Bad Year to Pick High

[stljrs]

This is not a great year to picking high in the draft. There is one potential star in McKenna. Seems like there is a big drop after him. Not a strong center class. None of the descriptions from Pronman or Wheeler on the top D prospects reads "can't miss stud". Still haven't given up hope on a turnaround but there are no signs of going on a tear and we're getting close to digging hole we can't get out of.
I'm at a loss. I think we all are.

[kimzey59]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

[-Blueski-]

Maybe Blues can get #1 from the lottery and pick another Erik Johnson

[Harry S Deals]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

[kimzey59]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

Where did Holloway go in this scenario?

[Harry S Deals]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

Where did Holloway go in this scenario?

4th line?

[Pierre McGuire]

Great year to have a high pick. Belchetz is gonna be a stud and likely make for some sleepless nights for whatever GM ends up with the first overall pick

[Pierre McGuire]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

Where did Holloway go in this scenario?

4th line?

Blues gonna have to make a quick decision on Holloway. He could be the perfect guy to trade to shake things up. Guess it all comes down to what you think you have in him.

[Nublues69]

gotta think Keaton Verhoeff would be the blues target kid looks studly at north dakota top 3 pick. We have carboneau stenberg and plethra of forwards we need that stud dman

[Harry S Deals]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

Where did Holloway go in this scenario?

4th line?

Blues gonna have to make a quick decision on Holloway. He could be the perfect guy to trade to shake things up. Guess it all comes down to what you think you have in him.

I mean at the worst Holloway is a bottom 6 wing with size and speed, AT THE RIGHT PRICE, i wouldnt trade him and then massively regret it. I always feel like if Ive seen a guy do it then hes capable of doing it. My logical trade list starts with Schenn and probably sooner than later because teams are interested in him and the Blues can fill his spot, then Binnington, Faulk, maybe Joseph, Bjugstad, basically any other JAG in the bottom 6 too

[smilinjoefission]

Great year to have a high pick. Belchetz is gonna be a stud and likely make for some sleepless nights for whatever GM ends up with the first overall pick

Even with the hype on McKenna, I can't see how Stenberg isn't going 1st overall. So basically if the Blues finish in the Top 5 for the draft they are getting a player of exceptional skill.

[BalotelliMassive]

If the Blues get a top pick in 26 then that means they also have a new coaching staff in 26...

[Pierre McGuire]

Don't agree at all.
The top 5 is plenty strong.
McKenna, Stenberg and Belchetz are all potential stars(very different players based on skill sets but they all appear to have PPG+ abilities in their own way).
Verhoeff isn't a "sure fire stud", but he's every bit the same level of D prospect that Owen Power was.
Tynan Lawrence isn't getting talked about much yet(missed a few weeks with a knee injury), but he very much projects as a PPG 2-way center with a legit edge to his game(he says he models his game after Nick Suzuki but I see a lot more Sebastian Aho in him than I do Suzuki; his IQ and motor are off the chart).

The exact order of that top 5 group hasn't really cemented itself yet because they're all so similar, but no matter how it goes we'll end up with somebody extremely good if we end up in that range.

I'm more concerned with going on a run and still ending up outside the PO's. I'm not overly wild about the group currently projected in the 6-14 range. Granted, that group will probably change dramatically by the end of the year.

I would think the Blues would be in good shape if they drafted in the Top 5 next summer. McKenna at 17 at Penn State may not have eye popping numbers yet i think he has 3 goals in 10 games but he seems to be the lock for #1. Adding Stenberg would be quite a development to have Otto and Ivar on the Blues left side for a generation, Ivar could probably play right away. Imagine going into next season with something like

Neighbours Thomas Snuggerud
I. Stenberg Dvorsky Kyrou
O. Stenberg Suter Buch (assuming hes not somehow dealt)

You get the idea

Where did Holloway go in this scenario?

4th line?

Blues gonna have to make a quick decision on Holloway. He could be the perfect guy to trade to shake things up. Guess it all comes down to what you think you have in him.

I mean at the worst Holloway is a bottom 6 wing with size and speed, AT THE RIGHT PRICE, i wouldnt trade him and then massively regret it. I always feel like if Ive seen a guy do it then hes capable of doing it. My logical trade list starts with Schenn and probably sooner than later because teams are interested in him and the Blues can fill his spot, then Binnington, Faulk, maybe Joseph, Bjugstad, basically any other JAG in the bottom 6 too

I’m just saying if the team continues to struggle and if they really want to send a message and have a shakeup, a Holloway trade sends that message more moving a Schenn or Faulk. Those guys should be trade as well but that’s not the Blockbuster deal we need to see

[kimzey59]

gotta think Keaton Verhoeff would be the blues target kid looks studly at north dakota top 3 pick. We have carboneau stenberg and plethra of forwards we need that stud dman

Except I don't think Verhoeff is really going to pan out as a "Stud Dman".
He'll produce, but I don't think his defensive game keeps pace at higher levels.

If we're going simply on position; Tynan Lawrence is the guy I'd be targetting. Tommy, Lawrence, Dvorsky down the middle would be insane center depth(and we have more than enough wingers to supplement them all).

[SameOldBlues]

This is not a great year to picking high in the draft. There is one potential star in McKenna. Seems like there is a big drop after him. Not a strong center class. None of the descriptions from Pronman or Wheeler on the top D prospects reads "can't miss stud". Still haven't given up hope on a turnaround but there are no signs of going on a tear and we're getting close to digging hole we can't get out of.
I'm at a loss. I think we all are.

Not true whatsoever, and as the season plays on, there’ll be even more shine and excitement for the Top 10 prospects or so.

[kimzey59]

Great year to have a high pick. Belchetz is gonna be a stud and likely make for some sleepless nights for whatever GM ends up with the first overall pick

Even with the hype on McKenna, I can't see how Stenberg isn't going 1st overall. So basically if the Blues finish in the Top 5 for the draft they are getting a player of exceptional skill.

McKenna and Stenberg are very close. McKenna probably has the edge in raw skill/vision; but Stenberg has the edge in speed/defensive play.
And Belchetz might be better than both of them as a 6'5" monster PF.

Granted, all 3 are LW's; but it's a legit 3 headed monster at the top this year. Don't know how anyone can say it's a weak group.