2009 Draft Strategy

[chad]

TBL.com article (http://lightning.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=421723)

Some interesting info coming out of this that we haven't known before (or at least talked about - and some odd stuff too):

“I think now you’re starting to see the draft really coming up to what its true value is in the league,” said Lawton. “It’s the wave of the future.”

Good teams have drafted well for years.

It has been a concerted effort from east to west, with added emphasis in the areas where there are more prospects. Lawton said he thinks it’s important to move some scouts from region to region so they are not pigeon-holed in a particular league.

“We’re trying to have a very lean, but mean staff,” Lawton said.

Lean and mean? Really? I don't have a problem with the strategy, just the terminology there.

Jim Hammett, the Lightning’s Director of Player Personnel, is Lawton’s point man for this deep draft.

Hammett started out as a junior coach in British Columbia, worked as a scout for the Canadian National Team and was Head Scout for the Colorado Avalanche for eight years, including 2001 when they won the Stanley Cup. He spent the 2007-08 season as Head Amateur Scout for the New York Rangers.

“He’s got a great track record,” Lawton said. “This is an enormous time for him and his staff to shine.”

Seems like a good choice.

Now the good stuff... With Dudley, it was size and speed and Russian ... with Feaster it was character and grit with a nod toward big dmen who could skate... - then almost reluctantly, they switched to swinging for the fences combined with some "safe" picks like James Wright.

Lawton said the Lightning are looking for players with more than speed, skill and size.

“With our scouts, hockey IQ is the No. 1 trait we’re looking for in players,” Lawton said. “We’re looking for players that will do whatever it takes to win, that understand the game and are interchangeable in their abilities. We’re not just looking for big guys, not just looking for fast little guys, we’re looking for intelligent hockey players.”

Lightning assistant GM Claude Loiselle said the players will be evaluated for their emotional stability, maturity level, overall intelligence and awareness.

“You try and gauge their ability to learn, develop and adapt,” Loiselle said. “It’s hard to do in a small environment, but add it all together and you can get a book on a kid.

“Throughout the year, we ask our scouts to really dig in to the kids – talk to their coaches, find out how they behave outside the hockey realm to make sure we get great kids like Steven Stamkos.”

Finally. This means less busts. This could also be a backhanded swipe at players like Mihalik who have all the tools but can't figure it all out.

I think NHL GMs should really take a look at what College Football coaches (at least the good ones) are doing. What has been described here is what Urban Meyer preaches. I was reading the other day how he said that players from good families have - and have had - a better support system and are less likely to bust. You can mold, shape, and develop them easier.

[Randy]

I can't disagree with any of what Lawton said. It seems to me to be a very solid plan of action, which if followed could pay good dividends at draft time.

While a very good plan, the key is sticking to it. You start deviating from it, it's not worth the paper it's written on.

I hope they stick to it.

[Hoek]

Encouraging stuff. Seems like they're determined to start getting things right. All I ask is for an honest effort. Hopefully this strategy translates into some draftees we can feel excited about.

[cromag]

TBL.com article (http://lightning.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=421723)
Lean and mean? Really? I don't have a problem with the strategy, just the terminology there.


You don't have a problem with that?

In my opinion it's just a more political way of saying, "We are trying to save every penny we can so the scouting department is getting cut".

[CTLightning26]

You don't have a problem with that?

In my opinion it's just a more political way of saying, "We are trying to save every penny we can so the scouting department is getting cut".

nah, probably just stream-lining opinions. Other teams probably have more part-time scouts.

[pete]

I agree with cromag. He's telling you they're going to minimize the size of the scouting department.

The hopeful thing, and this goes beyond the draft, is that they're talking about adding Jacques Lemaire to the team as a consultant. Lord knows these guys need an adult on board if they're going to right this thing.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/05/lightning-could-hire-jacques-lemaire-as-a-consultant.html

[chad]

I really don't care how many scouts it takes, just get some decent return. Dudley poured money into scouting and his drafts were awful. Feaster cut way back and his were mediocre with a couple bright spots.

I don't favor either ... logic would say using more scouts would net better returns ... but really all I care is that there's a clear direction AND a priority placed on the draft.

[timothy]

At this point I'd like to see a priority put on *signing* our picks.

[astro]

At this point I'd like to see a priority put on *signing* our picks.

time is ticking down on Fadden

[Bolthed]

Alright, so how might this new insight affect who we pick this year? Any revised predictions?

[pete]

The ball's in the Islanders' court. If they take Tavares, I think the Lightning keep the pick and take Hedman. If they take Hedman, I think they will try to hold Burke and the Leafs over the barrell for Tavares. Problem is, in a game of poker, I'm betting on Burke beating Lawton every day of the week and twice on Sundays. I wouldn't accept less than Luke Schenn and the Leafs' first round pick in return for Tavares.

[bassassin]

Say we do get Schenn and the 7th, I think that is a pretty decent return, but who would you select with the 7th pick? Do you select whoever falls that is unexpected? I would like them to go for MSP if somehow he magically falls that far or Kulikov.

[Randy]

If the Isles take Tavares, the Bolts should most certainly hope right up on the podium and announce they have selected Hedman. Now, if Snow deviates from this, things do become interesting since Tavares is still out there for the taking.

If I was Lawton, and the Isles picked someone other than Tavares, I'd be on the phone to Toronto in a nanosecond. Toronto gets the #2, but we get Schenn and the 7th. Schenn will be that young dman rather than Hedman. And the #7 may get you Kane, Paajarvi-Svenson or take a reach and select Jared Cowen, a big tough dman who other than suffering a knee injury in January in which he's supposedly well on the road to recovery from, would be in the top 5 but for that.

If Burke tries to foist Kaberle and the 7th on us, walk away and take Tavares. He could play wing and save the Bolts from having to sign another top 6 forward during the UFA period. He also becomes excellent trade bait as well.

So to Burke, Schenn and the 7th, or take a flying leap into Lake Ontario.

[Avery86]

Islanders select potential franchise blueliner Victor Hedman with the 1st overall pick. Lightning GM Brian Lawton consequently cements a deal with Burke and the Leafs for the 2nd overall pick (and thus Tavares) with Schenn and Kaberle part of the package heading to the Sunshine State.

Saw this proposal .. include the #7 overall pick, and I think that's a pretty decent deal.

Plus, if Tampa could pry the #7, there's a chance that they could also draft Brayden Schenn for the brothers mojo.

Only issue with that is hasn't Burke said he wouldn't be including Schenn in any offers? Or has he since changed his mind, again?

[pete]

Not sure I want Kaberle rather than the 7th overall pick. His $4.5M price tag is a little too hefty for OK Hockey, and you only get him for 2 seasons.

At 7 you could potentially get Paajarvi, or Schenn's brother, or Cowen, or Schroeder, or Kadri. Any one of those guys should be a solid core contributor. If you got Schenn and Cowen roving the same blueline for the next half decade, I think Red Line Report's heads would explode. Both these guys are considered to be some of the best shut-down blueliners of their generation, in their book. Cowen's supposedly not that far off from Hedman. Just not as offensively advanced right now.

Just imagine your future top-7 d:
Schenn, Ranger, Cowen, Meszaros, Lashoff, Smaby, and Wishart. Big, mobile, balanced, and tough.

[Randy]

If the Isles take Hedman, and the Bolts deal down to #7 (along with Schenn), drafting Cowen or Kulikov is not such a reach. And as Pete pointed out, there will be some good forwards out there to choose from should the Bolts want to go in that direction.

At 4.5 mil and only two years left, I'd say no to Kaberle.

Schenn and the 7th or no deal.

[pete]

Only issue with that is hasn't Burke said he wouldn't be including Schenn in any offers? Or has he since changed his mind, again?

Without Schenn, no deals. It's just that simple. If Burke wants Tavares, he has to pay the toll.

[Randy]

If the Isles draft Hedman, Tavares is the Bolt's for the taking. Burke is on the record as saying he wants to move up and get Tavares.

To do that he's got to deal with the Bolts. We hold the card he wants. And if Burke wants Tavares all that bad he will have to pay the price the Bolts set.

And the bottom line should be Schenn plus #7. If Schenn is untouchable according to Burke. Then Burke won't be touching Tavares. If Burke doesn't want to pay, so be it. It's not like the Bolts getting Tavares is a bad thing. While I would prefer Hedman, Tavares is a more than an adequate consolation prize.

[pete]

Yeah, it's no tragedy if the Lightning have to select Tavares, who is essentially a slightly smaller, more skilled version of Jason Spezza. I have no quarrels with adding another reliable 40 goal, 90-100 point talent to the roster. There's some people who have issues with his attitude, but the Lightning won't be asking him to be the leader. We've already got our Steve Yzerman-type captain in Stamkos.

[cromag]

If the Isles draft Hedman, Tavares is the Bolt's for the taking. Burke is on the record as saying he wants to move up and get Tavares.

To do that he's got to deal with the Bolts. We hold the card he wants. And if Burke wants Tavares all that bad he will have to pay the price the Bolts set.

And the bottom line should be Schenn plus #7. If Schenn is untouchable according to Burke. Then Burke won't be touching Tavares. If Burke doesn't want to pay, so be it. It's not like the Bolts getting Tavares is a bad thing. While I would prefer Hedman, Tavares is a more than an adequate consolation prize.

That all sounds good and well but I agree with Pete, Burke would own Lawton in any trade discussions and thus we are likely to do what helps the Leafs more than what helps the Lightning. Of course, Lawton will try and put some kinda silly spin on it to make it sound as if we couldn't pass up the Leafs offer.

If the Islanders take Hedman, I want to see Tavares on a line with Lecavalier.

[pete]

If the Islanders take Hedman, I want to see Tavares on a line with Lecavalier.

Having Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Tavares, and Malone (all 30 goal caliber talents) on the same team could be entirely unfair for the rest of the NHL. The Lightning could put up 4-5 goals a game. I have no idea how they'd keep it out of the back of their net with the d-men we have, but it'd be an entertaining product to watch. I dare say there might even be a spike in season ticket sales that you probably won't get by drafting Hedman. It really will be the greatest show on ice.

The one thing going in Lawton's favor in a deal with Burke in this scenario is that Lawton holds all the cards. He doesn't have to make any deal. Burke's already shot his mouth off in the Toronto media, so the pressure to snare Tavares will be immense. As long as Lawton remembers he doesn't have to make a deal, he'll be in great shape. That, and he needs to make sure Burke gets no sweetener, or if he does, it's something we can afford to let go of without any pain like Mihalik. If he remembers that, he's got three fairly awesome scenarios that can unfold:

1. Draft Hedman. Perfect fit.

2. Draft Tavares. Now you've got a Crosby+Malikin type duo with Stamkos.

3. Luke Schenn+Paajarvi, Cowen, Schroeder, Brayden Schenn, or Kadri. You get an Adam Foote type shutdown defenseman, plus a talented forward or d-man. If you get Paajarvi or Cowen, you might even get a player who can step into the league immediately.

Whatever happens out of those three scenarios, the Lightning will be an immensely better team for the next 5-10 years because of it.

[cromag]

Having Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Tavares, and Malone (all 30 goal caliber talents) on the same team could be entirely unfair for the rest of the NHL. The Lightning could put up 4-5 goals a game. I have no idea how they'd keep it out of the back of their net with the d-men we have, but it'd be an entertaining product to watch. I dare say there might even be a spike in season ticket sales that you probably won't get by drafting Hedman. It really will be the greatest show on ice.

The one thing going in Lawton's favor in a deal with Burke in this scenario is that Lawton holds all the cards. He doesn't have to make any deal. Burke's already shot his mouth off in the Toronto media, so the pressure to snare Tavares will be immense. As long as Lawton remembers he doesn't have to make a deal, he'll be in great shape. That, and he needs to make sure Burke gets no sweetener, or if he does, it's something we can afford to let go of without any pain like Mihalik. If he remembers that, he's got three fairly awesome scenarios that can unfold:

1. Draft Hedman. Perfect fit.

2. Draft Tavares. Now you've got a Crosby+Malikin type duo with Stamkos.

3. Luke Schenn+Paajarvi, Cowen, Schroeder, Brayden Schenn, or Kadri. You get an Adam Foote type shutdown defenseman, plus a talented forward or d-man. If you get Paajarvi or Cowen, you might even get a player who can step into the league immediately.

Whatever happens out of those three scenarios, the Lightning will be an immensely better team for the next 5-10 years because of it.

You are right, it would be the greatest show on ice. What would have me most fascinated though is seeing what Lecavalier could do with the talent of a Tavares on his line. I could actually see St. Louis, Stamkos, Tavares, and Lecavalier scoring 40 goals in the same year. Funny enough, I agree that it would probably help the team sell more tickets than selecting Hedman. Tavares is a much easier sell on the casual fan. Sure the defense would suffer, but damn it would be fun. It actually might be good for the league as well. Bring back the 7-6 games as a norm :thumb:

I must admit, Paajarvi has got me really intrigued. However, I worry about his finishing ability.

[pete]

Regarding Paajarvi, you can teach a guy to shoot. You can't teach world class speed, and he's probably the fastest player in this draft. It's between him and Duchene.

[cromag]

Regarding Paajarvi, you can teach a guy to shoot. You can't teach world class speed, and he's probably the fastest player in this draft. It's between him and Duchene.

If I'm not mistaken he is also a fairly big guy. Of course, not skill-wise, but on skating and size alone I have heard him compared to Kovalchuk and Ovechkin. Do you think that is accurate? I also heard he doesn't mind taking the body?

[RSchmitz]

I don't mind the Lightning having a semi-small yet talented scouting staff. Everyone remembers when Dudley boasted a 2 mill scouting payroll and used the product of that effort to draft the four Siberian guys who no one ever heard of :doh:

It is likely the same spin Feaster gave ever cutting the payroll in half though, just softening up the fan base while slashing salary.

[pete]

If I'm not mistaken he is also a fairly big guy. Of course, not skill-wise, but on skating and size alone I have heard him compared to Kovalchuk and Ovechkin. Do you think that is accurate? I also heard he doesn't mind taking the body?

Not huge, but he's a little bit bigger than Duchene and Tavares. He's not known as a banger and the guy he's often compared with is Markus Naslund. The big thing for me is that he has the speed to keep up with Stamkos. I'm a big believer in the adage that speed kills. That's why Carolina keeps getting deep into the playoffs even though, on paper, they shouldn't be this good.

I think if I was sitting there with the #7 pick, Paajarvi and Cowen would be the guys I'd have circled, although if you already had Luke Schenn, there would be some pressure to go ahead and draft Brayden, who is a Mike Richards type.

[pete]

I don't mind the Lightning having a semi-small yet talented scouting staff. Everyone remembers when Dudley boasted a 2 mill scouting payroll and used the product of that effort to draft the four Siberian guys who no one ever heard of

And Feaster had already cut that staff in half. Now they're talking about getting even smaller, and moving scouts around to different territories (which costs a lot of dough).

I'd be interested to see if they have considered doing video scouting the way Buffalo and a few other teams have done to make up for the limited amount of money they can spend to put bodies in seats at games.

[cromag]

I think if I was sitting there with the #7 pick, Paajarvi and Cowen would be the guys I'd have circled, although if you already had Luke Schenn, there would be some pressure to go ahead and draft Brayden, who is a Mike Richards type.

I wouldn't be upset if we took Brayden Schenn regardless of whether we had Luke or not. Brayden is actually one of my favorite players in this years draft. He and Zach Kassian seem like Rick Tocchet players all the way.

[Randy]

All of those scenarios are excellent and would benefit us in the short and long term.

And the beauty part of this is that no deal needs to be completed before the draft. You may have one worked out in principle. But you don't pull the trigger until after the Isles make their selection.

If the Isle select Tavares, there is no need to pick up the phone unless it's an incoming call. And the hoped for response would be is that Lawton and the entourage is going up on the stage now to announce the selection of Victor Hedman.

If the Isles cross everybody up, then walk over to the table of your trading partner and say "done deal", let's go tell the commish the details and break out your Tavares jersey.

[CTLightning26]

I wish we could get more from Burkie. But I doubt he will be easy. Hopefully, others will make offers.

Even if its Schenn, the No. 7 for Tavares and Krajicek, I'd do it.
Maybe you come out of it with Schenn and Schenn.

We'll see.

[matt24]

I wish we could get more from Burkie. But I doubt he will be easy. Hopefully, others will make offers.

Even if its Schenn, the No. 7 for Tavares and Krajicek, I'd do it.
Maybe you come out of it with Schenn and Schenn.

We'll see.

I like the added bonus of dumping Krajicek.....

[chad]

(operating under WHAT IF - not endorsing a trade)

If Vancouver came with Edler, Hodgson, and a First... that'd be close... though that First is waaaay further down than would be ideal. Of course, you could use that and one of the seconds to move up if needed - or stay there and pile on the much-needed depth. (I'm just hoping they don't offer a 2nd for a pending high level UFA like JBo)

I wonder if VAN would have to move Bieksa instead due to salary. Edler at his age and salary would be the preference, obviously, but VAN would essentially be taking on plus-9.5 mil. Bieksa would cut that almost in half (3.75 hit). They may have to throw in a moderate level vet with a hefty pay check. On the other hand, they're losing Ohlund's 3.5 cap hit due to UFA.

Bieksa has taken some stupid overly aggressive penalties at bad times this series. His contract runs up after next season, then he's a UFA who will be in the 5+ range, making him far from ideal. Bernier is a 2.5 hit and his contract runs out this summer. He was re-signed last year as an RFA. I don't know if he's UFA off the top of my head.

Sorry to beleaguer this... but the chance to get Hodgson is enticing. While Forecaster projected him as a 2nd line center next year, he's raised that with his OHL reg season and playoff - as well as WJC - performances. He's first line upside with fantastic 2-way and set-up abilities. He'll never be as good as Lecavalier. Canucks fans already like to compare his leadership to Linden's.

[CTLightning26]

(operating under WHAT IF - not endorsing a trade)

If Vancouver came with Edler, Hodgson, and a First... that'd be close... though that First is waaaay further down than would be ideal. Of course, you could use that and one of the seconds to move up if needed - or stay there and pile on the much-needed depth. (I'm just hoping they don't offer a 2nd for a pending high level UFA like JBo)

I wonder if VAN would have to move Bieksa instead due to salary. Edler at his age and salary would be the preference, obviously, but VAN would essentially be taking on plus-9.5 mil. Bieksa would cut that almost in half (3.75 hit). They may have to throw in a moderate level vet with a hefty pay check. On the other hand, they're losing Ohlund's 3.5 cap hit due to UFA.

Bieksa has taken some stupid overly aggressive penalties at bad times this series. His contract runs up after next season, then he's a UFA who will be in the 5+ range, making him far from ideal. Bernier is a 2.5 hit and his contract runs out this summer. He was re-signed last year as an RFA. I don't know if he's UFA off the top of my head.

Sorry to beleaguer this... but the chance to get Hodgson is enticing. While Forecaster projected him as a 2nd line center next year, he's raised that with his OHL reg season and playoff - as well as WJC - performances. He's first line upside with fantastic 2-way and set-up abilities. He'll never be as good as Lecavalier. Canucks fans already like to compare his leadership to Linden's.

You would have to get Edler in a Vinny deal, because he is signed for 4 years and 13 mil, which isn't bad.
Edler, Hodgson, Raymond could work, but Vancouver won't like it.

[Randy]

Any team that pulls off the trade for Vinnie is going to be unhappy with what they have to give up. Vinny is not going to come cheap. But then having a #1 center like Vinny doesn't come along everyday.

I do believe that Hodgson must be a part of any deal along with Edler. Now whether you take Raymond or their first draft pick is a toss up to me.

But then again, we all must remember the source from which this rumor emanated from. IMO, not the most accurate predictor of the future. But the rumors are flying too hot and heavy to dismiss out of hand the Bolts will deal Vinny.

[RSchmitz]

A couple of years ago, I thought for sure that teams would be reluctant to give up picks/prospects for high priced players in todays NHL, especially with the current economy. But several deals including the Boyle deal proved otherwise, you can be guranteed that at least one or two teams out there are going to pay through the nose for Vinny.

[Sotnos]

Pay for him? Sure Through the nose? No

[chad]

I don't even know that Vancouver NEEDS Vinny. They're not in the need of a big name Canadian star (Luongo) and even if Sundin steps down, between Kesler and Hodgson, they've got another center to go with the Sedins. Unless they plan on losing the twins.

[Wrong Net Paulie]

Lawton said the Lightning will look at all options before June 26. He had one prediction about draft day: “It’ll be fast, action-packed and a little bit wild.”

This just screams "bye Vinny" to me.

[Randy]

If 6 mos to a year ago when people had posted stating Vinny would be traded, I would laugh it off. He is the face of the franchise.

But Paulie may very well be right. The rumors are coming faster and more furiously from all quarters. I still discount anything Eklund says, he's got just about zero credibility.

But now I do take these rumors seriously. Finances are tight and getting rid of that 7.7 mil hit on the cap and not to mention the 10 mil in actual salary for a number of years.

Being far away, Virginia, all I can do is rant about it. Those in closer proximity to Tampa can vote with their wallets if they choose to do so. But in the end, we don't get to make the call.

If this trade does come to pass, I hope the powers that be get a more than adequate return on him. Good young talent in positions of need. Not over the hills types on the last stages of their contract and certainly no salary dumps in return.

I know there is great concern over Lawton that he will be fleeced on this. Hopefully, he has learned from his past experiences and will do better.

[Wrong Net Paulie]

If 6 mos to a year ago when people had posted stating Vinny would be traded, I would laugh it off. He is the face of the franchise.

But Paulie may very well be right. The rumors are coming faster and more furiously from all quarters. I still discount anything Eklund says, he's got just about zero credibility.

But now I do take these rumors seriously. Finances are tight and getting rid of that 7.7 mil hit on the cap and not to mention the 10 mil in actual salary for a number of years.

Being far away, Virginia, all I can do is rant about it. Those in closer proximity to Tampa can vote with their wallets if they choose to do so. But in the end, we don't get to make the call.

If this trade does come to pass, I hope the powers that be get a more than adequate return on him. Good young talent in positions of need. Not over the hills types on the last stages of their contract and certainly no salary dumps in return.

I know there is great concern over Lawton that he will be fleeced on this. Hopefully, he has learned from his past experiences and will do better.

I get the impression they will flip him for a youngster (probably just one, maybe two) and a couple of picks. I don't know why.

[timothy]

IMO, the only way Lecavalier gets traded is if Tavares falls into their lap on draft day.

[Bolthed]

Agreed. But let's all keep in mind that we are likely to lose almost any Vinny trade, especially according to the "best player in the deal" theory.

[chad]

For sure.

I think if a C comes back the other way, it may happen. And Hodgson would be the only non-NHL C aside from Tavares I'd want as a step-in player.

[RSchmitz]

Pay for him? Sure Through the nose? No

A couple of years ago I thought that in order to trade away a huge contract teams would need to be doing something similar to when the hawks dumped Doug Gilmour to the sabres and had to package stud prospect J.P. Dumont just the dump him. Not saying Vinny would be a salary dump, but still a huge contract. Anything we get back in the Vinny deal in comparison would be paying through the nose. At least that is what I mean.

[cromag]

Maybe we should start a new thread.

"What would you want in a Vinny trade?"

Everybody put together trades they would be happy with if/when Lecavalier gets dealt on draft day. Of course, trying to at least be somewhat realistic and we can see if anyone is part psychic once d-day roles around. What do you guys think?

[astro]

Maybe we should start a new thread.

"What would you want in a Vinny trade?"

Everybody put together trades they would be happy with if/when Lecavalier gets dealt on draft day. Of course, trying to at least be somewhat realistic and we can see if anyone is part psychic once d-day roles around. What do you guys think?

I agree on the new thread idea or moving a lot of the talk to the Vinny trade topic. There is no talk about 2009 draft strategy.

[RSchmitz]

2009 Draft Strategy
-------------------
Draft Hedman

[chad]

Interesting that Lawton said it's not a 2 person draft and talked about Duchene. He was also in Windsor recently to see him play. Hmmm....

I still think the Isles take Tavares and TB Hedman... but... this could be interesting (interesting as in posturing).

[Randy]

Lawton's doing the right thing be looking around at the other potential draftees.

If Hedman's available at #2, you don't blink and eye and draft him. But if things should change you need to be in a position to know something about the other potential draftees.

In my line of work, they call it due diligence.

[Sotnos]

I agree on the new thread idea or moving a lot of the talk to the Vinny trade topic. There is no talk about 2009 draft strategy.
There's no good delineation of discussions, so I'm not moving anything. There is plenty of draft discussion here, but people should use the existing threads or make a new one for their Vinny fantasy trades.

[Kowalski]

Were I Brian Lawton, and could SOMEHOW find a way to move the #2 and Malone to the Leafs, I'd consider it IF and ONLY IF we'd get Schenn, the #7, AND their #1 next year. With that, I'd try to move down and get someone like Schroeder, or just draft Jaren Cowen with that pick. I value high picks more than I value Kaberle UNLESS you can get Kaberle and Schenn. I don't want just Kaberle. You know the Leafs will probably have another top 10 pick next year, and we can address another scoring forward with that extra pick. Obviously you lose Malone's 25-30 goals, but I think you can cut down about 20-25 goals with better defense and a healthy Mike Smith next year. The Lightning just need to eliminate that back breaker goal that always seemed to happen last year and they win 10-15 more games easily. I think if you can't get a return like that, you:

Draft Hedman. Look to sign a cheap veteran defenseman, and accept next year as one that may not end with a playoff berth, but hopefully put the Lightning outside of a lottery pick, with big things expected in 2010-11.

[pete]

NHL.com has updated their writers' mock drafts...

Adam Kimmelman has the Islanders taking Hedman and the Lightning taking Tavares.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=31878

Brad Holland has the Islanders taking Tavares and the Lightning taking Duchene, which seems slightly crazy.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=31881

[CTLightning26]

Those two U-18 USA guys Shore and Morin might be interesting to trade up for at the end of the first round if we end up with Hedman.
What do you think of those guys, guys?

[pete]

It might make more sense to target De Haan or Elliot. Elliot, in particular, seems to be what the Lightning need: a talented righty offensive d-man.

[Wrong Net Paulie]

NHL.com has updated their writers' mock drafts...

Adam Kimmelman has the Islanders taking Hedman and the Lightning taking Tavares.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=31878

Brad Holland has the Islanders taking Tavares and the Lightning taking Duchene, which seems slightly crazy.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=31881

I'd go out on a limb and say thats very crazy, UNLESS they think Hedman is not ready to make the NHL leap, but Duchene is.

I'm high on all three. To be honest, i'm even a little bit higher on Duchene than I am on Mr. I-can-skate-okay Tavares. Kid has talent but looks like he labors around a bit.

[Randy]

If Hedman is there at #2, you select him and don't look back. He is the BPA on defense and one of the top 3 BPA's in the draft. Duchene and Tavares will be a helluva player on any team that takes them.

But if Hedman's there, you take him. Our top 6 forwards are fairly well set. Defense, well, it's not so set. It's taking the BPA and drafting for need in the same player. Absolute no brainer.

[timothy]

If Hedman is there at #2, you select him and don't look back. He is the BPA on defense and one of the top 3 BPA's in the draft. Duchene and Tavares will be a helluva player on any team that takes them.

But if Hedman's there, you take him. Our top 6 forwards are fairly well set. Defense, well, it's not so set. It's taking the BPA and drafting for need in the same player. Absolute no brainer.

Exactly. The proof of that is in every conversation about trading the #2 to TOR, Luke Schenn's name is always in the mix as the cornerstone. Not Grabovski. Schenn. If Hedman's on the board, and one is contemplating taking Duchene instead, then there would be more consideration about trading the #2 for a young scoring line center.

Oh... wait... hasn't Chad been talking about the #2 for Cody Hodgson?

[CTLightning26]

anybody listen to Lightning Hockey Night??? I totally forgot to put it on. Jim Hammett was supposed to me on.

[Hoek]

I agree with cromag. He's telling you they're going to minimize the size of the scouting department.

The hopeful thing, and this goes beyond the draft, is that they're talking about adding Jacques Lemaire to the team as a consultant. Lord knows these guys need an adult on board if they're going to right this thing.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/05/lightning-could-hire-jacques-lemaire-as-a-consultant.html

Some more on the Lemaire thing today..

http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/05/lightning-still-trying-to-hire-jacques-lemaire.html

[Wrong Net Paulie]

Some more on the Lemaire thing today..

http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/2009/05/lightning-still-trying-to-hire-jacques-lemaire.html

Ohhh I love reading the comments there, they're always so retarded with some clown spewing pro-leafs banter failing to realize they haven't been relevant since, what... the 60s?

[chad]

Exactly. The proof of that is in every conversation about trading the #2 to TOR, Luke Schenn's name is always in the mix as the cornerstone. Not Grabovski. Schenn. If Hedman's on the board, and one is contemplating taking Duchene instead, then there would be more consideration about trading the #2 for a young scoring line center.

Oh... wait... hasn't Chad been talking about the #2 for Cody Hodgson?

Hodgson involved with any Vinny deal... though if he were coming out this year instead of last, Hodgson may be 1 or 2.

[cromag]

Hodgson involved with any Vinny deal... though if he were coming out this year instead of last, Hodgson may be 1 or 2.

You think he's good enough to top Tavares and/or Hedman?

Just curious, since I haven't seen him play myself. But if that's the case maybe the bolts should target Hodgson if they indeed decide to trade Vinny. Sounds like he could be an awesome player.

[njbolt12]

You think he's good enough to top Tavares and/or Hedman?

Just curious, since I haven't seen him play myself. But if that's the case maybe the bolts should target Hodgson if they indeed decide to trade Vinny. Sounds like he could be an awesome player.

Can't say I've watched him play either but my feeling is that Hodgson is a bit overhyped due to the team he plays on and the team that drafted him.

[pete]

Playing for Brampton doesn't really hype him. The fact he played so well for Team Canada in the WJCs and was drafted by a Canadian team might.

[chad]

Hodgson named chl player of the year yesterday. Was no.1 on thn's future watch.

Worthy of the hype.

[timothy]

Hodgson named chl player of the year yesterday. Was no.1 on thn's future watch.

Worthy of the hype.

Frontrunner for next year's Calder Trophy? I think so.

[WaiverWire]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

[pete]

The thing is, there's only going to be about a half an hour for us, in all likelihood on the first night of the draft. Unless they trade into the back 10 picks of the first round (they have the 2nds to do it) the Lightning's night is going to be over really quick.

If they hold onto those two second round picks (it's a deep draft, so a lot of talent will still be available in the 30-50 or so pick range) those first two hours on day two are going to be critical to the health and future of this franchise. That's where they're going to try to find a scoring winger and an offensive d-man, and if they hit on those picks the Lightning will be in really good shape moving forward.

I'm not worried about the top pick, whether we take it at #2 or trade down to #7. That will be a good NHL player. Pick #32 and pick #51 (I think that's what we're looking at, roughly) will be up to these new scouts to prove they've got it together. I think there will be an offensive defenseman at pick #32 and I hope there will be a scoring-type winger that slips to wherever we pick in the low #50's.

Or they can trade up and grab Stefan Elliott or Ryan Ellis :D

[CTLightning26]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

we'll see if the Lightning have a draft party or two...But as Pete says, te second day is more important in some ways...Heck, im up for meeting up both days. lol

[timothy]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

I may look to get some chat facilities installed here at BP before the draft... Would folks use that instead of just posting thread-after-thread?

[CTLightning26]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

Maybe we could just meet at the Sotnos house...
:D

[timothy]

Maybe we could just meet at the Sotnos house...
:D

I'm sure there will be quite a party when at the Sotnos house when Hedman is selected.

[WaiverWire]

I may look to get some chat facilities installed here at BP before the draft... Would folks use that instead of just posting thread-after-thread?

Chat rooms for things like the draft and during the game would be nice.

[Sotnos]

Maybe we could just meet at the Sotnos house...
:DI don't think more than 3 people could fit in my tv room and no HD, sorry! :)

I'm sure there will be quite a party when at the Sotnos house when Hedman is selected.
Of course :happydance:

A chat room would be nice for the big events and we might get a few people for the away games too. Would compel me to actually buy a laptop & set up some wifi instead of just thinking about it!

[bassassin]

I may look to get some chat facilities installed here at BP before the draft... Would folks use that instead of just posting thread-after-thread?

I like that idea, as Sotnos mentioned, could be useful for games as well. And if we actually make it next season (stay positive:p) the playoffs.

[njbolt12]

Not sure if this has been suggested before but someone needs to get the "Seen Barrie" ad campaign rolling for our eventual 2nd round pick.

I think a chat room is a great idea though. It's refreshing to talk to other people who are huge fans such as myself... I don't run into too many up north here.

[bassassin]

Not sure if this has been suggested before but someone needs to get the "Seen Barrie" ad campaign rolling for our eventual 2nd round pick.

I think a chat room is a great idea though. It's refreshing to talk to other people who are huge fans such as myself... I don't run into too many up north here.

If you think there are no hockey fans up north, imagine the UK, the only people I have spoken to ever about the NHL was last week when I spoke to a couple from the USA on holiday, and I was waiting on them (and one was a Penguins fan and the other liked the Flyers, I mean come on what crap fans to talk to:coolwink:)

[Avery86]

haha, I was in Oxford for a day last summer (living in London), if I had known you were around I would have stopped by.

[Jester47]

Chat rooms for things like the draft and during the game would be nice.


and the trade deadline day as well...

[njbolt12]

If you think there are no hockey fans up north, imagine the UK, the only people I have spoken to ever about the NHL was last week when I spoke to a couple from the USA on holiday, and I was waiting on them (and one was a Penguins fan and the other liked the Flyers, I mean come on what crap fans to talk to:coolwink:)

I lived in Newcastle for 6 months, I was in agony not being able to watch any hockey. Total withdrawal.

[Avery86]

I lived in Newcastle for 6 months, I was in agony not being able to watch any hockey. Total withdrawal.

I missed the Cup Finals in London last summer. Was able to catch part of one game on TVU on the internet.

The hardest part was staying up late enough to watch the games. A 7PM start translated to a midnight start GMT. Rough. I don't know how bassassin does it.

[bassassin]

I lived in Newcastle for 6 months, I was in agony not being able to watch any hockey. Total withdrawal.

Yep, and it is even worse for me as so many people are into football (soccer:thumb:) and I just cant stand it, Cristiano Ronaldo and the like is why I hate football. He makes Crosby and Malkin look like saints.

Time difference is the reall killer though, I mean if i manage to find a stream (and thats a big if) I have to stay up to like 3 am to watch it. So if I have anything on the next day I cant really watch much hockey.

[bassassin]

I missed the Cup Finals in London last summer. Was able to catch part of one game on TVU on the internet.

The hardest part was staying up late enough to watch the games. A 7PM start translated to a midnight start GMT. Rough. I don't know how bassassin does it.

Yeah I dont watch too much of other teams for that precise reason, I mean I caught a couple of Rangers/Caps games, but beyond that havent watched much live playoff hockey, highlights etc instead. And I dont watch any western teams unless they are playing away or they have an early start time 1pm of 4pm or anywhere in between.

[CTLightning26]

, Cristiano Ronaldo and the like is why I hate football. He makes Crosby and Malkin look like saints.

.

Yep. Only Greg Louganis is better
Go Barcelona

[kid A]

Yep. Only Greg Louganis is better
Go Barcelona

:bleh:

[Coldrice]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

Is anyone still planning to meet up / central location?

[Sotnos]

I'll be here, in front of my computer using our chat room. :)

I am just hoping there are no fireworks. Use the pick, don't trade Vinny, everything'll be cool.

[RSchmitz]

I'd like to see a deal, nothing to worry about as long as Lawton maintains his high asking prices.

[The Great Zo]

Anyone know if there will be live streaming of the draft coverage? I'll be at work, but as long as we don't have much going on I should be able to put it on the computer.

[Sotnos]

Anyone know if there will be live streaming of the draft coverage? I'll be at work, but as long as we don't have much going on I should be able to put it on the computer.
That's a tough one because it's on Vs., you might be able to find a link to the TSN feed somewhere.

Found this little clip of Lawton talking about his drafting options, he gave a "no comment" when asked about Vinny. http://www.tsn.ca/window/oneclip_nhl_playoffs.html#clip186710

[Sotnos]

Little more from Lawton (http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282754), mostly from that video segment.

Another video on there, Dreger is insisting that we're open to trading the pick.

This longer clip talks about who might go first, what the top 2 might do (and Toronto, of course) and also talks about Vinny & Gainey's earlier ripping on Lawton & where that stands now. http://www.tsn.ca/window/oneclip_nhl_playoffs.html#clip186859

[Jester47]

Here is some draft stradegy..........lets start now and find a good central location we can all meet and enjoy a draft and the draft together :happydance:

Did we ever make a plan??? I am thinking about watching the draft at BWW in Brandon (wifi for my laptop is a plus), so if you come up, look for the guys with MacBook and the spare tire (if I do indeed go up there)!

[CTLightning26]

BWW is too expensive and, for the most part, the waitresses are unfriendly...
I think i may just watch it at home with some Natty Lights. LOL.

[Wrong Net Paulie]

BWW is too expensive and, for the most part, the waitresses are unfriendly...
I think i may just watch it at home with some Natty Lights. LOL.

I think i'm gonna do it at the girls house. She has HD :D

[CTLightning26]

I think i'm gonna do it at the girls house. She has HD :D

and you can have someone to cuddle with to make it feel better after the Isles select Hedman. :D

[Wrong Net Paulie]

and you can have someone to cuddle with to make it feel better after the Isles select Hedman. :D

Or watch the riots as Vinny goes to Toronto in a trade. :D