Top 5 Draft Poll - 3. Edmonton

[Bingo]

Draft Results
1. Florida - Ekblad 72% http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=137369
2. Buffalo - Reinhart 49% (Bennett 45%) http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=137384


Edmonton's turn at the podium with Ekblad and Reinhart gone. Who do you think they will take? Not who you would take, etc.

[devo22]

really tough one to figure out. My guess is that since the media hype train seems to finally have derailed and their special boys club is under pressure to finally deliver, they'll turn to the more NHL ready center. Sam Bennett will probably need another year in the minors to add muscle to his frame, while Leon Draisaitl is already NHL ready in terms of size, I think. He fills a team need for them as well ... this might be influenced by my hope that one of the Sams will slip to us, but I honestly think that they'll take Draisaitl at 3 if Ekblad and Reinhart are gone. Not sure if they'd pass Reinhart though (BARF!!!) ... but since he's off the table in our scenario, they take the German.

[Bingo]

So many interesting things in play with this pick ...

1. Ekblad is gone
2. They need size
3. That odd web site thing with Draisaitl already called Oiler property.

Went with Draisaitl.

[FlamesAddiction]

I'm going with Bennett for Edmonton. I think the leaks about them liking Draisaitl is just poker to try and prevent another team from trading up to try and take Bennett or Reinhart.

For that matter, I think Burke downplaying Draisaitl is also just part of the game. I have a feeling that is who he really wants.

[Stormchaser]

Don't think the oilers have any patience at all in developing prospects so they go with Draisaitl who is rumored to be ready to play next year.

[Enoch Root]

(assuming no Ekblad) I think the Oilers really have no choice...

Reinhart is too similar to RNH in size and in style. Yes Reinhart is a more complete player, but they are still too similar.

Bennett has more grit and feistiness - and lord knows, the Oilers need that - but size is a huge issue for them down the middle. Especially with the rest of the Pacific being full of large, dominant #1 Cs.

In the end, the difference between Reinhart, Bennett and Draisaitl is very marginal. As a result, I see them sticking with their need for size, as well as NHL-readiness (which I personally think is the stupidest reason ever for choosing one player over another).

The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select: Leon Draisaitl

[H2SO4(aq)]

if cp is right, it looks like edmonton takes draisaitl and we get sam bennett. would be pretty much a perfect draft imo.

[dammage79]

Draisaitl. It's the size factor for Edmonton. Add in great puck protection skill and Elite playmaking ability, and they found their set up man for Hall. Seriously, there isn't a better fit for Edmonton.

[PeteLFan]

I picked Nylander. Edmonton finally lands a Nylander because he has no choice and he fits the bill for Edmonton.

[kirant]

Draisaitl. I would suspect the Oilers management would be looking for a big player to prop up their smaller forwards.

[Vinny01]

As much as I want them to pick Draisaitl I think they like the grit and compete of Bennett too much to pass on him

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

As much as I want them to pick Draisaitl I think they like the grit and compete of Bennett too much to pass on him

It was close in the poll but Bennett won it for Buffalos pick. I'd say they take Draisaitl for reasons previously stated.

[ben voyonsdonc]

It's tough because what I would do is always clouded by what I think is best for the Flames. I think Edmonton will end up taking a Sam...even though they've been plumping Draisaitl.

[kyuss275]

With all the talk out of Oilers camp I will pick Draisaitl. I don't believe they are pulling a poker bluff. I don't think the men in charge in Edmonton could win a hand in poker, so no point trying.

[djsFlames]

Um.. Didn't Reinhart win it for Buffalo's pick?

Tough decision. I think Bennett is the more complete player, but Draisaitl has qualities that Edmonton loves and he's been well monitored by their management and they've been trumpeting his game all season. They'll take the German.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Um.. Didn't Reinhart win it for Buffalo's pick?

Yeah, never underestimate my inability to read at strange times

[_Q_]

Edmonton's scouting department (The Hockey News) thinks Bennett is the #1 prospect. So Bennett it is.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Leon Draisaitl because of his size alone. Assuming they are all marginally the same in skill level, attitude, and drive.

[Ashasx]

I really doubt Edmonton passes on Bennett.

[greentree]

I really doubt Buffalo passes on Bennett.