2016 NHL Draft

[druetetective]

I wouldn't
http://nhllotterysimulator.com/#/

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by dammage79

He'd be in serious... serious conversation with McDavid and Eichel. At lest thats how McKenzie has been painting the picture.

By "generational" talent they mean like bird generations, not human generations. They seem to come around every few years.

[druetetective]

I get the chills every time Edmonton wins. ↑

[David Struch]

That's an intriguing choice in Patrik Laine... he should be available at Calgary's choice, big 6'4" rw who scores a lot with a heavy shot plus plays physical to boot!

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by David Struch

That's an intriguing choice in Patrik Laine... he should be available at Calgary's choice, big 6'4" rw who scores a lot with a heavy shot plus plays physical to boot!

I don't know about physical, exactly. I don't picture him chasing down anyone for big hits, anyway. But honestly I'm hoping he's kind of a dick around the net. Like Corey Perry style.

With limited video views, I think Puljujärvi's shot is borderline. He has the speed and reach and stick handling to make things happen but I don't know if he has top tier finishing skills. He might still show that, but somehow I'm not a fan yet. Still a super safe pick to be a good NHL forward.

Laine's shot looks great. I think he can whip it past any goalie, no special dance routines required. Size will give him space even with average skating. I can see some teams having him as the second best forward by draft day.

[Henry Fool]

I'm really in no position to judge Laine's physicality to be perfectly honest. It's just that typically a talented euro forward isn't going to push people around in the NHL. I definitely see an attitude though, like a will to take over the offensive zone.

[Monahan For Mayor]

I'm honestly more excited to watch Finland in the World Juniours this year, knowing there will be a very high chance we take one of those fins next June. They were both dynamic last year, and I look forward to seeing how they have improved. The thing with Laine is I'm not sold on his attitude and work ethic, while the other one I've heard he is extremely hard working.

[druetetective]

Scouting reports I've seen had similar views. Is physical with his body but not in the hitting/roughing guys up sense.

I'll be watching Finland close this year at WJC. Anyone else your familiar with over there Henry?

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by druetetective

Scouting reports I've seen had similar views. Is physical with his body but not in the hitting/roughing guys up sense.

I'll be watching Finland close this year at WJC. Anyone else your familiar with over there Henry?

Olli Juolevi, is tearing up the rankings.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by Monahan For Mayor

I'm honestly more excited to watch Finland in the World Juniours this year, knowing there will be a very high chance we take one of those fins next June. They were both dynamic last year, and I look forward to seeing how they have improved. The thing with Laine is I'm not sold on his attitude and work ethic, while the other one I've heard he is extremely hard working.

He might have an ego - unless it was just growing pains - but he's clearly extremely motivated. He's an ambitious guy. His goal however realistic from our point of view is to be picked first overall.

Puljujärvi is a nice character with great conditioning level. But sometimes you prefer the guy who is not always so nice.

[irrevocable]

Matthews or Tkachuk please.

Matthews aside, Tkachuk is a stud and wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. I really don't have a great feeling on the Finns.

Great shot, gritty, and determined to absolutely run you over when it's needed. Sound familiar? I'm not claiming Tkachuk is a Bennett, but he's a damn good prospect at this point.

I'd be 100% fine with nabbing him.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by druetetective

I wouldn't
http://nhllotterysimulator.com/#/

Hate to say it but it looks like the oilers are gunning for another first overall...

[Trailer Fire]

Originally Posted by DazzlinDino

Hate to say it but it looks like the oilers are gunning for another first overall...

Took 21 sims to not pick 4th or higher. 37 to pick 2nd. 43 to pick 1st...

I really hope I'm not the one drawing the numbers...

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by druetetective

Scouting reports I've seen had similar views. Is physical with his body but not in the hitting/roughing guys up sense.

I'll be watching Finland close this year at WJC. Anyone else your familiar with over there Henry?

No. The two big forwards have been talked about for years in Finland so I've casually picked up some info. Usually you hear about the guys who are likely to go in the first round and Puljujärvi and Laine have been seen as exceptionally strong for some time.

Laine dropped a bit in the conversation because of questions about his character and skating, but the incident where he was sent home from the national team will be almost two years old by draft day and his speed has improved a lot. His top speed is good, he beats defenders, although I think his shot will be his meal ticket. I feel that he's the bigger story in Finland right now. Just an interesting player.

There are a couple of good Finnish defensemen playing junior in NA but I've never watched them. People seem to think that Juolevi is likely on the U20 team.

Really strong forward group by Finnish standards if Rantanen is there. Aho, Hintz, Saarela are solid. I hated Kapanen last year but I guess he should be there as well.

[1qqaaz]

How does Puljuarvi compare to Barkov? Barkov had more than twice the point production than Puljuarvi at the same age. Barkov was also known for being good defensively. They are the same size.

I guess one major difference is that Puljuarvi is a RW.

The only thing that "worries" me is that Barkov, who had twice the production of Puljuarvi, has not even been a great pick for at number 2 overall (thus far). Although you could argue that he has been one of the best in the draft after MacKinnon and Monahan.

Another thing that worries me about Puljuarvi is that his production has decreased quite a bit from last year. Comparatively, Barkov tripled his production during his draft year.

Of course, I know next to nothing about how Puljuarvi actually plays. This is purely from stats.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

How does Puljuarvi compare to Barkov? Barkov had more than twice the point production than Puljuarvi at the same age. Barkov was also known for being good defensively. They are the same size.

I guess one major difference is that Puljuarvi is a RW.

The only thing that "worries" me is that Barkov, who had twice the production of Puljuarvi, has not even been a great pick for at number 2 overall (thus far). Although you could argue that he has been one of the best in the draft after MacKinnon and Monahan.

Another thing that worries me about Puljuarvi is that his production has decreased quite a bit from last year. Comparatively, Barkov tripled his production during his draft year.

Of course, I know next to nothing about how Puljuarvi actually plays. This is purely from stats.

I don't see anything in common as far as play style. Barkov is a workhorse center, he turned 20 in september and is already a two-way monster; you expect Laine and Puljujärvi to be an offensive wingers. Neither of the 2016 guys are advertised as especially smart players.

With teenagers in men's leagues, reading stats doesn't get you very far. Barkov was freakishly mature and had great chemistry with his linemates. The 2016 wingers are not as complete. Youngsters tend to score more and more as the season progresses, especially after U20.

Watch Puljujärvi at the U20 and compare to other draft age players. See if he finishes his chances. Watch how he sees his linemates. It's not conclusive but it's a lot more reassuring than trying to interpret stats. I imagine Puljujärvi's physical attributes will make the transition to the NHL relatively easy. A lot of the discussion is just how high you'd want to pick him.

What I can say is that forwards taken as high as Puljujärvi is currently projected to go basically never bust. No one with significant questions about him will be picked that high. If you pick that high you're getting someone worth getting excited about. The discussion for me is about what makes a real star quality forward.

Let some time pass and look at the situation again. Hockey forums are good for registering new trends, like for example I don't think some official publications have noticed how good Laine actually looks this fall, which reflects badly on them, but there's a risk of flavor-of-the-month type of thinking as well.

[sureLoss]

This chart compiles the rankings from Button, FC, HP, ISS, THN.

The horizontal bars show the range the prospect was ranked. The top of the white bar is the highest the prospect ranked while the bottom of the white bar is the lowest a prospect has been ranked. The green triangle shows the average rank for each prospect.

The chart suggests after Matthews, the next tier of players consists of JP, Tkachuk, Chychrun and Laine. Then a dropoff to Nylander and Fabbro. Then the rest of the pack.

Max Jones seems to be all over the place... rankings either think he is a top end talent or late round 1st.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Bunk

By "generational" talent they mean like bird generations, not human generations. They seem to come around every few years.

The way the terms get devalued (first star, then superstar, etc.) I expect generational is now based on the generation of a fruit fly.

[Poe969]

so I did the Draft Lottery and on my first try, Flames got first, philly second, caroline third and oilers 4th.

I wouldn't mind that at all.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Poe969

so I did the Draft Lottery and on my first try, Flames got first, philly second, caroline third and oilers 4th.

I wouldn't mind that at all.

You da man.