I didn't say top flight D-men don't help win champions. They do. Top flight D-men are not typically found in the first part of the 1st round.
- RynoBull

But that's pure correlation, not causailty. There's no magical taint on all defensemen drafted early. It's that teams have done, I guess, a historically poor job of drafting defensemen early.

Aaron Ekblad has a status, and that status is exceptonal!
- ImThatGuy

and what if the panthers take him
- homiedclown

Take the other Sam.

But that's pure correlation, not causailty. There's no magical taint on all defensemen drafted early. It's that teams have done, I guess, a historically poor job of drafting defensemen early.
- nfph

I won't argue that point. I will counter with besides 40+ years of drafting data, what makes you think that trend won't continue. Nothing Magical has happened to prove that anyone has been getting any better at evaluating Defesemen prior to the draft. If teams were you would see at least something to indicate that.

But that's pure correlation, not causailty. There's no magical taint on all defensemen drafted early. It's that teams have done, I guess, a historically poor job of drafting defensemen early.
- nfph

I won't argue that point. I will counter with besides 40+ years of drafting data, what makes you think that trend won't continue. Nothing Magical has happened to prove that anyone has been getting any better at evaluating Defesemen prior to the draft. If teams were you would see at least something to indicate that.
- RynoBull

I'd agree there's nothing to prove it, but that's not the point (or at least my point). There are plenty of early round misses among the forward corps as well, and there tend to be more prospects at forward touted in the top of the rankings.

Raising the point that there are few (I can think of 6)defensemen drafted in the top-5 who go on to be cornerstones of cup winning teams isn't proof that Ekblad would be a poor decision.

To be clear, I don't think we should draft Ekblad, but the only reason is because I frankly think our top 4-6 defensemen are already pretty well set.

Edited- when I went back a bit further, I could actually think of a lot.

- cabin

It sparkles!

Ryan Miller not nominated for Vezina...discuss

Ryan Miller not nominated for Vezina...discuss
- Sabresfan-365

Shocking!

Ryan Miller not nominated for Vezina...discuss
- Sabresfan-365

Not surprised.

Ryan Miller not nominated for Vezina...discuss
- Sabresfan-365

Imagine that.

It sparkles!
- nfph

Fun with glitter ?

I'd agree there's nothing to prove it, but that's not the point (or at least my point). There are plenty of early round misses among the forward corps as well, and there tend to be more prospects at forward touted in the top of the rankings.

Raising the point that there are few (I can think of 6)defensemen drafted in the top-5 who go on to be cornerstones of cup winning teams isn't proof that Ekblad would be a poor decision.

To be clear, I don't think we should draft Ekblad, but the only reason is because I frankly think our top 4-6 defensemen are already pretty well set.

Edited- when I went back a bit further, I could actually think of a lot.
- nfph

I agree.

Imagine that.
- cabin

I'm trying. He should have been.

Aaron Ekblad has a status, and that status is exceptonal!
- ImThatGuy

Fun with glitter ?
- cabin

first thing i read when i come here is that the tin man has a magical taint.. what has happened to this place in my short absence?

I'm trying. He should have been.
- RynoBull

who was nominated.. i am too lazy to look it up

first thing i read when i come here is that the tin man has a magical taint.. what has happened to this place in my short absence?
- IndianaSabresFan

It's Friday who cares

who was nominated.. i am too lazy to look it up
- IndianaSabresFan

me too. I'm just going with whats posted.

first thing i read when i come here is that the tin man has a magical taint.. what has happened to this place in my short absence?
- IndianaSabresFan

Nothing, I've always had a magical taint. Where you been?

Panthers don't need a center....they are in desperate need of a wide receiver.
- RynoBull

Ryan Miller not nominated for Vezina...discuss
- Sabresfan-365

not enough team scoring

bad d men in st louis

who was nominated.. i am too lazy to look it up
- IndianaSabresFan

I'm gonna guess

Rask
Price
Varlamov

Edit: Bishop was nominated instead of Price

this is Murray's signature move so far as a sabres GM

kid better be a top 6 player

http://www.hockeysfuture....rospects/hudson-fasching/

Nothing, I've always had a magical taint. Where you been?
- nfph

working.. we gots crazy busy the last few weeks..