The Coyotes didn't really lose the lottery. Or, rather, they did, but it was the expected result.
That is because there was a 66.5% probability that they would drop to third, basically a 2/3rds chance, and that's exactly what happened.
Sure, it was annoying and Edmonton winning wasn't helping it feel better, but after the initial anger , bargaining and denial were dealt with, you have to realize that the odds were heavily in favor of the Coyotes picking third.
And third is cool.
As Don Maloney says, the Coyotes have a good idea of who they want to pick, but of course, he won't tell us. First they have to attend the combine, talk to some players etc. etc. etc.
But, honestly, they can't go wrong.
They can either pick a big, top pairing centre with point-per-game potential, or they go with a defenseman who already skates like an elite NHL player and offers the team the chance to have maybe one of the best ever D pairings, depending on how he develops.
Me, I'd go with the defenseman.
The reason is, I think that finding a generational talent is obviously the hardest thing to do, so if one comes along you don't care what position he plays, however, once you're down to guys who are only very good, I think defense is the most important position.
That is to say that if both Dylan Strome and Noah Hanifin are both going to develop into allstars at their positions, you're better off with the defenseman. The reason I think this is because top D play half the game, and if you have one that drives possession, then you literally make everyone on your team better for half of a game.
With Hanifin and OEL the Coyotes could ideally have two elite defensemen and have one of them on the ice at nearly all times. Or, they can team them up like a Mega Power Ranger and have a dominant pairing.
For me, the temptation to ice a group of Defensemen that includes OEL, Hanifn, Murphy, Gormley and Stone would be too great. I think a defense corps like that almost automatically guarantees competitiveness. Maybe not next year, but eventually.
Defense wins championships. Especially defenses that are so mobile and talented.
Sure, Strome is a nice player, but Domi and Hanzal are a pretty good 1-2 combo down the middle and I just think having potentially two OEL quality Dmen is something that cannot be passed up.
And there is also the chance to get extra assets by flipping the pick if it's true that the Leafs do in fact prefer Dylan Strome.
Malone has a player in mind already, I hope it's Noah Hanifin.