Hmmm, this has the makings of last year's draft, with a huge run on forwards in the top 10.
I certainly hope BPA at our 15 spot is a forward. If it's a Dman, we need to trade down unless it's Murphy, which I don't see it being.
I think there ought to be a few quality forwards available when we pick despite an initial run on them. I think Boston and Columbus could both use a quality puck mover, so I'd be very surprised to see Murphy and Hamilton last beyond those teams.
That likely leaves us selecting from guys like Scheifele, McNeil, Zibanejad, Armia, Bartschi, Grimaldi, Miller, etc. However, all things considered, it's always the best idea to take the BPA which I fully expect us to do.
I think there ought to be a few quality forwards available when we pick despite an initial run on them. I think Boston and Columbus could both use a quality puck mover, so I'd be very surprised to see Murphy and Hamilton last beyond those teams.
That likely leaves us selecting from guys like Scheifele, McNeil, Zibanejad, Armia, Bartschi, Grimaldi, Miller, etc. However, all things considered, it's always the best idea to take the BPA which I fully expect us to do.
If we could come away with Zibanejad or Scheifele, I would be ecstatic. I hope Grimaldi drops like a rock, I would love to pick him up with one of our 2nds. The kid has insane talent, and if he can play in the NHL at his size, might be a steal in the 2nd.
If we could come away with Zibanejad or Scheifele, I would be ecstatic. I hope Grimaldi drops like a rock, I would love to pick him up with one of our 2nds. The kid has insane talent, and if he can play in the NHL at his size, might be a steal in the 2nd.
I don't think Grimaldi will fall out of the 1st. Catenacci probably, but I think Grimaldi is just too talented for some of the teams late in the 1st.
With the 7th overall draft pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, the Atlanta Thrashers are proud to select:
Dougie Hamilton, Niagra IceDogs, OHL.
With Strome off the board, I think this would be the best pick for them barring a trade up. It gives them a VERY solid defense, probably top in the league in a few years, especially if they don't move Bogosian. It also potentially allows a Bogosian deal to bring a first line center to the Peg.
In thinking about it, you probably need to make the call on him for the duration of the draft right now - otherwise, by the time the deadline expires he has the potential to be a SWEET second round pick for someone.
[I am WAAAY too into this draft. June 24th can't get here soon enough.]
