Just because we draft a D man, doesn't mean we can't add players via trade or FA.

Not all top 5 picks step right in.

Reinhart certainly didn't, and I'd argue he still isn't a top 6 player on a contending team.
- sbroads24

Right but we draft a D man we have to wait for him to be ready which in turn is past Eichel and Reinhart's ELC is up.

Both Fins are ready to step in and so is Mathews.

We will see on Reinhart but all signs point to him being that top 6 player

That's interesting...
They also got McKeown (from LA) who was picked in round2 of that draft
I was actually pissed when we took this Karabacek guy, bc McKeown & Dougherty were both still available
(I REALLY wanted Dougherty)
I was pissed in the draft before when we took Hurley over Santini as well.
A couple different picks these last couple years & our defense would be looking quite a bit different...
Ugh
- jdfitz77

Does anybody have an idea of how McKeown's development is coming? Passing on him left me scratching my head. He fell a long way.

But, I can't see any G.M. passing on good defense prospects just because they need to fill the offense back up, or vice versa. I believe Murray has a 1-5 rating system. 1 being poor, 5 being stud. I just can't see any G.M. passing up on a defensemen in rounds 2-7 that they have listed as a 4, in exchange for taking a winger listed at 2-3 because that where they need more bodies. That's what trades are for, a good defensemen can be flipped for wingers at any time.

I'll take that bet.
- SabresPanacea

What "bet" are u talking about?
No need to be cryptic

Right but we draft a D man we have to wait for him to be ready which in turn is past Eichel and Reinhart's ELC is up.

Both Fins are ready to step in and so is Mathews.

We will see on Reinhart but all signs point to him being that top 6 player
- Stripes77

Who's to say they are top line ready though? I'd argue the best course of action is to set this team up to compete for the cup long term

Who's to say they are top line ready though? I'd argue the best course of action is to set this team up to compete for the cup long term
- sbroads24

What's "top line ready" mean though?
And how does that matter in the long run like u say?
Eichel isn't top line ready,
But it doesn't mean I'd have traded that pick...

These guys aren't Eichel, but they aren't that far behind either
Matthews would've went 3rd in last year's draft, no question
He's awesome

Does anybody have an idea of how McKeown's development is coming? Passing on him left me scratching my head. He fell a long way.

But, I can't see any G.M. passing on good defense prospects just because they need to fill the offense back up, or vice versa. I believe Murray has a 1-5 rating system. 1 being poor, 5 being stud. I just can't see any G.M. passing up on a defensemen in rounds 2-7 that they have listed as a 4, in exchange for taking a winger listed at 2-3 because that where they need more bodies. That's what trades are for, a good defensemen can be flipped for wingers at any time.
- sskkoo1

His defensive game needs work
He's almost ppg offensively, which was expected
Carolina looks to be taking their time developing him
He could've gone to the AHL this year, but they decided to have him do one last year in Juniors
Not gonna be a top pair guy
But top4 is still a reasonable projection

Dougherty is the guy I really wanted us to take with that pick

Right but we draft a D man we have to wait for him to be ready which in turn is past Eichel and Reinhart's ELC is up.

Both Fins are ready to step in and so is Mathews.

We will see on Reinhart but all signs point to him being that top 6 player
- Stripes77

If we pick top3,
I'd be shocked if we don't take a forward

If we pick at 4,
I think it's a toss up between Tkachuk & the 2 defensemen

Stupid gif. Inane alcohol reference.

Der Kaiser.
- Der Kaiser

This is a good post.

If we pick top3,
I'd be shocked if we don't take a forward

If we pick at 4,
I think it's a toss up between Tkachuk & the 2 defensemen
- jdfitz77

This

This
- Stripes77

It's been interesting to speculate what we'd do though
Tough to imagine the pick being traded unless we get a heck of a return

Guhle will be a solid D whom they picked in the 2nd round last year. If they pick in the top 4 this year I say they pick Matthews or one of the other forwards and trade for a top D.

This is a good post.
- CaptainRivet

My greatest strength is an I blanching recognition of my weaknesses.

This
- Stripes77

that

My greatest strength is an I blanching recognition of my weaknesses.
- Der Kaiser

they say people with drinking issues have a hard time making decisions


I can't decide

Guhle will be a solid D whom they picked in the 2nd round last year. If they pick in the top 4 this year I say they pick Matthews or one of the other forwards and trade for a top D.
- GilPerreault11

matthews or puljujarvi would be my first choice of course

if picking 3rd or later I might target chychrun or juolevi over anyone else in the draft

matthews or puljujarvi would be my first choice of course

if picking 3rd or later I might target chychrun or juolevi over anyone else in the draft
- homiedclown

The other Finn winger Laine is the 3rd pick without question.

The other Finn winger Laine is the 3rd pick without question.
- kingcong39

latest mock has him second over all

http://www.mynhldraft.com/NHL-Mock-Draft/

on Puljujarvi


Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News (Oct. 30th): "With his speed, size and goal-scoring ability, he has been called one of the most terrifying Euro prospects in years."

I really, really like this guy.
- SabresPanacea

I was never the guy "back in the day" to think that any "chic" was ever out of my league.
Quite the contrary, really. (You've all grown up with guys like me) But you know that I would do anything for ya too!
To this day I live with the very same confidence and I should because I have only built myself up with more tireless hard work and by the way I see people enjoying my work.
That/this is me in a nutshell no matter whom "here" likes it, and I will never apologize for it!
My life certainly does go on after their comment /........?
Yours should too.
And why I am also known as Pluviophile...well , one reason anyway, is here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAo8ukIkxns

The other Finn winger Laine is the 3rd pick without question.
- kingcong39

I might take him 2nd overall if we held the 2 spot. His upside is said to be
Higher than pula juju...ah poop I can spell it yet! Lol.

That juggle and kick by Subban was amazing. Best skill move in the competition. Shame he won't win. Duchene's was pretty good too.

Edit: wow, he actually did win.

This is pretty much unwatchable

This is pretty much unwatchable
- gerbe75pts

I agree. Why cant they have fun with it while actually trying.

I was never the guy "back in the day" to think that any "chic" was ever out of my league.
Quite the contrary, really. (You've all grown up with guys like me) But you know that I would do anything for ya too!
To this day I live with the very same confidence and I should because I have only built myself up with more tireless hard work and by the way I see people enjoying my work.
That/this is me in a nutshell no matter whom "here" likes it, and I will never apologize for it!
My life certainly does go on after their comment /........?
Yours should too.
And why I am also known as Pluviophile...well , one reason anyway, is here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAo8ukIkxns
- BuffaloHardHat

Who's better than you Hat?

No one!

We are all equal.

I may influence one, eh....never mind.

We are all created equal.

After we are created is the "special part".
- BuffaloHardHat

Now there's the alpha I have been missing!