I think this is the type of draft like 2018 where you just see where the balls drop, like when Dobson (and unfortunately Wahlstrom) fell into our laps.
Pick #1 is clear and if Demidov wasn't Russian and hadn't gotten hurt in the playoffs, he'd prolly be the surefire #2.
But after that there are a whole bunch of good players who each bring something to the table.
In essence, I think 13 is about where Connelly will go, granted no-one cares about his social media issue in the past. He's incredibly skilled and is about the closest thing to another Barzal that I see in this draft.
But even if he'd be there, you've gotta see who has dropped outta the top ten and is there at that point.
Is a Parekh there? Is Catton there? Is Buium there?
Those are guys you shouldn't really say no to at that spot.
I think a Helenius could very well be there and he's one of those "Like, no duh" options who may not be sexy to some, but will prolly step right into the line-up within 2 years and go the same route as a Robert Thomas has in St. Louis. He's that good. One of the most pro ready players in the draft.
Or you may even have Cole Eiserman sitting there. Then the Isles are going to be in a dilemma. He's a pure goalscorer. He just set the USNTDP record for all-time goals. He entered the season looking like a top 3 candidate. He didn't take any real steps forward, but scored with reckless abandon, again. And at the U18 Worlds as well (9-1-10 in 7 games - looks a lot like Bellows at that one WJC 10 years ago). And then that's why you've got a problem... Can a team that got burned on Dal Colle, Bellows, and now Wahlstrom afford to grab yet another pure goalscoring one-trick pony???
Or is he actually another Caufield? A bigger one at that. Some out there say he certainly is.
I'd have to think that if the big names are gone, one of the best picks here would be the righty shot Dman from the WHL, Yakemchuk. Lots to like there. A Pulock type, perhaps.
But if there's anyone in this draft for me who looks like he could surprisingly wind up being the most dynamic player in 10 years time, it's a Russian kid named Yegor Surin. Just a dynamic and quick offensive weapon with lots of hop and creativity. He's 6'1", 192 pounds.
The scouting world knows of him. He's been making his way up the lists. He's the type of guy many may have ranked around 40, but wouldn't be surprised in the least to see him go 15-25.
So, if you're picking 13 and you realize he's the special one, maybe dropping back to 16 (STL) in order to add another 2nd and then taking him there would be some kind of savvy.
This all said, I can really see this Islander team being very interested in a center from the USHL named Michael Hage. Heading to Michigan, he's decently sized and brings a complete package up the middle.