Todd Cordell: Are The Devils Considering Drafting A Defenseman At 6?

Hanifin could drop to sixth as I don't think Carolina wants him, but Carolina is likely to trade down, themselves, in order to draft a player they want. And Philadelphia, Colorado, and San Jose would love a shot at Hanifin.

Maybe the Jackets, too.

If Carolina doesn't trade down and just ends up selecting Provorov (i doubt they won't trade down if hanifin is available), NJ will end up taking Zacha.

I'm now fairly sure that they're gunning for Marner and will cough up an extra asset to acquire him from Arizona at 3rd or Toronto at 4th.

If Marner "actually" fell to Carolina at fifth, they could actually garner up a couple of 2nds from NJ and one of the teams below them and end up taking Crouse, Zacha, or Barzal.

Yeah if hanifin is there at 6 take him, but he won't be. I would be shocked.

Ray Shero is your GM. You're getting a defensemen. Book it.

- Pens fans.

Hanifin could drop to sixth as I don't think Carolina wants him, but Carolina is likely to trade down, themselves, in order to draft a player they want. And Philadelphia, Colorado, and San Jose would love a shot at Hanifin.

Maybe the Jackets, too.

If Carolina doesn't trade down and just ends up selecting Provorov (i doubt they won't trade down if hanifin is available), NJ will end up taking Zacha.

I'm now fairly sure that they're gunning for Marner and will cough up an extra asset to acquire him from Arizona at 3rd or Toronto at 4th.

If Marner "actually" fell to Carolina at fifth, they could actually garner up a couple of 2nds from NJ and one of the teams below them and end up taking Crouse, Zacha, or Barzal.
- archromat

If we get arizonas third or torontos 4th strome is now on the table. I think if the devils stay a 6 they either take barzal or provorov. Or if we trade up to 3rd how can you pick marner over strome?

I like what I've seen from provorov as well, tbh. For me it's him, Barzal, or trade up or down. I don't see Hanafin slipping to 6.

It's all about Tiers
The way I see it, here are the ‘Top Tiers’ for forwards. (obviously all of these players are S-A tiered players; but I'm looking at the microcosm of the top 10 forwards)

S – McDavid.
A – Eickel.
B – Marner & Strome.
C – Brazal, Zacha, Meier, Rantanen, Crouse, & Conner.

And this is why I think the Devils should definitely trade down if we are not getting Marner or Strome. The difference between Brazal and Conner isn’t that big IMO and I am not head over heals for anyone particular player in my ‘C’ tier (That said, to be honest I would love Meier… Hopp Schwiiz). So, hypothetically, this means that we could trade for Colorado’s pick at 10 and still be guaranteed to get one of my ‘C’ class players if only forwards are taken; and chances are, someone would take Hanafin and/or Provorov before #10. Infact, I bet we would get more of a hull if Hanafin does fall to #6. So really, I would be comfortable, and would be all for, if they Devils trade with any team from #8-12; even if it is just picking up another high 2nd round pick.

Why stray away from the trend. Keep it going. Make this team an offensive mute.

If we get arizonas third or torontos 4th strome is now on the table. I think if the devils stay a 6 they either take barzal or provorov. Or if we trade up to 3rd how can you pick marner over strome?
- Krazykid

They're both wins, I like Marner's offense over Strome's... his playoff production... 17 pts in 9 games... he didn't slow down. Strome's playoff production was more ppg... good, but not great. I know, small sample size, but that's what did it for me.

I trust whomever the scouts pick... I just like Marner.

The one guy I don't want us to end up with is Hanifin. He's the least offensive player in the top 10. If that should happen, then I hope Shero has a hell of a plan to get some forward talent on this team.

It's all about Tiers
The way I see it, here are the ‘Top Tiers’ for forwards. (obviously all of these players are S-A tiered players; but I'm looking at the microcosm of the top 10 forwards)

S – McDavid.
A – Eickel.
B – Marner & Strome.
C – Brazal, Zacha, Meier, Rantanen, Crouse, & Conner.

And this is why I think the Devils should definitely trade down if we are not getting Marner or Strome. The difference between Brazal and Conner isn’t that big IMO and I am not head over heals for anyone particular player in my ‘C’ tier (That said, to be honest I would love Meier… Hopp Schwiiz). So, hypothetically, this means that we could trade for Colorado’s pick at 10 and still be guaranteed to get one of my ‘C’ class players if only forwards are taken; and chances are, someone would take Hanafin and/or Provorov before #10. Infact, I bet we would get more of a hull if Hanafin does fall to #6. So really, I would be comfortable, and would be all for, if they Devils trade with any team from #8-12; even if it is just picking up another high 2nd round pick.
- IrischesGlueck

I'd put Barzal a touch above the C range, and a touch below the B range. In terms of ceiling, he'll probably be around 5th in this class. He's ranked lower (9th) cuz he'll be a project. Centers (that size) generally take a little longer to develop an NHL game than wingers. Giroux's career is close to what I'd see Barzal developing into.

Can't quote the first comment, but I don't see Carolina moving down unless there's a massive overpayment, i.e. multiple seconds plus one of 6-10(like you suggested) or in Philadelphia's case both 1st rounders and maybe 2nd or 3rd. The thing I really like about Carolina's spot is they don't have to think about BPA(the other 2 of the second tier will be gone) and they can also move down. Out of the next "tier" of forwards I have a feeling Rantanen(he's higher on mine) is really high on Carolina's board rather than Barzal, Zacha, or Crouse(my order for those forwards).

If I'm Ron Francis I stay put and take BPA unless something ridiculous is offered to move back 1(NJ) or 2(Phi) spots. I think it'll be very difficult to mess up in the top 10 of this draft maybe top 15-18ish.

Can't quote the first comment, but I don't see Carolina moving down unless there's a massive overpayment, i.e. multiple seconds plus one of 6-10(like you suggested) or in Philadelphia's case both 1st rounders and maybe 2nd or 3rd. The thing I really like about Carolina's spot is they don't have to think about BPA(the other 2 of the second tier will be gone) and they can also move down. Out of the next "tier" of forwards I have a feeling Rantanen(he's higher on mine) is really high on Carolina's board rather than Barzal, Zacha, or Crouse(my order for those forwards).

If I'm Ron Francis I stay put and take BPA unless something ridiculous is offered to move back 1(NJ) or 2(Phi) spots. I think it'll be very difficult to mess up in the top 10 of this draft maybe top 15-18ish.
- Wolfpack5

Leave it up to Conte and Co. to (frank) this up. But i disagree on the Carolina front, i think they have to go BPA, and like i said yesterday, if Hanifin goes 3rd overall, Strome more than likely goes 4th, then Carolina is put in a difficult position; go for a potential franchise defenseman, or go for a run and gun winger? I haven't looked at next years draft too much yet, give me until July or so; but i don't think there are any potential franchise D men next year, so they will be tempted to pick Provorov at 5, now its a long shot, because a future first line of Skinner-Lindholm-Marner will be very tempting, but next years top 5 in the draft is forward heavy, and Carolina wont be picking out of the lottery for a while, they have a lot of holes on their team (sorry Carolina fans), which is why i think its a 50/50 shot on who they take, Marner/Provorov.

Provorov is gonna be a wicked player. I think he would be a smart pick at #6 if he's there

Provorov is gonna be a wicked player. I think he would be a smart pick at #6 if he's there
- thehockeygod

I agree, I like him a lot but did you noticed our "all-star" forwards we have here.......

Leave it up to Conte and Co. to (frank) this up. But i disagree on the Carolina front, i think they have to go BPA, and like i said yesterday, if Hanifin goes 3rd overall, Strome more than likely goes 4th, then Carolina is put in a difficult position; go for a potential franchise defenseman, or go for a run and gun winger? I haven't looked at next years draft too much yet, give me until July or so; but i don't think there are any potential franchise D men next year, so they will be tempted to pick Provorov at 5, now its a long shot, because a future first line of Skinner-Lindholm-Marner will be very tempting, but next years top 5 in the draft is forward heavy, and Carolina wont be picking out of the lottery for a while, they have a lot of holes on their team (sorry Carolina fans), which is why i think its a 50/50 shot on who they take, Marner/Provorov.
- Rangers_Suck01

I don't disagree that they have to go BPA. Which is why I think they would pick Marner, in your theoretical situation. I also don't disagree that Provorov is certainly intriguing and next years draft class isn't as forward heavy as you'd think we'll probably see more dmen taken in the top 10 next year than this year there's not as much potential as this year however the same could be same of the forwards, but this years is incredibly deep with dmen. Which is why I think they take dmen later this year, maybe second and 3rd rd picks. I disagree that you pass on the potential that Marner offers for the potential that Provorov offers. Or even Hanifin for that matter because just like you said the Canes aren't getting out of the basement anytime soon. I actually think it's more likely Hanifin drops(Toronto and AZ seem starry eyed by Marner and Strome) to Carolina and then they are posed with Hanifin vs. Provorov question and in my opinion even though Hanifin is less NHL ready, I believe he has a higher ceiling, Carolina doesn't need him to jump in right away and will be in the lottery next year again. All this being said we may see them trade down a couple spots, Francis has suggested it's a possibility.

I don't disagree that they have to go BPA. Which is why I think they would pick Marner, in your theoretical situation. I also don't disagree that Provorov is certainly intriguing and next years draft class isn't as forward heavy as you'd think we'll probably see more dmen taken in the top 10 next year than this year there's not as much potential as this year however the same could be same of the forwards, but this years is incredibly deep with dmen. Which is why I think they take dmen later this year, maybe second and 3rd rd picks. I disagree that you pass on the potential that Marner offers for the potential that Provorov offers. Or even Hanifin for that matter because just like you said the Canes aren't getting out of the basement anytime soon. I actually think it's more likely Hanifin drops(Toronto and AZ seem starry eyed by Marner and Strome) to Carolina and then they are posed with Hanifin vs. Provorov question and in my opinion even though Hanifin is less NHL ready, I believe he has a higher ceiling, Carolina doesn't need him to jump in right away and will be in the lottery next year again. All this being said we may see them trade down a couple spots, Francis has suggested it's a possibility.
- Wolfpack5

I agree, i do think that Strome + Marner go 3+4 unfortunately, i'm just saying it would be hard to pass up a potential franchise #1/2 d-man in Provorov, which is what his projection looks like, like an OEL type of player. And i agree again, i think Carolina will trade down with someone like CBJ or SJ to pick up more picks later in the draft and restock the cupboards.

I agree, I like him a lot but did you noticed our "all-star" forwards we have here.......
- Gambi99

Go to go best player available or trade down though. I wouldn't be even slightly disappointed with Provorov.

I really wouldn't mind taking Provorov. Clearly not our #1 need, but if they feel he'll be more special than who is available while we're on the clock, I'm not going to disagree. Every team at some point or another comes out of the draft looking like a donkey. So the most important thing is to not be that team this year regardless of forward/defense. Maybe this year we take a D man in the first and forwards in the 2nd

Ray Shero is your GM. You're getting a defensemen. Book it.

- Pens fans.
- Sarge

This. Go look at his draft record.

If the devils draft a defenseman, shero, lamerillio and conte should be fired before bettman finishes saying the kids name. If that means taking zacha or barzal a few spots higher than there rank so be it. This team can't throw the puck in the net, drafting another defenseman is like changing the tires on a car with a blown engine!!

I really wouldn't mind taking Provorov. Clearly not our #1 need, but if they feel he'll be more special than who is available while we're on the clock, I'm not going to disagree. Every team at some point or another comes out of the draft looking like a donkey. So the most important thing is to not be that team this year regardless of forward/defense. Maybe this year we take a D man in the first and forwards in the 2nd
- SteveJ123

If we get Provorov at 6, and then take any combination of Bracco/Yan/Guryanov/Greenway/Roslovic at 36 + 42, i will be ecstatic

If we get Provorov at 6, and then take any combination of Bracco/Yan/Guryanov/Greenway/Roslovic at 36 + 42, i will be ecstatic
- Rangers_Suck01

Go to go best player available or trade down though. I wouldn't be even slightly disappointed with Provorov.
- smellmyfinger

Its taken a while but you've convinced me about prov. Barzal is still my first choice but prov is second.

If we get Provorov at 6, and then take any combination of Bracco/Yan/Guryanov/Greenway/Roslovic at 36 + 42, i will be ecstatic
- Rangers_Suck01

Also what is so special about Yan? I've seen his name mentioned a few times but don't know much about him.