2016 NHL Draft Reflections

[RSchmitz]

Curious what every ones thoughts are regarding the draft. I thought our first 4 picks were solid value, many mock drafts had these guys going earlier. I also like that these guys come with size and skating ability. I much prefer this approach with our earlier picks than going after guys with big question marks.

Our third round pick is a head scratcher for me though. According to prospect rankings he's a reach, and doesn't have the size that our scouts like in a goalie. Paquette looks like a wasted pick, Oleg Sosunov was the biggest skater in the draft, which probably means he's slower than anyone in the draft as well. Any home run late round picks in there? I don't see a Gusev or a Point.

[Xaej]

Overall, it's clear that the main theme/goal of this draft was size. Not a single player drafted is less than 6'0", and they are mostly heavier, with room to grow into their height as well.

Maybe this is a reaction to seeing some of the bigger physical teams up close this year, maybe it's a reaction to our frequent injuries. Who knows the reason, but it's clear they wanted size.

The draft class looks pretty good, One 1st and 3 second rounders is VERY nice. Some of these players will be stepping into bigger roles this year, too (like the new Paquette).

The biggest missed opportunity at the draft, imo, is moving one of the big contracts. I know, I know "need two to tango" and all that jazz. But I'm sorry, I won't believe we couldn't move Filppula when Holland seemed to find an ideal fit for Datsyuk only several days after learning definitely that he was leaving.

Pretty rough to lose DeAngelo for only a second, seems like a real cutting-your-losses type scenario, there. Still, Hajek seems like a slam-dunk top 4 guy, so I'm sure it will all work out in the end, but when you have a potential 50-point defenseman, I'd like to get a little more out of him.

That said, I don't want to come off to negative here (contrary to what the internet would have you believe, it is possible to have both positive and negative thoughts about something ). I do think this is a strong draft class, and I feel much better about it than I did/do about 2015's group.

[aapbolt]

Ok

Ask me in 3 years when they get their first call up. I like the picks but it takes time for them to develop. So let's wait and see.

[RSchmitz]

Overall, it's clear that the main theme/goal of this draft was size. Not a single player drafted is less than 6'0", and they are mostly heavier, with room to grow into their height as well.

Maybe this is a reaction to seeing some of the bigger physical teams up close this year, maybe it's a reaction to our frequent injuries. Who knows the reason, but it's clear they wanted size.

The draft class looks pretty good, One 1st and 3 second rounders is VERY nice. Some of these players will be stepping into bigger roles this year, too (like the new Paquette).

The biggest missed opportunity at the draft, imo, is moving one of the big contracts. I know, I know "need two to tango" and all that jazz. But I'm sorry, I won't believe we couldn't move Filppula when Holland seemed to find an ideal fit for Datsyuk only several days after learning definitely that he was leaving.

Pretty rough to lose DeAngelo for only a second, seems like a real cutting-your-losses type scenario, there. Still, Hajek seems like a slam-dunk top 4 guy, so I'm sure it will all work out in the end, but when you have a potential 50-point defenseman, I'd like to get a little more out of him.

That said, I don't want to come off to negative here (contrary to what the internet would have you believe, it is possible to have both positive and negative thoughts about something ). I do think this is a strong draft class, and I feel much better about it than I did/do about 2015's group.

I don't you are coming off negative at all. Good take

[jaxbolt]

Didn't watch the draft but looking at the little info bar run at the bottom of the screen seems like Bolts drafted a lot of centers.

[Barlow01]

One other thought on TonyD. There was a good chance he was developing only as a specialist and not a top 4 guy the way Coop like to use them. So his value was as a righty PP QB to get the puck to stammer in his office. Well, if stammer won't be here the need is reduced. Then couple that with the fact that they feel Hajek is a top 4 guy and TonyD can't stay out of the doghouse for long and I think this becomes an easy next step.

I am disappointed but I can get it. I also think this is another sign Stammer won't be here next year.

[Xaej]

That may be true, but I still think the return may have been a bit low. Nevertheless, it's happened, it's done and over, so time to move on.

This trade is just one more step in what seems to be the skill exodus, though.

[jaydeedub]

That may be true, but I still think the return may have been a bit low. Nevertheless, it's happened, it's done and over, so time to move on.

This trade is just one more step in what seems to be the skill exodus, though.

IDK, maybe there is more to why Anthony DeAngelo was traded than just that he sucks at being a smart defensively. But I agree that they probably should've got more than just a 2nd round pick.

So with this and probable Stamkos exit, I'm guessing we can expect the death of the 2014/15 type high scoring Lightning and be back to winning games by 1 goal or losing a bunch by 1 goal. Not to repeat others but I'm a little disappointed overall I suppose. #DeadMoneyTrio lives on and the bona-fide super star that should get a decent pay raise will be walking.

AND STOP comparing Stamkos to VL4... you just can't lets see in 7 years.

[pete]

Overall, it's clear that the main theme/goal of this draft was size.

Size and getting centers. There was a definite preoccupation with stocking that position.

It's a solid draft, but there's probably not a single guy they selected that could be a core player for us other than Hajek.

[jaydeedub]

It's a solid draft, but there's probably not a single guy they selected that could be a core player for us other than Hajek.

Hope you're right. I'm also hoping SFY lucks out one day(or some mighty fine scouting) a la Red Wings did with Henrik Zetterberg one day with a mid/late pick...

[Derek28]

Hope you're right. I'm also hoping SFY lucks out one day(or some mighty fine scouting) a la Red Wings did with Henrik Zetterberg one day with a mid/late pick...

Ondrej Palat says hi. Also, Matt Peca, Joel Vermin, and Nikita Gusev were all 7th round picks that look to have some NHL future.

It all depends on what you prefer player wise. If you love pure skill guys then you're probably not thrilled with our draft class. If you're trying to find 2 or 3 guys that have the same qualities as a Alex Killorn or a Palat then you're probably happy. IMO, Katchouk is the most intriguing guy we got and I feel that he really could be an effective NHL power-forward. The last time I seen him in a game he got knocked silly in a fight, but he (as a 17 year old) was fighting a 20 year old that was a frequent fighter who had a cheap shot on one of Katchouk's smaller teammates. Great leadership qualities and I can see why he compares his game to David Backes.

I liked DeAngelo but a good two way defenseman is always going to be better than a one dimensional offensive defenseman. Plus, Yzerman and Murray love their Czech defensemen. Gudas, Sustr (I know he was a UFA but I still count him), Masin, and now Hajek.

The big Russian continues their trend on taking a project in the 6th round. They did it two years ago with DiGiacinto (didn't work), last year with Boko Imama, and this year with Sosunov. When you have extra picks I suppose it allows you to take raw guys that may have some untapped potential so at least he seems intriguing if only on size alone. Need to see how he adapts to the MHL this year assuming that's where he plays.

[pete]

They've already got a track record with drafting overagers (Palat and Paquette) and signing undrafted free agents (Johnson) that's the envy of the league, IMO.

[aapbolt]

Crunch

Are any of the draftees eligible to go to the Crunch?

[Derek28]

Are any of the draftees eligible to go to the Crunch?

Colton, Lohin, and Sosunov are but the first two are going to play college hockey next season and Sosunov is going to be still in Russia.

[RSchmitz]

Is Ingram eligible?