kenhodgejr

I would be ok if we finished the season strong and drafted in the 8-15 range. Callan Foote would be the kind of guy who would round out our team adding grit, size, character, and a big point shot. He might not be the superstar #1 centre were looking for but we will be a valuable core player moving forward making Gudbranson expendable.

I am reminded about something that Jim Benning said last draft. He said something along the lines of every team picking in the first round can get usually find a NHL quality player but the real test is by finding 2-3 more NHL players lower in the draft. That is his goal each draft. Its fair to say a few of our prospects will be NHL caliber players and with 2-3 more drafts we will have that many more quality NHL players all competing for spots. I think by 2020 we can have a good playoff ready team again. How this team will shape up remains to be seen. I would think Edler, Tanev, Sbisa, and maybe Gudbranson will have moved on, along with the Sedins, Eriksson, Skille, Magna, Dorset, and Sutter I am hopping that our new team is one with size, grit, speed, scoring, and character. I would like to see a couple players with big powerful shots. Like a young Webber or Salo. Having that option on the power play is a huge advantage. Also having a quick smooth puck moving defence man who makes smart plays. Juolevi might become that player. Also have a big body like Holmstrome or Byfuglien to plant himself in front of the goalie on PP would be a nice asset. Some more big time forecheckers and hitters like Virtanen and Ferland would be a nice addition. A number 1 centre like Getzlaf or Benn who will fight and stand up for his team and score goals. And wingers who can score, win battles along the boards, and drive the net. I would keep these things in mind when making draft picks.

If the # 1 Centre that this team needs is not available I think a big solid first or second line RD with a big shot who can clear the net would be a valuable addition. Callan Foote would be a safe pick. Almost Shea Webber like . He is currently 6ft 3, 2008 lbs and he will be getting bigger. Probably fill out to 6ft 3, 230lbs. Another player with great lineage. I think we need to start adding more big solid Canadian/ Americans to balance out the smaller skilled european players. We could use a big body with a good shot but he is not a know fighter. Would be a good replacement to Erik Gudbranson. If Liljegren can beef up and add muscle he is probably an elite 1st line pairing. compares to Lidstrom? His potential is higher than Foote but he is similar to Juolevi. A third option is Nicolas Hague- Currently 6ft 6, 212- shoots left, he will probably fill out around 240lbs. Similar to Tyramkin. He has a bit of a mean streak and dominant play. I don't see him being the star defencman of the team but he could be a great roll player.

I know he's smaller but check out the 3goals in 1 period by Eli Tolvanen. This guy is an elite scorer which we need. Pure goal scorer almost like Patrik Laine. If we want goals we should get this guy!!

If we don't pick in the top 3 spots I would go for Timothy Liljegren. Next year we look for that #1 centre or we try and trade for it

I would be ok packaging our #1 draft pick to Colorado for Tyson Jost

Sounds like Vilardi or Patrick

If we land 5 or lower I'm ok taking the best D available and taking a C in round 2 then taking a C in the first round 2018 draft

who should we take with our 1st round pick from SJ after they win the cup? Isaac Ratcliffe, LW, 6ft 5, 198lbs Nicolas Hague, D, 6ft 6, 200lbs

Juuso Valimaki would make a nice 1-2 Finnish punch with Juolevi

Granlund has elite skill. We do not want to loose him!! I think Benning is doing a great job and we are 1 or 2 NHL drafts away from being able to fill our team up with high end players. I would like to draft for #1 C or first line LD

If we land at a spot that is not able to pick a #1 centre this year than I would go with best player available. Wing or Defence. Aim to draft that true number 1 centre the year after.

Based on how the trade deadline went and the fact that we just acquired two potential top six offensive forwards. What type of player should we go after with our 1st round pick during the draft assuming we pick in the top 10????

Was noticing him out there a bit tonight. I am surprised we were able to pick him up for nothing. I think he will be a great addition to our new core group moving forward.

I just wanted to say how much I am loving this trade. I really see Granlund as an elite top 6 player putting up a lot of points. I believe this might be one of Bennings best trades.

Goldobin Horvat Boesser Granlund Dahlen Lockwood Beartchi Gaudette Virtanen Bouchier Cassels Chaput

(2017 1st) Horvat Boesser Granlund Dahlen Lockwood Beartchi Gaudette Virtanen Magna Sutter Skille

Granlund is and will continue to be a top 6 forward with elite potential

probably C or LW

I am already looking forward to the fan appreciation night for Burrows. Its going to be epic!

Ya but Lockwood and Boesser are absolute steels! Tkachuck could have a career ending injury and Juolevi could play 15 seasons in the NHL. Its not fair to judge until after. That being said Tkachuck looks like the 3rd best player of his draft class and he could play 15 seasons and be a future hall of famer. Juolevi might not be good enough for the NHL. Last year had a lot of really good prospects. Juolevi was high on every scouts list. His gift is his IQ passing skill and how smooth he is with the puck. Reminds me a bit of a Sedin on defence! Lets hope we draft a stud first line forward this year!!

I would through Maxim Comtois into that mix

Lockwood, Virtanen, and Boesser are setting us up for a lot of depth on RW. Much better than the days of Nicolas Jensen

This looks good but I think Lockwood will be a 2nd line RW.... The kid is oozing with skill

Jakes development suffered majorly as a result of not leaving him in junior another season. Then letting him start in Utica this season and slowly earn his way to the NHL like everyone else. Now their trying to teach him fundamentals on a farm team after rewarding him with a season in the NHL right after being drafted. He can't be rushed. He probably needs 2-3 seasons as a leader and captain playing big roles and taking the team deep into the playoffs. Thats how you build character, experience, professionalism, and maturity. Teams like Chicago never rush their prospects. Banning made the mistake managing Jake