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Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
Thats fair, but there have been some interesting names thrown around of late. Don't disagree it's hard, but the Oilers are one team with the assets, and willingness to part with said assets to do it IMO.
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Yep. It's going to be interesting to see if they can turn wingers (Hall, Eberle) into defensemen. I'm skeptical they can although I do think Hall has some value league wide. It may take RNH or Draisaitl who play a much more important position. I'm very curious to see if Chiarelli can manage to deal for a defenseman that solves their issues. I'm not convinced that the defenseman they need in the age range they need will be available.
The obvious candidate to me are CBJ who have Jones, Murray, JJ, Savard and the very highly touted Zach Werenski who just left college and is ripping up the AHL already in the playoffs. But is JJ the answer for EDM? ANA might be another potential suitor but are Vatanen or Manson or Despres really the solution for EDM? I'm skeptical.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
Plus how quickly does the pick at 6 or 4 for that matter for a Dman solve their top 3 D dilemma? Likely not quick enough or with enough certainty for their situation?
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Most interviews I've heard with scouts say those d-men are probably a year out. Could be more. But like I said, if you don't grow them yourself you may never get them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
And if that pick at 6 could net us a almost ready now top 3 Dman, if I were the Flames I'd just make that pick then look to deal what will be one of 4 top 3 Dman we have on the team to answer our offensive needs.
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Yeah I'm pretty comfortable if the Flames go the NSH route and just take the BPA even if its a d-man. You can never have too many of them.
The issue for us is that both Tkachuk/Dubois are likely more NHL ready now than the d-men. And they would solve a position of need potentially as soon as next fall. So drafting them IMO could accelerate the rebuild slightly by filling an immediate need now (or at the very least within a year) and a longterm need. Drafting Chychrun and trading him in 2 years for a young power forward just doesn't solve the issue as quickly.
We're still in a good position regardless as we've already got good depth at centre and defense, two of the most important positions in hockey. EDM and VAN are the ones in the tricky position as they lack depth on defense and this gives them a very interesting dilemma this draft with theoretically the BPA at their spots being forwards.