I see 2 options with the pick of Winnipeg:
1- Trade the pick for a player like Necas
2- Trade up to select a player they love and who fills a specific need
For option 2, I see them going for a player with a very high floor since we already have the skills guys on the first 2 lines (Suzuki, Caufield, Dach, Slafkovsky, 2024 1st pick). These 5 players are more than enough as an offensive core to win a cup. I think they will try to go for complementary middle 6 players / role players. Here is the list of 5 players that I would target with Winnipeg's choice including 4 more role players:
1- Cole Beaudoin
Speed, grit & intangibles. If your 3rd trio is led by Beck & Beaudoin, these are players who will play on the penalty kill, who will be annoying for the opponent. I see a dynamic that each of these 2 players takes the faceoff on their strong side. He reminds me of Trent Frederic.
2- Sacha Boisvert
Probably a little further from the NHL given his USHL journey to the NCAA, but I don't think that's going to be a factor in the evaluation since we have a lot of depth up front that's going to need to be evaluated. Upside superior to other players on the list with his excellent shooting. Otherwise don't fear the physical game which is an integral part of his game. The rest of his game is average, but given his size/shooting/physical game, he's the type of player who will be targeted. Will probably be a winger at the next level, average hockey IQ.
3- Emil Hemming
Despite his excellent size, he is not a physical player. Above average skating and he has good offensive instincts, his best asset is his shot, one of the best in the draft. However, when we look at the Canadian's prospect bank, there are no skill players with good size to play on a 3rd line. I see him having this offensive role on a 3rd line with Beck and potentially Newhook.
4- Andrew Basha
Watching games and clips for Lindstrom, Basha was more visible and had the puck on his stick more often which is always a good sign. Excellent play maker, he's a poor man Catton. What will remain to be seen is to what extent he benefited from his excellent team to improve his statistics (McKenna, Lindstorm, Wiesblatt who are at 1.5 points per game). I think he could be a skills guy they like especially if they go for a size player with the 1st pick (Lindstrom, Sennecke), a bit like the selection of Mesar (skills) after that of Slafkovsky (size ).
5-Charlie Ellick
A bit like the role of Braden Schneider (physical player 5th defender, can go up as 4), I see them drafting this player because he fills a need: a defensive rock. Very good skating, but the puck is a hot potato for him. In the Canadiens' prospects as a right-handed defenseman, Barron/Mailloux have offensive roles, but no right-handed one of this type. A 3rd defensive pair composed of Xhekaj - Ellick in series with Sherwood's shots behind the opponents' backs makes me dream.
