Quoting: Garak
This should be when we start seeing a larger influx of young prospects making their way into the NHL ranks, for sure. But any expectations of being competitive should probably be tempered. Most of these kids are gonna need at least a season or two in the NHL before they become who they are going to be and learn how to play at the pro level.
Lindstrom and Demidov would be awesome, though! If the TBL pick and Demidov slips that much, it would be amazing. I'm not counting on it, though. I think you underestimate where Demidov is going in the draft. If he were in North America, he would be second only to Celebrini, and might even challenge him for 1st overall. He is probably the most dynamic offensive threat in the draft. I think we have a better chance of seeing Eiserman slip than Demidov. I would have no problem with grabbing Demidov in the 2 to 5 range. Also, I'd bet Demidov extends for a year or two before coming over. There was some mandate I read about recently by the Russian government either urging or requiring Russian players to stay in the KHL for a certain amount of time. I'm unsure on the details and finding accurate reporting on anything out of Russia is not easy.
Also, I doubt Rantanen makes it to free agency. Even if COL keeps him as their own rental next season without intending to extend him, I bet some team probably pays a hefty sum for his negotiating rights before free agency opens. But he would be a very interesting target if available.
In the comments I temper the word "competitive" saying not a bottom 5 team and this being a chemistry year for the group with a slight chance to slip into the playoffs as a bubble team.
I should have said Demidov I see at #3 and Lindstrom possibly dropping. Demidov is the real deal IMO and he's done with his KHL contract in the summer of 2025 and will jump right in, it's been reported he will come over to NA and will not sign again in the KHL regardless of what Russia wants. Given that it looks to be true, he's going to be a immediate impact player for the team that drafts him in the 25/26 season. Lindstrom will need another year before going pro, maybe 2 years, but he's a big big guy and power forward that I believe Bedard could benefit from and than on the other side a guy like Rantanen who's nasty. Lindstrom I could see falling as their is concern with his defensive play but something I think that's fixable....but it's a long shot he falls outside of the top 10.
Colorado is interesting. They are in a bit of cap crunch and Rantanen is going to sign for $12M+, not sure the Avs can afford that in the summer of 25 without making big sacrifices for the rest of the team and the question is, after this season and next, how competitive are the Avs going to look beyond that? If Rantanen wants max dollars and wants to join a team on the rise, it's possible, but ultimately probably unlikely. That being said, there are some other intriguing names, Marner being another one which I wouldn't be surprised to see the Leafs move on from to create a more balanced roster.
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