2014 Draft Prediction
Posted 10:06 PM ET | Comments 0
The draft and draft speculation is my absolute favorite topic of discussion in hockey all year. Once again we are left with a thousand idea's of what should happen and speculation on what will happen. This article is about my thoughts on what may go down on that infamous draft day.
1-Florida Panthers
Sam Bennett, Its hard to pick a first in this draft and Tallon is in an enviable position as he will draft a true talent be it Bennett/Ekblad/Reinhart. I chose Bennet because of his tenacity and dedication. Tallon is looking for future leaders who leave it all on the ice and this is your guy. With Kulikov/Gudbrandson/Petrovic/Matheson/McCoshen you have a solid group of developing youngsters on the back end and solidifying center is a must for any competing team.
2-Buffalo Sabres
Sam Reinhart, A no brainer here Ekblad is awesome but withthe defensive prospect that Buffalo already has there really is no choice to let a talent like Sam go away. Either way Bennett/Reinhart are 1-2. His Hockey IQ is off the charts. Rarely does anyone take a Defenseman 1st overall anyway.
3-Edmonton Oilers
Aaron Ekblad, Another no brainer this is exactly what they have in mind and need, maybe 3 of him and another 2 back end leaders, And a power forward, some quality 3rd and 4th liners, a new GM and president possibly an owner with a brain and a smaller heart. Might as well throw in some better food and seats at games. If Ekblad is gone expect this pick to go very quickly and be pre arranged.
4-Calgary Flames
Leon Draisaitl, Burkie loves big guys although he may be weery about his pedigree, I am sure Burkie did his homework and say this kid play. He is a monster amungst boys and is definitely ready for the big show. Leon and Monahan 1-2 punch will look really good in 3-5 years.
5-New York Islanders ( I assume they keep it as they assume they will not be competing for McDavid)
Michael DalColle- It fits like a slipper, NYI is deep in defensive prospect depth and they have the time to let Michael Fill out a bit in Oshawa.
6-Vancouver Canucks
Haydn Fluery-I know you should never draft for positional help and always go for the best player available, but he may be both. He is big can skate and is patient with the puck, and his first pass out of the zone is stellar. He fills a serious organizational need in the future. Don't rush this kid in or you will destroy him, He isn't ready but certainly will be in 2 years when holes open up on the back end.
7-Carolina Hurricanes
William Nylander, Carolina's prospects stink at the moment with so many young players already in the big house. So Rutherford must and will because he is a smart man take the best player available.
8-Toronto Maple Leafs
Jake Virtanen-Speed-Size-Sense That's what matters in Toronto and he has a good character to boot, a few years away but Toronto stopped rushing prospects (finally).
9-Winnipeg Jets
Nicholaj Ehlers- Kane/Forsberg you can compare this kid to a thousand small skilled forwards. Except one difference he takes it and keeps going doesn't quit. Obviously at 167 he must bulk up a bit before he gets the nod.
10-Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa)
Nick Ritchie-With no serious organizational needs up top or down in the minors and a serious influx of goaltending talent. Ritchie fits the bill power forwards take time and he will get it. Needs a kick in the rear to get going on off ice training but on ice he is a soldier. Will be given time and an opportunity to earn it.
Thats it guys hope you like
M
1-Florida Panthers
Sam Bennett, Its hard to pick a first in this draft and Tallon is in an enviable position as he will draft a true talent be it Bennett/Ekblad/Reinhart. I chose Bennet because of his tenacity and dedication. Tallon is looking for future leaders who leave it all on the ice and this is your guy. With Kulikov/Gudbrandson/Petrovic/Matheson/McCoshen you have a solid group of developing youngsters on the back end and solidifying center is a must for any competing team.
2-Buffalo Sabres
Sam Reinhart, A no brainer here Ekblad is awesome but withthe defensive prospect that Buffalo already has there really is no choice to let a talent like Sam go away. Either way Bennett/Reinhart are 1-2. His Hockey IQ is off the charts. Rarely does anyone take a Defenseman 1st overall anyway.
3-Edmonton Oilers
Aaron Ekblad, Another no brainer this is exactly what they have in mind and need, maybe 3 of him and another 2 back end leaders, And a power forward, some quality 3rd and 4th liners, a new GM and president possibly an owner with a brain and a smaller heart. Might as well throw in some better food and seats at games. If Ekblad is gone expect this pick to go very quickly and be pre arranged.
4-Calgary Flames
Leon Draisaitl, Burkie loves big guys although he may be weery about his pedigree, I am sure Burkie did his homework and say this kid play. He is a monster amungst boys and is definitely ready for the big show. Leon and Monahan 1-2 punch will look really good in 3-5 years.
5-New York Islanders ( I assume they keep it as they assume they will not be competing for McDavid)
Michael DalColle- It fits like a slipper, NYI is deep in defensive prospect depth and they have the time to let Michael Fill out a bit in Oshawa.
6-Vancouver Canucks
Haydn Fluery-I know you should never draft for positional help and always go for the best player available, but he may be both. He is big can skate and is patient with the puck, and his first pass out of the zone is stellar. He fills a serious organizational need in the future. Don't rush this kid in or you will destroy him, He isn't ready but certainly will be in 2 years when holes open up on the back end.
7-Carolina Hurricanes
William Nylander, Carolina's prospects stink at the moment with so many young players already in the big house. So Rutherford must and will because he is a smart man take the best player available.
8-Toronto Maple Leafs
Jake Virtanen-Speed-Size-Sense That's what matters in Toronto and he has a good character to boot, a few years away but Toronto stopped rushing prospects (finally).
9-Winnipeg Jets
Nicholaj Ehlers- Kane/Forsberg you can compare this kid to a thousand small skilled forwards. Except one difference he takes it and keeps going doesn't quit. Obviously at 167 he must bulk up a bit before he gets the nod.
10-Anaheim Ducks (from Ottawa)
Nick Ritchie-With no serious organizational needs up top or down in the minors and a serious influx of goaltending talent. Ritchie fits the bill power forwards take time and he will get it. Needs a kick in the rear to get going on off ice training but on ice he is a soldier. Will be given time and an opportunity to earn it.
Thats it guys hope you like
M