I REALLY liked this draft for us!! I must be one of the few who loved each pick we made, and I know I have a few posts saying I'd be disappointed with Holtz but it was mainly me projecting the lack of Sanderson or Drysdale I was disappointed with.
Holtz is a more of a ranged scorer than Quinn, who is argued to be the best in the draft at scoring. Holtz can let it rip from the freaking blueline and go top cookies! I also like what ive read about his compete and effort he always gives. Wasn't my favorite picks at this spot but, given who we got after him, Im 100% fine with going for a 40+ goal potential player (who apparently has a good all-around game and frame) considering we don't have anyone near that and haven't since Kovalchuk (Hall was never a goal scorer even if he scored a lot his MVP year).
Mercer was a BEAUT of a pick here at 18! I was so shocked he made it past 15-16 considering where he was ranked only a year ago in the top-10 by many. His floor is so high so I feel, even in his worst development path, he ends up a great bottom-6er for us. I love his attitude in the interviews and you can tell he is a genuine person who knows what it takes to become better, which is expecting a lot from an 18 year old! Plus the kid's hands are absolutely filthy, anyone with good IQ and filthy mits can make big plays - even if skating isn't his strong suit (I could be wrong on this, I thought most had him as an average skater)
Mukhamadullin is an EXCELLENT pick!! Heres some quick facts for the doubters: In 14 games this year he already has 6 points. The KHL records for points by a defenseman at 18 are a random with 8 and Orlov with 7... in 40+ games!! Mukh has that in 14 almost! And that isn't even his strong suit outside his heavy shot, hes a defensive guy! I absolutely love the prospect of having a 6'3" heavy shot dman whos playing with men, in an important role past the bench, in a league where young dmen are held down longer periods than most. His potential is super high IMO and I think this wasn't a reach at all and we had him above Schneider on our board. His contract is up 21-22 and he could maybe challenge for a spot by then given his size.
Thats my 'I dont know shit about shit but lets shoot the shit' diagnosis of the 1st round!