm in this strong group.
You could argue Seth Jones is a raw commodity but top selected defenseman have never reached elite level status save for Denis Potvin (#1 overall) and Chris pronger (#2 overall) and yes eventually you may have what you desire in a tremendous two way big defender, but the rigors of a jump straight from junior (which, nowadays, seems the norm) may lead to an unwise pressures or developmental issues.

So I don't agree with you statement of if someone drops.
It might be the opposite: if some one rises, it is Drouin.
- wiz1901

I disagree about scouts' opinions on size. In my opinion scouts are often totally willing to give guys like Monahan the benefit of the doubt about fleshing out his offensive game or Jones about using his physicality better. I feel like they sometimes get spooked when they see a guy that's 5'10" and 175 pounds (which from seeing the guy in person may be over-reported by an inch and ten pounds).

That being said, I think Drouin is objectively the most pure skill player in the draft by a strong margin. Ridiculous hands and skating, uses his body pretty well and on a memorial cup-winning team he played in all facets and all situations.

Going into the memorial cup he was bandied about as a possible top choice. I think it would be hard for him to be a surprise riser and unfortunately, fair or not (spoilers: It's not) he's probably got nowehere to go but down.

If I had to guess, we'll see a no nonsense Jones-MacKinnon-Drouin top 3 with TB trading down if the really want Nich.

Having a solid third pairing was the idea in chicago, to soften Keith and Seabrook's minutes.

This in no way was an indication of his ability to play.
Teams are always looking form big fluid defenders that are world class skaters, like Seth Jones, and Brent Seabrook.
- wiz1901

Chicago fans often seem to be constantly tinkering or worrying. Not that there's much chance that Seabrook gets moved, but what do the Blackhawks need?

EDM should trade down for 2 high picks (Maybe EDMS 7th overall + 2nd + 3rd + 4th rounders for Buffalo's 8th + 16th), pick Zadorov and Ristolainen, then trade Eberle for a powerful winger like Evander Kane or Bobby Ryan.
- JAKEw1234

That will NEVER happen. As i sabres fan, i would kill myself. We already have 2 second rounders. You think we would give you 8th and 16th to move up 1 spot and late round picks??? This is the NHL, NOT YOUR NHL13 TEAM. Buffalo will use vanek to move up, not their first rounders....

where is this serious talk coming from? Rumor blogs on the internet?

Couturier slipped and that was a surprise. Nichushkin could just as easily slip due to russian factor. Then EDM could again waste 2/3s of their 2nd line and destroy the team's depth on one of the dumbest moves in franchise history! Another 1st overall around the corner with these armchair GMs


- TheNugeIsHuge

I've got a feeling Nichushkin will not slip past #4, he's the flavour of the month. Hs agent was very smart with his timing on letting the NHL know that he is coming to NA. Couple that with a solid combine and all eyes are on this kid. The good news is that this may cause a GM to slip up and a guy like Barkov falls right into CGY's lap. I can only hope for such a thing.

On a separate note, Cammi at $4.5mil, Tanguay and either Reinhart or the 22nd overall for the 4th overall, just to ensure we get Barkov.

That will NEVER happen. As i sabres fan, i would kill myself. We already have 2 second rounders. You think we would give you 8th and 16th to move up 1 spot and late round picks??? This is the NHL, NOT YOUR NHL13 TEAM. Buffalo will use vanek to move up, not their first rounders....
- Djtyczy

I agree, you'd need a 3rd round pick at best to move up from 8th to 7th. Also, Edmonton doesn't have this year's 3rd or 4th rounders or next year's 4th. Lots not to like about this proposal

Having a solid third pairing was the idea in chicago, to soften Keith and Seabrook's minutes.

This in no way was an indication of his ability to play.
Teams are always looking form big fluid defenders that are world class skaters, like Seth Jones, and Brent Seabrook.
- wiz1901

2014 5th or 6th rounder for Kyle Beach?

Where does everyone get the idea by the way that Drouin is the secret behind Mackinnon's success and not the other way around, or more realistically that they both compliment each other?

Having not seen the Sedins pre-draft I can't say for sure, but if a team was looking to make a splash and draft Drouin and MacKinnon both, their chemistry as a package might be worth the tremendous assets it would take.

I've got a feeling Nichushkin will not slip past #4, he's the flavour of the month. Hs agent was very smart with his timing on letting the NHL know that he is coming to NA. Couple that with a solid combine and all eyes are on this kid. The good news is that this may cause a GM to slip up and a guy like Barkov falls right into CGY's lap. I can only hope for such a thing.

On a separate note, Cammi at $4.5mil, Tanguay and either Reinhart or the 22nd overall for the 4th overall, just to ensure we get Barkov.
- TandA4Flames

Buffalo is the most likley to move up. They are going to move vanek miller stafford (maybe ennis) at some point probably the draft. They have 8th, 16th, and 2 second rounders this year. 2 second rounders in 2014 and 2015.

Buffalo will move up.
- Djtyczy

If they find some team to TAKE those ehfty contracts as the Cap shrinks.

Don't be surprised if the trades don't yield an early first rounder...too many good players you can build around as opposed to ex-sabres you hand your hat on a fills until you develop your own youngsters...

I've got a feeling Nichushkin will not slip past #4, he's the flavour of the month. Hs agent was very smart with his timing on letting the NHL know that he is coming to NA. Couple that with a solid combine and all eyes are on this kid. The good news is that this may cause a GM to slip up and a guy like Barkov falls right into CGY's lap. I can only hope for such a thing.

On a separate note, Cammi at $4.5mil, Tanguay and either Reinhart or the 22nd overall for the 4th overall, just to ensure we get Barkov.
- TandA4Flames

don't think NSH gives up a franchise centre for 2 guys on the wrong side of thirty near the end of their days as first liners and an average prospect

Where does everyone get the idea by the way that Drouin is the secret behind Mackinnon's success and not the other way around, or more realistically that they both compliment each other?


- Morris

I have to agree, you can't say it one way and not the other, but it does have to be noted.

I think you really hit on soemthing...some team getting gutsy and dealling to draft both players...

I know what a Lindrosian package he is talking about and Philly doesn't have the goods to get it done. The lack of quality prospects in the system is a main reason why.
- Oneonta Penguin

The Flyers have a young core, most with at least 2 years of NHL experience, which is part of the reason our farm system cupboard isn't as full as it could be, but neither is it as bad as some make out. And the Flyers could likely get the deal done with some combination built from Laughton, Couts, B Schenn, Cousins, etc and the #11 pick, but then we're back to my original comment...I sincerely hope they don't make any such attempt.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the end of June to see what happens because I expect Homer to make quite a few moves.

I've got a feeling Nichushkin will not slip past #4, he's the flavour of the month. Hs agent was very smart with his timing on letting the NHL know that he is coming to NA. Couple that with a solid combine and all eyes are on this kid. The good news is that this may cause a GM to slip up and a guy like Barkov falls right into CGY's lap. I can only hope for such a thing.

On a separate note, Cammi at $4.5mil, Tanguay and either Reinhart or the 22nd overall for the 4th overall, just to ensure we get Barkov.
- TandA4Flames

Eh! You stay away from Barkov

If Nischuskin does sneak into the top 4, I wonder if Barkov slips to 5 rather than Drouin. Mac T also mentioned Carolina wants a defenseman. If that's the case you could have Barkov fall to 6. It is unlikely, very unlikely, but there are always draft surprises.

I also don't think people should under estimate Lindholm's ability to sneak up to 5th overall as well. Draft day is anything but predictable.

If they find some team to TAKE those ehfty contracts as the Cap shrinks.

Don't be surprised if the trades don't yield an early first rounder...too many good players you can build around as opposed to ex-sabres you hand your hat on a fills until you develop your own youngsters...
- wiz1901

Yea, ennis has a fine contract. But vanek is a guy to build with. Hes is a top 10-15 player in the league. These guys are great prospects, but not for sure things like vanek. I dont think a flordia deal is possible as they are in the middle of rebuilding. But colorado(unlikley as it would involve grigorenko and 8th,) tampa and carolina are very close to being a playoff team and are 1 piece away. Buffalo would probably take a salary load from carolina or tampa.

Seabrook a world class skater? I always thought that was a weakness. Hmm.
- TheNugeIsHuge

I think you can easily find the feet speeed by watching tonight. Granted big guys seem not moving as fast as they do. Players with stromg poer and balance

While at the 2003 draft in Nashville, Pierre Mcguire, Mike Smith, and Bob MacKenzie said as much. Seabrook's draft year was hampered by injures and he lasted to 14 while Dion Phanuef took the centre stage.

Who's playing 2C in Chicago right now? Is Bolland 3C?

Hjalmarsson has be incredible in the playoffs. Bolland is the fourth line guy. Andree shaw is the 3rd line demolition man, and Hossa plays on teh 2nd with big Handzus.

I have to agree, you can't say it one way and not the other, but it does have to be noted.

I think you really hit on soemthing...some team getting gutsy and dealling to draft both players...
- wiz1901

Drouin proved that wrong when mackinnon got hurt, he stayed at his 2ppg status.

The Flyers have a young core, most with at least 2 years of NHL experience, which is part of the reason our farm system cupboard isn't as full as it could be, but neither is it as bad as some make out. And the Flyers could likely get the deal done with some combination built from Laughton, Couts, B Schenn, Cousins, etc and the #11 pick, but then we're back to my original comment...I sincerely hope they don't make any such attempt.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the end of June to see what happens because I expect Homer to make quite a few moves.
- wolfhounds

I agree, stay the hell put and take whatever goodies fall to you at #11...

Eh! You stay away from Barkov

If Nischuskin does sneak into the top 4, I wonder if Barkov slips to 5 rather than Drouin. Mac T also mentioned Carolina wants a defenseman. If that's the case you could have Barkov fall to 6. It is unlikely, very unlikely, but there are always draft surprises.

I also don't think people should under estimate Lindholm's ability to sneak up to 5th overall as well. Draft day is anything but predictable.
- ystoil

I do not think ANY TEAM / scout views Lindholm over Barkov.

This is not an indictment of ability, just fact.

Aftre last year's World Junior Lindholm has leveled. I am sure some one might see him as a real impact guy, but i am not quite feeling that right now

Drouin proved that wrong when mackinnon got hurt, he stayed at his 2ppg status.
- Djtyczy

It's more of he proved it right. Before everyone thought it was Mackinnon who was generating everything and now people realize it was a mutual effort.

Drouin proved that wrong when mackinnon got hurt, he stayed at his 2ppg status.
- Djtyczy

My stance on that is that they're both elite players. I wasn't saying they'll suck when separated.

If I had to guess, we'll see a no nonsense Jones-MacKinnon-Drouin top 3 with TB trading down if the really want Nich.
- Morris

I think I have to agree completely....I wouldn't bet on who goes in slot four....

Hjalmarsson has be incredible in the playoffs. Bolland is the fourth line guy. Andree shaw is the 3rd line demolition man, and Hossa plays on teh 2nd with big Handzus.
- wiz1901

I love Shaw. Brad Marchand lite. Is Handzus retiring at the end of the year? I remember last year a Gagner for Hjlamarsson swap was rumoured.

I do not think ANY TEAM / scout views Lindholm over Barkov.

This is not an indictment of ability, just fact.

Aftre last year's World Junior Lindholm has leveled. I am sure some one might see him as a real impact guy, but i am not quite feeling that right now
- wiz1901

I mean. He had better numbers in sweden than Backstrom did. He could easily become a pretty good 1C. Not on par with barkov though