If you guys redrafted 2013, where would Drouin be? I say the highest is 5th (Mac, Barkov, Jones, Monahan all ahead).
- PhillySportsGuy

Right now, I'd agree. In a few more years, you may have guys like Nurse, Domi, Pulock, Morrissey, and Goulbourne ahead of him, or he may jump ahead of some players.

Of course he would. The deal wouldn't realistically work for TB because their window is open right now and, if they make space for Drouin, he can conceivably help them win now. The player taken with the #7 pick is likely 2 years away.
- jmatchett383

Well yes that. And also the probability of the #7 pick in this draft being a better player than Drouin is pretty remote. Not saying impossible, but not likely.

They don't really need a Dman. They have Hedman, Stralman, Garrison, Coburn, Carle, Sustr all signed through next season I believe. I would assume they'd acquire some picks.
- PhillySportsGuy

I was told they'd just flip one of their top-6 players for "monster defenseman" to play along side Hedman. Just wondering who he had in mind for Val Filpula.

Well yes that. And also the probability of the #7 pick in this draft being a better player than Drouin is pretty remote. Not saying impossible, but not likely.
- PLindbergh31

I don't think I'd say remote. Now, the chance of them getting a LW with his potential is remote. But this draft is supposed to rival the 2003 draft, which is deeper and more top-heavy than most drafts.

And what "monster defenseman" are they going to get for Filpula?
- jmatchett383

Its unbelievable how well balanced TB is..

I was told they'd just flip one of their top-6 players for "monster defenseman" to play along side Hedman. Just wondering who he had in mind for Val Filpula.
- jmatchett383

They could always package players for something better. They could move Filipula for just picks and use that extra money to re-sign Stamkos, who will likely cost around $10M per year.

Does anyone really think Laughton will develop into a regular NHL'er? I'm not sure he has the wheels and size to be anything beyond a role player.
- Pixote Andolini

Laughton has good size and skates pretty well. I don't see any of those factors stopping him from becoming an NHL player.