Well to be fair, the dmen on that list they were debating about didn't have Merkley or Dahlin on it... so Bouchard would clearly be #1 on that list sans those 2.
I do however feel Bouchard was the #1 pick in this draft. Merkley/Dahlin I think were excellent picks as well. This was a draft where dmen trumped the forwards and will likely be known as a strong dman draft (and likely weakish for forwards) in years to come.
I find giving drafts an "identity" is awesome. Even just a general "good draft, deep draft, or top heavy etc..."
I had far less interest in this draft because it was a defense heavy draft. Hearing about elite forwards cracking records with insane skills. I originally think I underestimated this draft because of that. After I did some digging the talent of the defense at the top of this draft was unreal.
What I can't really understand is how that talent wasn't scooped up earlier in the draft. I know why Montreal made thier pick and originally didnt mind it, now I know more and while I still don't hate thier pick it is purely a desperation pick. I'm a big fan of Tkachuk but that's a terrible pick for Ottawa, especially if Karlsson is traded. Arizona's pick is more understandable instructions terms of need but even worse because of how much more of a reach it was based on talent. Detroits pick at first makes sense because of the quality of Zadina but if they really were interested in a elite defense... they are not going to get a better chance. The next 2 picks make sense but at this point some of the bias towards small skilled defenders kinda still surprises me. The Krav pick at 9 is another need pick off the board well outside of a top 9 that was clearly defined in terms of talent consensus.
Bouchards stats and some reports of being the next highest consensus ranked defender with Dobson being just slightly behind... it is crazy what took place for Edmonton to not only have Bouchard but Dobson and Wahlstrom to choose from. A perfect storm in favor of the Oilers.
To me that shapes this draft as very unique. A heavy bias of drafting for positional need and small skilled defenseman is new and fascinating. I wonder if moving forwardthat trend continues.
Guys like Tkachuk and Zadina were high ranked talents above the defense but neither are franchise level prospects. Both could well end up middle/top 6 guys rather than clear cut top line players.
Good/elite defense is so much harder to aquire, especially right shooting defenders I don't understand how this draft ended up the way it did.
Hindsight may make all the picks the way the went the right ones but right now it's a strange looking draft.