Early look for 2021 draft

[BeersHockey]

Is there a vaccine?

 

[Henkka]

Reminded me so much of Barzal.

 

[Henkka]

https://twitter.com/hunterofstats

US defence worked quite well on Exits. No weak links, everybody +50% in general.

And Beniers dominated the Zone Entries.

Zero failed. More these will happen, more he is my guy.

 

[Ed Ned and Leddy]

Another really impressive night from Beniers against Sweden. I'm still really concerned about our lack of a standout LHD prospect, but man I'd really love for us to pick up Beniers this year.

 

[Frk It]

Reminded me so much of Barzal.

That’s my boy.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Beniers really impresses me, he is kind of a blend of Turcotte and Zegras. I was really impressed with his U of M games, guy just plays solid winning hockey.

 

[Martinez]

Beniers really impresses me, he is kind of a blend of Turcotte and Zegras. I was really impressed with his U of M games, guy just plays solid winning hockey.

Easily the number 1 pick for me

 

[Henkka]

Easily the number 1 pick for me

My gut feeling is between Beniers and Wallstedt. Like, what would be there at 4th-5th overall.

 

[jaster]

Jeez, pump Beniers' tires much, guys?

I agree though, kid is a lightning bolt. Best forward on Michigan this year (though whoa can K Johnson be flashy), and super impressive in this tournament. Amazing he has only 2 assists through 4 games, given how much he turns the game in his favor when he's out there. The points will come though, I don't think anyone should be worried about that.

Also, here's a little context: Beniers is 5th in TOI among USA forwards. The top-4 are, unsurprisingly:

Name - Born
Caufield - Jan '01
Turcotte - Feb '01
Zegras - March '01
Boldy - April '01

Beniers? - Nov '02

 

[Vector Cereal]

Beniers really impresses me, he is kind of a blend of Turcotte and Zegras. I was really impressed with his U of M games, guy just plays solid winning hockey.

He reminds me of pre-draft Turcotte, who I was super high on. That combination of motor, hands, and 200 foot game is the kind of hockey I really like to watch. Turcotte hasn't dominated post-draft like I thought he would, which has me worried about my Beniers evaluation, but I suppose Beniers has the advantage of already being in college.

 

[Marky9er]

Does Arizona still get ping pong balls despite the forfeited pick? It appears that way on tankathon.

 

[HoweFan]

I like Beniers and also Johnson, but if we get a chance to draft a premium LHD we better do it this year. There are 3-5 top quality guys available this year but none next year according to a couple of very early rankings. Next year centres are plentiful and I think we’ll still be drafting low.

 

[Henkka]

Does Arizona still get ping pong balls despite the forfeited pick? It appears that way on tankathon.

I think they do, but the pick just won't happen, whatever position it will be.

 

[Marky9er]

I think they do, but the pick just won't happen, whatever position it will be.

Yeah so we can lose the lottery and still pick 3rd if Arizona wins(but "4th")

 

[Henkka]

Yeah so we can lose the lottery and still pick 3rd if Arizona wins(but "4th")

Yep, it gives a little bit better chanches to draft higher, if Arizona misses the playoffs.

 

[Christien]

So who's everyone's pick as the best defenceman in the draft so far? I know a lot of kids haven't played, but just curious to see who everyone likes. Edvinsson has been playing good in the SHL as of late. I've heard nothing but good things about Luke Hughes as well. Any thoughts on Hughes' game?

 

[HoweFan]

Owen Powers, Carson Lambos, Simon Edvinson, Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes. In that order for me

 

[ArmChairGM89]

Owen Powers, Carson Lambos, Simon Edvinson, Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes. In that order for me

Same and same order. Nice.

 

[wingerdinger]

Owen Powers, Carson Lambos, Simon Edvinson, Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes. In that order for me

Just as long as we get one of them I'll be happy.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

He reminds me of pre-draft Turcotte, who I was super high on. That combination of motor, hands, and 200 foot game is the kind of hockey I really like to watch. Turcotte hasn't dominated post-draft like I thought he would, which has me worried about my Beniers evaluation, but I suppose Beniers has the advantage of already being in college.

That's kind of the vibe I got as well. I'm not super high on Turcotte and think he tops out as a very good 3C or ok 2C. At the same stage I'd say that this year Beniers is better than turcotte was in his draft year.

Maybe Beniers ends up as a Dylan Larkin-ish player? If we draft him it'd be easier to trade Larkin when Seider is ready for the captaincy.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

So who's everyone's pick as the best defenceman in the draft so far? I know a lot of kids haven't played, but just curious to see who everyone likes. Edvinsson has been playing good in the SHL as of late. I've heard nothing but good things about Luke Hughes as well. Any thoughts on Hughes' game?

Not as offensively minded as Quinn and plays more of a 2 way game. Approximately as good a skater as Quinn was during his draft year while being much bigger. I'd say it's a good bet he becomes a top 4 defenseman, but I'm not sure if there's much top 2 potential in his game.

 

[simonedvinsson]

Getting my hopes up about drafting an LD seems about as foolish as expecting the Wings to win the lottery.

 

[Hen Kolland]

Getting my hopes up about drafting an LD seems about as foolish as expecting the Wings to win the lottery.

Is it because we are picking a center?

 

[simonedvinsson]

Is it because we are picking a center?

Most likely a winger. I’m setting my expectations low this go.

 

[Henkka]

Beniers doing the Entry thing.