Canes drafted 13 players, which is awesome. I like the "Win now and also win later" mentality. They know they have the core to make make a cup run now but are also keeping their farm system stacked for development
just one man’s opinion and drafts aren’t decided for years as we all know but Scott Wheeler of The Athletic gave them his top “winners” spot for his draft recap. Gotta be nice to see that!
There’s going to be late round picks in this draft that end up being better than the first few rounds because of the pandemic season and gms throwing their hands up because they’re afraid to take a risk on upside players, which most normally are anyway lol
1 year, 2 mil NMC No problem with this. Staal played fairly okay on a very poor team last year, and I fully expect him to be willing to waive that NMC if a suitable trade for him is to be found at the deadline
Habs had to have known they’d face plenty of backlash for the pick and decided they didn’t give a shit
like, look I am NOT defending the pick at all. ...but if they take him in like the 5th round or something, to have his rights, MAYBE you can understand it I guess? But to pick him in the FIRST ROUND? lol come on man
Most of the hockey writers covering the draft said he would’ve definitely been taken in the next round, idk if it would’ve had the same effect as that unfortunately, I’m not sure it would. Most teams still had him on their board and would’ve taken him very soon after the round ended.
If the sabres are trying to keep eichel why did they trade ristolainen and rienhart for nothing that’s going to help them win now?