Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverKast
I read an interesting article (on the Athletic I think?) where they related that the most proven method of NFL draft success was trading back in the draft and accumulating more picks. Given that there are more players on the field at once, and a lot more positions, not sure if this would also work in the NHL?
They said that even though teams know this is what works best, they're reluctant to do so because no one wants the possibility of losing out on the shiny new toy of a high draft pick. Even though trading back results in higher probabilities of drafting multiple productive players and produces a much stronger talent base. That and the fact that a lot of players just don't turn out, so having more bullets in the chamber sort of thing.
I'd sure prefer the Flames to keep their picks, and accumulate more to build up a strong talent base. Not sure about the trading back and getting more picks thing though - I'm still not sure it would translate in the NHL like the NFL.
But we definitely need to build up our talent. When I look at our team and it's overall prospects I don't see anything that screams contender. If they want to continue to be a mediocre team that's fine, but at least don't pretend otherwise. It seems like Conroy wants to build it up, but it will take a few years to get a good read on their actions.
Fingers crossed!
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It's the opposite of the NBA, where later picks have almost comically low value, and they have taken to selling off deep futures picks as capital instead.
The NHL is somewhere in between... I think there's a blend of strategy here that's important. But for me there's an ironclad line at 10. You don't trade down a top 10 pick (at least not out of the top 10). After that, trading down earns more merit. The top 10 is vague, some years it's only 4 and some years it might be top 15 that you wouldn't want to leave. But I'm always interested in trading a late round pick if you can pick up an extra 2nd or 3rd or something. By late round everyone's draft lists are sufficiently diverse that you may even be able to pick up the same guy you wanted higher. E.g. the Zary draft.