Less terrible next year

Good thoughts. Agreed that a guy like Eberle would be better as a UFA than sending anything more to VAN for Kuz. I'd be open to that LAK trade. Curious to get their thoughts. If we're drafting #2, I'd throw Levshunov into the mix. I worry a bit about Lindstrom that high up.

The one thing I can't see is Kuznetsov. Even with the 2nd, his history of CoCo Kuzy is something the Hawks organization won't approve.

Only part I don't like is Kuznetsov. Not the type of player I want around a young team.

A line of two Kuzy's and Frank Nazar is how you ensure a line is a -35 by the end of the season

Quick notes on Levshunov. I disagree with including him in the 2nd overall conversation. Watch the new Scouching 2024 draft rankings video that was live last night. When they get to 10 or 11th OA, they convey the same feeling I have on Levshunov. I was very high on him going into this season, but the more I've seen, the more my mind has changed.

A lot of his success has more to do with the VERY specific way MSU's coach uses him. He is not good defensively, and the coach has him paying close attention to when the puck is transitioning out of the offensive zone and immediately has him going to the bench and changing, actively avoiding defensive play whenever possible. I thought maybe I was crazy so I kept watching games and it's the same thing over and over. Plus, when he actually does get caught in his own zone he looks lost and soft. The fact that his goal differential is as good as it is, is a miracle.

He isn't even that great offensively, either, other than the occasional flash of skill, he benefits from getting puck touches that turn into assists. Now this isn't me saying he isn't good, but just giving examples of why he isn't worthy of a top 5 pick and definitely not 2nd overall. I think he will still be a good defenseman eventually, but the hype is all smoke in mirrors and people looking at his point totals while ignoring the rest.

Technically, Levshunov and Rinzel are at the same point in their development and they aren't as far apart in age as being two drafts apart would lead most to believe. In the Minnesota vs MSU series this past weekend, Rinzel was BY FAR the better RD. We don't need to waste a top pick on D this year. Every day Levshunov is getting more exposed, and I don't think he will go that early at all.

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