After an absolute free fall of a November, including key injuries to several players such as Price, Parise, and Streit, the Schizzarks have seen their once again long shot dreams of hoisting the KL Cup while stopping in at Greg’s house in Nanaimo dashed into a million pieces. It was not so long ago in October that the Schizzarks were leading the Keeper League, with spousal support in the 2nd place position.
After a November 30th final day John Travolta/Nick Cagesque face off with both the Fylanders and Nickrooshkins, the Schizzarks again decided to not show up and play the game of ice hockey and sealed their GM’s fate. Nothing more to be said, it’s time for the blog post of shame.
TOPIC
We’re almost exactly 1/3 of the way through the NHL season, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to look back at this year’s Keeper League draft and highlight who have so far been, in my subjective view, the best and worst draft pick made by each GM in the Keeper League, along with an overall rating for each GM’s draft. These are my completely subjective views on the subject and no offense is meant by any of it. I'll be interested to hear whether people agree with me or not.
So with that, here we go (in order of current KL standings):
Milan Micahleks (tied for 1st)
Best
Easy - the player I wanted to take in the 1st round, Dylan Larkin. This 19 year old has 22 points in 31 games as a rookie and looks to be a lock for top 6 in Detroit for years and years to come. Honourable mention to Mathieu Perreault in the 2nd round with 25 points in 31 games
Easy - the player I wanted to take in the 1st round, Dylan Larkin. This 19 year old has 22 points in 31 games as a rookie and looks to be a lock for top 6 in Detroit for years and years to come. Honourable mention to Mathieu Perreault in the 2nd round with 25 points in 31 games
Worst
Nikita Zadorov probably seems like the worst, but Joffrey Lupul has been very Joffrey Lupulesque and gets my vote.
Nikita Zadorov probably seems like the worst, but Joffrey Lupul has been very Joffrey Lupulesque and gets my vote.
Overall Draft:
At first glance, I didn't think Micah drafted all that well. On further review, 3 of the forwards he drafted are on his scoring roster with more than 20 points, the drafted backup goalie is ahead of his primary goalie, and the only real weakness was some poorer choses in drafting D-men with Wiercioch and Zadorov, I have to shut my mouth.
At first glance, I didn't think Micah drafted all that well. On further review, 3 of the forwards he drafted are on his scoring roster with more than 20 points, the drafted backup goalie is ahead of his primary goalie, and the only real weakness was some poorer choses in drafting D-men with Wiercioch and Zadorov, I have to shut my mouth.
Grade: A-
Moilers (tied for 1st)
Best
Oh man, I'm opening myself to so much ridicule here but Adam Henrique with the 68th overall pick slightly edges out Mikko Koivu (although only at this stage of the season, I think Koivu ends up being the best pick by the end of the season). Henrique has 24 points in 29 games on a team that everyone thought would be worst in the league, and Moira snagged him in the 5th round full well knowing the ridicule (by proximity to me) she would receive.
Oh man, I'm opening myself to so much ridicule here but Adam Henrique with the 68th overall pick slightly edges out Mikko Koivu (although only at this stage of the season, I think Koivu ends up being the best pick by the end of the season). Henrique has 24 points in 29 games on a team that everyone thought would be worst in the league, and Moira snagged him in the 5th round full well knowing the ridicule (by proximity to me) she would receive.
Worst
Valteri Filpulla. Unfortunate but true. I didn't mind the choice at the time, but he's only got 12 points so far this season, isn't on her scoring roster, and John Klingberg was chosen immediately after. Honourable mention to Colin Wilson in the 4th round (9 points in 26 games)
Valteri Filpulla. Unfortunate but true. I didn't mind the choice at the time, but he's only got 12 points so far this season, isn't on her scoring roster, and John Klingberg was chosen immediately after. Honourable mention to Colin Wilson in the 4th round (9 points in 26 games)
Overall Draft:
Filpulla and Wilson aside, this was a pretty decent draft for the Moilers. Loungo and Mrazek have been decent, Koivu/Henrique/Soderberg are all on her scoring roster and are turning out to be solid choices, and Sekera has been decent with the potential to get better.
Filpulla and Wilson aside, this was a pretty decent draft for the Moilers. Loungo and Mrazek have been decent, Koivu/Henrique/Soderberg are all on her scoring roster and are turning out to be solid choices, and Sekera has been decent with the potential to get better.
Grade: B
Dicklas Lidstroms
Best
This is a tough one for me. In the end, Niemi is going to take this over Anisimov even though he is not relevant to the scoring roster of the Lidstroms right now. Niemi was taken 160th overall, and is doing far better than most goalies in the league kept or drafted. Honourable mention to Patrick Kane's other other linemate.
This is a tough one for me. In the end, Niemi is going to take this over Anisimov even though he is not relevant to the scoring roster of the Lidstroms right now. Niemi was taken 160th overall, and is doing far better than most goalies in the league kept or drafted. Honourable mention to Patrick Kane's other other linemate.
Worst
Jiri Tlusty has to take this with 4 points in 19 games. While Mike Fisher, Antoine Vermette, Carl Hagelin and Brad Boyes have all stunk up the joint this year, Jiri was taken earlier and doing worse.
Jiri Tlusty has to take this with 4 points in 19 games. While Mike Fisher, Antoine Vermette, Carl Hagelin and Brad Boyes have all stunk up the joint this year, Jiri was taken earlier and doing worse.
Overall Draft:
No arguing that the Lidstroms' kept roster is a powerhouse, but the draft has not paid dividends for the defending champion. Too many straight up clunkers in the MacArthur/Tlusty/Hagelin/Vermette/Boyes /Fisher group.
No arguing that the Lidstroms' kept roster is a powerhouse, but the draft has not paid dividends for the defending champion. Too many straight up clunkers in the MacArthur/Tlusty/Hagelin/Vermette/Boyes /Fisher group.
Side note: Henrik Sedin aside, Patrick Kane has more than double any other player on my roster. Ugh.
Grade: C-
Winter Claassics
Best
Clearly have to give this to Mike Hoffman 30 points in 27 games . I'm now trying to figure out how he fell so far in this year's draft going 41st overall. Absolutely not the slightest hint of a sophomore slump and a definite keeper this year.
Clearly have to give this to Mike Hoffman 30 points in 27 games . I'm now trying to figure out how he fell so far in this year's draft going 41st overall. Absolutely not the slightest hint of a sophomore slump and a definite keeper this year.
Worst
Sean Couturier, who continues to get drafted, and continues to disappoint. 10 points in 25 games is not the worst of Dave's draft (Em Etem for the win there), but it's not good enough for his 4th pick in this year's draft. Honourable mention to Teemu Pulkinnen who I was really excited about before the draft but has not turned into the sleeper Stefan convinced me he was.
Sean Couturier, who continues to get drafted, and continues to disappoint. 10 points in 25 games is not the worst of Dave's draft (Em Etem for the win there), but it's not good enough for his 4th pick in this year's draft. Honourable mention to Teemu Pulkinnen who I was really excited about before the draft but has not turned into the sleeper Stefan convinced me he was.
Overall Draft
A couple bright spots in Pastrnak and Hoffman, and surprisingly Edler turned out to be a very solid pick. Starts to drop off fairly quickly after that. Still, a fairly good draft for a team that appears to be on the rise.
Grade: C+
A couple bright spots in Pastrnak and Hoffman, and surprisingly Edler turned out to be a very solid pick. Starts to drop off fairly quickly after that. Still, a fairly good draft for a team that appears to be on the rise.
Grade: C+
Los Amjawors Kings
Best
Mike Cannelloni. I'm not sure he was predicted by many sources to get much more than 40 points this year, but he's already got 31 points in 31 games and is delicious with ricotta and spinach. Honourable mention to Jussi Jokinen. Actually.
Mike Cannelloni. I'm not sure he was predicted by many sources to get much more than 40 points this year, but he's already got 31 points in 31 games and is delicious with ricotta and spinach. Honourable mention to Jussi Jokinen. Actually.
Worst
No clear worst choice here, definitely no embarrassing choices like some of us. But I have to choose one, so I guess i'll go with Brandon Dubinsky. 14 points in 26 games really isn't that bad, but he seems to consistently be just a little disappointing, is injury prone, and he went fairly early in the draft.
No clear worst choice here, definitely no embarrassing choices like some of us. But I have to choose one, so I guess i'll go with Brandon Dubinsky. 14 points in 26 games really isn't that bad, but he seems to consistently be just a little disappointing, is injury prone, and he went fairly early in the draft.
Overall Draft
Even discounting the McDavid sweepstakes and the possible dynastic future of this team, this was still a pretty great draft. Some of the keepers on this team have been underperforming so far this season, but the results of a good draft are keeping the Kings with the rest of the front pack. Well rounded and in line with a team on the rise.
Even discounting the McDavid sweepstakes and the possible dynastic future of this team, this was still a pretty great draft. Some of the keepers on this team have been underperforming so far this season, but the results of a good draft are keeping the Kings with the rest of the front pack. Well rounded and in line with a team on the rise.
Draft: A
G-Phil's Flyers
Best
If I knew anything about Vladislav Namestnikov, I have a feeling I might think this was a great sleeper pick at 165th overall. But let's go with Cam Atkinson. 18 points in 32 games is pretty decent and I think some of the Columbus players could ramp up their offensive production as the season goes on.
If I knew anything about Vladislav Namestnikov, I have a feeling I might think this was a great sleeper pick at 165th overall. But let's go with Cam Atkinson. 18 points in 32 games is pretty decent and I think some of the Columbus players could ramp up their offensive production as the season goes on.
Worst
David Perron 10th overall really hasn't worked out, even though I liked the pick at the time. The same goes for Trevor Daley. But you know what, I'm going with Sam Gagner, because:
David Perron 10th overall really hasn't worked out, even though I liked the pick at the time. The same goes for Trevor Daley. But you know what, I'm going with Sam Gagner, because:
Overall Draft:
This team is all about an amazing set of keepers plus Max Domi. I have no business criticizing someone who has 2 KL cup wins and a group of keepers almost everyone is jealous of, but I have to say this year's draft seems to be a bit of a bust for the Flyers. 3 veteran D draft picks with 6 points or less, and 5 F draft picks with 14 points are less.
Grade: C-
This team is all about an amazing set of keepers plus Max Domi. I have no business criticizing someone who has 2 KL cup wins and a group of keepers almost everyone is jealous of, but I have to say this year's draft seems to be a bit of a bust for the Flyers. 3 veteran D draft picks with 6 points or less, and 5 F draft picks with 14 points are less.
Grade: C-
Quebec Rordiques
Best
Viktor Rask. If for no other reason then Rory took a lot of shit for this pick and it's turned out to be a winner. 22 points in 31 games.
Viktor Rask. If for no other reason then Rory took a lot of shit for this pick and it's turned out to be a winner. 22 points in 31 games.
Worst
Marcus Johannson hasn't been great at 15 points considering he went 12th overall, but hard to call that the worst. Chris Kreider is sort of in the same boat. But in the end, I like calling out Toronto Maple Leafs when I can so Jake Gardiner with an honourable mention to Jonathan Bernier. Jakey is no rookie anymore and his numbers seem to be going down year after year.
Marcus Johannson hasn't been great at 15 points considering he went 12th overall, but hard to call that the worst. Chris Kreider is sort of in the same boat. But in the end, I like calling out Toronto Maple Leafs when I can so Jake Gardiner with an honourable mention to Jonathan Bernier. Jakey is no rookie anymore and his numbers seem to be going down year after year.
Overall Draft:
I feel like this is the most sort of even draft I've looked at so far (Marner doesn't really count). No awful choices, but none that blew me away. Sneakily a pretty decent draft.
Grade: B
I feel like this is the most sort of even draft I've looked at so far (Marner doesn't really count). No awful choices, but none that blew me away. Sneakily a pretty decent draft.
Grade: B
Joshfrey Krupuls
Best
The entire half of the 2015 U20 Canada World Junior Hockey team. I think Josh may have had too much time on his hands between Christmas and New Years last year, but I wouldn't mind having Fabbri/Ritchie/Lazar/Theodore. Too bad he got rid of Lazar for Bond villain Alexander Radulov. If we're talking relevance to his scoring roster this year, then I abstain from choosing on account of it would only embarrass Josh and myself.
The entire half of the 2015 U20 Canada World Junior Hockey team. I think Josh may have had too much time on his hands between Christmas and New Years last year, but I wouldn't mind having Fabbri/Ritchie/Lazar/Theodore. Too bad he got rid of Lazar for Bond villain Alexander Radulov. If we're talking relevance to his scoring roster this year, then I abstain from choosing on account of it would only embarrass Josh and myself.
Worst
Severson seemed a bit early, but then I went and looked at his junior numbers and his potential upside is quiet high. I actually don't hate any of Josh's picks much, particularly given how late in the draft most of them were. Let's say Curtis Lazar because that was the moment in the draft where Josh decided to go down the rabbit hole of youth, and then dropped him anyway.
Severson seemed a bit early, but then I went and looked at his junior numbers and his potential upside is quiet high. I actually don't hate any of Josh's picks much, particularly given how late in the draft most of them were. Let's say Curtis Lazar because that was the moment in the draft where Josh decided to go down the rabbit hole of youth, and then dropped him anyway.
Overall Draft:
Wow was this a young draft. If Josh was going for full rebuild, then he did a great job. If not, i'm not sure what was going on here. If I had to guess the average age of Josh's draft picks, it would be 21-22 at most. If you could keep 8-10 prospects, this would have been an amazing draft.
Grade: B+ if complete rebuild, D if he was going for it.
Wow was this a young draft. If Josh was going for full rebuild, then he did a great job. If not, i'm not sure what was going on here. If I had to guess the average age of Josh's draft picks, it would be 21-22 at most. If you could keep 8-10 prospects, this would have been an amazing draft.
Grade: B+ if complete rebuild, D if he was going for it.
Powder Rangers
Best
Let's get this over with. While Klingberg has probably been the most valuable pick of the entire draft, he was also not going to slide past the top 7 or 8 overall picks and probably should not have slid to 6th. As much as I hate to say it, Artemi Panarin seems like the real deal and was an inspired choice with the 24th overall pick. Huge honourable mention to both Jake Allen and Martin Jones as well.
Let's get this over with. While Klingberg has probably been the most valuable pick of the entire draft, he was also not going to slide past the top 7 or 8 overall picks and probably should not have slid to 6th. As much as I hate to say it, Artemi Panarin seems like the real deal and was an inspired choice with the 24th overall pick. Huge honourable mention to both Jake Allen and Martin Jones as well.
Worst
While Panarin was a huge success for Eric's "take a really good player's linemates" eternal strategy, Plotnikov has been an absolute bust. 2 points in 23 games on the Penguins is awful. Honourable mention to Eric Gelinas who was an awful choice with the 48th overall pick.
While Panarin was a huge success for Eric's "take a really good player's linemates" eternal strategy, Plotnikov has been an absolute bust. 2 points in 23 games on the Penguins is awful. Honourable mention to Eric Gelinas who was an awful choice with the 48th overall pick.
Overall Draft:
Hard to argue with Klingberg, Panarin, Jake Allen, Martin Jones, and even Phaneuf. A couple misses were bad misses, but this draft has to be seen by its no caffeine after 12pm GM as a great success.
Hard to argue with Klingberg, Panarin, Jake Allen, Martin Jones, and even Phaneuf. A couple misses were bad misses, but this draft has to be seen by its no caffeine after 12pm GM as a great success.
Grade: A
Teeyotes
Best
I think this has to go to Justin Abdelkader with the 119th overall pick. Highest scoring player of the Teeyotes draft (tied with Trocheck), and he got him near the end of the draft. Honourable mention to Trocheck.
I think this has to go to Justin Abdelkader with the 119th overall pick. Highest scoring player of the Teeyotes draft (tied with Trocheck), and he got him near the end of the draft. Honourable mention to Trocheck.
Worst
Jakob Silfverberg. 6 points in 29 games and was taken 23rd overall. The next pick at 24th overall was Artemi Panarin. Honourable mention to Matt Dumba, who just sounds like a dumb pick.
Jakob Silfverberg. 6 points in 29 games and was taken 23rd overall. The next pick at 24th overall was Artemi Panarin. Honourable mention to Matt Dumba, who just sounds like a dumb pick.
Overall Draft:
Some decent picks and also some misses (Tanguay, Dumba, Silfverberg, Sheahan, Girgensons). But Teehan is terrifying so A+.
Some decent picks and also some misses (Tanguay, Dumba, Silfverberg, Sheahan, Girgensons). But Teehan is terrifying so A+.
Actual Grade: C
W-Benham/Scranton Parkers
Best
Leon Draisaitl last year. Honourable mention to Ivan Provorov at 113th overall. That's crazy he fell that far. Unfortunately not a lot of huge hits for the Parkers' scoring roster this year. Charlie Coyle could still also factor as the season goes on.
Worst
Honourable mention to Sven Baertschi for making the same mistake as the Canucks' head office. Honourable mention to Simon Despres for confirming he's a complete bust. But I think i'm going to give it to Tobias Enstrom. Injury history should have kept the Parkers away, but this year Toby has added just not being very good at hockey to the mix. He likely won't factor on a team that is now looking one more year away from being a serious contender (not that the playoffs are out of the picture). If he misses his usual 10-20 games, <20 points is very realistic.
Overall Draft:
I really like the addition of 2 great prospects in Strome and Provorov. While this draft didn't make the Parkers a contender this year, it didn't hurt their future either. Still, the longer I look at the Parkers' 2015 draft the more it feels like it had an identity crisis (with mixed results).
Side note: if the German Gretzky doesn't get the captain's armband next year it will be an absolute crime.
Grade: C
Side note: if the German Gretzky doesn't get the captain's armband next year it will be an absolute crime.
Grade: C
Fylanders
Best
Oliver Bjorkstrand. Dead serious. As I said this is completely subjective and he's going to be phenomenal (Adam Henrique 2.0 anyone?). I would have expected to be saying Nick Leddy at 28th overall but it just hasn't worked out that way for Leddy.
Oliver Bjorkstrand. Dead serious. As I said this is completely subjective and he's going to be phenomenal (Adam Henrique 2.0 anyone?). I would have expected to be saying Nick Leddy at 28th overall but it just hasn't worked out that way for Leddy.
Worst
John Michael Liles has been awful this year, which the Fylanders have acknowledged by promptly dropping him off like kids at a pool. But, and this is partly personal, Chris Kunitz gets the win. About 3 weeks after I traded for him from the Powder Rangers, Chris Kunitz promptly forgot how to play hockey, which has continued well into this season. Fy picked him 8th overall I don't think it was bad at the time, but it hasn't turned out well at all (at least yet, Kunitz seems to be waking up a bit).
John Michael Liles has been awful this year, which the Fylanders have acknowledged by promptly dropping him off like kids at a pool. But, and this is partly personal, Chris Kunitz gets the win. About 3 weeks after I traded for him from the Powder Rangers, Chris Kunitz promptly forgot how to play hockey, which has continued well into this season. Fy picked him 8th overall I don't think it was bad at the time, but it hasn't turned out well at all (at least yet, Kunitz seems to be waking up a bit).
Overall Draft:
If you asked me the day after the draft, I would have said this was a very good draft for the Fylanders (probably in the B+ range). However, unfortunately for the GM of the Fylanders, there have been a lot of poor performances so far from the 2015 draft crew. That being said, a solid core of keepers, and some clever early season moves have helped minimize the damage.
Grade: C
If you asked me the day after the draft, I would have said this was a very good draft for the Fylanders (probably in the B+ range). However, unfortunately for the GM of the Fylanders, there have been a lot of poor performances so far from the 2015 draft crew. That being said, a solid core of keepers, and some clever early season moves have helped minimize the damage.
Grade: C
Schizzarks
Best
If I was doing better right now, I'd probably say Marek Zidlicky at 155th overall was sneakily good, but my team is trash. So instead, I'll probably go with Duclair who looks like a bit of a bright light in an otherwise depressing season/team. Honourable mention to Desharnais who deserves better than to be part of this sinking ship.
If I was doing better right now, I'd probably say Marek Zidlicky at 155th overall was sneakily good, but my team is trash. So instead, I'll probably go with Duclair who looks like a bit of a bright light in an otherwise depressing season/team. Honourable mention to Desharnais who deserves better than to be part of this sinking ship.
Worst
Probably Matt Moulson in the 1st round, that underperforming piece of garbage. Eddie Lack has been awful and that back up goalie position has turned out to be super important with the injuries to Price. Nick Bonino is likely the most embarrassing.
Probably Matt Moulson in the 1st round, that underperforming piece of garbage. Eddie Lack has been awful and that back up goalie position has turned out to be super important with the injuries to Price. Nick Bonino is likely the most embarrassing.
Overall Draft:
Time will tell, but I still generally like my draft (Moulson and Bonino aside). Some good young prospects in Zacha and Crouse, Duclair is looking great, and Stafford/Desharnais/Zidlicky have all worked out decently well. If my team was more of a contender right now (injuries and such aside) I think I would have added the pieces I needed to be competitive.
Time will tell, but I still generally like my draft (Moulson and Bonino aside). Some good young prospects in Zacha and Crouse, Duclair is looking great, and Stafford/Desharnais/Zidlicky have all worked out decently well. If my team was more of a contender right now (injuries and such aside) I think I would have added the pieces I needed to be competitive.
Grade: B- for the draft, D for the team.
Patrick Stefans
Best
Morgan Reilly at 26th overall is starting to look like a really solid pick, both this year and for the future. 15 points in 29 games for a super young D man with a lot of offensive upside. Honourable mention to Cory Schneider who had he not been traded would have 38 points so far.
Morgan Reilly at 26th overall is starting to look like a really solid pick, both this year and for the future. 15 points in 29 games for a super young D man with a lot of offensive upside. Honourable mention to Cory Schneider who had he not been traded would have 38 points so far.
Worst
A lot of moderate disappointments here. Pouliot, Kesler, Raffl and Richards should all be glad that they were drafted along with Alex Semin right now. 4 points in 15 games, and then subsequently waived by the Montreal Canadiens, Semin is the only former 40 goal scorer I can think of that has subsequently cleared waivers in the prime of his career.
A lot of moderate disappointments here. Pouliot, Kesler, Raffl and Richards should all be glad that they were drafted along with Alex Semin right now. 4 points in 15 games, and then subsequently waived by the Montreal Canadiens, Semin is the only former 40 goal scorer I can think of that has subsequently cleared waivers in the prime of his career.
Also... Pascal Dupuis.
Overall Draft:
Sorry Stefan, this should have worked out better than it has. It didn't seem that bad day of the draft, but this group has not panned out. For a team on the cusp of winning the Cup last year, this was a significant step back.
Overall Draft:
Sorry Stefan, this should have worked out better than it has. It didn't seem that bad day of the draft, but this group has not panned out. For a team on the cusp of winning the Cup last year, this was a significant step back.
Grade: C-
Valeri Nickrooshkins
Best
Ryan Miller at 99th overall is worth mentioning. Then I was about to say Frans Nielsen then takes it with 22 points in 32 games but holy shit Kyle Palmieri has 24 points! I wasn't even looking for him on the Rooshkins scoring roster. 83rd overall.
Ryan Miller at 99th overall is worth mentioning. Then I was about to say Frans Nielsen then takes it with 22 points in 32 games but holy shit Kyle Palmieri has 24 points! I wasn't even looking for him on the Rooshkins scoring roster. 83rd overall.
Worst
Unfortunately some busts here. Tomas Jurco has been awful. Adam Larsson's "breakout year" has been almost as bad. And what the hell happened to Steve Mason? But I'm going to give it to Griffin Reinhart at 51st overall, who has contributed exactly the same to the Oilers as to the Nickrooshkins (0 points and is no longer with the team).
Overall Draft:
Eichel and DeAngelo are great additions to a team in the course of rebuilding. Frans Nielsen and Kyle Palmieri have been great and should at minimum offer a decent return in the coming months. A bit of an inconsistent draft, but not bad either.
Grade: C+
Eichel and DeAngelo are great additions to a team in the course of rebuilding. Frans Nielsen and Kyle Palmieri have been great and should at minimum offer a decent return in the coming months. A bit of an inconsistent draft, but not bad either.
Grade: C+
Mackhawks
Best
Success thy name is Tedward Purcell. 104th overall and has 20 points in 32 games all while being tasked with booking the DJ for the Oiler's Christmas party (true story). Could be valuable trade bait as the season goes on.
Success thy name is Tedward Purcell. 104th overall and has 20 points in 32 games all while being tasked with booking the DJ for the Oiler's Christmas party (true story). Could be valuable trade bait as the season goes on.
Worst
Toss up between Jonas Hiller and Cody Hodgson. 8pts each, but Cody Hodgson gets the nod because he is such a constant disappointment to his parents.
Toss up between Jonas Hiller and Cody Hodgson. 8pts each, but Cody Hodgson gets the nod because he is such a constant disappointment to his parents.
Overall Draft:
So first off, you have to realize that Matt didn't have a pick until 40th overall. Given that he only had 3 picks in the top 100, I think Matt's draft was better than it might look. Enough to look forward to in the future with Petan, Rantanen, and McCann, and he's been able to flip Jagr for value since. Given how many low picks he had, I think this was a surprisingly good draft.
So first off, you have to realize that Matt didn't have a pick until 40th overall. Given that he only had 3 picks in the top 100, I think Matt's draft was better than it might look. Enough to look forward to in the future with Petan, Rantanen, and McCann, and he's been able to flip Jagr for value since. Given how many low picks he had, I think this was a surprisingly good draft.
Grade: B
