ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun reports Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson dismissed the rumor his club might trade their first round pick, which could be first overall in this year’s entry draft “because the top-rated players in this year’s draft — Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko — are Russians, and the Jackets misfired on former high draft picks from Russia in Nikolai Zherdev and Nikita Filatov”. *He called it “hogwash”, saying it would “border on stupidity” not to include any player just because they’re from Russia.
We're getting more quotes from Howson, today, then we've had in weeks! Seems he's trying to make it clear that he's going to remain in charge. Hard to believe.
That's the problem: from the on-ice performance record, it's hard to believe he will return; however, from what we've seen of the front office support for him, it's equally hard to believe he won't! I suppose my only recourse is a willing suspension of disbelief.
Which stage is acceptance in the 5 stages of grief? #5? I was on depression for quite a while.
If we pick #1 I have to believe it's Yakupov. If it's #2 I willing to place bets it's Galchenyuk.
Galchenyuk Johan Brass would be scary up the middle. I wouldnt mind him even over Yakupov, if hes healthy. An elite center is better than an elite winger, unless Yakupov is as far ahead of the others as some scouts seem to think.
Galchenyuk Johan Brass would be scary up the middle. I wouldnt mind him even over Yakupov, if hes healthy. An elite center is better than an elite winger, unless Yakupov is as far ahead of the others as some scouts seem to think.
Yakupov = more skilled Taylor Hall.
Galchenyuk = drew comparisons (by some very high ups) to Evgeni Malkin coming into the season.
I'm sure this has been addressed, and I should probably go over and review some of the mock drafts.. but help me out here:
If Nail reminds people of Pavel Bure is that a fair comparison? What other players would you suggest?
If Galchenyuk is compared to Evegeny Malkin who would you compare Murray too?
Is Murray good enough to be drafted #1? I don't really get all the draft prognostication and admit it really is because I know little about this, and am pretty used to the CBJ making bad choices, and or just incorrectly developing their talent.
They came back after injuries and don't look very well in the OHL playoffs. Both Galchenyuk and Yakupov were pointless tonight and Sarnia lost 2:5. Boon Jenner in 4 playoffs games has as many points as Alex and Nail have COMBINED in 5 games...
I'm sure this has been addressed, and I should probably go over and review some of the mock drafts.. but help me out here:
If Nail reminds people of Pavel Bure is that a fair comparison? What other players would you suggest?
If Galchenyuk is compared to Evegeny Malkin who would you compare Murray too?
Is Murray good enough to be drafted #1? I don't really get all the draft prognostication and admit it really is because I know little about this, and am pretty used to the CBJ making bad choices, and or just incorrectly developing their talent.
I don't know about comparing Yakupov to Bure. I don't think he'll ever be on that level, but I guess it's possible. He does play a similar high octane, skilled style. I really prefer the comparisons to Taylor Hall, I think that's a fair judgement of his upside.
Galchenyuk is a dominant forward like Malkin is, but I don't know that he'll ever reach that same elite level. I do think he'll be a first line center that can dominate the game, but Malkin (especially this year) has been unbelievable at times.
I mentioned comparing Ryan Murray to Ryan Suter above, and I think that's a good upside evaluation. He's definitely an NHL player (might even be ready next year), but his upside is a good 1b type of guy that plays the defensive role, and also chips in offensively. The biggest difference is that he's a better skater than Suter is, but he may not be as physical. Another good comparison would be Dan Hamhuis, or possibly someone like Paul Martin. Think shutdown/smooth, elite skating/decent offensive upside. if a team wants a defenseman, I definitely think Ryan Murray can go first overall. I simply don't think Nail Yakupov has separated himself from the pack by that big of a margin.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizoncol
They came back after injuries and don't look very well in the OHL playoffs. Both Galchenyuk and Yakupov were pointless tonight and Sarnia lost 2:5. Boon Jenner in 4 playoffs games has as many points as Alex and Nail have COMBINED in 5 games...
Players like Boone always excel in the playoffs, don't they? I love seeing guys like that step up!
I simply don't think Nail Yakupov has separated himself from the pack by that big of a margin.
I think he's perhaps the most dynamic, most electric in this class, so maybe that's what separates him? (Fully admitting my own lack of in-depth knowledge of the players.)
Don't know if it's obvious but as I've watched/read a little more, I'm really warming to Galchenyuk.
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I think he's perhaps the most dynamic, most electric in this class, so maybe that's what separates him? (Fully admitting my own lack of in-depth knowledge of the players.)
Yeah, I think that's fair. I think he's had the best opportunities to showcase himself, and he's done just that.
I think he's perhaps the most dynamic, most electric in this class, so maybe that's what separates him? (Fully admitting my own lack of in-depth knowledge of the players.)
Since we plan on trading the most dynamic, electric player the franchise has ever had, it may be wise to select (and keep) someone who might replace at least a part of that excitement. Even if it's just from a marketing standpoint, seems like the smart play.
Since we plan on trading the most dynamic, electric player the franchise has ever had, it may be wise to select (and keep) someone who might replace at least a part of that excitement. Even if it's just from a marketing standpoint, seems like the smart play.
That doesn't sound smart to me at all. What is smart is drafting who we think is the best player for us.
Just was listening to the Dispatch podcast and they were speculating on the possible rebuild. Several folks have mentioned their reluctance to have a goalie be the primary return in trade for either Nash or the first pick in the draft. What Arace, Porty, and Mitchell postulated depends on what the Kings do. If their pick is available around 12-15, might that be enough to get Schneider from the Nucks? After drafting Yakupov with the #1 and adding the goalie with the Kings pick, they've still got Nash to move. The Dispatch guys expect the market to grow for him and can see a significant change to the roster with just those three moves. Add in any others the GM can make and a serious difference could be made in the next off-season.
That doesn't sound smart to me at all. What is smart is drafting who we think is the best player for us.
It's very difficult for me to believe that the best player in the draft would not be the best player for the Jackets to draft. If he can be fun to watch, marketable, and make up for some lost pizzazz (and scoring), all the better.
Just was listening to the Dispatch podcast and they were speculating on the possible rebuild. Several folks have mentioned their reluctance to have a goalie be the primary return in trade for either Nash or the first pick in the draft. What Arace, Porty, and Mitchell postulated depends on what the Kings do. If their pick is available around 12-15, might that be enough to get Schneider from the Nucks? After drafting Yakupov with the #1 and adding the goalie with the Kings pick, they've still got Nash to move. The Dispatch guys expect the market to grow for him and can see a significant change to the roster with just those three moves. Add in any others the GM can make and a serious difference could be made in the next off-season.
from looking at the remaining games out west, I don't think the kings miss the playoffs-best we could hope for is 15th (if they don't qualify we don't get the pick this year)-the Kings have the easiest last 4 and could be the faves to win the division, but best I can see is 17th-18 but we'll have at least most of the info next Sunday morn. And even at 15th I don't think the 'Nucks give up Schneider evenup.
It's very difficult for me to believe that the best player in the draft would not be the best player for the Jackets to draft. If he can be fun to watch, marketable, and make up for some lost pizzazz (and scoring), all the better.
You said to draft a player "Even if it's just from a marketing standpoint, seems like the smart play". That is not smart. I don't care how marketable a player is. I want the best player who fits what we want. BTW, Nail is proably the best player in the draft, but I don't think we should draft him. I just don't like the idea of drafting playes who get hurt in juniors. They may be fine in the NHL, but I don't think that is a good sign.
You said to draft a player "Even if it's just from a marketing standpoint, seems like the smart play". That is not smart. I don't care how marketable a player is. I want the best player who fits what we want. BTW, Nail is proably the best player in the draft, but I don't think we should draft him. I just don't like the idea of drafting playes who get hurt in juniors. They may be fine in the NHL, but I don't think that is a good sign.
I did, indeed, say that. The rest of what I said in that post completes the thought:
Quote:
Originally Posted by pete goegan
Since we plan on trading the most dynamic, electric player the franchise has ever had, it may be wise to select (and keep) someone who might replace at least a part of that excitement.
Players get hurt. I'd rather he had not, but I'd not eliminate him from consideration based solely on that. There are several players who appear to be reasonable choices. Though I'd prefer Yakupov, if one of the other highly regarded draft eligibles is chosen, I'd be OK with it. If a player outside of that well-regarded group is selected (unless it's farther down following a trade) I'll be pissed. Sometimes, conventional wisdom is wise. I want no attempt to outsmart the smart guys, ala Dougie Mac.
I did, indeed, say that. The rest of what I said in that post completes the thought:
Players get hurt. I'd rather he had not, but I'd not eliminate him from consideration based solely on that. There are several players who appear to be reasonable choices. Though I'd prefer Yakupov, if one of the other highly regarded draft eligibles is chosen, I'd be OK with it. If a player outside of that well-regarded group is selected (unless it's farther down following a trade) I'll be pissed. Sometimes, conventional wisdom is wise. I want no attempt to outsmart the smart guys, ala Dougie Mac.
Yakupov with the first overall. If the Kings make the playoffs, I would take Olli Maatta with that pick. He is a well rounded defenseman. He is better defensively but no slouch on the offensive side. If Subban or Vasilevski is available at the top of the second, I would make either one the pick at that spot. Thoughts?
