WhatWouldJarmoDo: The Columbus-themed Mock Draft

[Ebbisen]

In this scenario i would vote for Wennberg.
His hockey sense and skating are really good, and he can play both center and wing.

 

[grindline]

So assuming we choose to draft a forward with our first pick, even more likely given that Pulock and Nurse went reasonably early, the list of realistic choices is not that lengthy.

Horvat
Mantha
Zykov
Wennberg
Lazar
None of the Above


I guess the timing of the other poll thread points out the most likely answers. If people post below, to debate in the manner that the real scouting staff would, about the pros and cons of each guy we can reach a consensus (hopefully). I will summarise our findings and make the pick around 5-6pm ET (before I go to bed here in England).

 

[grindline]

So to start us off I will give my gut feelings.

Horvat - He has shown a big-game personality recently and that is an admirable trait especially with our new-found accountability and work ethic. The drawback as I see it is whether he has the same offensive upside in terms of scoring points as some other guys around (Mantha?).

Mantha - He is a big guy with goal-scorers hands, which are nice commodities to have. I know there is a debate around his personality with some claiming there are no issues and some believing they are not so big a drawback.

Zykov - He is potentially a great pick due to his mixture of good size, good skating for a big man and a nose for the goal. He was low-ranked initially so is there a risk factor we don't know about and would he be around for our second pick?

Lazar - He has a lot of grit for a guy expected to be a top 6 forward and looks like a good all-rounder who should translate well to the NHL. However I know he tends not to receive much praise from some people because of some perceived failing, perhaps a lack of flashy plays?

Wennberg - He looks a really good defensive forward who can play responsible hockey in play-off type situations, with a very good Hockey IQ. On the other hand he probably has less offensive upside than most other options and do we prioritize potential point scorers over potential Selke finalists?

Any thoughts?

 

[EspenK]

I say Horvat and look to 19 for another of the top forwards. he sounds most like a Jacket player. Mantha scares me because of the inconsistency issue.

 

[Nanabijou]

I'm not sure we can just rule out Zadorov because he is a defenseman. In my opinion, I think a strong argument can be made that he is the BPA left on the board.

A 6'5" defenseman who is a smooth skater and has an excellent shot? Count me in. You can never have too much depth on the point.

The biggest thing against him is his first name - we didn't have success with the last time we drafted a Nikita in the first round.

He would be my pick.

EDIT: I wouldn't be upset if we got Horvat here instead, though.

 

[cslebn]

I think Mantha because a) he's likely the best sure offensive piece there and b) what's with the compete issues?

I also think Wennberg and Lazar will be available later (maybe Horvat) and all of them would look good then.

 

[Roadman]

Horvat

For completely scientific desire to see the Bo and Boone line.

 

[CBJx614]

Tough one, but im gonna go with Mantha. I want Lazar but I don't want to reach. Yet I don't think he'll be there with the 2nd pick.

 

[Mayor Bee]

I'm not sure we can just rule out Zadorov because he is a defenseman. In my opinion, I think a strong argument can be made that he is the BPA left on the board.

A 6'5" defenseman who is a smooth skater and has an excellent shot? Count me in. You can never have too much depth on the point.

The biggest thing against him is his first name - we didn't have success with the last time we drafted a Nikita in the first round.

He would be my pick.

If someone I trust a great deal compares Zadorov to Boris Valabik, then I think that's a compelling reason to look elsewhere. The most notable thing Valabik did in the NHL was get punched in the taint by Sidney Crosby.

 

[grindline]

It sounds like Horvat or Mantha are the two most popular options. I have to admit I don't see the attraction of Zadorov.

 

[Xoggz22]

Who's setting up the formal poll?

 

[Ebbisen]

Are we set to continue the draft?

 

[EspenK]

I think we should defer to the HF draft poll which clearly shows Horvat as the choice of the fans here.

 

[Ebbisen]

I think we should defer to the HF draft poll which clearly shows Horvat as the choice of the fans here.

Ok with me, sounds like he is a really good prospect

 

[major major]

I think we should defer to the HF draft poll which clearly shows Horvat as the choice of the fans here.

Wennberg wasn't available in that poll. So far we have a couple folks saying that they'd switch their votes, but most voters don't comment so how would we know without a formal poll?

 

[EspenK]

So hopefully OP will set the poll when he awakens tomorrow morning across the pond. I still think its an overkill but a poll between Horvat,Wennberg,& Mantha would seem about right.

But 12 guys would have to switch off of Horvat to Wennberg with no more votes for Mantha, Seems like a waste of time to me but I'll vote Horvat again.

 

[Sore Loser]

So hopefully OP will set the poll when he awakens tomorrow morning across the pond. I still think its an overkill but a poll between Horvat,Wennberg,& Mantha would seem about right.

But 12 guys would have to switch off of Horvat to Wennberg with no more votes for Mantha, Seems like a waste of time to me but I'll vote Horvat again.

Yeah, Wennberg isn't going to knock me off of Horvat either.

 

[stevo61]

If someone I trust a great deal compares Zadorov to Boris Valabik, then I think that's a compelling reason to look elsewhere. The most notable thing Valabik did in the NHL was get punched in the taint by Sidney Crosby.

But he can skate and play hockey.... I think thats a terrible comparison
Only comparible thing i guess is the fact they are huge other then that i dont see it.

 

[Sore Loser]

Haven't really heard Zadorov being mentioned as a smooth skater, or a puck mover... most of what I have seen points to a stay at home, shutdown type of guy. Not that we can't use a guy like that, but I find it hard to draft him ahead of a guy like Horvat - in our situation, at least.

 

[grindline]

Firstly apologies for not making the decision last night. I decided to hang on in case some guys wanted to post after they got home from work.

I agree that with Horvat having an overwhelming majority on the other thread's poll there seems little point in casting a new vote here.

 

[grindline]

With the 14th overall pick, the Columbus front office has decided to pick.... Bo Horvat.

 

[Ebbisen]

With the 15 th pick The New York Islanders select from Djurgården....
Alexander Wennberg



PM sent to the GM of Buffalo

 

[CBJFitzy]

I am noticing the Ottawa Senators reps slowly creeping toward the stage. Might we see the Sabres get passed a la the Minnesota Vikings?

 

[EspenK]

I think we should put a hold on the draft before the 17th pick until the Wings,Sens & Rangers are done. Of course at the pace Buffalo is picking, it may not be necessary.

 

[CBJx614]

Long day if work. With the 16th pick in the draft, the Buffalo Sabres select the 6' Left Winger from the QJMHL Valentin Zykov.