Minnesota Misses the playoffs and gets the luck that Carolina got
Drafted Players
Minnesota’s PicK #2
Kappo kakko, RW (Left Shot 6’2” , 190 Pounds
A quick-thinking winger, Kakko never seems to be in a rush. He reads the game exceptionally well and finds himself a step ahead while the play is still developing. He is confident with the puck and capable of handling it in small spaces. With decent size for a player of his age, Kakko protects the puck well and uses his high hockey IQ to make smart offensive plays. He plays a mature game and is already strong enough to compete with men in the Finnish Liiga. Kakko excels offensively and beats opponents with smarts and skill both on and off the puck. (Matias Strozyk, 2018)
..quality hands.. able to keep the puck under control when physically challenged.. works in all areas to help his team get possession, Draftin Europe 2018
New York Islanders Pick #19
Raphael Lavoie, C (Right shot, 6'4", 198lbs)
Lavoie has some exciting tools at his disposal. His hands are silky which is rare for a 6' 4" player. His shot is very good, he has a quick and accurate release and a ton of power behind both his wrister and slap shot. He's a got some nice speed, but I wouldn't call him a speedster, let's say above average in that department. I think his biggest knock offensively is that he's not a great playmaker, he often opts to shoot instead of pass. He plays a pretty good two-way game and he could be a solid center someday.
Quote By TanSor
Toronto’s Pick #26
Phillip Tomasino
He's a lot of what the Wild need: speedy right shot center/winger who is offensively gifted and has a high compete level.
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dynamic offensive talent … creates offence with hard work … very consistent … jumps in and out of holes to create chances … plays with passi, ISS Hockey 2017
2nd Round
Minnesota’s Pick #33
Spencer Knight G Left Handed (6’2” 198lbs)
solid butterfly goaltender … keeps his movements tight … explosive from side to side … plays with calmness … comminucates well … eats up reb, ISS Hockey 2017
3rd Round
Edmonton’s Pick #45
Matvei Guskov C Left Handed (6’1” 172lbs)
Highly skilled centre who already is playing his first North American season with The Knights this season. Displays a high skill level in all areas, and is ultra-effective playing at a high speed pace. Dynamic as a scorer and playmaker, he plays a 200 foot game and exhibits a level of hockey IQ and maturity. Already has a physical tools and a frame that will allow him to add muscle and girth.
--Bill Placzek--
3rd Round
Minnesota’s Pick #64
Yaroslav Likhachyov, LW (Right shot, 5'10", 168lbs)
Yaroslav is a right shot winger that is just barely eligible this year. He's also Russian and might find chemistry with or have a mentor in Kaprizov. He's a little undersized, but he has a lot of skill. His offensive vision is very good and he made some impressive passes in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He actually reminded me a little of Kaprizov with his playmaking and puck handling ability. I didn't get as much of a look at his shot as I wanted, but he seemed to have a very nice release. He made some plays in tight spaces which is something I like to see out of prospects since space comes at such a premium in the NHL. He was consistently able to get to the front of the net and either make passes to his teammates or rip the uck into the net. He's had a rough time in the QMJHL on a pretty bad team, both are noteworthy looking forward.
Quote By TanSor
Rest of the round they Draft Left Handed Defenseman and another Goalie and Centers/Wingers
Hughes, Dach, Krebs, Turcotte, Newhook, Zegras, Suzuki.....Defenseman seems to be weak next for this years class
Yeah if Minnesota could pull a New Jersey and get Hughes or Cozens they would be become our #1 Center and that’s what Minnesota is Missing a True #1 Center
Hughes, Dach, Krebs, Turcotte, Newhook, Zegras, Suzuki.....Defenseman seems to be weak next for this years class
Cozens, Tomasino, Lavoie, and Guskov are all guys that could go in the 1st and project to be centers as well. Seems like half the 1st round will be centers, it's absolutely crazy. Also interesting, many of them are very good skaters.
As for the trades I can't see LA trading either of those pieces period, let alone for Zucker. I'd do cartwheels in the streets if we could trade Zucker for a lottery pick and a good prospect, but I doubt that happens. You'd have to take more cap coming back in the Edmonton trade. Most likely Sekera or Russell (I'd prefer Russell since he can play the right side to let Belpedio develop more in the AHL). I'm not a big fan of taking on that Backes contract to only move up 20 spots in the draft.
Cozens, Tomasino, Lavoie, and Guskov are all guys that could go in the 1st and project to be centers as well. Seems like half the 1st round will be centers, it's absolutely crazy. Also interesting, many of them are very good skaters.
As for the trades I can't see LA trading either of those pieces period, let alone for Zucker. I'd do cartwheels in the streets if we could trade Zucker for a lottery pick and a good prospect, but I doubt that happens. You'd have to take more cap coming back in the Edmonton trade. Most likely Sekera or Russell (I'd prefer Russell since he can play the right side to let Belpedio develop more in the AHL). I'm not a big fan of taking on that Backes contract to only move up 20 spots in the draft.
Probably LA Holds on to Kupari and Toronto’s Pick but they could bite on it if we take out 1st and add a 2nd but LA does need more speed and Zucker Brings that he could slot on a line with Kopitar and Brown and they would have a good top 6
As For Edmonton Trade I agree we probably would have to take on Russell’s Contract which isn’t bad since he can play both sides and wouldn’t have rush Belpedio
As for the Boston Trade yea Backes Contract isn’t the greatest but he wouldn’t be bad only 2 years and after the 1st year we could buy him out or a team could be interested in him at Deadline that needs a center
Also if Minnesota gets the 3rd overall Pick I wouldn’t by them Picking Cozens over Podkolzin as Wingers are our best position as to Centers as we need that number 1 Center
I do, however, think you are asking too much in return for Zucker. Kupari is a pretty special talent and I think a 1:1 swap for him and Zucker is more realistic...and one that I would do in a heartbeat!
I do, however, think you are asking too much in return for Zucker. Kupari is a pretty special talent and I think a 1:1 swap for him and Zucker is more realistic...and one that I would do in a heartbeat!