Lack of Goulbourne is disturbing - PhillySportsGuy
I hope and pray that goulbourne just all the sudden finds another level in his game and he just starts TEARING it up in the minors, he gets his call up to the big times, 8 goals, 15 points, in his first 8 games.... God I would laugh my ass off. I hope he does just to prove you naysayers wrong. Then we can all look back and say, "god a (frank)ing steal that was to pick him in the 3rd round".
Was it all the way back to Richards/Carter in the AHL we could be excited about the pool? - coffee junkie
Excited might be a strong word. I personally temper my enthusiam. In the forward group, I still think Laughton and Cousins are 3rd line forwards. Only NAK projects to be an offensive contributor, in my mind, and that isn't a lock yet.
I think it's a better pool than we've had since Carter/Richards/Giroux. But they still have a ways to go in getting some higher ceiling talent in here. I do like what Hextall has done so far.
Excited might be a strong word. I personally temper my enthusiam. In the forward group, I still think Laughton and Cousins are 3rd line forwards. Only NAK projects to be an offensive contributor, in my mind, and that isn't a lock yet.
I think it's a better pool than we've had since Carter/Richards/Giroux. But they still have a ways to go in getting some higher ceiling talent in here. I do like what Hextall has done so far. - TheGreat28
Good point, if they stay the course and draft some offensive potential it could get exciting
Pretty good list. Might slot Cousins up one spot since he's already played some NHL games and has emerged as an AHL impact player. But that would be my top 10 also. Both Friedman and Fazleev had potential to challenge for that list next year. - bmeltzer
I suspect that Martel should be on the list, despite his size (or lack thereof). We'll know better after mid-way through next season, but he probably has more skill than Leier and it's still a ways off from projecting Lindblom, even though he made strides this year.
Good point, if they stay the course and draft some offensive potential it could get exciting - coffee junkie
Yes. I would like to get at least 3 forwards with high-end upside out of this draft, even if they have a little more uncertainty around them. I'll take an undersized guy like Martel, or a Russian who may not come over for a while, or a high-school guy as long as they have a lot of skill.
Here's a general question. If you could trade Laughton for a Top-20 pick this year, would you do it? - TheGreat28
No, I don't think he's had a chance to show what he brings to the game. He busted it to make the roster out of camp and over played his game. He went to the AHL and had a dominate start to the season. They called him up and after a handful of games he was concussed.
Excited might be a strong word. I personally temper my enthusiam. In the forward group, I still think Laughton and Cousins are 3rd line forwards. Only NAK projects to be an offensive contributor, in my mind, and that isn't a lock yet.
I think it's a better pool than we've had since Carter/Richards/Giroux. But they still have a ways to go in getting some higher ceiling talent in here. I do like what Hextall has done so far. - TheGreat28
We have a "prospect pool" that is really a "prospect koy pond".
No, I don't think he's had a chance to show what he brings to the game. He busted it to make the roster out of camp and over played his game. He went to the AHL and had a dominate start to the season. They called him up and after a handful of games he was concussed.
Most fans haven't seen his full game yet. - mayorofangrytown
I hear you. But I'm thinking in terms of assets, roles, and timing. Lots of centers on the roster and getting close, and I still don't like any of them for 2C long term. If they got a guy like Barzal, I want a sniper on one side and Simmonds on the other.
If Laughton gets me Svechnikov, I can make due for 1-2 years for Barzal and Svechnikov to develop and not be any worse off by losing Laughton because you have Schenn and Cousins that could fill a similar role.
I suspect that Martel should be on the list, despite his size (or lack thereof). We'll know better after mid-way through next season, but he probably has more skill than Leier and it's still a ways off from projecting Lindblom, even though he made strides this year. - TheGreat28
Martel may have more natural offensive skill than Leier but, right now at least, Leier is the likelier of the two to have an NHL career. We'll see what happens next year.
Lindblom is emerging as a pretty good NHL prospect. The real question is whether his upside will be more along the lines of a top nine, a 4th liner or a tweener. Even his skating (biggest knock on him) is improved.
I hear you. But I'm thinking in terms of assets, roles, and timing. Lots of centers on the roster and getting close, and I still don't like any of them for 2C long term. If they got a guy like Barzal, I want a sniper on one side and Simmonds on the other.
If Laughton gets me Svechnikov, I can make due for 1-2 years for Barzal and Svechnikov to develop and not be any worse off by losing Laughton because you have Schenn and Cousins that could fill a similar role. - TheGreat28
What do you mean by make due for 1-2 yrs?
You're going to fill with plugs and hope to make the playoffs?
If you want to talk me into trading Laughton I want an NHL ready winger back. That's just me.
I hope and pray that goulbourne just all the sudden finds another level in his game and he just starts TEARING it up in the minors, he gets his call up to the big times, 8 goals, 15 points, in his first 8 games.... God I would laugh my ass off. I hope he does just to prove you naysayers wrong. Then we can all look back and say, "god a (frank)ing steal that was to pick him in the 3rd round". 
