Rumor has it Kings will look to trade down, but anything is possible. I wouldn’t give 2 firsts for 3OA
- KINGS67

Exactly. Many on this board only think about what they want to happen and not what any potential trade partner wants or needs. The Kings are rebuilding too and need more picks and prospects, not to be trading them to move up a spot or two in the draft.

A big question is, what is the value/cost to move up a few spots. As someone mentioned before, would you swing a deal to get 5 & 23 from LA, 7 & 30 from Buffalo, 9 & 28 from LA?
- TheTrob

Start with trading your 1st (3) and 2nd (34) rounders this year for Buffalo's two firsts (7,30) and their 2020 first rounder (likely top 10 and who knows with the lottery) and go from there.

I had to put you in there.

While I don't think Caufield is selected by the Hawks he's going to be one hell of a pick for someone.
- Tyler Cameron

If Podkolzin was playing in the OHL right now, I believe he would be a clear #3.
- Tyler Cameron

for certain!

I think the kid knows there are bigger contracts in North America and I wouldn't doubt his reps will have discussions with his current contract owners prior to the pre Draft to see what it will take to get him out of it.

I think Podkolzin IS the the best 3rd overall prospect even with the quiet Worlds...but I am gonna start placing him with Detroit if I don't see some definitive reflections he is coming sooner than later.

I had Taresneko as the top or 2nd best player in my mind in 2010 and I believe there is someone on the board I told on the phone that (JHawk19) ...but that being Russian and the uncertain situations (u know them) would drop him...
#16 Blues. well that was a gift.

That isn't happening as much with the more extensive scouting by teams - you will see drops but these non playoff teams are looking for specials and they aren't afraid to go over and take one like Rangers' Vitali Kravtsov #9, Grigori Denisenko #15 last year, Klim Kostin #31 in 2017, German Rubtsov #22 2016 and in 2015, Dallas' Denis Gurianov....

NOW MAYBE THE LEAGUE IN GENERAL HAS TAKEN AN ABOUT-FACE ON THIS STRATEGY, basing selection on the kids English, contracts and the like.

I know one thing....I ma gonna bet if you put podkolzin RIGHT NOW on a NHL playoff team, he makes them better....better than Bowen Byram...

Hey Tyler the one player that intrigues me is Raphael Lavoie. He looks good!

Start with trading your 1st (3) and 2nd (34) rounders this year for Buffalo's two firsts (7,30) and their 2020 first rounder (likely top 10 and who knows with the lottery) and go from there.
- Assman22

Trading the #3 pick is an option, but if you look through the last 20 drafts it's rare that a top 5 pick is moved. Stan will always listen to offers, but will one be good enough?

I don't think it would be worth it to LA to move their 2 firsts for Chicago's first and second. Overall the difference from 3 - 10 isn't that great and I don't see any of those teams want to move up. The only possible exception would be if somehow Hughes was available at #3, then Vancouver might look to make a deal.

If I were to guess I would think the Hawks keep their pick.

Hey Tyler the one player that intrigues me is Raphael Lavoie. He looks good!
- Sn1362

I've noticed him too. He played well at the World Juniors and I'm sure the Hawks staff have seen him play if they've been keeping tabs on Ryczek and Gravel (the Hawks goalie of the future).

I’ll be lurking as the kings pick 5th and could very well pick one of those players 😬
- KINGS67

Who do you think your Kings would pick if they had the #3 - Byram or one of the forwards?

TJ -

Best guess on their pick if they stay at 3?

A lot of the forwards seem very sexy. If they keep the pick I bet they take that D man.

If the Blackhawks can trade back to 4-6 and add some assets and still get a very very good forward.

Should be fun
- mrpaulish

Package the pick and Seabs for the 6-7th pick?

I'm in the same boat as BPA... my problem is, I'm not sure who that is.
- Tyler Cameron

I don't think you are gonna find out from any of the teams selecting 3 - 8 either...there lists are under wraps so all you get are the unprofessional opinions of every body from Bob McKenzie's cabal of. 8 anonymous scouts, the various paid booklet sellers like ISS, HockeyProspect, Mckeens, Future Considerations and me at DraftSite....(or Central Scouting Service, the job that aids ex0players to supplant their income and they opinions are consensus of all these explayers plus scouts, real independent hired scouts who no longer have jobs with NHL teams....just think about that: if you are GOOD at this, wouldn't the nHL teams be offering you an upgrade to got solo and NOT public?)

...and quite frankly all OUR opinions are NOT effecting REAL good NHL scouting.

You can't look past Krebs, Broberg,or the other really larger big defenders who are not necessarily in the "flight-class"as the offensive minded ones...or Victor Söderström, a defenseman I have higher than anybody, because he is playing pro and is simply good already against men, not WHLers...

or Cole Caufield...Debrincat's success as a star second rounded have md the kid $ too.

Just remember when Montreal selected Jesperi Kotkaniemi you saw him nowhere near close to the top (I had him #10, #9, #5 and the #3)the 2 month period before the draft...where was McKenzie - Button and the like on him then?

My point is we all having discussions based on public lists may be limiting prespective.

There is a good discussion brewing on who the hawks pick in the second as the little guys and guys dropping out of the first round will be happening....

I think the hawks are gonna try to move up and use their second and the extra 4th to
a) either move up if Knight drops (use a developing defender with NHL experience and picks to do so...)

b) I think the hawks are gonna try to move up and use their extra 4th and second to drop down in the second and gain a 3rd...they always seem to work the board that way.

I dunno why my first post shows blank:

I tried again same results


https://www.draftsite.com...apha%C3%ABl-lavoie/31715/

Hey Tyler the one player that intrigues me is Raphael Lavoie. He looks good!
- Sn1362

There is not a 100% every shift intensity there yet....

On DraftSite here is what what I wrote:
click on his name
raphaël lavoie

I think b/c I linked it it will not appear in the above post...

I would add Krebs and Zegras to the list as well.

They both to seem to fit what Stan and Kelly look for in prospects.

Trading the #3 pick is an option, but if you look through the last 20 drafts it's rare that a top 5 pick is moved. Stan will always listen to offers, but will one be good enough?

I don't think it would be worth it to LA to move their 2 firsts for Chicago's first and second. Overall the difference from 3 - 10 isn't that great and I don't see any of those teams want to move up. The only possible exception would be if somehow Hughes was available at #3, then Vancouver might look to make a deal.

If I were to guess I would think the Hawks keep their pick.
- DarthKane

Agreed on LA, they're in complete rebuild mode. I meant Buffalo. Buffalo and LA are in different boats. If Hughes drops to 3, Stan will grab him before the clock starts ticking.

Exactly. Many on this board only think about what they want to happen and not what any potential trade partner wants or needs. The Kings are rebuilding too and need more picks and prospects, not to be trading them to move up a spot or two in the draft.
- GPHawksfan

I’m really hoping the kings get that 20th pick. I think CAR CLB and COL need to move on for that to happen. I really like Cam York. Not sure he’ll be there when Kings pick

Agreed on LA, they're in complete rebuild mode. I meant Buffalo. Buffalo.
- Assman22

Let's just say good source and leave at that:
Tampa is going to get Cap help by way of a major trade with Buffalo which will substantial improve sabres via vets and the price is gonna be Rasmus Ristolainen.

I’m really hoping the kings get that 20th pick. I think CAR CLB and COL need to move on for that to happen. I really like Cam York. Not sure he’ll be there when Kings pick
- KINGS67

The red headed Cam York got exposed more than once in the Worlds....we will see if that affects his slot.

Cozens all the way ,don't over think it to much he is the real deal .Came out of the Yukon at 14 to play and get noticed . Big can skate hit take a hit he is the next big center . Good Canadian Kid always a bonus in my books anyway .

I’ll be lurking as the kings pick 5th and could very well pick one of those players 😬
- KINGS67

Lurk away.

Cozens all the way ,don't over think it to much he is the real deal .Came out of the Yukon at 14 to play and get noticed . Big can skate hit take a hit he is the next big center . Good Canadian Kid always a bonus in my books anyway .
- oldduffman

And he has a shot, GREAT feet, (I did think he got caught over skating on the big ice last two weeks at the worlds...) and there is room to get even bigger.

He is no one hit wonder, and his balance and willingness to go get pucks when his team needs them is Toews like.

Dach is no slouch, though either. He has always been asked to be a PK guy because of his size/reach. He is more an opportunistic scorer and his feet will get better.

The thing we all have to remember is the teams and their scouts are looking towards the investment, and the kid, what makes him tick, his hockey head, and how dominant they eventually are as pros are a part too.
And there is always the if he fails to the responsibilities as a first man back centre WILL HE truly BE a dominating winger?

Kaapo Kakko is safe at #2 because he is an accomplished winger who some team will tinker with at centre....

Who do you think your Kings would pick if they had the #3 - Byram or one of the forwards?
- EbonyRaptor

I want Cozens. I think the kings have good enough D prospects to not take a Dman with their 1st pick. They need a dynamic forward.

I said this the previous blog i understand about drafting the best available player but Tyler hawks are thin at center in their organization so drafting a center makes the most sense cozens dach turcotte any one of those 3 would be good but which one out of three could be ready sometime next season or the following season maybe wiz could answer that. Draft a center make the trade with vegas for mc nabb and eakin sign tanev and chariot the hawks have the makings of a playoff team. Been watching the playoffs and several things jump out at me size speed and physicality are very much evident the pk has been very noticeable as far as creating momentum and taking it away and willingness to go in the tough areas and battle. Some of things are lacking on the Blackhawks so BOWMAN needs to build a playoff team not a regular season team you get in anything can happen. Thoughts and opinions are welcomed.

I want Cozens. I think the kings have good enough D prospects to not take a Dman with their 1st pick. They need a dynamic forward.
- KINGS67

Cool - let's make a deal. Let's swap #3/#5 so you can get ahead of Colorado who are also looking to take one of the centers and in exchange we'll also swap 2nd round picks (#33?/#43?).

I want Cozens. I think the kings have good enough D prospects to not take a Dman with their 1st pick. They need a dynamic forward.
- KINGS67

You would be jumping off the rocks from that Lloyd Bridges NELSONs restaurant @ Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 if that happened.