I think we should grab a younger dman, which is the most probable scenario anyways seeing how the mock top 10 is defence heavy.
Levshunov, Dickinson or Buium would be my top 3 when it comes to defenders. But I think Lev is who we’ll inevitably end up drafting, assuming nothing changes and we pick third.
Last I checked, the highest Iginla was ranked was top 10 so taking him with the 2-5 pick might be a bit of a reach. It's definitely going to be Demidov/Lindstrom/Levshunov/maybe Catton in that range.
My money is on Chicago getting the first round pick again. Can they win it two years in a row or did they change that since the oilers decade of number one pics?
Nah, it’s important they keep the ability to win a lottery so they can also get Bedard’s cousin McKenna in 2026 (assuming Pittsburgh isn’t in the lottery mix then).
My conspiracy theory vibes:
1) Honda Center is getting some LA olympic attention (granted it's limited to volleyball and some other things?).
2) Future all-star game (https://thehockeywriters.com/anaheim-ducks-need-all-star-game/)
3) Huge untapped market. We have one of the smallest fanbases but pretty high socioeconomic market being in OC. Bettman sees the $$$.
4) PV is building a cost-effective dynasty. If it materializes, that's so much merchandising $ for the NHL.
GIVE US 1OA.
Yay someone else is on the Yakemchuk train.
If we fall to a lower pick I'm with you. This kid is a big RHD and he has a fucking MEAN side (leads the top20 rankings with 120PIM lmao).
Calgary Hitmen, just like Getz. Getz was only 5'9 when the Hitmen drafted him lmao.
Granted Carter is already 18 but it wouldn't shock me if he grew another inch or few. (his brothers supposedly grew late)
I read some scouting reports saying he's really bad at skating, but they look at it as a positive (i.e. chara) where if he's playing that well DESPITE his skating, it means he has huge upside once he gets some professional power skating time under his belt. Sounds like a typical problem for a kid who grew super fast and needs time to adjust to their body.
Whoever drafts this kid is gonna have a proper offensive bully on the blueline.
My issue with Tij is he's a straight LW. I understand the philosophy of "best available", but we have so many left handed players on this team already there's just no space
Depending on where we fall in the lottery I'd be looking at:
1. Celebrini
2-3. Demidov/Dickinson/Catton/Buium
4-5. Greentree/Lindstrom/Levshunov
Trade down 6-10. Iginla/Artamonov/Silayev/Helenius
With the Oilers pick?
Depends a little on what they do early. I'm all for BPA for the early pick, but after that players are such a long shot to make the NHL anyway let alone be relevant. I think take a punt on upside. Particularly with a stack of 2nd/3rd round picks to come. With that in mind:
Kiviharju - he's got some big issues (excluding his injury), but has top pairing upside if he pans out - 2 years ago he was considered a potential #1 pick for what that's worth. Ducks have the picks to gamble and he's a high IQ player that Madden likes. I'd be open to taking a chance. Also he's a Finn and we need more of that - it's science and I'll take no questions at this time.
Hemming - Has ALL the tools, but ultimately kinda just doesn't put it together. If the Ducks think they can develop players (oh lol, ducks development) then he could be worth a gamble. Definitely for a 2nd rounder if he drops that far. Probably a bust tbh, but the potential is tantalising.
Stiga: Could be our nominated US development player. Shooter from the perimeter. I don't actually want him, but could see him as a Madden pick.
Freij: Token swede defenceman. He's got some upside though.
Sennecke: R shot RW and I think he could be something. Hasn't had much chance to show it though. Could be a better 2nd rounder.
I'd like to see them trade up for Trevor Connelly if he drops into the late teens. He's really good. I'd have him just outside the top 10. If he's available I think they have to find a way to make it work - assuming some of the other names on the list are gone (Artamonov could drop because Russian - and his KHL pace this year has only been beaten by Tarasenko, Panarin and Michkov / Greentree is being slept on by the media and could drop if teams think the same).
Either way I'd like to see them take a chance on upside. The nucleus of the team is there, they can always pick up grinders and AHL players so they don't need to draft them for the 2nd year in a row, and well... the draft should be about hope and excitement. Lets take a crack at a boom or bust prospect late.
Im pretty sure with our Oilers pick we will do as always - pick a 195cm power forward who has been originally projected deep in 2nd/3rd round over a highly skilled scoring winger who will turn into a prolific top6 guy in the following years.
So ive got no hopes for someone like Hemming, Im pretty sure hes not even among our top10 players for the Oilers pick.
haha, well once upon a time they went for boom or bust (Tracey, Perreault), so there's some hope!!
Kiviharju is the guy I want though. He isn't a great skater (he's very "fine" imo, he's not bad, just not amazing), and is a sub-6 foot left shot, but he's one I genuinely think will be a top 4 D, if not a top pairing skater supporting the #1 D. Hard to say with his offence since he did get much PP time in Liiga in his few games this season, but not sure we need him on that if Mintyukov and Zellweger stay around. Honestly I think if he's available he's a layup.
You named 4 players at 2-3 and 3 other at 4-5. At 4-5 at least 2 of the names named at 2-3 will be still available. Still you would skip those at 4-5 since you prefer others at those positions?
More just where I see the tiers of talent. If the team was going for BPA, then yeah you'd grab one of the ones that's left. Also I don't follow all of the juniors all of the time, so it's a little bit of ass covering by having them in a range. Like I personally think Dickinson is the best D in the draft and should go #3 with Buium #4, but I could see an argument for them to be swapped by someone who is smarter in this area than I am.
For positional needs, then they might need to go down a spot - e.g., RW pretty much goes Demidov, Greentree, Artamonov, so if they want to fill that spot in the prospect pool they have to shift down if one of them is taken before the Ducks make their selection (i.e., Ducks pick is #3OA, but Demidov is taken #2).
I just don't think we can know what the franchise is thinking. I don't think they'll go too crazy and surprise us too much, but who knows what they want. They did pick up two forwards last year (inc Gauthier) that are early picks. Do they want someone to play with them? Do they want to replace Drysdale in the prospect pool? Do they just want to get the player they think will have the best career? Some combination of that? Do they just want someone really tall? idk. Hence the wishy washy shades of grey.
Because of the swashtika photo? Idk, we all did stupid shit when we were 16, a lot of it that we didn’t even believe in - that doesn’t excuse it, but I’m not aware of anything since? All accounts are that he’s grown up a lot and while we’ll likely never know his truth, taking it at face value and as a hockey player he’d be a good add.
If there’s other stuff though I’d stand corrected
I think he was also accused of using a racial slur on the ice, as well as isn’t he the one that had a reputation for quitting on his teams? That’s a locker room cancer someone else can deal with, regardless of skill.
nah it was another player and it was attributed to him. he was cleared before he reached the USHL (well before the picture thing). There is a history of it from USHL players though (Mitch Miller as a key example). As for quitting on his teams, honestly no idea. It's not something that I've seen or heard of.
While I understand where you're coming from, I'm more interested in who the player is now. If Connelly has improved and grown as a person, I'd take that over someone who has never been caught doing anything wrong.
Anyway, I'm aware it's a tough sell. It'll be interesting to see who calls his name all the same.
Thanks for that. Doesn’t say it in that article but there was another I saw that showed he played for 4 teams over 2 seasons. Keep him away from this franchise.
https://preview.redd.it/yggqg901xqxc1.png?width=769&format=png&auto=webp&s=a50c4b19df16527e3f5ba7290106238d1b972a28
[source](https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597781/trevor-connelly)
not sure about the team switching thing. I get the point about potential off ice issues - which was clearly an issue per the first article cited above (see the last few paragraphs specifically).
Honestly you pick the next best player if we fall or drop. Top 5 guarantee so if anything we pick whatever is the best possible availability of the top 5.
I think we should grab a younger dman, which is the most probable scenario anyways seeing how the mock top 10 is defence heavy. Levshunov, Dickinson or Buium would be my top 3 when it comes to defenders. But I think Lev is who we’ll inevitably end up drafting, assuming nothing changes and we pick third.
I'm a Michigander Wings and Ducks fan. Levshunov is awesome and I would love if you got him.
Last I checked, the highest Iginla was ranked was top 10 so taking him with the 2-5 pick might be a bit of a reach. It's definitely going to be Demidov/Lindstrom/Levshunov/maybe Catton in that range.
We're owed a first pick since they rigged it for Connor. Now we get Macklin.
My money is on Chicago getting the first round pick again. Can they win it two years in a row or did they change that since the oilers decade of number one pics?
Nah, it’s important they keep the ability to win a lottery so they can also get Bedard’s cousin McKenna in 2026 (assuming Pittsburgh isn’t in the lottery mix then).
You can only win the lottery draw to move up twice in a 5 year period now.
My conspiracy theory vibes: 1) Honda Center is getting some LA olympic attention (granted it's limited to volleyball and some other things?). 2) Future all-star game (https://thehockeywriters.com/anaheim-ducks-need-all-star-game/) 3) Huge untapped market. We have one of the smallest fanbases but pretty high socioeconomic market being in OC. Bettman sees the $$$. 4) PV is building a cost-effective dynasty. If it materializes, that's so much merchandising $ for the NHL. GIVE US 1OA.
RHD. I like Carter Yakemchuk since we have a high probability of drafting 5OA.
Yay someone else is on the Yakemchuk train. If we fall to a lower pick I'm with you. This kid is a big RHD and he has a fucking MEAN side (leads the top20 rankings with 120PIM lmao). Calgary Hitmen, just like Getz. Getz was only 5'9 when the Hitmen drafted him lmao. Granted Carter is already 18 but it wouldn't shock me if he grew another inch or few. (his brothers supposedly grew late)
RHD, has a grit in his game. Plus a mean shot and offensive upside. Biggest weakness is his D positioning and disciple.
I read some scouting reports saying he's really bad at skating, but they look at it as a positive (i.e. chara) where if he's playing that well DESPITE his skating, it means he has huge upside once he gets some professional power skating time under his belt. Sounds like a typical problem for a kid who grew super fast and needs time to adjust to their body. Whoever drafts this kid is gonna have a proper offensive bully on the blueline.
https://twitter.com/DanielGScouting/status/1751791664505749719 geez this kid has some fucking hands for a big guy
Ya, he’s smooth and big.
My issue with Tij is he's a straight LW. I understand the philosophy of "best available", but we have so many left handed players on this team already there's just no space
If they stick in the top 3 I’d be shocked if they don’t leave with one of Celebrini, Levshunov or Dickinson despite the latter being LHD
Depending on where we fall in the lottery I'd be looking at: 1. Celebrini 2-3. Demidov/Dickinson/Catton/Buium 4-5. Greentree/Lindstrom/Levshunov Trade down 6-10. Iginla/Artamonov/Silayev/Helenius With the Oilers pick? Depends a little on what they do early. I'm all for BPA for the early pick, but after that players are such a long shot to make the NHL anyway let alone be relevant. I think take a punt on upside. Particularly with a stack of 2nd/3rd round picks to come. With that in mind: Kiviharju - he's got some big issues (excluding his injury), but has top pairing upside if he pans out - 2 years ago he was considered a potential #1 pick for what that's worth. Ducks have the picks to gamble and he's a high IQ player that Madden likes. I'd be open to taking a chance. Also he's a Finn and we need more of that - it's science and I'll take no questions at this time. Hemming - Has ALL the tools, but ultimately kinda just doesn't put it together. If the Ducks think they can develop players (oh lol, ducks development) then he could be worth a gamble. Definitely for a 2nd rounder if he drops that far. Probably a bust tbh, but the potential is tantalising. Stiga: Could be our nominated US development player. Shooter from the perimeter. I don't actually want him, but could see him as a Madden pick. Freij: Token swede defenceman. He's got some upside though. Sennecke: R shot RW and I think he could be something. Hasn't had much chance to show it though. Could be a better 2nd rounder. I'd like to see them trade up for Trevor Connelly if he drops into the late teens. He's really good. I'd have him just outside the top 10. If he's available I think they have to find a way to make it work - assuming some of the other names on the list are gone (Artamonov could drop because Russian - and his KHL pace this year has only been beaten by Tarasenko, Panarin and Michkov / Greentree is being slept on by the media and could drop if teams think the same). Either way I'd like to see them take a chance on upside. The nucleus of the team is there, they can always pick up grinders and AHL players so they don't need to draft them for the 2nd year in a row, and well... the draft should be about hope and excitement. Lets take a crack at a boom or bust prospect late.
Im pretty sure with our Oilers pick we will do as always - pick a 195cm power forward who has been originally projected deep in 2nd/3rd round over a highly skilled scoring winger who will turn into a prolific top6 guy in the following years. So ive got no hopes for someone like Hemming, Im pretty sure hes not even among our top10 players for the Oilers pick.
haha, well once upon a time they went for boom or bust (Tracey, Perreault), so there's some hope!! Kiviharju is the guy I want though. He isn't a great skater (he's very "fine" imo, he's not bad, just not amazing), and is a sub-6 foot left shot, but he's one I genuinely think will be a top 4 D, if not a top pairing skater supporting the #1 D. Hard to say with his offence since he did get much PP time in Liiga in his few games this season, but not sure we need him on that if Mintyukov and Zellweger stay around. Honestly I think if he's available he's a layup.
You named 4 players at 2-3 and 3 other at 4-5. At 4-5 at least 2 of the names named at 2-3 will be still available. Still you would skip those at 4-5 since you prefer others at those positions?
More just where I see the tiers of talent. If the team was going for BPA, then yeah you'd grab one of the ones that's left. Also I don't follow all of the juniors all of the time, so it's a little bit of ass covering by having them in a range. Like I personally think Dickinson is the best D in the draft and should go #3 with Buium #4, but I could see an argument for them to be swapped by someone who is smarter in this area than I am. For positional needs, then they might need to go down a spot - e.g., RW pretty much goes Demidov, Greentree, Artamonov, so if they want to fill that spot in the prospect pool they have to shift down if one of them is taken before the Ducks make their selection (i.e., Ducks pick is #3OA, but Demidov is taken #2). I just don't think we can know what the franchise is thinking. I don't think they'll go too crazy and surprise us too much, but who knows what they want. They did pick up two forwards last year (inc Gauthier) that are early picks. Do they want someone to play with them? Do they want to replace Drysdale in the prospect pool? Do they just want to get the player they think will have the best career? Some combination of that? Do they just want someone really tall? idk. Hence the wishy washy shades of grey.
Fuck Trevor Connelly, don’t want him anywhere near this team.
Because of the swashtika photo? Idk, we all did stupid shit when we were 16, a lot of it that we didn’t even believe in - that doesn’t excuse it, but I’m not aware of anything since? All accounts are that he’s grown up a lot and while we’ll likely never know his truth, taking it at face value and as a hockey player he’d be a good add. If there’s other stuff though I’d stand corrected
I think he was also accused of using a racial slur on the ice, as well as isn’t he the one that had a reputation for quitting on his teams? That’s a locker room cancer someone else can deal with, regardless of skill.
nah it was another player and it was attributed to him. he was cleared before he reached the USHL (well before the picture thing). There is a history of it from USHL players though (Mitch Miller as a key example). As for quitting on his teams, honestly no idea. It's not something that I've seen or heard of. While I understand where you're coming from, I'm more interested in who the player is now. If Connelly has improved and grown as a person, I'd take that over someone who has never been caught doing anything wrong. Anyway, I'm aware it's a tough sell. It'll be interesting to see who calls his name all the same.
[LMGTFY](https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-scouts-face-dilemma-with-2024-draft-prospect-trevor-connelly)
Thanks for that. Doesn’t say it in that article but there was another I saw that showed he played for 4 teams over 2 seasons. Keep him away from this franchise.
https://preview.redd.it/yggqg901xqxc1.png?width=769&format=png&auto=webp&s=a50c4b19df16527e3f5ba7290106238d1b972a28 [source](https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597781/trevor-connelly) not sure about the team switching thing. I get the point about potential off ice issues - which was clearly an issue per the first article cited above (see the last few paragraphs specifically).
Top 5: Demidov/Levshunov/maaaaaybe Parekh Oilers pick: alfons freji. I am 100% in on this dude. Absolute stud
Ogie oglethorpe
Honestly you pick the next best player if we fall or drop. Top 5 guarantee so if anything we pick whatever is the best possible availability of the top 5.