Is it too early to start looking at what are the best choices for the draft? It's a given we are in the top 5, and its almost secured to be within the top 3.

My choices are per ISS, January 15 ranking):
1) Aaron Ekblad - D - 6'4, 216 lb
2) Michael Dal Colle - C - 6'2, 184 lb
3) Leon Draisaitl - C - 6'1, 199 lb

Is it too early to start looking at what are the best choices for the draft? It's a given we are in the top 5, and its almost secured to be within the top 3.

My choices are per ISS, January 15 ranking):
1) Aaron Ekblad - D - 6'4, 216 lb
2) Michael Dal Colle - C - 6'2, 184 lb
3) Leon Draisaitl - C - 6'1, 199 lb
- ChetManly

1A) Ekblad
1B) Draisaitl
2) Reinhart

That's all. Ritchie is another avenue I'd explore if we finish high enough to be out of the top-5.

Is it too early to start looking at what are the best choices for the draft? It's a given we are in the top 5, and its almost secured to be within the top 3.

My choices are per ISS, January 15 ranking):
1) Aaron Ekblad - D - 6'4, 216 lb
2) Michael Dal Colle - C - 6'2, 184 lb
3) Leon Draisaitl - C - 6'1, 199 lb
- ChetManly

1) Draisaitl
2) Ekblad
3) Dal Colle
4) Reinhart

I like the size and smarts of Draisaitl. Considering he plays a similar style to Kopitar, sign me up! Everywhere I've seen he's listed as 209lbs, so even better!

Ekblad is intriguing and Reinhart has elite hockey IQ. I just wonder if his skating holds him back a bit. Same things were said about JT, but he improved that.

Haven't seen Dal Colle, but like the size. I heard he plays wing but can play both. I'd try and move him back.

I think safest choice is Draisaitl and fits a glaring hole in the organization.

1) Draisaitl
2) Ekblad
3) Dal Colle
4) Reinhart

I like the size and smarts of Draisaitl. Considering he plays a similar style to Kopitar, sign me up! Everywhere I've seen he's listed as 209lbs, so even better!

Ekblad is intriguing and Reinhart has elite hockey IQ. I just wonder if his skating holds him back a bit. Same things were said about JT, but he improved that.

Haven't seen Dal Colle, but like the size. I heard he plays wing but can play both. I'd try and move him back.

I think safest choice is Draisaitl and fits a glaring hole in the organization.
- ystoil

I'd love to get a center that can play a similar style to Getzlaf/Kopitar. I don't think we need another one of the "flashiest" players, but the guy with the strongest abilities and is smart. The kind of guy that can go a line 1/2.

I always keep reminding myself that it can only get better from here. Mind you, I actually believed it before this season started lol

1) Draisaitl
2) Ekblad
3) Dal Colle
4) Reinhart

I like the size and smarts of Draisaitl. Considering he plays a similar style to Kopitar, sign me up! Everywhere I've seen he's listed as 209lbs, so even better!

Ekblad is intriguing and Reinhart has elite hockey IQ. I just wonder if his skating holds him back a bit. Same things were said about JT, but he improved that.

Haven't seen Dal Colle, but like the size. I heard he plays wing but can play both. I'd try and move him back.

I think safest choice is Draisaitl and fits a glaring hole in the organization.
- ystoil

My problem with Dal Colle is that's he seems devoid of any defensive conscience whatsoever (limited viewings, keep in mind). Let's just say that defense isn't one of his strong points.

My problem with Dal Colle is that's he seems devoid of any defensive conscience whatsoever (limited viewings, keep in mind). Let's just say that defense isn't one of his strong points.
- MaximumBone

I heard Bennett is an edgy two way guy. I wonder if he grows a bit in height. Some 17 year olds still do. He is light but can add weight.

I'd love to get a center that can play a similar style to Getzlaf/Kopitar. I don't think we need another one of the "flashiest" players, but the guy with the strongest abilities and is smart. The kind of guy that can go a line 1/2.

I always keep reminding myself that it can only get better from here. Mind you, I actually believed it before this season started lol
- ChetManly

That's why I also like Reinhart. Not flashy, just smart. Always in the right position. I wonder if his offense translates at the NHL level.

That's why I also like Reinhart. Not flashy, just smart. Always in the right position. I wonder if his offense translates at the NHL level.
- ystoil

That's my only concern with Reinhart. I think the two safest picks will be Ekblad and Draisaitl

My problem with Dal Colle is that's he seems devoid of any defensive conscience whatsoever (limited viewings, keep in mind). Let's just say that defense isn't one of his strong points.
- MaximumBone

I've seen him even less, but you are wise, so I will listen to you lol

I've seen him even less, but you are wise, so I will listen to you lol
- ChetManly

Wise? That's something I haven't been told I am before Being as young as I am, though, I guess that makes sense. Thanks!

Wise? That's something I haven't been told I am before Being as young as I am, though, I guess that makes sense. Thanks!
- MaximumBone

hmm, perhaps i should rephrase that with "great insight and knowledge"?

I have a hard time not drafting Ekblad if he is available to us where ever we end up drafting.

(frank) you and (frank) this thread too.

(frank) you and (frank) this thread too.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

Let me put it to you this way... If we do not draft (and eventually destroy Ekblad's soul) I will be disappointed.

Step 1) Trade down, picking up key asset(s)

Step 2) Trade down/out again, picking up more assets

Let me put it to you this way... If we do not draft (and eventually destroy Ekblad's soul) I will be disappointed.
- laughs2907

If/when we do draft Ekblad, man oh man, we better go get a solid veteran defenseman for him to be paired with so we don't (frank) up Exblad's development. I seriously want us to develop him the exact same way Pietrangelo was developed.

We need, a......SUPERSTAR!

If/when we do draft Ekblad, man oh man, we better go get a solid veteran defenseman for him to be paired with so we don't (frank) up Exblad's development. I seriously want us to develop him the exact same way Pietrangelo was developed.

We need, a......SUPERSTAR!
- ChetManly

Definitely. And in the future... Ekblad and Nurse together

Blow it up again and rebuild with Hall, Nuge, Nurse, Ekblad and McDavid

outsider looking in you need
1- a defenceman
2- a two way guy

so if where you pick doesnt have that should trade for it

outsider looking in you need
1- a defenceman
2- a two way guy

so if where you pick doesnt have that should trade for it
- nightmare3020

Think Scrivens is #1 material?

i havent seen much of him since he was shipped out....
from what ive seen he can be a good goalie as long as you have a good system an d core infront of him


so unless you guys improve on your d and your system you can have lunqvist back there and it wouldnt matter.

i havent seen much of him since he was shipped out....
from what ive seen he can be a good goalie as long as you have a good system an d core infront of him


so unless you guys improve on your d and your system you can have lunqvist back there and it wouldnt matter.
- nightmare3020

this is painfully sad

this is painfully sad
- ChetManly

painfully sad but true?

Think Scrivens is #1 material?
- laughs2907

Prophetic. He played like 2 #1s last night.