Michael Stuart: This and That: Moving Up, Leadership, and the Draft Board

I do hope we keep Duke! Seeing the Kapanen trade made me hope to see some Sens action as well... I wonder what's holding Dorion up, he's got a lot of legwork to do before the draft.

I posted this to the last message, but it's equally relevant here I think... especially given that Garrioch specifically mentioned Sanderson (though clearly this doesn't discount the likes of Raymond, Drysdale, or Rossi as potential picks at #5).

Sanderson has been one of the fastest risers in the draft, which can be a major X-factor on draft day. The question is, how much do things like late birthday, development trajectory, and projected upside overtake the more established performance data? For instance, Stutzle & Drysdale got significant WJC exposure this year... while Byfield played in a more limited role, and Sanderson has yet to even have that opportunity. Now I'd say the Byfield/Stutzle duo is more widely regarded as a coin toss, but this isn't to say that Drysdale/Sanderson isn't an equally interesting choice for a team looking to add on the blue line. And in both cases, it doesn't matter who's objectively achieved more as of Oct/2020, it only matters what success they're likely to have in the NHL.

Case in point, Sam Cosentino's most recent mock draft has Stutzle-Byfield going #2/#3, Sanderson-Drysdale going #5/#6, and Holtz-Raymond falling to #8/#9.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXbhYXwzSBw

Now I'd generally prefer that they focus on forwards at 3/5 (Byfield/Raymond would be great), and I get the sense the Stutzle/Drysdale crowd would be seriously pissed off if this mock draft came to fruition... but it's not like Byfield/Sanderson wouldn't be a major upgrade to both their top line and top-4 D pairings.

Strongly recommend that everyone watch the Khawk video reference from above with Sam Cosentino. Just watched it. Found the most interesting point being that Sanderson has size, as well as a physical and mean streak to his game.

Cosentino postured the idea that Sanderson could be for Chabot what Jones and Werenski are for each other...ambitious thinking.

Isn't Sanderson a lefty though? Drysdale is definitely an RD. Not that lefties can't play offhand - VGK proves that much, and apparently Brannstrom likes to play right though I think some of that might be posturing to get first line ice time. That said, outside Zaitsev, who is objectively bad, our RD is looking weak until (and if) JBD/Thompson prove they can handle the show. If Sanderson was right handed I'd get it - but offhand D men tend to be offensively oriented to take the slapshot. Drysdale is a beast but we're getting a touch too deep on the offensive defenseman side of the equation for my liking... So I'm hoping they stick with forwards, and maybe try to bring back a Dylan Demelo type provided he doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Isn't Sanderson a lefty though? Drysdale is definitely an RD.
- Bartacus

Correct: Sanderson, left handed shot.

The Sens have such a bright future. In 3/4 years they will be able to challenge for the cup.

They could trade down a bit and get that highly rated goaltender?

I went back and read the original Garrioch column Michael referenced. So, Garrioch appears to be quoting Ottawa scouts directly talking about Drysdale, Sanderson and Raymond.

Dorion and the Sens organization are incredibly tight lipped and somewhat deceptive when it comes to talking about how the Sens evaluate prospects.

Perhaps, we might safely conclude, the three players not being considered by the Sens at #5 are Drysdale, Sanderson and Raymond. I believe one of Rossi or Perfetti will get the call at #5.

What duclair did was not leadership it was cowardice and stupidity and racism on his part, no such thing as systemic/institutionalize racism, oh i take it back sorry it does exist and it affects whites, asians, hispanics, its called affirmative action.

How about instead of blaming everyone else for your problems you take responsibility, how about instead of fighting the cops you obey their commands, but no its always whities fault aint it.

What duclair did was not leadership it was cowardice and stupidity and racism on his part, no such thing as systemic/institutionalize racism, oh i take it back sorry it does exist and it affects whites, asians, hispanics, its called affirmative action.

How about instead of blaming everyone else for your problems you take responsibility, how about instead of fighting the cops you obey their commands, but no its always whities fault aint it.
- Athrin

Hey this was the one blog comments section on HB I found where we were actually talking about hockey. Shoo.

I posted this to the last message, but it's equally relevant here I think... especially given that Garrioch specifically mentioned Sanderson (though clearly this doesn't discount the likes of Raymond, Drysdale, or Rossi as potential picks at #5).

Sanderson has been one of the fastest risers in the draft, which can be a major X-factor on draft day. The question is, how much do things like late birthday, development trajectory, and projected upside overtake the more established performance data? For instance, Stutzle & Drysdale got significant WJC exposure this year... while Byfield played in a more limited role, and Sanderson has yet to even have that opportunity. Now I'd say the Byfield/Stutzle duo is more widely regarded as a coin toss, but this isn't to say that Drysdale/Sanderson isn't an equally interesting choice for a team looking to add on the blue line. And in both cases, it doesn't matter who's objectively achieved more as of Oct/2020, it only matters what success they're likely to have in the NHL.

Case in point, Sam Cosentino's most recent mock draft has Stutzle-Byfield going #2/#3, Sanderson-Drysdale going #5/#6, and Holtz-Raymond falling to #8/#9.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXbhYXwzSBw

Now I'd generally prefer that they focus on forwards at 3/5 (Byfield/Raymond would be great), and I get the sense the Stutzle/Drysdale crowd would be seriously pissed off if this mock draft came to fruition... but it's not like Byfield/Sanderson wouldn't be a major upgrade to both their top line and top-4 D pairings.

Byfield started in the top 6 and played himself out of the lineup. He showed absolutely nothing at the WJC whenever he was on the ice. You can point to his age but you still expect to see flashes of greatness from top prospects at this tournament. Byfield didn't even show that which is why he ended up not playing by the end. Drysdale was the opposite of Byfield, he played himself into the lineup and into a bigger role as it went along at the same age as Byfield.

This performance made question how good of a NHL prospect Byfield actually is. He already has NHL size and shouldn't have been invisible in a tournament like this despite his age. If anything this to me showed he won't be NHL ready for next season. This is where the CHL rule sucks. He should be playing in the AHL and not the CHL (dominating smaller teenagers). Wings had the same problem with big Rasmussen...not really ready for the NHL but no point in sending him back to the CHL to dominate kids. I wonder if the team that draft Byfield could negotiate to send him to Europe to play against men.

@Athrin


Quotes aren't working.
Nonetheless, I agree with your original statement and that racism seems to be shifting towards white people primarily and affirmative action is definitely something not talked about.
Character players would never condone anarchy, rioting and destruction. That’s all I’m going to say.


Prefer they use the Islander pick and something else to move up into the top 15 to grab Askarov.
I think if they had that philosophy then you take BPA at 5th - Rossi being my preference, but can understand the Drysdale/Sanderson reasoning.
If you went Byfield/Stutzle at 3, Drysdale at 5 and Askarov with that additional pick in the top fifteen then you come away with a #1 C, #1 RHD and #1 goalie. That doesn’t include any of the 2nd round picks to which they can still hit the jackpot with.

Dorion is a very underrated GM, honestly, and can see the success of the next 10-15 years being affected by what goes on in this draft.

What duclair did was not leadership it was cowardice and stupidity and racism on his part, no such thing as systemic/institutionalize racism, oh i take it back sorry it does exist and it affects whites, asians, hispanics, its called affirmative action.

How about instead of blaming everyone else for your problems you take responsibility, how about instead of fighting the cops you obey their commands, but no its always whities fault aint it.
- Athrin

The origins of racism are rooted in what sociology best explains as classicism. It is the simple belief that my way, my understanding, my values are right. Other cultures are simply wrong or perhaps unknowing.

It is the foundational error of Christian missionary and outreach. Somehow, we believe, God gave us this special insight or privilege. Bias comes from the belief that my experience and privilege allows me to determine what is best for others.

Perhaps it would be wise for you to tone down your language. These are deep wounds that have been opened. Time for pause and reflection. Not a time for harsh words.

Hey this was the one blog comments section on HB I found where we were actually talking about hockey. Shoo.
- Bartacus

Weird how quotes work now.
The blogger literally wrote a piece citing all of the things that other bloggers and commenters are going on about.
Saying a player has character because he endorses hate, anarchy and rioting doesn’t mean that he actually has character, quite the contrary, it falls in line with what was said of Duke to which he has no character - again endorsing criminal actions and bigotry does not make you a man of character - it makes you a man without character.


Again, not going to dive into it but if a blogger decides to write about the horrible situation that BLM has put America and American citizens into then we should be free to discuss it as he posted it for us to talk about.


Excited for the draft still.

The origins of racism are rooted in what sociology best explains as classicism. It is the simple belief that my way, my understanding, my values are right. Other cultures are simply wrong or perhaps unknowing.

It is the foundational error of Christian missionary and outreach. Somehow, we believe, God gave us this special insight or privilege. Bias comes from the belief that my experience and privilege allows me to determine what is best for others.

Perhaps it would be wise for you to tone down your language. These are deep wounds that have been opened. Time for pause and reflection. Not a time for harsh words.
- spatso

Mixing up Christians and Catholics and calling Catholics “Christians” shows me you have no idea about history.
I was raised Christian and I don’t hate anyone and have been hated by many people of many different colours for choosing to love instead of hate.

This is just something you read about from major media outlets to which are run by complete yahoo’s. I’ve talked to hundreds of people in real life - yes I’m an “essential worker” to which I have found that people are being blamed by those who endorse hate, anarchy and rioting.
Republicans and Lincoln abolished slavery while Democrats voted 98% to NOT abolish slavery.
Southern states in America are founded on Democratic and Catholic institutions and they are the core cause for most of the hate and bigotry to which you have brought up - hanging/lynching black people just because of their colour, the KKK, Jesuits etc etc.


Learn your history my good sir. 😊

Byfield started in the top 6 and played himself out of the lineup. He showed absolutely nothing at the WJC whenever he was on the ice. You can point to his age but you still expect to see flashes of greatness from top prospects at this tournament. Byfield didn't even show that which is why he ended up not playing by the end. Drysdale was the opposite of Byfield, he played himself into the lineup and into a bigger role as it went along at the same age as Byfield.
- dcz28

Byfield didn't have a great WJC (1Pts/7GP), but in fairness neither did Lafreniere when he was playing in the WJC at a 17yo (1Pts/5GP). Not to mention that Lafreniere wasn't playing at age 17 with the kind of pressure and expectation that being a top-3 pick comes with, wasn't being asked to play out of his natural position (i.e. W, not C), and didn't have face the same kind of baptism by fire where his first two WJC games came against USA and Russia. As such, I'd be a little bit careful about throwing Byfield under the bus due to the WJC.

It's Yzerman so who really knows, but it's a worst kept secret that Detroit really likes Perfetti.

Unlike Cosentino, I prefer and project these choices more on need and BPA;
My mock draft:
1)Laff NYR
2)Stutzle LA
3)Byfield Ott
4) Rossi Det I realize they are more familiar with Perfitti, but Detroit needs a C, and Rossi is the best available and is projected to be closer to NHL ready
5)Not Sanderson, How does he jump from 12 to 5 without a game being played????
If Ott drafts a D, it will be Drysdale, but I think they can wait til the NYI pick to draft a D, if they retain all their 1st round picks otherwise they draft Raymond or Perfetti

Byfield didn't have a great WJC (1Pts/7GP), but in fairness neither did Lafreniere when he was playing in the WJC at a 17yo (1Pts/5GP). Not to mention that Lafreniere wasn't playing at age 17 with the kind of pressure and expectation that being a top-3 pick comes with, wasn't being asked to play out of his natural position (i.e. W, not C), and didn't have face the same kind of baptism by fire where his first two WJC games came against USA and Russia. As such, I'd be a little bit careful about throwing Byfield under the bus due to the WJC.
- khawk

Byfield got great advantage from his size, his talent is great and not disputed, what he will become will depend on how well he rises above harder competition as he play with harder competition in harder leagues, as for Laf, nothing is certain he could be the next panarin/Kane or the next Yakupov,

Unlike Cosentino, I prefer project these choices more on need and BPA;
My mock draft:
1)Laff NYR
2)Stutzle LA
3)Byfield Ott
4) Rossi Det I realize they are more familiar with Perfitti, but Detroit needs a C, and Rossi is the best available and is projected to be closer to NHL ready
5)Not Sanderson, How does he jump from 12 to 5 without a game being played????
If Ott drafts a D, it will be Drysdale, but I think they can wait til the NYI pick to draft a D, if they retain all their 1st round picks otherwise they draft Raymond or Perfetti
- HenryHockey

Well, as I said I'd be quite happy if the Senators wound up with Byfield/Raymond, because not only do they have a major need for high-end forwards, but it's also the clear strength of this draft class. I'd also agree that Rossi strikes me as a far better pick for the Red Wings than Perfetti. I really don't know why him playing in Saginaw is considered such a big deal. It's not like he's a Michigan native like Larkin... Perfetti was born in Whitby, ON. Not to mention that they're quite literally the worst team in the league, and have a top-5 pick in a strong draft. The only thing Detroit should be paying attention to is which player will help them improve the most.

Mixing up Christians and Catholics and calling Catholics “Christians” shows me you have no idea about history.
I was raised Christian and I don’t hate anyone and have been hated by many people of many different colours for choosing to love instead of hate.

This is just something you read about from major media outlets to which are run by complete yahoo’s. I’ve talked to hundreds of people in real life - yes I’m an “essential worker” to which I have found that people are being blamed by those who endorse hate, anarchy and rioting.
Republicans and Lincoln abolished slavery while Democrats voted 98% to NOT abolish slavery.
Southern states in America are founded on Democratic and Catholic institutions and they are the core cause for most of the hate and bigotry to which you have brought up - hanging/lynching black people just because of their colour, the KKK, Jesuits etc etc.


Learn your history my good sir. 😊
- optimus-reim

I was not talking about religion. I was merely trying to illustrate the deep level of misunderstanding that exists right now in terms of how different groups see things differently because of their life experiences and why it is unwise to pass judgement on others who are speaking out from their life journey (eg., Anthony Duclair).

Classicism tries to reduce crime with deterrence. Positivism tries to reduce crime with treatment. The classicist way (Republicans) is to punish in order to deter others. Positivists try to prevent the crime from occurring from the outset.

It has nothing to do with individual religious belief. But our values on crime and punishment have been streamed through our religious beliefs since the beginning of time..

Strongly recommend that everyone watch the Khawk video reference from above with Sam Cosentino. Just watched it. Found the most interesting point being that Sanderson has size, as well as a physical and mean streak to his game.

Cosentino postured the idea that Sanderson could be for Chabot what Jones and Werenski are for each other...ambitious thinking.
- spatso

I agree the Sam Cosentino video is very interesting, it should be a must watch for all Senator fans. It is focused on teams need in a deep draft. I would be delighted if we got Sam’s projected picks of Byefield at 3 and Sanderson at 5. In regards to Sanderson his leap up the standings has been amazing, Pierre McQuire said it reminds him of how Eric Karlsson did the same. Also 2 of Bob Mackenzies 10 pro scouts had him ranked third best. All the chatter on Team 1200 is about Sanderson, Drysdale is hardly mentioned.

Byfield didn't have a great WJC (1Pts/7GP), but in fairness neither did Lafreniere when he was playing in the WJC at a 17yo (1Pts/5GP). Not to mention that Lafreniere wasn't playing at age 17 with the kind of pressure and expectation that being a top-3 pick comes with, wasn't being asked to play out of his natural position (i.e. W, not C), and didn't have face the same kind of baptism by fire where his first two WJC games came against USA and Russia. As such, I'd be a little bit careful about throwing Byfield under the bus due to the WJC.
- khawk

Despite Lafrenieres low point totals as a 17yo, he still showed some flashes of high level skills at time. I saw absolutely none from Byfield which is what scared me a bit at the thought of the Wings drafting him (not likely an issue now). I didn't expect him to dominate in points but to at least show some flashes of why he was being talked about a possible #1 pick. With his size he should at the very least been able to physically impose himself at time but nothing.

I'm not saying i think he's going to be a bust or anything but that WJC did raise some concerns for me about him.

Despite Lafrenieres low point totals as a 17yo, he still showed some flashes of high level skills at time. I saw absolutely none from Byfield which is what scared me a bit at the thought of the Wings drafting him (not likely an issue now). I didn't expect him to dominate in points but to at least show some flashes of why he was being talked about a possible #1 pick. With his size he should at the very least been able to physically impose himself at time but nothing.

I'm not saying i think he's going to be a bust or anything but that WJC did raise some concerns for me about him.
- dcz28

Some players mature at different points - also Laf is naturally a more "flashly" player

I'm not the biggest Byfield fan but that's more about my concerns of him mentality - his abilities and natural gifts are off the charts