Quote:
Originally Posted by JTech780
My top pick for 19th overall is Hendrix Lapierre, if he is still on the board. I see a lot of similarities to Mathew Barzal, in the way they play and the fact the both were rated higher going into the season and fell due to injuries. That's the upside I see with Lapierre, and I get that there is significant risk due to his injury history and primarily his concussion history, but I think his upside is worth the risk especially picking at 19.
The other guy I hope falls to us if Lapierre is off the board is Dylan Holloway. I think he gets knocked because his stats don't jump off the page, but he was one of the youngest guys in NCAA last year, playing on one of the youngest teams. I think you will see a significant jump in his production this season. He is fast, plays hard and plays well at both ends. He reminds me of Dylan Larkin.
Connor Zary would be my 3rd choice here. He is more of a safe pick, he doesn't have the upside of the other two, nor does he have the skating ability. He thinks the game well and has some good puck skills. Just not sure how well his game will translate to the next level. I see him as more of a middle 6 player. His numbers look good, but he played on one of the older teams in the WHL, I think that skews his numbers a bit.
A darkhorse for me is Justin Barron, I think he might be the 3rd best defenseman in the draft. He suffered blood clots this past season and I that derailed his season, he is better than he showed. I am hoping that he falls to us in the 2nd round, which isn't likely, but hey you never know. Really good skater, RHS D, is strong at both ends of the ice.
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Barzal was much more productive in his draft year. Stylistically, they might be similar. But Barzal was and is a lot better.
Another difference is that Lapierre has had 3 concussions in 3 years.
I wouldn't take him in the first round, to be honest.