The draft has been set up this way for two years but already there's theories of why historically we can't win...??? You're going to lose position more than you're going to win, it's simply the way the numbers are against you.

Still pretty pumped with a 5th overall and 2nd in each subsequent round.
- LeftCoaster

Yeah, over time it'll work out. Just gotta focus on proper scouting in all rounds, as it's often as much what teams do in later rounds that can make the real difference to overall prospect depth.

It feels crappy but I mean just because I buy a lotto max ticket every week doesn't mean I get a better chance to anyone else that does.
- manvanfan

And that's exactly it - it's a lottery. Hell, Buffalo probably have been given a rougher ride of it under the newer rules, but that's just the way it goes.

You change your Avatar as much as Beyonce changes her wardrobe .
- VANTEL

I was thinking the same

I still think we need to finish last next year

Well...the tank is over so I'm looking for something new.
- LeftCoaster

I wonder how high the suicide rate went for people on "team tank" now that they tanked for nothing.

I still think we need to finish last next year
- VANTEL

Someone said earlier "all in for dahlin" i like that

So the Michael Myers mask is how you feel today?
- VANTEL

More of a Friday the 13th Jason Voorhees coming after Jim Benning theme

The problem is no one trusts Bettman. There is nothing anyone can do . It doesn't matter if it is rigged or not. I am quite happy drafting Glass or Mittelstadt.

If it was reverse and you guys finished last and ended up drafting fourth there would be just as many comments about Bettman. The weasel can't be trusted.
- VANTEL

3 lockouts and counting…
6 or 7 tainted Stanley Cups since 1993…
10+ American teams in non-hockey markets that lose 20-40 mil per year consistently…
Honestly the list is just to long to type out.

If people honestly believe there is no back-door bullish**it going on with Buttman they are complete idiots. Giant conspiracy theories and rigging aside that is always debatable but there is definitely influence from a clown like Bettman one way or the other.

And don't get me started on the Vegas influence...

Yeah, over time it'll work out. Just gotta focus on proper scouting in all rounds, as it's often as much what teams do in later rounds that can make the real difference to overall prospect depth.
- lumlums

Get all the pieces together and then finally win the lottery and get a generational talent.

Some have been mentioning that the TML got too good too fast and now won't have enough depth. Only time will tell about that, they look like they have enough young talent and can add what they need through free agency or trades.

I wonder how high the suicide rate went for people on "team tank" now that they tanked for nothing.
- manvanfan

For nothing? They got a 5th overall and they get to pick in the two spot every other round...this is a very good thing!!

I still think we need to finish last next year
- VANTEL

And the following year too

For nothing? They got a 5th overall and they get to pick in the two spot every other round...this is a very good thing!!
- LeftCoaster

Well you tank for 1-2 spot and end up at 5. Yes that's for nothing.

Why do you not want Vilardi? And i agree, think hes picking Mittlestadt or Lilegjrin, lets hope its Mitt
- phyllee

Between his abysmal skating and lack of flash, he strikes me as a lunch-pail type guy who's greatest asset is his size, which currently works against other children but won't translate to the NHL, ala Virtanen.

The guy basically sets up in the crease and knocks in greasy rebounds. Throw in grown, 200+ pound, 6"5 D-men and he essentially becomes a Brendan Gaunce.

Personally, I think it's a weak pick in the top 5. While he's projected as having the NHL package, I'd take the guy with the higher ceiling who might take more time to develop yet wields elite qualities, as opposed to Vilardi who's perceived as being 'well-rounded'.

so linden says leafs were lucky last year. they were. 20% came thru. I think you're going to see a lot of what we saw this year going forward. not a lot of last year. what was wrong with what he said? see he's taking some heat from the leafs thread? how is that considered a shot at TO? its fact. It's a message to van fans and hockey fans everywhere. people are too sensitive.

I wouldn't worry about Leaf trolls, for one spring they finally aren't the laughing stock of the NHL. Let them have this. They need it.

As for a pick at 5, you will get a good prospect. Looks like one of Vilardi, Mittelstadt or Glass. All of them good.

Plus, this way no one can rag on Benning for picking the wrong guy st 1 or 2 which inevitably would have happened.

Yeah, over time it'll work out. Just gotta focus on proper scouting in all rounds, as it's often as much what teams do in later rounds that can make the real difference to overall prospect depth.
- lumlums

It just takes time to get a collection of good players together, look at your own team, that didn't happen as quick as its made out, Kadri was drafted eight years ago.

3 lockouts and counting…
6 or 7 tainted Stanley Cups since 1993…
10+ American teams in non-hockey markets that lose 20-40 mil per year consistently…
Honestly the list is just to long to type out.

If people honestly believe there is no back-door bullish**it going on with Buttman they are complete idiots. Giant conspiracy theories and rigging aside that is always debatable but there is definitely influence from a clown like Bettman one way or the other.

And don't get me started on the Vegas influence...
- LordHumungous

perhaps there is crap going on. but the lottery isn't rigged. just sucks when its the canucks time to finally rebuild, they change the rules.

I wonder how high the suicide rate went for people on "team tank" now that they tanked for nothing.
- manvanfan

Coyotes have 7th pick. Our tanked worked as now we have the pick of the litter.

Well you tank for 1-2 spot and end up at 5. Yes that's for nothing.
- manvanfan

Sorry I disagree, you're tanking for a shot at something, it's not a sure thing with the new rules. Getting to pick no worse than 5th is awesome, a lot of great players on the board there.

I will be so (frank)ing pissed if Benning takes a d man. It worries me that Tryamkin leaving makes Benning react and take a dman first this draft.
We need a centre, that is our biggest need.

Coyotes have 7th pick. Our tanked worked as now we have the pick of the litter.
- Scooby_Doo

I don't care about the coyotes?

What is ridiculous is that somebody would comment on the outcome of a lottery without apparently understanding the underlying concepts of them.

If the lottery was rigged for TO, surely they would have won the one that gave them home-town boy McDavid (especially as they had the highest chance after 3 of 4 balls were drawn)?
- lumlums

Wait...The team with the highest odds won last year? How is this possible?

But a team with 13% chance didn't win this year? Wow it must be rigged.

Well you tank for 1-2 spot and end up at 5. Yes that's for nothing.
- manvanfan

I honestly feel safer with the 3 4 5 picks . So much debate about Nico's drop in scoring and Patricks health. Give me a safe pick like Glass.

Sorry I disagree, you're tanking for a shot at something, it's not a sure thing with the new rules. Getting to pick no worse than 5th is awesome, a lot of great players on the board there.
- LeftCoaster

Well thanks for agreeing to my point that there isn't really a point in tanking.

I honestly feel safer with the 3 4 5 picks . So much debate about Nico's drop in scoring and Patricks health. Give me a safe pick like Glass.
- VANTEL