2015 NHL Draft Prospect Discussion - Solidly in the top 10

[BertCorbeau]

Last one was full

Top 10 is suddenly looking relevant for the Leafs

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[Sundinisagod]

Drafting Crouse scares me too. Seems like such a Nonis-Burke pick. Would take him with our NSH 1st if he's there but not in the 3-6 spot.

But I think Shanny/Hunter have been/are going to draft skill over size (at least I hope so).

Drafting Nylander over Ritchie last year shows that Shanahan will likely go with skill over size.

I have no doubt they'd take Strome or Marner over Crouse.

Personally I'm not convinced we wouldn't draft Crouse over Marner or Strome. I could see us targeting that type of player, a big power forward with intangibles.

We've kind of a got a first round pattern starting of drafting big one year, then go for skill the next. From that I get a hunch we're going with a bigger player, and considering most of our skill guys are on the smaller/medium size we do need some size in the top end of our line up. Some size to compliment Rielly on D, or some size up front to go with Nylander or Kadri.

I could see Crouse, Rantanen, and Werenski being up there on our radar, they are all big players with strong skating abilities, not Gauthier like at all. That said, I can see why our fanbase wants Marner or Barzal, the skill picks are looking a lot better than the size picks.

Schenn - size
Kadri - skill
Biggs/Percy - size/skill
Rielly - skill
Gauthier - size
Nylander - skill

 

[McMatthews]

Personally I'm not convinced we wouldn't draft Crouse over Marner or Strome. I could see us targeting that type of player, a big power forward with intangibles...but I think Werenski would be in that mix for our scouts as well.

We've kind of a got a first round pattern starting of drafting big one year, then go for skill the next. From that I get a hunch we're going with a bigger player, and considering most of our skill guys are on the smaller/medium size we do need some size in the top end of our line up. Some size to compliment Rielly on D, or some size up front to go with Nylander or Kadri.

I could see Crouse, Rantanen, and Werenski being up there on our radar, they are all big players with strong skating abilities, not Gauthier like at all. That said, I can see why our fanbase wants Marner or Barzal, the skill picks are looking a lot better than the size picks.

Schenn - size
Kadri - skill
Biggs/Percy - size/skill
Rielly - skill
Gauthier - size
Nylander - skill

Picks prior to 2014 are irrelevant.

Brendan Shanahan and Mark Hunter will run the draft now. Completely new management. Shanahan showed last draft that he would make picks based on skill and not size.

The only big forwards they drafted in 2014 were Dakota Joshua and Pierre Engvall. Both are skilled and drafted later in the draft.

There is no reason to think Shanahan and Hunter will take Crouse over Strome or Marner.

Especially given Mark Hunter's close relationship with Marner.

 

[Rielly4]

Personally I'm not convinced we wouldn't draft Crouse over Marner or Strome. I could see us targeting that type of player, a big power forward with intangibles.

We've kind of a got a first round pattern starting of drafting big one year, then go for skill the next. From that I get a hunch we're going with a bigger player, and considering most of our skill guys are on the smaller/medium size we do need some size in the top end of our line up. Some size to compliment Rielly on D, or some size up front to go with Nylander or Kadri.

I could see Crouse, Rantanen, and Werenski being up there on our radar, they are all big players with strong skating abilities, not Gauthier like at all. That said, I can see why our fanbase wants Marner or Barzal, the skill picks are looking a lot better than the size picks.

Schenn - size
Kadri - skill
Biggs/Percy - size/skill
Rielly - skill
Gauthier - size
Nylander - skill

I wouldnt read into that pattern at all...

Even if it were a pattern that was being done on purpose Morrison is not gonna be calling the shots on this draft Hunter is.

I would say if we are in top 5 Strome will be the target... I know Marner is a knight but they are going to want the size to compliment Nylander up front. A team can only have so many skilled perimeter guys thats why Edmonton is failing. Hall Eberle Yakupov and RNH are all skilled perimeter guys especially on the powerplay. We need some inside presence. My feeling is it has to be Strome or Rantanen if its a forward. Provorov Barzal and Marner are definitely possibility's though.

 

[Sundinisagod]

I wouldnt read into that pattern at all...

Even if it were a pattern that was being done on purpose Morrison is not gonna be calling the shots on this draft Hunter is.

I would say if we are in top 5 Strome will be the target... I know Marner is a knight but they are going to want the size to compliment Nylander up front. A team can only have so many skilled perimeter guys thats why Edmonton is failing. Hall Eberle Yakupov and RNH are all skilled perimeter guys especially on the powerplay. We need some inside presence. My feeling is it has to be Strome or Rantanen if its a forward. Provorov Barzal and Marner are definitely possibility's though.

The need for size is there both up front, and on the blueline, we both agree on that.

I don't know that our scouts would take Strome tbh, I question if he's got the skating and compete that I think we'll be looking for in a top 5 pick.

 

[91Stammer*]

I wouldnt read into that pattern at all...

Even if it were a pattern that was being done on purpose Morrison is not gonna be calling the shots on this draft Hunter is.

I would say if we are in top 5 Strome will be the target... I know Marner is a knight but they are going to want the size to compliment Nylander up front. A team can only have so many skilled perimeter guys thats why Edmonton is failing. Hall Eberle Yakupov and RNH are all skilled perimeter guys especially on the powerplay. We need some inside presence. My feeling is it has to be Strome or Rantanen if its a forward. Provorov Barzal and Marner are definitely possibility's though.

Strome is JVR type player, quite big but doesn't play that sound physical game to take his skills to the next level. My money is on Marner, I have been very high on this kid throughout the year and I think he has that killer instinct to get the job done, while Strome isn't that type of a player. Definitely skilled but he lacks something that makes players like Toews, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Bergeron elite.

 

[Sundinisagod]

Picks prior to 2014 are irrelevant.

Brendan Shanahan and Mark Hunter will run the draft now. Completely new management. Shanahan showed last draft that he would make picks based on skill and not size.

The only big forwards they drafted in 2014 were Dakota Joshua and Pierre Engvall. Both are skilled and drafted later in the draft.

There is no reason to think Shanahan and Hunter will take Crouse over Strome or Marner.

Especially given Mark Hunter's close relationship with Marner.

Shanahan himself, being a former a big power forward 2nd overall pick who lived up to expectations, would be partial to such a player? He'd also appreciate the importance of such a player...

 

[Bps21*]

McDavid will never end up a leaf and here is why

Connor McDavid is has a big $ sign on his head. He is the type of player that could save a franchise from going bankrupt. Much like one Sidney Crosby did for Pittsburgh. Even if Toronto finished dead last in the league, there's no way Bettman will allow McDavid to go to Toronto who already makes as much money as they do a year. Toronto doesn't financially need McDavid to survive as a business. But Mcdavid could certainly save Arz, Buffalo or Carolina from their current financial woes. Say what you want. But at the end of the day the nhl is a business. And I personally believe that if Mcdavid could make a team losing money, make money. Then that's where he'll go. Just the same as Sidney went to Pittsburgh as they were going bankrupt.

What financial woes do you think Buffalo has?

 

[Pi]

Shanahan himself, being a former a big power forward 2nd overall pick who lived up to expectations, would be partial to such a player? He'd also appreciate the importance of such a player...

Shanahan won't be making those decisions once a new GM is in place. He is brought to oversee things, not micro manage.

I am not worried at all. If the Leafs had picked Nick Ritchie last year, I would have been worried about is picking Crouse.

It's Strome or Marner if we are in the top 5 and picking a F.

 

[Pi]

More I've started watching, more I want Marner over Strome.Top 5 is no place to pick based on position.

IMO, Marner is the more talented player. The guy can flat out play. I wish he played centre more but if we draft him we have two Patrick Kane clones.

Nylander at C, Marner on wing.

 

[The Magic Man]

I'd love to get to 3 and take Hanifin, but at 4 I'd definitely love to get my hands on the better overall talent in Marner. Kessel is gone this off season and Nylander and Marner will more then make up for that loss.

 

[Warden of the North]

I really hope we finish top 5.

It will feel good going in to the draft knowing Hanifin, Strome, or Marner is ours.

 

[Pi]

I'd love to get to 3 and take Hanifin, but at 4 I'd definitely love to get my hands on the better overall talent in Marner. Kessel is gone this off season and Nylander and Marner will more then make up for that loss.

That's the big one. It's not that Strome isn't talented, it's just that Marner is really talented.

I'll be happy with either but Marner is something else. Even last year, he was second to only McDavid in terms of even strength scoring so it's not like he's an unknown lighting it up late in the season.

Marner makes players around him better.

 

[613Leafer]

Shanahan himself, being a former a big power forward 2nd overall pick who lived up to expectations, would be partial to such a player? He'd also appreciate the importance of such a player...

Except Shanny had 92 points in his draft year.

Crouse has size, can protect the puck, and has some offensive ability. But its not remotely at an elite level, which means the #1 attribute for his current draft status is size/physicality. Not something to focus on in the top 10 IMO.

Schenn/Biggs were guys we drafted in the 1st round primarily due to size/physicality, and crossed our fingers hoping the other skills would come around. Theyre the two worst 1st round picks we've made in the past decade. Look at the powerforwards around the league, very very few of them were drafted top 5-10. Its something you can find later in the draft.

Elite skill on the otherhand is primarily found at the top. In any given season, there are typically ~7 guys in the top 10 for scoring that were drafted top 5. Id prefer to focus on elite skill, elite skating, etc. Over elite physical ability with high picks.

 

[Nithoniniel]

Crouse to me is a very useful asset, he'll bring something rare to any line he plays on. I can't help but see a rather limited player offensively though.

A sub-10 pick would be great for him, I think he'll be skilled enough not to be a liability in that regard on his line. I just don't feel he's good enough to be picked top ten.

There are so many players that I'd really love in this draft.

 

[SprDaVE]

Crouse to me is a very useful asset, he'll bring something rare to any line he plays on. I can't help but see a rather limited player offensively though.

A sub-10 pick would be great for him, I think he'll be skilled enough not to be a liability in that regard on his line. I just don't feel he's good enough to be picked top ten.

There are so many players that I'd really love in this draft.

It's pretty amazing to see his ranking compared to players around him. I'm just amazed that a lot of scouts see so much value in a player like that so high in the draft.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little nervous that the Leafs will draft him...

 

[ULF_55]

Crouse to me is a very useful asset, he'll bring something rare to any line he plays on. I can't help but see a rather limited player offensively though.

A sub-10 pick would be great for him, I think he'll be skilled enough not to be a liability in that regard on his line. I just don't feel he's good enough to be picked top ten.

There are so many players that I'd really love in this draft.

So does anyone know why Monahan got drafted by the Flames?

Didn't have a great final season, but his team wasn't high scoring.

He's Mr. Clutch, be nice if the Leafs could grab whoever is scouting for the Flames. Maybe it was Weisbrod?

 

[613Leafer]

78 points in 58 games on a bad team (Monahan) vs 32 points in 41 games on a bad team (Crouse) is a pretty big difference. Especially since Monahan plays the premium position. Monahan was fairly close to double the PPG of Crouse (1.34 PPG vs 0.78 PPG). Plus Monahan had a much stronger history of being good offensively.

 

[ULF_55]

78 points in 58 games on a bad team (Monahan) vs 32 points in 41 games on a bad team (Crouse) is a pretty big difference. Especially since Monahan plays the premium position. Monahan was fairly close to double the PPG of Crouse (1.34 PPG vs 0.78 PPG).

I'm not saying take Crouse. No way we want a player whose best asset is his size.

Hopefully, there are some talented players when the Leafs pick. Burke isn't in charge to select a Biggs over almost anyone in the 2nd. round!

You want character and skill, not character (Biggs) or skill (Kessel) in your selections.

There are skilled, character centers with size available for the Leafs in this draft. If they leave this draft without a center it will be a joke.

 

[Oskar The Groucho]

If we pick crouse in the top 10 I will puke... if any team picks him int he top 10 they will regret it the minute they make it

 

[613Leafer]

Provorov, Kylington, and Werenski. Some very very solid dmen in the top 10-15 in this draft. I wouldn't take any of Crouse, Zacha, or Rantanen over these guys.

Barzal is a wildcard too, I'd take him over Crouse/Zacha/Rantanen.

 

[New Liskeard]

I'd love to get to 3 and take Hanifin, but at 4 I'd definitely love to get my hands on the better overall talent in Marner. Kessel is gone this off season and Nylander and Marner will more then make up for that loss.

Neither player has played a single game in the NHL, yet they can replace Kessel? Ignorance at its finest.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Now that we have the 26-30 pick. People should take a close look at Brock Boeser. He looks better than many rated higher than him on CSB at #28

RW 6'1 195 and growing. Also listed as a C in some publications. But playing wing this year.

This kid reminds me of a Ryan Kesler type player.

He's on my radar for our 2nd pick.

If we draft Dylan Strome, Boeser would be a perfect fit on his wing. Playmaking Center, and a winger with a nice release.

Anaheim drafted Getzlaf and Perry in 2003. Leafs are due to get lucky one of these drafts.

Brock Boeser has Interactif's stamp of approval.

 

[gabeliscious]

i really have a hard time seeing the leafs pass on strome if he is on the board. if we made a checklist of all of the assets we would want in a player and compared him with marner and some of the defenseman who also could easily be picks with where our 1st is slotted i think strome would get more checks.

other then skating is their any glaring fault to his game? position, size, iq, local boy, pedigree?

despite some people on here who seem a little off put by strome lately i think if he is on the board a tear will trickle down shannahans cheeck as he calls out his name.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

i really have a hard time seeing the leafs pass on strome if he is on the board. if we made a checklist of all of the assets we would want in a player and compared him with marner and some of the defenseman who also could easily be picks with where our 1st is slotted i think strome would get more checks.

other then skating is their any glaring fault to his game? position, size, iq, local boy, pedigree?

despite some people on here who seem a little off put by strome lately i think if he is on the board a tear will trickle down shannahans cheeck as he calls out his name.

My comparison for him would be a more gentle Left shooting Ryan Getzlaf. The skating thing is overblown if you ask me. He's not going to use his speed to beat you like Kessel will, though from what I have seen it is not a weakness either. He's got a nice stride that will be above NHL caliber. It's the other things he brings to the table that stand out. Hockey IQ and vision on the ice. A really talented distributer of the puck. As a Center, this is a very important asset to have.