Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
If we're going on scouting reports, Draisaitl seems to be the #4 (if not higher) pick. Also, in my opinion I'd always tend to lean towards the Centre rather than the Winger, unless the winger is significantly better (which by most accounts, in this case he is not)
|
This year there seems to be less 'consensus' in mock drafts and scouting services rankings. Even in a good year where there is much more consensus amongst them, they are usually just a rough approximation.
Jones last year was a very high 1st overall consensus pick from the most (or was it all?) scouting services final rankings by the draft combine. He fell to #4.
This year, the more scouting reports I have read, the more this jumps out at me more than in the past years (seemingly to me, anyways):
"This prospect has the potential to be the best player in the draft."
I am 100% sure I have seen this being mentioned in Ekblad, Reinhart, Dal Colle, Ritchie's list, and I THINK I have seen it in a Nylander report as well. Can't remember (and really, I can't remember, so don't assume it wasn't there) about Bennett and Draisaitl.
These quotes have mostly been from anonymous NHL scouts being asked their opinions.
This draft, I am 'ready' for some big surprises - from Calgary or from other teams. I rolled my eyes and laughed when mock drafts had Reinhart falling past #2 or 3 - now it wouldn't shock me. Wouldn't shock me to see Dal Colle being taken #2. I don't necessarily agree with them - just that right now, the first 6 or 7 picks wouldn't shock me with regards to the order they are selected. I think Ekblad is gone first with Florida picking - but after that it is fair game to speculate on which highly touted prospect(s) get dropped a bit lower than expected, and which prospect(s) get bumped up.
I think there is less consensus this year than there even was last year amongst NHL teams, and last year had Jones 1st on most scouting service rankings IIRC.