Speculation: With the third pick in the 2024 NHL draft the Anaheim Ducks select...(Plus other Draft talk)

[Hockey Duckie]

As great as a Demidov-Bedard duo would be, their forward core is just too small as it is. I really think they go Levshunov. This guy echos my thoughts.

The only top 6 that looks like that in the NHL right now is Arizona/Utah, and they have been exclusively drafting giants recently.

So why not go with Cayden Lindstrom?



Their defense was similar to our defense last year, but their offense was atrocious.

GF and GA last year
Blackhawks: GF = 179, GA = 290
Ducks: GF = 204, GA = 295

The Hawks had two of their youth d-men already in the NHL last year with 6'6 LD Vlasic and 6'3 LD Korchinski. 6'4 RD Jones is signed for like another five or six year. The top pair was Vlasic-Jones. Korchinski played top-4 minutes in his rookie season in the NHL. Offensive-minded 6'4 RD Rinzel had a great rookie season in college. 6'4 shutdown LD Del Mastro has developed some offense and had a very good season in his first year in the pros in the AHL.

The odd part is that the Hawks got Vlasic in the 2nd round (2019 draft) and Del Mastro in the 4th round (2021 draft). There will be a glut of RD's late in the 1st and early 2nd round such as two-way 6'3 RD Badinka, shutdown 6'3 RD Elick, offensive 6'1 LD Freij, and shutdown 6'3 RD Emery.

Lindstrom is 6'4 and 216 lbs who can play center. Centers do tend to rise.

 

[cheesymc]

So why not go with Cayden Lindstrom?



Their defense was similar to our defense last year, but their offense was atrocious.

GF and GA last year
Blackhawks: GF = 179, GA = 290
Ducks: GF = 204, GA = 295

The Hawks had two of their youth d-men already in the NHL last year with 6'6 LD Vlasic and 6'3 LD Korchinski. 6'4 RD Jones is signed for like another five or six year. The top pair was Vlasic-Jones. Korchinski played top-4 minutes in his rookie season in the NHL. Offensive-minded 6'4 RD Rinzel had a great rookie season in college. 6'4 shutdown LD Del Mastro has developed some offense and had a very good season in his first year in the pros in the AHL.

The odd part is that the Hawks got Vlasic in the 2nd round (2019 draft) and Del Mastro in the 4th round (2021 draft). There will be a glut of RD's late in the 1st and early 2nd round such as two-way 6'3 RD Badinka, shutdown 6'3 RD Elick, offensive 6'1 LD Freij, and shutdown 6'3 RD Emery.

Lindstrom is 6'4 and 216 lbs who can play center. Centers do tend to rise.

That’s why I’m thinking they would go Lindstrom if the injuries are not a concern. He brings lot of elements that they don’t have in their system. Theres plenty of interesting second tier defensemen and you don’t need to pick high to find another Faber, unless a unicorn is available like a Hedman. But if Chicago goes with Lindstrom, should the Ducks take the same approach going with Demidov (who apparently wants to play center) and mining for defense later in the draft?

The 6 Top tier defensemen all have some flaw. Levshunov doesn’t look like a PP QB and isn’t a shut down guy, Parekh is weak and is poor at defending and we probably want to utilize Zell and Minty on the PP, Buium is redundant and isn’t a RHD, Silayev has questionable offense, Yakemchuk has questionable skating, and takes too many bad penalties (isn’t really a tough guy).

Maybe we just throw some darts and hope we find a defensemen like a Rasmus Andersson, Vince Dunn, Sean Durzi, Paryako, Skjei or another Montour and Theodore with a late 1st or 2nd? They are all defacto #1 or #2 for their clubs.

 

[Rasp]

That’s why I’m thinking they would go Lindstrom if the injuries are not a concern. He brings lot of elements that they don’t have in their system. Theres plenty of interesting second tier defensemen and you don’t need to pick high to find another Faber, unless a unicorn is available like a Hedman. But if Chicago goes with Lindstrom, should the Ducks take the same approach going with Demidov (who apparently wants to play center) and mining for defense later in the draft?

The 6 Top tier defensemen all have some flaw. Levshunov doesn’t look like a PP QB and isn’t a shut down guy, Parekh is weak and is poor at defending and we probably want to utilize Zell and Minty on the PP, Buium is redundant and isn’t a RHD, Silayev has questionable offense, Yakemchuk has questionable skating, and takes too many bad penalties (isn’t really a tough guy).

Maybe we just throw some darts and hope we find a defensemen like a Rasmus Andersson, Vince Dunn, Sean Durzi, Paryako, Skjei or another Montour and Theodore with a late 1st or 2nd? They are all defacto #1 or #2 for their clubs.

Everyone after Celebrini has question marks. Lindstrom is injury prone and questionable if he has the IQ to stay at C and Demidov is also injury prone and small with the Russian faction.

This is the best draft to patch the holes in D that we created when we traded Drysdale. The highest drafted player is Minty at pick 10 compared with Zegras 9, McTavish 3 and Carlsson 2. I think a team that has too much money spent on F is going to struggle like Toronto etc.

 

[Trojans86]

I really don’t like Lindstroms decision making. He feels like a guys that dominated juniors because of size and speed but that won’t ever be an impact player in the league because he doesn’t process the game well enough. I could see him as a shutdown 3c but I wouldn’t use a high pick on that.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

That’s why I’m thinking they would go Lindstrom if the injuries are not a concern. He brings lot of elements that they don’t have in their system. Theres plenty of interesting second tier defensemen and you don’t need to pick high to find another Faber, unless a unicorn is available like a Hedman. But if Chicago goes with Lindstrom, should the Ducks take the same approach going with Demidov (who apparently wants to play center) and mining for defense later in the draft?

The 6 Top tier defensemen all have some flaw. Levshunov doesn’t look like a PP QB and isn’t a shut down guy, Parekh is weak and is poor at defending and we probably want to utilize Zell and Minty on the PP, Buium is redundant and isn’t a RHD, Silayev has questionable offense, Yakemchuk has questionable skating, and takes too many bad penalties (isn’t really a tough guy).

Maybe we just throw some darts and hope we find a defensemen like a Rasmus Andersson, Vince Dunn, Sean Durzi, Paryako, Skjei or another Montour and Theodore with a late 1st or 2nd? They are all defacto #1 or #2 for their clubs.

Good to hear that the back injury isn't expected to be an ongoing issue. That was really the only thing giving me pause on Lindstrom, he'd be a heck of an addition

 

[tomd]

If Lindstrom is healthy he should definitely be in the top 2-5 mix along with Demidov, Levshunov, and Silayev IMO. In fact, Chicago should be giving him serious consideration at 2OA. Feels like the Ducks will go for one of the D and it wouldn't surprise me if it was Silayev. Unfortunately he still has two years left on his KHL contract but he will probably step right into an NHL top 4 role as a 20 year-old.

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

I can't see drafting a shutdown D that high. If a D man can't be expected to put up at least Hampus like O you just can't take him #3.

I think the hope/need for us is more of a 2way guy either way over a shut down guy.

A guy that can play on pk or pp…. Score points but also can play with a lead.

 

[HanSolo]

If Lindstrom is healthy he should definitely be in the top 2-5 mix along with Demidov, Levshunov, and Silayev IMO. In fact, Chicago should be giving him serious consideration at 2OA. Feels like the Ducks will go for one of the D and it wouldn't surprise me if it was Silayev. Unfortunately he still has two years left on his KHL contract but he will probably step right into an NHL top 4 role as a 20 year-old.

I don't know why people keep talking about this year's draft class like anyone is ready to jump right into the NHL and make a big impact. Waiting two years for a first round prospect is, in ordinary circumstances, par for the course.

 

[tomd]

I don't know why people keep talking about this year's draft class like anyone is ready to jump right into the NHL and make a big impact. Waiting two years for a first round prospect is, in ordinary circumstances, par for the course.

I totally agree. But if the Ducks have Silayev and Levshunov rated evenly then they are likely to pick Levshunov b/c he would presumably join the organization a year (maybe two) ahead of Silayev.

My personal feeling right now is that this is starting to shape up like the Fantilli/Carlsson debate last summer. This year it's going to be Levshunov/Silayev. Most people (myself included) voted for Levshunov in the recent fan poll just like most people (myself included) voted for Fantilli a year ago. But just like PV/MM surprised last year with Carlsson, I wouldn't be surprised if they did the same this year with Silayev. They seem to value ultimate potential over all else (which isn't a bad thing).

 

[HanSolo]

I totally agree. But if the Ducks have Silayev and Levshunov rated evenly then they are likely to pick Levshunov b/c he would presumably join the organization a year (maybe two) ahead of Silayev.

My personal feeling right now is that this is starting to shape up like the Fantilli/Carlsson debate last summer. This year it's going to be Levshunov/Silayev. Most people (myself included) voted for Levshunov in the recent fan poll just like most people (myself included) voted for Fantilli a year ago. But just like PV/MM surprised last year with Carlsson, I wouldn't be surprised if they did the same this year with Silayev. They seem to value ultimate potential over all else (which isn't a bad thing).

I hear you. Though I'd qualify it by saying it's a much different draft all things considered. Last year was marked by a generational quality prospect at the top who was trailed by 3-4 guys who could go first overall in an ordinary draft class (Leo, Fanta, Michkov, and you can make the argument for Smith). I think in both Leo and Fanta's cases, there wouldn't be a developmental harm if they had taken another year in the SHL and NCAA respectively and in both their cases, they probably would've incurred fewer injuries if they had been deferred a year but both teams determined they are high enough quality players to be able to handle NHL level play.

I think Celebrini is a lot closer to Leo and Fanta's level of both quality of prospect and relative readiness to handle NHL play. Behind him I think Levshunov probably needs a couple years, Silayev probably one given his current status playing in a men's league but his contract renders the issue moot, Demidov could probably use a year or two (probably two given his size and tendencies to dangle in the middle through MHL defenders) in the KHL or AHL first, Lindstrom hard to say but I'd give him at least another year to develop and recoup from extended injuries...and so on. If you're drafting with the expectation that someone is going to make a big impact on the NHL club soon, any pick will be a disappointment.

IMO Madden and Co. need to pick the guy who will be the most talented over the course of the next 15-20 years, even if that guy isn't the best fit based on Anaheim's needs based on current lineup. Because even if our draft pick isn't the best fit right now, 1) the roster can be molded a different way after the fact and 2) the best available player (assuming development goes optimally) will have the best trade value to make a move if needed.

So to put that in more simple terms, in a situation where Demidov and, say Silayev are available to us, I would hope that the mindset in taking Silayev over Demidov would be because after exhaustive consideration, the scouting staff determines that Silayev had the better likelihood to be a special player and part of our blueline core while Demidov gives more of a boom/bust impression. As opposed to looking at things superficially (e.g. we have a lot of talented forwards, a lot of talented offensive defensemen but not enough shutdown defensemen) because that's a fast and easy way to end up in a situation where you had the option to pick up a 80-90 point player but you played it safe and ended up with a dime a dozen no. 4 shutdown defensive specialist. It's hard to predict with these kids but I personally hope the bigger picture for our scouting staff is more nuanced than immediate fit and immediate lineup needs.

 

[anezthes]

Jut just like PV/MM surprised last year with Carlsson...

Not a surprise at all.

They seem to value ultimate potential over all else (which isn't a bad thing).

Or, just hockey IQ.

 

[tomd]

I hear you. Though I'd qualify it by saying it's a much different draft all things considered. Last year was marked by a generational quality prospect at the top who was trailed by 3-4 guys who could go first overall in an ordinary draft class (Leo, Fanta, Michkov, and you can make the argument for Smith). I think in both Leo and Fanta's cases, there wouldn't be a developmental harm if they had taken another year in the SHL and NCAA respectively and in both their cases, they probably would've incurred fewer injuries if they had been deferred a year but both teams determined they are high enough quality players to be able to handle NHL level play.

I think Celebrini is a lot closer to Leo and Fanta's level of both quality of prospect and relative readiness to handle NHL play. Behind him I think Levshunov probably needs a couple years, Silayev probably one given his current status playing in a men's league but his contract renders the issue moot, Demidov could probably use a year or two (probably two given his size and tendencies to dangle in the middle through MHL defenders) in the KHL or AHL first, Lindstrom hard to say but I'd give him at least another year to develop and recoup from extended injuries...and so on. If you're drafting with the expectation that someone is going to make a big impact on the NHL club soon, any pick will be a disappointment.

IMO Madden and Co. need to pick the guy who will be the most talented over the course of the next 15-20 years, even if that guy isn't the best fit based on Anaheim's needs based on current lineup. Because even if our draft pick isn't the best fit right now, 1) the roster can be molded a different way after the fact and 2) the best available player (assuming development goes optimally) will have the best trade value to make a move if needed.

So to put that in more simple terms, in a situation where Demidov and, say Silayev are available to us, I would hope that the mindset in taking Silayev over Demidov would be because after exhaustive consideration, the scouting staff determines that Silayev had the better likelihood to be a special player and part of our blueline core while Demidov gives more of a boom/bust impression. As opposed to looking at things superficially (e.g. we have a lot of talented forwards, a lot of talented offensive defensemen but not enough shutdown defensemen) because that's a fast and easy way to end up in a situation where you had the option to pick up a 80-90 point player but you played it safe and ended up with a dime a dozen no. 4 shutdown defensive specialist. It's hard to predict with these kids but I personally hope the bigger picture for our scouting staff is more nuanced than immediate fit and immediate lineup needs.

With PV, I think size and "tough to play against" is also going to factor into the decision just like it has for the past two drafts. Silayev just seems like a PV pick who can have a tremendous impact in the playoffs defensively and potentially offensively as well. I don't think at 3OA he's a reach. As much as I like Demidov, I've resigned myself to the reality that the Ducks are very unlikely to choose him over the two bigger D.

 

[AngelDuck]

Dickinson's star seems to be fading a bit. I think he would be the safest but least imaginative pick they could make. He strikes me as a Bouwmeester type (ceiling) or Cam Barker (floor). I hope that PV/Madden reach a little higher with the pick.

Can’t agree with that ceiling or floor for Dickinson. To me it’s Pietrangelo/Slavin (ceiling) and Bryan Dumolin (floor)

Most likely outcome is Hanifin

There’s certainly more upside to be had in the draft. I think the selection should be Demidov if he’s there. I won’t mind Silayev.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

At No. 2, should Blackhawks draft Demidov, Levshunov or neither?

The Blackhawks' pick at No. 2 likely comes down to two players: Demidov or Levshunov. Here are the factors to consider.

theathletic.com

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

At No. 2, should Blackhawks draft Demidov, Levshunov or neither?

The Blackhawks' pick at No. 2 likely comes down to two players: Demidov or Levshunov. Here are the factors to consider.

theathletic.com

Wow. 8-1 for Demidov. Can they all be right? Can they all be wrong? Definitely an interesting situation. If the Hawks do go with Demidov, I'd feel relatively confident we would go with Lev. OTOH, if the go Lev, I'm not as confident we would take Demidov, but I wouldn't rule it out. IMO, people over play PV's desire for size. The whole league wants big and talented players. But there are times when the talent outweighs the size. That's where all the GMs earn their pay. BPAs come in all sizes, it's up to the team to get it right when drafting the "BPA".

All that said, I have no guess as to what PV does.

 

[anezthes]

Scouching’s rankings (from April) is quite an interesting read:

Scouching’s Penultimate 2024 NHL Draft Ranking — Scouching

It’s that time again folks. NHL teams are being eliminated from playoff contention and legions of fans flock to people such as myself desperately hoping that their team selects boys who hopefully turn into men that help their not-good hockey teams become less not-good. We don’t have all the answers,

www.scouching.ca

 

[tomd]

Scouching’s rankings (from April) is quite an interesting read:

Scouching’s Penultimate 2024 NHL Draft Ranking — Scouching

It’s that time again folks. NHL teams are being eliminated from playoff contention and legions of fans flock to people such as myself desperately hoping that their team selects boys who hopefully turn into men that help their not-good hockey teams become less not-good. We don’t have all the answers,

www.scouching.ca

Interesting...some absolutely crazy takes but makes for lively discussion. This is why I look forward to McKenzie's rankings.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

I can't see drafting a shutdown D that high. If a D man can't be expected to put up at least Hampus like O you just can't take him #3.

There are two d-men who are more known for their defense in the top-10 with Silayev and Dickinson. Silayev is 6'7 and 207 lbs and Dickinson is 6'3 and 205 lbs. Dickinson can provide decent offense.

Silayev
D-1, MHL: 41 games, 2g + 6a = 8 pts, and -3 rating (31st on team +/- rating)
D+0, KHL: 63 games, 3g +8a = 11 pts, and -11 rating (33rd on team +/- rating)

Dickinson
D-1, OHL: 62 games, 9g +14a = 23 pts, and +5 rating (14th on team +/- rating)
D+0, OHL: 68 games, 18g + 52a = 70 pts, and +56 raing (1st on team +/- rating)

Dickinson' offense came to life in a very big way, despite being on a loaded London Knights team for both seasons. His defense is what more people notice more that's translatable to the NHL.

With Silayev, the MHL is like the OHL level and the KHL is the top tier men's league in Russia. His defense is so good in spite of the low +/- rating because he's always one of the youngest on his team in the respective league. I expect that +/- to improve since he'll be going into the 2nd season in the KHL.

Because Silayev was rushed from the MHL to the KHL, we probably won't see that offense develop.

If we miss out on Lev and still have a focus on defense, then Dickinson could be that guy.

My preference
1. C Celebrini
2. RD Lev
3. C Lindstrom or LD Dickinson
4. RW Demidov, LD Buium, C Catton, or LD Silayev

The consensus is there's a jumble in 2-12. I think there's a jumble betwee 2-8. I guess Dickinson could be considered Hampus lite? Hampus was light years ahead defensively than his draft group.

Lindholm has a +151 rating in the NHL! He had a +0 in 2021-22 with us while his d-partner, Drysdale, was a -26 rating.

 

[Terry Yake]

If Madden has Dickinson at the top of his list I'm fine with it, if its Lev, Buium or Yake on top at his list i'm excited about it, if its Silayev at the top of his list i'm stoked because means he sees a lot of untapped offensive growth in him. Wasn't Lindholm seen as a defense first guy ?

Bob McKenzie's list is always incredibly accurate, if he has Silayev as high as #2 he's probably going top
4 for sure. Verbeek was with Detroit when they picked 6'6 Edvinsson over Eklund and Clarke. I Imagine during Murray, Madden had to cross off Russians in the first round on their lists because Murray, first year Murray is gone they draft Mintyukov at #10.

really appreciate the consideration. i'll be ready if PV calls my name on draft day

 

[Anaheim4ever]

really appreciate the consideration. i'll be ready if PV calls my name on draft day

As long as you are 6'2+ Verbeek will be happy lol !

 

[tomd]

As long as you are 6'2+ Verbeek will be happy lol !

I've been pretty critical of a couple of PV's draft picks but the playoffs show why you build a big physical team. I would be tempted to draft Silayev even if he never scores more than 20 points in a season. He's going to be a playoff monster.

 

[KickHisAssZegrass]

Still think it's too risky at 3, but Silayev has that puppy like still adapting to his size thing going on. He also looks like he's 12 somehow. I wouldnt be surprised if ends up an actual beast.

 

[tomd]

Still think it's too risky at 3, but Silayev has that puppy like still adapting to his size thing going on. He also looks like he's 12 somehow. I wouldnt be surprised if ends up an actual beast.

If PV/MM see a future Hedman-lite then 3OA is a bargain. If they see Oleksiak then they'll be picking someone else.

 

[Hockey Duckie]

Bob McKenzie's list is always incredibly accurate, if he has Silayev as high as #2 he's probably going top
4 for sure. Verbeek was with Detroit when they picked 6'6 Edvinsson over Eklund and Clarke. I Imagine during Murray, Madden had to cross off Russians in the first round on their lists because Murray, first year Murray is gone they draft Mintyukov at #10.

I dunno if using Minty is a great example. He's a Russian who has been playing on NA ice, specifically in the CHL/OHL. Murray wasn't opposed to drafting players out of the CHL/OHL. McTavish was drafted #3 overall in the 2021 draft straight from the OHL.

Now, if Verbeek drafted Michkov #2 overall in the 2023 draft, then that's actually drafting a player who was playing in Russia.

As for players drafted straight out of Russia for Verbeek, then it's a 6th round pick in G Buteyets for the 2022 draft. Two drafts prior, Murray drafted F Galimov in the 5th round of the 2020 draft. For Murray's first draft in 2009, he did draft G Igor Bobkov in the 3rd round.

 

[Rasp]

New scouting report on Levshunov