If we don't win lottery and pick 9, I think we have to just take the faller. We could get a very good player at this pick range.
I don't know who falls out of the top 8 but we have to swing for value with this pick, ignore position.
Powers gone, Beniers gone, Clarke gone, likely Guenther and Edvinsson gone. This leaves Hughes, Eklund, Johnson, Wallstedt.
I don't mind the idea of McTavish as I think he'd be a great fit, but I think someone will fall to us which surprises people, maybe even Hughes (although I'd be surprised if New Jersey passes on him)
As per Johnson, in my initial viewings in Michigan, I loved him. If he falls to us I have zero issues with swinging on his skillset and upside. Put him with Pete or Horvat and on our top pp, gross. He's just so silky and fun to watch, oozes skill.
Lysell would be a nice pick around 10 as well, imo. So much upside and is such a dynamic player.
I think Svechkov could be a decent pick here, as he's a great two way Center.
I don't have enough viewings of Lambos or Coulemans to comment, however I did like Coulemans at u18s, so I think he's a pretty safe pick. But I get the sense we could trade down for him and snag another pick. (Like Philly did with Cam York)
Anyways, I'm excited for this draft. Love Eklund, Beniers, Hughes, Clarke, Power, Johnson, Guenther while being a little less sure of Edvinsson, but liked his progression through the u18s. And love Lysells skillset and potential, MacTavish's compete, Coulemans skating, Wallstedts franchise goalie potential. We should get a good player.
I'm shocked some people are saying no to Johnson at 9.. I don't even see him falling, but if he's still on the board I think it's a no brainer.
Anyways, all this said, if one of the top guys fall, regardless of position, I think we have to take them.