Who would you choose 1st overall? (non Oiler fans)

[s7ark]

Either Larsson, the most NHL-ready defenseman of the bunch, or Landeskog, the most NHL-ready forward of the bunch. The Oilers need more talent that can start to help immediately.

Because we're ready to make a push for the playoffs next season?

 

[gifted88]

He won't be able to catch up with them.

Couturier isn't slow, he's just not as fast as Strome, Huberdeau or RNH. There is a huge difference there, Couturier didn't have any trouble keeping up with his line mates in the WJC. Some scouts say he needs to improve his skating and all of a sudden people are saying he's slow as dirt and can't keep up.

I personally would pick RNH if I were in Tambellini's shoes. The oil don't need more players to put the puck in the net like Couturier, RNH's playmaking ability is too hard to pass up.

 

[Pyke*]

I've argued for RNH all season - though from Ottawa's point of view, who has no need for someone like Larsson. I still think RNH is the BPA, but I would not be shocked to see Larsson go #1 Overall either.

 

[Dr.Sens(e)]

He won't be able to catch up with them.

Thankfully for Couturier (and Gretzky, Lemieux and Fosberg before him), centermen don't really have to chase their wingers down. It's kind of the opposite, actually.

Not to mention Couturier is a much better skater at the same age versus a guy like Spezza. I suspect his top gear will be above average in the NHL within 5 years, just like Spezza's became over time. He has a nice big stride. Straight off the mark, his acceleration will never be elite or what RNH's is, but that is not a requirement of an elite centerman. Most of the big top centers in the game today (Getzlaf, Staal, Spezza, Lecavalier, H Sedin, Malkin, Thornton etc.) are not that fast out of the gate. Overall, Couturier's skaing compares similarly to most of that above group at the same age. Not to mention most scouts don't see that as a limitation to his game, either.

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

hmm interesting, even though many think there is no consensus number 1 many still think hopkins is the guy. personally i wont be all that bothered by whoever it is, if your scouts and management put all this time and effort in then whoever you take obviously has some great assets

 

[DaveG]

RNH is the best available, but Larsson is the best fit for what the Canes need. Tough call. I'd lean towards Larsson

 

[YEGJuniorFan]

RNH is the best available, but Larsson is the best fit for what the Canes need. Tough call. I'd lean towards Larsson

.... Canes do not have first pick. Question is who should the Oilers take...

 

[Timbo Slice]

RNH, easily.

 

[Sundinisagod]

Larsson.

 

[HanSolo]

I'd honestly trade down to 5 and pick up another first rounder. Not because RNH isn't good, but because I think that any player (RNH, Landeskog, Larsson, Couturier, Huberdeau) in that top 5 group would be an amazing addition. And I believe that we have to wait and see in this group. I think in the top 10, we can't really know who will be go on to be the best. At least in this draft.

 

[the word*]

It's nice to see so many closet Oiler' fans giving us so much good advice.

 

[Leviathan]

.... Canes do not have first pick. Question is who should the Oilers take...

I think its quite obvious he knows this and just made a mental mistake writing Canes.

 

[Coco the Monkey*]

Couturier isn't slow, he's just not as fast as Strome, Huberdeau or RNH. There is a huge difference there, Couturier didn't have any trouble keeping up with his line mates in the WJC. Some scouts say he needs to improve his skating and all of a sudden people are saying he's slow as dirt and can't keep up.

I personally would pick RNH if I were in Tambellini's shoes. The oil don't need more players to put the puck in the net like Couturier, RNH's playmaking ability is too hard to pass up.

He has heavy feet and a slow first step. So he will have to pass to Hall and THEN catch up to him.

 

[Vincent_TheGreat]

I'd draft Couturier, just have this feeling...

I would too, however you could move down a few spots and do this

 

[Pajicz]

I'd choose Larsson, based on team needs. RNH isn't a bad choice though.

 

[Dr.Sens(e)]

He has heavy feet and a slow first step.

So did Mario, and so do most of the aforementioned group of big elite centerman.

I'm really not sure why you think a center has to be the fastest guy on the ice and be able to catch his wingers. That is not how the game is played.

 

[Polak]

Larsson for the Flyers. We need a top young d-man in our system.

 

[molsonmuscle360]

I honestly wish the Oil weren't hurting at C and D so much because I really think Landeskog is going to be the best player from this draft.

 

[BruinsBtn]

If Boston was picking #1, I would be very tempted to take Couturier. Landeskog would be my second choice. It sounds loco but I don't like taking defensemen that high and I'm too impatient for RNH.

If I'm the Oilers, probably RNH.

 

[IslandersFan17]

Islanders and I would take Huberdeau seven days a week and twice on Sat. If not Couturier !

 

[stamkosisboss]

Couturier easily, going to be the best player from this draft

 

[member 30781]

Larsson 10 times out of 10.

 

[misfit]

He won't be able to catch up with them.

Not with Hall, maybe, but Eberle isn't exactly a speedster.

 

[DaveG]

.... Canes do not have first pick. Question is who should the Oilers take...

Brain fart . I still think the Oilers need a Larsson more then they need a RNH though. I'm not as down on Gagner as most are though.

 

[IslandersFan17]

I see a lot of people saying Larsson and I am almost willing to bet Larsson is not a top 3 pick.