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“The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile, but that it is indifferent. If we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death, our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.” - Stanley Kubrick
I didn't expect to get a draft for a while. It'll probably still be a good 5 years until an All Star Game since the list of teams deserving one is so long.
Minnesota had their official announcement in April '10. We're in July already and have no announcement so hopefully it'll come soon. These things are usually free too so as a nerd who loves the draft there really can't be better news.
Shero will pull a Lombardi and trade up for a player like Forbort
Nice
I'm a fan of trading up when it's appropriate. I think as of now we have all of our picks in 2012, right? Having those picks gives us the flexibility to do that if needed, and it's also supposed to be a strong draft next year so hopefully we most/all of our picks.
Absolutely. And with the market how it is, the more offensively gifted defensemen you have, the higher on the hog you are living.
What I like is if you step back and look at our whole defensive roster (NHL & AHL), you can completely see how things may work down the line.
The only thing we are really missing in that stable of blueliners is another Brooks Orpik, which I think we may see drafted soon. Just a downright mean, nasty, stay at home, good for 10 points a year, defenseman.
Absolutely. And with the market how it is, the more offensively gifted defensemen you have, the higher on the hog you are living.
What I like is if you step back and look at our whole defensive roster (NHL & AHL), you can completely see how things may work down the line.
The only thing we are really missing in that stable of blueliners is another Brooks Orpik, which I think we may see drafted soon. Just a downright mean, nasty, stay at home, good for 10 points a year, defenseman.
We will be turning into Nashville North if we draft more defensemen.
With the minor caveat that we have two C who are better than any forward that has ever played for Nashville in the franchise's short history, and more forward depth than that team has ever had. In which case, drafting like Nashville North... probably not a bad idea as long as we keep most of that offensive talent signed for several years.
BPA. I'm a believer the older I get. Especially in the lower half of the first round. Also a believer in trading up though, if we're stacked and we can move a couple picks to get one really talented F. Not a believer in drafting a winger just because it happens to be our least deep position. Shero has shown you can fill gaps with decent wingers in FA most years (if you're in a pinch). And because we'll never be drafting early enough to get someone who will be NHL ready right away, even more reason not to draft a winger unless a winger is BPA at our slot.
It was more towards the fact that regardless of how stacked Nashville's blue line is, they are drafting defensemen highly. They like them early and often, and in all kinds of shapes and styles. Not that it's a bad thing. I think if you're going to invest a draft pick, no where better than in a good defenseman.
Yah. And as we've seen, even D who don't fit our system, but who are talented enough to fit elsewhere... make great trade bait. Thank you Ryan Whitney. And technically Goginovksi, though that was a pretty even swap whereas we hosed Anaheim in that deal. Especially if Tangradi proves to be a solid 25G guy with an edge.
I lol'd at that article on TribLive when the only picture they could find of CEC was a game when the Pens were down 3 -0 to the Canadiens. I mean, really, c'mon...if you're gonna showcase the CEC, at least put a pic of a game they are winning.
IIRC first 3 or 4 rounds are FULL of Dmen. I can see Shero trading for several picks in the upcoming draft. He loves Dmen and this draft he will be in heaven! it's going to be a deep draft again, thankfully. I HATE weak drafts....
We will be turning into Nashville North if we draft more defensemen.
I was initially skeptical of the dman-centric asset strategy, but almost every team has room for a d-man. If you focus on centers, certain teams won't be interested, ie. Pens, King, Flyers, Bruins. Or if you focus generally on forwards and a couple LW pan-out and you don't have space for them all. Several franchises (Pens are an example again) wouldn't find value in trading a quality player/prospect for a specific position in which they are already well-positioned.
It's much easier to trade Simon Despres for a position where you are lacking than Jeremy Morin or Taylor Beck b/c there are a lot more trading partners and therefore potential fits.
