2018 Draft Targets

[CarltonTheBear]

No time to waste folks, let's start taking a closer look at the draft this year. Our draft position isn't 100% in stone yet, but we'll be in the 23-25 range. Capfriendly with the deets:

https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/status/989482420289273857

Here's Sportsnet and TSN's most recent draft rankings from March: https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/sportsnets-2018-nhl-draft-prospect-rankings-march/
https://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-bouchard-rocketing-up-draft-board-1.1031499

And here's a consolidate rankings list from the Nation Network: https://canucksarmy.com/2018/04/20/2018-nhl-draft-consolidated-industry-rankings-for-april-2018/

If we're looking for a swing-for-the-fences pick, Ryan Merkley could very well be available around our pick. He's an undersized right-handed defenceman with all the offensive skills in the world but struggles in the defensive end and has been criticized for having attitude problems.

PPP looks at Merkley and some other potential candidates in an article today here: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2018/4/26/17280952/toronto-maple-leafs-draft-pick-position-2018-merkely-woo-thomas-noel-sandin-mcleod-olofsson-groulx

 

[Arn]

Drafting for need I think we go for

28th - Jett Woo - D (shoots R) - WHL - ranked between 18 and 41

A right handed D with a sensational name.

 

[herman]

Drafting for need I think we go for

28th - Jett Woo - D (shoots R) - WHL - ranked between 18 and 41

A right handed D with a sensational name.

 

[herman]

Vitaly Kravstov is a big L shot winger that's got wheels and gumption that could be available because he hasn't received much exposure.

Not that he likely makes it that far down, but I like Nils Lundkvist for the second round.

Liam Foudy might be an interesting option in the 2nd/3rd rounds. He only recently started to produce more (thanks to opportunity) and is a speedster centre. Even if his scoring potential isn't there, we know what speed can do for a team. (video of all his shifts in a recent tournament match Canada vs Belarus; he is #17)

 

[Jolly good show chaps]

Whay would it take for the Leafs to trade up to pick 5-6 for one of the better defencemen available?

 

[Kin]

Whay would it take for the Leafs to trade up to pick 5-6 for one of the better defencemen available?

I guess it would depend on what those teams want?

 

[herman]

I think we are far more likely to trade down than to trade up.

 

[bustaheims]

Whay would it take for the Leafs to trade up to pick 5-6 for one of the better defencemen available?

Without a pick in not that much later in the draft, it's not really a possibility. Last time a top 6 pick was moved this close to the draft for a return that didn't include a top 10 pick was 2002.

Basically, it would almost certainly cost more than it would be worth. The Leafs would be probably be better off using those same assets to pick up a known quantity instead of a prospect.

 

[Frank E]

Whay would it take for the Leafs to trade up to pick 5-6 for one of the better defencemen available?

So here's the draft order for this upcoming draft:

1.  Buffalo
2.  Carolina
3.  Montreal
4.  Ottawa
5.  Arizona
6.  Detroit
7.  Vancouver
8.  Chicago
9.  NY Rangers
10. Edmonton

So really, since most of those are in various stages of rebuild, a top 10 pick is exactly what they're looking for...the only team in that top-10 that might be willing to move out is Edmonton...and they're looking for pretty much exactly what the Leafs are looking for in terms of needs.  I don't think you'll find any likely trade partners there.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I think we are far more likely to trade down than to trade up.

If Dubas is in charge he'll orchestra moves that end up trading our 1st for all of the draft picks in the 7th round.

 

[Zee]

I think we are far more likely to trade down than to trade up.

If Dubas is in charge he'll orchestra moves that end up trading our 1st for all of the draft picks in the 7th round.

And now for picks 187-217, director of player personnel Mark Hunter will announce the picks.

 

[herman]

I think we are far more likely to trade down than to trade up.

If Dubas is in charge he'll orchestra moves that end up trading our 1st for all of the draft picks in the 7th round.

The yarn wall on that move would be epic.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I think we are far more likely to trade down than to trade up.

If Dubas is in charge he'll orchestra moves that end up trading our 1st for all of the draft picks in the 7th round.

And now for picks 187-217, director of player personnel Mark Hunter will announce the picks.

More like:

"And now for picks 187-217, director of player personnel, and not General Manager, Mark Hunter will announce the picks."

 

[Kin]

"And now for picks 187-217, director of player personnel, and not General Manager, Mark Hunter will announce the picks."

It'll be his official title. The league's first NGM.

 

[herman]

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2018-draft/2018-nhl-draft-rankings

A collection of draft rankings by draft rankers.

Isac Lundestrom (left shot C/RW) seems to be in everyone's top 30 but sometimes 10, sometimes low 20s.

Jonatan Berggren might be a sleeper pick in the 1st round.

 

[Bender]

Can we just take all the Swedes and hope one pans out?

 

[Guilt Trip]

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2018-draft/2018-nhl-draft-rankings

A collection of draft rankings by draft rankers.

Isac Lundestrom (left shot C/RW) seems to be in everyone's top 30 but sometimes 10, sometimes low 20s.

Jonatan Berggren might be a sleeper pick in the 1st round.

I read nothing but good things about Berggren. Some even say he's just as good as Lundestrom. It will be interesting to see where he goes.

 

[rdowdall]

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2018-draft/2018-nhl-draft-rankings

A collection of draft rankings by draft rankers.

Isac Lundestrom (left shot C/RW) seems to be in everyone's top 30 but sometimes 10, sometimes low 20s.

Jonatan Berggren might be a sleeper pick in the 1st round.

Rasmus is a popular name in this draft.

 

[herman]

With the Sharks and Penguins all falling this round, Mirtle thinks we have the 25th pick. so does CapFriendly.

 

[Coco-puffs]

With the Sharks and Penguins all falling this round, Mirtle thinks we have the 25th pick. so does CapFriendly.

Crap, the Ducks pick 23rd and with their history at the draft a good defenseman will be gone