2020 NHL Draft is Wild

by Lowetide

I remember drafts going back to the 1970’s. Back then, you followed the prospects via The Hockey News and developed favourites based on specific skill sets. Al Secord was a born Boston Bruins prospect, he was in training as a boxer during his teens and spent time fighting fires for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He was fierce and talented. A Bruin. Picking a player who fits a team’s style, or represents a specific local fan base, represented music in those days.

THE ATHLETIC!

Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. I am proud to be part of The Athletic. Here are the most recent Oilers stories.

The 1979 draft was fun, although there was so much going on at the time I don’t recall pouring over the names as I’d done in the past. I knew the Bruins had a good day. Raymond Bourque was famous in the pages of The Hockey News and Brad McCrimmon was an important piece of the powerhouse Brandon Wheat Kings. If you knew me in 1979, I would have been able to tell you quite a bit of these men. Bruins drafted seven men, they all played in the NHL. That’s a draft.

2020 MOCK DRAFT (TAKE TWO)

For this mock, I’m going to attempt to post a first round that reflects the current state of each team’s style and approach. I have chosen some below because of a combination of local product/cultural fit and others to make the list realistic. Here we go.

1 Montreal: LW Alexis Lafreniere, Rimouski QMJHL. Marc Bergevin falls into extreme good fortune and this could be the spark that brings Stanley back to Pollocksville. A grand talent on a massive stage. Honestly, it would be a fascinating nightmare.

2 Los Angeles: LC Quinton Byfield, Sudbury OHL. The Kings drafted my No. 4 (Alex Turcotte), No. 5 (Arthur Kaliyev), No. 33 (Samuel Fagemo) and No. 36 (Tobias Björnfot) ranked players a year ago, suspect they’ll go high skill again. General manager Rob Blake is adding skill by the ton, and Byfield offers a different look than Turcotte. He’s a big man who has terrific skill, speed and a very bright future.

3 Ottawa: LC Tim Stutzle, Mannheim DEL. GM Pierre Dorion was all about speed a year ago, drafting Lassi Thomson and Shane Pinto. The Senators take a speedy, brilliant offensive force in Stutzle. Although they lost the lottery, hard to frame Stutzle as a consolation prize.

4 Detroit: LC Marco Rossi, Ottawa OHL. During Steve Yzerman’s time in Tampa Bay, the Lightning had one stunning draft (2011) and a string of mid-round picks who turned into Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli. Rossi could be a DRW. His skill set includes outstanding passing and vision. He’s undersized but brilliant.

5 Ottawa: RHD Jamie Drysdale, Erie OHL. I’m not sure Drysdale will be the first defenseman off the board, but he’s a style match for the Senators. He’s a two-way defenseman who can scoot and the most likely blue to spend substantial time on an NHL power play. The Senators are going to improve a great deal on draft day.

6 Anaheim: LC Cole Perfetti, Saginaw OHL. The Ducks aren’t on top of their game at the draft table and there isn’t an ideal solution at this number. The club has a brilliant player (Trevor Zegras) on the way, but he’s undersized. Perfetti is a winger who can score and is the final high skill OHL forward. He’s a shooter, a nice match for Zegras but you’d like him to be a little bigger.

7 New Jersey: LW Lucas Raymond, Frolunda (SHL). I have stubbornly held that the other Swedish winger has more value, but McKenzie’s list rates Raymond so for the purposes of the mock I will join the crowd. Raymond is a fabulous prospect, he’ll find chem with one of those young centers (Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes). Chief skill is passing, outstanding creativity with the puck. Another small winger.

8 Buffalo: RW Jack Quinn, Ottawa OHL. He spiked at the right time. One of the best scorers in the draft, good speed. The new general manager is Kevyn Adams and this could go any number of ways. A scoring winger at this point is a solid option.

9 Chicago: LHD Jake Sanderson, US National Team (USHL). He is big, strong, fast, and has a great shot. Stan Bowman’s drafting record is fascinating (he’s delivered value in every draft but 2015) and he’s drafted defensemen three times in the first round since 2018.

10 New Jersey: RW Alexander Holtz, Djurgardens SHL. If New Jersey can grab both top end Swedish wingers, it would be a fine idea. Holtz is an impressive scorer, he could match up with Hischier or Hughes. Damn, Raymond and Holtz to NJD is a fine idea.

11 Minnesota: LD Kaiden Guhle, Prince Albert WHL. Guhle is a mobile defender who can defend and play a complementary offensive role. He has speed and size (6.02, 186) and can cover well. This is Bill Guerin’s first draft, the other area they might want to look at is center (aging).

12 Winnipeg: RC Seth Jarvis, Portland WHL. Great speed and skill, he also owns an impressive shot. I like the Jets, they draft like they need every pick to cash (ala the Senators) but they’ll pick a Logan Stanley in the middle of the first round every now and then.

13 New York Rangers: LW Dylan Holloway, Wisconsin NCAA. It’s more likely he’ll have a career as a two-way winger, but he was 17 when he went to camp and scored 8 goals as a freshman. Intriguing player. GM Jeff Gorton’s first four drafts have been interesting but not earth shattering. Holloway is a bit of a risky pick (his offense isn’t guaranteed) but NYR have more than one pick in this round.

14 Florida: RC Dawson Mercer, Chicoutimi QMJHL. He has a nice range of skills, fine passer, smart player. I don’t have much of a handle on Dale Tallon, he might take a defenseman here but Mercer is a quality prospect.

15 Columbus: LC Anton Lundell, Helsinki Liiga. He’s a big pivot with skill and a complete skill set. The Jackets lost an entire draft year in 2019 (first pick came in the fourth round) and badly need to make every pick count in 2020. Lundell is a quality selection at this number.

16 Calgary: RD Braden Schneider, Brandon WHL. He’s a big, mobile defensemen who delivers enough offense to be considered a two-way player. You may believe this an unusual selection but Calgary hasn’t chosen a blue in the draft since 2017. Flames are now one of the ‘have’ teams at the draft, Sam Bennett in 2014 is the last down arrow and everyone had him top four overall.

17 New Jersey: G Yaroslav Askarov, St. Petersburg VHL. The Devils have chosen a goalie in the first round three times, and I believe Askarov will represent too much value to pass on at this point. I don’t believe in drafting goalies in the first round but the Devils have three picks here and if Askarov emerges as a quality starter he’ll cover this bet.

18 Nashville: RW Jacob Perreault, Sarnia OHL. The Predators lead the NHL in forwards making big money who scored much fewer than 20 goals last season. Perreault won’t provide immediate help but he’s a pure scorer. I wish I knew what the industry thought of him. I have no idea where he’ll go in the draft.

19 Carolina: LW Rodion Amirov, Ufa KHL. He’s a hidden gem this year, responsible winger who should score enough to play on a skill line and power play. Aggressive, great skater. This would be a fabulous selection for Edmonton, I have him going just before the Oilers pick.

20 Edmonton: RC Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan QMJHL. Righty center is creative, effective and intelligent. BM ranked him No. 26, I have him No. 11 and will stand by the selection. This is Tyler Wright’s first Oilers draft, he has chosen QMJHL players with two of his three most recent first-round picks (Zadina, Veleno).

21 Ottawa: LC Connor Zary, Kamloops WHL. He’s a fine two-way center who delivers significant offense and has a range of skills. Ottawa romps through the first round, acquiring Stutzle, Drysdale and Zary.

22 Dallas: LC Hendrix Lapierre, Chicoutimi QMJHL. Brilliant playmaking center who would go much higher without injury issues. Dallas takes chances, I like them to take Lapierre here.

23 New York Rangers: LW Ridly Greig, Brandon WHL. He’s a fascinating player who could go higher but fits the Rangers style well. Give him jersey number 10 and the nickname “Tik” and watch him agitate.

24 Minnesota: RW Noel Gunler, Lulea (SHL). Another scoring winger and another good match if he falls to Minnesota. The Wild need to add a strong defender and a first-person shooter, Guhle and Gunler represent a nice return on their picks.

25 Philadelphia: LC Jan Mysak, Hamilton OHL. A personal favourite of mine, I’ll tell you that if Edmonton took him in the first round I’d be pleased. He can score and has speed, plus has figured out the defensive part of the game. Fine prospect.

26 San Jose: LHD Jeremie Poirer, Saint John QMJHL. A brilliant offensive defenseman with enough chaos for teams to stay away from him until this point. San Jose has no fear at the draft table. None.

27 Colorado: LW Lukas Reichel, Berlin DEL. Mid-season riser. He has skill, speed and plays with abandon.

28 Las Vegas: LW Brendan Brisson, Chicago USHL. Great skater, pure scorer, ideal match for Golden Knights style.

29 Washington: RD Justin Barron, Halifax QMJHL. Good size and mobility, solid two-way defensive prospect.

30 St. Louis: LW John-Jason Peterka, Munich DEL. A speedy winger with skill, Red Line compares him in style to Tomas Tatar.

31 Anaheim: LC Marat Khusnutdinov, St. Petersburg MHL. Undersized center with impressive skills, breathtaking passer and may be badly underrated here.

OILERS MOCK

No. 20: RC Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan QMJHL. In normal seasons, I have a hard time getting a grip on the QMJHL (thanks to Adam Sherren for making sense of it all). However, this year has more clarity and Bourque’s scouting report is both pristine and a fine match for the Oilers.

No. 82: LW Carter Savoie AJHL. McKenzie has him late third round, giving the Oilers a chance to select him in a move that reminds me of the Mike Comrie pick 20+ years ago (le holy time passes).

No. 144: LD Dan Baker WHL. Huge defender who is also mobile, he spiked late but looks real. A shutdown defender.

No. 175 LC Elliot Ekmark SHL. Great skater, skilled and can score off the rush with a quality shot. He’s 5.09, that’s the drag.

No. 208 LW Cole Fonstad WHL. Habs didn’t sign him, he’s 20 and a fine playmaking forward.

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godot10

Gerta Rauss:
A quick update on the Oilers draft position post lottery edition:

-1 Lafreniere – this only happens if the Oilers lose to CHI and then win the 2nd lottery
-12
-13
-14
-15 – these 4 positions are possible if the Oilers lose to CHI and do NOT win the 2nd lottery

Exact position TBA, based on play in round results, the relevant pp% wrt the Oilers

EDM .585%
NYI .588%
CAR .596%
PIT .623%

EDM picks 12th if ALL 4 of these teams lose their play in series, and do NOT win the lottery
If EDM loses to CHI and any/all of NYI,CAR or PIT win their play in series, EDM moves back to the 13/14/15 slot

The other 12 play in teams have a worse pp%, so they’ll be picking ahead of EDM

If EDM beats Chicago, that’s still TBA.

The league will have to tweak the procedure because the normal rules include total regular season points, division winners, and conference/cup finalists

Currently the Oilers sit in the 20th draft position based solely on points percentage

You forgot all the draft positions the Oilers might pick if they win the series against Chicago, and one or more of the subsequent playoffs rounds.

31st. The Oilers could pick there.

Gerta Rauss

A quick update on the Oilers draft position post lottery edition:

-1 Lafreniere – this only happens if the Oilers lose to CHI and then win the 2nd lottery
-12
-13
-14
-15 – these 4 positions are possible if the Oilers lose to CHI and do NOT win the 2nd lottery

Exact position TBA, based on play in round results, the relevant pp% wrt the Oilers

EDM .585%
NYI .588%
CAR .596%
PIT .623%

EDM picks 12th if ALL 4 of these teams lose their play in series, and do NOT win the lottery
If EDM loses to CHI and any/all of NYI,CAR or PIT win their play in series, EDM moves back to the 13/14/15 slot

The other 12 play in teams have a worse pp%, so they’ll be picking ahead of EDM

If EDM beats Chicago, that’s still TBA.

The league will have to tweak the procedure because the normal rules include total regular season points, division winners, and conference/cup finalists

Currently the Oilers sit in the 20th draft position based solely on points percentage

jp

Had a look at Oilers goalie prospects and how they fared relative to their leagues in SV% since being drafted.

2016 – Wells
D+1 – OHL .916 (4th/26 >30GP)
D+2 – OHL .896 (15/22 >30GP)
D+3 – AHL 12GP .909, ECHL 22GP .912 (ECHL 16/44 >20GP)
D+4 – AHL 7GP .878, ECHL 10GP .871 (AHL – would have been 66/70 >10GP; ECHL – 64/65 >10GP)

(2016) – Konovalov (he’s the same age as Well, so I’m counting from what should have been his D+1)
D+1 – MHL .920 (13/42 >25 GP) (60GP season)
D+2 – MHL 11GP .922, VHL 12GP .919. KHL 7GP .933 (MHL Playoffs 16GP .945 1/11 >5GP)
D+3 – KHL .930 (8/35 >25GP) (actually drafted by the Oilers)
D+4 – KHL .912 (28/32 >25GP)

2017 – Skinner
D+1 – WHL .905 (10/31 >30GP) (Playoffs 26GP .932, 1/14 >5GP)
D+2 – ECHL .903 (20/25 >30G)
D+3 – AHL .892 (26/28 >30 GP)

2018 – Rodrigue
D+1 – QMJHL – .902 (7/15 >30GP)
D+2 – QMJHL – .918 (2/17 >30GP)

Konovalov – the lone downbeat is this season. And last year a top tier KHL starter at age 20 is extremely impressive.

Skinner – nice D+1 if you include the playoffs. Pretty poor in 2 years as a pro, though at least the org has continued to play him (47GP last year and 44GP this year).

Wells – good D+1 but not much going on since. Average-ish in 34GP D+3, only 17GP this year and among the worst goalies in the ECHL AND AHL in limited minutes. Skinner has gotten more and higher leverage games 2 years in a row.

Rodrigue – solid D+1, very good D+2.

My ranking of the players:
1) Konovalov
2) Rodrigue
3) Skinner
4) Wells

OriginalPouzar

That’s nice.

Of course, the Kings used that hot end to the season to move within 19 points of the Oilers who were 9th overall in the league in points.

I wonder which stat is more representative of the team’s season and contender status:

– the Kings’ 8-1-1 finish to vault them to 28th place

– the Oilers 6th best points percentage in 2020 helping them finish 9th in the league in points

?????

Harpers Hair

OriginalPouzar:
What does the team 12 months ago have to do with the current team?

The current team had the 6th best record in the NHL in 2020 which included 6 or 7 games without McDavid.

Too bad the season is longer than 9 weeks.

The hottest team in the league in the last 10 games played was the Los Angeles Kings.

8-1-1 and winners of 7 in a row.

True story.

dustrock

This draft us going to be like a March Madness bracket. Some crazy SOB is somehow going to nail the 1st round.

dustrock

Really want Jarvis or Bourque. Mysak is interesting but he’s the biggest wild card.

Would be happy with Mercer or Zary but there’s something about them where I feel like 3C is the outcome. I think both these guys are guaranteed to be NHLers given their overall tools but I think Jarvis or Bourque have slightly more game-breaking skills. I also rate Bourque because he’s a RC.

I know LT says Amirov won’t be available but who knows, a few teams taking a run at the available d-men might shake things up.

dustrock

The play-in teams getting a chance to grab Lafreniere reminds me of the Spurs when David Robinson tore his ACL, was done for the year, Spurs got the #1 pick and grabbed Tim Duncan.

jp

OriginalPouzar: I am also far from an expert and I think you are probably right that Mysak is a tier below the rest but he did produce those numbers immediately upon coming over from Europe – new country, new ice, new game – no adjustment period needed.Also, from what I’ve read, he was not on the top line with Kaliyev and company and was the driver of that offence.

When the Oilers pick in the 27-31 range, I’ll be hoping.

Yes. And he’s the youngest player in the group. And his scoring was heavy on goals. And he’s already played in a men’s league for most of 2 years.

The others were also drivers of offense on their teams, but for sure Mysak shouldn’t be docked for being a Kaliyev teammate.

If the Oilers pick 27-31 I’ll hope one of the others falls. If not, agreed Mysak is a worthy pick.

Scungilli Slushy

€√¥£€^$:
Rondo,

Amirov and it’s not even close

He sounds like a great fit with Connor.

I think top 6 players with 2 way skills and edge are exactly what Connor and Leon need.

I always go on about skating, but skating means to me an ability to gain space essentially. The forst step and edges are the most important in a tight checking league, top speed less so bcs it isn’t used nearly as much.

I’ll qualify that with ‘effortless’. Some people can skate with what seems like little effort, some look like it’s hard work. The latter fade in high tempo and long games, when the rubber hits the road, so I prefer the ‘natural’ skaters.

If Leon could skate like his knees weren’t fused he might be better than Connor overall. But he can’t.

OriginalPouzar

What does the team 12 months ago have to do with the current team?

The current team had the 6th best record in the NHL in 2020 which included 6 or 7 games without McDavid.

hunter1909

OriginalPouzar: I don’t consider Montreal or even Chicago a “playoff contender” who the 1st overall pick would put over the top in the next few years.

I doubt if you considered Edmonton a “playoff contender” 12 months ago.

OriginalPouzar

I don’t consider Montreal or even Chicago a “playoff contender” who the 1st overall pick would put over the top in the next few years.

I consider that a descriptor for the likes of Edmonton, Carolina, etc.

Reja

OriginalPouzar: I’m not sure that the likes of Montreal is currently a playoff contender notwithstanding they are in a play-in round to make the playoffs. They’ve got some good young pieces but, even if they do get the 1st overall, I think they will need some time.

Never mind playoff team one of these play-in teams could win the cup if everything breaks right for them. Correct me if lm wrong but there is zero home ice advantage except for last change in one extra game. I think the play-in are whatever the hell they’re calling them in 38c weather outside is going to be Mickey Mouse but I guess it’s better then no hockey.

N64

OriginalPouzar: They would prefer Toronto I would think, however, with the new bid centered around the CNE Grounds, the thought of having to get bussed back and forth, every single day, for potentially a few months, is likely not very appealing.

Their pre-CNE bid was falling short and it does give them a village concept and practice ice out there By all accounts it was close after the first discussion post Vancouver. Since then the reporters have not updated much.

OriginalPouzar

N64: After the first discussion re: which Canadian city both Lebrun and Friedman reported it was very close between them. That choice only makes sense if Vegas was frontrunner at the time.

So if the players still want Vegas or pick Chicago (can’t see LA if they skip Vegas) they have to make a choice between Edmonton and Toronto.

They would prefer Toronto I would think, however, with the new bid centered around the CNE Grounds, the thought of having to get bussed back and forth, every single day, for potentially a few months, is likely not very appealing.

OriginalPouzar

N64: They will for player bonuses because of CBA grievance process.

For conditional picks based on regular season they can do whatever Gary wants. I’d guess he does not touch this and we keep the pick. Or perhaps if this is the only contentious one he awards a supplementary pick to one of the teams.

Of course if we get no pick #becausenhl it almost becomes a karma lock that the 2nd Pacific Seed No Bye Oilers will be eliminated and add Lafreniere to the pile.

Pro-rating Mike Smith’s games played, which I agree will happen is going to cost a bundle and this team is going to have a bonus-overage penalty for next year

OriginalPouzar

jp: Zary —– Sept 25 – WHL 1.51 pts/game
Mercer – Oct 27 QMJHL 1.43
Bourque Jan 8 QMJHL 1.45
Jarvis — Feb 1 — WHL 1.69
Mysak — June 24 OHL 1.14

Not much question about Jarvis, the best scoring rate in the toughest league, and the 2nd youngest player. Mysak is way behind the others scoring-wise (though he is younger). I’d be hesitant to say there’s a scoring gap between Bourque and Zary based on 3.5 months though (Zary scoring a little more in a tougher league offsets that I’d think).

I’m not particularly educated on the prospects but based on the bit I’ve heard/read and the numbers I’d fade Mysak since his offence is well behind the others. Zary also sounds really vanilla despite being well rounded (decent player at the next level but not so much upside). Jarvis sounds pretty dynamic and is clearly the best scorer (and on the young end). At pick 21 I wouldn’t be disappointed by any of them except maybe Mysak (though he’s played against men in the Czech league for a couple of years already…).

I am also far from an expert and I think you are probably right that Mysak is a tier below the rest but he did produce those numbers immediately upon coming over from Europe – new country, new ice, new game – no adjustment period needed. Also, from what I’ve read, he was not on the top line with Kaliyev and company and was the driver of that offence.

When the Oilers pick in the 27-31 range, I’ll be hoping.

OriginalPouzar

Material Elvis:
The winner of last night’s lottery was Alexis Lafreniere.He’s going to a team that is already a playoff contender and he will put them over the top within a couple of years.He won’t be forced onto a purgatory team like Taylor Hall or Jack Eichel.

I’m not sure that the likes of Montreal is currently a playoff contender notwithstanding they are in a play-in round to make the playoffs. They’ve got some good young pieces but, even if they do get the 1st overall, I think they will need some time.

OriginalPouzar

A couple of interesting tidbits from Friedman today:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/31-thoughts-fallout-contentious-nhl-draft-lottery/

– We knew that the Vancouver bid fell apart partially because the league and the health authority couldn’t come to an agreement on how many positive cases would cause a pause but I guess the other sticking point was the level of people that would be allowed in and out of the bubble. Apparently one hotel has approximated keeping all staff in the bubble at $5M.

As an aside, I’ve been saying for a bit now that the fact that Vegas can have such a tight bubble is a major factor.

– we know the proposes CBA extension combined with RTP plan would include escrow caped at 20% next year but it does down fairly quickly:

“20 per cent escrow limit for players in 2020-21; somewhere between 14-18 per cent in 2021-22, with a hope of getting into single digits after; salary cap of $81.5 million for the next two seasons, and $82.5 million in 2022-23”

Harpers Hair

€√¥£€^$:
Rondo,

Amirov and it’s not even close

Pretty good bet Ottawa weaponizes the 21st pick and one or more of their 4 second round picks to move up.

The Athletics Ottawa writer thinks Amirov will be their target.

N64

OriginalPouzar: No clarification.

No, i doubt the scoring in the play-in round will count towards conditions but do expect the league to “rule” on how these will be dealt with prior to the play-in round starting.

Nothing official,l but the usual suspects report there is a draft stating play-ins would not count for conditions,

€√¥£€^$

Rondo,

Amirov and it’s not even close

€√¥£€^$

Brantford Boy,

1. Jarvis – NHL RW
2. Zary – Possibly a C,, probable LW,
3. Mercer – NHL RW
4. Mysak – NHL C
5. Bourque – NHL RW

OriginalPouzar

This is interesting:

Right now, U23 Russian hockey player without KHL contract can move to NHL or major juniors for free because there is no NHL Transfer Agreement with KHL/Russia as there is such Agreement with other European leagues. 1

Russian Ministry of Sport has proposed a draft law obligating U23 players to pay a development fee to their Russian clubs in case they sign a deal in a foreign league. #NHL, #QMJHL #OHL & #WHL are not mentioned here explicitly, but the law means these leagues.

Since now, U23 hockey prospect moving to QMJHL, OHL, WHL, USHL, NHL or any European league is obligated to pay a development fee to his Russian team.

So, it is a great move by Russia how to get development fee but not signing transfer agreement with NHL, Canadian major juniors

https://twitter.com/vorkywh24/status/1276797253844434944?s=21

OriginalPouzar

Ben:
Has there been any clarification on conditional picks? Will scoring in play-in games count toward Neal-Lucic conditions?

No clarification.

No, i doubt the scoring in the play-in round will count towards conditions but do expect the league to “rule” on how these will be dealt with prior to the play-in round starting.

jp

ArmchairGM: Kinda small? He’s the same size as Jarvis and Bourque and just an inch shorter than Perreault. He’s within 5 lbs of Mercer and Zary who are both 2″ taller.

He plays a lot like Jarvis: excellent skater with high skill and non-stop motor who drives the net fearlessly. His raw talent is equivalent to that of Jarvis, he just hasn’t put it all together yet. Jarvis only did so in the 2nd half of the season, remember, and Khusnutdinov is about 6 months younger than the WHL star.

He’s not 18 for 3 more weeks.

I said kinda small, not “too small”. Some have used size as a criticism for Jarvis and Bourque as well (fairly or not). And Khusnutdinov is giving up 3 inches and 15 pounds on the others in the conversation, aside from Jarvis/Bourque. The prospect profile you linked mentions size/strength as a bit of a weakness too. I guess we can agree size and strength isn’t a plus at least?

So OK, the appeal is quickness, skill and drive. Cool. Sounds like a nice prospect.

As I said, just trying to understand since the boxcars don’t scream 1st rounder, and he doesn’t seem to be ranked in the 1st by anyone.

N64

leadfarmer: Meaning we recommended Edmonton but the players don’t want to go there

After the first discussion re: which Canadian city both Lebrun and Friedman reported it was very close between them. That choice only makes sense if Vegas was frontrunner at the time.

So if the players still want Vegas or pick Chicago (can’t see LA if they skip Vegas) they have to make a choice between Edmonton and Toronto.

leadfarmer

N64: Translation: We recommended Vegas but Players will decide for themselves.

Meaning we recommended Edmonton but the players don’t want to go there

leadfarmer

If the NHL wants to finish the season they need to stay clear of every city over a million in US and needs to get everyone out of the south. Doesn’t matter how tight the bubble is if hospitals are overflowing
We have effectively unflattened the curve

N64

OriginalPouzar:
Almost 1100 new cases in Nevada.

I know the Vegas bid includes the “tightest bubble” with the least amount of people leaving nightly and coming back (i.e. hotel staff, etc. being part of the bubble) but those numbers are still a factor – even if its just optics (and its more than optics as no bubble will be 100% airtight):

Ryan Rishaug
@TSNRyanRishaug
Asked Bill Daly if the numbers in the US are causing them to re-evaluate Vegas, or having a US based hub city.

Daly “Every relevant consideration will be fairly evaluated before decisions are made and announced”

Translation: We recommended Vegas but Players will decide for themselves.

OriginalPouzar

Almost 1100 new cases in Nevada.

I know the Vegas bid includes the “tightest bubble” with the least amount of people leaving nightly and coming back (i.e. hotel staff, etc. being part of the bubble) but those numbers are still a factor – even if its just optics (and its more than optics as no bubble will be 100% airtight):

Ryan Rishaug
@TSNRyanRishaug
Asked Bill Daly if the numbers in the US are causing them to re-evaluate Vegas, or having a US based hub city.

Daly “Every relevant consideration will be fairly evaluated before decisions are made and announced”

defmn

Another perspective on Mysak.

Sean Patrick Ryan
Ice hockey stick and puck
Shamrock
@TheOilKnight
·
19m
Jan Mysak is a kid who just turned 18 three days ago. He came over from Czech Rep. halfway thru the OHL season & scored at 40+ goal pace for Hamilton playing on NA ice (smaller), & with new teammates.

He’s my choice for Edmonton at #21.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGaw1ylLh2E

Reja

N64: I think Gary dies not intervene. But doing the 2nd Pacific seed into a 5 game round in favor of a team that EARNED 1 less actual point that’s so 2020ish

Yes you are right I knew the Jets game was the last game for awhile when they started cancelling NBA games that night and I remember thinking if we lose this game it’s going to cost us and were going to get fuked somehow. Some posters say we will be more in playoff mode after we beat Chicago then a bye team relaxing but first you have to beat the hawks and try to make it out of the series with no injuries.

ArmchairGM

jp: This is from watching him/clips apparently? He’s kinda small, not ranked in the 1st by many/any scouting lists. And his scoring was good, not great, in the MHL – he was 6th on his team (though 3rd in pts/game) and was 4th in the league for U18 pts/game (80th in actual overall scoring). Played but didn’t seem to stand out scoring-wise in the U17 and U18s last season..

Just curious the appeal (as I know nothing aside from the above, and that doesn’t suggest a player in the Jarvis/Mercer/Bourque/Zary conversation).

Here’s an excellent summary for Maret Khusnutdinov

https://thehockeywriters.com/marat-khusnutdinov-2020-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

ArmchairGM

jp: This is from watching him/clips apparently? He’s kinda small, not ranked in the 1st by many/any scouting lists. And his scoring was good, not great, in the MHL – he was 6th on his team (though 3rd in pts/game) and was 4th in the league for U18 pts/game (80th in actual overall scoring). Played but didn’t seem to stand out scoring-wise in the U17 and U18s last season..

Just curious the appeal (as I know nothing aside from the above, and that doesn’t suggest a player in the Jarvis/Mercer/Bourque/Zary conversation).

Kinda small? He’s the same size as Jarvis and Bourque and just an inch shorter than Perreault. He’s within 5 lbs of Mercer and Zary who are both 2″ taller.

He plays a lot like Jarvis: excellent skater with high skill and non-stop motor who drives the net fearlessly. His raw talent is equivalent to that of Jarvis, he just hasn’t put it all together yet. Jarvis only did so in the 2nd half of the season, remember, and Khusnutdinov is about 6 months younger than the WHL star.

He’s not 18 for 3 more weeks.

N64

Reja: No way Gary does this to Holland. Thebecause it’s the Oilers is so 2010 ish the Oilers are close why do think Holland picked up Ennis, Green and AA. I’ll bet anybody $100 bucks to this fine site (charity) that the Oilers don’t forfeit a pick to the city 3 hours south. The city thathad to steal someone else’s franchise and to rub it in kept the same name.

I think Gary does not intervene. But doing the 2nd Pacific seed into a 5 game round in favor of a team that EARNED 1 less actual point that’s so 2020ish

Reja

N64: They will for player bonuses because of CBA grievance process.

For conditional picks based on regular season they can do whatever Gary wants. I’d guess he does not touch this and we keep the pick. Or perhaps if this is the only contentious one he awards a supplementary pick to one of the teams.

Of course if we get no pick #becausenhl it almost becomes a karma lock that the 2nd Pacific Seed No Bye Oilers will be eliminated and add Lafreniere to the pile.

No way Gary does this to Holland. The because it’s the Oilers is so 2010 ish the Oilers are close why do think Holland picked up Ennis, Green and AA. I’ll bet anybody $100 bucks to this fine site (charity) that the Oilers don’t forfeit a pick to the city 3 hours south. The city that had to steal someone else’s franchise and to rub it in kept the same name.

jp

ArmchairGM: I’d have Jarvis 1st. I’d also include Khusnutdinov in that list, he’d probably be 2nd or 3rd for me (of this group).

This is from watching him/clips apparently? He’s kinda small, not ranked in the 1st by many/any scouting lists. And his scoring was good, not great, in the MHL – he was 6th on his team (though 3rd in pts/game) and was 4th in the league for U18 pts/game (80th in actual overall scoring). Played but didn’t seem to stand out scoring-wise in the U17 and U18s last season..

Just curious the appeal (as I know nothing aside from the above, and that doesn’t suggest a player in the Jarvis/Mercer/Bourque/Zary conversation).

N64

Reja: The regular season is over except for the welcher H.H. No way is the league going to start pro-rating individual stats not going to happen.

They will for player bonuses because of CBA grievance process.

For conditional picks based on regular season they can do whatever Gary wants. I’d guess he does not touch this and we keep the pick. Or perhaps if this is the only contentious one he awards a supplementary pick to one of the teams.

Of course if we get no pick #becausenhl it almost becomes a karma lock that the 2nd Pacific Seed No Bye Oilers will be eliminated and add Lafreniere to the pile.

N64

When you look at each teams overall odds (adding up their chances) vs results, then the lottery results were mild as the groupings with best 4 chances at #1 all have picks in top 4:

1. Team Chaos from 24.5% chance at #1
2. Los Angeles Kings from 9.5% chance at #1
3/5. Ottawa Senators from 25% chance at #1
4. Detroit Red Wings from 18% chance at #1.

Reja

Ben:
Has there been any clarification on conditional picks? Will scoring in play-in games count toward Neal-Lucic conditions?

The regular season is over except for the welcher H.H. No way is the league going to start pro-rating individual stats not going to happen.

jp

Todd Macallan:
Brantford Boy,

Agree, Jarvis and Bourque’s offensive numbers are ahead of the rest, taking into account relative age for Zary and small sample size for Mysak.

Zary —– Sept 25 – WHL 1.51 pts/game
Mercer – Oct 27 QMJHL 1.43
Bourque Jan 8 QMJHL 1.45
Jarvis — Feb 1 — WHL 1.69
Mysak — June 24 OHL 1.14

Not much question about Jarvis, the best scoring rate in the toughest league, and the 2nd youngest player. Mysak is way behind the others scoring-wise (though he is younger). I’d be hesitant to say there’s a scoring gap between Bourque and Zary based on 3.5 months though (Zary scoring a little more in a tougher league offsets that I’d think).

I’m not particularly educated on the prospects but based on the bit I’ve heard/read and the numbers I’d fade Mysak since his offence is well behind the others. Zary also sounds really vanilla despite being well rounded (decent player at the next level but not so much upside). Jarvis sounds pretty dynamic and is clearly the best scorer (and on the young end). At pick 21 I wouldn’t be disappointed by any of them except maybe Mysak (though he’s played against men in the Czech league for a couple of years already…).

ArmchairGM

Brantford Boy:
Assuming (ie: pretending) all these centres are on the board, who would you take? My order is in parenthesis…
RC Seth Jarvis, Portland WHL (2)
RC Dawson Mercer, Chicoutimi QMJHL (1)
RC Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan QMJHL (3)
LC Connor Zary, Kamloops WHL (4)
LC Jan Mysak, Hamilton OHL (5)

Wow, crazy draft order! DRW got the shaft…

I’d have Jarvis 1st. I’d also include Khusnutdinov in that list, he’d probably be 2nd or 3rd for me (of this group).

Elgin R

Rondo,

Bourque

Stud Muffin

I don’t think Anaheim will take a Russin Bob Murray she’s away from doing that at the draft

AMD

Any of these players could be available at #20. Who do you take?

Rodion Amirov
Jacob Perreault
Hendrix Lapierre
Noel Gunler
Mavrik Bourque
Lukas Reichel

Kaiden Guhle
Braden Schneider

N64

If Chaos is most embarrassing scenario for league Dys are the runner up for Team Chaos.

With 16 team playoffs Wild are Team E with Lafreniere @ 21st and the Dys first pick goes to Devils.

This play in format gives both 12.5% on a loss.

N64

Spidey senses are telling me that if eliminated by the non-playoff bound Hawks the Pacific 2nd seed no bye Oil will be Team Chaos when card is turned over. All rule changes slowing down the Oil seem to deliver moar top picks here and weeping and gnashing elsewhere.