Which LW: Gavin McKenna vs Ivar Stenberg

[tfriede2]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

McKenna may have been labeled generational a year ago, but he’s not near that status now. He’s not on Celebrini or Bedard’s level, much less McDavid, MacKinnon, or Crosby.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Carels is the safest pick in the draft.

You’ve been pretty consistently high on Carson. Elite Prospects doesn’t have much to say about him, but what’s interesting is the rankings are fairly scattered.

I’d say the “experts” predominant rank him in the early teens, with a coupe as high as Top-4 and a couple others as low as 25.

Ranked #13 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #13 by CAM'S CONSENSUS
Ranked #6 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #11 by TSN/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #25 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN'S HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by SPORTSNET/COSENTINO
Ranked #4 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #25 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS

Why would you pick him over McKenna, Stenberg, Lawrence, or even your boy Belchetz? Less challenge, more curiosity.

Carels is #5 right now on Buttons post WJC January rankings. I believe he’s a top 3 pick. He is currently #1 on my list. Belchetz is only down because of the rise of the WJC players but I still have a lot of interest in him. Hard to pass on either McKenna or Stenberg…I still have McKenna #1 as does Button. His vision and skill is head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft…not sure how anybody passes on him to be honest.
Not sold on Lawrence, not sure this is a draft to take a center in the top 10.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

McKenna may have been labeled generational a year ago, but he’s not near that status now. He’s not on Celebrini or Bedard’s level, much less McDavid, MacKinnon, or Crosby.

Not on Celebrini or Bedards level but he is closer to that level that any player in this draft. He’s also not a center, but he’s a pretty dynamic player.

[BleedingBleu]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Carels is the safest pick in the draft.

You’ve been pretty consistently high on Carson. Elite Prospects doesn’t have much to say about him, but what’s interesting is the rankings are fairly scattered.

I’d say the “experts” predominant rank him in the early teens, with a coupe as high as Top-4 and a couple others as low as 25.

Ranked #13 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #13 by CAM'S CONSENSUS
Ranked #6 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #11 by TSN/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #25 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN'S HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by SPORTSNET/COSENTINO
Ranked #4 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #25 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS

Why would you pick him over McKenna, Stenberg, Lawrence, or even your boy Belchetz? Less challenge, more curiosity.

Carels is #5 right now on Buttons post WJC January rankings. I believe he’s a top 3 pick. He is currently #1 on my list. Belchetz is only down because of the rise of the WJC players but I still have a lot of interest in him. Hard to pass on either McKenna or Stenberg…I still have McKenna #1 as does Button. His vision and skill is head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft…not sure how anybody passes on him to be honest.
Not sold on Lawrence, not sure this is a draft to take a center in the top 10.

So, you’d still take Carels despite your comment about leaving McKenna on the board? Or were you just commenting on who was the “safest” pick.

I may have misunderstood your original post

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

Yeah, and knowing the Blues, we’ll fall to the 8-10 range anyway. TBH, I’d be happy with any of Lawrence, Reid, Belchetz, Carels or Malhotra, depending on where we pick.

The fan in me wants them to get to the playoffs and ruin Denver fans’ year. However, the flirtation the last few years with rebuilding makes me want a Top 5 Pick because of relative youth and promise of better days ahead.

I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs and I certainly don’t want to get swept in the First Round if they do. However, the pro sport leagues always seem to actively work against my best interests. So, I don’t truly trust Draft Lotteries, either. Rather than worry about what I can’t control, I just look forward to what outcomes I’d like the most.

Knock out the Av’s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
-or-
Have the chance to draft a Generational Talent.

Assess my feelings if neither option manifests and get excited for the draftee, anyway.

I don't think we will be drafting top three. I think carels will be available at the 5 spot. Last prince george dman in our organization taken that high ( not by us) - Eric Brewer.

[juan good eye]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

Yeah, and knowing the Blues, we’ll fall to the 8-10 range anyway. TBH, I’d be happy with any of Lawrence, Reid, Belchetz, Carels or Malhotra, depending on where we pick.

The fan in me wants them to get to the playoffs and ruin Denver fans’ year. However, the flirtation the last few years with rebuilding makes me want a Top 5 Pick because of relative youth and promise of better days ahead.

I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs and I certainly don’t want to get swept in the First Round if they do. However, the pro sport leagues always seem to actively work against my best interests. So, I don’t truly trust Draft Lotteries, either. Rather than worry about what I can’t control, I just look forward to what outcomes I’d like the most.

Knock out the Av’s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
-or-
Have the chance to draft a Generational Talent.

Assess my feelings if neither option manifests and get excited for the draftee, anyway.

False. It’s not “the fan in you” struggling to make the choice.

Knock out the Av’s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This option would give you the most immediate satisfaction.

Have the chance to draft a Generational Talent.

This option, while likely leading to more overall satisfaction, would require delayed gratification.

And my take: The best things in life are worth waiting for and don’t come easy.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Carels is the safest pick in the draft.

You’ve been pretty consistently high on Carson. Elite Prospects doesn’t have much to say about him, but what’s interesting is the rankings are fairly scattered.

I’d say the “experts” predominant rank him in the early teens, with a coupe as high as Top-4 and a couple others as low as 25.

Ranked #13 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #13 by CAM'S CONSENSUS
Ranked #6 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #11 by TSN/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #25 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN'S HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by SPORTSNET/COSENTINO
Ranked #4 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #25 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS

Why would you pick him over McKenna, Stenberg, Lawrence, or even your boy Belchetz? Less challenge, more curiosity.

Carels is #5 right now on Buttons post WJC January rankings. I believe he’s a top 3 pick. He is currently #1 on my list. Belchetz is only down because of the rise of the WJC players but I still have a lot of interest in him. Hard to pass on either McKenna or Stenberg…I still have McKenna #1 as does Button. His vision and skill is head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft…not sure how anybody passes on him to be honest.
Not sold on Lawrence, not sure this is a draft to take a center in the top 10.

So, you’d still take Carels despite your comment about leaving McKenna on the board? Or were you just commenting on who was the “safest” pick.

I may have misunderstood your original post

He’s #1 on my want list but I’m not taking him over McKenna or Stenberg at this point if we end up with a top 2 pick. That could change by draft day but I doubt it. If we end up with #3 I’m taking Carels over everybody else and I don’t even think twice about it.

[Zizzle1297]

I personally go with Ivar

I am really hoping that we can somehow acculate 2 more 1st rounders.

Like I said before trading a few of Faulk, Kyrou, Schenn, Binnington, Buch, or potentially even Thomas(hopefully not but you never know). That should easily return us some 1sts plus additional assets.

[BleedingBleu]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Carels is the safest pick in the draft.

You’ve been pretty consistently high on Carson. Elite Prospects doesn’t have much to say about him, but what’s interesting is the rankings are fairly scattered.

I’d say the “experts” predominant rank him in the early teens, with a coupe as high as Top-4 and a couple others as low as 25.

Ranked #13 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #13 by CAM'S CONSENSUS
Ranked #6 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #11 by TSN/CHRIS PETERS
Ranked #25 by THN/FERRARI
Ranked #14 by MCKEEN'S HOCKEY
Ranked #14 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #3 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #11 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #6 by SPORTSNET/COSENTINO
Ranked #4 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #25 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS

Why would you pick him over McKenna, Stenberg, Lawrence, or even your boy Belchetz? Less challenge, more curiosity.

Carels is #5 right now on Buttons post WJC January rankings. I believe he’s a top 3 pick. He is currently #1 on my list. Belchetz is only down because of the rise of the WJC players but I still have a lot of interest in him. Hard to pass on either McKenna or Stenberg…I still have McKenna #1 as does Button. His vision and skill is head and shoulders above everybody else in the draft…not sure how anybody passes on him to be honest.
Not sold on Lawrence, not sure this is a draft to take a center in the top 10.

So, you’d still take Carels despite your comment about leaving McKenna on the board? Or were you just commenting on who was the “safest” pick.

I may have misunderstood your original post

He’s #1 on my want list but I’m not taking him over McKenna or Stenberg at this point if we end up with a top 2 pick. That could change by draft day but I doubt it. If we end up with #3 I’m taking Carels over everybody else and I don’t even think twice about it.

+1

Thanks. I’m just reading the tea leaves about this season, and it certainly feels like Armstrong will move veteran leader(s) before/at the deadline. I imagine that means at least Schenn & Faulk, and I think selling puts them in the Running for Top 5. I can never predict the outcome of the Draft Lottery. So, I’m just daydreaming at this point.

The rumors about a potential failed trade of Schenn last year swirling right now are interesting. Those and possible comments from Armstrong makes me feel certain a deal happens this time. Also, Faulk’s stock is high and this team has not shown me they can finish ahead of the rest of the Division.

Since they lost Ellis, I can’t fathom they deal Binnington unless he has a great Olympics w/Team Canada and they’re completely blown away by the return. That said… who knows? Maybe they can work a deal w/Buffalo to get Ellis back?

Either way, I’m of the mindset where they go into the 2026 Draft w/a Top 5 Pick and pick somewhere in the teens after all is said and done.

[BleedingBleu]

I personally go with Ivar

I am really hoping that we can somehow acculate 2 more 1st rounders.

Like I said before trading a few of Faulk, Kyrou, Schenn, Binnington, Buch, or potentially even Thomas(hopefully not but you never know). That should easily return us some 1sts plus additional assets.

I don’t think they should trade Kyrou or Buch right now, because their stock would be pretty low. I do think Schenn & Faulk are on the tarmac with their luggage waiting for departure. Binnington’s an Olympic Success away from a Ryan Miller-esc return.

February 28, 2014: Traded by the Buffalo Sabres with Steve Ott to the St. Louis Blues for 1st round draft pick in 2015 (later traded to Winnipeg,­ Winnipeg selected Jack Roslovic), 3rd round draft pick in 2016 (later traded to Florida, Florida selected Linus Nassen), William Carrier, Jaroslav Halák and Chris Stewart.

Who knows, maybe that’s a deal with Buffalo that brings back Colten Ellis, Power/Byram, and a First?

[juan good eye]

I personally go with Ivar

I am really hoping that we can somehow acculate 2 more 1st rounders.

Like I said before trading a few of Faulk, Kyrou, Schenn, Binnington, Buch, or potentially even Thomas(hopefully not but you never know). That should easily return us some 1sts plus additional assets.

Def need extra firsts this draft. My take this is the year the best or a very good player may be found out of top 10.

[Lets_Clinch]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

Yeah, and knowing the Blues, we’ll fall to the 8-10 range anyway. TBH, I’d be happy with any of Lawrence, Reid, Belchetz, Carels or Malhotra, depending on where we pick.

The fan in me wants them to get to the playoffs and ruin Denver fans’ year. However, the flirtation the last few years with rebuilding makes me want a Top 5 Pick because of relative youth and promise of better days ahead.

I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs and I certainly don’t want to get swept in the First Round if they do. However, the pro sport leagues always seem to actively work against my best interests. So, I don’t truly trust Draft Lotteries, either. Rather than worry about what I can’t control, I just look forward to what outcomes I’d like the most.

Knock out the Av’s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
-or-
Have the chance to draft a Generational Talent.

Assess my feelings if neither option manifests and get excited for the draftee, anyway.

Great post-my sentiments in spades.

[BleedingBleu]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Admittedly, it’s hard to consider a LWer with a Top 3 Pick when the Blues recently selected Carbonneau (RW) with last year’s First Rounder and they’re trading guys like Bolduc because of the Organizational depth at Wing. So, I understand why people might look elsewhere.

The right pick for the Blues might actually be Lawrence. However, I can’t help but feel intrigue at the potential Best Players in the Draft being in their grasp. One is labeled “Generational,” and the other has a sibling currently making an impression on the Blues Roster. Hard not to want what the heart wants.

I don't think we will be drafting top three. I think carels will be available at the 5 spot. Last prince george dman in our organization taken that high ( not by us) - Eric Brewer.

Hard to say where the Blues draft. They’re currently lined up with the 5th pick, behind Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, & Chicago. None of that factors in the Draft Lottery, but Vancouver is definitely on an island at the bottom by comparison.

Naturally, there’s the actual remaining season and I could see the 26 Blues finishing at the bottom of the Central, especially after parting w/guys like Schenn & Faulk. Even then, I’m not sure that’s a guarantee. Admittedly, so much of the remaining season depends on Binnngton.

He may emerge on fire post-Oympics and we end up just out of the Top 10. If he has a good Olympics and walks away with a Gold Medal, the Blues may get too good of an offer and he may get dealt. Or he stinks it up with a shorter leash and retsina the 50/50 net share w/Hofer and the team continues to circle the drain.

So, not knowing where they finish, nor where the Bettman Lottery lands them, I mostly focused on the hypothetical situation that Armstrong & Co has an opportunity to select either McKenna or Stenberg with zero context, otherwise.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm kinda thinking Carels. A gamble if you have the first pick maybe but in retrospect the anointed sure thing is really not. We did the conventional safe pick with ej. In retrospect would have rather have had Fat Phil.

Carels is the safest pick in the draft.

What do you think of Smits if we fall back to that 8-10 area of the draft? His skillset reads like Broberg, but I haven’t seen much of him.

Only know from what I saw at the WJC’s. He’s good, he’s going to go high and he looked like he might be NHL ready now. Probably be a solid player that eats minutes…not sure how much he moves the needle though. He also might be the first dman off the board, I wouldn’t be shocked if he was. There are a lot of quality future NHL dmen in the top 20 picks. With the right moves we should be able to get a skill guy and possibly a very solid dman.
Dream scenario for me would be one of McKenna or Stenberg and then maybe we get another pick in the 12-15 range and grab Daxon Rudolph or maybe we go Carels and Belchetz and since I’m being greedy we also end up with a late first rounder and grab Tomas Chrenko

[Rollin' on the River]

I’d pick Stenberg over McKenna.

He lost me during the WJC with some of the most insufferable interviews you’ve ever seen. He also wasn’t all that impressive except against Denmark.

I think both go in top 3 so give me the one likely to do better come playoffs.

Stenberg is more of a sure thing. High floor vs high ceiling.

Having brothers on the team would be interesting but would it be a distraction later on?

Does McKenna have more diva than dog in his game?

It didn’t seem to be a problem for the Sedin twins

And yeah. I think Gavin has some diva in him for sure

[Bluesfan1978]

Blues won’t be picking anyone that has some diva in them with their top picks. If the Blues choose between the two it would be Stenberg.