Shifting Landscapes

So here's the grand conspiracy theory.

Pat Brisson, super agent to the stars, becomes the new GM of the Montreal Canadiens.

His star client, Sidney Crosby, follows him as a unrestricted free agent to the Habs in the summer of 2013. You know, the same Montreal team that drafted his father, Troy.

And we all know how hockey fans, particularly Canadian hockey fans, love conspiracy chatter.

For now, while the Habs figure out exactly who will be designated master of all hockey operations in Montreal, we'll have to do with the race for 29th.

Let's face it, Columbus can't be caught for 30th. They're dug in, and will have the greatest chance of getting the first overall pick in the 2012 entry draft.

But you've got Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Minnesota all bunched in pretty tightly after the Jackets, vying to get the best pick possible.

Odd thing is, this might not be the year to be No. 1. Or at least in theory, you might be just as well off picking fifth.

Here's the layout. The two top picks are both forwards and Russians, Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko. Columbus, after Nikolai Zherdev and Nikita Filatov, may prefer to take neither. If they don't move the pick, its at least possible that rock-solid Everett defenceman Ryan Murray could go No. 1. Murray isn't flashy, but he'll play.

If other teams that follow are as leery of possible KHL defections by Yakupov and Grigorenko as many teams are, both could fall. Well, fall a little.

Swedish forward Filip Forsberg, a strong two-way centre, is there. So is Kitchener centre Radek Faksa. Then you get into the other defencemen. If Edmonton goes at No. 2, do they finally start filling out positions and go for strapping, hometown Oil Kings blueliner Griffin Reinhart?

So in theory, a team picking fourth, fifth or sixth might get a shot at Grigorenko, and maybe even Yakupov. It might not be worth it to move up in the draft order. In fact, it might make the most sense to try and move down.

Weird year, particularly with top prospects like Alex Galchenyuk and Morgan Rielly injured for lengthy periods, and players like Ottawa 67s D-man Cody Ceci rocketing up the charts.

With the Leafs, Habs, Oilers, Jets and Flames all likely out of the playoff mix, much of the chatter in Canada won't be about the post-season, that's for sure.

 

 

 

 

Comments

[John Hunt]

Surprising that in an analysis of the draft, DCox does not mention that the Leafs currently only have five draft picks, having sent their 3d round pick in a trade with LA last year, their 4th round pick for Steckel, and their 7th round pick to Calgary (in the Anton Stralman deal), getting back only Anaheim's 6th round pick.

The Leafs have assets to deal for additional picks and prospects (Clark MacArthur, anyone?), but will they deal them to clear room for a group of Marlies next year? Or will we be stuck watching again for another season fourth liners play second and third line duties in the desparate hope that they can make the playoffs?

After three years of watching seasoned pros play like minor leaguers, I am willing to suffer through a season of finding out what Colborne, Kadri, Holzer and friends can do.

[Chris]

To my mind, the Leafs are in serious need of a veteran presence. This youth movement thing is great for the long term, but the team needs a veteran anchor to keep the ship arights in stormy times, to preserve the fragile confidence of the team's youth, and to teach the kids what it's like to grit your teeth and fight back.

I'm not talking about Rick Nash, either--a guy who has rarely or never seen post-season NHL play. We need guys like Gary Roberts and Steve Thomas, veterans who got better when the going was tough, to set the right example for these withering, wind-whipped Leafs.

So it'll be interesting to see who they pick in the draft, but more relevant to next season will be which free agent--if any--Burke finds this summer to give the Leafs some leadership.

[80s Leafs]

Actually, Chris, Roberts and Thomas in their CURRENT age/condition would be major upgrades over that vomit-inducing gaggle of blue and white jersey holder-uppers currently pi**ing away this season. I noticed while in T.O. yesterday that the talk radio guys on one station are not even referring to them as the Leafs anymore, they call them "the Toronto Marlies' NHL affiliate." Touche!

[Danwhitty]

The leafs cOuld consider drafting malcolm subban as a goaltending prospect, and sign a veteran goalie in the short term. Subban is from Scarborough and cones from a great family. Then trade MacArthur and kulemin for an upgrade on offence