Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
I'm definitely no expert, but this is my opinion on those questions:
1) I wouldn't take O'Brien over Desnoyers, Frondell, or Misa, but I really think with how he's dominated over the second half, he should definitely be in the conversation for 5-10 in the draft. He's 6'2", and might be the best playmaker in the draft.
2) Martin is now up to 71 points in 58 games, after putting up 25 points in the last 17 games, on the 14th-placed Soo Greyhounds (they have risen as a team as well). He's so damn good, I would put him closer to the first group of centers than the second.
3) I still think Ryabkin could go top-20, but both Cootes and McKinney (as well as Murtagh) aren't getting the love they deserve. I'm not sure the price is worth it to move up to get Martin, but I would consider it if O'Brien was available, given the lack of depth in this draft- giving up a later pick in the first round, plus another pick in the second isn't as big a deal as it usually would be. Don't forget though- there are other really good options at C as well, like Reschny, Bear, and Zonnon.
4) I really like Nesbitt, but I'm still suffering PTSD from Greg Niemisz, lol. I don't like Nesbitt nearly as much as Martin, but I might just stay put in that scenario. I think Nesbitt is helped a bit by the talent he has around him, though.
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Love it. And I would guess that this is roughly how this plays out in the office. With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the GM is working on the plan for draft day. The priority is to land a "RHS C with 1st line potential" and gets a scouting report like this and then goes to the phones to start asking the questions about costs.
How I would guess that starts:
No point in calling the Sharks or Blackhawks as those teams are tanking for those picks.
Calling the Sabres and Predators makes sense as those teams are likely not happy with how this season has gone compared to their respective plans. If they are willing to deal, the cost will be big.
Kraken, Flyers, and Ducks are unlikely to be willing to move but of the 3, the Kraken are maybe open to the conversation as they have some cap issues on their roster (goaltending) and they want to be a playoff team right away.
Penguins may be willing to trade down to get more picks to try and restock their bare cupboards. Or they may be looking for a win-now roster player to bolster their aging core.
So, hopefully 4 potential trade partners and then you just need to figure out what they are looking for and if you can build a deal framework with any of them for draft day. (Keeping in mind that if the cost gets to be too high then you walk away and plan to let your scouts work with the picks you have.)