WhatTheDuck
9 - 20 - 8
Man, imagine Glass and steel as a 1-2 punch for the future, damn
Would be a great set up, all of a sudden a team known for its young blueline quality would have a matching future up front.
Man, imagine Glass and steel as a 1-2 punch for the future, damn
1) Good puck moving/carrying D with top-4 potential (Heiskanen, Makar, Liljegren)
2) Future top-6 wingers with finishing ability (Tippett, Pettersson)
While the Canes have a goalie-a-year policy to build a strong pipeline, outside of the NHL I don't think that goalie is an issue. The Canes have a strong goalie pipeline and will probably take one again in the 3rd or 4th round. But...it's not really a need.
Also, I'm pretty sure that there will be a better forward on the board than Suzuki at #12...unless someone in front of the Canes goes mental and takes him super-early, he should be our worst-case scenario at #12. (I'd say an honest projection makes him the 11th-best F in this draft and about #15OA.) I'm hoping for Pettersson personally, but who knows how this draft could shape out?
1. RHD who can do a little bit of everything
2. LHD who can do a little bit of everything
3. Another centre in the organization would be nice
4. A LW for Matthews (may already have the solution internally)
In terms of need it really is the defenceman, but I have no issue with them just going BPA early on and then loading up on defence late.
CBJ need a playmaking C and a decent goalie prospect just because Korpisalo is a 50% chance at leaving.
Oilers primary need is more skilled forwards in the system, preferably right-handed.
Guys like Thomas, Suzuki and Yamamoto fits the bill. Lefties like Robertson and Strome would be most welcome as well.
Secondary need is skilled offensive defensemen, again preferably right-handed. Liljegren (if he falls) and Jokiharju are the only ones that really fit that description and who could realistically be available at the Oilers pick.
Right-handed D in general is something the Oilers are lacking both on the roster and in the system, although with Bear and Mantha (as well as Benning on the roster) it's not as much of an immediate need anymore, but Callan Foote and Conor Timmins may get looks too.
Otherwise a skilled offensive LHD like Brännström or Välimäki would work well too. Hague might be of interest if he's still around.