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Forum: Armchair-GMMar. 14, 2017 at 4:19 p.m.
Thread: Post Draft and Free Agency
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Stryder4</b></div><div>Leafs wouldn't retain any salary for Bozak if they taking back Pouliets awful contract. Also no way the leafs trade him, if they do that's their top faceoff man gone. Boyle is also grossly overpaid so no way that would ever happen. Otherwise decent job</div></div>

Looking at the specific moves I could see the Leafs making (especially with Ryan Ellis at 2.5m for the next 2 years) would make it VERY easy to overpay for Boyle. You can't deny that the fourth line has been MUCH better since he's joined the team. They have so many ELCs for the next 2 years that they can afford to overpay for some players on short term deals.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>DavidBooth7</b></div><div>That Ekholm trade is very realisticly possible, it could also happen with one of Anaheim's defencemen too</div></div>

You probably mean Ryan Ellis, not Mattias Ekholm. Although I wouldn't mind either! They're both great defensemen. I just think that Nashville are so stacked on the back end, and could also use more scoring punch in the forward position, that they can survive by trading one of their top four, especially if they get back a defenseman that's competent enough.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>palhal</b></div><div>I don't get this love for Boyle. There has to better 4th lines available. And do you really want to go into next season, hoping Nylander becomes an effective centre. IMO the Leafs need Bozak next year to ensure Nylander is an centre and if Nylander is OK, Bozak is the fourth liner and maybe tradable during the season.
Pouilet has the reputation has one of the more uninspired players in the league. No thanks from the Leafs. Nashville trade could be good fit for both teams.</div></div>

I can't think of any that'll be available via UFA who are better. With so many ELCs for the next 2 years, we can overpay for this guy on the short term. I think it's realistic from both sides, which is why I included it here. With so many cheap contracts I've included here like Ryan Ellis at 2.5m to be a top pair defenseman, it makes it obvious how we could afford to overpay for a fourth line center.

The Leafs are CLOSE to contending. They will most likely be even better next year, especially if they make similar changes as to the ones I've suggested here. The Leafs have to throw Nylander in EARLY and keep him there so that he can get his feet under him and show he's capable. He's done so at every other level so I have no doubt he'll figure it out at the NHL level next year.

But it's best to give him the opportunity early in the season in a sheltered role. You DON'T want Nylander learning the center position when the Leafs are bonafied Cup contenders.

Pouliot's chain has been yanked all year long by the Oilers' coach Todd McLellan. Before this year he's been a consistent 15 goal player. I think it's a risk, sure, but they can afford to bury Pouliot and replace him with Leipsic in a worst-case scenario if he's bad, but if he bounces back playing with Nylander and Kapanen, then you have a competent third line 15 goal veteran player for 2 years to help guide his young linemates. That's the motivation behind the move. And that I am also very high on Matthew Benning. I think he could potentially be a top-4 defenseman.

Edmonton could throw in Benning if it means getting rid of Pouliot. And we've all seen how broken players in Edmonton tend to bounce back elsewhere (Petry, Schultz, and to a lesser extent Marincin).

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Larkinisking</b></div><div>Brendan Smith turned down a 3 year deal at around $3.75 million per to stay in Detroit? No way does he sign for 2 years at $3,25 million per. Try more like $4.25 million per for 3 years at least.</div></div>

OK - I didn't know this. Considering the moves I could see the team making, paying Smith 1m and an extra year is doable. We'd still have the cap space.

Thanks for posting this info, though.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>rangersandislesfan</b></div><div>Sorry, but way too much for a 2nd pairing d-man.</div></div>

Haha which one? 4.5m for a 2nd pairing-defenseman is pretty standard.

And considering the cap space, the Leafs could also overpay for bottom pairing depth on a shorter term length deal.

Thanks for commenting.
Forum: Armchair-GMMar. 12, 2017 at 12:42 a.m.
Thread: Is there a dman availablr
I think the Leafs' best bet is to target a player who could POTENTIALLY reach top-pairing status.

When thinking about RHD, names like Josh Manson and Brett Pesce are often brought up but those two players will likely not be made available to acquire. If anything, Anaheim will trade Vatanen before risk losing Manson, and Carolina don't really have strong RHD depth after Faulk and Pesce.

A name I've brought up but many others haven't that I think has true potential is <strong>Colin Miller </strong> from the Boston Bruins.

He's a 24-year-old RHD and has been playing on the Bruins' bottom-pairing, which is hilarious, considering how much better he is than either McQuaid or Carlo. The Bruins clearly don't know what they have with him, and with McAvoy possibly joining the team next year, he could potentially be had at minimal cost compared to much more high-profile d-men around the league.

He's real solid defensively, can skate, and make effective breakout passes. I think he would be an ideal partner for Rielly.

And he was the captain of the Soo Greyhounds when he played in the OHL so Kyle Dubas probably knows who he is and might already be on his and the Leafs' radar.
Forum: Armchair-GMFeb. 26, 2017 at 1:04 p.m.
Thread: Montreal / Toronto BLOCKBUSTER (Rielly +)
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>palhal</b></div><div>You're comparing Reilly to Lindros? Let's stop rating players as # 1, 2s etc. It makes zero sense. When Carrick and Hunwick are out on the ice for their 17 minutes a game, who are the Leafs # 1 pairing at the time....Carrick and Hunwick.
Canadians and Leafs are almost tied in the standings and yet you say, the Leafs don't need Reilly but the Canadian do? What's that logic?</div></div>

Montreal needs an elite puck-moving defenseman. Rielly would be able to jump right in and now and help them.

With Toronto, we can be patient with the assets in the trade and hopefully land on more than one game-changing talent just like Quebec/Colorado did with the Lindros trade that eventually helped give them two Stanley Cups.

So, yes, Montreal would be giving up a lot, but considering where they're at and what Rielly would provide them it'll be something that helps them win now and for the near future but also helps the Leafs gain the assets they'll need to get take themselves over the top like Colorado.
Forum: Armchair-GMJan. 27, 2017 at 7:00 a.m.
Thread: Blues suck lets go next year/ shattenkirk
Everything I've read about Toronto management says that they have no interest in trading picks and prospects for pending UFAs, even if it means an extension. Wait until UFA, and possibly offer Shattenkirk a 2-year $9 mill contract is what I've read as being an intriguing option that they may pursue after the season when the Leafs have like $20 mill of cap space for 2017-18.

But, yeah, they'll most likely wait until the off-season and take a swing if he goes to market than give up pieces like what you've proposed.

I would confidently say that Travis Dermott is Toronto's best D prospect, even though Andrew Nielsen has a lot more points this year in the AHL. Dermott is a better skater (still needs improvement, though) and overall a more complete defenseman that is probably another year away from the NHL, while Nielsen would be closer to 2 years, and that is if he drastically improves his skating and defensive positioning. Offensively, Nielsen is already an NHL calibre monster from the point. He isn't close to NHL level anywhere else, unfortunately.

The Blues are in a tough spot, no doubt.

I think it's going to be a tough market for them to get anything more than a conditional 1st rounder in 2017 (that'll change to a 2nd if he doesn't sign with said hockey club). I think that's the best they'll get for Shattenkirk, and it won't be from Toronto in all likelihood.
Forum: Mock-DraftJan. 27, 2017 at 6:02 a.m.
Forum: Armchair-GMJan. 25, 2017 at 1:55 a.m.
Thread: Blockbuster with Leafs
The only player I realistically trade Willie straight up for would be Hampus Lindholm (and Anaheim most likely isn't doing that, but considering how there might be bad blood from their negotiations, you never know. Especially since they seem to love Fowler more and might favour Theodore and Jacob Larsson since they're supposed to be a budget team.)

Willie has had spectacularly bad shooting luck this year (while still having 30 points!), otherwise he would potentially be leading all rookies in points. He's been overshadowed by Matthews and Marner (both exceeding expectations) so people are now undervaluing him as if he were an average top prospect. He's much more valuable than a Dylan Larkin or a Sam Bennett and I wouldn't be surprised if we look back at the 2014 draft in 2-3 years and come to the conclusion that he would be the first overall pick in a redraft. I wouldn't go that far yet but he has that ceiling.

He's a special player is what I mean.

And besides, Hamonic is turning 27 in August and has been having a bad year. If anything, the Isles would be selling low on him just like the Oilers did with Taylor Hall.

The Leafs management team seems too smart to make such a misguided move. I'm so glad I can say that after over a decade of incompetence.

The last thing the Leafs should be doing anyways is trading one of their future star players away this early on, especially.

Target teams who undervalue specific players and exploit their situations whether it's regarding their cap, the Expansion Draft, or prospects they expect to come in.

Boston would be a good example.

I think Colin Miller would be a great pickup. He's a shutdown right shot defenseman whose been playing on Boston's third pairing. They've been playing Adam McQuaid and Brandon Carlo ahead of him (I think he's better than both, personally) and with McAvoy possibly coming in next year, why couldn't the Leafs try to make a trade for him? He'd be an upgrade over Marincin or Carrick and slot in perfectly with Gardiner.

You don't need GREAT (overvalued or star) defensemen when there are guys like Colin Miller who can do the job and not cost a ton.

That's what the Leafs need to do as opposed to trading away young stars.

We have Reilly, Zaitsev, and Gardiner. Another competent piece like Colin Miller and Travis Dermott probably another year away, we'll have a solid blueline that won't blow people away, but you know what? They'll get the job done. And that's all you need when you have Matthews and Marner and Nylander, and Kadri on a sweetheart deal.
Forum: Armchair-GMJan. 25, 2017 at 1:29 a.m.
Thread: Next Year's roster
I really like Manson and would love if the Leafs were to aquire him for what you're proposing but I have a feeling they'd rather trade Vatanen before giving up Manson.

And I think Boone Jenner would be an excellent 3rd line center for the Leafs as well but I can't see Jarmo Kekalainen accepting that. Columbus is up against the cap so we'd have to retain a good portion (probably 50%) of Bozak's salary and a few prospects like Kapanen that would be exempt from the Expansion Draft. I honestly don't think they'd want Bozak either. They're going to need to trade a couple of players so that they can afford to pay Alexander Wennberg, so if they do decide to trade Jenner, it would most likely be for picks and prospects on top of the team they're trading with taking back contracts like Scott Hartnell.

I like Ryan MacInnis's potential more than Frederik Gauthier's. Christian Dvorak would be another nice piece from the Coyotes. They have a deep prospect pool, huh? Glad the leafs aren't in the Western Conference with teams like the Jets and Coyotes. They're gonna be tough to beat in a few seasons.

Hopefully by then the Leafs will have a a cup or two.
Forum: Armchair-GMJan. 22, 2017 at 6:49 a.m.
Thread: Deadline deals if they traded JVR and Bozak
I can't see Anaheim trading Ritchie to be honest. I've been impressed by him this year. He has more to offer than I initially thought when he was selected10th overall in the 2014 draft.

Josh Manson would be fantastic, though. The only problem with that is based on how he plays and is probably perceived by Carlyle and Anaheim management (a tough shutdown man that is actually good). I doubt he would be available. Especially in-season when you consider that he's making the exact same amount next year.

I would add Kapanen and a couple of first rounders along with JVR if it meant getting Lindholm, though. Again, HIGHLY UNLIKELY, I get that. But it would be epic.

I really like Anaheim's D prospect Jacob Larsson. Wouldn't mind if the Leafs figured out a way to aquire him as well.

It's so tough to make these trades during the season when BOTH teams are likely to make the playoffs.

Fucale isn't good at all and we already have Kaskisuo and Bibeau and Sparks clogging up our weak goalie pipeline as it is. No more 'meh' goalies please. It's nice to see Joseph Woll doing well this season for Boston College. He's our one bright light between the pipes.
Forum: Armchair-GMJan. 20, 2017 at 6:29 p.m.
Thread: Trade Deadline: JVR to LA
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>zaia81</b></div><div><i>No Way LA does this they aren't moving Muzzin. If you want a top 4 dman you are probably only getting Martinez from LA as the rest of their d core doesn't have much value with the exception of Doughty and Muzzin.</i></div></div>

I think Jake Muzzin is one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL today. He's a legitimate shutdown D that you can play 20+ minutes. Most players people usually refer to as "shutdown" tend to be guys who can barely skate and play. Muzzin can definitely do both. He's exactly what the Leafs need, IMO.

The reason why I did this was because everyone can see how good LA are defensively from a TEAM perspective, which would from a Leafs fan's perspective at least, make you think that one of their D might be expendable for a high-scoring winger that LA is sorely lacking right now. Carter is the team's only consistent offensive threat now that Toffoli is hurt. It's been a big problem for LA and adding a player like JVR would be huge for them.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>LoovTrain</b></div><div><i>Yes it is... but this would only happen if LA mgmt has lost their collective minds.</i></div></div>

LOL -- Yeah, I think I went a little overboard with adding one of their better defensive prospects and a first.

It would be a great fleecing!

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>JimCarrey</b></div><div><i>Muzzin alone is too good to pass up, besides being a lefty, he's the epitome of what the leafs are missing/need to be a contender

I would even go JVR+Carrick for Muzzin</i></div></div>

Honestly? I would do this, too. Muzzin is such a perfect fit for this team going forward and I think they have a real shot at the cup over the next couple of years before Matthews and Marner's ELC expire.
Forum: Mock-DraftJun. 13, 2016 at 2:03 p.m.
Thread:
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>BreKel</b></div><div><i>Questionable decisions? One of the most overblown points made about the Bruins draft, last season. Let's ignore their 2nd round, that they did amazing in, and added Gabrielle in the 4th. Bruins are known to have interest in Jake Bean, Dante Fabbro, and Charlie McAvoy. I see in your mock, you have 3 of them there for the Bruins at #14. Bruins need to add another defenseman to the pool as well. So while you're trying to come off as intelligent (and probabyl oozing with sarcasm when you mock draft them) I don't see a way they pass on any one of those 3 at #14.

Another guy they really like is Markus Niemelainen, and in your mock draft, you have him dropping. They would easily take Niemelainen over Stanley.

A little research goes a long way....Unless you just like dumbing yourself down with the rest of the fans who think they sound intelligent when talking about the Bruins draft...1st round, i mean, since they had a solid draft anyway.</i></div></div>

I mean, for your sake, I hope you're right. But, clearly from my perspective, Boston seems to be a team that wants to win NOW. Defensemen like Fabbro and McAvoy and Bean are probably at best 2-3 years away from making an impact in the NHL. They probably think they can get a player that can play sooner in Jones (1 yr away probably) and Stanley (he's SO BIG lol).

I dunno -- Zboril looks like a bad pick right now and he was projected to go in the mid-1st. Drafting defensemen can be a crapshoot. Even in the first round. They might look at that and think about making a safe pick at #14. Jones is really safe in that regard. Big, great skater, good hands. He'll be a 2nd liner on most teams.

DeBrusk looks decent, and Senyshyn has been fine in the CHL as well, but they passed on two blue-chip prospects in Barzal and Connor. And it's not like they weren't highly touted coming into the draft either. Barzal was projected to go 6th overall and Connor 9th, while DeBrusk was looked at as a late 1st rounder and Senyshyn as a mid-2nd. And they still look like poor decisions to this day.

I won't go into later draft picks, unless you're talking about Carolina stealing Sebastian Aho at 35 and Pittsburgh with Sprong at 46, it's still probably too early to assess most of those players at this point.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>keepcalmandbergeron</b></div><div><i>Bruins take any of the next 6 over Jones at 14. Boston is drafting high on character, Jones does not fit that description.</i></div></div>

LOL
Forum: Mock-DraftJun. 12, 2016 at 5:40 p.m.
Thread:
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>BreKel</b></div><div><i>That sure is a lot for Edmonton to give up for PK Subban. Take out Klefbom. It make no sense for them to deal him WITH RNH (and the 4th) for Subban.

Don't like Max Jones OR Logan Stanley for the Bruins. Better players available for them.</i></div></div>

Edmonton has a lot of LHD, Klefbom and RNH missed most of last season with injury, and the money was close enough to Subban's contract.

If you want one of the best defensemen in the NHL you're going to have to pay a lot. Montreal would also be assuming some risk here by taking back two talented young players with injury histories.

Yeah, I think Max Jones is decent there (probably better to pick at 20) and LOL at Logan Stanley. I wouldn't pick him with a 2nd rounder.

But Boston has made very questionable decisions at the Draft before and I don't expect their mindset to change this year.

It was basically me trying to think how Sweeney would. Sorry, man.
Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 3, 2016 at 4:47 p.m.
Thread: On The Verge?
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>palhal</b></div><div><i><div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>leafs1967again</b></div><div><i><div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>palhal</b></div><div><i>Soshnikov would be exempt from the expansion draft. Please no Cody Franson again.</i></div></div>

Are you sure? Already played 1 year of pro. 2016/17 makes 2?</i></div></div>

Apparently a player can play two years of pro in North America and be still be exempted from the expansion draft. Three years and more of North American pro and he's draft eligible.</i></div></div>

Thought that Franson might take a 1 year deal to come to a familiar place that'll pay him more than anywhere else. That was the idea. And if you pair him up with Gardiner then he doesn't really have to carry the puck at all. He can make an effective outlet pass and is great from the point and PP.

I'm not saying IT HAS TO BE Franson but I guess I should have emphasized: Veteran RHD on a short term stop-gap contract until (hopefully) Connor Carrick is ready to take over that role in the following season.

Also, Hyman and Sosh have to be protected.

Check this out for more info: <a href="http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/3/17/11248450/how-does-the-nhl-expansion-draft-work-a-primer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How does the NHL expansion draft work? A primer</a>
Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 3, 2016 at 4:43 p.m.
Thread: On The Verge?
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Juice</b></div><div><i>I like that he just had fun with the whole concept...you guys are all too serious for a beautiful Friday. Also, none of the experts have a clue when expansion is going to be announced for sure so can we all stop pretending like we know how GM's are going to respond, or when they know which off season they need to respond in?</i></div></div>

Thank you! LOL.

I was just having a bit of fun.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>leafs1967again</b></div><div><i>This is kind of dumb. Assuming Vesey, an unlikely top line player, signs in Toronto (very good chance he won't) and becomes a top line producer?</i></div></div>

It doesn't hurt to be optimistic!

He's an intelligent (Harvard grad), skilled player with size (6'3") that can cycle the puck. Every line could use one of those types, and with Matthews and Marner used as a tandem here, I just thought it would be interesting to include Vesey as a very optimistic possibility.

Yeah, Vesey is likely going to sign in Boston. I mean, if you're a Leafs fan, wouldn't it be great if Vesey signed here and played himself into a top 6 role on the LW?

That was the point of including him here.

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>EvanCarr</b></div><div><i> Lastly, they would not be that idiotic to sign Thomas Greiss to almost $4 million per year to be a backup-quality starting goaltender.</i></div></div>

Griess was a BIG reason the Islanders even made it to the second round this year. He consistently has had an above avarage save percentage throughout his career up to this point. He's a legitimate #1 goaltender for a team that recognizes how underrated he is by a lot of people -- including you, apparently.

I would add Michal Neuvirth from the Flyers as well. He's been an above average NHL goalie for a number of years.
Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 2, 2016 at 10:09 p.m.
Thread: Leafs Offseason
If the Leafs can't trade for a promising young goalie like Malcolm Subban (BOS) or Calvin Pickard (COL) then I think targeting someone like Carter Hutton on a one year deal is smart. So kudos for giving us that idea to think about as a future possibility since I totally believe that neither goalie we have on the Marlies is ready enough to be an NHL backup next year.

I'm personally not interested in trading for someone like Anaheim's Frederick Anderson. So young (Subban, Pickard) or short-term (Hutton) makes the most sense for now.

Not a fan of the Demers signing. With the expansion coming you're leaving Carrick exposed.

Leafs are most likely going to lose one of Komarov, Soshnikov, Hyman, Brown, or Carrick to the expansion draft.

If we hold off on signing another defensemen until afterwards then we can protect Carrick.

We could also potentially lose Marincin too but he's one of those defensemen that seems to be widely underrated so maybe not.

Zaitsev has been playing in the KHL for a few years so I doubt he plays bottom pairing minutes. That will likely be Carrick's role as he hasn't consistently played at the NHL level in his career yet and will need to brought in along slowly. Pairing him with Marincin or Hunwick on the third pairing would be better for his development.

And for as much as I like Carrick, there is no way he's getting $2.5m without having played a full season of high-level pro hockey. He might get $1m but that depends on how good his agents are. I would guess he probably gets around $950k.

A Stamkos haircut would be lovely but I doubt he would consider doing that, especially with the higher taxes pro athletes have to pay in Toronto compared to most other cities.

Letting the vets ride out their contracts definitely isn't the worst idea but I think it would be beneficial to move one of them out to make room for another Marlie or hopefully Jimmy Vesey.
Forum: Armchair-GMJun. 2, 2016 at 9:50 p.m.
Thread: TML moves William
There's no way the Leafs would ever make that trade with Minny for Nylander.

He's their future #2 centre for the next 10-15 years (hopefully) behind Matthews. The last 20 game stretch of this past season proved that Willie is capable of playing that role in the future. If you were to re-do the 2014 draft again most scouts I've read have mentioned that Willie would absolutely go in the top 5.

For as many bad decisions EDM has made, I have to think that they probably don't give up a 2nd rounder for Corrado. He's still too unproven, whereas the Oilers are probably looking for a RHD with a little more experience.

The Gagner deal is baffling since we already have a stop-gap 4th line centre for the next year in Laich, so it doesn't many sense at all to do that. And we'll most likely see Byron Froese as the Leaf's extra skater where you currently have slotted Laich.

I like that you've at least put Hunwick in as the 7th D. Heh. I'm fine with him in that role as long as he doesn't sniff top four anything. He's a decent bottom pairing guy and that's it.

I've mentioned this in a few other posts, but yeah, Sparks isn't ready to be an NHL back-up. Either trade for a young goalie with promise or sign a veteran for 1-2 years.

Matt Dumba is a decent defenseman, and being a RHD is great, but he and Nino aren't worth what Nylander potentially brings to the team.
Forum: Mock-DraftJun. 2, 2016 at 1:02 a.m.
Thread:
Here's everything in bolded text. Easier on the eyes!

<strong>ROUND ONE</strong>

<strong>1. C Auston Matthews (ZSC Lions, SUI)</strong>

Info from the Draft Analyst:

The hockey gods rewarded Toronto’s tortured fanbase with the opportunity to bask in the glee from receiving the club’s first top pick in 31 years.

That pick should be Matthews, a dynamic, franchise-changing pivot who nearly won the Swiss League’s MVP award as an 18-year-old. A dominant player whether he’s shooting it or dishing it out, he’s ready for the rigors of the NHL, and his upbringing will prevent the GTA pressure cooker from bugging him.

<strong>30. RHD Adam Fox (U.S. NTDP)</strong>

Info from Scott Wheeler (Future Considerations):

Under the radar guy whose offensive production is impressive.

Draft Anaylst info on Fox:

A dynamic playmaker who was named top defenseman at the 2016 U18 worlds. Fox set the single-season NTDP scoring mark for defensemen with 59 points and basically took the No. 1 role away from Chad Krys.

Graceful and extremely creative, he’s headed to Harvard in the fall, so being an Ivy Leaguer may mean he’ll be there for a while. Still, his view of the ice is already pro-level.

<strong>ROUND TWO</strong>

<strong>31. C/W Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors, WHL)</strong>

Info from the Draft Analyst:

A crafty yet undervalued two-way center with excellent vision, Howden’s point totals would be way higher had he not taken a back seat to Moose Jaw star vets like Brayden Point and Dryden Hunt.

He can also play wing, kill penalties, and has absolutely no problem running a power play.

Howden isn’t as fast as brother Quinton (25th overall in 2010), but he makes up for it with smart positioning, a soft touch and strong all-aroung hockey sense.

<strong>57. LHD Ryan Lindgren (U.S. NTDP)</strong>

Draft Analyst info:

This future Minnesota Gopher served as captain for Team USA, and you can certainly see why he was chosen. He’s a strong young man with very good offensive instincts, using his size (6’0, 200) and strength to lean on opponents as he separated them from the puck.

He’s a very good skater with a keen eye for openings. Lindgren is a battler and a tough one-on-one matchup, and can be trusted to move the puck up the ice without it breaking into a million pieces.

<strong>ROUND THREE</strong>

<strong>62. G Stephen Dhillon (Niagara Ice Dogs, OHL)</strong>

Info from The Draft Analyst:

Stephen assumed an understudy role to Carolina first rounder Alex Nedeljkovic for the Niagara Ice Dogs in the OHL.

This kid has a ton of potential, and he’s one of the draft’s youngest eligible goalies — he is only a few days from being eligible for next year.

Dhillon plays an aggressive butterfly, and the kinks we noticed at the Hlinka (form, net awareness) were quickly addressed, albeit in limited opportunities. His size-quickness combination is rare, and with draft picks for days, the Leafs can afford to take a chance on him early..

<strong>72. RHD Luke Green (Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL)</strong>

Draft Analyst info:

One of the steadier defensemen available for any round who quietly had a strong season for an Ice Dogs’ squad with a deep blue line. Green came to Saint John with high regard — he was the first overall pick in the 2014 QMJHL Draft — but he stagnated after a strong rookie season a year ago.

Compounding things was a nasty hit from Cape Breton’s Pierre-Luc Dubois in March which may have been the catalyst behind his average postseason. Still, Green is a very good skater with terrific instincts and is one of the draft’s better shot selectors from the back end; if Green is taking a shot, it’s going to be hard and accurate.

<strong>ROUND FOUR</strong>

<strong>92. LW Jonathan Dahlen (Timra, Allsvenskan)</strong>

Info from The Draft Analyst:

Predatory winger with an excellent touch around the net, much like his father Ulf who played over a dozen NHL seasons as a grind-it-out power foward.

Jonathan’s game differs from his father’s in that he’s a bit quicker and more flashy but not nearly as physical. He had an outstanding season for Timra, with solid showings at both the U18 Hlinka and U19 Five Nations.


<strong>101. LHD Dennis Cholowski (Chilliwack, BCHL)</strong>

He's ranked #23 by Central Scouting but I'm guessing he falls.

More info from The Draft Analyst:

Steady two-way defender whose name started to ring bells following December’s World Junior “A” Challenge.

He’s got good size to work with, and he makes smart plays, specifically picking the right time to either join the rush or sneak into the left circle for a quality scoring chance.

Cholowski is bound for the University of Minnesota-Duluth, so the Leafs can be patient with a defender with top-4 upside.

He’s far from physical, however, and it seems the way he processes the game is the biggest, possibly only reason why he’s skyrocketed up the rankings.

<strong>ROUND FIVE</strong>

<strong>122. G Joseph Woll (US U18, NTDP)</strong>

Good size for a goalie at 6'3" and 196 lbs. according to online sources.

Following info from The Draft Site:

Missouri-born goaltender with long arms and legs, but is still in the early stages of his development in terms of movement, instincts. Committed to Boston College.

<strong>ROUND SIX</strong>

<strong>152. RHD David Quenneville (Medicine Hat, WHL)</strong>

Some have him in the 90-100 range but I think he slips since he's only 5'8". I think he's worth taking a swing with here, though.

<strong>179. C/RW Oskar Steen (Farjestad BK, SHL)</strong>

A Dmytro Timashov-type (highly touted prospect who went in the 5th round last year).

I think he falls to the 5th or 6th round. Projected to go in the 4th but any player after the first round can go anywhere from what the past has told us about the NHL draft.

Draft Analyst info:

Quick winger with a knack for burying the puck who played well in a brief stint with Farjestad’s senior club.

Steen is a hard worker who can play on both the power play and the penalty kill, and you can fit him into the same category as fellow draft-eligible Swedish sparkplugs Carl Grundstrom and Jesper Bratt.

The biggest knock on Steen is that he isn’t very tall (5’9), but he’s strong and can play a physical, in-your-face style, especially on the forecheck.

He was superb at the Five Nations tournament in November, and made big plays at the U18 world championship in April.

<strong>ROUND SEVEN</strong>

<strong>182. RHD Nikita Makeyev (Russia U18, MHL)</strong>

Small right-handed defenseman.

Ranked #54 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters) but I think he drops like Nikita Korostelev who was ranked by many in the top 40 and went in the 7th round as well.


All of these currently numbered rankings are from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NHL_Entry_Draft" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_NHL_Entry_Draft</a>

I think this year's draft (like most drafts, I guess) are going to have players who you thought were going in the second end up in the fourth or fifth, etc.

It should be chaotic and fun.

Would love to read your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!