The NHL Draft - Buffalo's Decision

[scottkoz20]

Something to ponder. If you are Tim Murray and you have the #1 overall pick (not assured yet, #2 is the worse that will happen), who do you pick?

I'll offer my thoughts to this later tonight

[30ranfordfan]

As I just said in another thread.... take the best player available.

Depending on whose list you read, that's one of Sam Bennett, Leon Draisaitle, Aaron Ekblad, or Sam Reinhart.

Trust your scouts, and take the one you think is going to be the best NHLer.

Sabres right now (IMO) are closer to being set on defense than they up front, so the greater need may be a forward...... but if they feel Ekblad is the best player in the draft - take him anyway, and then move someone else to make room, and upgrade the forwards that way.


I've got my fingers crossed they pass on Ekblad though. Let him fall to the Oilers :)

[mooneyes]

I might be confused, but don't they have the option of using the #1 pick next year? Mcdavid's year? or am I all out to lunch here lol

[30ranfordfan]

Next year is a different draft. They will get a first round pick again that year too.... and who knows, maybe both will be #1, but no - they don't get to postpone this year's selection.

I might be confused, but don't they have the option of using the #1 pick next year? Mcdavid's year? or am I all out to lunch here lol

[scottkoz20]

its from the Vanek deal to the Islanders. It is a 2014 #1 pick, unless it is in the Top 10, in which that Islanders can defer it to 2015. If they do, I will be rooting for them to finish 0-82-0 next season :)

[miscs75]

its from the Vanek deal to the Islanders. It is a 2014 #1 pick, unless it is in the Top 10, in which that Islanders can defer it to 2015. If they do, I will be rooting for them to finish 0-82-0 next season :)

I hope the Isles go 0-82 out of spite for what the owner is trying to do to the franchise. If it was any other team, it would be taken away.

[scottkoz20]

I hope the Isles go 0-82 out of spite for what the owner is trying to do to the franchise. If it was any other team, it would be taken away.

I'm not an Isles fan, but this is one of the more historical franchises in the league, there is a legacy and it has been tarnished starting with Spano. I hope the move to Barclays will start to help bring back this once great franchise.


As it relates to the Sabres, it was pointed out that they do have depth at the back end. Furthermore, they might even have Norris Trophy winning prospects (and I STILL think Myers could become this), but the Oilers and the Panthers have depth at the forward ranks. If either of those teams wanted to move a significant piece to ensure they are going to draft Ekblad, then I think you need to move the pick and select Rhinehart or Bennett at 2 or 3.

However, this is probably the year that if you can enhance your back-end and move one or two of the defensive prospects for talented forwards, then I think you need to look at it. I'm not sure if Rhinehart or Bennett are guys that can come into the league and have immediate success.

My pick (if I do not trade it) - Aaron Ekblad

[miscs75]

I'm not an Isles fan, but this is one of the more historical franchises in the league, there is a legacy and it has been tarnished starting with Spano. I hope the move to Barclays will start to help bring back this once great franchise.


As it relates to the Sabres, it was pointed out that they do have depth at the back end. Furthermore, they might even have Norris Trophy winning prospects (and I STILL think Myers could become this), but the Oilers and the Panthers have depth at the forward ranks. If either of those teams wanted to move a significant piece to ensure they are going to draft Ekblad, then I think you need to move the pick and select Rhinehart or Bennett at 2 or 3.

However, this is probably the year that if you can enhance your back-end and move one or two of the defensive prospects for talented forwards, then I think you need to look at it. I'm not sure if Rhinehart or Bennett are guys that can come into the league and have immediate success.

My pick (if I do not trade it) - Aaron Ekblad

The Barclays Center will be a black hole for the Islanders fan base. It's a small arena with horrible sightlines. Talk about watching the game and not being able to see from behind one net and if you sit on the other end, yore turned the wrong direction if the puck goes down towards you. It's quite pathetic that Nassau County let this happen.

If I was Buffalos GM and did not get the #1, I'd look at Nick Ritchie. NHL-sized body that will just run though guys once he develops.

[scottkoz20]

I think depending on where the Isles finish AND Garth surrenders the pick, Ritchie would a guy to look at with a 6th, 7th overall pick.

[HOCKEY68]

Ekblad,just so Edmonton doesn't get him lol!