IKnowPhysics

Was that the avatar that looked like Tyler Ennis?

He wasn't completely under the radar.

I distinctly noticed that. I also noticed they never did any quick recaps of players taken in commercial breaks. I also noticed they put a pretty sad B squad on NHLN for this, in stark contrast to a strong squad last night on NBCSN.

Cough?

Somebody else mentioned in some other thread: Shattenkirk is good. Shattenkirk under Housely is better. Plus, at noon on July 1, who is the Sabres' threshold replacement player? Falk? One of the things I don't like is his usage: he's been sheltered, which either says his past performance could be situation-dependent or he's not trustworthy in his own end.

NHLe on his past year (20 points in 39 games) would make him an 18 point defenseman in the NHL as a 19 year old. Let him grow.

Lead his USHL team by far in goals and assists for 47 points in 49 games. Only collected 4 PIMs in that time. It should not be discounted that he's going to Wisconsin to play under Tony Granato. According to the broadcast, he was heavily recruited by several schools. Highlights:

He had 10 points in 10 games as a defenseman in U18 this year, moved up to U20, where he had 9 points in 27 games. As a 17 year old. There could be something here. Google translated Ilves page says 184cm (6' 0.5") and 68.9kg (151lbs).

Kid doesn't look 5'9", so there's that.

Based on the fact that 11 goalies would be selected in the 60 picks following this pick (incredibly high number), six of which were taken before our next opportunity to select at #89, I think we did a good job reading the board and taking initiative. Position of need filled with a good prospect. Big goalie with speed. I don't know the deficiencies with UPL, but positioning and technique can be coached.

Marcus Davidsson played as Alexander Nylander's center for some time in the 2016 IIHF U18 WJC. Nylander recorded 11 points in 7 games; Davidsson recorded 3 points in 4 games.

Ruff played for the Rangers; will get to work with Drury again.

Make no mistake, we need immediate improvements to defense. But unless you're taking generational talent, that draft choice won't improve your D the first year. Take the best player available, fill up the pipeline in later rounds, and address your immediate needs in FA and trades.

I am the liquor.

JBot says he's open to anything, that he'll take the best player available, and that this first round is effectively flat enough that the draft order is not set at all. Sprinkle on wheelin and dealin George McPhee and you have a recipe for total unpredictability. Should be interesting.

It's not hard to meet the cap floor. Murray showed that.

Maybe something coming back for exposing Carrier?

Per the protection rules, there's a wealth of veterans that aren't protected. It makes sense for McPhee to parlay some of that into the future. Why try to make a squad good year one when you can make a serious stab at making it good years 3-9 at a fraction of the payroll? Plus, draft picks are more fluid in the trade market, so he could always cash those back in for year one/two talent.

I would happily and patiently wait a few more days for a coach in favor of Pittsburgh not winning. Also, I like Boughner, but I feel Housely and Tocchet are better candidates, so FLA hiring Boughner is positive.

Six stripe socks or bust.

Pit getting their tossed. Good.

TBN article todays says that, according to the top three or four prospects, we took it easy on the prospects in the interviews. Vogl points to the change in leadership. However, noting that some of the staff is still around (like Kevin Devine, thankfully), taking it easy on the top prospects could mean that we don't plan on trading up. That would fit with the notion that we may move picks that would otherwise be used to trade up to acquire NHL-ready defensemen.

PenguinRaper or JBOT. One of the two.