Move up to 6 or 8 if Luke Hughes is available

[IBatch]

10 hours ago, CanucksJay said:

Oh man, I'm a fan of good skaters. The new NHL is all speed and edge work. 

I dunno how I feel about McTavish. 

 

And all of that changes come post season.   Sure speed matters a lot these days.    Bye bye TO and bye bye EDM.   Size matters too, as does solid two-way play.    The way our team is built so far Podz will help a lot, our biggest pool need is RHD and C.   RHD more only because our C is pretty good on the roster, but it won't be forever and we have zero left in the pool in that respect. As long as it isn't another LHD i will be happy. 

[iinatcc]

55 minutes ago, BPA said:

Lol.  Maybe?

 

Trading QH should net a high return.  And maybe help fix the D.

 

QH for Smith, Severson, and Holtz.

 

In theory it would be if there is only one trading partner the return wont be that great 

[BCNate]

12 hours ago, AriGold said:

The Atlhetic staff did a mock draft tonight, this is how it ended up.

 

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, LHD, Michigan-Big Ten

Power is the safe, logical pick. He also might be a tough sell in Buffalo. The Sabres haven’t been able to score for a decade. With a thin pipeline, they desperately need more talented forwards. But Buffalo sure has the makings of a defensive powerhouse after adding Power. The 6-foot-6, 213-pounder would join a stockpile of young blueliners that features Rasmus Dahlin, the No. 1 pick in 2018; Mattias Samuelsson, the No. 32 pick in 2018; and Ryan Johnson, the No. 31 pick in 2019. Once they mature, that quartet could be a top-four group that is the envy of the league. It will just take a while for that to happen, so Buffalo fans will need the one thing that’s run out during 10 years of playoff misses: patience. By most accounts, Power will be worth the wait. His skating and two-way game make him a solid No. 1 pick. -John Vogl

2. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kraken could go in a number of directions. But the pick — for now — could be Beniers. Kraken general manager Ron Francis has a history of choosing defensemen when it comes to the lottery, going back to his days with the Carolina Hurricanes. But selecting Beniers offers the Kraken a two-way forward who stands out because of his work ethic and his commitment. Someone like Dylan Guenther might be the more potent offensive option. But Francis oversaw teams that made two-way play a priority, and it is possible Beniers could be their choice with the understanding that anything is plausible between now and when the time comes to make the first pick in franchise history. -Ryan S. Clark

3. Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton-WHL

Well, this could be very interesting for the head honchos in Anaheim. As the only team to fall in the lottery, the Ducks will likely miss out on adding Power to the blue line, and they could also miss the opportunity to plug in Beniers, the fellow University of Michigan standout with a strong two-way game and a persistent motor who would have fit comfortably behind Trevor Zegras on the Ducks’ future center depth chart. They’ve long insisted that their draft motto is best player available, but maybe this is a year where falling a spot isn’t so tragic. Guenther didn’t get as many draft showings as others at the top, but 24 points in 12 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings is mighty impressive. He has good size and is equally adept at making plays for teammates or beating goalies from some distance. The Ducks like their forwards to be well-rounded, and Guenther’s work away from the puck will appeal to them. But they’ve needed offense for years. With Power most assuredly gone by their selection, it makes sense to continue beefing up the skill level up front. -Eric Stephens

4. New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes, LHD, U.S. NTDP-USHL

By sticking at No. 4, the Devils are guaranteed to land one of the top four defensemen in this class. That is an obvious area of need. Does that mean the best player on their board will be a defenseman when it’s their turn? In this scenario, they’d still have three of the big four left to choose from. The youngest of the three Hughes brothers is an obvious connection given that older brother Jack is one of two franchise players in the organization. This isn’t strictly a nepotism pick, though. Luke is bigger than Jack (and Quinn), skates incredibly well and could absolutely blossom into the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately need in the coming years. -Corey Masisak

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

The Blue Jackets could absolutely use some firepower up front, especially at center. So with Beniers off the board to Seattle, Mason McTavish was a very strong consideration in this spot. But we went with Edvinsson for two reasons beyond the simple fact that he has enormous potential. The Blue Jackets are likely to trade Seth Jones this summer — he has told them that he plans to test free agency rather than sign an extension — leaving a gigantic hole on the Columbus blue line. Youngster Andrew Peeke is expected to be an NHL regular next season, but beyond Peeke the Blue Jackets’ pipeline of defensemen is virtually void of high-end talent. Edvinsson is 6-4, 203 pounds. When he fills out, he’ll have the size of a prototypical top-pairing defender, drawing comparisons to another sizeable Swede: Victor Hedman. It’s unclear when Edvinsson will be ready to make an NHL splash. But he has offensive upside, is a tremendous skater and has power-play capability. -Aaron Portzline

6. Detroit Red Wings: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden-SHL

The Red Wings need a bit of everything, and at this spot on the board, they have options to choose from at every position. Eklund checks a lot of boxes as a strong skater with good hockey sense who can make plays. Production-wise, he outscored 2020 top-10 picks Lucas Raymond (Detroit’s fourth-overall pick) and Alexander Holtz this year in the SHL. And while Eklund is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, he’s regarded as a good competitor, which has been an important trait for the Red Wings under Steve Yzerman. Eklund has played wing in the SHL, but he also has some experience playing center, and it’s worth it for Detroit to at least try him there to see if he’s able to play down the middle as a pro. The Red Wings’ Swedish pipeline lives on. -Max Bultman

7. San Jose Sharks: Brandt Clarke, RHD, Barrie-OHL

Considering their lack of true elite-level prospects, the Sharks probably shouldn’t be targeting specific positions; rather, they should just take the best player available. Still, a defenseman is probably preferable to a forward after they used all nine of their picks on either centers or wingers in 2020. Clarke is similar to Ryan Merkley in that he’s a right-shot defenseman, but he’s bigger than the 2018 first-round pick who had an underwhelming first professional season with the AHL Barracuda. While there was a temptation here to take one of the two goalies who could end up going in the first round, I just don’t think the Sharks would go that direction based on their history. -Kevin Kurz

8. Los Angeles Kings: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kings will need a highly skilled winger to play alongside center Quinton Byfield, and Johnson could be the perfect complement to last year’s No. 2 draft pick. It could take a couple of years for Byfield to get fully established in the NHL, and Johnson will also will require time to develop. In fact, one NHL scout pointed that out to me recently, saying: “He’s probably on the lower end of being physically ready and developed. However, you can’t help but notice the level of skill and creativity that goes with him.” Another potential option for the Kings, who are awash in draft picks, would be to trade the selection as a piece of a much larger trade to bring in present-day, high-end NHL talent. -Lisa Dillman

9. Vancouver Canucks: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough-OHL

Canucks general manager Jim Benning is a best player available absolutist. And he thinks this draft class has a relatively solidified nine-player tier, that becomes a bit more disparate and unpredictable from there. “There’s nine guys we really like,” Benning told The Athletic on Wednesday night following the results of the draft lottery, “and we know now we’re going to get one of those nine guys.” So the Canucks are in a bit of a read-and-react spot in the draft order, and that’s what we’ve done here. With the way the board our colleagues mocked broke down, McTavish is the guy remaining from that well-defined nine-player tier. Perhaps Vancouver would, in its heart of hearts, prefer one of the big four defensemen, but McTavish is no consolation prize. Gritty, intelligent, possessing a lethal shot and with scouts across the industry raving about his character; he’s the sort of player the Canucks might’ve taken a long, hard look at even higher in the draft order. -Thomas Drance

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL

The Senators need to add some skill up front and Lucius should fit the bill. Described as a natural goal scorer, he scored 13 goals in just 12 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program this past season. I know there are some question marks around his skating ability, but he’s got a knack for scoring and his shooting accuracy is something scouts rave about. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota next season and could be a nice piece of the offensive puzzle in Ottawa when this team is ready to contend down the road. -Ian Mendes

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL

This might be a little high from where most draft experts expect Coronato to go, but the Blackhawks have proven that matters little to them. They’re going to draft whomever they project to be the best player regardless of what others think. The Blackhawks know Coronato quite well. Probably no NHL team saw him and the Chicago Steel as much in person as the Blackhawks did this season. Coronato’s numbers speak for themselves, as he scored 56 goals in 59 USHL games. What was especially impressive about that production was he scored in so many different ways. There’s not just one way to contain him, and that should help the probability of him becoming a future top-six NHL winger. A league source thought his ceiling could be comparable to Brad Marchand due to Coronato’s similar size and blend of offense, motor and feistiness. Coronato’s high-pace style is a lot like the way the Blackhawks have expressed they’d like to play. He’ll probably need a year or two at Harvard before joining the Blackhawks. -Scott Powers

12. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL

This pick could have gone a few ways for me. Fedor Svechkov is a solid two-way center. While Brennan Othmann is a skilled scorer who brings a pest-y side to the game. Corson Ceulemans was also available on defense. But, one of the Flames’ biggest issues this year was consistent goal scoring, which isn’t a new issue in Calgary. Adding skill up front will likely be a priority at the draft and Sillinger fits that bill. He was among the top players in the USHL this year, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. Sillinger is a physical, skilled center with the ability to score from mid-to-long range with a great wrist shot. He would be a great piece to add to the Flames’ forward depth, and specifically at the center position. -Hailey Salvian

I'd be real happy with McTavish.  He is not my favorite of the top 9 or 10, but I could see a way he turns out to be an excellent pick.  He does bring some size grit and toughness which we are lacking in our middle 6.

[warrchief]

13 hours ago, AriGold said:

The Atlhetic staff did a mock draft tonight, this is how it ended up.

 

1. Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power, LHD, Michigan-Big Ten

Power is the safe, logical pick. He also might be a tough sell in Buffalo. The Sabres haven’t been able to score for a decade. With a thin pipeline, they desperately need more talented forwards. But Buffalo sure has the makings of a defensive powerhouse after adding Power. The 6-foot-6, 213-pounder would join a stockpile of young blueliners that features Rasmus Dahlin, the No. 1 pick in 2018; Mattias Samuelsson, the No. 32 pick in 2018; and Ryan Johnson, the No. 31 pick in 2019. Once they mature, that quartet could be a top-four group that is the envy of the league. It will just take a while for that to happen, so Buffalo fans will need the one thing that’s run out during 10 years of playoff misses: patience. By most accounts, Power will be worth the wait. His skating and two-way game make him a solid No. 1 pick. -John Vogl

2. Seattle Kraken: Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kraken could go in a number of directions. But the pick — for now — could be Beniers. Kraken general manager Ron Francis has a history of choosing defensemen when it comes to the lottery, going back to his days with the Carolina Hurricanes. But selecting Beniers offers the Kraken a two-way forward who stands out because of his work ethic and his commitment. Someone like Dylan Guenther might be the more potent offensive option. But Francis oversaw teams that made two-way play a priority, and it is possible Beniers could be their choice with the understanding that anything is plausible between now and when the time comes to make the first pick in franchise history. -Ryan S. Clark

3. Anaheim Ducks: Dylan Guenther, RW, Edmonton-WHL

Well, this could be very interesting for the head honchos in Anaheim. As the only team to fall in the lottery, the Ducks will likely miss out on adding Power to the blue line, and they could also miss the opportunity to plug in Beniers, the fellow University of Michigan standout with a strong two-way game and a persistent motor who would have fit comfortably behind Trevor Zegras on the Ducks’ future center depth chart. They’ve long insisted that their draft motto is best player available, but maybe this is a year where falling a spot isn’t so tragic. Guenther didn’t get as many draft showings as others at the top, but 24 points in 12 WHL games with the Edmonton Oil Kings is mighty impressive. He has good size and is equally adept at making plays for teammates or beating goalies from some distance. The Ducks like their forwards to be well-rounded, and Guenther’s work away from the puck will appeal to them. But they’ve needed offense for years. With Power most assuredly gone by their selection, it makes sense to continue beefing up the skill level up front. -Eric Stephens

4. New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes, LHD, U.S. NTDP-USHL

By sticking at No. 4, the Devils are guaranteed to land one of the top four defensemen in this class. That is an obvious area of need. Does that mean the best player on their board will be a defenseman when it’s their turn? In this scenario, they’d still have three of the big four left to choose from. The youngest of the three Hughes brothers is an obvious connection given that older brother Jack is one of two franchise players in the organization. This isn’t strictly a nepotism pick, though. Luke is bigger than Jack (and Quinn), skates incredibly well and could absolutely blossom into the top-pairing defenseman the Devils desperately need in the coming years. -Corey Masisak

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Simon Edvinsson, LHD, Frolunda-SHL

The Blue Jackets could absolutely use some firepower up front, especially at center. So with Beniers off the board to Seattle, Mason McTavish was a very strong consideration in this spot. But we went with Edvinsson for two reasons beyond the simple fact that he has enormous potential. The Blue Jackets are likely to trade Seth Jones this summer — he has told them that he plans to test free agency rather than sign an extension — leaving a gigantic hole on the Columbus blue line. Youngster Andrew Peeke is expected to be an NHL regular next season, but beyond Peeke the Blue Jackets’ pipeline of defensemen is virtually void of high-end talent. Edvinsson is 6-4, 203 pounds. When he fills out, he’ll have the size of a prototypical top-pairing defender, drawing comparisons to another sizeable Swede: Victor Hedman. It’s unclear when Edvinsson will be ready to make an NHL splash. But he has offensive upside, is a tremendous skater and has power-play capability. -Aaron Portzline

6. Detroit Red Wings: William Eklund, LW, Djurgarden-SHL

The Red Wings need a bit of everything, and at this spot on the board, they have options to choose from at every position. Eklund checks a lot of boxes as a strong skater with good hockey sense who can make plays. Production-wise, he outscored 2020 top-10 picks Lucas Raymond (Detroit’s fourth-overall pick) and Alexander Holtz this year in the SHL. And while Eklund is on the smaller side at 5-foot-10, he’s regarded as a good competitor, which has been an important trait for the Red Wings under Steve Yzerman. Eklund has played wing in the SHL, but he also has some experience playing center, and it’s worth it for Detroit to at least try him there to see if he’s able to play down the middle as a pro. The Red Wings’ Swedish pipeline lives on. -Max Bultman

7. San Jose Sharks: Brandt Clarke, RHD, Barrie-OHL

Considering their lack of true elite-level prospects, the Sharks probably shouldn’t be targeting specific positions; rather, they should just take the best player available. Still, a defenseman is probably preferable to a forward after they used all nine of their picks on either centers or wingers in 2020. Clarke is similar to Ryan Merkley in that he’s a right-shot defenseman, but he’s bigger than the 2018 first-round pick who had an underwhelming first professional season with the AHL Barracuda. While there was a temptation here to take one of the two goalies who could end up going in the first round, I just don’t think the Sharks would go that direction based on their history. -Kevin Kurz

8. Los Angeles Kings: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan-Big Ten

The Kings will need a highly skilled winger to play alongside center Quinton Byfield, and Johnson could be the perfect complement to last year’s No. 2 draft pick. It could take a couple of years for Byfield to get fully established in the NHL, and Johnson will also will require time to develop. In fact, one NHL scout pointed that out to me recently, saying: “He’s probably on the lower end of being physically ready and developed. However, you can’t help but notice the level of skill and creativity that goes with him.” Another potential option for the Kings, who are awash in draft picks, would be to trade the selection as a piece of a much larger trade to bring in present-day, high-end NHL talent. -Lisa Dillman

9. Vancouver Canucks: Mason McTavish, C, Peterborough-OHL

Canucks general manager Jim Benning is a best player available absolutist. And he thinks this draft class has a relatively solidified nine-player tier, that becomes a bit more disparate and unpredictable from there. “There’s nine guys we really like,” Benning told The Athletic on Wednesday night following the results of the draft lottery, “and we know now we’re going to get one of those nine guys.” So the Canucks are in a bit of a read-and-react spot in the draft order, and that’s what we’ve done here. With the way the board our colleagues mocked broke down, McTavish is the guy remaining from that well-defined nine-player tier. Perhaps Vancouver would, in its heart of hearts, prefer one of the big four defensemen, but McTavish is no consolation prize. Gritty, intelligent, possessing a lethal shot and with scouts across the industry raving about his character; he’s the sort of player the Canucks might’ve taken a long, hard look at even higher in the draft order. -Thomas Drance

10. Ottawa Senators: Chaz Lucius, C, U.S. NTDP-USHL

The Senators need to add some skill up front and Lucius should fit the bill. Described as a natural goal scorer, he scored 13 goals in just 12 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program this past season. I know there are some question marks around his skating ability, but he’s got a knack for scoring and his shooting accuracy is something scouts rave about. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota next season and could be a nice piece of the offensive puzzle in Ottawa when this team is ready to contend down the road. -Ian Mendes

11. Chicago Blackhawks: Matthew Coronato, RW, Chicago-USHL

This might be a little high from where most draft experts expect Coronato to go, but the Blackhawks have proven that matters little to them. They’re going to draft whomever they project to be the best player regardless of what others think. The Blackhawks know Coronato quite well. Probably no NHL team saw him and the Chicago Steel as much in person as the Blackhawks did this season. Coronato’s numbers speak for themselves, as he scored 56 goals in 59 USHL games. What was especially impressive about that production was he scored in so many different ways. There’s not just one way to contain him, and that should help the probability of him becoming a future top-six NHL winger. A league source thought his ceiling could be comparable to Brad Marchand due to Coronato’s similar size and blend of offense, motor and feistiness. Coronato’s high-pace style is a lot like the way the Blackhawks have expressed they’d like to play. He’ll probably need a year or two at Harvard before joining the Blackhawks. -Scott Powers

12. Calgary Flames: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls-USHL

This pick could have gone a few ways for me. Fedor Svechkov is a solid two-way center. While Brennan Othmann is a skilled scorer who brings a pest-y side to the game. Corson Ceulemans was also available on defense. But, one of the Flames’ biggest issues this year was consistent goal scoring, which isn’t a new issue in Calgary. Adding skill up front will likely be a priority at the draft and Sillinger fits that bill. He was among the top players in the USHL this year, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 31 games. Sillinger is a physical, skilled center with the ability to score from mid-to-long range with a great wrist shot. He would be a great piece to add to the Flames’ forward depth, and specifically at the center position. -Hailey Salvian

The Athletic really don't like Lysell or Wallstedt huh?

[Alflives]

Jersey will take Hughes if he's there for them.  They are selling seats.  If Clarke is falling to 7, like in the Athletic mock, then we definitely move up for him.  

[VegasCanuck]

17 hours ago, CanucksJay said:

Craig Button has Detroit picking Wallstedt at 6. If this is what draft day looks like, package Mikey D and our 1st and a 3rd and move up to grab Hughes. If Hughes is available at 8 but Wallstedt is gone, we know LA needs a goalie and offer our 1st and Mikey for moving up. 

The long game here is that the Hughes brothers' contract will always be staggered and so they'll always both be on our team which will make it easier to pry Jack out of Jersey. Fills positional need along with long term future strategy of landing jack

No, and that's giving up way too much to move up 2 - 3 positions, just for 1 player. The difference between Hughes and who we would draft at #9, is miniscule.

 

Just stay with #9, unless we can flip that pick for someone young, but established who can help out now.

 

[Tinky-Winky]

Luke not worth trying to move up for, just stay 9 and pick the best we can for that spot , and i have faith in JB with this ( hes done some very good picks for the situation we were in in the past  ) and with this crop of draftees , anyone can be a good pick since its so fickle of a draft selection

[NHL'er]

Big fan of Kent Johnson. Also, two Elias Petterssons? 

 

Craig's NHL Comparable: Elias Pettersson

 

[MeanSeanBean]

I would not move up for Hughes. I would however move up those same spots for Clarke.

[JustABandwagoner]

11 hours ago, iinatcc said:

I wonder of New Jersey gets Luke. Would it make Quinn request a trade to New Jersey ? 

More like when Quinn gets UFA, he bolts to NJD. But in the meantime hes a CANUCK

[iinatcc]

7 hours ago, DontMessMe said:

More like when Quinn gets UFA, he bolts to NJD. But in the meantime hes a CANUCK

Man this does happen ... it's another example of Canuck luck even if Vancouver doesn't move down in the lottery NJD getting Luke is a loss for Vancouver 

[JustABandwagoner]

23 minutes ago, iinatcc said:

Man this does happen ... it's another example of Canuck luck even if Vancouver doesn't move down in the lottery NJD getting Luke is a loss for Vancouver 

I mean the canucks chose moral victories over draft position. Because we won an extra 1 or 2 games, we are drafting 9th instead of 4th LMAO. 

 

People... don't argue with me, I think its a no brainer everyone would rather draft 4th over 9th. I know some may say you can get a great player at 9th, but I think its clear drafting 4th is better. Its like asking someone, would u rather have a piece of silver or gold. Choice is obvious 

[iinatcc]

6 minutes ago, DontMessMe said:

I mean the canucks chose moral victories over draft position. Because we won an extra 1 or 2 games, we are drafting 9th instead of 4th LMAO. 

 

People... don't argue with me, I think its a no brainer everyone would rather draft 4th over 9th. I know some may say you can get a great player at 9th, but I think its clear drafting 4th is better. Its like asking someone, would u rather have a piece of silver or gold. Choice is obvious 

Yeah I agree plus the wins and points the Canucks had weren't so much that they willed to get these wins in the last few games rather Edmonton already secured the 2nd spot so they weren't even trying and Calgary was just as disinterested as Vancouver playing these games.

 

So these weren't even moral victories to begin with 

[Provost]

3 hours ago, iinatcc said:

Yeah I agree plus the wins and points the Canucks had weren't so much that they willed to get these wins in the last few games rather Edmonton already secured the 2nd spot so they weren't even trying and Calgary was just as disinterested as Vancouver playing these games.

 

So these weren't even moral victories to begin with 

There was no need to play Edler 27 minutes a night to secure an extra 5 points at the end of the season.

 

Juolevi and Rathbone needed more looks to give a better idea of offseason needs.

 

Maybe a signed Green would have been more focussed on next season than squeaking out some extra points.

 

Going 1-2-0 instead of 2-0-1 was 4 draft spots difference.

 

Edited June 4, 2021 by Provost

[IBatch]

2 hours ago, Provost said:

There was no need to play Edler 27 minutes a night to secure an extra 5 points at the end of the season.

 

Juolevi and Rathbone needed more looks to give a better idea of offseason needs.

 

Maybe a signed Green would have been more focussed on next season than squeaking out some extra points.

 

Going 1-2-0 instead of 2-0-1 was 4 draft spots difference.

 

OJ wasn't ready.    Edler 100 goals .... lol  i don't know.   I agree.   Maybe the team didn't want to be viewed as the 4th worst in the league too.   Would have liked to see more Rathbone for sure.