2025 NHL Draft Thread

[icarus]

I hope Reschny and Cootes are both there for the Flames to consider taking. But I think it's more likely that neither is there at 18 than both are there at 18.

[traptor]

Originally Posted by icarus

I hope Reschny and Cootes are both there for the Flames to consider taking. But I think it's more likely that neither is there at 18 than both are there at 18.

If both are gone it will be interesting what they do. That means that someone else fell though. I wonder if they take BPA at that point even if it's a winger/dman or r3ach a little.

If cootes and Reschny are both gone though,that means someone like Bear, kindel or Carbonneau is still there though.

[Sandman]

Don't sleep on Nesbitt- I could see Conny really liking the kid.

By the looks of it, he did well in the combine, which tells me that he has the athleticism and work ethic to make his deficiencies turn into strengths (hopefully).

[Sandman]

Some re-entries to consider (part 1):

C Topias Hynninen (5'10",172lbs)
Jukurit (Liiga): 51gp/ 12g/ 23a/ 35pts, -16, 6 PIM

Scouts always seems to downplay Topias Hynninen's (ranked # 83 EU Skaters) offensive game, but he was 2nd for U-20 players in Finland's top men's league this season. Even if he doesn't have the skill to produce in an NHL top-six, he could carve out a role as a secondary offensive producer who provides energy, hustle, and an ultra-aggressive forecheck. He's a soft-touch passer, and an intelligent playmaker, but also wields a solid defensive game, hard-charging puck pursuit in all three zones, and plenty of hard-skill; he can flat out fly through transition, as well. Hynninen had an eye-popping playoffs, with 2 goals and 10 points in just 5 games. Hynninen skates well, with his high-end motor driving his speed up a couple of notches, but he could use a little work on his handling.


C/LW Jamiro Reber (5'10",176lbs)
HV71 (SHL): 47gp/ 8g/ 7a/ 15pts, -11, 6 PIM

Reber's game revolves around his torrid pace, his overwhelming energy, and his unrelenting motor. Reber (ranked # 62 EU Skaters) is still just 18 years old, as he was only a few weeks away from being a first-time eligible this summer, with a Sept.6th birthday. He's a bit of an average skater, but he manages to push it up a few notches with his high-tempo and work-ethic. He loves to have the puck on his blade, and he shows it by being able to deke and dangle around defenders, weaving in-and-out of traffic while flying up the ice. While he might lack game-breaking skill, he's a creative playmaker with high IQ and solid vision, but never cheats for offense- playing a detailed defensive game, with good effort and engagement on the backcheck. I don't think he's going to be drafted though, and should look forward to a long career in Europe.


LD Sam Laurila (6'1",187lbs)
Fargo (USHL): 57gp/ 8g/ 33a/ 41pts, even, 46 PIM

Sam Laurila (ranked # 65 NA Skaters) is still just 18 years old, and was only a few weeks away from being a first-time draft-eligible this summer, with a Sept. 2nd birthday. I liked him last year, and I thought he wasn't being used properly in the NTDP; this year, he's munching huge minutes for the Fargo Force, getting playing time in all situations, and showing off his smooth, cerebral, two-way, puck-moving game. He was 4th-overall in scoring by D in the USHL this season, and a major catalyst for the Force's offense, exhibiting excellent mobility, poise under pressure, and a fearlessness in activating into the play. He's not the most physical, but will finish checks, pin attackers to the boards, and throw the odd-hit to separate man from puck. he projects more as a bottom-3 puck-moving, defensive player in the pros.


LW Bruno Idzan (6'1",194lbs)
Lincoln (USHL): 36gp/ 22g/ 22a/ 44pts, +27, 20 PIM

18 year-old Bruno Idzan (ranked # 67 NA Skaters), from Croatia, is a solidly-built power-forward with hard-skill, and compete. He has a goal-scorer's mentality of finding open space in the offensive zone, driving the net hard, and fearlessness in attacking the middle. Possessing solid offensive awareness, he was 2nd this season in PPG (1.22) in the USHL, behind Will Zellers, and his best weapon is his NHL-caliber shot. Though a bit inconsistent, he also plays a good defensive game, and contributes well to his team's transition, showing confidence with the puck on his blade- even without top-notch puck-skill. He generates a decent top-speed when he gets going, but all other aspects of his skating will need work- from his start-up, to his acceleration, to his edgework; his mobility is average at best. He projects as a possible middle-6 winger (most likely a third-liner), who can contribute to all situations.


RD Caeden Herrington (6'1",185lbs)
Lincoln (USHL): 56gp/ 16g/ 18a/ 34pts, +18, 67 PIM

Righty Caeden Herrington (ranked # 80 NA Skaters) was 10th in scoring by D in the USHL, but was 1st in goals- due to his high-volume shooting game in the offensive-zone. He is well-versed in walking the line to open shooting lanes, and to pry open passing seams, and has a heavy shot that causes havoc in the crease, and creates second-chance opportunities for teammates. He's a fairly well-rounded defenseman and contributes in all three zones, with a solid shut-down game, robust physicality and snarl, with fast-paced puck-movement up the ice. Skating isn't a strength, but isn't a weakness; he needs more power in his stride for the next level, and has to upgrade his explosiveness.


LD Francesco Dell'Elce (6'1",185lbs)
UMass (NCAA): 40gp/ 7g/ 17a/ 24pts, +18, 12 PIM

Undrafted last year as a member of the Penticton Vees (38 points in 54 games), as well as the year before out of St. Andrew's College, Dell'Elce (ranked # 80 NA Skaters) was the 3rd-highest scoring U-20 defenseman in the NCAA this season, and was first in scoring on the 10th-ranked UMass blueline- as a freshman. Impressively, Dell'Elce played huge minutes in all situations on a nightly basis, and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. His best trait is his high-end mobility, with game-breaking speed in all directions, and well-honed edgework that gives him superb maneuverability and elusiveness. He's always been an offensively- inclined blueliner, with a strong puck-movement game, sharp instincts, and a dangerous shot, but the defensive side of his profile is a work in progress. UMass has a reputation of being a good program for developing defensive prospects, so the future looks a bit brighter for Dell'Elce this season, than last.


RW Luke Mistelbacher (6'0",194lbs)
Swift Current (WHL): 67gp/ 42g/ 51a/ 93pts,-2, 34 PIM

RW Luke Mistelbacher (ranked # 93 NA Skaters), who signed an ATO with the Iowa Wild in April, led the 14th-placed Broncos in scoring by 9 points this season, which has grabbed the attention of scouts. He was 8th in league scoring in 2024-25, and 4th in goals- not bad, considering that he was never drafted into the WHL. Last season, he started off slow, but seemed to catch fire with the addition of Connor Geekie to the team in the New Year, blazing his way to the playoffs with 24 points in his last 15 games, to finish with 53 points in 64 games (20 goals). His accomplishments this season though, have come without the benefit of having Geekie driving the bus. Though he lacks pace, and his skating is rather average, his slick puck-skills allow him to make plays in tight-areas, and weave in-and-out of traffic. He possesses high-end hockey-sense, along with top-notch instincts in the offensive zone, with a lethal shot on a deceptive release to fool goalies. He also displays keen spatial awareness, an ability to finish in-close, and shows a proficiency in running the PP from the half-wall. Unfortunately, he doesn't move the needle much defensively, and isn't very effective without the puck.


C/RW Aidan Park (6'1",187lbs)
Green Bay (USHL): 55gp/ 33g/ 33a/ 66pts, +1, 49 PIM

An alumnus of Shattuck-St. Mary's, Aidan Park (ranked # 94 NA Skaters) was surprisingly passed-on in last year's draft, after amassing 93 points in just 56 games. He spent 3 games with the Hitmen this season during their playoff run (they drafted him in the first-round, 19th-overall in the WHL US Prospects Draft in 2021) but he failed to move the needle, with no points and a -2. Park plays with energy, overwhelming pace, and unrelenting motor, and though his stride looks a little awkward at times, he generates superb power and speed, with an explosive first-step, and rapid acceleration. He plays a solid all-around game, and takes pride in being a top-notch defensive player, who is often the first forward back in the zone. In the other end, he shows solid playmaking skill, but also owns a quick shot-release, as well as a nose for the net. He could make it as a quality bottom-6 player in the NHL, who brings solid checking ability, some jam, and good offensive-instincts.


RD Bryce Pickford (6'0",190lbs)
Medicine Hat (WHL): 48gp/ 20g/ 27a/ 47pts,+34, 65 PIM

I was a big fan of Pickford's last year, and I didn't like the way he was being used by the Seattle Thunderbirds (although they had a deep and veteran-laden blueline), who were one of the WHL's worst-teams in 2023-24, and I thought he would do better on a different team, with more minutes and greater responsibility. He's been given a better opportunity on an elite team this year, and has responded superbly. Though Pickford (ranked # 100 NA Skaters) isn't elite in any one area, he's gritty and physical, well-rounded skill-wise, and displays a dual-threat offensive game with solid instincts, to go with a wicked wrister that can beat goalies from distance. He's a high-volume shooter, and a big chunk of his offense revolves around his ability to get pucks on-net, to create chaos in-front. He skates exceptionally well, and wields a suffocating defensive game, with a specialty in creating efficient zone-exits, and an ability to drive play in the other direction. He wowed the scouting world in the WHL playoffs, with 13 goals and 24 points in just 18 games, and put up 2 goals in 4 games in his second Memorial Cup appearance. Pickford has a bit of a nasty disposition on the ice, and will drop the gloves when necessary.


C/LW Charlie Cerrato (6'0",190lbs)
Penn St.(NCAA): 38gp/ 15g/ 27a/ 42pts, +16, 58 PIM

NHL General Managers have two choices when it comes to Charlie Cerrato (ranked # 110 NA Skaters): draft him this summer, or risk him being signed by another team further down the road in free-agency. Cerrato is 20 years-old, and in his second year of draft-eligibility, but has had a drool-worthy year this season, finishing 5th in NCAA scoring for U-20 players. He's a high-energy, high-motor player who overwhelms opponents with his speed, pace, and physicality- he's tenacious and competitive. He drives the net hard, attacks the middle of the ice without fear, and exhibits solid playmaking instincts, with high-end vision. A sparkplug, he exhibits excellent puck-skill to go along with his pluck, and handles well; he can walk opposing defenders with dekes and dangles around feet and sticks. He's always moving, keeping his feet pumping, and brings his energy and intensity to the defensive zone- causing turnovers and disruption, and dissects opposing defenses in transition. I would be shocked to see him left out of the draft this time around.


C/RW Vincent Desjardins (5'11",172lbs)
Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL): 64gp/ 18g/ 63a/ 81pts, -2, 37 PIM

Even in his draft-year, Vincent Desjardins (ranked # 122 NA Skaters) was one of the Quebec League's best defensive forwards, but has upgraded his offensive game, going from 47 points in 2023-24, up to 81 points this season- largely due to his impressive passing skill, and high-end playmaking. Blainville-Boisbriand was 8th-overall in the league this year, but were eliminated from the post-season in 5 games by the Sherbrooke Phoenix, with Desjardins contributing 4 points in 3 games. Desjardins' 63 assists were 2nd in the Q, and were a product of his vision and creativity; he can distribute the puck through traffic while in-motion, and creates a number of grade "A" feeds for teammates each game. His shot is nothing special, and he's not a huge scoring threat, but he will drive the middle, or attack the net for chances. His skating needs a bit of an upgrade as well, with a need for more explosiveness and a better top-speed, but he gets around well right now on his motor and high-end work-ethic. His defensive game is still lights-out, with good habits and attention to detail in all three zones. He gets a high number of defensive-zone starts, and is tasked with the toughest assignments, but needs work on his faceoffs, which were 48.6%, a stat that might improve as he fills out and gets stronger.


RD Mazden Leslie (6'1",201lbs)
Vancouver (WHL): 66gp/ 21g/ 51a/ 72pts, +3, 54 PIM

Passed over twice, righty Mazden Leslie (in his first season as Captain of the Giants) was second in scoring by D in the WHL, and second in goals, on the 13th-ranked (out of 22 teams) Vancouver Giants. In May, having been eliminated from the post-season in 5 games by Spokane (Leslie contributed 1 point, and a team-worst -9), the Giants traded Leslie to the Kelowna Rockets, where he will play his overage year, before heading to Bowling Green State University for the 2026-27 season. Leslie (ranked # 133 NA Skaters) possesses good physical tools, with above-average mobility, a sturdy build, smooth handling, and a hard shot; he combines these traits with a willingness to join the attack, or activate off the point into the play at every opportunity. His physicality is inconsistent, as he has frequently displayed the ability to dole out thunderous hits, but he chooses to conduct most of his business with his active stick, and his mobility. While his offensive game has progressed well, going from 50 points in his draft year, to 44 in his D+1, to 72 points this season, I'm not sure his defensive game has come along well enough to see him get him drafted, and there has always been questions about his hockey-sense and IQ. He sure didn't look ready for prime-time in the playoffs, and it looks like the Giants' brass agrees.


LD Jack Brauti (6'0",165lbs)
Niagara (OHL): 64gp/ 8g/ 38a/ 46pts, -11, 47 PIM

The Niagara IceDogs were 12th, out of 20 teams this year in the OHL, and were ousted from the post-season by the Barrie Colts in 5 games, with Brauti contributing 4 points, and a -7. Jack Brauti (ranked # 139 NA Skaters) led the IceDogs blueline in regular-season scoring by D by 19 points. I'm a fan of Brauti's, and was a big advocate of his to be drafted last summer, betting on him to have a breakout season; it happened, but not to the degree I was expecting, although 46 points on a 12th-placed team is at least respectable. Brauti does everything well, but perhaps nothing at an elite level; he's not very big, and doesn't yet own an elite two-way game. He is, however, hard-nosed and physical, wins battles on sheer will and compete, and plays with an edge. He activates into the play frequently, brandishes a bomb of a shot, and can also make smart plays. In the other end of the ice, he's disruptive, protects his net well, and is proficient in snuffing the rush. Not sure if there's enough here to make an NHL team spend a draft-pick on him though.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I’m not as high on him as some others are, so even without the combine results (which don’t surprise me the least bit), I would be trepidatious in taking him- at least with a first-rounder. When I watch him, I sometimes see a kid who is playing the game that HE wants to play, and I have difficulty at times seeing a player who will ever have the commitment or mindset to make the NHL. Just my opinion, and I could be wrong, of course. Some team will still take him in the top-25 anyway, maybe even top-20- I just hope it’s not our team. Top talent, though.

At this point the only people high on him are fans
Seems like scouts universally see him as a head ache who isn’t actually that talented

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

At this point the only people high on him are fans
Seems like scouts universally see him as a head ache who isn’t actually that talented

But that's not what scouts say...at all. Not that talented?

Maybe the attitude issues are there, I don't know that for certain one way or the other.

I've seen very few scouting reports say anything about any perceived attitude issues. It's still only rumors and conjecture. Only thing I've seen is consistency issues being reported.

I also have looked for these combine rumors and seen nothing so far, just some posts here that it was all bad but no links shared.

[dissentowner]

From listening to some of the feedback from the combine I don't think it's insane to see McQueen fall near our draft position.

[Royle9]

Yea, combine has me completely off of Ryabkin myself.
Maybe 2nd rounder reclamation pick much like Kylington was but not in the 1st.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

From listening to some of the feedback from the combine I don't think it's insane to see McQueen fall near our draft position.

What are you hearing?

[FBI]

Cootes looked decent in that video

a little Coot scoot and boooooogie (puke)

[Sandman]

More Draft r-entries to consider (part 2):

LD Niklas Nykyri (6'2",190lbs)
HIFK (Liiga): 31gp/ 1g/ 7a/ 8pts, +4, 6 PIM

Lefty Niklas Nykyri (ranked # 40 EU Skaters) was a defenseman that I liked from last year's U-18 Worlds, where he registered 3 points in 5 games for Team Finland, which tied him for 2nd in scoring by D on that squad, with Aron Kiviharju. Nykyri has the look of a solid, shutdown defender with a quality puck-moving game, but he also joins the rush as an extra attacker, and activates into the play a ton- although his activity is a bit muted in the men's league for now. This season in the Liiga, Finland's top men's league, he was third in scoring by U-20 defensemen, behind the aforementioned Aron Kiviharju, and Daniel Nieminen. He's a high-volume shooter from the point, but he can also spot teammates in the slot for high-danger passes. More work is needed on his quickness, and he has to incorporate more physicality into his game, but he's a solid, all-around D who can play in all areas, in all situations, and munch minutes in the process (at least in Finland).


LHC Roman Luttsev (6'1",194lbs)
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL): 50gp/ 30g/ 33a/ 63pts, +24, 26 PIM

Roman Luttsev (ranked # 52 EU Skaters) was passed up in last year's draft because he was a smallish (5'11") center with skating deficiencies, who seemed to lack NHL skill (27 points in 36 games). It's still debatable if he has the skill to project to the NHL, but he has apparently grown to 6'1", improved his skating to a passable level, and led the MHL this season in scoring. Last year, he was considered to be a hard-nosed, physical defensive player, with a high-end motor, who pursued the puck relentlessly in all three zones, caused an inordinately high amount of turnovers, played a detailed game, and was the author of a high-number of zone exits. There is still doubt that he has the offensive skill to play in an NHL top-six, as he plays a highly meat-and-potatoes game, mostly from the perimeter in the offensive zone. Still, 63 points says that there might be something there, even it's a bottom-6 defensive center with hard-skill, and hopefully for him, it's enough to get him drafted.


LD Tomas Galvas (5'10",154lbs)
Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia): 43gp/ 3g/ 8a/ 11pts, +10, 2 PIM

If Tommy Galvas (ranked # 51 EU Skaters) was six-feet tall or bigger, he would have surely been drafted in 2024, but as it stands, he was passed over- even after being rather highly touted over most of that season. This season, Galvas was the top-scoring U-20 defenseman in Czechia's top men's league, by 8 points- and he was tied for tops in the same category last season as well. He has been a fixture on many of Czechia's International teams over the past few years, with an appearance in the 2024 U-18 Worlds (1 point in 5 games), last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (no points in 5 games), and participated in his second WJC this past New Year (4 points in 7 games). Galvas is a wonderful skater, smooth and agile, shifty and elusive, explosive from a standstill, and can flat-out fly at top speed. While it's tempting to refer to him as an offensive-defenseman, he actually displays a hard-working, stifling defensive game, and moves the puck well in all three zones- even when he's not putting up points. His size is still a hindrance though, as he loses battles, gets pushed around by larger opponents, and can't effectively box attackers out from the net. Very fun to watch, but still might be on the outside looking in at the conclusion of the draft.


LD Daniel Nieminen (6'0",187lbs)
Pelicans (Liiga): 39gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, -1, 10 PIM

Daniel Nieminen (ranked # 59 EU Skaters) was a player who I was surprised to see left off the draft board last year. He didn't get so much as a sniff of the Liiga in 2023-24, but was 8th in scoring by D in the U20 league, with 29 points in 37 games. This season he is second in the Liiga for U-20 defensemen, with 11 points in 39 games- just behind Aron Kiviharju's 16 points in 52 games. Even when playing against men, Nieminen has been able to show off his responsible two-way game. He was also a participant in the latest edition of the WJC, scoring 2 points in 7 games, with a +4 for Team Finland. His finest attribute is his exceptional skating, with powerful straight-ahead speed, and sublime edgework that makes him nearly impossible to catch. His hands are quick too, and he handles and catches at top-speed smoothly. An excellent puck-mover and transitional player, his game in his own zone is solid, but far from perfect, and could use a tweak for the pros.


C/LW Hugo Orrsten (6'2",198lbs)
Orebro (J20): 47gp/ 21g/ 46a/ 67pts, +29, 50 PIM

The Captain of Orebro's Junior team, Hugo Orrsten (ranked # 94 EU Skaters), is still only 18 years-old, with a July 10th birthday, and was third-overall in scoring this season in the J20 league. A swift-skating center, who perhaps lacks an elite separation gear and explosiveness, he's a solid two-way pivot with a quality playmaking game. He is most translatable when it comes to his defensive game though, as he is highly aware, disruptive, and physical, with good attention to detail. He's showing the ability to read the play in the offensive zone better this season,and to make quicker decisions, but he's still most likely a bottom-six projection, if he were to make it to the NHL.


LD Daniil Ustinkov (6'1",201lbs)
GC Kusnacht Lions (SL): 36gp/ 3g/ 8a/ 11pts, +4, 10 PIM

It was a huge surprise to see Daniil Ustinkov (ranked # 95 EU Skaters) left off the draft-board last summer, as he was ranked on most lists in the top-three rounds for most of the season, but he is still just 18 years-old, with an August 26, 2006 birthday- only missing being a first-time eligible for the 2025 Draft by about 3 weeks. He was the top-scoring U-20 defenseman in the SL, Switzerland's second-tier men's league, by five points- and he earned a regular-season game in the NL, the top-tier league, picking up no points. He also played in the NL playoffs, getting 13 games with the ZSC Lions (the parent team), putting up 1 assist, with a -3. Ustinkov is a superb skater, with a long and powerful stride in a straight-line, and smooth, fluid edges that allow him to pivot on a dime, shake off checkers, and even break ankles at times. Deception is a big part of his game, and he uses it in his skating, stickhandling, and passing to fool defenders and create space. Against Junior-aged players, he wields a tight two-way game, highlighted by his soft-touch passing skill, but he perhaps finds defending a bit tougher in the pros- showing poor reads at times, struggles with the puck, and bad positioning. When he wants to, he can play a rugged physical game, and has the size to make his presence felt, but he's young and still developing, while getting acclimated to playing against men.


LW Benjamin Rautiainen (6'0",174lbs)
Tappara (Liiga): 50gp/ 10g/ 23a/ 33pts,+4, 12 PIM

In his D+2 season, Benjamin Rautiainen (ranked # 36 EU Skaters) was the third-leading U-20 scorer in Finland's top men's league, and was tied for 4th on Finland's entry at the WJC, with 4 points in 7 games. He possesses top-notch offensive awareness, and sublime puck-skill, with an emphasis on making plays- his shot is nothing special, but he does exhibit good puck-placement and a deceptive release. He's a skilled passer, with many of his feeds finding their mark through traffic, right to the tape of the recipient for a high-danger chance. The problem with Rautiainen is that he's not a great skater, not at all physical, and doesn't play well through contact. He also doesn't display much of a defensive conscience. He may have to look forward to a long career in Europe.

[sch19lks]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Don't sleep on Nesbitt- I could see Conny really liking the kid.

By the looks of it, he did well in the combine, which tells me that he has the athleticism and work ethic to make his deficiencies turn into strengths (hopefully).

I watched Nesbitt a couple times when I was in the Windsor area, I am 100% convinced that the Flames will pick him with one of our first rounders. Good or bad, he is such a Flames pick

Edit: this is just personal intuition

Edit edit: one game I watched he was playing on the top line with Greentree (who has taken massive steps) and Protas. He (Nesbitt) looked alright, but didn’t create much on his own. He was just kind of there. I didn’t follow the Spits super close when I was in Windsor so I’m not sure if his numbers were inflated due to playing with two of the top players in the OHL.

He’s a centre and he’s big. He has some skill, but I’m not sure how much upside is there honestly.

I wouldn’t hate it if the Flames picked him, but I wouldn’t love it

[sch19lks]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Yea, combine has me completely off of Ryabkin myself.
Maybe 2nd rounder reclamation pick much like Kylington was but not in the 1st.

Ryabkin is a massive doosh apparently. Decent skill set, but massive character issues. Im sure some teams have him on their DND lists.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by sch19lks

Ryabkin is a massive doosh apparently. Decent skill set, but massive character issues. Im sure some teams have him on their DND lists.

Yea, I've heard he's quite the handful.
I usually let that slide a bit though, the same was said for Demidov and Michkov and I think its the arrogance factor some of these young Russians have, or at least that's what I like to convince myself of.

However, his combine was horrendous and his interviews were just as bad.
Just not worth it IMO.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

From listening to some of the feedback from the combine I don't think it's insane to see McQueen fall near our draft position.

If that is true or even available in range that both of our firsts can trade up to, then i don't see why you wouldn't. This is the draft of meh. McQueen is that lottery ticket that the tank crew wants us to lose for. Roll the dice on healing due to youth and medical professionals.

Rough math: Probability of getting a top forward (more than 300 points) with either 18 or 32 is ~12% and ~10%....so 22-25% chance we get a solid player at 18 and/or 32.

By all accounts when healthy McQueen is ranked with Misa. The chance of McQueen (assuming he is a top 3 pick) turning into a top player over 300 points is ~60%, so even after adjusting for downside of the back issue i think you are ahead.

Happy for someone to tear down my math (been awhile since i did independent outcomes!), but i know i'm roughly over the target. It's a no brainer if he drops down to a range that our two picks can trade up for.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Yea, I've heard he's quite the handful.
I usually let that slide a bit though, the same was said for Demidov and Michkov and I think its the arrogance factor some of these young Russians have, or at least that's what I like to convince myself of.

However, his combine was horrendous and his interviews were just as bad.
Just not worth it IMO.

And he simply is not as talented as those guys.
Way bigger headache and not nearly the talent.

You take the risk when the payoff is high enough. It isn't here, at least not with a 1st.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

If that is true or even available in range that both of our firsts can trade up to, then i don't see why you wouldn't. This is the draft of meh. McQueen is that lottery ticket that the tank crew wants us to lose for. Roll the dice on healing due to youth and medical professionals.

Rough math: Probability of getting a top forward (more than 300 points) with either 18 or 32 is ~12% and ~10%....so 22-25% chance we get a solid player at 18 and/or 32.

By all accounts when healthy McQueen is ranked with Misa. The chance of McQueen (assuming he is a top 3 pick) turning into a top player over 300 points is ~60%, so even after adjusting for downside of the back issue i think you are ahead.

Happy for someone to tear down my math (been awhile since i did independent outcomes!), but i know i'm roughly over the target. It's a no brainer if he drops down to a range that our two picks can trade up for.

I’m thinking no chance he gets past the Habs at 16 and 17. They’ll take a chance on him with one of those

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by sch19lks

I watched Nesbitt a couple times when I was in the Windsor area, I am 100% convinced that the Flames will pick him with one of our first rounders. Good or bad, he is such a Flames pick

Edit: this is just personal intuition

Edit edit: one game I watched he was playing on the top line with Greentree (who has taken massive steps) and Protas. He (Nesbitt) looked alright, but didn’t create much on his own. He was just kind of there. I didn’t follow the Spits super close when I was in Windsor so I’m not sure if his numbers were inflated due to playing with two of the top players in the OHL.

He’s a centre and he’s big. He has some skill, but I’m not sure how much upside is there honestly.

I wouldn’t hate it if the Flames picked him, but I wouldn’t love it

I don't know if it's just the Spitfires thing, but he feels like a very "Greg Nemisz" pick. Is he really skilled enough to be an NHL player, or is he just physically mature and playing against kids?
I wouldn't hate it at 31-32, but I would be disappointed if we can't find someone with higher upside at 18.
Maybe I'm way off though. I haven't watched more than a few highlights.

[Paulie Walnuts]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1932469797696209391

[traptor]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

https://twitter.com/user/status/1932469797696209391

McQueen and Zonnon would be pretty sweeeet