Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
Our center position still needs something more. I'm not sold on Monahan being able to not only handle, but excel in a 1st line center slot in this league. He may be better suited to a second line role. If that's the case, then we still have a vacancy there that needs to be filled on our way to (hopefully) competing for a championship. Someone who can handle the top role. Monahan may become that, but I'd feel far safer having the likes of BOTH Monahan and Reinhart, say, working towards occupying that spot, and doing well for us there. Center is the position you Want to have depth issues with, because as people have said many times, centers can always be bumped to the wing. And to have a true 1-2 punch is essential, I believe, to a top team.
Backlund to me would be an outstanding 3rd line center for any team, with a chance of upgrading to a second line role in the future. But he's a surefire third. I still think you can have a more skilled guy ahead for him for the 2nd slot though, despite how consistent and great of a 2-way center he's becoming. I see Backlund producing little better than at a .5 PPG rate in his career. I think you'd want someone with a little more output on your second line. He's been fantastic though, don't get me wrong.
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I agree with a lot of what you say, however, there is already talk that Reinhart is best suited for the wing. There is no player in this draft with #1 center upside. We might have that solution within the system, and if we don't, next years draft will likely be the better place to find one.
Furthermore, I saw something special in Ekblad at the World Juniors. I saw an under aged kid with composure, who a (marginal) NHL coach wanted on ice against the best opposition.
Defenseman take longer to develop, and so getting a top one sooner is better.
While I would love to draft a second Reinhart, then try to lure the 3rd over (Carolina model see: Staal), I think you try to get yourself the crown jewel (Ekblad).
The pundits don't label him as a Niedermeier or Pronger, but I think he's a Doughty!