As much as I think Murray would be the ideal guy for this team, there's a part of me that says he won't be the pick because the majority of our high end defense prospects are average/undersized PMD's. The Isles lack size and physicality on the blue line and the organization just can't be blind to that. The selections of Mayfield and Pedan last year tells me they aren't. To me, Dumba and Trouba would be better picks. Trouba projects very closely to Hamonic IMO. Good size, physical, RH, can skate, and has offensive upside. That's a very attractive package. Dumba brings a dimension that the Isles do not have at any level (including the NHL) and just seems to have the 'it' factor. He's boom or bust, but he'll thrill regardless. If he pans out, he's a game changer.
Of course, the Isles will not draft a defenseman with their first pick. It's gotta be who's ever left amongst the elite forwards. I would bet big time that they'll draft several defenseman starting with the 2nd and 3rd round picks if they follow their drafting philosophy. Snow plays it really safe with the top selections in terms of going forward then defense. I am a little concerned about how they go after the huge draft year risers rather than the safer bets though. I don't know, I am probably reading into something that isn't there.
As much as I think Murray would be the ideal guy for this team, there's a part of me that says he won't be the pick because the majority of our high end defense prospects are average/undersized PMD's. The Isles lack size and physicality on the blue line and the organization just can't be blind to that. The selections of Mayfield and Pedan last year tells me they aren't. To me, Dumba and Trouba would be better picks. Trouba projects very closely to Hamonic IMO. Good size, physical, RH, can skate, and has offensive upside. That's a very attractive package. Dumba brings a dimension that the Isles do not have at any level (including the NHL) and just seems to have the 'it' factor. He's boom or bust, but he'll thrill regardless. If he pans out, he's a game changer.
Of course, the Isles will not draft a defenseman with their first pick. It's gotta be who's ever left amongst the elite forwards. I would bet big time that they'll draft several defenseman starting with the 2nd and 3rd round picks if they follow their drafting philosophy. Snow plays it really safe with the top selections in terms of going forward then defense. I am a little concerned about how they go after the huge draft year risers rather than the safer bets though. I don't know, I am probably reading into something that isn't there.
If you have the chance to get Scott Niedermayer OR one of the Hatcher brothers, you take Scott Niedermayer and run...
Long distance thoughts - Snow drops back a bit in the draft, adds a decent (but not overwhelming) forward or Dman who has good potential to help here as a top 6/top 4, then takes Galchenyuk, whose injury and modest comeback have him available in the 8-14 area.
If you have the chance to get Scott Niedermayer OR one of the Hatcher brothers, you take Scott Niedermayer and run...
Long distance thoughts - Snow drops back a bit in the draft, adds a decent (but not overwhelming) forward or Dman who has good potential to help here as a top 6/top 4, then takes Galchenyuk, whose injury and modest comeback have him available in the 8-14 area.
Awwwwwwww, who am I kidding.
Minor sidebar, but I'm not sure Scott Niedermayer is the best comparison for Murray's upside. I don't think he's got Niedermayer's offensive ceiling.
If there's an NHL comparable (not necessarily exact style for style match, but overall effectiveness/production), I'd lean more toward a Ryan Suter. A guy who can play a shutdown role, but who can also contribute 30 to 40 points as well.
That's not exactly a bad thing, obviously, maxing out as a Ryan Suter. Just that, I simply don't see Murray having Niedermayer's offensive game to be able to compare the two.
Dumba, is what the Isles need, a big hitter with offensive flair and sandpaper..Then again I would take Trouba or Galenychk(sp)...I also would not be opposed to Reinhardt or Ceci.
Minor sidebar, but I'm not sure Scott Niedermayer is the best comparison for Murray's upside. I don't think he's got Niedermayer's offensive ceiling.
If there's an NHL comparable (not necessarily exact style for style match, but overall effectiveness/production), I'd lean more toward a Ryan Suter. A guy who can play a shutdown role, but who can also contribute 30 to 40 points as well.
That's not exactly a bad thing, obviously, maxing out as a Ryan Suter. Just that, I simply don't see Murray having Niedermayer's offensive game to be able to compare the two.
I tend to agree SdK. That's how he looks to me. I also don't see Niedermayer's wheels from back in the day.
Still, when talking with Canada's staff last spring, kept hearing Niedermayer's name being brought up when talking about Murray.
I hate all the comparisons to high end players these kids get. 99% of them are wrong, to the point of making the people who made the comps look stupid. There is no reason they can't simply state strengths, weaknesses, and where they are average and let us judge the rest.
And IMO, there won't be another Neidermayer. Most guys who reach that level stand out for their own niche play, like Orr, Coffey, Potvin, Park, etc. They used to compare Potvin to Orr back in the 70s. That comp was just as dumb.
According to a source out of Montreal ,Columbus is expected to trade their 1st rounder.
There's a thread on the main trade board.Posters who follow the reporter say he's credible.Someone posted a quote from the Blue Jackets gm and it sounds like he'll be shopping that pick.
Nail got knocked out of last night's game with a concussion.It's brought up a new discussion about his durability.
Would you guys be in favor of Snow putting a package together, to land Columbus pick if they hold 1st overall?
Isles look like they will be drafting 3rd-8th ,unless they win the draft lottery.
According to a source out of Montreal ,Columbus is expected to trade their 1st rounder.
There's a thread on the main trade board.Posters who follow the reporter say he's credible.Someone posted a quote from the Blue Jackets gm and it sounds like he'll be shopping that pick.
Nail got knocked out of last night's game with a concussion.It's brought up a new discussion about his durability.
Would you guys be in favor of Snow putting a package together, to land Columbus pick if they hold 1st overall?
Isles look like they will be drafting 3rd-8th ,unless they win the draft lottery.
I would love to get Yakupov, but I would assume the asking price will be to high. Yakupov is going to be a star in this league for a long time. Add him to JT's line and we have a tandem that is among the best in the league.
I would love to get Yakupov, but I would assume the asking price will be to high. Yakupov is going to be a star in this league for a long time. Add him to JT's line and we have a tandem that is among the best in the league.
Yakupov certainly would fit the bill for an elite winger for Johnny, but he also scares me a bit. His size has to be a concern because he plays a very aggressive style. He's not unlike Taylor Hall in style of play and I think it's a bit reckless, he'll expose himself to needless punishment. This probable concussion was his fault for cutting to the middle like that. It definitely causes me some concern.
The Isles could potentially get the #2 or #3 pick considering the remaining schedule and Montreal only a point behind. I don't think there is a need to trade up.
According to a source out of Montreal ,Columbus is expected to trade their 1st rounder.
There's a thread on the main trade board.Posters who follow the reporter say he's credible.Someone posted a quote from the Blue Jackets gm and it sounds like he'll be shopping that pick.
Nail got knocked out of last night's game with a concussion.It's brought up a new discussion about his durability.
Would you guys be in favor of Snow putting a package together, to land Columbus pick if they hold 1st overall?
Isles look like they will be drafting 3rd-8th ,unless they win the draft lottery.
Think this out then before asking for a package from us. If they know they are getting a gamer and future stud from day one in Nail, what would they consider taking back? IMO, they'd want a player who is a stud now. The only ones like that we have are Tavares and Hamonic, and given what I expect from both of them we won't move them, nor can we afford to move them even if we wanted too.
Columbus is looking to see if someone like Anaheim will bite on the bait for a Ryan or what not, and then whatever other stuff goes in each direction to flesh it out. Based on that, we aren't even a suitable trade partner. Of course if they were stupid enough to crave Okposo or something like that (hey, you never know, sucker born every minute) then sure, but I guarantee you they are putting that out there to lead in the Ryan, Suter, Weber, etc., sweepstakes.
Yakupov certainly would fit the bill for an elite winger for Johnny, but he also scares me a bit. His size has to be a concern because he plays a very aggressive style. He's not unlike Taylor Hall in style of play and I think it's a bit reckless, he'll expose himself to needless punishment. This probable concussion was his fault for cutting to the middle like that. It definitely causes me some concern.
The Isles could potentially get the #2 or #3 pick considering the remaining schedule and Montreal only a point behind. I don't think there is a need to trade up.
Kinda like LaFontaine. It worries me as well. I don't know if you got to watch Pat do his puck dazzling stuff first hand, but it was pure magic they way he could stickhandle with speed through traffic. He paid the price due to concussions though with his head down, ignore the elbows style.
Give whatever you can without getting ripped off. If we have pick #3 or #4, give them our 1st and a prospect (Sundstrom) or our 1st and someone like Okposo or Grabner and a 3rd round pick. Shouldnt have to pay too much to move up from 3 to 1. If they ask for too much, stay put. BUT, Snow should definitely get involved if Columbus is indeed interested in trading down. That's something Edmonton never showed interest in the last 2 years. Snow knows getting #1 overall adds excitement for the fan base, and may even sell season tickets.
According to a source out of Montreal ,Columbus is expected to trade their 1st rounder.
There's a thread on the main trade board.Posters who follow the reporter say he's credible.Someone posted a quote from the Blue Jackets gm and it sounds like he'll be shopping that pick.
Nail got knocked out of last night's game with a concussion.It's brought up a new discussion about his durability.
Would you guys be in favor of Snow putting a package together, to land Columbus pick if they hold 1st overall?
Isles look like they will be drafting 3rd-8th ,unless they win the draft lottery.
I don't want the first pick, but I do agree that Columbus very well may trade their 1st pick. I'm not interested in any Russians. I want one of the defenseman, or possibly Forsberg.
I don't want the first pick, but I do agree that Columbus very well may trade their 1st pick. I'm not interested in any Russians. I want one of the defenseman, or possibly Forsberg.
Get the #1 pick and take the best player available. That happens to be Yakupov, I don't care if he's Russian, Finnish, Martian, whatever. Yakupov is the best player available, and if we are lucky enough to have the #1 pick overall we better ****ing take him. A perfect match for Tavares.
