Matt Karash: Fingers crossed - draft lottery tonight

I'm hoping for Seth Jones but whoever the Canes draft he needs to have some size and some sandpaper to their game. The Canes are one of the easiest teams to play against from the physical side of the game.

I agree the Canes need D. If they draft a d man then I think Calgary is the fit for Barkov.

I'm hoping for Seth Jones but whoever the Canes draft he needs to have some size and some sandpaper to their game. The Canes are one of the easiest teams to play against from the physical side of the game.
- Barbecued Hockey

Monahan?

I agree the Canes need D. If they draft a d man then I think Calgary is the fit for Barkov.
- cmpdave

I think calgarys going to get monahon if they don't move up for mackinon. CGY has to pick a centre

I think calgarys going to get monahon if they don't move up for mackinon. CGY has to pick a centre
- numbear

Barkov and Lindholme are better choices than Monahan in my opinion.

My judgement on these pre-NHL players is much more based on what I read versus what I watch which has limitations. But based on what I read for the Canes, I think it goes like this:

#1-Jones is #1 same as for everyone else. The team desperately needs another top 4 defenseman anyway, so the hope that he could grow into this in only a couple years is arguably the best player AND the best fit for what the Canes need.

#2-Barkov. He rates out between 2 and about 7 or 8 depending on who you ask, but there are a couple things about him that make him a perfect fit for what the Canes need. Canes need more size and grit. He is 6-2 205ish today (not when he fills out in 3-4 years) and capable of playing a solid 2-way game. He also is playing in a "men's league" in Finland which should speed his adjustment process in terms of playing against bigger, more experienced players. The Canes are not on a 2-4 year rebuilding program, they are trying to win now, so there is a priority on draftees who can help the 2013-14 team win not just the 2015-16 team. So of the forwards, Barkov probably rates #1 in terms of being physically ready (physical development), #1 or #2 in terms of competition level ready (playing in pro league with older players) and #1 in terms of ideal Canes needs (being a bigger, gritty-potential 2-way forward).

#3 gets much harder. Drouin is not an ideal fit as an undersized skill forward who needs to fill out. Maybe not to the same degree but same might be said for McKinnon. Nichushkin is intriguing as a big, skilled wing compared to Malkin. Rutherford would need to make a call to determine if he wants to play in the NHL next year or if he prefers to develop in the KHL a bit longer (which I think would be a no-go). If the Canes pick #5 or #6, Darnell Nurse comes into play as most people's choice as 2nd best defenseman. But as I stated above the Canes are looking to build a team for 2013-14 which pushes the question of how long it will take Nurse to be a top 4 contributor at the NHL level. Even guys labeled as can't miss can take 2-3 years to get there which fits better with rebuilding than winning next year.

Summary: Jones 1; Barkov 2; Tough balance of best available player vs. Able to help now vs. Team needs at 3 (which is probably what happens at #5 or #6) unless Barkov slips.

Barkov and Lindholme are better choices than Monahan in my opinion.
- cmpdave

its the Fin army delay that concerns me on Barkov.

Seth Jones. if they win the lottery. they need someone to be a star back there.

And of course the question remains....what would it take to get Marc Staal out of New York? There have been rumors that Rutherford kicked those tires a bit last summer. If there is any remote possibility there, then of course the #5 pick goes the other way.