Do any of the D look like they could end up being BPA at our pick? I see some people like Soderstrom, Broberg, York, and Byram.
Does anyone know them well enough to give the pros/cons of going with a D?
Right now my mindset is that we likely need cheap young forwards in the coming years to create a strong top 9. I am hesitant to draft a D if they are the toolbox but not cerebral as well.
I'd think long and hard about taking Cam York if the Oilers draft in the #5-7 range. I feel like in general you just get so much more value out of picking a D than a forward, especially if that forward is a winger.
As for pros and cons of these guys I'd say something like...
York
pros: mobile, maybe the best passer of the d-men in this draft, understands the game at a high level, great offensive instincts
cons: nothing that really stands out, just the usual could get stronger, better defensively, improve his shot etc which every kid at that age needs to work on
Söderström
pros: one of the smartest players in the entire draft for my money, very good defensively, also a good puck-mover and mobile, decent offensive instincts and skills
cons: size, he's listed at 5'11 like York and Heinola but he looks two inches shorter than those guys, i doubt he's more than 5'10. offensive upside is also a bit of a questionmark, not sure if he's dynamic enough to be a true top-end defenseman
Broberg
pros: size, skating and puck-rushing abilities, think Nurse
cons: defensive awareness and positioning, doesn't read the play very well and can be caught standing around, think Nurse
Byram
pros: very good offensive player, great hands and good at finding angles to get his shot off, can log a lot of minutes as well
cons: skating needs work, think he can improve his decision-making in some areas
