Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Valimaki was selected #16.
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My bad on that.. Although, still not an incredible list. Additionally, Valimaki has looked fantastic so far but he still has only played 20+ games in the NHL so there can't be a final decision made on that pick just yet.
But you are right, 3 guys in 20+ years. Only notable (~star) and confirmed one is Backlund.
My point is that it is fine to have draft picks and I am not against them. I just don't agree with the narrative that we need to fill up the prospect cupboards when we can acquire a young player who can contribute. Good teams find ways to fill up the team with solid young players with or without the draft (For example, Tampa Bay). In my opinion, this team needs another solid Top 9 player and if you can acquire one through a trade and give up the first round pick, then I am okay with it as long as they fit in well with the rest of the core.
In 2019-2020:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Lindholm
Tkachuk-???-Neal
Bennett-Backlund-Mangiapane
Dube-Ryan-AHL Guy
Trade Frolik for a pick
Trade Jankowski+1st Round for a young cost-controlled second line center
Once again, hypothetical but people really wouldn't trade Jankowski+1st for a guy like Sean Couturier? May not be realistic but dumber things have happened when a team has had a new GM.