Don't get me wrong he would help this organization a lot, but every year we here about this bright shiny new prospect that will be "the key to the puzzle" as you call it, and every year that prospect has not fixed the problem. Young prospects to grow to the superstars their destined to be need established NHL players in their prime around them, not more young prospects. That is the key to the puzzle.
With that said, I would absolutely love to somehow get Yakupov, but he is definitely not the missing piece to being a successful team.
What's to stop the Devils from winning the lottery and selecting him ahead of us?
Besides, I can't sit through another season waiting for the NHL Draft!
is galchenyuk also going to be drafted this year?
hope we can trade nabby and comeau for some vet d man or perhaps a first round draft pick (perhaps this is too delusional) and carry away nail. Walking away with both (+galchenuk) would be sedinesque...
Thanks for the video btw, already saw it in the nhl around the league section, it provided a great bit of insight.
hope we can trade nabby and comeau for some vet d man or perhaps a first round draft pick (perhaps this is too delusional) and carry away nail. Walking away with both (+galchenuk) would be sedinesque..
Even with his injury, Galchenyuk will likely go in the Top-10 of this year's draft. So unless Snow decides to part with a Niederreiter, Strome, Streit, or Hamonic -- which is likely the cost to acquire an additional Top-10 pick -- there's almost no chance both will end up in New York.
As for Yakupov being the "answer" to the Isles' woes, I think that's ignoring the fact the Isles' current struggles go deeper than simply not having enough elite talent up front. Atlanta had Kovalchuk and Heatley (and then Hossa, who they got for Heatley) racking up the goals and points for several seasons, and still only managed a single playoff berth in franchise history.
Even with his injury, Galchenyuk will likely go in the Top-10 of this year's draft. So unless Snow decides to part with a Niederreiter, Strome, Streit, or Hamonic -- which is likely the cost to acquire an additional Top-10 pick -- there's almost no chance both will end up in New York.
As for Yakupov being the "answer" to the Isles' woes, I think that's ignoring the fact the Isles' current struggles go deeper than simply not having enough elite talent up front. Atlanta had Kovalchuk and Heatley (and then Hossa, who they got for Heatley) racking up the goals and points for several seasons, and still only managed a single playoff berth in franchise history.
Hit the nail on the head. Yakupov is not the answer at all. We can watch a line of Grabner-Tavares-Yakupov, super. What about the other 3 lines that can't score or play decent defense?
Over the last couple years some fans were trying to compare this to Pittsburgh's and Chicago's rebuild. It never seemed to enter their minds that this rebuild can turn into what Columbus, Florida(in prior years), and Atlanta are/were.
This isn't a rebuild anymore. This is a jackass owner circumventing the cap by giving washed up, over the hill veterans bs contract incentives and bonuses. Instead of overpaying for B-/B/B+ talent we get Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, and Steve Staios. It's an insult to the fans who have stuck with this team for so long.
Hit the nail on the head. Yakupov is not the answer at all. We can watch a line of Grabner-Tavares-Yakupov, super. What about the other 3 lines that can't score or play decent defense?
Over the last couple years some fans were trying to compare this to Pittsburgh's and Chicago's rebuild. It never seemed to enter their minds that this rebuild can turn into what Columbus, Florida(in prior years), and Atlanta are/were.
This isn't a rebuild anymore. This is a jackass owner circumventing the cap by giving washed up, over the hill veterans bs contract incentives and bonuses. Instead of overpaying for B-/B/B+ talent we get Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, and Steve Staios. It's an insult to the fans who have stuck with this team for so long.
You'd be surprised at how many fans still don't see it that way. There are reasons as to why Pandolfo, Reasoner and Staios had only camp invites from the Isles. Rolston is another story. The Devils won that trade.
With the exception of Staios, I don't see any of those vets helping with the development of the youngins.
You'd be surprised at how many fans still don't see it that way. There are reasons as to why Pandolfo, Reasoner and Staios had only camp invites from the Isles. Rolston is another story. The Devils won that trade.
With the exception of Staios, I don't see any of those vets helping with the development of the youngins.
I know. I'm going to try and not derail the draft thread. Yeah, there's little doubt that Yakupov wouldn't be a big help. There's only so much rookies and young players can do though. It's all about development at this point. If you don't have quality complementary players with character around your rookies and youngsters your rebuild is dead in the water. This team is full of absolute cream puffs right now besides Matt Martin. Montoya taking those shots in Colorado with no response was absolutely pathetic.
I got jumped on for saying this team is in big trouble with Staios playing first pair minutes with Streit. We're seeing how well that's playing out at the moment. Not only does he hamper Streit's offensive game, but he doesn't belong on the ice for more than 13-15 minutes a game in a 5th/6th role. I have no problem with his character, he seems like he would be a great locker room guy.
I would have loved to see this team take a shot at a player like Sheldon Souray, but guess what, Uncle Chuckles is in cruise control until he has his way and gets his real estate.
Grigorenko is slated to be drafted 2nd overall, right after Yakupov. Ryan Murray will round out the top 3. If you can't acquire any of them, I'd recommend going after Galchenyuk, who we also see in the video.
Galchenyuk was supposed to be a top 4 pick, but the injury has lowered his rank within the scouting reports. I don't know how far he'll drop, but if he's available, you guys should take him.
If the Isles finish in the bottom 5. I'd trade Okposo and the 2012's 1st for whoever has the first overall. If that wouldn't work I'd throw in Rhett and or Koskinen.
We have a couple hot streaks, finish 8-11th, and grab one of Trouba, Ebert, or Reinhart to finally get that potential #1 defenseman we've been neglecting in past drafts.
If the Isles finish in the bottom 5. I'd trade Okposo and the 2012's 1st for whoever has the first overall. If that wouldn't work I'd throw in Rhett and or Koskinen.
Whoever has the #1 overall pick is not trading it, anyway I still am hoping they can turn this around starting now, and get back into the playoff race.
I'd take a potential Winger for JT, someone who could be an immediate 2nd line center (Though Strome might be able to reach that one day), or a D-man.
I think getting a D-man is most likely to happen, don't know much about this years draft yet though aside from Yapukov.
As much as I love what Yakupov can do, I'd rather take Grigorenko between the two. ISS ranks him ahead of Nail.
As for defenseman, I really like Mathew Dumba from Red Deer. This kid is like a young Kasparaitis with better offensive ability. Great skater, a little undersized, but massive sandpaper evident in his game. Oh yeah, he's a right handed defenseman. He's actually on the younger side in this year's draft class so he'll need time to fill out. Bomb of a shot as well.
As much as I love what Yakupov can do, I'd rather take Grigorenko between the two. ISS ranks him ahead of Nail.
I've only seen Yakupov play, mind you. So I can't give an opinion on what exactly Grigorenko's game is like. But from what I've read, both on here and on other forums, he's not quite as explosive a player as Yakupov, but is arguably more able to control the ice. I don't think they're exact comparisons, but Yakupov versus Grigorenko is like choosing between Ovechkin and Malkin.
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As for defenseman, I really like Matthew Dumba from Red Deer. This kid is like a young Kasparaitis with better offensive ability. Great skater, a little undersized, but massive sandpaper evident in his game. Oh yeah, he's a right handed defenseman.
Dumba's drawn some comparisons to former Red Deer Rebel Dion Phaneuf. I'm not sure where Dumba's hockey sense rates compared to Phaneuf's, though. IMO, Phaneuf has all the tools to be one of the best defensemen in hockey, but I don't know if he's got the smarts to utilize those tools properly.
But, where do you guys seeing the team finishing? we'll draft anywhere from 1st(dont see us finishing last, but with the lottery we have a shot at number 1) to 15.
Where do YOU want them to finish? 30th duh.
If you were Garth, who would you be drafting and why? Yakupov obviously or 1 of the bigtime Dmen or 7 .
Also any "dark horse" picks in rounds 2-7 that you may have a mancrush on? Thankfully i've yet to dive that deep into the prospects.
I've only seen Yakupov play, mind you. So I can't give an opinion on what exactly Grigorenko's game is like. But from what I've read, both on here and on other forums, he's not quite as explosive a player as Yakupov, but is arguably more able to control the ice. I don't think they're exact comparisons, but Yakupov versus Grigorenko is like choosing between Ovechkin and Malkin.
Dumba's drawn some comparisons to former Red Deer Rebel Dion Phaneuf. I'm not sure where Dumba's hockey sense rates compared to Phaneuf's, though. IMO, Phaneuf has all the tools to be one of the best defensemen in hockey, but I don't know if he's got the smarts to utilize those tools properly.
Everyone knows about Yakupov - a Kovalchuk/Bure/Overchkin type of sniper. He may be a bit undersized, but the kid plays like a little ball of hate. You have to love that.
Grigorenko is that big center who's comfortable on the wing ala Malkin and I've read some Thornton comparisons. You're right Sid, all I hear about him is how he can just control the play much better. Elevate the level of his teammates.
If the Isles are in the position to draft either one, then it's obvious that Bailey was an epic fail this season. Franz is not a 2nd line center. Draft Grigorenko and let him step into the 2nd C spot and watch him go. Between him and Strome, we'll have some massive promise down the middle. The 'loser' gets put on JT's wing.
As for Dumba, hockey IQ is a bit of a knock on him from what I've heard. He goes for those huge open ice hits. He's Kaspar 2.0
Ever since 2008 fans have been saying we should draft a defenseman over a forward.
In 08, it was Schenn over Bailey
In 09, it was Hedman over Tavares
In 10, it was Fowler over Nino
In 11, it was Hamilton over Strome
Barring we somehow land Yakupov or Grigorenko, I think this is the year we really need to address the team's biggest problem: no #1 defenseman once Streit hangs em up. This is finally the year to draft our Drew Doughty, our Zdeno Chara, our Shea Weber. Hamonic, DeHaan, Macdonald, Donovan, Mayfield, do any of these guys really project into Norris candidates?
Everyone knows about Yakupov - a Kovalchuk/Bure/Overchkin type of sniper. He may be a bit undersized, but the kid plays like a little ball of hate. You have to love that.
Grigorenko is that big center who's comfortable on the wing ala Malkin and I've read some Thornton comparisons. You're right Sid, all I hear about him is how he can just control the play much better. Elevate the level of his teammates.
If the Isles are in the position to draft either one, then it's obvious that Bailey was an epic fail this season. Franz is not a 2nd line center. Draft Grigorenko and let him step into the 2nd C spot and watch him go. Between him and Strome, we'll have some massive promise down the middle. The 'loser' gets put on JT's wing.
As for Dumba, hockey IQ is a bit of a knock on him from what I've heard. He goes for those huge open ice hits. He's Kaspar 2.0
Hey PW, you can welcome me back if you'd like since i haven't posted in awhile, but don't you worry, I've been paying close attention since the season started.. )
Now, to your post:
I am disappointed in your rationale, "draft Grigorenko and let him step into the 2nd C spot and watch him go."..... If we were in a position to choose between Yakupov and Grigorenko, we are obviously picking 1st or 2nd overall. if you are picking 1st or 2nd overall, you are looking for a franchise changing 1st line player, NOT a 2nd line player..... and regardless of that, I just think Yakupov is a better player and the type of player this team needs... He is a Taylor Hall type, but even more physical... Yakupov has tons of speed, hits and has the offensive ability to play with Tavares... He is the elite skilled winger everyone is screaming for to play with Tavares.... As far as Grigorenko, I don't think he is as much of a slam dunk as is Yakupov because he doesn't have Yakupov's speed, physicality or fire...
I also believe Ryan Strome is going to end up playing 2nd line center anyway.. I don't think Strome projects well as a winger (not big or physical enough), but I see him being a great #2 centerman with his speed and distribution skills... There is also Brock Nelson, whom I believe in 2 years could end up as our 2nd/3rd line center..
In other words, it is much easier to find a 2nd line center (we may even have him in the organization already in Strome/Nelson), than it is to find an explosive winger that can play on the same skill level as Tavares.
Ever since 2008 fans have been saying we should draft a defenseman over a forward.
In 08, it was Schenn over Bailey
In 09, it was Hedman over Tavares
In 10, it was Fowler over Nino
In 11, it was Hamilton over Strome
Barring we somehow land Yakupov or Grigorenko, I think this is the year we really need to address the team's biggest problem: no #1 defenseman once Streit hangs em up. This is finally the year to draft our Drew Doughty, our Zdeno Chara, our Shea Weber. Hamonic, DeHaan, Macdonald, Donovan, Mayfield, do any of these guys really project into Norris candidates?
Defenseman or bust baby!
2010 we should've drafted fowler. Only way I would've taken a defenseman in the last draft was if larsson was there for us. I personally wanted the isles to draft couturier over strome. Isles need a fast talented winger to play with tavares. And Yakupov is that winger. Kid is a flat out beast. And we could've had weber, but milbury took some russian that never came over to the states.
2010 we should've drafted fowler. Only way I would've taken a defenseman in the last draft was if larsson was there for us. I personally wanted the isles to draft couturier over strome. Isles need a fast talented winger to play with tavares. And Yakupov is that winger. Kid is a flat out beast. And we could've had weber, but milbury took some russian that never came over to the states.
I too wanted Fowler for this Islanders group. But, for the Weber situation, it was the second round also. We can't blame him for that. The whole draft is a total crapshoot.
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