LGR4GM

Kettles who went at 39 is also a big rhd, 6'5.5" 195lbs. EP ranked him 59th and Bedkowski 47th

Interestingly they took Bedkowski with 71 and Kettles went at 39. You could flip those picks and it would still make sense in this draft. I don't think we missed out on anything.

He was ranked 3rd for best shutdown defender and was ranked 2nd behind only Brady Martin for hardest hitters according EPs draft guide.

"Violence is a skill in hockey – especially deep in the NHL playoffs. In that department, no one quite matches David Bedkowski. To say he has a “mean streak” would be an understatement. Bedkowski punishes. He hurts, retaliates, beats down, knocks, and crushes opponents with open-ice hits and bone-rattling contact along the boards. That alone will push him up NHL draft boards. It’s a rare quality. Not every large defenceman uses their size to disrupt opponents, and even fewer do it with the kind of sheer violence Bedkowski brings. In a long playoff run, his style of play could dissuade teams from attacking his side of the ice entirely. It’s no coincidence that Bedkowski finished the season with one of the best entry prevention scores in Dir. of North American scouting Mitchell Brown’s data set. Denying space with his reach and NHL-projectable mobility, he closes on attackers early – and the threat of his massive hits keeps them on their heels, watching for his approach. That same aggressiveness can sometimes compromise his effectiveness, as he occasionally chases too eagerly. But from a developmental perspective, that’s a positive. Confident players who impose their will tend to keep influencing play as they rise through the ranks. Bedkowski also has a foundation of strong defensive habits that should ease his transition to the next level. His offensive numbers might not suggest it, but Bedkowski flashes confidence in the attacking zone, too. He joins the rush, one-touches passes, beats forecheckers with his feet, and occasionally unloads one-timers from the blue line. While his mechanics still limit execution, the ideas are advanced." EP draft guide

Bedkowski wakes up every morning, and chooses violence. EP thinks he's poised for a breakout year and ranked him 47th overall.

Yea but add in Byram and that defense core looks better I have no questions

I'd say average. There's good players in that top 50 but I think 2026 is a stronger draft. So yes, we didn't get a good player at 39. That pick became... Peyton Kettles a big and physical defender. He's at least 4yrs away.

We don't like it because Adams did it.

Samuelsson is going to skate on the 3rd pair and they're going to put Docker or Timmins with Dahlin.

Strong? It's a fairly average draft and because nhl players cost 2nd round picks.

Over Clifton? Fully disagree, he's better than Clifton. Of course if Adams doesn't use the cap savings he can kiss my grits

He's finally listening to the analytics team.

Sure it does. Adams wants better defense.

I would have done that but Buffalo clearly wants size. BUF: Kesselring: 6'5", 215lbs Timmins: 6'2" 213lbs Radim Mrtka: 6'6", 218lbs OTT: Jordan Spence: 5'11", 180lbs

Preach!

Who do you want Clifton and the 39 pick who will help us in 2030 Or Timmins and a ahl D? Timmins is better than Clifton probably and certainly bigger.

Guess the defense is gonna be different. Adams has added 3 nhl rhd since the deadline and 4 if you wanna count Mrtka

Many but I don't think he'll be there later

I like Behm but there's others. Psenicka is interesting I mean Gard is solid.

Either a forward or a lhd. I listed some guys at the top but this draft has a mushy group from 33-50ish

Can we get a pin? 📌 📍 🧷 🎳