Tank Nation UNITE!!!

[Michael]

It's highly unlikely that the Leafs lose out the rest of the year so I'm figuring on 64 to 66 points by season end.  That is likely too many points to move into the top 3 but will leave them comfortably in 4th.

Strome/Marner is a fantastic consolation prize.

I am not convinced that Strome will be around at # 4. Maybe I am just nuts, but other than the # 1 spot I do not see any others as a lock to go at # 2, 3 etc.

[Joe S.]

I am not convinced that Strome will be around at # 4. Maybe I am just nuts, but other than the # 1 spot I do not see any others as a lock to go at # 2, 3 etc.

I'm no prospects expert but 1-2 is a virtual lock according to everything I've read.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=759619

It certainly isn't a stretch at this point to assume center Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and Boston University freshman center Jack Eichel will be the top two players picked at the 2015 NHL Draft

[TDotMassive]

It's highly unlikely that the Leafs lose out the rest of the year so I'm figuring on 64 to 66 points by season end.  That is likely too many points to move into the top 3 but will leave them comfortably in 4th.

Strome/Marner is a fantastic consolation prize.

I am not convinced that Strome will be around at # 4. Maybe I am just nuts, but other than the # 1 spot I do not see any others as a lock to go at # 2, 3 etc.

Hanafin seems like the better all round talent right now over Strome, but either of them would be great for us.  Kinda hoping Strome goes 3rd if we have 4th, as Hanafin/Reilly for a 1-2 D seems really sick.  We also have Nylander coming up at C, and he is a real blue-chip prospect.

[Nik]

Hanafin seems like the better all round talent right now over Strome, but either of them would be great for us.  Kinda hoping Strome goes 3rd if we have 4th, as Hanafin/Reilly for a 1-2 D seems really sick.  We also have Nylander coming up at C, and he is a real blue-chip prospect.

Nylander's playing on the wing with the Marlies, I'm pretty sure.

[TDotMassive]

Hanafin seems like the better all round talent right now over Strome, but either of them would be great for us.  Kinda hoping Strome goes 3rd if we have 4th, as Hanafin/Reilly for a 1-2 D seems really sick.  We also have Nylander coming up at C, and he is a real blue-chip prospect.

Nylander's playing on the wing with the Marlies, I'm pretty sure.

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

[Nik]

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

I remember reports being that he was being used on the wing primarily in the SEL too although I'm less sure of that.

[CarltonTheBear]

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

He played centre when he was younger. Moved to the wing when he started playing in the highest Swedish league last season as young players generally don't take that responsibility over there. When he was sent back to Sweden this season it seemed like the Leafs requested his team play him at centre and he had a ton of success there in that spot. When he was returned to the Marlies the Leafs basically said that they hadn't decided where he would play and that they weren't ruling out a future for him as a centre. He hasn't played there at all with the Marlies yet though. Could be they're just easing him into the North America game at the easier position. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the plan is to have him play wing this season with the Marlies, start at centre next season with the Marlies and then potentially bring him up to the Leafs once they deem him ready.

[cw]

It's highly unlikely that the Leafs lose out the rest of the year so I'm figuring on 64 to 66 points by season end.  That is likely too many points to move into the top 3 but will leave them comfortably in 4th.

Strome/Marner is a fantastic consolation prize.

I am not convinced that Strome will be around at # 4. Maybe I am just nuts, but other than the # 1 spot I do not see any others as a lock to go at # 2, 3 etc.

Hanafin seems like the better all round talent right now over Strome, but either of them would be great for us.  Kinda hoping Strome goes 3rd if we have 4th, as Hanafin/Reilly for a 1-2 D seems really sick.  We also have Nylander coming up at C, and he is a real blue-chip prospect.

I haven't look really recently but a few weeks ago, it seemed nearly every credible/semi-credible ranking I looked at had Hanifan 3rd. I think it was ISS who surprised me with him 4th - behind Crouse.

[slapshot]

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

He played centre when he was younger. Moved to the wing when he started playing in the highest Swedish league last season as young players generally don't take that responsibility over there. When he was sent back to Sweden this season it seemed like the Leafs requested his team play him at centre and he had a ton of success there in that spot. When he was returned to the Marlies the Leafs basically said that they hadn't decided where he would play and that they weren't ruling out a future for him as a centre. He hasn't played there at all with the Marlies yet though. Could be they're just easing him into the North America game at the easier position. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the plan is to have him play wing this season with the Marlies, start at centre next season with the Marlies and then potentially bring him up to the Leafs once they deem him ready.

I believe he has played a game or two at centre for the Marlies. I think there is a video where Dineen mentions that. But the Marlies are fairly heavy at centre with McKegg, Rupert and Froese. Nylander can play any forward position, so it may all depend on who the Leafs draft and what happens with Kadri. If they picked up Strome or Marner, it might make sense to keep Nylander on a wing but they probably play him wherever he plays best.

[Frank E]

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

He played centre when he was younger. Moved to the wing when he started playing in the highest Swedish league last season as young players generally don't take that responsibility over there. When he was sent back to Sweden this season it seemed like the Leafs requested his team play him at centre and he had a ton of success there in that spot. When he was returned to the Marlies the Leafs basically said that they hadn't decided where he would play and that they weren't ruling out a future for him as a centre. He hasn't played there at all with the Marlies yet though. Could be they're just easing him into the North America game at the easier position. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the plan is to have him play wing this season with the Marlies, start at centre next season with the Marlies and then potentially bring him up to the Leafs once they deem him ready.

Didn't Kadri start on the wing with the Marlies too?

[CarltonTheBear]

Didn't Kadri start on the wing with the Marlies too?

I know that he started with the Leafs as a winger, but I do think when he went down to the AHL he played centre. Don't remember for sure though.

[TDotMassive]

Really?  That's interesting... he was drafted as a C though, no?

He played centre when he was younger. Moved to the wing when he started playing in the highest Swedish league last season as young players generally don't take that responsibility over there. When he was sent back to Sweden this season it seemed like the Leafs requested his team play him at centre and he had a ton of success there in that spot. When he was returned to the Marlies the Leafs basically said that they hadn't decided where he would play and that they weren't ruling out a future for him as a centre. He hasn't played there at all with the Marlies yet though. Could be they're just easing him into the North America game at the easier position. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if the plan is to have him play wing this season with the Marlies, start at centre next season with the Marlies and then potentially bring him up to the Leafs once they deem him ready.

Ok, that makes sense... thanks for the clarification!

[TDotMassive]

It's highly unlikely that the Leafs lose out the rest of the year so I'm figuring on 64 to 66 points by season end.  That is likely too many points to move into the top 3 but will leave them comfortably in 4th.

Strome/Marner is a fantastic consolation prize.

I am not convinced that Strome will be around at # 4. Maybe I am just nuts, but other than the # 1 spot I do not see any others as a lock to go at # 2, 3 etc.

Hanafin seems like the better all round talent right now over Strome, but either of them would be great for us.  Kinda hoping Strome goes 3rd if we have 4th, as Hanafin/Reilly for a 1-2 D seems really sick.  We also have Nylander coming up at C, and he is a real blue-chip prospect.

I haven't look really recently but a few weeks ago, it seemed nearly every credible/semi-credible ranking I looked at had Hanifan 3rd. I think it was ISS who surprised me with him 4th - behind Crouse.

Interesting.  I hope somehow that holds true and Hanifan falls into our pick... either that our Edmonton has a breakout 7 games and we fall to 3rd last.

[Jolly good show chaps]

Ok, another "what if?"

What if we finish with the 3rd pick - any chance of a trade with Edmonton involving the 4th pick? Either involving us and our first with something extra coming back (assuming they want a defensive prospect in Hanafin) or Phaneuf + (assume a goalie plus more if necessary) for their 4th overall outright?

[Nik]

Ok, another "what if?"

What if we finish with the 3rd pick - any chance of a trade with Edmonton involving the 4th pick? Either involving us and our first with something extra coming back (assuming they want a defensive prospect in Hanafin) or Phaneuf + (assume a goalie plus more if necessary) for their 4th overall outright?

Is that a legitimate gain to the Oilers or would you just be hoping that they don't call the bluff?