Prospect Info: Quick 2020 Post-Lottery Mock

[glenwo2]

The odds of Holtz lasting until #10 are very low. Two things would have to happen.

1)Teams drafting Fs in the top 10 would all have to prefer the other smaller, highly ranked guys, and there are two teams drafting which perennially covet size (Anaheim, Ottawa) and two which desperately need a goal-scoring RW for their top centers (Devils, Buffalo).

2)Askarov would have to go in the top 10, as would Sanderson. Though I think Sanderson will go higher than anyone imagines, I can't see any team in the top 8 taking Askarov. It would likely have to be with the "mystery team" who will draft #9 overall.

So, yes it is possible. But very unlikely.

You know this was coming :

 

[glenwo2]

Oh, I really want the Devils to take Mason Langenbrunner in the 7th round. Like really, really badly. More on that later.

So we'll have Captain Crankypants Jr.?

 

[StevenToddIves]

So if the top three goes as expected and picks five and six are biased towards bigger players (say Sanderson and Holtz) that makes DET at 4 the wildcard. I’ve read some comments that they have a solid future at RD with Sieder and Hronek. How likely is Yzerman to prefer a forward to maybe allow Drysdale to drop?

Personally, I think Detroit is far more likely to take a F at #4. My guess would be they're deciding between Perfetti and Rossi. If Yzerman did go for a defenseman here, I'd guess it would not be Drysdale but Sanderson. The Wings need a ton of help organizationally at LD -- they are brutally thin at the NHL level, and their only viable prospect at the position I would say is Jared McIsaac, with Albert Johansson as a decent depth prospect.

Ultimately, I do not think that Yzerman takes Drysdale. My (somewhat controversial) opinion is that -- unless Ottawa takes Drysdale at #5 overall, Sanderson will likely be the first defenseman taken in the 2020 draft.

I'm saying this a lot, but I think there's a reasonable chance that the Devils wind up taking Jamie Drysdale with the #7 pick.

 

[Billdo]

I feel like Anaheim would go with Sanderson over Drysdale. Murray is old and probably still values a more defensive defenseman as opposed to one who is known for his offense. That would still be a very nice get for us. I'd be happy with either.

 

[Alex NJD]

So if Holtz or Perfetti is BPA on our board at 7 and we take him, but then Quinn is BPA at 11 (or even 10) do we take 2 forwards?

 

[R8Devs]

So if Holtz or Perfetti is BPA on our board at 7 and we take him, but then Quinn is BPA at 11 (or even 10) do we take 2 forwards?

it's not like the devils are set at the forward position so I don't see the need to force a defenseman into their picks (even if they get all 3 first round picks).

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

So if Holtz or Perfetti is BPA on our board at 7 and we take him, but then Quinn is BPA at 11 (or even 10) do we take 2 forwards?

Yes. If Drysdale and Sanderson are both gone come pick 11, then absolutely we take 2 forwards.

We need top 6 wingers to flank both Hughes and Hischier.

 

[Pitaya]

Yes. If Drysdale and Sanderson are both gone come pick 11, then absolutely we take 2 forwards.

We need top 6 wingers to flank both Hughes and Hischier.

Weve got names like Foote, Kuokkanen, Boqvist, and a slew of other guys who could end up 2nd line talents. Bratt is looking like he could peak as a high end 2nd line guy. Gusev and Palmieri are here for at least next season

A guy like Sanderson/Drysdale at pick 7 allows us to slot them into our top-4 in a year or two. Hell maybe Sanderson makes it straight up (lmfao, are defense is that bad though but I doubt it)

Offense is also easier to find in trades and UFA.

We gotta grab one of those two dmen at 7, especially when a guy like Quinn or some if the other forwards Steve named can be available at 11

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

This is a false narrative which seems to be going around about Holtz. He is a very capable two-way player, better at puck retrieval than most pure snipers, has very good vision and an admirable compete level. His other undeniable asset is that he is a tremendous puck-handler. We're not talking just a kid who looks for the shot every time. He can drop a shoulder and weave himself into better scoring position. He can dish and he's smart. Alexander Holtz can beat you in a whole lot of ways.

I’m not saying he’s completely brain dead without the puck but I don’t see his overall game being as good as someone like Quinn. His shot is what is separating him from Quinn IMO and I’m not saying you’re wrong but if Holtz actually had all those qualities to his game, he’d be in contention with Byfield and Stuztle for that 2nd or 3rd overall spot instead of being labeled in the third tier of the draft.

 

[Spoiled Bratt]

Sanderson's offensive upside is far higher than Severson's. I think he would be a perfect compliment for Smith, who seems to prefer the right side despite being a left shot.

The reason I’d pair him up with Severson is because Smith knows where to be on the ice whereas Severson is just completely lost. Sanderson can be utilized as a stabilizing force alongside a more offensive minded player like Severson.

I’d look to pair Smith with a potentiel veteran UFA signing like Edmundsonn, Dillon or maybe even Zadorov if we can swing a deal with Colorado. Our current Gm emphasized that he would be looking to add some size to what is probably the softest blueline in the league, so a potential move for Zadorov might not be out of the question.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

The reason I’d pair him up with Severson is because Smith knows where to be on the ice whereas Severson is just completely lost. Sanderson can be utilized as a stabilizing force alongside a more offensive minded player like Severson.

I’d look to pair Smith with a potentiel veteran UFA signing like Edmundsonn, Dillon or maybe even Zadorov if we can swing a deal with Colorado. Our current Gm emphasized that he would be looking to add some size to what is probably the softest blueline in the league, so a potential move for Zadorov might not be out of the question.

I dont think it is a good idea for a rookie to babysit Severson.

Severson needs a veteran along side him.

 

[OmNomNom]

I dont think it is a good idea for a rookie to babysit Severson.

Severson needs a veteran along side him.

upcoming UFA LDs

 

[Unknown Caller]

Think we can get Merrill's rights for a 3rd?

 

[The Rochester Rocket]

My real question is are there any kids of former nhl players in this draft and if so where are they ranked!?

Kyle Aucoin, son of Adrian. Probably goes undrafted.

 

[DevilsJunkie]

Would like to somehow add a pick in the second round so the Devs can pick up Ozzie Wiesblatt.

 

[R8Devs]

Weve got names like Foote, Kuokkanen, Boqvist, and a slew of other guys who could end up 2nd line talents. Bratt is looking like he could peak as a high end 2nd line guy. Gusev and Palmieri are here for at least next season

A guy like Sanderson/Drysdale at pick 7 allows us to slot them into our top-4 in a year or two. Hell maybe Sanderson makes it straight up (lmfao, are defense is that bad though but I doubt it)

Offense is also easier to find in trades and UFA.

We gotta grab one of those two dmen at 7, especially when a guy like Quinn or some if the other forwards Steve named can be available at 11

High end offense is not easy to get and those forwards you listed on the Devils at their current state are not at the same value as the ones in the top end of this draft. Needs fluctuate fast, both Palmieri and Gusev are UFAs next season so who knows how the team will look. The first round especially should be done irrespective of who’s on the NHL roster at the current moment. The only position I would pass up early on is goalie

 

[StevenToddIves]

Honestly, I'm kind of wishing we had a 2nd round pick right now. There are a lot interesting defenseman available such as Joni Jurmo, William Wallinder(probably not), Helge Grans, Villeneuve, and Justin Barron.

I'm working on a position-by-position ranking to drop for your guys before I do my final rankings. For the past week, I've been brushing up on some film and analysis for my LD and RD rankings. I will say that, of all the players you've mentioned here (and several of them possess intriguing upside), Barron is the only one I would even think of taking in the first two rounds -- though I'm pretty sure he'll be gone in the first.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I feel like Anaheim would go with Sanderson over Drysdale. Murray is old and probably still values a more defensive defenseman as opposed to one who is known for his offense. That would still be a very nice get for us. I'd be happy with either.

I think it's splitting hairs over who is better between Drysdale and Sanderson. They are both absolutely outstanding prospects. I'd be thrilled with either. But I do agree with you that, if Anaheim has this choice (and there's a good chance they will), they'll probably take Sanderson.

 

[StevenToddIves]

So if Holtz or Perfetti is BPA on our board at 7 and we take him, but then Quinn is BPA at 11 (or even 10) do we take 2 forwards?

Unless some miracle happens and Sanderson or Drysdale slip to #11, that's exactly what the Devils will do.

I'm a big Guhle fan, but it would be a bit of a reach to take him at #11 if Fs like Quinn, Mercer, Jarvis, Lundell and Zary were available there.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I’m not saying he’s completely brain dead without the puck but I don’t see his overall game being as good as someone like Quinn. His shot is what is separating him from Quinn IMO and I’m not saying you’re wrong but if Holtz actually had all those qualities to his game, he’d be in contention with Byfield and Stuztle for that 2nd or 3rd overall spot instead of being labeled in the third tier of the draft.

I think the question you're asking here is: why is Holtz universally ranked between #4-#9 instead of #2-#3?

The answer has nothing to do with his overall game or puck skills, both of which are fantastic. It's mostly that his vision is good but not great, and he's more of a guy to finish the play than to dictate play. He's not a do-it-all winger like Lafreniere who can run the zone entry and play off his array of talents in the zone to be the center of your offense. Holtz can be an elite complimentary piece, but he's not your franchise player. His effectiveness will be somewhat proportional to the players around him.

This is saying he's worth a pick as high as #4 but no lower than #9 in a very strong draft class; it's a compliment. He's not quite Lafreniere or Byfield or Stutzle, but that is far from a knock on him.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Think we can get Merrill's rights for a 3rd?

The last thing the Devils need to improve a perennial mediocre and unphysical D is another mediocre and unphysical D.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Would like to somehow add a pick in the second round so the Devs can pick up Ozzie Wiesblatt.

I'm a huge fan of Wiesblatt. I'd love to see your suggestion come true.

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I think the question you're asking here is: why is Holtz universally ranked between #4-#9 instead of #2-#3?

The answer has nothing to do with his overall game or puck skills, both of which are fantastic. It's mostly that his vision is good but not great, and he's more of a guy to finish the play than to dictate play. He's not a do-it-all winger like Lafreniere who can run the zone entry and play off his array of talents in the zone to be the center of your offense. Holtz can be an elite complimentary piece, but he's not your franchise player. His effectiveness will be somewhat proportional to the players around him.

This is saying he's worth a pick as high as #4 but no lower than #9 in a very strong draft class; it's a compliment. He's not quite Lafreniere or Byfield or Stutzle, but that is far from a knock on him.

All he does is catch touchdown passes!

 

[Darkauron]

The last thing the Devils need to improve a perennial mediocre and unphysical D is another mediocre and unphysical D.

I think he was referencing an old meme here involving Merrill. We always joking offered Merrill and a 3rd for any trade

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

I could not venture to tell you what the Frolunda management was thinking. I just know that I did not come away from a single one of their games this year thinking -- wow, Raymond! This made me sad, because he was the reason I was watching them in the first place. You need to watch Raymond's international competition against players his own age to really see what he is capable of.

But to get back to your point -- no Raymond did not suck in the SHL. He's extremely smart and has a very good all-around game. He was far from a liability for Frolunda. But he also did not play like a player who many had ranked at #2 overall in their pre-season rankings, or have ranked #4 overall now.

Will he be better than Rossi, Perfetti and Holtz in four years? That's the scouts job to figure out. Maybe he will, it's certainly not beyond comprehension.

But if you had to win a game right now? Raymond would be a no-brainer for the fourth guy you'd take out of those players. That's the reason why I have him ranked behind the other trio -- the other three also have tremendous upside, and they're just better right now. This is not a knock on Raymond -- I'd be thrilled if the Devils got him at #7. It would mean the scouts believed wholeheartedly he will really be that good. I do too, but like I said -- I have him a tick below (in order) Rossi, Perfetti and Holtz.

Enjoying the posts.

Just a quick comment on this one. I actually think it is great that he went through the season he did. One problem for high end athletes can be that they never face adversity since they are the best player when playing with their peers. Blackwood has commented on how much the adversity he faced in the minors and early last year has helped him get better.

Also he was sick at one point:

"Lucas, he had an illness before the world junior, leading into the world junior. He got healthy but he lost a lot of strength. He was good at the world junior, he wasn't great. Then obviously playing in Frölunda, a great program, he didn't have as much traction with the big team. There was this back and forth about does he play on the junior team and up and whatnot. Lucas Raymond is a really, really good player."

Getting to Know: Lucas Raymond

Do not forget Sean Couturier fell to #8 in 2011 due to a less than expected season due to having mono that year.