John Gove: 2017 NHL Entry Draft: What to Expect from Tampa Bay

I agree with the draft strategy you have stated. The aqcuisition of Sergachev allows the lightning to pick the best available player because Serg is one of the top prospects in the NHL. That being said i would say that Klim Kostin is my pick if im SY and he is available. With this this draft being considered weak, Kostin is a unique talent that saw his draft stock fall because of a shoulder injury. This draft seems like a good one to swing for a homerun on, considering many experts dont anticipate to much from this draft class outside the top 2 picks.

I expect they will pick the best available defenseman with round 1 and low probability, high reward picks in the late rounds.

I know the mantra is to always pick the best available player but I suspect a variation today. First pick will be returned to junior hockey anyway in fall.

I hope SY doesn't go crazy with the new Cap money on July 1st after cap issues the last couple of years. Lots of defencemen UFAs but not too many attractive candidates.

Joe Smith wrote about SY looking for a defenseman and a top 9 winger.

I'd like to him take liljegren if he slips far enough for us

Best (frank)ing player available always

Best (frank)ing player available always
- Feds91Stammer

any chance tj gets moved for someone like fowler?

any chance tj gets moved for someone like fowler?
- mitch24

Don't believe it would be enough for Anaheim.

any chance tj gets moved for someone like fowler?
- mitch24

No.

TJ>Fowler anyways

You could get a Fowler in UFA by signing Brendan Smith

Best (frank)ing player available always
- Feds91Stammer

You are assuming that by the 14th pick, the differences between players are truly distinguishable and not arbitrary. I expect they will do a variation if the perceived differences are pretty close. If differences are significant or they like a player that has been passed over by earlier teams, I hope they will draft him.

Evaluating players is like corporate performance appraisals. Usually clear on top and bottom performers but hazy in the middle.

You can make draft lists and select the best player on your list or you can draft strategically based on your needs (current and future).

I fully understand the best player available mantra and the idea you can always trade for what you need unless it is a top defenseman, centre or rarely, goalie.

Hopefully we will draft a lot of highly talented players tonight and tomorrow.

Tampa picks a defenceman.