The CPHL Entry Draft is less than a week away. It will be a big franchise defining moment for the Stars, as I currently have the 9th overall pick, along with pick 20 and 30 in Round 1. Also I am in possession two early 2nd round picks, 35th overall and 42nd.
The 9th pick will be the highest pick I've ever had in a draft in any league. I'm not used to being up there because I usually moved first rounders for help in other leagues. Last year I did not have my first round pick when I took over, pick was used to select Luke Schenn by Chicago. Then I screwed up and cost myself Duchene this year to get Anton Gustafsson last year. There will not be a repeat of that. That 2010 pick will not be traded under any circumstances.
The pressure is a lot greater this year. I'm very nervous about the draft with so much on the line. If I screw this up ownership will probably be ready to pink slip me. I've had a big target in mind since mid-season just like last year with Gustafsson. It's just a matter of him being there for my picks.
Our drafting philosophy is to pick NHLers. No risky Russians are welcome here. We missed Grachev because of this last year (he was selected in the middle of Round 2) but I'd still rather have Markstrom. I did go too far on Swedes last year and I plan to go much more North American based this season.
This team needs help everywhere. Even with Markstrom and Bachman around, there is a strong chance I'll select another goaltender. I do not forsee selecting a goalie in Round 1 though. Just doesn't seem to be the year for goalies.
As nasty as this sounds, I would love to see some mistakes by teams in front of me, especially before the 20th and 30th picks. There definitely were some last year. I won't name names but here's the draft thread from last year and you can judge a mistake for yourself.
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=59357