I think you have to trade up and be aggressive when theres a prospect you really want. You want to leave the draft at the end of the day saying "we got the guy we wanted".
Well, if the Wild learned anything last year, it's to go up and select the guy that you think you want. It worked out well with Zucker last year, let's hope that this goes well also.
Well, if the Wild learned anything last year, it's to go up and select the guy that you think you want. It worked out well with Zucker last year, let's hope that this goes well also.
This. I sent my brother the same message, if they did the same trade (3rd and 4th for a 2nd) like last year, they must have been really high on the kid.
Very solid choice....whoever said this is a pandering pick is way too cynical. Why do it then? If you don't like a player you sit idly by and let someone else draft him before you pick 71st.
I saw him play at least 5 times last year and he has a huge upside. Besides, he's 17 and 6-2" 190 already.
Ok, so you're saying anyone picked from Minnesota must be a pander pick...sure.
you're right. complete coincidence we traded up to make sure this particular guy wasn't taken off the board.
not at all saying there was anyone i'd prefer, but sorry--i can't help but feel this one had a little geography factored in. just because he's a good pick doesn't mean it isn't pandering.
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not after you.
But okay. I don't hate the pick, but i do dislike what i feel the reason is behind it. CL likes it so i'm suspicious.
Much like Zucker last year, Flahr probably had Lucia in the 20s-30s, with him being ~10 spots higher than anyone else left on the board. Thats when you try to move up. Good value. Didn't move any (more) picks from next year.
He's not playing in the USHL. He'll play in the BCHL for Penticton.
NHL Network did an interview with Mike Reilly after he was drafted and he's committed to Penticton next year. Said he's actively recruiting Lucia to go with him. Didn't say it was a done deal, but sounded confident that he would be going with. Hate to lose another talented HS kid to a junior league before he's done with HS, but it would be better for his development than staying at Wayzata.
He should go USHL before going BCHL. Id rather the Dub of course but uf he's contemplating CC, U of Minnesota and North Dakota was the other I think then I'm fine with those programs.
like i said, i don't mind the pick--didn't really favor anyone else there--but i'm suspicious of the motives. Not sold on his goal scoring at the next level but I'm guessing he has some great hockey IQ.
