My ideal draft, with no trading, would be something along the lines
1. (5)
Sean Monahan: | Center| 6'2" | 190lbs | 58 games | 31 goals | 47 assists | 78 points | 15 power-play goals | 24 penalty minutes | minus-18 rating
Big bodied leader (Captain) who produced on a very poor 67's team. Plays a 200 foot game, compares to Jonathan Toews. Unquestioned leadership skills, perfect fit to be a #2 Complete Center.
**I value Monahan over Lindholm because of Monahan's all around ability and leadership. Lindholm is a playmaker, no doubt, but we already have that in Ennis, Hodgson, and Grigo. Monahan is the prefect fit into the new Sabres lineup and along with Larsson, brings a new change in the Sabres focused on leaders."**
Central Scouting's Chris Edwards said. "Leadership-wise … Ottawa had such a bad season and most of the time when we went down there he was the only guy generating anything. I don't think his skating is an issue, but that's an area every player always wants to improve, so it doesn't surprise me that he would want to improve even more. Anytime you can get a guy with that type of play-making ability, puck-handling, smarts and that type of creativity on the power play, you'd be happy to get a guy like that."
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"Never quits; gave it 110 percent and played as well as he could on a bad Ottawa team. Eric Staal-like."
Midterm Rank: 4NA
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1. (20)
Bo Horvat: | Center/Wing| 6'0" | 200lbs | 67 games | 32 goals | 28 assists | 60 points | 29 PIMs | +3 rating
When you think of Horvat, think of a Steve Ott type with more offensive prowess. Center/Winger, plays a complete game. Relentless forchecker, PKer, huge upside. Captained the U17 Canada Ontario team and was Alternate Captain for the U18 Canada team.
Midterm Rank: 15NA
Alternates for this pick: Ryan Hartman, Valentin Zykov, Curtis Lazar, Kerby Rychel
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2. (35)
Michael McCarron: | Right Wing| 6'5" | 230lbs | 19 games | 5 goals | 5 assists | 10 points | 84 PIMS | +1 rating
North-South player with good vision. Back checks hard, uses his body well. Makes sure you know you've played him as he's an intense competitor. Committed to Michigan State, he's a little more of a longer term project, but 2 years at College should help him. The upside is significant however, and will be a dominant force when he does make the transition. Best case scenario for him is probably Rick Nash lite.
"He's a big guy with soft hands"
Midterm Rank: 31NA
Alternate Picks: Mirco Muueller, Shea Theodore, Steve Santini, Connor Hurley, Madison Bowey, Jacob de la Rose
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2. (46)
Thomas Vanelli: | Defense| 6'2" | 175lbs |
Kid's a competitor. Aggressive Off d-man who excels equally as well in the D zone. Needs to gain a couple more lbs and he's a little unpolished but the upside is there and there's no questioning his compete level or dive to succeed. Committed to play for U of Minnesota. Also part of the new leadership direction as he wore an "A" at Minnetonka.
Some interesting discussion on Minnetonka (Minn.) High School defenseman Thomas Vanelli. One scout told the group that during his weigh-in for Central Scouting, the teenager asked him: "What do I need to do to get drafted into the first round?"
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Vanelli has made quite the rise over the past two seasons as he has went from being a transfer player from Holy Family to a blue-chip prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft. Vanelli has an assortment of skills; most notable are his soft hands and his superb patience with the puck. He’s able to collect the puck cleanly and distribute it with little difficulty. Shows good control of the puck while under stress as he processes the game very well. His polished puck handling skills allow him to maneuver through traffic and create scoring opportunities while opening up space for teammates.
Vanelli possesses very good speed and exceptional agility, making his transitions look effortless and his defensive coverage tight. He’s very responsible and is makes good decisions on when to pinch or when to retreat. Has first-rate gap control as he can take space away from the opposition. His strength is a minor concern as he must continue to work to improve on his physical play in the corners and in front of the net. Vanelli is a sharp prospect and has the skill and will to succeed. The university of Minnesota recruit should be one of the first Minnesotans taken in the draft.
Alternate Picks: Tyler Hill, Samuel Morin, Justin Bailey, Sean Malone, John Hayden
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I think these picks helps us to make a complete
team. I didn't pick Lindholm because I feel we have enough "Lindholm's" right now. The new-look Sabres are going to be a team that is built to win and succeed in the playoffs. Same with, Horvat, McCarron, and Vanelli. There will probably a few more "skilled" players than those, but I want a well rounded balanced team. I feel these players another step in that direction.