The thing about Asplund is, he's been in the SHL all year, playing against men. He's handled it very well. Not as well as Barkov did, but still he played well.
- Jsaquella

No need to convince me! I'm a fan haha. Frankly, I like Asplund, even Dahlen more than most of the guys who every mock has in the 20-30 range. Asplund also did really well at the U20s, and both did terrific in men's leagues. Dahlen singlehandedly carried his team in scoring down the stretch and playoffs. Asplund is in the SHL though, and he held his own.

I just wonder if Abramov has a slightly higher ceiling. Asplund has a higher floor and a pretty high ceiling himself though. Both can absolutely fly. Abramov is more skilled; Asplund is a better 3-zone player.

Barring worst case scenarios, unless it's for Keller, I would much rather move back up to ~30 with our abundance of picks than trade up from 18. The thought of getting Kunin/Bellows/Rubs AND Abramov/Asplund is exciting. Or even trade a 2nd and 3rd (future even) to move up in 2nd for Bitten or Dahlen (if he lasts). That would be a good haul. And we would still have another 2nd to work with.
- Mononoke

Am I reading this correctly? You think we can move back to the end of round 1 and get one of these guys? If so I think that's highly unlikely. You're looking more like Riley Tufte or Abramov as the best case scenarios there.

No need to convince me! I'm a fan haha. Frankly, I like Asplund, even Dahlen more than most of the guys who every mock has in the 20-30 range. Asplund also did really well at the U20s, and both did terrific in men's leagues. Dahlen singlehandedly carried his team in scoring down the stretch and playoffs. Asplund is in the SHL though, and he held his own.

I just wonder if Abramov has a slightly higher ceiling. Asplund has a higher floor and a pretty high ceiling himself though. Both can absolutely fly. Abramov is more skilled; Asplund is a better 3-zone player.
- Mononoke

Agreed pretty much across the board.

There's talent to be mined in the late 1st, and the Flyers can certainly use their assets to load up

Off topic from the draft discussion, but just looking at different teams and how the expansion draft could impact them and man, Minnesota is gonna have to make some moves when they can only protect 3 of Suter, Spurgeon, Brodin, Scandella, and Dumba.

Off topic from the draft discussion, but just looking at different teams and how the expansion draft could impact them and man, Minnesota is gonna have to make some moves when they can only protect 3 of Suter, Spurgeon, Brodin, Scandella, and Dumba.
- five4fighting10

I was talking earlier about this. I think Scandella is an expansion target. Rumor is they want to trade Brodin....but he is another if not. They are not thrilled with him. Suter, Spurgeon, and Dumba you think would be their 3 protected.

Off topic from the draft discussion, but just looking at different teams and how the expansion draft could impact them and man, Minnesota is gonna have to make some moves when they can only protect 3 of Suter, Spurgeon, Brodin, Scandella, and Dumba.
- five4fighting10

Does Suter not have a NMC? Or does that not protect guys automatically from being selected?

Off topic from the draft discussion, but just looking at different teams and how the expansion draft could impact them and man, Minnesota is gonna have to make some moves when they can only protect 3 of Suter, Spurgeon, Brodin, Scandella, and Dumba.
- five4fighting10

Yeah I was looking at that this afternoon. They can shift it to protect 9 skaters, and not 7-3-1

Does Suter not have a NMC? Or does that not protect guys automatically from being selected?
- hereticpride

Suter has a NMC, has to be protected.

I think EK has nightmares and he thinks they are visions of what is to come He ain't no Nostradamas as we all know very well
- holeinone

That rumor is...well...that's just crazy

Suter has a NMC, has to be protected.
- Jsaquella

Geez, the NHLPA can't be thrilled about that.

Yeah I was looking at that this afternoon. They can shift it to protect 9 skaters, and not 7-3-1
- Jsaquella

Ah good point, that might be a better option for them then.

Geez, the NHLPA can't be thrilled about that.
- hereticpride

I think they're more concerned that No Trade Clauses are being ignored.

Yeah I was looking at that this afternoon. They can shift it to protect 9 skaters, and not 7-3-1
- Jsaquella

I think it's actually 8 skaters. They could lose Scandella or Brodin at 7-3-1...or go 8-1 to protect 4D and risk exposing 2 of Coyle, Niederreiter, Granlund. They have to protect Suter, Pominville, Parise, Koivu, and Vanek (Vanek might get bought out to help).

It's why they are in part rumored to want to trade Brodin. Their situation isn't so hot.

I think it's actually 8 skaters. They could lose Scandella or Brodin at 7-3-1...or go 8-1 to protect 4D and risk exposing 2 of Coyle, Niederreiter, Granlund. They have to protect Suter, Pominville, Parise, Koivu, and Vanek (Vanek might get bought out to help).

It's why they are in part rumored to want to trade Brodin. Their situation isn't so hot.
- Mononoke

I'd be surprised if a flyer were picked.

I'd be surprised if a flyer were picked.
- Just5

A Flyer has to be picked.

Looking at the D corps I assembled earlier, they are all probably better than AMac or on better contracts or both. If anyone gets taken from us, it's more likely Read/Cousins/Laughton. I doubt the expansion removes that albratross from the Flyers's neck.

Ah good point, that might be a better option for them then.
- five4fighting10

Yep, less overall slot, but more D protected.

A Flyer has to be picked.

Looking at the D corps I assembled earlier, they are all probably better than AMac or on better contracts or both. If anyone gets taken from us, it's more likely Read/Cousins/Laughton. I doubt the expansion removes that albratross from the Flyers's neck.
- Mononoke

Really not too worried about it. Overrall it should help, there's going to be some really good players picked from other teams.

I think it's actually 8 skaters. They could lose Scandella or Brodin at 7-3-1...or go 8-1 to protect 4D and risk exposing 2 of Coyle, Niederreiter, Granlund. They have to protect Suter, Pominville, Parise, Koivu, and Vanek (Vanek might get bought out to help).

It's why they are in part rumored to want to trade Brodin. Their situation isn't so hot.
- Mononoke

Is it 8? Yeah it's dicey. They're likely to buy out Vanek if they can't trade him. I remember the Brodin rumors, but now there's sense to them

A Flyer has to be picked.

Looking at the D corps I assembled earlier, they are all probably better than AMac or on better contracts or both. If anyone gets taken from us, it's more likely Read/Cousins/Laughton. I doubt the expansion removes that albratross from the Flyers's neck.
- Mononoke

I'd be willing to do a handshake deal, to have them claim Amac, then trade the Flyers a stiff prospect for a second.

Really not too worried about it. Overrall it should help, there's going to be some really good players picked from other teams.
- Just5

Plus you can only lose 1 guy.

I think it's actually 8 skaters. They could lose Scandella or Brodin at 7-3-1...or go 8-1 to protect 4D and risk exposing 2 of Coyle, Niederreiter, Granlund. They have to protect Suter, Pominville, Parise, Koivu, and Vanek (Vanek might get bought out to help).

It's why they are in part rumored to want to trade Brodin. Their situation isn't so hot.
- Mononoke

but malkin needs to go there to be the man.

A Flyer has to be picked.

Looking at the D corps I assembled earlier, they are all probably better than AMac or on better contracts or both. If anyone gets taken from us, it's more likely Read/Cousins/Laughton. I doubt the expansion removes that albratross from the Flyers's neck.
- Mononoke

I expect the Flyers to protect Laughton.

but malkin needs to go there to be the man.
- stayinthefnnet

I'd be willing to do a handshake deal, to have them claim Amac, then trade the Flyers a stiff prospect for a second.
- Jsaquella

Wait I have another idea. Do you know if Fredo Corleone's brothel is still open?

I expect the Flyers to protect Laughton.
- MJL

Assuming he isn't traded between now and then I agree.