For all of us who can’t be classified as Blackhawks fans, the last week or two has been a mass of depression and speculation. Although the players are probably enjoying their short vacations, us fans are dying for something real to read/write about, and in 4 days at the draft, futures will be brightened, or dimmed (depending on what teams you root for). Like any good armchair GM, I’ve had my fair share of “what should they do” conversations, and most of the time they devolve into “trade fading player A and disappointing B for superstar A+” pipe dreams. But what are some realistic predictions? (Top Ten picks that is)
It’s pretty much a universal consensus that Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin are going #1 and #2 overall, although not necessarily in that order. After that, the field is deep, with defense being the bright spot in the first round. I’m fairly confident that despite the argument that Edmonton is deep at the wing, most of their wingers are converted centers… why add another pivot? Taylor Hall, who’s winning acumen will eventually be the reason why he goes number 1, will be an Oiler. That team will surprise some people this year, mark my words.
The Bruins will take Seguin, unless they want to risk losing what little fan base they have left after trading Joe Thornton, and after that things get fuzzy. I’ve heard multiple speculations involving the #3 and #4 picks. Florida and Columbus hold the distinction of having no obvious moves at this point. Does Florida, who doesn’t value top tier D-men (see Jay Boumeester), take Cam Fowler? I say yes, but if the right package comes along, and allows them to shed some salary while adding picks and prospects, the #3 could move. The same goes with Columbus, but I think their need for a defenseman and the availability of either Fowler or Gudbranson, I imagine it would take quite the package to peel that pick away.
The Islanders have the 5th pick, and I’m not sure where they go from here. I’ve heard speculation that they may be willing to take a flyer on the uber-talented but injury bitten winger Brett Connelly. I think a more realistic pick, considering their significant pool of talented prospects and young NHL starters, is a defenseman like Moncton D-man Brandon Gormley. Mark Streit (one of my favorite NHLers) is a 32 year old puck mover who could use some help, and maybe someone to eventually pass the reigns onto. After Streit, their defense is a patchwork roster of young guys fighting for playing time, and journeymen type guys who they could do without.
At #6 is Tampa, and I have a strange feeling that Derek Forbort, the 6-4″ D-man, will be another young stud to place beside Hedman on the blue line. If you’re not sure why I feel this way, look at the teams insistence to let the fate of the team ride on the shoulders of aging superstars Vinnie Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. If the season doesn’t pan out (as it likely won’t) expect big changes, but until then, they will focus on Defense.
Carolina at 7 needs some help. I actually expect them to try and trade down in the first round to move dead weight and pick up some much needed help. Boston looks like an attractive option if a solid defenseman is still on the board. Wheeler, another roster guy like Marchand or Sobotka, and the 15th overall for the 7th and some dead wood possibily? If not the Bruins, there’s other teams (like Philly) who would be looking to trade into the top 10. Either way, don’t expect Carolina to actually USE this pick.
The Thrashers currently hold the 8th pick, and their depth chart leaves much to be desired. Although they need a goalie, I expect them to look for a center either in the draft or through a trade to play along side their top guy Evander Kane. With all the help they’ll need, I’m not sure exactly where they’ll go, but Mikael Grunland, the top European skater (as ranked by NHL Central Scouting Bureau) is a nice fit. He won’t be NHL ready for a little while, but his affinity to pass the puck around and produce will be attractive to the team that lost the best player in franchise history this year in Ilya Kovulchuk.
Pick’s 9 and 10 belong to the Wild and Rangers respectively. At this point in the draft, the talent is still there, but it’s less obvious. Minnesota should go out and find a winger to play along side either Koivu or Ebbett, and since Defense will be the word of the day to this point, a guy like Connelly or Taresenko should still be available. For New York, I’d expect them to look to their blue line for their pick. Canadian Mike Pysyck will most likely be wearing Blue and White, but who knows, the Rangers like screwing this up!
From the Blue Line 