2017 NHL Draft Thread

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sprague11

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Now's a good a time as any to start this thing. Outside the 1-2 picks, this draft seems more wide open than previous years.

There also seems to be far more excitement about potential trades today than the actual draft itself. Especially with Vegas holding a glut of picks and a glut of NHL defencemen.

Is it just me or after a couple years of being spoiled by McDavid and Eichel, Matthews and Laine, Hischer and Patrick seems kind of - just there?
 
Hischier could grow into a special player. He is electrifying on the ice and plays a full 200 ft game. I have seen comparisons to Stamkos and Zetterberg thrown around an awful lot recently, but I see him more as a Datsyuk type player.

But I agree. Not much hype, which may have as much to do with the lack of quality overall, and the fact that Nolan Patrick is probably one of the least exciting picks of the last 5 or 10 years, and nobody knows who Hischier is because he has only played for one season in North America.

And let's not forget, nobody outside of their respective fan base is excited for New Jersey, Philly and Dallas to have the top three picks. Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Toronto, etc, all have much broader appeal.
 
I got to see Hischier play in Halifax back in November, I think he was still only projected as Top-5 or Top-10 at the time. I'm not surprised he rose up the ranks so fast because the kid was dynamic and real fun to watch.

The Mooseheads have had some REAL talent go through that team in the last 4-5 years. Nico, MacKinnon, Drouin, Ehlers, Fucale, Frk...

Real thankful I have two QMJHL teams nearby. Got to see a few 1st overall picks play in junior. Crosby, Fleury, MacKinnon, and now Hischier.
 
I am happy with the Canucks pick of Pettersson. Personally I would've preferred Glass, but I think that Pettersson has a high ceiling.
 
penguinfan said:
Dont really love the Pens trading their 1st for a goon but i guess i cant complain too much.
Click to expand...

Really? I think he can play the game a little as well. I personally like the trade as for the last 2 years, other teams have really been taking advantage of the Pens with questionable hits. If the refs wont call it, then you have to have someone to keep the other team honest. I think Reaves is pretty good at that. Plus he can skate and play on an energy line. That being said, I hope he plays with discipline..
 
TanguayFan said:
Hischier could grow into a special player. He is electrifying on the ice and plays a full 200 ft game. I have seen comparisons to Stamkos and Zetterberg thrown around an awful lot recently, but I see him more as a Datsyuk type player.

But I agree. Not much hype, which may have as much to do with the lack of quality overall, and the fact that Nolan Patrick is probably one of the least exciting picks of the last 5 or 10 years, and nobody knows who Hischier is because he has only played for one season in North America.

And let's not forget, nobody outside of their respective fan base is excited for New Jersey, Philly and Dallas to have the top three picks. Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Toronto, etc, all have much broader appeal.
Click to expand...

I would argue that Philly has a pretty large fan base and Philly rookies (that are any good) will command a nice premium.
 
I liked Vegas' picks, even the 2nd round pick.

Potential steals:
Leafs - Liljegren.
LA - Vilardi
StL- Kostin (surprised the price to move up 20 picks was only Ryan Reaves.)
Nash - Tolvanen
Vegas - Hague (in 2nd r)


Other Canadian teams:
Nucks - Petersson - good potential but still a 2-3 years away. Needs to spend that time bulking up.
Calgary - Valimaki - offensively skilled dman who likes to pinch up. Not sure of if most coaches will let him off the hook for defensive responsibilities for offensive chances.
Edm - smallest (possibly ever) to make the 1st r, but super skilled and decent strength for size.
Wpg - Vesalainen - The finnish connection! Big sized winger.
Ott - Bowers - don't know a lot about this guy
MTL - Poeling - like this guy's compete level
 
Even after "losing" the #1 spot I think the Avs may have gotten the steal of the draft. (if you can call drafting at 4 a steal)

From what I gather this Makar kid has the biggest potential and upside of any first rounder. I am hearing Drew Doughty type offensive ability.

Be interesting to see how these guys pan out depending who starts the season up with the big clubs.
 
tiger tiger said:
I liked Vegas' picks, even the 2nd round pick.

Potential steals:
Leafs - Liljegren.
LA - Vilardi
StL- Kostin (surprised the price to move up 20 picks was only Ryan Reaves.)
Nash - Tolvanen
Vegas - Hague (in 2nd r)


Other Canadian teams:
Nucks - Petersson - good potential but still a 2-3 years away. Needs to spend that time bulking up.
Calgary - Valimaki - offensively skilled dman who likes to pinch up. Not sure of if most coaches will let him off the hook for defensive responsibilities for offensive chances.
Edm - smallest (possibly ever) to make the 1st r, but super skilled and decent strength for size.
Wpg - Vesalainen - The finnish connection! Big sized winger.
Ott - Bowers - don't know a lot about this guy
MTL - Poeling - like this guy's compete level
Click to expand...
The price for Reeves was a head sctatcher...pens wanting him not as much...but I think Sunquvist should have been enough
 
Love the Avs pick of Makar. Not sure how I feel about Mittelstadt for the Sabres. Kid has a ton of skill but I think that is a case of a high risk/high reward pick. Hopefully it turns out well for us.

Think Tampa got a gem at 14 with Cal Foote as well. Also agree with the above that Liljegren at 17 could be a steal.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is my favorite pick from the Sabres. Great pick, even better name.
 
dismonkey1 said:
I would argue that Philly has a pretty large fan base and Philly rookies (that are any good) will command a nice premium.
Click to expand...

Irregardless of the size of their fan base, they don't get a lot of exposure outside of their fan base. The reason kids can get so much hype by being drafted by a Canadian team is because they can get massive coast-to-coast exposure to fans of other Canadian teams. Most US teams would kill to have the kind of TV exposure that even a small market team like Winnipeg or Ottawa has.
 

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