silver

Totally agree. Lots of people think glass will grow from his 6'2 frame. Villardi is younger, already listed in some sites as 6'2 to 6'3 and already 200 lbs. at his age he also has chance to grow another 1-2 inches. So 6'3 to 6'4 strong center with great iq, attitude, supposedly good offensive skills down low (although his point totals don't really reflect). Will be interesting to see who we pick!

I feel the same way. He's got good size but from scouting reports the statement "not very physical" often comes up. In comparison, I've heard reports that vilardi is incredibly hard to knock off the puck down low etc. I just feel that although the game is getting faster, having that big center who can grind it out down low is still incredibly important in the playoffs. The oilers have mcjesus but it was Leon's size and ability to hold off defenders while creating plays that really stood out to me. Vilardi may not have as much skill but his iq and size (he's already 6"3 200 lbs) is enticing. Furthermore, if we end up in a position in next years draft with a can't miss center, we can move him to wing as he's comfortable there too.

I've never been a fan of drafting defenseman like juloevi (or even the Finn this year) in the top 5. You can find and develop those guys with mid first or second rounders. Makar however, has a skill set that is very unique. Although I want a center too? part of me just says screw it and go for the gamble in makar.

Exactly! This is the year to trade tanev. Will hurt short term but will be better for the long run. Not to bring up a over-talked topic but with respect to jb, I have no problem with him drafting virtanen. He had no choice. Imagine we didn't draft him and virt goes on to be a very effective power forward in the future. It was a no win situation. In addition, smaller skilled players come along every draft but Guys like virtanen don't. Even if he maxes out as a 40 point player but is physical force in the playoffs, I'll be happy.

And is anybody else scared off by makar's height? I know it's less important in today's NHL but listed as 5'10.

Devastated. But can still come up with a good player and even if all the villardi or middestat are gone, it will be between Heiskanen and glass. As much as I'm a big Tanev fan, this would be the year to possibly get a mid first for him as the group from around 5-15 is pretty much the same. His value may fall in the future if his play declines, injury, and stronger drafts. If we we end up with Heiskanen, then we pick a forward with the mid first (for example Peterson or whoever falls), if we pick a glass, then we take a defenseman like foote or Hague we come out of this draft with 2 prospects that will hopefully be apart of the core for a long time

I totally agree. Dmen too hard to predict and u less their a sure thing (which is rarely the case) id go with a forward. Just look at last year, the best dman might be mcavoy who wasn't even in the discussion with the big 3 With maker, although I haven't seen him play I worry about his size. I'm intrigued with the idea of villardi bexause if next year, we end up taking another center he can easily slot to the wing.

I get what your saying and I would be hesitant to take a small player early given our experiences of Schroeder and hunter.....but you can't include Kane or Johnson in that conversation because those guys have proven to be ppg players in the playoffs. Also marner: 4 pts in 6 games not bad for 20 year old rookie in first playoffs

I'm still a Gudbranson fan and agree we need a player like him. Tired of how soft our team is. I'm still holding out hope Pedan can be serviceable #6

Great thanks for the insight.

While I agree that our prospect pool has improved, we have to Keep in mind that with the natural history of where our team was heading anyways, the prospect pool would've improved regardless of whether jb or gillis was at the helm. Gillis was basically win now mode until 2012 and saw a window and went for it. Naturally that window closed so our team fell down the standings and got much better draft positions. The trading of second rounders was huge in my opinion (especially in a deep draft) The city practically had a parade for jb when he got dahlen in a trade, but I'd argue that a player like dhalen could've been drafted had we just kept our second rather than swapping in the gubranson trade that said, id say jb possibly hit a homers with boeser and demko. The rest, until they show they can produce in the NHL I'll hold judgement.

I haven't seen villardi play but have read as many posts questioning his speed and offensive production. For people who've seen him play, how does his play compare to draisaitl? He was listed as 6'2 210 coming out of junior but I remember scouti reports saying that he was extremely slow and his game wouldn't translate.

Hahah well it's easy to get excited about prospects especially when they're putting up numbers in other leagues (according to CDC shinkaruk was a lock for our top 6 And McCann had first line potential). Regardless, if even ONE of gaudette, goldobin, dhalen ten out to be a legit top 6 I'd be extemely happy. Granny and Baer are good guys going forward to insert up and down the lineup in the future but I'd prefer them to be the core of the third line in the future.