Picks:
1. C Jonathan Huberdeau
2. C/LW Mika Zibanejad
3. C Ryan Strome
4. D Ryan Murphy
5. D Oscar Klefbom
6. LW Kerby Rychel
7. RW Andre Burakovsky
8. F JT Miller
9. C Tomas Hertl
10. D Connor Murphy
11. C/RW Rikard Rakell
12. D Madison Bowey
13. LW Gustav Possler
14. D Eric Roy
15. RW Nicholas Baptiste
16. LW Taylor Cammarata
17. C Vincent Trocheck
18. G Matt Murray
19. F Sergie Trochinsky
20. G Anthony Stolarz
Roster
Zibanejad / Huberdeau / Burakovsky
Cammarata / Strome / JT Miller
Rychel / Hertl / Rakell
Possler / Trocheck / Baptiste
Trochinsky
Klefbom / Ryan Murphy
Eric Roy / Co. Murphy
Pelech / Bowey
Matt Murray
Anthony Stolarz
1st Expect magic between Zib and Huberdeau, with Burakovsky required to do little more than have his blade on the ice to cash in on the occasional feed. Zib should add some much needed toughness, as well as a legit power forward game.
2nd Strome is the heart of this line. If he doesnt pan out this line doesnt pan out. But
iff hr can dish out like he used to, he will have two capable linemates standing to profit. JT Miller add much needed Backbone to this line, however he does have good offensive upside as well. Cammarata will have to prove that he isnt too small for the NHL (or Trochinsky who will be waiting in the wings), but he will keep his sensational speed and hands for this endeavour. Look for Strome to develope differently from initial predictions and develope a strong sniper game. Though his playmaking will suffer, Miller can help out a little here.
3rd Probably my favourite group. Smart 3rd line that does all the easy things well. Strong 2 way guys, with some physicality, speed and scoring. Nicely balanced in my opinion
4th line is physical. Posslers add speed, Baptiste is expected to throw his body around and Trochech grinds away. I was planning this line to include Stefan Matteau, however the Nucks took him just before I could.
All 3 D pairings will be very balanced, with an increase in physicality towards the bottom end. Several offensive minded d men, as all of us probably have.
Powerplay should look strong with the elite playmakers, offensive d men and some size to drop infront of the goaltender.
3rd line will take over the brunt of the pking, with possler and trocheck helping out.
Goalkeeping is the obvious weakness. Will Matt Murray, who showed great glimpses, be able to play consistently? Will Stolarz show that he can handle the kind of workload a nhl starter has to deal with? Probably not, but then again, they are goalies...
Very talented group. Got great value on a lot of picks i thought.
