I'm skeptical of LaCombe. Hoglander at 39 would have been huge. Would have prefered Vlasic or Robertson if they were set on a taking a D in the 2nd round.
Madden did strike out on Nattinen, its not like he hasn't made mistakes before. Peter Holland & Etem too.
Badini over Batherson was questionable as well.
LOL usually I'm the one bringing up Batherson. Nevertheless Batherson was taken 121 overall. Not just Madden missed that one. In the Giovanni Fiore Video he said they watched Batherson and I think they would have taken him in the 4th or 5th round. The question is still out on Badini. Batherson clearly is a mystery for me, the Ducks usually value stong 2nd halfs and playoffs. That was mentioned by Madden regarding Badini.
But I get your point, the track record with the forwards is not as strong as with D. At least that should make us optimistic about LaCombe.
During the last drafts there were some great forward picks imho.
Lundeström was a good call
Groulx is fine, my choice would have been Hallander here but I can see his value
McLaughlin is a forward prospect I'm really excited about
Perbix, we will see, but hard to demand something from a 4th rounder
Comtois is an awesome pick
Morand not so much right now but at the draft he was a good choice as well
Badini, see above
Olson I expected him in San Diego, do not know why he is not signed
Jones will be a solid player
Steel will be a great player
Kopacka can be a solid player
Dostie may be a factor in San Diego
I think I would not say Madden made mistakes, they value some things and hope for some things. As we do ;-)
You know this one?