[News] Burke says he is unlikely to trade up... hasn't watched Bennett

[theoforever]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

....Draisaitl - In a way I think he's a wildcard, and I wouldn't be surprised if Edmonton is stupid enough to pick him over Bennett because of his size. 2nd top player in tier 2
....

Not sure if this is comical or tragic, perhaps both.

If Oil takes Bennett then everyone will be on their case for picking another small guy when big Draisaitl is still available.

So, I think the odds are good that they would pass on Bennett.
The funny part is that they should probably pick Bennett.

Poor Oil just can't win.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

So Flames pass on Draisaitl?

I don't think Burke minds him, but he is not on the top of his list.

Not only that, but I think Edmonton is picking him as well. Rumors also that Buffalo might pick him at #2.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Draisaitl is certainly getting a lot of recognition from the media up here in edmonton. Its almost as if they've already picked him. And judging by the weay things usually go here, I would be shocked if somehow they dont take the feel good story of the Oiler fan growing up. Hopefully it leaves Bennett to us.

[Yoho]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I don't think Burke minds him, but he is not on the top of his list.

Not only that, but I think Edmonton is picking him as well. Rumors also that Buffalo might pick him at #2.

That would be so sweet

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Burke Salad

Why is there so much hate on Ritchie, is it because of his conditioning?

In part.

He doesn't have as many points as the other potential forwards at the top of the draft, he has less physical projection, doesn't play center, isn't a RH Shot, that's on top of the reported poorer conditioning... he checks off nothing that would give me cause to select him over any of the other forwards generally ranked at the top of the draft.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Is Bennett one of those players that we let him play for another year? Gives us a chance to look at other centers before he makes the jump or something.

But I also heard that it is Ekblad, Reinhart, and Bennett that are the only 3 that are NHL ready. I guess 4 are if you count Draisaitl being put on the top line with Edmonton.. I wish I knew his reaction when he rolls on the ice in his first practice.

[Vinny01]

With Bennett's style of play I think another year of jr is required so he can add some muscle

[sureLoss]

Everything I read suggests Bennett needs at least another year to fill out.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by theoforever

Not sure if this is comical or tragic, perhaps both.

If Oil takes Bennett then everyone will be on their case for picking another small guy when big Draisaitl is still available.

So, I think the odds are good that they would pass on Bennett.
The funny part is that they should probably pick Bennett.

Poor Oil just can't win.

Honestly I think them picking Draisaitl and us getting Bennett works out really good for both teams. They really do need a Draisaitl in their lineup.

[Massonite]

Realistically I'm hoping for Bennett or Draisaitl. If Ekblad pulls a Seth Jones and falls to 4th I'd be elated, but the odds of that happening are slim to none lol.

I agree with Burke that it's not worth it to move up. Whoever we get will probably be a stud.

[ComixZone]

Draisaitl would be a great pick. Really, any of Bennett, Reinhart, Ekblad, Draisaitl is a great pick. They're the clear top 4. Passing on Draisaitl would be a huge mistake.

[Boo Radley]

I don't know much about the prospects (Ekblad, Reinhart, Bennett, Draisaitl) but from the highlight videos they all look good. I liked the connection of Bennett to Gilmour. Would be really happy if we took him at #4.

One thing I am excited about is that we are now seeing a lineup of talented prospects entering the system. Each year will have new story lines.

This past year: Monahan and Baertschi (among others)
Next Year: Gaudreau and Poirier (among others)
Following Year: Bennett (?)...

Great infusion of higher end talent. With the emergence of Monahan this should take the pressure off other young players and allow the organization more patience in development.

[theoforever]

Originally Posted by nik-

Honestly I think them picking Draisaitl and us getting Bennett works out really good for both teams. They really do need a Draisaitl in their lineup.

I like speed and aggressive style of Bennett, so I think he will be a more exciting player than Draisaitl.

I agree, Oil needs size in top 6.
If we go by best player available then Bennett if we go by need then Oil needs Draisaitl.

On an off chance that Reinhart drops to 3rd, I believe Oil would pick him over Draisaitl.

And if by some chance Florida/Buff fail to take Ekblad, Oilers will pick him despite the comments by their VP yesterday.
A few months ago MacT was getting very excited by Ekblad.

Either way we are going to get a good player without having to give up anything to move up.
Hate to say it but finishing 4th instead of 5th was a good thing.

[Tinordi]

I really like Dal Colle for his NHL skill set. Looks like a very solid bet at a 30 goal scorer.

[Dagger]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

I really like Dal Colle for his NHL skill set. Looks like a very solid bet at a 30 goal scorer.

It would probably be an upset if he doesn't ever get to 40. Tim Murray said of him:

"Probably has the best release we've seen in a long time .. can really shoot the puck .. needs a center to get him the puck .. he's gonna score goals at the NHL level."

That's high praise from a man known to be one of the best talent evaluators in the NHL.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Draisaitl would be a great pick. Really, any of Bennett, Reinhart, Ekblad, Draisaitl is a great pick. They're the clear top 4. Passing on Draisaitl would be a huge mistake.

I think that people don't fully appreciate the east-west cycle game Draisaitl plays and mistake this for him being a plodder. He's working on foot speed just as Monahan was told to work on foot speed in his draft year. I have no problem with any of the top 4 though, I must admit, I like Bennett's Gilmour/Bobby Clarke edge and his speed.

[FanIn80]

I think it's worth mentioning that, while Dal Colle might be a big body, he just finished as the runner up to Conner McDavid for the OHL's version of the Lady Bing award.

If we're looking for someone to play the right side on a future top line of Gaudreau/Monahan/? (and I hope to God we are), then I'm not so sure a sportsmanship award candidate is the way to go.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I think that people don't fully appreciate the east-west cycle game Draisaitl plays and mistake this for him being a plodder. He's working on foot speed just as Monahan was told to work on foot speed in his draft year. I have no problem with any of the top 4 though, I must admit, I like Bennett's Gilmour/Bobby Clarke edge and his speed.

The way Draisiatl protects the puck, and his ability to make tape to tape passes out of nowhere...I can't help but think he and Gaudreau would be amazing together. Draisaitl's size would help create space on the ice for Gaudreau.

The more videos I watch of Draisaitl, the more I hope we end up with him...but like I mentioned, so long as we end up with 1 of the consensus top 4, I'll be happy!

[Inglewood Jack]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I think it's worth mentioning that, while Dal Colle might be a big body, he just finished as the runner up to Conner McDavid for the OHL's version of the Lady Bing award.

If we're looking for someone to play the right side on a future top line of Gaudreau/Monahan/? (and I hope to God we are), then I'm not so sure a sportsmanship award candidate is the way to go.

looking at the Lady Byng award winners from the past decade, I would be thrilled to have a player comparable to any of those on our team. in other words, nobody should care how many penalty minutes a player accumulates as long as they're getting the business of outscoring the opposition done.

are you saying that McDavid is a lesser player in your eyes because he won that sportsmanship award? is Ryan O'Reilly soft/less useful because he only got 2 PIM this season, minimizing the time that his team spent having to kill penalties?

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I think it's worth mentioning that, while Dal Colle might be a big body, he just finished as the runner up to Conner McDavid for the OHL's version of the Lady Bing award.

If we're looking for someone to play the right side on a future top line of Gaudreau/Monahan/? (and I hope to God we are), then I'm not so sure a sportsmanship award candidate is the way to go.

Whereas this fellow says Dal Colle is the only one who can stand up to Ekblad and give as good as he gets. Someone here posted this already but it's worth a listen. He's making me think Dal Colle is a reasonable pick for us.

http://pmd.fan960.com/audio_on_deman...-Interview.mp3