I don't agree with taking Hanifin. If you look at the leafs forward depth chart. It doesn't look good.. We need a 1st line center. I know we have no top pairing defencive prospects.. But if we can maybe just select Brandon Carlo at 15-20 for a aquired draft pick, we would be fine.


Strome is that Player to select.. Good old hometown boy that wants to play in toronto and will compliment Nylander very well
- Canadianleaf

Kadri and 2015 4th (Pittsburgh pick) for Dallas 1st round pick (10-13 overall) and Ales Hemsky. Could pick up Werenski, Kylington or Meier and with the Nashville 1st pick up Ryan Pilon or Nicolas Meloche
Come away with Hanifin/Strome, Meier/Werenski and Pilon/Meloche. Hello successful 1st round.

Ryan Pilon 6'2, 215lbs
"A strong two-way defenceman with the work ethic, determination, and skill to get the job done in all situations. Possesses a quick, accurate release on his shot. Pilon is a smooth skater and is able to quarterback plays as he sees the ice very well. He exhibits very good decision making in all three zones.

Nicolas Meloche 6'2, 200lbs
"A smooth skating defenceman who can put up points, utilizing his strength behind his shot, and plays with an edge. Has very good awareness on the ice, and notices possible scoring chances before they happen. Very intelligent defensively and makes high percentage decisions in his own end. When at the top of his game, Nicolas Meloche can be a game-changing, physical two-way defenceman."

Of course, the CHL has been establiished for longer for top quality players. However there are more players coming through US developmental programs than before and they shouldn't be discounted just for being American, which is essentially what you're doing here.
- lumlums

Level of coaching, competition and training is all still higher in the CHL. When you see Hanifin skate around a pylon in the NCAA that won't ever play beyond that level, it's not the same as seeing Marner go through a bunch of other NHL drafted prospects.

Just look at the results for yourself; how many top pick American born, NCAA trained players, lived up to the hype? I see a bunch of busts, not too many that lived up to whatever hype these scouts placed on them.

Kadri and 2015 4th (Pittsburgh pick) for Dallas 1st round pick (10-13 overall) and Ales Hemsky. Could pick up Werenski, Kylington or Meier and with the Nashville 1st pick up Ryan Pilon.
Come away with Hanifin/Strome, Meier/Werenski and Pilon. Hello successful 1st round.

Ryan Pilon 6'2, 215lbs
"A strong two-way defenceman with the work ethic, determination, and skill to get the job done in all situations. Possesses a quick, accurate release on his shot. Pilon is a smooth skater and is able to quarterback plays as he sees the ice very well. He exhibits very good decision making in all three zones."
- optimus-reim

We need Dylan Strome more than Hemsky, we can also convert Nashville's pick for two 2nds which we have none. That would be good!

So you're fine with Crouse? 3rd on the ISS rankings. BPA

You're also confusing best player available with most potential. Not the same. I would say the best players right now are the guys destroying the OHL
- systemtool

Note where I said that I trust the concensus rankings which take into account mulitple opinions from many more scouts/scouting services.

And I go with best potential. There are players who destroy the CHL but don't do well in the NHL (look at Robbie Schremp). Now I'm not discounting Strome and MArner and would be extremely happy to have either one, but I really do like Hanifin and like the idea of having a Rielly/Hanifin combo for the next while.

We need Dylan Strome more than Hemsky, we can also convert Nashville's pick for two 2nds which we have none. That would be good!
- shmenge

4th round pick not 4th overall

Of course, the CHL has been establiished for longer for top quality players. However there are more players coming through US developmental programs than before and they shouldn't be discounted just for being American, which is essentially what you're doing here.
- lumlums

its not about them being American, its about what type of hockey they have grown up playing.

everyone here is comparing Kane and Toews etc... they clearly are the exceptions.

the case against the "American development Model" is very very simple - and I know 'cause unfortunately for my kids I moved to the US and they were subjected to the nonsense.

i) glorified pond hockey when the kids are in their real development years - pee-wee thru bantam.
ii) horrific horrific horrific officiating... (at the risk of being labeled sexist)... you can't have mom's calling the penalities from the stands... every time little johnny gets bumped
iii) artificial protection of the NCAA roster spots by hiding behind CHL players being labeled as professionals... allowing and encouraging quick little guys who skate with their heads looking at their feet

the poster boy for this is Jake Gardiner - love the raw skill set - but the kid has less than zero hockey sense.

Level of coaching, competition and training is all still higher in the CHL. When you see Hanifin skate around a pylon in the NCAA that won't ever play beyond that level, it's not the same as seeing Marner go through a bunch of other NHL drafted prospects.

Just look at the results for yourself; how many top pick American born, NCAA trained players, lived up to the hype? I see a bunch of busts, not too many that lived up to whatever hype these scouts placed on them.
- JohnFergusonJr

Agreed, but that doesn't take away from individual talent. The concensus number one pick for next year was born and raised in Arizona. Was Nash an awful basketball player because he didn't go through the US high school system? While top coaching and conditioning helps, the individual talent level of the player also counts. And hell, should there not be a little credit given for the work ethic and dedication of Hanifin for getting himself ranked above these Canadian kids despite all of the inferior support system?

Kadri and 2015 4th (Pittsburgh pick) for Dallas 1st round pick (10-13 overall) and Ales Hemsky. Could pick up Werenski, Kylington or Meier and with the Nashville 1st pick up Ryan Pilon or Nicolas Meloche
Come away with Hanifin/Strome, Meier/Werenski and Pilon/Meloche. Hello successful 1st round.

Ryan Pilon 6'2, 215lbs
"A strong two-way defenceman with the work ethic, determination, and skill to get the job done in all situations. Possesses a quick, accurate release on his shot. Pilon is a smooth skater and is able to quarterback plays as he sees the ice very well. He exhibits very good decision making in all three zones.

Nicolas Meloche 6'2, 200lbs
"A smooth skating defenceman who can put up points, utilizing his strength behind his shot, and plays with an edge. Has very good awareness on the ice, and notices possible scoring chances before they happen. Very intelligent defensively and makes high percentage decisions in his own end. When at the top of his game, Nicolas Meloche can be a game-changing, physical two-way defenceman."
- optimus-reim

like the idea... but seriously that kid needs to change his name.... Pilon - simply unbelieveable.

like the idea... but seriously that kid needs to change his name.... Pilon - simply unbelieveable.
- BorjeFan4Ever

you're saying Pylon when it's pee-lon

Agreed, but that doesn't take away from individual talent. The concensus number one pick for next year was born and raised in Arizona. Was Nash an awful basketball player because he didn't go through the US high school system? While top coaching and conditioning helps, the individual talent level of the player also counts. And hell, should there not be a little credit given for the work ethic and dedication of Hanifin for getting himself ranked above these Canadian kids despite all of the inferior support system?
- lumlums

the rankings unfortunately come from a bunch of old hacks - such as Button - who get an invite to look at a kid who's usually a relative of some former NHLer.

I used to see McTavish all the time in the rink near where I live... because his son goes to school nearby.

you're saying Pylon when it's pee-lon
- shmenge

Note where I said that I trust the concensus rankings which take into account mulitple opinions from many more scouts/scouting services.

And I go with best potential. There are players who destroy the CHL but don't do well in the NHL (look at Robbie Schremp). Now I'm not discounting Strome and MArner and would be extremely happy to have either one, but I really do like Hanifin and like the idea of having a Rielly/Hanifin combo for the next while.
- lumlums

So BPA is a myth, not a fact, and up to the person making the call. So Strome, Hanifin, Marner and Crouse are all the best player available at 3, depending on who you ask. I'm other words, BPA reallymmeans best guess.

its not about them being American, its about what type of hockey they have grown up playing.

everyone here is comparing Kane and Toews etc... they clearly are the exceptions.

the case against the "American development Model" is very very simple - and I know 'cause unfortunately for my kids I moved to the US and they were subjected to the nonsense.

i) glorified pond hockey when the kids are in their real development years - pee-wee thru bantam.
ii) horrific horrific horrific officiating... (at the risk of being labeled sexist)... you can't have mom's calling the penalities from the stands... every time little johnny gets bumped
iii) artificial protection of the NCAA roster spots by hiding behind CHL players being labeled as professionals... allowing and encouraging quick little guys who skate with their heads looking at their feet

the poster boy for this is Jake Gardiner - love the raw skill set - but the kid has less than zero hockey sense.
- BorjeFan4Ever

Obviously it matters, but one of the main reported strengths for Hanifin is his hockey sense. I may be wrong obviously, this is just my opinion afterall. Would you not say from your chosen screen name that sometimes great players come from elsewhere...???

mcdavid
eichel
strome
marner
hanifin

NCAA defencemen just arent worth the gamble imo

So BPA is a myth, not a fact, and up to the person making the call. So Strome, Hanifin, Marner and Crouse are all the best player available at 3, depending on who you ask. I'm other words, BPA reallymmeans best guess.
- systemtool

Yup, pretty much who the organization thinks is the best fit for them going forward. Wouldn't suprise me if they think that's Marner or Strome over Hanifin. I'll be happy with any of them, good start to the rebuild that already has Rielly, Nylander.

if by training you mean off ice facilities then big college has an edge on chl
a lot of these schools are on par with pro leagues

Agreed, but that doesn't take away from individual talent. The concensus number one pick for next year was born and raised in Arizona. Was Nash an awful basketball player because he didn't go through the US high school system? While top coaching and conditioning helps, the individual talent level of the player also counts. And hell, should there not be a little credit given for the work ethic and dedication of Hanifin for getting himself ranked above these Canadian kids despite all of the inferior support system?
- lumlums

And there's one Nash compared to dozens of Allen Iversons. I'm not saying Americans can't be good players, I'm saying look at the proof in the pudding. Look at the American born NCAA trained top picks and look how most of them never lived up to the hype of the scouts. Especially defencemen like Erik and Jack Johnson or goalies like DiPietro. If people want to compare Hanifin to Doughty, then show me Hanifin play in the OHL and prove it.

So BPA is a myth, not a fact, and up to the person making the call. So Strome, Hanifin, Marner and Crouse are all the best player available at 3, depending on who you ask. I'm other words, BPA reallymmeans best guess.
- systemtool

It's opinion. And when you combine a sufficient number of opinions you start to ease out individual bias and form a more accurate picture.

So BPA is a myth, not a fact, and up to the person making the call. So Strome, Hanifin, Marner and Crouse are all the best player available at 3, depending on who you ask. I'm other words, BPA reallymmeans best guess.
- systemtool

Org makes pick based on its info/analysis on who is best player on the board w/out looking to fill a specific positional need.

I'd be willing to bet right now that if Marner/Strome were American and Hanifin Canadian you'd be singing Hanifin's praises and saying how overrated Strome and Marner are...
- lumlums

Is it really so hard to just accept that Canadians generally are better hockey player's than Americans...

So it really so hard to just accept that Canadians generally are better hockey player's than Americans...
- orienbrady22

kinda like German, Spanish, Dutch, French etc, are better soccer players than the English

edit.. and afghanistan is also better at cricket.

Org makes pick based on its info/analysis on who is best player on the board w/out looking to fill a specific positional need.
- Canada Cup

That's my point. Everyone has their own opinion on who that player is, aside from the obvious one or two guys in a year. So it's not really best player, but best guess, and opinion.

And there's one Nash compared to dozens of Allen Iversons. I'm not saying Americans can't be good players, I'm saying look at the proof in the pudding. Look at the American born NCAA trained top picks and look how most of them never lived up to the hype of the scouts. Especially defencemen like Erik and Jack Johnson or goalies like DiPietro. If people want to compare Hanifin to Doughty, then show me Hanifin play in the OHL and prove it.
- JohnFergusonJr

For a start, Goalies are voodoo, wizardry and bullpoop. They're almost impossible to predict regardless of where they're from, or when they're picked.

For both Jack and Erik Johnson, there was negative reports regarding positioning and reading of the game (and a little knock on skating for EJ), which has translated into them having some problems in these areas in the NHL. For Hanifin these are listed as some of his major assets, and can really help to compensate for other flaws. Infact, I can't seem to find any flaws listed on the scouting reports for him. Again, I understand that he has bust potential relative to his position, but so does Strome (average skater) and Marner (undersized).

Is it really so hard to just accept that Canadians generally are better hockey player's than Americans...
- orienbrady22

And thank you for backing up my point. Of course Canadians are better overall, both historically and currently, but to look at that rather than the individual is completely asinine.

That's my point. Everyone has their own opinion on who that player is, aside from the obvious one or two guys in a year. So it's not really best player, but best guess, and opinion.
- systemtool

I agree it's all about who they like more, Leafs really liked Rielly in 2012 so they took him. Lots of teams probably wouldn't of at that spot.