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Itse · 03-02-2016, 03:55 PM

This is a thought that's been bouncing around in my head for a while now, and I'd like to hear what the CP hivemind thinks.

In short the question is:
Is drafting for need now more important than drafting BPA?

I think there are clear signs that this would be the case. Trades have become more difficult to make, and as a result finding the player you want in exchange for the player you're willing to move is in no way guaranteed, and you might not get full value back. Star UFA's mostly end up overpaid, which is a killer in the cap world.

Prospects also know their value better and as a result having a logjam in a position could again force you to trade from a position of weakness or at least lowered value of prospect. (See Drouin as the most extreme case.)

For example;
I think most agree we have a pretty decent defensive trio in Brodie, Giordano and Hamilton. It's not all of a contending teams defense, but it's a pretty good start. Our forward group on the other hand is desperately short on both size and skill.

Let's say the Flames are drafting 6th. Matthews, Laine, Puljujärvi, Tkachuk and Nylander are all gone. Now I know "there's no board", but for the sake of argument the clear BPA at this point is the defenseman Chychrun, followed by a couple of other defensemen and smallish centers.

After those guys we have Julien Gauthier, 6'4" 225lbs RW, power forward with potentially elite scoring touch, good skating and a solid work ethic. In short, everything we need. (Again, at least for the sake of argument.)

Traditional logic says BPA. But with the difficulty of making trades, I just might go with the somewhat lower ranked guy to fill a much bigger hole in our lineup.

Opinions?

03-02-2016, 03:55 PM	#1
Itse Franchise Player Join Date: May 2004 Location: Helsinki, Finland Exp:	Cap World, Drafting for Need and BPA? This is a thought that's been bouncing around in my head for a while now, and I'd like to hear what the CP hivemind thinks. In short the question is: Is drafting for need now more important than drafting BPA? I think there are clear signs that this would be the case. Trades have become more difficult to make, and as a result finding the player you want in exchange for the player you're willing to move is in no way guaranteed, and you might not get full value back. Star UFA's mostly end up overpaid, which is a killer in the cap world. Prospects also know their value better and as a result having a logjam in a position could again force you to trade from a position of weakness or at least lowered value of prospect. (See Drouin as the most extreme case.) For example; I think most agree we have a pretty decent defensive trio in Brodie, Giordano and Hamilton. It's not all of a contending teams defense, but it's a pretty good start. Our forward group on the other hand is desperately short on both size and skill. Let's say the Flames are drafting 6th. Matthews, Laine, Puljujärvi, Tkachuk and Nylander are all gone. Now I know "there's no board", but for the sake of argument the clear BPA at this point is the defenseman Chychrun, followed by a couple of other defensemen and smallish centers. After those guys we have Julien Gauthier, 6'4" 225lbs RW, power forward with potentially elite scoring touch, good skating and a solid work ethic. In short, everything we need. (Again, at least for the sake of argument.) Traditional logic says BPA. But with the difficulty of making trades, I just might go with the somewhat lower ranked guy to fill a much bigger hole in our lineup. Opinions?