Prospect Info: The 2018 Draft Thread

[PKSpecialist]

Merkley has been a headcase for years though and it's coming from trusted sources. Mark Edwards has talked about it and a close friend to him coached Merkley in minor midget and he has kept hearing the same stuff ever since then.

Boqvist doesn't have any attitude issues, this stuff just surfaced last few weeks or so. Pretty suspect if you ask me. And I've only ever seen it in NA media, which makes it even more suspect. And IF Boqvist would have issues they are extremely minor. He's not an uncoachable kid, he isn't allergic to defensive play. He doesn't throw temper tantrums. Merkley does all those things.

You can't compare Boqvist and Merkley in that regard at all. Apples and oranges...

Only in your mind though. I don’t necessarily disagree, because I’ve heard the same things you have. I’m more leery of Merkley, not because I’m an insider, but because my gut says stay away after hearing the circumstantial evidence third hand, just like you. That said, I had my heart set on Boqvist, and although not as publically addressed as with Merkley, we are now really starting to hear that Boqvist has some of the same issues. He lacks commitment to learning or even trying in the defensive end. Is he a head case? I don’t know. Uncoachable? I don’t know. What I do know is that something is starting to tell me the only difference between the two is that we had our hearts set on one before the story broke, and now we are denying that it’s true because we feel like Boqvist is already family, while we never gave Merkley a chance because we heard his story before he became a part of the family.

Again, don’t get me wrong, I’m still on the draft Boqvist bandwagon, but if we end up taking Smith over him, I’m not going to hold that against our scouts or management. I have faith that they will do their homework on both players.

Imagine if we ended up with Boqvist at 10 and Merkley at 40 and all the stories turned out true...then imagine if they aren’t.

 

[oil Leaks]

My list at 10 on who I would pick assuming no one drops from the top 9.

Boqvist
Kravtsov
Kaut
Hayton
Smith
Wilde

 

[Zaddy]

Only in your mind though. I don’t necessarily disagree, because I’ve heard the same things you have. I’m more leery of Merkley, not because I’m an insider, but because my gut says stay away after hearing the circumstantial evidence third hand, just like you. That said, I had my heart set on Boqvist, and although not as publically addressed as with Merkley, we are now really starting to hear that Boqvist has some of the same issues. He lacks commitment to learning or even trying in the defensive end. Is he a head case? I don’t know. Uncoachable? I don’t know. What I do know is that something is starting to tell me the only difference between the two is that we had our hearts set on one before the story broke, and now we are denying that it’s true because we feel like Boqvist is already family, while we never gave Merkley a chance because we heard his story before he became a part of the family.

Again, don’t get me wrong, I’m still on the draft Boqvist bandwagon, but if we end up taking Smith over him, I’m not going to hold that against our scouts or management. I have faith that they will do their homework on both players.

Imagine if we ended up with Boqvist at 10 and Merkley at 40 and all the stories turned out true...then imagine if they aren’t.

I still disagree. The persons I've heard talk about Merkley's issues are people and media figures I know and trust. It has been ongoing for several years now too, it's not like it just popped up recently. What reputable source have talked about Boqvist? I also don't really trust NA media when they talk to swedish guys because a lot of the time the tone of the conversation doesn't seem to be properly translated. It's a very frequent occurance that I see quotes from swedes in NA media that are just completely different and out of context compared to the original ones in swedish. Again, I haven't seen any of the reports about Boqvist being lazy, not having work ethic or what-have-you in swedish media. All of that comes from North American sources/journalists/talking heads.

I also don't really believe in the whole 'Boqvist is bad defensively and doesn't compete' narrative that gets thrown around. I don't think he was on a goal against at even strength in international play all season long. And I don't know if you saw it but I posted a video in this thread from an SHL game where Boqvist absolutely competed defensively. Pinned guys much bigger than himself to the wall, stepped up on the blue line and prevented clean zone entries etc. His stickwork is really, really good too.

To some degree I can understand the narrative that he doesn't compete, because he has this lazy look to him in how he skates that makes him look disengaged. But I think it's an illusion. I watched this kid for over 2 years and never once did I think he's lazy defensively. Honestly I was really surprised to hear it a couple of weeks ago. And I find it surprising that Boqvist is receiving this talk and not a guy like Bouchard. Based on that video that Mike Farkas(?) guy on HF posted Bouchard should be the one criticized for not competing and being really poor defensively. He's also way bigger and more physical mature, so he doesn't even have an excuse to struggle in his own zone.

 

[CupofOil]

What I do know is that something is starting to tell me the only difference between the two is that we had our hearts set on one before the story broke, and now we are denying that it’s true because we feel like Boqvist is already family, while we never gave Merkley a chance because we heard his story before he became a part of the family.

This has nothing to do with it. The difference (and it's a big one) is that apparently Merkley is a major headcase with big character issues while we've never heard anything of the sort about Boqvist so this is not wishful thinking on our part, it's what is being reported by people in the know.

The main reason why Boqvist is apparently dropping on some draft boards is because of his injury history which of course is a very real concern, nothing to do with his apparent unwillingness to learn defense or character issues. None of us have any idea what's going on behind the scenes with these players so I'll differ to the scouts on this one.

As far as Smith or Hayton vs. Boqvist. Give me the dynamic prospect (who fills a big need) with homerun potential every time, I'd be willing to take what is a slightly bigger risk. The Oilers need a dynamic player on the blueline in the worst way and they aren't getting one outside of the draft so here's their chance and I see Boqvist as the player who gives them that chance, not Smith. In this case, Boqvist would be BPA and fill a need. If it doesn't work out so be it but it's the right pick IMO.

I pray that Boqvist gets picked before us so the Oilers are forced to take one of the top 9 that drops (likely Wahlstrom or Bouchard) because I don't see them taking Boqvist.

 

[The Safe Play]

I think the Oilers are definitely taking Smith over Boqvist. I like Smith a lot but really hope someone drops because Bouchard, Dobson, Wahlstrom etc. would all be much better.

after the standard top 9 I would take a lot of guys over Hayton, lack of offence scares me there.

 

[rambo97]

Zaddy, Bouchard definitely has some of the same concerns as Boqvist (totally agree with that). Guy Fleming said that he talked to scouts who indicated compete level with Bouchard is an issue. And everyone knows about his defensive issues.

His skating issues are well documented (see here: Should the Canucks Be Worried About Evan Bouchard’s Skating?)

So he's just ask risky as Boqvist is IMO. I think less people are talking about it because none of us expect Bouchard is going to be available at 10. Boqvist seems to definitely be a possibility and thus probably why it's being discussed on our board more.

 

[McFlash97]

This has nothing to do with it. The difference (and it's a big one) is that apparently Merkley is a major headcase with big character issues while we've never heard anything of the sort about Boqvist so this is not wishful thinking on our part, it's what is being reported by people in the know.

The main reason why Boqvist is apparently dropping on some draft boards is because of his injury history which of course is a very real concern, nothing to do with his apparent unwillingness to learn defense or character issues. None of us have any idea what's going on behind the scenes with these players so I'll differ to the scouts on this one.

As far as Smith or Hayton vs. Boqvist. Give me the dynamic prospect (who fills a big need) with homerun potential every time, I'd be willing to take what is a slightly bigger risk. The Oilers need a dynamic player on the blueline in the worst way and they aren't getting one outside of the draft so here's their chance and I see Boqvist as the player who gives them that chance, not Smith. In this case, Boqvist would be BPA and fill a need. If it doesn't work out so be it but it's the right pick IMO.

I pray that Boqvist gets picked before us so the Oilers are forced to take one of the top 9 that drops (likely Wahlstrom or Bouchard) because I don't see them taking Boqvist.

I am with you on this statement. It will be hard to swallow watching the Oilers shank another pick if they Pass Boqvist. Almost 4 years in since drafting McDavid, Hall gone, Eberle gone, high pick traded for Reinhart, yet our blueline remains the Sahara desert for offensive defenseman.

 

[rambo97]

Look I didn't like Smith when I finally watched him at the U-18's and was vocal about it. But the scouting reports and data on Smith is very very impressive.

Everywhere you read most scouts say he's going to be a 15 year NHL player. Most say he's a surefire NHLer. That has value.

I get the homerun allure with others but Smith definitely has his merits. Our prospect pipeline sucks. We honestly can't afford a bust with our top pick in 2018. So for me I am factoring that in. Now if we can acquire some more picks then yeah I'd have no issue with taking Boqvist or others (assuming the additional picks lead to some solid NHLers even if its bottom pairing dmen or bottom 6 forwards).

 

[rambo97]

I am with you on this statement. It will be hard to swallow watching the Oilers shank another pick if they Pass Boqvist. Almost 4 years in since drafting McDavid, Hall gone, Eberle gone, high pick traded for Reinhart, yet our blueline remains the Sahara desert for offensive defenseman.

And if Boqvist busts then what? All your doing is further delaying improving that defense and you'll be 1 year further along McD's contract and have 1 less asset on the team because you selected a bust at #10.

 

[gordonhught]

And if Boqvist busts then what? All your doing is further delaying improving that defense and you'll be 1 year further along McD's contract and have 1 less asset on the team because you selected a bust at #10.

If if if. What if they draft Smith or Hayton and Boqvist turns into another EK? What if Smith or Hayton bust?

Take the prospect with the most upside, at a position of need. No brainer.

 

[rambo97]

If if if. What if they draft Smith or Hayton and Boqvist turns into another EK? What if Smith or Hayton bust?

Take the prospect with the most upside, at a position of need. No brainer.

I've seen unsuccessful people have this attitude regarding risk. Take the riskiest option because it has the biggest payoff. I guess that's why people play the lottery. They don't have the brains to save and invest wisely so they are hoping to strike it rich the stupid way (which rarely ever happens).

Successful people take calculated risks. Even entrepreneurs that appeared to take big risks....they usually had a competitive advantage or knowledge about an industry or some other advantage that helped them be successful

Anyways, enough about this on a hockey forum. To each their own I guess. My philosophy is to minimize risk as much as possible. As an Oiler fan I look at the prospect pipeline and see it's lacking so I want to add as many surefire prospects as I can. That has risk attached as well but it fits my philosophy. I guess we will find out in 5-7 years who was right. Cheers

 

[CupofOil]

And if Boqvist busts then what? All your doing is further delaying improving that defense and you'll be 1 year further along McD's contract and have 1 less asset on the team because you selected a bust at #10.

And if Smith becomes Russell and Boqvist becomes Karlsson then what?

We can go on and on about pros and cons of taking each player but the bottom line is that the Oilers biggest need is a high end dynamic offensive defenseman who can QB a PP and if he's a righty, even better.

In this case, you have a player that fills the bigger need (potentially of course) and is the higher rated prospect according to, well, just about everybody but Bob Stauffer yet they are going to take the "safer" prospect because he has character, is an Alberta boy, is familiar with Edmonton and was Yamamoto's teammate.

I get that Smith is a more polished player now and can defend better but you can get a player that defends well later in the draft and it's not like Boqvist can't learn defense. The one thing you can't be taught is raw talent and Boqvist has that in spades (at least from the little I've seen of him). If they take Smith, this screams of a Benson over DeBrincat type pick IMO.

 

[Kagomeboy]

And if Smith becomes Russell and Boqvist becomes Karlsson then what?

We can go on and on about pros and cons of taking each player but the bottom line is that the Oilers biggest need is a high end dynamic offensive defenseman who can QB a PP and if he's a righty, even better.

In this case, you have a player that fills the bigger need (potentially of course) and is the higher rated prospect according to, well, just about everybody but Bob Stauffer yet they are going to take the "safer" prospect because he has character, is an Alberta boy, is familiar with Edmonton and was Yamamoto's teammate.

I get that Smith is a more polished player now and can defend better but you can get a player that defends well later in the draft and it's not like Boqvist can't learn defense. The one thing you can't be taught is raw talent and Boqvist has that in spades (at least from the little I've seen of him). If they take Smith, this screams of a Benson over DeBrincat type pick IMO.

okay then if the Oilers take Boqvist and he is not Karlsson and ty smith because the d men we need.If Boqvist has the attitude that rumors he has then what.

We are going to have a bad player with bad attitude.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

With all the contention around Boqvist, I sincerely hope someone takes the choice out of the Oilers "hands"

Boqvist and Smith might be close in the Oilers' mind, but if any of Hughes, Dobson or Bouchard is there, I doubt it's even close, the Oilers take all 3 of those guys over Smith.

 

[Canovin]

okay then if the Oilers take Boqvist and he is not Karlsson and ty smith because the d men we need.If Boqvist has the attitude that rumors he has then what.

We are going to have a bad player with bad attitude.

The Oilers don't need Boqvist to become Karlsson to be considered a homerun. If he becomes top 4 Dman and runs the PP, that's a success right there

 

[A91]

I think our D has some good leaders, Boqvist would be ok.

Larsson was a highly touted RHD who is the leader (Alternate C) on our D. Klefbom seems like he would be a great mentor. Reggie is loved by the team, can only assume hes a leader for us.

At the same time sometimes its too bad like Seguin, who had Bergeron, Chara, Recchi, Ference and many more quality vets and he couldn't figure it out.

I cant see Chia going for someone who he feels has character issues, its his core value when building a team. Cant say I disagree but it would be a shame if he pans out and we passed on him. Tough call.

 

[Canovin]

If if if. What if they draft Smith or Hayton and Boqvist turns into another EK? What if Smith or Hayton bust?

Take the prospect with the most upside, at a position of need. No brainer.

I don't understand why Smith is considered a safe pick when his floor is just as low as Boqvist while Boqvist has a much higher ceiling.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

I don't understand why Smith is considered a safe pick when his floor is just as low as Boqvist while Boqvist has a much higher ceiling.

I believe it's because he has more rounded out game then Boqvist without as high a ceiling, and I would think that Smith's "floor" is probably slight higher then Boqvist.

Possible, Boqvist Ceiling=Erik Karlsson-esq, Floor=SHLer for a long time,

Smith Ceiling=Duncan Keith/Brian Leetch-lite(?), Floor=Kyle Quincy (guy that is in the bottom-ish pairing for a bunch of teams for a while)

 

[nexttothemoon]

Floor for all these players is a bust that isn't even in the NHL in 5 years.

 

[McFlash97]

And if Boqvist busts then what? All your doing is further delaying improving that defense and you'll be 1 year further along McD's contract and have 1 less asset on the team because you selected a bust at #10.

You can turn around and say the exact same thing for Smith , or all other draft picks outside the top 5 basically. The Oilers draft record isn't exactly stellar outside the top 3.
The Boqvist bust factor is a local opinion considering injuries and hes not a local boy. He may not be as talkative due to coming over to a different continent and be as versed to the North American game. Give him a few years and he takes off. Just based on pure ability, he appears to be a step above Ty.

 

[Johnny McBravo]

Another point that needs to be brought up.

Let's say they they both hit half of their potential. What is harder to obtain via trade or FA: A top 4 RH offensive D, or an all around top 4 LHD? Well we havent had any trouble signing a top 4 LHD via free agency, and we are having quite the time finding a top 4 RHD. The difference is fairly significant going off of recent history.

In my opinion if Boqvist hits half of his potential, he's still a better play than Smith's max. You don't pass on kids like that, especially if you can steal them at 10.

 

[Delicious Pancakes]

Only in your mind though. I don’t necessarily disagree, because I’ve heard the same things you have. I’m more leery of Merkley, not because I’m an insider, but because my gut says stay away after hearing the circumstantial evidence third hand, just like you. That said, I had my heart set on Boqvist, and although not as publically addressed as with Merkley, we are now really starting to hear that Boqvist has some of the same issues. He lacks commitment to learning or even trying in the defensive end. Is he a head case? I don’t know. Uncoachable? I don’t know. What I do know is that something is starting to tell me the only difference between the two is that we had our hearts set on one before the story broke, and now we are denying that it’s true because we feel like Boqvist is already family, while we never gave Merkley a chance because we heard his story before he became a part of the family.

Again, don’t get me wrong, I’m still on the draft Boqvist bandwagon, but if we end up taking Smith over him, I’m not going to hold that against our scouts or management. I have faith that they will do their homework on both players.

Imagine if we ended up with Boqvist at 10 and Merkley at 40 and all the stories turned out true...then imagine if they aren’t.

Where is this coming from, do you have a source? The only thing I've seen is an interview with his coach saying he needs to commit to training like a pro and currently it's not at the level it needs to be at. Or is it that one article comment that's somehow been extrapolated into these other "concerns" because gossip distorts the truth?

 

[Zaddy]

And if Smith becomes Russell and Boqvist becomes Karlsson then what?

We can go on and on about pros and cons of taking each player but the bottom line is that the Oilers biggest need is a high end dynamic offensive defenseman who can QB a PP and if he's a righty, even better.

In this case, you have a player that fills the bigger need (potentially of course) and is the higher rated prospect according to, well, just about everybody but Bob Stauffer yet they are going to take the "safer" prospect because he has character, is an Alberta boy, is familiar with Edmonton and was Yamamoto's teammate.

I get that Smith is a more polished player now and can defend better but you can get a player that defends well later in the draft and it's not like Boqvist can't learn defense. The one thing you can't be taught is raw talent and Boqvist has that in spades (at least from the little I've seen of him). If they take Smith, this screams of a Benson over DeBrincat type pick IMO.

This is a good point. I'd argue that you could get a prospect of similar calibre and upside as Smith at #40.

As an example Slava Demin is someone I'm really interested in. 6'1 with terrific skating and two-way game.

From HockeyProspect's Black Book:

Demin is a two-way defenseman with a tremendous tool-set. He’s an excellent skater, who’s four-way mobility runs through an efficient and fluid stride. He would use his effortless stride and anticipatory reads to transition the puck at an impressive rate. His lateral mobility and edges made it difficult to read his movement at the offensive-blueline, while showing plus feinting mechanics that allowed him to re-open his shooting and passing options.

His playmaking skills compliment his excellent vision and this allowed him to move the puck at a fast rate through all three-zones. We have seen him use his skill-set to draw defenders to him, before making sharp-passes over to his open teammates for highend scoring chance at a consistent rate. Demin’s not just an adept passer though, having arguably one of the more refined wrist-shots from the backend in this class. The release point is both deceptive and comes off his tape very quickly, making it difficult for goalies to pick up.

Although he can generate dangerous shots from a stationary position, it’s his ability to shift gears which helps switch the angle of his shot when he’s pinching, that gives him another offensive element to his game.
His mobility allows him to play a calm and collected game when in the defensive-zone, rarely looking rattled when under pressure. His awareness away from the puck is a plus, and it allowed him to maintain consistent defensive-positioning in our viewings.

He has some warts too obviously otherwise he'd be ranked higher but the guy is headed to college and has plenty of time to develop properly.



And there's plenty more guys you could take in that range like Adam Ginning, Jared McIsaac, Calen Addison, Kevin Bahl, Jett Woo, maybe Bernard-Docker or Tychonick is there. Even a guy like Mattias Samuelsson. HockeyProspect has him ranked #39. If he's available at #40 I'd be all over him. Sandin, Alexeyev, Beaudin are other options that might be there. All of those guys have a good chance of being top4 d-men. Some more than others. Bottom-line is that a guy like Boqvist is much more rare to find than a guy like Smith IMO. If Smith was 6'1 then maybe I could see an argument for him, but he's not.

 

[nexttothemoon]

If Addison or Alexeyev are there at 40... they'd be excellent picks. They are top 15 picks on my list and getting them at 40 is easily equal to a 1st round pick.

Addison could quite easily end up as one of the top 5 D in this draft.

 

[Joey Moss]

I don't understand the whole talk on Boqvist's defensive game. I keep hearing this on local radio.. Haven't heard a peep on Bouchard's defensive game though when his may actually be worse. I actually don't think Boqvist's defensive game is a concern at all. It's the concussions.