Quote:
Originally Posted by JJsChaos
Predators
4. Darnell Nurse (D)
Hurricanes
5. Nikita Zadorov (D)
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I really do not see the Preds going with a Dman. Their needs are pretty clearly defined as needing a franchise center. If Barkov falls to them they would be crazy to let him drop.
The Canes are already considered to have a good stock of Dman in their prospect pool. What they are lacking is high-end scoring talent. Nichushkin actually makes sense for them to draft.
I could see the Canes surprising everyone by going after Fucale. After how hard they blew last season right after making the blockbuster Staal trade the Canes might be a team that is thinking long and hard about beefing up in the goaltender position. Ward is an excellent goalie but I do not think they have anything in their system for when Ward is injured or declines. Grabbing Fucale now could hopefully have him ready to play in 3 or 4 years.
But really, they would be best off grabbing Nichushkin now, adding him to their NHL roster immediately and hope that Ward stays healthy.