2026 NHL Entry Draft Thread

[LGR4GM]

Here's central scoutings preliminary list.

https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_document/prd/wie2axdger9u2k2ycr4r.pdf?key_custom_source=custom_tabs

 

[bob_sauve28]

 

[LGR4GM]

28 minutes ago, bob_sauve28 said:

 

They need to fire Forton 

[LGR4GM]

Actually they need to fire Forton and Devine and anyone else who's been in the scouting department for over 5 years. It's a dump and it's decision making processes are so inept and stupid that me,  a random mofo on his computer, routinely outdrafts the Sabres. 

Hey Terry Pegula, how is it that some guy has a better process than your entire scouting department? How? 

Edited 8 hours ago by LGR4GM

[DarthEbriate]

34 minutes ago, bob_sauve28 said:

 

They do need to draft better, although 3 of Adams' drafts are much too early to bother counting in any top 150 list unless it was Celebrini. Adams' flaws in his early drafting (underweight skill/finesse reaches with almost no grinders selected)... are well documented.

 

However, specific to this top 150 list the more important thing is to look at who is on that list. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6755065/2025/10/28/nhl-player-tiers-roster-building-trades-drafting/   This is nearly all established players (except Celebrini) and high-end scorers. But if you were starting a team, would you consider Erik Karlsson as a top 150 player in the league to build your team around? I wouldn't.

Eichel, Reinhart, Ullmark. Adams traded them away or didn't offer an extension going into the UFA season allowing them to walk.

 

Who is on the Sabres roster from the Top-150 list? Thompson (pre-Adams), Dahlin (pre-Adams). That's it.

The real issue is trading away two top-50 skaters and a top-10 goalie and getting (thus far) nothing close in return for any of them.