Sure, they had him at 22, but that's not how drafting works. You don't take someone rated lower on your list because you think the higher player is falling. There was 26 picks between Dermott and Bracco, you don't risk losing the guy if you rate him higher.
It could be as close as having them rated 21 and 22, but the fact is Hunter & co. had Dermott rated higher or they wouldn't have taken him at 34.
No, that's not how it works.
Say they had Bracco at 22 and Dermott right at 34. They knew Bracco would fall, but Dermott wouldn't. So why take Bracco and not get Dermott when you could get both?
On the 2nd day, there is a lot more chatter. That's why you see a lot of pick maneuvering. It's easier to get a grasp on who other teams are taking.
Chances are high that the Leafs did some due diligence and some talking between the 1st and 2nd rounds, and realized they could get Bracco at the end of the 2nd, and they could take Dermott before him.
Either way, this discussion is entirely useless. What Bracco has done in the USHL is absolutely ridiculous.
Oh, Bracco is also one of the youngest, if not the youngest players to get drafted. I believe he's still 17.
This kid has massive potential, while Dermott is simply going to become a 2nd pairing guy, likely average to high end 2nd pairing guy.
Dermott is a very good prospect, no doubt, but Bracco is, I mean, I'm not even sure how to describe it.
