First off I have been a RNH fan for some time and have been firmly in his corner. IMO there is no question that he should be our second consecutive first overall pick. So quite frankly that takes care of 1st overall :)
Here's where it gets a bit more interesting.....
While we hold the 19th overall pick and the 31st overall pick to open up day two of the draft on Saturday, I think that there are opportunities to move up from #19 as well as acquire mid first round picks outright.
These are the picks that I believe will be in play tomorrow.
#12 Carolina Hurricanes:
The Hurricanes could have a number of holes in their lineup next year after possibly losing a number of key role players via free agency. This could open them up to the possibility of trading their pick for an established NHL player.
#14 Dallas Stars:
Joe Nieuwendyk has come out and said that they'd like to add a lower round pick and would be open to trading down, if someone we wants is there at #14 it looks like we could swing a deal with them.
#15 New York Rangers:
Might they be willing to trade a salary dump and their pick for a useful player? I would think so.
#16 Buffalo Sabres:
With back to back 1st round playoff exits and Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, and Thomas Vanek all in their respective primes you'd have to think that they would also consider moving their pick for immediate help.
Now onto my personal wish list.
1) Mark McNeill
A perfect compliment to the highly skilled Nugent-Hopkins, McNeill brings the size and strength to wear down opposing defenders and some solid skill to provide us with a couple of solid scoring lines.
2) Mark Scheifele
Less rugged and not nearly as physically mature as McNeill, Scheifele also brings size albeit with a bit more skill from most reports. Either Mark would give us a solid option down the middle.
3) Nathan Beaulieu
Size, grit, and skill, Beaulieu has long been a favorite of mine for these reasons. Beaulieu has the tools to become one of the best defensemen in this draft and he'd be the first blueliner that I would try to draft at #19 if he's still available.
4) Oscar Klefbom
A potential two way defender with size, Klefbom would fit in well with our Swedish contingent in the locker room. I'd prefer going with a two way defender this high in the draft unless you see a truly elite shut down guy staring you in the face.
5) Duncan Siemens
While his offensive upside is questioned, his grit and toughness are not, if we take Siemens here the hope is that his offense blossoms more so than a guy like Colten Teubert's.
6) JT Miller
Big, physical, good skating centerman. At best a 2C at worst a 3C that plays the body and a high energy game.
7) Joe Morrow
Not the biggest guy in the world but he mixes decent size, strength, and skill into an intriguing package for a defenseman.
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