Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Menace
Logic would dictate that both EDM and VAN should consider trading down a few spots to draft a D-man...BUT these kind of moves in the top 10 of the draft seem to be very uncommon in the NHL. They happen all the time in the NFL and NBA, but not so much in the hockey world for some reason. (Or maybe that's just in my head?)
Anyway, I think it is very possible that one or both of them keep their pick and select a D-man, and that is probably what the majority of Flames fans hope for too...I think Tkachuk and Dubois are very real possibilities at #6.
I personally would be satisfied with Nylander as well, though many seem to have soured on him somewhat.
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It will all depend upon what is available in the broader market. If Chiarelli is able to find a defenseman - Hamonic, etc.- or two leading into the draft, he would be better to take a forward that could replace whomever he sent out (Eberle, RNH, Yakupov, etc.) in the top six and who would not need protecting in an expansion draft. In that scenario he gets a defender who can play now and a protected blue chip asset that would add size to the top 6, as opposed to a D prospect who will be at least a couple years away.
As much as the Oilers need defense, they need guys who can play top minutes now and allow the younger guys (Nurse, Klefbom, Davidson, Reinhart) to develop properly. It actually might make sense for them to take a forward or trade the pick as part of acquiring an established defender.